The life and writings of Rev. Joseph Gordon.

Preface

Rev. Joseph Gordon was one of a few ministers, who united and formed the Free Presbyterian Church, in 1847. In the midst of prevailing declension and Hunkerism, they came out from their ecclesiastical connections, with a manifesto of principles adverse to the popular religion of the day ; and on these they based the new organization. During seven years he was the editor of the Free Frcshyierian — the organ of the new formed church. After his death, the Free Synod at its next meeting held in Ripley, 0., in October 1S58, appointed a committee of two persons to write a biography of the deceased and compile a selection from his writings, and have them published. Of this committee, Rev. T. M. Finney, of Martinsburg, was one. The other member expected him to write the biography, and aid in selecting from the writings of the deceased. After a lingering sickness of some four months, Mr. Finney died on the 20th of July, 1859, without having begun the work. Amid a pressure of other duties the surviving member of the committee was compelled to dispatch the matter in a short time, and without the advantage that even his limited share of ability might have given it, with more leisure and attention. This statement extends to the biography, the selections and the arrangement, but of course not to the writings of the deceased. If, however, the humble effort helps to preserve the memory of one exceedingly dear to him, and in any good degree promotes the cause of truth, and righteousness, and church reform, he will be thankful and satisfied.

contents:

PUPACE ,...„ 3

Introduction 8

Memoir.

Lines on the Death of Rev. J. Gordon 18

Presbytery of St. Clairsville— " Case of Rev. J. Gordon" 25

" Rev. J. Gordon has died " 42

Obituary , , 43

Religious Articles.

Religion and Reform , 61

We should be Men and Women of Devoted Piety 5i

Mission of the Free Presbyterian Church...., 56

What Can I Do to Bring the World to God ?..... 60

What is Necessary to the Efficiency of the Church in Doing Good ?. 61

Have Faith in God 64

Stingy Christians " 67

Power of Prayer , 67

Peace with God , 70

Christian Integrity , 73

The Religion of Principle 76

" Ambassadors for Christ " , 77

Duty of the Christian Minister 79

"The Harvest is Past, the Summer is Ended, and Wo are not

Saved."— Jer. viii : 20 , 81

" 0 Lord, Revive Thy Work." 83

Christ's Divinity and Atonement 85

Samuel Lewis 88

" Ultraism"..., , yO

Death of Henry Clay 93

Jesus Christ Driven from the United States 96 vi

Contents

Is it Consistent for Free Presbyterinns to Commune with Churches which Fellowship Slavery 1)9

Radical and Conservative 100

Schism 102