Earnest entreaties and appeals to the unconverted: with persuasions to religious duties

Preface

The authors object in publishing this little work, is to urge the blessed principles of Truth, on the minds of those who may read its pages ; for how can I conceal that gift or grace of God, and be faithful to Him, that requireth it at my hands, I cannot expect it to receive the applause of the public, in general, on account of its plain and humble style ; there is no beauty nor elegance of language, to attract the ear; there is no new subject brought to light ; it is no other than the principles of true Godliness, as revealed by the Gospel of the Son of God. My design is to call the attention of the children of men to the inward principle of life, which is spiritually revealed in the great w^ork of our salvation, which reveals the hidden mystery of the appearance of Christ's grace or spirit, to every one that believeth.

Dear reader, to have this little book brought before the public eye, has been a matter of deep and humbling reflection, knowing my limited education and inability to write in a style that would meet the approbation of the community at large ; and of course must undergo the contempt of the critic's eye, and

5V PRE FACET.

the ridicule of the vain, therefore, I have for years kept it concealed ; I have been in doubt, and distress has covered my mind. I strove to excuse myself, because my services were called for by the public in another way, and the care of a family occupied all my time ;. but this I found to be of little avail, this concern still followed me, and caused me many sleepless nights ; I must encourage believers in their christian duties, and tell sinners their career must lead to death.

I am aware that many dislike, and exclaim against, writings of this kind, and'* pronounce them the height of enthusiasm, or a dream of fancy ; because they call men to a reformation of life, to self-denial, watchfulness and prayer, and to a holy resignation and dependence upon God, for the illuminating and sanctifying influence of the holy spirit. Be this as it may, I am resolved, with the assistance of the Quarterly Conference, to offer it to the public, and pray God for His- blessing,, that it may be the means of some good ; that His spirit may enlighten those who are in darkness, that they may be set free from the bonds of sin and iniquity, and from the power of the destroyer, and brought to the excellent knowledge of Christ their Redeemer.

L. C,

Chapter 1. Reflections On Christian Experience

According to the historical account of the creatiea of man, he was in possession of the image of God, upright and holy ; for, after God had finished his wonderful works, and looked with delight from the seat of his holiness, upon the grandeur of tJie newly accomplished w^ork, not an error in all its structure, not a blemish had soiled the noble character of man, innocence flowed through every avenue of his soul, and the graces of his heart Vvcre like the dew drops of hermon ; all v/as peace within, the garden truly was a paradise ; tranquility reigned throughout the heavenly realm ; none of those unhallowed traits had ever crossed his mind ; envy, hatred, covetousness and revenge, were strangers to his bosom. God pronounced them good, and very good ; but, alas ! this happy pair, though adorned with the heavenly image, fell from their [)rimeval state, and the glory that shone with such kister around their brows now disappeared, and a thrilling shock of fear now pierced their souls. "Adam, where art thou ?" was the voice that penetrated his ear, in the cool of the day ; " I was afraid and hid myself How changed was the aspect of things, all spiritual knowledge of God was lost, and the awful forebodings of the terror of the law, now rested upon them ; no sweet intercourse with their Creator could be obtained, but driven from4he garden, to seek protection they knew not where, and procure sustenance from the tillage of the earth by the sweat of their brow. But, Oh ! the condescension and mercy of God, a promise is still held out, that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head, and in that seed all the families of the earth should be blessed. Here was the blessed cov^inaDt made to man, a reconciliation proposed, through the mediation of Christ, which was the son that was born, the child that was given, whose name should be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of peace. But such is the depraved state of the human heart since the fall, unbelief has taken hold of his mind, and corrupted all of his affections ; he knows not how to come to God, he has not faith in the fullness of Christ, although the Prophets have declared him to be the Messiah, he that should redeem Israel. If the iVIessiah had come in the grandeur and pomp of an earthly king to increase man's earthly felicity, and erect a temporal kingdom ; with the greatest anxiety he would have complied with the terms. But the Apostle clearly discusses this subject, and proves that the end of all ceremonies and shadows is to direct them to Christ, which is the substance, and that Christ's kingdom is a spiritual kingdom ; and a fitness in man for this kingdom must be a spiritual work.

God promised the Israelites a happy state in the land of Canaan, a release from trouble and sorrow, which should teach us to look for that heavenly Canaan, that spiritual rest, where our eternal happiness shall be complete. The Gospel promises are the foundation of the believers comfort, that elevates his affections and bars up the mind in all his applications, and prompts him to duty; his eye is fixed upon that treasure that God has in reserve ior the faithful. " Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, ai d I will give you rest" ; I will give you a crown of glory. What tidings of joy to a way-worn pilgrim, a seat at God's right hand ; how these promises should excite in us a fervent zeal for God's glory and loveliness in all our christian duties, patience in tribulation, learning in every state therein to be content, honoring God in prosperily or adversity, the stay and hope of all our future joy, before whom we must shortly appear, and be called into a strict reckoning for our stewardship, whose sentence will be an everlasting and unchangeable one, whose ways are judgment and truth, and will give to every one according to their own merit. Then, may we be wise and know the day of our visitation, and choose God in Christ, for our portion.

Oh ! may the carnal mind in us be subdued, and our affections weaned from earthly things. Set your affections, (was the Divine command) on things above, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal ; for, where your affections are, there will your heart be also. Then if we love the world more than God, we are idolaters, and cannot enter in through the gate into the city ; our feet are strangers to the path that leads to life, and we wander as sheep that have strayed from the fold of Christ ; our delight is not in the law of the Lord, and therefore, although there is a promise left us, yet w^e shall come far short of entering into that rest, through negligence and unbelief. The christian here may realize, in some degree, from his own experience, the joy of the redeemed, yet he is often made to cry out, like the Queen of the South, ' the half has not been told.' I appeal to you reader, if you have washed your robe in the fountain that was opened for sin ; can you not set your signet, that the love of God passeth all understanding; and you are made to gaze in wonder and delight, by faith, on the happy state and endless enjoyment of the Saints of God, each receiving a full and complete reward for all his labors ; according to our capacity shall our measure be, when both soul and body shall be re-united after the resurrection ; and this mortal shall put on immortality, and those happy spirits shall continue to expand in the enjoyment of the love and presence of the Lord. Sister, is it you that are pondering over these lines, while the hand that wrote it lies folded beneath the shroud. Angels and all the redeemed are enjoying that reward, that God has in reserve for them that love him. And shall man, that noblest being of all God's creation, come short o{ his high vocation ; shall we seek to dwell with the glorified apostles that wait around His throne ; then may we choose God for our portion, and the giver of all our happiness. But man, since the fall, seeks not after God ; His fear is not before his eyes, his feet are in the broad road that leads to death ; that new and living way, that was offered through the veil, by the blood of Christ, is passed unperceived ; though the staff from Calvary's summit may wave the flag, engraved by the purple tide upon its snow-white folds : •'Redemption for fallen man!'' And shall all this be unperceivd and unheeded ? will he still make rapid strides to eternal ruin, or will he not halt, will he not turn and cast a wistful look ? Is there not a desire that flashes, like electricity through the soul, to learn the motive of this inscription, its end and excellency.

Here conviction is riveted upon the sinners heart; he sees the goodness of God, he has a true knowledge of the distance he is from him ; he sees that the road he is in, leads to hell. No wonder a penitent cries, "I am undone," when he discovers his danger, that he has lost his soul and his God. O ! sinner stop ! Reader, is it you that have turned your back, aud will not look upon this inscription ? will you not be convinced that Christ offers you pardon and an acquittal from sin ?

They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick, you certainly are diseased ; yea, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, full of bruises ; you need a physician. We are not sufficient of ourselves to administer a remedy, but our sufficiency is in Christ : " Without me," said he, '' ye can do nothing." There is an inward principle or spiritual life that moves upon the soul of man ; a spiritual work is begun in tie heart : he is like the faithful servant, he improves the grace already given him, and seeks for greater ; his soul panteth after righteousness, as the hart after the water-brook. Thus we must strive, if we would advance in the divine Hfe, for "strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few^ there be that find it." Man will seek to enter in, and shall not be able ; they seek to enter in by their own works, not by, and through, the righteousness of Christ ; *' For," saith Christ, " I am the door, by me if any man enter in, he shall find pasture ; but he that entereth not by the door, but climbeth up some other way, is a thief and a robber." He desires to rob Christ of his honor, and ascribe the glory to himself ; thus, the kingdom of heaven sufTereth violence ; the promise is to them that endure to the end, that shall be saved. Our carnal nature, which is enmity against God, must be subdued ; our desires that are in opposition to his will must be controlled, that we can say "not my will, but thine O God be done."

Alas, how far have we departed from apostolic purity. The Lord revealed his will to the Apostles, com* missioned them with tidings of mercy to the children of men. Has not the same light iallen on our path ? Has he not shown us our duty and we did it not ? Shall we from Pisgah's top have a sight of Canaan, and never tread the blissful soil where our dearest interests are at stake ? May the pearl be as precious to us as it was to the merchant in the gospel, who rested not till he had sold all he had and bought it. May the veil or gloom that covers our minds be removed, and we see our way to the portals of bliss, as Stephen saw the glory that awaited him, though expiring under the hands of his persecutors, that he should be released from toil and conflict and persecution, and swallowed up in eternal joy. What could he not endure for such revv^ard — bright scenes of glory bursting still in view, Jesus whispers it is enough, come happy soul thy reward is nigh — a victory triumphant, a glory won, he is now heir to the crown of life, which # the Lord, the righteous judge will give to his faithful- Fear not him that hath power to kill the body and inflict torture, though the most extreme, was the stimulating language of the dear Redeemer, to his tried and persecuted disciples, which nerved the soul, and kindled afresh that heavenly zeal, that swelled their throbbing hearts. May we not arrive at the same christian perfection? Have we not the same means of grace, to arrive at the highest degree of christian experience, enjoying a sweet and constant communion with the father of spirits : all the powers of the mind and heart, engaged in God's free, yet unmerited grace. Oh ! happy change, when we shall drop these tenements of clay, and both soul and body bask in the full enjoyments of His presence ; before whom angels bow, and cast their glittering crowns, when w^e shall join in the melodious and heavenly anthems of ascribing glory to God and the Lamb that has redeemed us.

We are a people truly blessed with every means of grace, every gospel promise given for our encouragement, and shall we bring an evil report of the goodly land ? Are we not through God's grace, freely able to go up and possess it ? The way is marked out by the blood of Christ, which makes it a high and a holy way, a way for the redeemed to walk in. They that are redeemed from sin, and have the sword of the spirit girt close about them, they can travel on secure and without fear, for nothing unclean shall enter there, or none can harm you through all your christian journey's end, although you are persecuted, yet the w^ay is pleasant, " For my yoke is easy and my burthen light." Here is comfort for the tried soul, when he looks by faith, to the hills from whence our help comes. O! then brothers and sisters, seek that wisdom that is from above, "for whether there be prophecies they shall fail, whether there be tongues they shall cease, whether knowledge it shall vanish away" ; for we shall shortly have done with all things temporal, done w.th the

REFLECTiaNS ON CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE. 11

Church Militant and all its ordinances, though our souls have oftentimes been refreshed and we strengthened in remembrance of Christ's love for us, and that we may drink anew with him in his heavenly kingdom. Ordinances then shall cease, and the knowledge of things here below, shall vanish away, for the harvest is gathered and the laborers called home ; but where, Oh ! where, shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ? Their hope forever gone, doomed to reckless despair, which is justly merited, and wd:iich will be the position of all the neglecters of Christ's grace, for none that is unholy, or defiletb, or makelh a lie, shall inherit the kingdom. Christians may have to weep and lament, while the world rejoice, but their sorrow shall be turned into joy, and it is a joy that the w^orld cannot give, neither take away; a glory awaits them that the sinner cannot indure, because his desires are so corrupt, and so unholy, he hatli no relish for heavenly joys, he hath no peace in the presence of God's children, it is a place he cannot endure, for he dislikes to hear tell of those joys that eye bath not seen nor ear heard ; that the human heart hath never conceived, that God hath laid up or prepared for them that love him ; they are hid from the eye of the ungodly : his heart delights not in understanding them ; there must be a change, a fitness for those sublime enjoyments. It matters not how delicious and rich the food is that is spread before us, if we have no relish nor appetite for it, the stomach loathes the sight, so the sinner in like manner, rejects heavenly instruction, because he has no relish for it; but if the powers of the stomach are properly arranged, the food is delicious, and the system nourished and strengthened ; so if the heart is made susceptible of divine instruction, how delightful the lectures, how pleasant a repast for the soul, how joyous to talk of that glory that awaits the people of God ; yet our capacities are so limited, our knowledge of things so dark, our expressions so simple and plain, we often feel discouraged. But why, Oh ! why, sister should wo pine ; if it did not appear even to the holy men, the beloved disciple what we should be, but that when Christ should appear, we should be like him; enough, Oh ! my soul enough to be like Christ, accepted and beloved of God ; honored and welcomed by angels.

The great Creator can, at one view behold the vast universe, and the millions of human beings are present before him His eye hath pitied, and tlie banner of his covenant hath spread over all : " Come unto me all ye ends of tlie earth and be ye saved.'' Tell a wanderer from God, whose delight is in sin, what belongs to his peace ; tell him the comforts of religion, the joy and peace of mind that the child of God has, he believes it not, he cannot understand it, it is hid from his eyes, for the natural eye cannot discern the things of the spirit ; neither is grace enjoyed only by grace ; but to the christian that lives near to God, it is encouragement, for he has a knowledge of divine things, and by grace he can speak of the blessedness of the saints beyond this veil of tears; his mind dwells on the Savior's promises, which brings him near to God ; he cries out, "Oh, the joys held out by the Redeemer to every believer! "Father I will that those w4iom thou hast given me, be with me w^here I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me." Is not this enough to fill the soul with life and joy ? They may feast thereon, as the hidden m.anna, and to them Christ will give the fruit of the tree of life, and make them pillars in the temple of God, and they shall go no more out.

Brethren be not dismayed, though the w^orld persecute you and cast out your name as evil, God v^^ill place on you a new name, and the name of our God, \^ hich seal will make you an heir to the city of God, which is the New Jerusalem, where you will have a seat with him at the table of the Lamb, and commune Vv'ith those that have come up through great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, who are before the throne of God, and serve him day and ni«iht in the temple, and the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water, and God will wipe away all tears Irom their eyes. Did not God tell Israel that he would be their God, and they should be his people ; that he would even dwell with them in the tabernacles of men ; and his servants should serve them, and that they should see his face, and his name should be in their foreheads. These are scriptural sayings, and founded on truth, for every promise shall be yea, and amen; and will in due time be fulfilled, for the Lord will come to gather his elect, and to reward his faithful. Rejoice then ye faithful, for the lines have fallen to us in pleasant places ; yea, we have a goodly heritage, if God is for us, who shall be against us; if hb is at our right hand we shall not be moved. Theretore, my heart is glad, for thou wilt teach us the way of life, and lead us into all truth; for in his presence is fullness of joy and at his right hand are pleasures forever-more.

How^ inexpressible and unbounded has God's love been towards us, that we, even you and I may have fellowship with him, even dwell in him and he in us. May we indulge in such a thought? the blessed bible tells us w^e may and forbids us not. It would have been the height of presumption in us, to have approached God, if Christ had not suffered for our offences, and received the stripes wherewith w^e are healed. But he hath spoken, and shall he not make it good, all that will come to him through Christ shall be saved. Be of good cheer brethren, the prophet tells us, that it is better to be a doorkeeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Moses said, he had rather suffer afxlictions with the people of God^ than enjoy the honors and wealth of Egypt. He had an eye to the recompense of reward, not the reward of man, but of God, made an heir of his kingdom, and the spouse of his Son, v/ho is one w^ith the Father.

This body shall return to dust, from whence it came; it shall be quickened and changed, for flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God ; it must be a spiritual body — tlvis mortal shall put on immortality — God will give a body as pleaseth Him. Christ is the first fruits of them that sleep, even so in like manner shall we be raised from the tomb, and soul and body re-unite. Herein is Christ glorified in the salvation of both soul and body ; as both soul and body suffered for sin, so shall both partake of the everlasting benefits of that suffering. Christ by his death purchased redemption for soul and body, otherwise he could not have been a full and complete Saviour; the anthems of praise could not have reverberated through that blissful realm, * Thou art worthy Oh, Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou hast redeemed us, both soul and body to God, by thy most precious blood, out of every kindred, nation, tongue and people.' And while the anthems of praise dwell on the tongues of the redeemed, ^the soul will expand and receive new joys and still greater delights, w^hile they continue to praise Him day and night, saying : '' Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come," w^hat a wonderful and noble creature is man ; reffect on his sensative powers, his understanding how great ; it can measure the earth and define its revolutions; acquaint itself with the sun, moon and stars, and have a fair knowledge of their eclipses. But is this all ? Nay, verily, there is a summit still greater for man to arrive at; he can know the great, *'I am,'' the mighty God that rules universal nature, that calms the ran:in^ billows; he can know Him in the forgiveness of all his sins ; experience His justiiying and saving power liere in this present life, and in the life to come dwell w^ith Him in the realms of unceasing delight.

Oh ! the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and goodness of God ; how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out. He hath created man and endowed him with understanding, and the plan of his better interest spread before him, that he might even through the veil behold the Son of Righteousness, and be made to say with Peter, -'It is good to be here,' it is pleasant tp wait upon the Lord ; Oh ! that I might ever dwell in his presence. The Lord hath promised his people supporting grace in the day of trial and suffering, and t^iough they walk through the fiery furnace, he will be with them. Believe then in God. Christ saith believe also in me, for here is knowledge of his supporting grace — the knowledge of things visible must cease, that a more glorious and perfect knowledge may succeed ;" for we know now only in part, but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away, for nov^ w^e see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Our knowledge shall be perfect, and w^e shall know even as we are known ; for it is life eternal to know God, and Jesus Christ w'hom he hath sent. Every faculty of the soul will be animated in this blessed knowledge, and gaze with wonder and astonishment upon the son of God.

Oh ! brother, sister, call to mind the past, and reflect what thou hast been ; yea, from the mount of faith, look into the depth of woe thou hast escaped ; compare the past with present favors, and it will raise in the soul new transports of delight, and wake up the most anxious enquiry : did the happiness I enjoy cost the life's blood of the dear Redeemer. Oh ! astonishing favor, amazing love and condescension, that 1 a sinner without merit, miserable, blind and naked, should by believing, attain unto. Is this a phantom ? is it a dream that is forgotten at opening day ? NO ! It is a glorious truth, 'founded upon Scripture. Well may it be termed "good news — tidings of peace and great joy to all nations." Weary soul be refreshed, thy help is near ; thy sufferings will soon be over, thy watchings and fasting and labors will be lost in glory ; for God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him. Although we are made often to mourn over our daily defects and sliort comings, and cry out, Oh ! that I could love him more — his goodness is enough to melt us down in the depths of humility ; he loved us while we were enemies and sinners against him. What a touching scene was it to see Joseph weeping over his brethren, until his lamentation was heard throughout the King's dominion ; but how much more affecting to see the immaculate Lord in condescending mercy weep over Jerusalem when near its ruin. Oh, sinner his love reaches to the ends of the earth, and encircles the whole race of man. Our regard one for another is changeable, but his love is not so, for with him there is no variableness nor shadow of turning. Then let not the things of this world gain our affections, but O may we be firm, (and even challenge tribulation, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword,) that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Yes, truly the believer may be thus established fully in his mind, ' that neither life nor death, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, shall be able to separate them from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Did not the Apostle arrive at this happy state, and remain firm through many stripes? That love attracted his attentions and charmed the soul, and made him cry out, "no w^onder angels desired to look into the depth of the mistery, for it surpasseth all knowledge." Oh, the breadth and length and depth and height of that love — it knows no bound.

" It's strains the whole creation reach, So plentious is the store ; Enough for all, enough for each, Enough for evermore."

" The gift of God is the white stone which no man knoweth save he that recieveth it/' Is not this the

Comforter that leads unto all truth, and brings the believer to the fountain of living waters, that they nriay thirst no more ; that it may be a well of Hvini^ water, springing up in them to eternal life, that they may receive the same glory that the Father gave the Son, and sit with him on his throne, even as he is set down with his father on his throne.