Sunday, February 16, 2014

The Way To Heaven: or A Help To Christians To Know The True State of Their Souls.

The Way To Heaven: or A Help To Christians To Know The True State of Their Souls.


Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 preach about how to know the true state of your soul? I've been blessed with a little hardcover book, published in 1865 (an original, not a copy). It's called The Way To Heaven: or A Help To Christians To Know The True State of Their Souls. It was written by the Rev Risdon Darracott, and as I read it, I can almost hear his voice ringing out over the pulpit, exhorting his congregation to "examine yourselves!"  It's absolutely amazing!. Hearing the gospel preached like this is a chance I never thought I'd ever have! It rings loud and clear and true and is just incredible! Every false teacher or anyone with false leanings, would have to curl up and die on the spot hearing this!  As I read, I catch myself wanting to stand up and shout "Amen brother, preach it!" In my minds eye, I see him speaking at the pulpit and I see people thronging to hear Him, sobbing where they sit, until they can sit no more but fall to their knees in repentance and grief, asking, begging to be saved! No, it's not "fire and brimstone", not by any sense of the words. It's the simple pure truth of God's Word and it's His Word that brings people to their knees, not our fine sounding arguments, and this preacher sure seemed to know that!

 I'll attempt to type it as it's written -when all caps, that's what I'll type, etc...except for one thing...just to make it a bit easier on me, when verses are quoted, I'll just copy them from my bible...a little less typing for me that way, but keep in mind that the version we call the "Authorized" KJV, had not yet been written. I checked the couple of earlier translations I have and those aren't what he was using, (like the douay rheims). The one that fits best is the authorized version though so that's what I'll use for this.  I'll attempt to post each "question" in a new post for you all too to make it easier to read and keep your place.

 This is really excellent to use as a meditation (not the new age kind where you empty your mind -that goes against scripture; but rather the godly kind where you think and reflect on each question or statement) Don't let the language confuse you though...remember when this was written and that some words won't have the exact same connotation as they do now. It is very convicting, which, of course, is what it's meant to be. - To convict and encourage us to press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us. (Philippians 3:12)
  
The Way To Heaven: or A Help To Christians To Know The True State of Their Souls.

by the Rev Risdon Darracott and published (stereotyped) in 1846


SCRIPTURE MARKS OF SALVATION.

2 Corinthians 13:5 —Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

Colossians 1:27 —which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

What a pleasure it will be to review evidences, and say, "Lo, here are the mediums by which I make out my title to the eternal inheritance; such and such characters give me the confidence to number myself among God's righteous ones. ~ Howe

FIRST SCRIPTURE MARK OF SALVATION

John 3:16 —For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Question 1. Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

1. Have I been convinced of my lost and undone state? Have I seen what a miserable condition I have brought myself into by sin? Have I seen myself lost and undone, forever undone, unless the Lord should take pity upon me, and help me out of this condition? have I been seriously and deeply concerned "what I shall do to be saved?"

Doth, every other concern, however once it might have seemed important, now appear trifling, when compared with this of my eternal salvation? Do I now look upon the care of my soul as the one thing needful, and whatever I neglect, can I no longer neglect this, but are my chief thoughts, and cares, and labors, employed here? Hath this concern about my salvation brought me to prayer; and has it made me earnest and importunate with God in prayer? Am I from day to day lying before the divine footstool, and "offering up prayers and supplications, which strong crying and tears, unto God, "for the salvation of my soul, begging, humbly yet fervently begging, that whatever he denies me, the life of my precious soul may be given unto me for a prey? Have I hereby been excited "to work out my salvation with fear and trembling," while I look to God to work in me, and with me, by his efficacious grace? Has it made me diligent and serious in my attendance on all the means of grace, watchful and circumspect in my life and conversations?

Has it made me willing to be, willing to do, anything that God requires of me; and do I think nothing too much, so I might be saved? Has it particularly made me careful to be found in the practice of every known duty, and to avoid every known sin? Have I been brought to see the utter impossibility of my being saved by any works of righteousness of my own? has this been the genuine conviction and language of my heart, "If though shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand! Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for in thy sight shall no flesh living be justified by the deeds of the law; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Helpless and hopeless forever in myself, is all my hope in the free grace of God, and the discoveries of his mercy in the Lord Jesus Christ?



Cindy December 27th, 2012 09:43 PM



Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 

2. Has the news of salvation by Jesus Christ been welcomed by me with the greatest joy and thankfulness? Do I esteem it as the best tidings that ever reached my ears, and the choicest mercy that could be ever imparted into my soul? Is the report which the gospel gives of Jesus Christ, his godhead, his manhood, his fulness, his freeness, his willingness and his ability to save sinners to the uttermost, received by me with the fullest confidence, the highest joy, and the warmest gratitude? Are such truths delightful as music to my ears, better then a cordial to my heart, and more valued by me than all the treasures of the richest mines? Do I see admire, and adore the wonders of Divine wisdom and love, which shine forth with united splendor in his way of salvation by a crucified Jesus? So far from taking offense at the cross of Christ, do I derive my sweetest comforts from it, and make my greatest boast and triumph in it? Do I see a divine glory in the way of salvation by faith, and do I joyfully and thankfully submit to be saved in this way? Am I made heartily willing to be saved on the soul-humbling, self-denying terms of the gospel - willing to renounce my own wisdom, my own righteousness, and my own strength, and willing that the grace of God, and the righteousness of Christ, should be alone exalted in my salvation? Do I entirely approve of, and am I sincerely pleased with, this method of salvation in the gospel, by which God "hides pride from man, and suffers no flesh to glory in his presence, that he that glorieth may glory only in the Lord?"

Cindy December 27th, 2012 09:51 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
3. As guilty and condemned, helpless and hopeless in myself, have I come to Christ at his invitation; and do I thankfully receive and rest on him alone for salvation? Have I come to him, owning that I have destroyed myself, and in him alone is my help found? Have I come to him, crying out, in the sense of my danger, "Lord, save me, or I perish;" extend thy righteousness and thy grace to justify and sanctify my soul, or I am undone forever? Have I come humbly, joyfully and thankfully accepting him as the Lord, my righteousness? Renouncing all self-dependence, do I place all my hope of pardon and acceptance with God, and my expectation of eternal life in his adorable merits? Is this all my plea, my joy, and my boast? Have I come to him as weary and heavy laden with my sins? Have my sins been a burden to me too heavy to be borne? and do I groan to be delivered from them, to be delivered from their sting, and also from the power as well as guilt of them? And have I come to Christ, not only as my righteousness to justify and pardon me, but as my sanctification to purify and cleanse me? And do I see it to be as great a blessing; and do I desire and pray for it as earnestly, "to be washed and sanctified by his Spirit," as to be "justified in his name!" With him have I left my poor trembling soul, resolving to lie at his feet, and if I perish, to perish there, humbly imploring and trusting in his mercy, while it is my sincere desire and daily care to do his will and to approve myself to him in everything?

Cindy December 27th, 2012 09:56 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
4. Is the Lord Jesus Christ precious to me? Whereas he was once without all form or comeliness, and I saw no beauty in him that I should desire him; is he now to me the chiefest of ten thousand, and altogether lovely? Do I behold an infinite amiableness and glory in his person, a transcendent excellence in his righteousness, and inexhaustible fulness in his grace, and a heaven of happiness in his love? Do I esteem him above every name, love him above every creature and thing, and value an interest in him before ten thousand worlds? Is the language of my soul now, "None but Christ, none but Christ?" "Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee?" Is all the world, all that is admired in it, esteemed by me as dung, and beheld with the greatest contempt, when compared with a glorious Christ, the ravishing sweetness of his love, and the unsearchable richness of his grace? Do I wish nothing so ardently, seek nothing so diligently, and rejoice in nothing so greatly, as to win Christ, and be found in him? Be this my portion, and can I say, I want, I wish, I ask no more?

Cindy December 27th, 2012 10:03 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
5. Has my faith a purifying influence upon my heart? Does the view of Christ dying for my sins make me die unto them? And can I no longer indulge, no longer look with indifference on those sins which made my Saviour die, which cost him a bloody agony, a bitter passion, a shameful, painful, and accursed death? But has my faith in Christ, as "wounded for my transgressions, and bruised for mine iniquities" make me bitterly lament them, sincerely hate them, and vow to be the death of them? Though there may be still much sin in me, is there none allowed? Is there none, no not one, no not that sin which does most easily beset me, which I desire to be spared and excused in? Do I rather look upon all sin as the enemy of Christ, and my own soul; and as such do I hate it with a perfect hatred? Am I praying fervently for divine grace to subdue it; and in the strength of that grace, do I maintain a constant and vigorous war with it, determined never to give it any rest in my heart; never to cease my conflict with it, till I have gained the complete and everlasting victory?

Cindy December 27th, 2012 10:11 PM

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6. Is my faith productive of unfeigned love and a willing obedience? Does it kindle up in my heart ardent love and gratitude to the God and Father of our dear Lord Jesus Christ, for this unspeakable gift of his love to, this invaluable provision he hath made for the salvation of poor sinners in his dear Son? Does it constrain, sweetly and powerfully constrain me, to love and live to this adorable Redeemer, "who hath loved me, and given himself for me?" Does the believing sense of his immensely great, his wonderfully free love, in dying for me, with all the rich precious, and everlasting fruits of it, win my whole heart? And do I feel myself irresistibly drawn by those cords of love, and bound forever to him and to his service by these endearing bands? Do I no longer look upon myself as my own, but as his; and do I rejoice in being so; and am I the cheerful thankful servant of him who hath "purchased me with his own blood?" Do I most willingly, sincerely, and unreservedly, devote and dedicate all I am and have to his service and disposal? Do I own no other Lord, as having no other Savior; and is his service sweet, and obedience to him most delightful? As he has particularly charged me, so am I careful, ready, and willing, to maintain good works, not that I may be justified by them, (which I can never expect, as the best are so polluted, so defective,) but that I may glorify my Father who is in heaven, testify my gratitude to my dear Redeemer, evidence to the world my faith in him, adorn his gospel, be useful to others, and exercise the kindest and sweetest affections of my own soul in doing good?

Is this the case with thee, O my soul? Can I, as in the presence of God, answer with any degree of satisfaction these weighty and important questions? Am I not conscious to myself of my insincerity, partiality, or reserve? I may then comfortably conclude, that I have that faith which is the special gift of God. And, oh! let me ever admire and adore the infinite riches of his distinguishing grace, that he has thus brought me out of darkness into his marvelous light, and made me an heir of complete and everlasting salvation.

Cindy December 27th, 2012 10:22 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
SECOND SCRIPTURE MARK OF SALVATION.

John 1:12 —But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.

QUESTION II. Do I receive the Lord Jesus Christ as he is represented in the gospel?

1. Do I receive him in all his offices of prophet, priest, and King? Do I see that I absolutely need him, as a prophet to instruct and teach me; as a priest to atone for my sins, and intercede with God for me; as a King to rule in me and over me, to subdue all my corruptions in me, and all my enemies for me? Am I as heartily willing, and do I as readily submit, to be taught and governed, as to be saved by him? Is it a complete salvation, a salvation from the reigning power of sin, as well as from its condemning guilt I take him for, and hope and desire to enjoy by him? As a whole Christ, and considered in all his various characters, do I esteem him, rejoice in him, and bless God for him? Do I desire him, and do I take him to redeem me from all iniquity, as well as to deliver me from the wrath to come; to sanctify me by his Spirit, as well as to justify me by his righteousness; to renew in me the divine image, as well as to restore me to the divine favor? Do I wish as earnestly to be conformed to his holy example, as to be interested in his invaluable merits? Do I most heartily desire him, thankfully embrace him, entirely depend upon him, as God exhibits him, as the necessity of my soul, which is ignorant and guilty, polluted and enslaved, requires him for wisdom and righteousness, for sanctification and redemption?

Cindy December 27th, 2012 10:29 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
2. Do I receive him as my only Savior? Do I see an all-sufficiency in his righteousness, as wrought out in his active and passive obedience, to answer all the demands of the holy law of God, and satisfy divine justice to the full? On this, and this alone, as having no other, and wanting no other righteousness, do I firmly rely for my pardon and acceptance with God; and is it my only plea for eternal life? Have I no confidence in the flesh, no hope in what I have been or done, sensible there has been so much amiss in my best tempers and my best services, that instead of recommending me to the favor of God, I needed his pardon through Christ for the same? Do I see I have nothing to glory in, and do I desire to glory in nothing, save the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ? And am I sincerely pleased with, and do I joyfully acquiesce in, the divine appointment, that Christ, having done all, suffered all, paid all, should have all the honor and the praise? Do I desire to be forever on Mount Zion, in his train, as purchased, justified, sanctified, glorified by him, and to stand there as an everlasting monument of his love, power, and grace? And do I now with pleasure think of bearing my grateful part, with all the myriads of his redeemed ones, in that sweetest song of gratitude, and love, and everlasting thankfulness, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and has redeemed us to God by his blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing?" Rev. v 12.

Cindy December 27th, 2012 10:37 PM

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3. Do I receive him, and do I esteem him, as an invaluable treasure, as the pearl of great price, as all in all? Do I see that the possession of all the world without Christ would leave me miserable, and that an interest in him, with the want of all things, would make me perfectly and eternally happy? Does this make me desire him ardently as the greatest blessing, to receive him thankfully as the richest gift; and to be ready, joyfully ready, to forego anything, everything, for interest in him alone? "Yes, doubtless, do I count all things but loss for the excellency of the (saving) knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord? And can I cheerfully suffer the "loss of all things, and count them but dung, that I may win "that inestimable treasure, Christ Jesus; accounting myself an infinite gainer in the glorious exchange, if in the loss of all things, I possess him, in whom alone I shall be safe, and rich, and happy, forever? While others are rejoicing in the abundance of this world, is this my humble boast, that Christ is mine, his righteousness mine, his grace mine, his love mine, his God and Father mine? Or at least, can I say, I had rather be in the condition of the meanest that have an interest in Christ, then be the greatest monarch in the world; rather have Christ in the arms of my faith, then have the treasure of princes in my possession? Is this the language of my heart, be the world theirs who have no other portion; they shall, unenvied by me, possess all the honors, and riches, and pleasures of it, let me but have the honor of being owned by Christ, let me but have the riches of his righteousness, and the happiness of his love?

Cindy December 27th, 2012 10:42 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
4. Do I receive him as he is freely represented, without money and without price? Am I sensible I have nothing to bring as an equivalent for, or that can render me the least worthy of him and his precious benefits? Do I come to him, as wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, having nothing to present him with but sin, and guilt, and misery; and is my hope alone in his free and boundless compassion? Is his grace as absolutely and altogether free, extending to all, no unworthiness, unfitness, or demerit whatever being any bar, my greatest encouragement, my highest joy, and my sweetest praise? Do I receive him with the humble temper of the centurion, "Lord, I am not worthy thou should come under the roof" of my heart, not worthy of the least crumb of mercy from thy hands? Do I receive him with the grateful acknowledgment of the Apostle, "Thanks be unto God, for his unspeakable gift?" Is this my daily language here, and will this be my sweetest song to all eternity, "Grace, grace?"

Cindy December 27th, 2012 10:55 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
5. Do I receive him and his yoke together? Have I no objection to his service, no exception to any of his commandments? Do I rather esteem his yoke to be easy, and his service to be my supreme delight? Can I never be enough thankful that I have changed the hard and galling yoke of Satan for the easy, gentle yoke of Christ; the slavery of sin, for the liberty, peace and pleasure of religion? Do I as readily admit Christ with his scepter to govern me, as with his blessings to bestow upon me? Do I receive him as my Lord, as well as my righteousness, and welcome him, with unutterable joy, to the throne in my heart? Do I desire him to ascend it, and reign there forever; wishing for no greater happiness, then to be his devoted faithful subject, even unto death, beyond it, and to all eternity? Like the servant under the law, can I freely say of Christ, I love him, I love his service, and will not go out free, esteeming his service alone my noblest, sweetest freedom? Am I longing to join the angels round the throne in executing with their zeal and ardor, their life and vigor, his heavenly commands; and will it be a heaven to me to do his will and serve him, as they do?

Cindy December 27th, 2012 11:04 PM

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6. Do I receive him with his cross and sufferings, and can I welcome the world's bitterest hatred and severest injuries in his cause and for his sake? Am I willing to go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach? Yes, do I esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of this world, and all that I can suffer for him infinitely overbalanced with what I enjoy in him? Have I counted the cost; and do I, upon the calmest and most serious view of things, count the loss of name, of friends, of riches, of honor, of pleasure, yea, of life itself, nothing when compared with his love and enjoyment? Had I rather die for him, and go and enjoy him, then to live without him, and reign to the uttermost ends of the earth? Do I think nothing too dear to part with, nothing too hard to submit to, nothing too painful to endure, in my adherence to him, and his ways, who left heaven, laid aside his divine glory, and humbled himself unto death, even the death of the cross, in love to me, and for my salvation? Does this love of his sweeten and even endear to me every suffering for him, while it makes me triumphant, and more then conqueror over them all?

Are these some of the marks, these the characters of the Christian? Sure, O my soul, I can say, I would then be like him. My heart surely speaks something of this language. Is it not so? Am I deceiving myself? Lord search me, and try me, and suffer me not to draw a false conclusion, or be partial in a matter of everlasting moment. I must be just to myself, and Lord, I will be humbly bold to say, I will take the comfort when my conscience, and thy Spirit too, give me reason to hope that thou art mine.

Cindy December 27th, 2012 11:11 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
THIRD SCRIPTURE MARK OF SALVATION

Ephesians 6:24 —Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
QUESTION III. Do I love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity?
1. Do I love him in his whole person, as Godman? Do I behold him, as one in whose blessed person all divine excellences meet, as one in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily? As such, is he the object of my supreme adoration, my unbounded confidence, my choicest affections, my chiefest delight, my all in all? Do I love him in his whole character? Is an entire and undivided Christ amiable and acceptable to me, and do I see him as altogether necessary, and so altogether precious? Do I love, esteem, and prize him as my teacher and lawgiver, as well as the atonement for my sins and my advocate with the Father? Do I love him in the purity and strictness of his precepts, as well as in the freeness and preciousness of his promises? Do I see a glory in the holiness of his life, as well as in the meritoriousness of his death; and do I desire, and do I love to follow him as my perfect pattern, as well as trust him as my great propitiation?


Cindy December 27th, 2012 11:28 PM



Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 

2. Do I love everything that has relation to him? Do I love his word? Is it more desired by me then gold, yea then much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honey comb? Do I love to read it? Do I lay it up in my heart, and make it the delightful subject of my meditation? Do I make it the only rule of my life, and is it my principal aim and my chief delight to walk agreeably to it?

Do I love his day, and call the Sabbath a delight? Is one of the days of the Son of Man esteemed by me as one of the days of heaven? Do I welcome its return as the best day in the week, and the religious exercises of it as the best employment I love to be engaged in? Do I love all his ordinances, as means of communion with him? Are no seasons so delightful as those in which I am favored with his enjoyment? Do I sit as such times under his shadow with delight, and is his fruit sweet to my taste? Do I love all his ministers of every denomination and esteem all to be such, who love and preach Jesus Christ? Do I love to hear them preach concerning Christ, and are no doctrines so sweet, as those that treat of him and his glorious undertaking for poor sinners; or our way of recovery to the favor and likeness of God by his dying for us, and by his Spirit working in us repentance, faith, and evangelical obedience? Do I constantly and fervently pray for his ministers, and for their success? And do I readily and heartily give them all the encouragement in their work which I am capable of?

Do I love all his people, all who have his Spirit in them, and walk according to his gospel, under all their various and different forms? Do I feel my heart knit to them, in the bonds of the Spirit, as members of the same body, and belonging to the same Lord and Head? Are such in my eyes, however poor, however despised any of them may be, the excellent of the earth, in whom is all my delight? Are such my most chosen and delightful companions, my most dear and intimate friends? And are no hours spent so agreeably by me, as those I spend with them in pious conversation and religious exercises? Do I love them not in word only, but in deed and in truth, ready to help the poorest and meanest of them according to my ability, and counting it my honor and happiness to do?

Do I love his interest, and is it infinitely dearer to me than any particular interest of my own? Do I lament its low and languishing state in the world? Am I praying for it's glorious revival? And is it the rejoicing of my heart to see or hear of it's prosperity in any place, and under any denomination of Christians? If Christ is preached, and the interest of real religion is promoted, wherever it is, and whoever be the instruments, therein do I rejoice, and can I not but rejoice? Do I cheerfully contribute all that lies in my power to promote the interest of Christ in the world, and esteem it the principal end and greatest pleasure of my life to do anything to advance it?

Cindy December 28th, 2012 12:09 AM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
3. Do I love him above every creature and thing, and is he dearer to me then father or mother, son or daughter, house or land, yes than the whole world? Do I see infinitely more loveliness and excellence in Christ, than in all creatures put together, and more happiness in his love alone, than all the love and all the enjoyments the whole world can yield? Do I desire, more ardently desire, an interest in him, than in any of the blessings of life? While others are saying, who will show us any good, are my daily, my ardent cries to God, give me Christ, or I die? deny me anything, everything else, only grant me Christ, and I am satisfied. Do I see Christ alone suited to all my wants, sufficient to answer all my desires, and therefore in him only can my soul centre and rest? Had I rather part with all than part with him; rather part with life itself, than part with his love; rather endure the greatest sufferings and meet death in its most terrible forms, than to incur his displeasure, lose his favor and all my pleasing hopes of an everlasting enjoyment of him? Will neither health or friends, peace nor plenty, satisfy me, if I am in the dark with regard to my interest in him? If he hides himself, and stands afar off, though I am in the midst of every other comfort, do I mourn, and sigh after him whom my soul loveth; nor can I rest till I find him, and am favored with some token of his gracious presence, some discovery of his love? Is one smile of Jesus, one discovery of his love to my soul infinitely more to me than all the honors and smiles of the world, and does it create a joy in my heart, which a smiling world cannot give, nor a frowning world take away?


Cindy December 28th, 2012 12:21 AM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
4. Do I love to obey him in everything? Is there not one of his commandments, which I count grievous? Is there not any part of my duty that I owe him, which I desire to be excused from? Do I esteem all his precepts in all things to be right, all reasonable in themselves, all conducive to my truest happiness? Do I perform what he requires of me, not by constraint, but willingly, and of a ready mind, from a principle of love to him, and a conviction of the goodness of all his commands? Is it my meat to do his will? And do I only long to do it perfectly, as it is done by the angels in heaven? Is it my sincere desire, my daily prayer that every thought and every temper, every word and every action, may be brought into an entire subjection unto Christ? Is it in some good measure so, and wherein it is not, do I lament it as my infelicity, and groan under it as my burden?
5. Do I give up my whole self, all I am and all I have, to his service?
I'm sorry guys, I'm getting really tired and starting to make mistakes so I'm going to have to stop for now. I've proof read what I've typed so far and corrected any mistakes I've found, but if I missed some, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know.

What I think I'll do when I'm finished completely, is copy the book itself into a new thread so it can be read/meditated on without interruption by any who choose to do so. That way everyone who would like to comment on it here can do so. So I'll re-open the thread for now, at least until I'm ready to start typing again.

I sure hope you all enjoy it as much as I have. It is very convicting, which, of course, is what it's meant to be. - To convict and encourage us to press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us.
(Philippians 3:12)


Cindy December 29th, 2012 09:31 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
I'm just waiting to see if anyone wants me to continue... I hope so, cause I'm getting even more out of it by typing it!


bettymack December 30th, 2012 09:56 AM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
Thanks for taking the time to type these incredible sermons.
I have just started to read them.
I am so glad that others have encouraged you to make his sermons
available for us all to read.

I have just read the first posting and I am pleased that he uses verses from the Bible and some very thought-provoking question on how serious we should enter in the need of our salvation.

Helpless and hopeless forever in myself, is all my hope in the free grace of God, and the discoveries of his mercy in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Great thought, we are helpless hopeless in ourselves.But God grace and mercy gives us daily hope and the hope of eternal salvation. Not by our works has the preacher has already brought out. Grace for all who will believe and accept personally for themselves!
This is good stuff, Cindy!!
Thanks for sharing his sermons to us. They are new and fresh even for us today!


Cindy December 30th, 2012 10:09 AM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
You're very welcome Betty, and thank you for taking the time to let me know you're reading it too! I feel like I was blessed with a very special gift from the Lord in this little book.... it's become very precious to me! Plus, since it's so old, it's got to be public property so I can post as much as I want to.


Jillian January 1st, 2013 01:14 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
So far , I have read most of it , but looking forward to reading all of it. Yes , it is very convicting.


Cindy January 2nd, 2013 09:05 AM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
OK, I'll try and post some more as soon as I can then....glad others are enjoying it too!


Cindy January 4th, 2013 09:42 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
Sorry it took me so long guys.... Here's some more:

5. Do I give up my whole self, all I am and all I have, to his service? Sensible I am ransomed by his death, and saved by his merits, that all I enjoy, and all I hope for is the purchase of his blood and the free gift of his grace, do I dedicate all to him, and his glory; my soul with all its powers, my body with all its members, my time, my worldly possessions, and all the influence and authority I have over others? Can I say from my heart, for me to live is Christ? Do I know no higher end in life, then to live to his glory, and feel no pleasure equal to promoting it? Is it the greatest pleasure I have in the possession of any talent, to use and employ it for Christ? And had I much rather spend and lay out for him, in relieving his people's wants, or in supporting and furthering his gospel, then to lay up for myself? Do I think I can never do too much, never do enough, in promoting the cause and serving the interest of such a friend? Is life itself, with all its various blessings, desirable in no other view, than giving an opportunity of glorifying Christ? Am I often thinking, often with pleasure devising, how I may bring glory to my Savior, and advance the honor of him, who, though he "was in the form of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with God, for me and my salvation made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and humbled himself unto death, even the death of the cross?" Is it my principal concern, my labor and my prayer, as well as my highest ambition, that in everything, both in life and in death, in time and to all eternity, Christ, who loved me, and died for me on earth, and now lives for me in heaven, may be magnified by me?




Cindy January 4th, 2013 09:52 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
6. Do I feel ardent desires after the nearest and fullest enjoyment of him in the heavenly world? Could I be contented in no condition, though the happiest this earth could yield, to live always at this distance from him? Will no enjoyment of him here, though ever so sweet, and though it be infinitely better than any other enjoyment whatever, fully satisfy me? Rather, doth every visit which he has condescended to make me in his ordinances below, every glimpse I have been indulged with of him in the sacraments when I have seen him through those external signs, as standing behind the wall, looking forth at the windows, and showing himself through the lattice, only set my heart more on fire, and create more ardent desires for those brighter visions of his face, those fuller discoveries of his love, that intimate, uninterrupted, and everlasting enjoyment of him, which is to be had within the veil? Does the pleasing prospect of a happiness so great, raise my heart above all the tempting scenes of this world, exercise my frequent and most delightful meditations, and create a joy in my breast, which is often unspeakable, and full of glory?
Now let me, O my soul, upon this fresh Mark of Salvation, ask thee again this important question, what sayest thou? Let me charge thee to be faithful, and endeavor to draw a just conclusion. And do I love Christ? Yes, O my soul; if I know anything I must know this, that Jesus is precious, precious in every character, in every view, more precious than ten thousands of gold and silver, and all that is counted dear by men in general, so precious that I hope I have parted with every sin, even that which so often besets me, everything that stands in competition with Christ, and lays claim to my heart, and have welcomed the Lord Jesus to my soul. Nay, had I ten thousand souls, I think, if I mistake not, I am sure I would commit them all to his care, and devote them all to his service, to honor him here in life and love and praise him forever. Bless God, then, and rejoice.


Cindy January 4th, 2013 10:09 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
FOURTH SCRIPTURE MARK OF SALVATION.

Romans 8:14 —For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. *
QUESTION IV. Am I led by the Spirit of God?

1. Am I led to an humbling sight of myself, and to walk humbly with God? Am I led to see my meanness and dependence as a creature? Led to see, that I am brought out of nothing into existence by God, and am supported every moment of my existence by him, that in him I live, and move, and have my being? Am I led to see I owe all I am and have to the mere goodness and mercy of God, and hold it entirely at his sovereign will and pleasure? Am I led humbly to write at the foot of all enjoyments, what have I that I have not received? Led to acknowledge, with humble gratitude, that in every instance I am superior to, or better than, others, it is God who makes me to differ? Am I led to see my vileness and unworthiness as a sinner? Led to see the universal depravity of my heart, and the innumerable transgressions of life; led to see the sins that cleave to, and pollute, my best tempers, and my holiest duties? Am I led to see, that if a righteous God were to mark my iniquities, even the iniquities of the best duty I ever performed, I must unavoidably perish? Under these views of myself, am I led to walk humbly with God? Seeing I deserve nothing, having forfeited everything by my sins, am I led to look for all from God in a way of mere mercy and grace? Seeing myself not worthy of the least of all the mercies of God, am I led to be exceeding thankful for every crumb he bestows up me? Convinced I have by my sins deserved to be forever miserable, am I led to be patient and resigned under every affliction it pleases God to exercise me with? Sensible of my own weakness and insufficiency for anything that is spiritually good, am I led continually to seek and depend upon the grace of God; and when any good is done by me, am I led to say with humble thankfulness, not I, but the grace of God, which was with me? And fully persuaded, when I have done my best, I have nothing to boast of, but much to be humbled for, as a sinful and unprofitable creature, am I led to depend purely upon the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life?




Cindy January 4th, 2013 10:22 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
2. Am I led to the Lord Jesus Christ - led to him as the one Mediator between God and man - led to him as "the way, the truth, and the life," the only way by which I can attain to the knowledge and likeness, the love and enjoyment, of the blessed God? Am I led to submit to his teaching as my unerring prophet, and to embrace, with the greatest readiness and fullest assent of soul, all his doctrines, however mysterious to reason, as well as to consent cheerfully and with my whole heart to all his precepts, however contrary any of them may be to flesh and blood? Am I led to repose all the hope and confidence, of my soul in his atonement, obedience, and intercession, as my holy and ever acceptable High Priest? Am I led to yield a most ready, willing, and universal subjection to his government, as my exalted Sovereign and rightful Lord? Am I led to look to him as the great head of divine influences, from whose fulness, as the ever-flowing, overflowing fountain of all grace, I most thankfully, receive all my supplies in my spiritual life? Am I led to view him as my perfect pattern? Is his lovely example always before mine eyes; and does it both charm my heart and direct my steps? Is it my daily study, labor, and prayer, to copy his amiable temper and heavenly conversation; my greatest joy and delight to follow his steps, and to walk "even as he also walked?" Am I led to maintain daily, and delightful communion and intercourse with him, daily committing my soul into his hand, consecrating it to his service, and breathing it out to him in humble love, and prayer, and praise?

That's all for now...more tomorrow, God willing!



Cindy January 6th, 2013 11:56 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
:hug: Thank you for letting me now about my typo, as I'd asked, Betty! I really appreciate it! Bless you!

3. Am I led to the blessed God - led to him as the source of my being and happiness, in whose favor is my life, and whose "loving kindness is better than life?" Am I led to seek his favor in Christ with my whole heart, led to cry out with intenseness and ardor of soul, "lord, lift up the light of thy (reconciled) countenance upon me?" Am I led to God as an humble penitent? Do I come before him, confessing and lamenting my sins, abhorring myself, and repenting in dust and ashes? Am I led to condemn myself in his presence, and to acknowledge he would be righteous, and even glorify his justice, in my eternal condemnation? Am I led, however, to hope in his mercy, through Christ, and thankfully and joyfully to submit to the way of pardon and acceptance with him, which he proposes in the gospel of his dear Son? Am I led to lay hold of the covenant of grace, and do I take God in Christ as the only and supreme blessedness of my soul, my all-sufficient and everlasting portion? Am I led to take him as my Lord, as well as my portion, and to give up myself sincerely and entirely to him? Convinced of his right to all I am and have, and grieved at the heart that I have so ungratefully and wickedly alienated from him what was so entirely his own? Am I led to devote and dedicate my whole self, and all I enjoy, to his service and glory, desiring his gracious acceptance of the surrender, and ambitious of nothing more than to be his, and to glorify God with my body and spirit, with all my powers and capacities, which are his? Am I led to maintain and cherish in my heart a supreme love and veneration for him as the greatest and best of beings; an ardent desire after him, as my only and all-satisfying portion; and a cordial gratitude towards him, as my supreme Benefactor, to whom I am obliged for my being, and every blessing of it? Am I led to live under a continual sense of his presence, and is that presence at once the delight and awe of my heart? Am I led to frequent and delightful meditation on him; to study his word; pour out my prayers and praises at his footstool; to trust cheerfully in his providence; to believe firmly his promises; to be devoted to his fear; to be resigned to his will; to do all to his glory; to labor, long, and pray, for growing conformity to him here, and for the perfect likeness and everlasting enjoyment of him in heaven?


Cindy January 7th, 2013 12:10 AM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
4. Am I led to maintain suitable regards to the blessed Spirit? Am I led to love and honor him as the great author of divine light and life, grace and comfort? Am I led exceedingly to prize and most gratefully to acknowledge his illuminating and sanctifying, his quickening and comforting influences? Am I led to maintain a deep and humble sense of my continual dependence upon his divine agency; led earnestly to seek his gracious and powerful influence to fit me for every duty, to cherish every grace and virtue in my heart, to strengthen me under every trial, and to render me superior to every temptation and every corruption? Do I give up myself sincerely and entirely to his gracious and heavenly conduct, watchful of, and thankful for, all his holy motions, and desirous to yield myself to them, desirous that I may be led from one degree of faith, and love, and zeal, and holiness, to another, till I appear perfect before God in Zion? Do I earnestly desire, and most joyfully welcome his continual residence in my heart, consecrating it to his presence, as the temple of God? and am I careful to abstain from those sins which tend to grieve him, and provoke him to depart from me; dreading such an event as the greatest misery that can befall my soul? Am I led to admire and adore the richness and freeness, the riches and efficacy of his grace towards me; and, with the greatest thankfulness and pleasure, to ascribe all the praise and glory of whatever good is in me, or done by me, to his powerful and gracious operation alone?


Cindy January 11th, 2013 10:24 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
5. Am I led to the means of grace? Are divine ordinances prized and valued by me, as the choicest privileges, rather than painful duties? Instead of being tempted to slight and neglect them, do I most willingly, joyfully, and thankfully embrace every opportunity of attending them, and grieve for it, as a great loss to my soul, when I am by any circumstances deprived of those precious seasons? Do I not attend them more from the command of God, which I would wish to be dispensed with, then from such a love and desire to them as the new-born babe desires the milk? Am I led to them as the sweet and delightful channels through which God communicates his grace to me, and I enjoy communion with him? Do I seek his presence in them, seek edification and growth under them; and can I not be contented with mere bodily exercise, but lament that duty and ordinance as lost, in which God is not enjoyed, and grace exercised? Do I at times sweetly experience in them a holy nearness to God, and gracious communications of light, love, and joy from him? Are such seasons exceedingly sweet, and is one hour thus enjoyed, better than a thousand? Are none of all the entertainments of sense to be compared with one of those divine and spiritual repasts? Is heaven on the wing of these golden moments; and is it my only grief that they are so soon over and gone? could I be glad to lie down in these green pastures and beside these still waters, and have nothing to do with this world more, either with its business or with its enjoyments? And when I am obliged to quit those delightful seasons, and to intermit for a while those precious duties, in which so much of heaven and of God is enjoyed, to attend to the necessary engagements of life, is it my greatest joy to think of spending an eternity thus, and am I longing to enter upon it? Unwilling and loathe to come from the closet, from the house and from the table of the Lord, which as been as a mount of transfiguration, a place of divine manifestations and enjoyments, and go forth again into the world, do I wish for the approach of that happy period, when I shall go up to those mountains of spices to come down no more, and shall be fixed as a pillar in the temple of my God, and go no more out?


Cindy January 11th, 2013 10:33 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
6. Am I led to behold sin with the greatest abhorrence, far greater than the delight which I once took in it, when my heart and life were led captive by it? Do I now abhor myself on the account of it; and does it grieve me to the heart to reflect how much and how long I was under the cursed power of it? Is it the object of my abhorrence, not merely on account of its dreadful consequence to myself, in the shame, guilt, and misery it has brought upon my own soul, but am I chiefly led to hate it on account of its deformity, baseness, and malignity, as committed against a god of infinite love and goodness, to whom I owe my very being and all the unnumbered blessings of it, and whose laws are all holy, just and good; as committed against a bleeding and dying Jesus, and as the procuring cause of all his groans and tears, his bitter pains and sufferings? Does this abhorrence of sin engage me to a steady and vigorous, a constant and universal war with it? Is no sin, no, not the least, allowed and indulged by me; but am I led sincerely to hate, watch, and strive, and pray against all sin, and more especially that sin which does most easily beset me? Does every degree of victory over it give me the greatest pleasure, and excite the greatest thankfulness, and while I carry the remainder of sin about me, do I groan under it as my greatest burden sigh after a complete deliverance as the greatest mercy, and rejoice in the hope of it through Jesus Christ?


Cindy January 11th, 2013 10:41 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
7. Am I led to love and delight in holiness? Do I see holiness to be the health and beauty, the perfection and felicity of my soul? Do I see an inexpressible glory in a holy God, a holy Jesus, a holy Bible, and a holy life? Had I infinitely rather be the poorest and most afflicted saint, than the richest and most prosperous sinner? Is holiness the great object of my aim, my labor, and my prayer? am I more earnest with God for sanctifying grace, than for any temporal mercy; and more joyful and thankful to find I grow in grace, than that I increase in my worldly substance? Do I attend on divine ordinances to improve me in holiness, and do I sincerely desire every providence may be sanctioned to the same end? and can I welcome those afflictions which my heavenly Father sends, that make me more a partaker of his holiness? Am I thankful, above all things, for the least degree of holiness and do I rejoice in it as my begun happiness? - yet, not contented with the greatest present attainments, is my soul enlarged, and does it long for nothing short of being filled with all the fullness of God. Do I lament more the imperfection of my graces, than all the troubles of life; and long more for heaven as a state of perfect and everlasting holiness, than for freedom from pain and trouble? Is this the heaven I long for; to behold the face of God in righteousness; and shall I then be satisfied, and not till then, when I awake with his complete likeness?


Cindy January 11th, 2013 11:28 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
8. Am I led to an unfeigned and universal love and benevolence? Is my heart freed from these disquieting as well as deformed passions, malice, hatred, and envy? And is it full of sweet, kind, and tender affections? Am I led to breathe forth my warmest wishes and prayers for the prosperity of others, and do I feel a joy in the sight of their prosperity? Am I led tenderly to sympathize with those who are in affliction, and does it give me the most sensible pleasure to alleviate their burdens, or rather to be the instrument of lightening them, and do I desire from my heart to adore the divine goodness to me in the opportunity? Is my love diffused to all mankind, - not confined to one sect or party, to one people or kingdom, but spread wide as the world, wishing the temporal and everlasting happiness of all, and springing forward with the greatest delight to promote the bodily or spiritual welfare of any fellow creature, without respect of persons? Is my heart often meditating benevolent schemes, often devising liberal things, and is it matter of the greatest joy and thankfulness when I can accomplish them? Am I ambitious of no greater glory, do I seek no greater pleasure in life, than in doing good? And is this, in my esteem, the greatest pleasure which the possession of riches or any other talent can afford, that it renders me capable of being a greater blessing, and doing more extensive good to others? Is it not in the power of malice itself to turn away my love, but am I led to love my very enemies? Can I overlook their injuries; or, if too great to be overlooked, can I forgive them, heartily forgive them, and design no other revenge upon them than to overcome their evil with good, and to constrain them, if possible, to a better temper, by seeking every opportunity to do them service? Is that sacred precept, so strange, so hard to corrupt nature, "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink," wrought by the blessed Spirit into my heart? and am I led by him, the Spirit of love, sweetly and readily to conform to it as occasion offers, and thus prove myself to be the child of my "father who is in heaven," and who is "kind to the evil and to the thankful?"


Cindy January 11th, 2013 11:46 PM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
9. Am I led to heaven? Am I led to such believing views of the glory and happiness of the heavenly world, as beget in my heart the highest esteem of it, the most ardent desire after it, and the greatest solicitude and concern to obtain it? Am I led to God with the most incessant prayers, the most ardent cries, that he would prepare me for heaven, and bring me to it? And am I importunate with him in this matter, from day to day, nor can I be easy in myself, without having some humble hope of heaven, and feeling some degree of meetness for it? am I led to the greatest seriousness, diligence, and zeal, in seeking heaven, and do I think no labor too much, no pains too great, in order to obtain it? Am I led to look upon all the splendor and glory, all the pleasures and enjoyments of this world, as not worthy a single thought or wish, when compared with heaven? and could I willingly renounce my all below, to be assured of my interest in the joys above? Am I led to consider the happiness of heaven, as consisting in the knowledge and likeness, in the love and enjoyment of the blessed God; and in this view of it, does it appear most amiable and delightful to me, and do I most ardently aspire to it, most earnestly wish to be made partaker of it? Am I led to fix all my hopes and expectations of heaven upon the divine promises, endeavoring daily to cleanse myself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God? am I led to delight in the work and business of heaven; in the holy contemplation of God and in meditation on the grace and glories of the blessed Redeemer? and are approaches to and converse with god through Christ, in the duties of religious worship, esteemed by me as the sweetest pleasures I know? Am I led to exercise the greatest care and watchfulness, lest a promise being left me of heaven and eternal life, I should at last come short of it, through a heart of unbelief, and a prevailing love to this world? Do I feel no fear, do I dread no evil so great as this; and is it my daily prayer to God that of his infinite mercy he would prevent it? Am I led at times to some humble hope of heaven, and to enjoy some sweet foretaste of it; and does this lift me above everything of this world, inspire me with the greatest joy, and make me forget all my troubles by the way? In those happy moments, am I ready to spread my joyful wings, and long to take my heavenly flight; nor is there any one enjoyment on earth, for the sake of which I could desire a longer stay here? Am I led only to expect heaven in the way of holiness and obedience, and yet not in the least to hope for it for the sake of my holiness and obedience, - being sensible that the strictest is deficient, and the best is polluted? When I have done all, am I led to expect, and made willing to receive, eternal life as the gift of God through Jesus Christ our lord? At the hands of free grace, do I hope and desire to receive my crown, and at the feet of that grace to cast it, in humble and everlasting thankfulness?


Cindy January 12th, 2013 12:13 AM

Re: Would you like to hear a preacher from 1865 for real????
 
CONCLUSION.

Are these the marks of salvation? Are they not the imaginations of men, but what God has laid down as the genuine characters of his people? If then I have been enabled to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, if I have received him in all the characters in which he is represented in the gospel, if I indeed love him and am led by his Spirit, I may then comfortably conclude that I belong to his family; that I was given to him by the Father, purchased by the blood of the Son; and am now under the real sanctifying influences of the Spirit, that I may be fitted for the enjoyment of God in heaven. And may I draw this conclusion? Why art thou cast down, O, my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? Lift up thy head, and see salvation is drawing near. What is the consequence of faith, but salvation; a complete and everlasting salvation? They are Christ's own words, the words of him who cannot lie, "He that believeth shall be saved." Mark 16:16. See my soul, thou art a son of God! this is the distinguishing honor which he has put upon all who have received Christ, and are led by his Spirit. And has God put this mark and distinction upon me, a creature in every view so unworthy of his notice! How rich, how amazing the grace! What matter of rejoicing! A son of God! Let me dwell upon the sound. What honor, what happiness can be greater! If I am a child of God, I shall be the constant care of his providence, shall have every want supplied, and be safe living and dying. And what shall I be hereafter, when I come to receive a "child's portion!" Look forward, O my soul; see the delightful moment when thou shalt hear the chariot wheels of they Lord stop at the door; when thou shalt wing thy way to the New Jerusalem, the city of God above, and there join the church triumphant in every exalted hosannah. Look still forward to the resurrection morning, when this body shall be raised, and fashioned like unto Christ's most glorious body; when soul and body shall be reunited, be arrayed in all the garments of salvation, and appear in all the splendor and magnificence of a child of God. Sure, Lord, this is enough; I can no longer murmur under the dispensations of thy providence; now no longer envy the prosperity of the wicked, or think religion vain. Do with me as thou please. Afflictions, reproaches, persecutions, - whatever may be for thy glory I would submit to with the utmost cheerfulness. I would not seek my own peace, but in connection with the glory of my heavenly Father. Lord, give me more of a childlike temper, that I may honor thee more living and dying. Do I not only love Christ, but does he love me? Has he graciously condescended to give this happy information and to speak in this affectionate language? Proverbs 8:17. Oh, what is it to be a Christian! Time and eternity too must be employed in admiring the riches of sovereign grace, and praising God and the Lamb.

Thus may I make this use of the discovery God has made to my soul, of my being interested in and united to him. May I be kept from spiritual pride, and grow more in humility and admiration, that the clearer my evidences are of a title to a better world, the more may I not only rejoice, but improve this happy circumstance to promote the glory of God and stir me up to a greater activity and diligence in every part of his service; longing, ardently longing for that world where I shall love him best, and be forever like him. To this I would set my hearty Amen.


And that's the end of the first half of this little book. The next half is called "Pious Reflections". I hope it's been an encouragement to you as it has to me. By the way, I know that there are a number of places where the first word in the sentence is not capitalized...I did that on purpose because that's how it is in the book and I wanted to stay true to that....

Thank you Father for this precious voice from the past to encourage us on our journey and help us stand firmly on Your Word!
  
I will add one of the "reflections" from the next part of the book. In fact, let me add the 1st one here, with the caution that he is not talking about "losing our salvation" in part 2; he's talking about those who don't have faith having the kingdom snatched away" -those who as he says at the end of part one, "have no faith at all".

PIOUS REFLECTIONS.

FIRST DAY.

Of the scarceness of true faith.

I. "When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8. If he should now come, would he find it in us? What fruits of faith have we to show? Do we look upon this life only as a short passage to a better? Do we believe that we must suffer with Jesus Christ, before we can reign with him? Do we consider this world as a deceitful appearance, and death as the entrance to true happiness? Do we live by faith? Does it animate us? Do we relish the eternal truths it presents us with? Are we as careful to nourish our souls with those truths, as to maintain our bodies with proper diet? Do we accustom ourselves to see all things in the light of faith? Do we correct all our judgments by it? Alas! the greater part of Christians think and act like mere heathens. If we judge (as we justly may) of their faith by their practice, we must conclude they have no faith at all.

II. Let us fear, lest the Kingdom of God should be taken from us, and given to others who may bear better fruits. "That kingdom of God" is faith reigning in us, and governing all our thoughts. Happy he, who has eyes to see this kingdom. flesh and blood cannot discern it. The wisdom of the animal man is willfully blind to it. The inward operations of God appear as a dream to him. To know the wonders of God's kingdom, we must be born again; and to be born again, we must die: this is what the world cannot consent to. Let the world then, despise and censure, and condemn the truth, as it pleases; as for us, O Lord, thou hast commanded us to believe, "and to taste thy heavenly gift." we desire to be of the number of thine elect, and we know that no person can be of that number, who does not conform his life to what thou teachest.