The Christian miscellany ...

Front matter

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

CHRISTIAN MISCELLANY.

Contents

Page Memoirs of my own life- —

Childhood and youth, .... 7

Days of mature life, - - - - 10

CHAPTER I. CHILDHOOD AND TfOUTH

I AM forty -Jive years of age. My native place is the City of Philadelphia. My parents were in the middle class of society — plain, industrious, religious people. I am partly of German, and partly of English descent; my grandparents on the father's side, having come from Germany; and on the mother's side from England. 1 am one of eight children; all are gone, except a sister — the wife of J. Carrigan, of Philadelphia.

My father died when I was five years old. I remember following him to his grave in October, 1804; to the burying' ground of the German Reformed Church, on Franklin Square. All traces of that resting place of the dead are now done away; the graves of the multitudes lying there have been levelled. It is now a beautiful

MEMOIES OF public square, with trees, and grass, and graveled walks, and a marble fountain sending up its playful streams of water in the centre of the ground: all this has been done in the last few years. Underneath the sod are the lowly resting places of departed friends, — mine among the rest. The gay and laughing crowd above, while thronging the pleasant walks of Franklin Square, do not think how many are buried in that enclosure. I had promised my mother that she should be buried in that saiTfis ground, with her husband and her children, but the city had claimed the spot, and made a pleasure ground of it; and my mother's resting place is in the burying ground of the M. E. Union Church, South Tenth street.

How strangely Philadelphia has spread out on every side since the daj^s of my childhood. The fields and meadows have been covered with houses; and the romantic Schuylkill is not as it used to be, with its green banks and wild hill, the abode of thousands of swallows, now Fairmount. One of my earliest recollections is, about my third or fourth year, going with my father and mother and sister, on Easter Monday, on an excursion to the floating bridge on the Schuylkill, near Fairmount, where the elegant bridge suspended on wire ropes now spans the river. The coal wharves and the busy multitude now occupy its banks.

My mother was a pious woman, and did her

MY OWN LIFE.. 9

best for the temporal and spiritual welfare of her children. Several years of my boyhood were occupied at school in obtaining the rudiments of a plain English education. I have always been exceedingly fond of reading and thinking, especially as it regards serious and religious things.

I used to go with my mother to the Presbyterian church, of which she was a member. From her lips, and the lips of two spiritual ministers of the Presbyterian church, I first learned the Gospel of Christ, was enlightened, and led while yet a boy to seek the Lord in prayer and repentance. The names of those two ministers are James K. Burch and John Joyce. For a long time I was seeking the Lord, and at last found rest and peace to my soul by simply believing with all my heart, that "Christ Jesus had loved me and washed me from my sins in his own blood." That hope and trust I ever hold fast.

Having been much benefited by the preaching and writings of the people called Methodists, I united with them in church fellowship about the eighteenth year of my age. At that time they were plain, spiritual, and persecuted, to a greater extent than at present. I remember with pleasure the preaching of such men as Roberts, Ruter, Emory, Rusling, and others, who preached in Philadelphia in those days, — but now they rest from their labours.

10 MEMOIRS OF

How sweet and heavenly is the light of Chri&t as it first beams into the heart of man, the blessed doctrine of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, through a dying, risen Saviour.

About the age of nineteen I went into a hardware store in Second Street, owned by D. H.

M r, a worthy and kind-hearted man — also

gone to rest — after having tried the honours and disappointments of political life.

Chapter II. Middle Life

In the mercantile business I remained several years. In the meantime my mind became impressed with an earnest desire to preach the Gospel of salvation among my fellow-men. I read — and studied — and prayed — and was licensed to exhort and preach in my native city.

In accordance with these feelings, I gave up the business in which I was engaged. This was in the year 1827. Proceeding over the mountains, I united myself with the Pittsburg Methodist Episcopal Conference; and engaged in spreading the glad tidings of salvation in differrent places in western Pennsylvania and Virginia. Five years I continued west of the mountains — preaching Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

I was two years in the city of Pittsburgh, and became much attached to many there — among

MY OWN LIFE. 11

the rest Doctor S , whose intelligent mind,

and friendly conduct will be remembered. I remember also the very amiable family of B. P. and many others. One year I travelled the circuit round Parkersburg on the Ohio river, — one year round Kittaning on the Alleghany river, — and one year I was stationed in Clarksburgh, Va. Many dear friends I had in those places, — some probably are gone from a world of trouble — all of them I hope may find a happier home.

Pittsburgh while I was there — was a very industrious, but black and smoky place — yet withal a pleasant town. It is beautifully situated at the junction of the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers. They join and form the Ohio. It is a central stopping place between the east and west.

Party feeling at that time ran very high among the Methodists, on the subject of reform in church government. Such strife among brethren I never saw before, and wish never to witness again. The reform party came out in various places, and formed a separate body. But instead of going to the primitive church for a pattern — they tried the wisdom of man, and formed one for themselves.

In Pittsburgh, I believe, since they separated, both old and new side have prospered. May they both find a more excellent way than they have yet known — aad come to see the simple

JB 2

12 MEMOIRS OF

apostolic plan — on which the churches were united to the Lord and to each other — in the early Christian days.

Chapter III. Middle Life

I have always been fond of reading and study, so that the great and leading doctrines of Christianity have long been familiar to me. I not only know them, but love them as the truth of God. I have always held the blessed faith and hope of salvation through Christ crucified, as I at first received it.

The year 1832 found me a supernumerary preacher in Pittsburgh, with my health very poor. My mind, at that time, was wakened up to the investigation of the subject of Christian baptism. I had not before particularly studied its nature and meaning, as I rather regarded it in the usual way as an outward ceremony of minor importance.

After very serious and solemn inquiry, I was convinced that the primitive Christian baptism was not the sprinkling or pouring of water on an infant, but the immersion of a believer, and that it had a spiritual meaning and blessing attending it. When convinced of this, I had but one course to pursue; and hard as it was to go against the judgment and wishes of friends and brethren who

MY OWN LIFE. 13

were much esteemed by me, I was obedient to the light I had received, and was honoured and blessed in being buried with Christ in baptism.

This was in the summer of '32. My health was poor, life appeared very uncertain, and I wished, if possible, to go in the same way trod by the saints of old, who have died in Christ, and rest in paradise.

This additional light on the subject of baptism led to a fellowship with those who saw and felt as I did myself on this subject. Not that 1 ceased to love my Methodist brethren, nor that I formally withdrew, but merely went on and preached in the vineyard of the Lord, as his providence permitted. Afterward, having returned eastward again, I united with a small body of preachers and brethren called the "Church of God," with whom I agree in doctrine and practice, and with whom I continue to labour and bear the cross, in hope of a crown of righteousness in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose coming, I believe, draws very near.

Of my faith, and practice, and hope, I feel myself in fellowship and communion with the primitive church, and the saints, wherever found on earth, or those who have gone to rest.

Some years I have preached as a missionary at large, and for several years past have been pastor of the church in Lancaster, Pa. This year I am

14 MEMOIRS OF MY OWN LIFE.

general missionary among the churches, and wherever the hand of the Lord may guide.

" God of my life — In all my ways, thy hand I own,

Thy ruling providence I see ; Assist me still my course to run,

And still direct my paths to Thee."

J. FLAKE.

Philadelphia, June 23, 1844.

THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM. *

ACTS, 2d chapter.

The Gospel was first preached at Jerusalem, according to the command of Jesus. There he suffered — from thence he ascended into heaven — and there we may expect he will return when he comes again — in glory.

Jerusalem, during our Saviour's sojourn on earth, was in prosperity, although its ancient glory had passed away. It was very populous, and the Jewish people from every place where they were scattered, repaired thither to w^orship, at the great yearly religious festivals. At the feast of the Passover Jesus was crucified — buried — and rose again the third day. He tarried with his disciples about forty days after he rose from the dead, and then in open day — from the Mount of Olives, he ascended into heaven, while their longing eyes followed their beloved Master in his heavenward course. The feast of Pentecost was near, which came seven weeks after the Passover.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples were all. gathered together, and then came the Holy Spirit upon them, according to the promise of their Master. First, "there came the sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,'^ — and "then appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,

16 THE CHURCH

and it sat upon each of them.'^ " They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and hegan to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

That was the day of power and of joy — all their fears were gone — and Peter preached the first Gospel sermon, concerning Jesus the Messiah, to a great multitude of his Jewish brethren.

Many who heard his word were convinced of the truth — they believed the message of mercy — they repented — and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. The number of converts on that day was about three thousand souls.

This was the first ^' Church of God'^ under the Gospel dispensation — and from thence the true Church descends.

They all believed — all repented — all were baptized in the name of Jesus — and no doubt all were made partakers of the Holy Spirit. Oh how glad they must have been to learn that Jesus was the true Messiah, and the King of Israel, spoken of by the prophets. How happy to know that through his dying for them, they had the forgiveness of all their sins. How cheering the hope of his second coming in glory, and the prospect of a better inheritance in a better world, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the people of God.

AT JERUSALEM. 17

What a great change with them. They were converted — born again — all things became new. They found by experience what the kingdom of God is; even righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. They were born of water and of the Spirit; and were saved, not by works of righteousness which they had done, but by the mercy of God, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Behold the benevolence, and brotherly kindness that prevailed. "All that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." They had the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, and this led them to the love of all around them. This benevolence Jesus had — and so have his disciples.

THE "CHURCH OF GOD" IN AMERICA.

Chapter I

In the course of the last twenty years, a number of preachers and private Christians have been united together in religious fellowship, and form a body of people calling themselves the "Church of God."

18 THE

Through the merciful providence of God, a gracious revival of religion took place in Harrisburg, Pa., about the year 1825; in which John Winebrenner, who was labouring there in the ministry, was eminently useful in the enlightening and conversion of many souJs.

The work of grace spread through the neighbouring country, and afterward into some parts of Maryland and Ohio. During these years a multitude have been brought to a saving l^nowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ — a number of churches have been formed — and about eighty preachers are now united together in labouring in the blessed work.

Several of these ministers had preached for some years among other denominations. J. W. had been in the ministry in the German Reformed Church — the writer, J. F., an itinerant preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church — J. T. had been a regular Baptist preacher — and several others have been formerly in other churches; but the most of these brethren were converted, and called to the preaching of the Gospel, since the above mentioned revival began.

Through the grace of God, holding the same faith Siud practice of the Gospel as in primitive, days — they have been brought together into one brotherhood.

The w^ord of God as found in the Holy Scrip-

IN AMERICA. 19

tares is received as the only authority for faith and practice. Such as make the good confession of Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord — are received as members in these churches. But of all these it is required that they walk in obedience to Christ — as the fruits of a true and living faith. They hold free communion with all true Christians.

The churches are regularly organized — under the care of elders and deacons.

Chapter II

Question. What is the doctrine and practice of this people?

Jinswer. As taught in the Holy Scriptures — We believe in God — the Father — Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord.

And in the Holy Spirit of God — the Comforter.

We believe in the divinity of the Father — the Son—the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the human family are in a fallen — guilty — depraved, and helpless state.

That God so loved the world that he gave his

only begotten Son — who in the fulness of time

came into the world in human nature — through

the power of the Holy Spirit being born of the

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20 THE "church of GOd"

virgin Mary — that He suffered and died at Jerusalem — that He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world — that He tasted death for every man — and that through his sufferings and death alone, remission of sins is obtained.

In Jesus Christ dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, even in him who died, and was buried, and rose again from the dead the third day, and ascended into heaven — and who now ever lives to make intercession for us.

Christ will come again, in person, and in glory — to judge the living and the dead — and to set up his everlasting kingdom. When Christ comes there will be a resurrection of the righteous dead — whose souls are now in Paradise. There will afterward be a resurrection of all the dead — even the wicked.

We believe and preach very strongly the necessity of faith — repentance — and universal obedience to all the divine commands, and are opposed to war — slavery — intemperance and other prevailing evils.

We believe in the influence of the Holy Spirit in the enlightening — conversion— and sanctification of the soul; — and in the privilege of enjoying the light, comfort and guidance of the same blessed Spirit.

That every true believer may enjoy the assurance of the forgiveness of sins — and through divine grace may live holy, and not commit sin.

IN AMERICA. 21

That baptism — namely, immersion in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit — is the duty and privilege of every true believer.

That the communion of the Lord's Supper — and washing the saints' feet are to be observed.

That everlasting life will be the lot of the saints — and everlasting punishment the doom of the wicked.

The way of worship among these people is plain — and they endeavour to let it be spiritual and devout. Singing of hymns — prayers — reading the Scriptures — and preaching — is the usual mode. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are observed — and also washing of feet

Class meetings — prayer meetings— experience meetings — and camp meetings are usual.

CHAPTER III. But why do they call themselves "The Church of God?"

First. Because we wish above all things to be numbered among the church and people of God. The heavenly family is made up of the saints on earth, and saints in heaven, and of that holy family we trust we form a part.

Second. Because in apostolic days the believers in Jesus were thus denominated by the apostles. St. Paul, in writing to several of the churches,

22 THE

addresses them as "the Church of God." And it is considered more pious and acceptable to call ourselves after the name of the Lord, than after the name of any man, however eminent and good he may be.

The name is high and holy; and all who take it have the strongest reason to labour to be conformed to the image of Him whose name they bear, and of whom the whole family in heaven and in earth is named.

We are willing, likewise, to be called by any of the names which were used among the apostles in primitive days, such as saints, brethren, disciples, Christians; but as to a sectarian name, we reject it altogether. We do not feel warranted to make one for ourselves, or to allow others to impose one on us.

For church order and discipline we endeavour to follow the precepts and example of our Saviour and his inspired apostles, as set forth in the New Testament; and think that the rules and practice there set forth, are sufficient as a general guide. If there be a humble and willing mind, it is not difficult to see the apostolic order in the New Testament; and when that order is carried out in its simplicity and purity in these last days, it works for the peace and prosperity of Zion; for it is not the wisdom of men, but it is the working of that wisdom which comes from above.

IN AMERICA. 23

Chapter IV

There is a yearly meeting held of all the preachers, together with delegates from the various churches, which is called the general eldership. That which takes in the preachers and churches in Eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland is held in November. Another eldership takes in the preachers and churches in west Pennsylvania; and a third is for Ohio, which meets in October.

At these yearly meetings, those of the preachers who are willing to take appointments for the ensuing year, give in their names; and their stations are arranged by a committee of appointments chosen for the purpose. Those who do not take an appointment to a station, or circuit, labour in the Gospel according as circumstances permit.

But few among the preachers have had the advantage of a classical education, but they are generally men of good natural abilities, well acquainted with the Holy Scriptures in the commorr languages, and believe themselves called by the Lord himself to the blessed work of preaching the everlasting Gospel. With sound minds and warm hearts, and the heavenly light to bless and guide them, they go forward in their work with the hope of a better day, and a crown of righteousness before them. c 2

The temporal support obtained by the preachers is very small. A large part receive nothing — some are able to obtain, vi^here they labour, the necessary things of life. This is not because they are opposed to taking what is needful for their temporal necessities, but because the people united with them are generally poor — and in some places their societies are few in number.

SAVING FAITH.

■ " Like precious faith with us." " Purifying their hearts by faith." " Receiving the end of your faith even the salvation of

your souls." — Peter.

" Rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom." — James. " Overcometh the world, even our faith." — John. " With the heart man believeth unto righteousness." " In whom ye also trusted."

" By grace are ye saved, through faith," " All these died in faith." — Paul. " Have faith in God."

" Ye believe in God, believe also in me." " He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." " Sanctified by faith that is in me." — Jesus.

To believe and to have faith — means the same thing. When we read in the New Testament of the absolute, necessity of believing, or having faith, in order to salvation — it is not a mere arbitrary requirement, but needful in the very nature of things. For where there is no faith, between man and man, there is no friendship. If you cannot have faith and confidence in your fellow man — there can be no fellowship between you. As long as you look upon him as your enemy, you are afraid of him, and keep at a distance.

Now this is the feeling that unenlightened and unrenewed men have towards the Divine Being. They feel themselves guilty and depraved, and they think that God is their enemy. They think of his holiness, and justice, and power — they tremble and shrink back, and try to find refuge in unbelief

The heart of man can hardly help believing that there is a God, though the eye see Him not. But the great question is, what is the disposition of this glorious Being toward me? Is He disposed to be my enemy, and to use his almighty power to render me miserable; or has He thoughts of kindness and compassion toward me in my low and fallen estate?

This question must be answered, or else there can be no confidence in the human heart toward God; and if there be no faith or confidence, there can be no friendship.

Now, in order that we might regain that confidence and faith in God which we have lost, it has pleased God to reveal and manifest himself in a wonderful manner, from time to time, to the human family. He gave the promise to our first parents of a Deliverer. He called Abraham, and renewed the promise. He chose the children of Israel to be his peculiar people, — and then in the fulness of time, He sent forth his Son into the world — the promised Saviour. He seeks us before we think of seeking him. He comes down unto us clothed in a human form. The Son of God comes to suffer and die to redeem our souls and win our hearts to God, in faith and love.

All this goes to prove to the unbelieving, doubting, fearful heart of man that God is not his enemy, but instead thereof his best friend. As soon as any one sees this, and believes it, trust and confidence toward God spring up in his heart, the current of his affections turns heavenward. He now knows that which he never knew before, and oh, what peace and joy this knowledge brings. Being now justified by faith, he has peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The belief or faith which thus brings the soul of man near to God, is the simple believing of matters of fact. And these matters of fact are set forth to us in the Gospel of Christ. It is not that we are to believe what our own fancy may dictate, or what man may say, but it is the belief of the truth of God that brings salvation. The great truth which a penitent sinner is called to believe is, that " Jesus Christ has loved me, and washed me from my sins in his own blood." For if Christ died for every man — He died for me.

And this I am to believe because his own woYd declares it.

This faith, which we have in the glorious facts set forth in the Gospel of Christ, is founded on evidence. For the belief of those things which have not sufficient evidence to sustain them, is blameable credulity. But see how careful our God has been to give us sufficient reason to believe in his compassion and love toward us.

One messenger after another, and continued displays of his wonderful and gracious providence, kept faith alive among his ancient people of Israel. And now to us the Son of God has appeared in the fulness of time, in our world, and died, and rose again from the dead, — and all to redeem and bring us near to God, our Father in heaven J that we might put trust and confidence in Him, even as Abraham did of old.

And he who will not believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Saviour, after all the evidences, both external and internal, which the Gospel has about it, his own evil heart is the cause of his unbelief. For when we are willing and desirous that any tidings should be true, we look at the evidence thereof with a favourable eye. And so it is that when the will and heart of man inclines to the Gospel, and wishes it to be true, then we are not long in being persuaded to embrace it as the message of our heavenly Father's love.

Now this real, true and saving faith may be

'28 HYMN.

weaker in some persons than in others. But wherever it is the faith or trust which a broken and contrite heart j^laces in the mercy of its God and Saviour, it is genuine. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.

HYMN.

(From Wesley.)

None is like Jeshurun's God,

So great, so strong, so high; Lo! He spreads his wings abroad.

He rides upon the sky; Israel is his first born son,

God, the Almighty God, is thine; See, He in thy help comes down,

The majesty divine.

In a land of corn and wine,

His lot shall be below; Comforts here and blessings join,

And milk and honey flow; Jacob's well is in his soul.

Gracious dews his heaven distil; Fill his soul already full.

And shall forever fill.

Blest, Israel, art thou;

What people is like thee; Saved from sin by Jesus now,

Thou art and still shalt be: Jesus is thy seven-fold shield,

Jesus is thy flaming sword; Earth, and hell, and sin shall yield,

To God's almighty word.

A LIVING MINISTRY.

There always has been, and always will be, a living ministry in the Church of God. The first twelve, and the first seventy, who were called to the work, have long since died in peace. So also "our beloved brother Paul," and those who laboured with him among the Gentiles, have finished their course and gone to rest. And those who preached the truth, and suffered for it among the Waldenses and elsewhere, these have not laboured and suffered in vain.

And now, as the second advent of the Son of God drawls near, the hearts of many are drawn to this good work of labouring and prophesying in the vineyard of the Lord.

The Lord chooses his own workmen to accomplish his great work of saving the souls of men. He puts it into the heart of the young man full of life, and health, and zeal. He takes the farmer, the mechanic, the merchant, and sometimes the man of fine learning, and sends them to preach his Gospel. "

Then do not hinder or forbid any who give evidence that they are influenced by the love of Christ, and love to precious souls, provided they have gifts as well as grace. For whoever undertakes this work must have the Spirit of Christ. And no man should be licensed or ordained, unless he have, in some good degree, the qualifications set forth by St. Paul in his Epistles to Timothy and Titus.