The spiritual mirror; or, looking-glass: exhibiting the human heart as being either the temple of God, or habitation of devils

Front matter

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Preface

COURTEOUS READER,

Having in some degree, looked abroad into the world, and discovered the follies and crimes of my fellow rationals ! I have been called to commiserate their wretchedness, which is the offspring of their depraved, fallen nature, and have been often ready to wonder at the manifest neglect of the benevolent Gospel, which breathes nothing but pity and compassion to sinners. Having sought diligently for the principal reasons of such neglect, I have concluded the reason why the sick are not healed, is not because there is no Balm in Gilead, or no Physician there, but because they are ignorant of their maladies. As the Laodiceans, they suppose they are rich, and know not that they are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked. Rev. hi. 17. While reflecting on the deplorable condition of so many of my fellow beings, who were perishing for lack of knowledge, I found the matter of the work before you, in the German language, and after a careful perusal, I was induced by the excellence of its matter, and the beauty of its illustrations, to translate it .into that language in which it may be more extensively read, especially in our happy, and favored land. The matter of this work needs no recommendation, though worthy of much. And the translator presumes to hope that the pureness of sentiments and excellence of matter, will atone for any inelegance of style, which may fall under the observation of the critical reader. As from such imperfections he cannot believe it entirely free, as this is the first production of his labors which has fallen into the hands of the public. He dare not flatter himself with the hopes of pleasing the carnal Antinomian, or proud Pharisee, yet he does indulge a hope that some whose hearts are the seat of every unclean and venomous thing, may, through the instrumentality of this work, by the blessing of God, be made the temple of the holy spirit — which will amply reward him for all his toil.

Dear Reader, look into thy heart, and look to God to enter and dwell there — He wills thy complete and entire salvation — Quench not his spirit — Grieve not his love. Set thy house in order for thou shalt die. That you may be eternally benefited through the instrumentality of this treatise, is the prayer of the public's friend and humble servant,

PETER BAUDER.

Albany, January, 1826.

Introduction

He that committeth sin is the servant of sin, and the wages of sin is death. But it is written, repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, and such may claim the promise, viz : he will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God ! therefore the world knoweth us not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God ; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin, transgresseth also the law : for sin is the transgression of the law.

And we know that he w T as manifested to take away our sins ; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not : Little children, let no man deceive you : he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil ; for the devil sinneth from the beginning, for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is borne of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil : he that doeth not righteousness, is not of God. 1 John iii. 1—10.

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TO THE READER.

This work was translated from the French in the year of our Lord 1732, at Wertsburg, under the title of Spiritual Looking Glass, in which every man, desirous for salvation, may clearly discover the state of his heart, and may by the assistance of grace, regulate his daily walk profitably, and by earnestly striving, have his heart cleansed from sin, and made a temple for the holy spirit to dwell in. I am well aware that the lovers of sin, and forbidden pleasures, will not behold this work with approbation, but will disapprove of it, because it so plainly exhibits to view the contrast of the two characters, and exposes the arch fiend, who keeps them bound slaves to sin and Satan. While on the other hand, it clearly shows the liberty of the children of God, w T ho have obeyed the calls of the gospel, and have opened the doors of their hearts, and have received a crucified Saviour, whose hearts are now become the temple of God. We know that the ungodly scoff at the idea that Satan worketh in the hearts of the children of disobedience, neither do they believe in Christ, and the atonement, as we are taught by the holy scriptures. Knowing, however, that the carnal mind is enmity against God, being well assured that a worldly spirit doth not come from God, but from Satan, therefore we have no reason to expect that this work will please a carnal mind.

But we are taught by Jesus Christ, and his apostles invariably,

That as God has erected his kingdom in the hearts of his believing children, where he dwells and reigns, as in his own temple, and by his spirit enlivens, purifies, sanctifies, and fills them with the power of God, heavenly joys and peace, and everlasting life ; so hath Satan his kingdom in the hearts of the ungodly, and unbelieving ; he dwells in them as in his own house, and works all manner of mischief, and makes them miserable, and wretched.

We are taught by Jesus Christ, that the enemy that sowed tares among the wheat is the devil. Matt. xiii. 25. 39. The tares are there, which cannot be denied. We shall now endeavour to show more plainly in what manner this arch enemy sows them.

Jesus spoke unto the unbelieving, and said, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do ; he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him ; when he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own ; for he is a liar, and the father of it. St. John viii. 44.

St. Paul teaches, that Satan is a prince, a powerful, a mighty spirit, who reigns in the wilderness of this world ; therefore it is written, we wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places • Ephes. vi. 12.

Again we read; Satan is the god of this world, whom the wicked and unbelieving serve ; he blinds their minds, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor. iv. 4. It is plainly proved, that this is the work of the devil, a blindness cast over the mind of the carnal man, by the spirit of Satan, which keeps them from seeing the light ; accordingly they will not believe the gospel of Christ.

St. Paul writes, Ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Ephes. ii. 2.

The Apostle Peter commands, to be clothed with humility, be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith. 1 Pet. v. 5, 8, 9.

John the Revelator, says, that old serpent, the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world. — Rev. xii. 9. We read, he that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning; for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John iii. 8.

Again we read, resist the devil and he will flee from you: draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James iv. 7, 8. Christ gave power to his disciples to cast out devils, and over all the power of the enemy. Matt. x. 8. Luke x. 19.

There has been so much said on this subject, that we are ready to conclude, that the serious reader does not entertain a doubt, but that every human heart, is either the temple of God, or a habitation of devils; or, in other words, that as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, dwell in the hearts of the children of God, to reign, and rule, and sanctify. Even so has Satan his seat in the hearts of the wicked, and ungodly, and there dwells, and reigns, and rules predominant.

It is intended, by the assistance of divine grace, to have this little work so calculated, that in these plates may be discovered, in a small measure, the undeniable truths of the gospel, and the glorious plan of salvation — and it is hoped that this little work may prove an instrument, under God, in the building up of the saints in their most holy faith; and of turning many from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan, and slavery of sin, unto the living God.

In each plate you will discover a heart, with a face or countenance of a person; each countenance is expressive of the state of the heart, as in the heart is the ruling principle of the whole man. The face may be called the sign, which the internal man presents to public view, by which men may know what spirit is in the heart. Therefore the reader is entreated, whenever he sees these plates, to turn the eyes of his mind into his own heart, examine, and search to the bottom, in order that he may discover the situation of his heart; that he may know whether Christ or Satan reigns in him; whether God's or Satan's kingdom is erected in his heart. Whether he is a slave to sin and Satan, or whether Christ has made him free, and whether he now enjoys the liberty of a child of God. Be in earnest, do not look over it carelessly. Be reasonable, it behooves you to deal honestly with your God, and your own soul; and as an honest man confess to God, whatever you find in your heart; recollect that every moment of your life, you stand in the immediate presence of that God, who searcheth the hearts, and trieth the reins; before whom nothing is hid; he sees and knows the situation of your heart, if you find wickedness there. Mourn before the Lord, put your trust in him, confess your sins, turn to God, give him your heart as it is; he is waiting to receive it. The blood of Jesus Christ, cleanseth from all sin; he is your Saviour, he came into the world to save you; he was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil in you; to redeem you from the power of Satan, and adopt you, as an heir of his kingdom. Then you will be able to say with the Apostle Paul; giving thanks unto the Father, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Col. i. 13. He will also give you grace, and strength, that you need no longer be subject to Satan; you need no longer to obey, nor serve him. He will make you free, if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. St. John viii. 36.

This figure is a representation of a man who Serves sin, and suffers Satan to reign in his heart.

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SPIRITUAL MIRROR.

FIGURE I.

THIS FIGURE IS A REPRESENTATION OF A MAN WHO SERVES SIN, AND SUFFERS SATAN TO REIGN IN HIS HEART.

As you see this Heart, so is the heart of a man who lives in sin, and vanity, after the vain imagination of his heart, and the trifling amusements of this world, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Eph. ii. 2. Thus this man goes on, first indulging himself in small sins, so called, and proceeding by degrees. He soon indulges himself in all the gratifications and lusts, of his polluted, and sinful heart; and esteems nothing as sin, without one serious reflection, on God, judgment, or eternity.

This Heart proves itself to be a habitation of devils, which is exemplified by a train of seven unpleasant likenesses, representing the reigning principles of the unregenerate heart.

The Peacock, that is spreading his shining feathers, denotes that killing sin, pride, which leads so many astray, by so many different ways, either by riches, honor, their beautiful form, or features, fine dress, or their gifts or talents, &c. which are all unmerited favors, that God has bestowed, in which the person takes pride, and exalts himself in his own esteem, and fancying himself better than his neighbour, he despises him, and seeks every opportunity to press him down.

The Goat being an unruly and ill smelling, disagreeable animal, represents the disorder and impureness of the unregenerate heart, licentiousness, &c.

The Hog, is to represent gluttony and drunkenness, and the like.

The Toad, who gets its living close to the earth, is to represent an earthly minded, covetous disposition, which keeps men close to the earth, in pursuit of more wealth, being never satisfied.

The Serpent, who deceived our first parents, because he envied their happiness, is a true representation of envy, deceit, and a spirit that seeks the ruin of others.

The Tiger, one of the most voracious animals, represents anger, which seems to be a besetment of too many.

The Turtle, being a slow moving creature, represents the slowness, and dulness to which men are inclined, in obeying the commands of God.

The Holy Spirit is drove from the heart, and fleeth; being grieved notwithstanding, he withdraws not the gifts and graces of Providence from the sinner, which is represented by the flames of fire, surrounding the heart, offering the sinner light ; but finds no admittance, because the heart is filled with all manner of wickedness, and shut against the light of the Good Spirit, and the offers of grace.

The guardian Angel, or ministering Spirit, is continually watching over, and guarding the sinner; directing him to the word of God, and other means of grace: but he refuses to hear, and is deaf to the still small voice ; occasioned by the lusts and pleasures of sin. This is the miserable and awful condition of the man who lives in the vain maxims and fashions of this world. Oh! how many live to an old age in this wretched condition, and dream of Heaven, and feel secure, because they are not guilty of the commission of so great crimes as some of their neighbours, or because they have taken upon themselves a form of godliness, not searching the scriptures to find that they deny the power, or because Christ died that all may come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved from their sins, they lay aside a part of the scriptures and calculate to be saved in their sins, or obtain forgiveness after death ; or having been convinced of sin, they deceive themselves, mistaking conviction for a change of heart ; or because some months, or years since the Spirit of God had illuminated their hearts, and they had joy in believing, and are now settled down upon a hope which they received with their former experience; and like the foolish virgins slumber, and sleep, not knowing that their lamps have gone out, neither do they know that they have no oil in their vessels ; they are not conscious of danger, they are called Christians while they are the servants of sin and slaves to Satan, they have a name to live and are dead. Rev. iii. 1.

A PRAYER.

Almighty and most merciful God, wilt thou look down upon me with compassion, and behold the wretched condition of my sinful heart ; illuminate it by thy holy Spirit, and open the eyes of my understanding, that I may have a clear discovery of myself; give me grace, that I may come humble before thee, and surrender myself wholly to thee : Oh let thy holy Spirit come into my heart, and eradicate every evil; preserve me Almighty Saviour, that I may never again yield to the temptations of the enemy of my soul, that my heart may never more become the habitation of an unclean spirit: Oh! cleanse me, purify my heart by the sanctifying influences of thy holy Spirit ; make thine abode in me, destroy every root of bitterness in me, keep me by thy Spirit's power, that Satan may never more draw my affections from thee, by presenting unto me the honors, riches, or pleasures of this vain world: Oh ! Lord prepare my heart for a dwelling for thyself, and keep it through life, and in death receive me to thyself, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Oh ! Jesus, my Redeemer, Lord;

In dust and ashes would I lie, Implore thy grace, thy grace award

My sin sick soul, or else I die.

Though great my sins, thy grace excels The blackest crime, in nature known ;

And with my God forever dwells Rich mercy — mercy's all his own.

Great God, of thee I ask relief: Forbid that sin should me control:

My sins have caus'd my Saviour grief, Thy gospel cheers my inmost soul.

This figure represents the person convinced of sin , aiuf is ei hi eav curing to flee the wrath to come.

FIGURE II.

THIS FIGURE REPRESENTS THE PERSON CONVINCED OF SIN, AND IS ENDEAVOURING TO FLEE THE WRATH TO COME.

The Angel, as you see him, is exhibiting to the sinner, through the grace of God, the wages of sin, namely, the sword of justice, or judgment, and death, and convinces him, from the word of God, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God: be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10. Tribulation upon every soul of man that doeth evil. Rom. ii. 9.

This man is alarmed in his conscience ; he turns the eyes of his mind into his heart, and there he finds nothing but sin and every evil propensity ; he discovers, by a still greater light, which is shining into his heart from the Holy Spirit above him, the awfulness and sinfulness of sin, and the danger of living in sin ; he mourns, he abhors sin, and himself for having committed sin: he groans under the weight of sin ; he seeks to be delivered from it, but he feels his own weakness and the power of sin; confesses his weakness and proneness to do evil ; he sighs from the very bottom of his heart, O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death. Rom. vii. 24. The Holy Spirit answers, son give me thy heart, I am waiting to receive it: I am always ready to receive all those that are of a broken heart, and a contrite spirit. The Holy Spirit draws near, and the rays of divine light penetrate the heart ; and as the light of the Holy Spirit shines into the heart, and the rays of divine light spread, Satan with his whole train, have to flee.

All those hateful images, all those creatures which are dreadful in their nature, which represent the ruling passions of a sinful heart, all have to flee from before the light of the Spirit. Where the light shineth, darkness gives way. As soon as the bright rays of the sun make their appearance in the eastern horizon, the darkness of the night gives way. Sin brings darkness, and night into our hearts ; the Spirit of God brings light. As soon as the man begins to hate sin, light springs up in the soul; Satan has to flee, he cannot dwell in the light, he reigns in darkness and sin, he has but one way to enter into our hearts, namely, through sin: if you desire sin, you open the door of your heart for him to enter; if you love sin, you give him the key of your heart. Love to God, and his commandments, and hatred to sin, keeps the heart sealed against Satan.

O ye eternity bound souls, love the light of the spirit, hate darkness, resist evil, and Satan will flee from you. Shut and seal your eyes against the world, sin, and all wanderings after evil: open your hearts to receive the Holy Spirit of God: be grateful for each ray of light that is offered; let the Spirit come in; he will expel sin and darkness, yea, Satan, and hell also out of your hearts. Whenever your hearts are in the least illuminated by the Spirit of God, then improve your time ; remember the word of God tells us, my spirit shall not always strive with man ; turn the eyes of your mind into your heart, search to the bottom, examine as for eternity; there may be some secret sin, concealed in some obscure or dark corner ; if you discover darkness there, you may be well assured there is sin concealed. If you would escape the wrath to come, immediately open the door of your heart, to let in the Holy Spirit, who has been knocking, and waiting until his locks are wet with the dew of the night, desiring admission, that he may show you the secret sins of your heart ; that you may see their enormous black appearance, and he may extirpate them; that he may come in, that your hearts may become a temple for the Holy Spirit of God to dwell in.

PRAYER.

O, Father, thou fountain of light and life, wilt thou let the light of thy Spirit, shine into my dark and benighted soul, that I may see, and live : thou wiliest not the death of the sinner, thou wiliest not my death, but rather that I turn from my evil ways and live: wilt thou show unto me my sins, which have so long blinded mine eyes, and still keep me a bound slave to sin and Satan: give me thy grace which thou hast promised unto repenting sinners, through Jesus

Christ: let thy Spirit find way to my heart, fill it with penitential grief and sorrow; drive out sin and Satan, and make room for thyself! give me thy Holy Spirit, to stimulate in me love to God, and thy holy commandments, and renew within me a right spirit, that sin may no more reign in my body ; that Satan may no more blind, lead, nor overcome me: teach me freely to confess that in sin is no holiness ; he that committeth sin is the servant of sin; let me always remember that no unrighteous person can enter into thy kingdom ; that a righteous judgment, everlasting death, and endless misery awaits all them that do wickedly: let me feel heartily sorry for each of my sins, and with all the powers of my soul turn away from all sin, and flee every appearance of evil, that I may turn unto the Lord, that I may be saved from the power of darkness, cleansed from all unrighteousness, and receive the grace, and light, and communion of thy Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Almighty God, to thee I cry ;

I humbly own to thee, My sins are of the blackest die,

Still thou canst set me free.

Extend to me thy mercy, Lord, And save me by thy grace ;

Grant me the knowledge of thy word, Show me thy smiling face.

cxx. 1. The Angel, or ministering Spirit, now steps forward, and by faith the sinner sees him, presenting in one hand a crucified Saviour, and in the other the everlasting gospel of Christ : declaring unto him that desirable message, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, just such a sinner as you are ; he died for sinners, procured their pardon on the tree, and now offers them everlasting life.

Then is also offered unto this broken hearted sinner, by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, remission of all his sins, and with it, peace, joy, life, and salvation; he now receives these offered mercies, in the depth of humility ; he then finds, that notwithstanding his own unworthiness, he has received a crucified Saviour, his sufferings and death, and also his merits ; he now firmly believes that all this the Lord has suffered for him, and is now, freely, without any merit of his own, bestowed upon him, through grace ; by faith he lays hold on the promise, the Holy Spirit now comes into his heart, and bears witness with his spirit, that his sins are forgiven, and that he is now a child of God. His heart is now filled with peace, joy, and the Holy Ghost, and has now in reality, become the temple of God. His eyes now flow with tears, but they are tears of joy and gratitude to God, for filling his heart with the joys of heaven, for taking his feet out of the horrible pit and miry clay, for putting a new song into his mouth ; now he can say, with the Psalmist, I will extol thee, my God, O king : and I will bless thy name forever and ever; every day will I bless thee, and I will praise thy name forever, and ever. Ps. cxlv. 1, 2.

Being thus assured that he is cleansed from sin, and filled with holiness ; soul and body are now employed and engaged in rejoicing in, and praising the living God. The star in his heart, now shines bright, since faith has become alive in his soul. His former sinful pleasures are now disgusting to him; those dreadful creatures, or passions, Satan with his black train are now dislodged, and entirely drove out ; the child of God will sometimes look at them, and will abhor himself, saying in the depths of humility, all those have I harboured in my heart, but thanks be to God, who has given me the victory over them, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. vi. 11.

O how happy, how blessed, how full of rejoicing is the heart of a sinner so highly favored. He now feels to rejoice and praise God aloud, by singing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in his heart. He now speaks in the language of the prophet, Hearken and I will tell you what the Lord has done for my soul, as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Ps. ciii. 12. He cannot sufficiently rejoice in his Saviour, for his grace and mercy ; he cannot admire the love of God enough, nor express his gratitude as he wishes, msm

He should, however, be very cautious, amidst all his joy and comfort, that he does not feel himself too secure, or put any confidence in his own strength, he should continually watch and pray, lest he should enter into temptation : although Satan, and his train, and all evil passions are drove out of his heart. Satan will not depart far from us, he has lost his seat in us, and his power over us. But is very unwilling to give us up, he watches us day and night, in hopes of overtaking us at an unguarded moment, when we neglect prayer, or lay down our watch, or do not deny ourselves, or do not take up our cross daily ; then the light that shone so bright in us becomes dim, and we do not discover him in all his stratagems, but he sees us, and watches closely; then he improves his time, and transforms himself into an angel of light, and before we are aware, our minds become carnal, and we begin to love sin, and that moment we love sin we let him have the key of our hearts, therefore it is written, what I say unto you, I say unto all, watch. Mark xiii. 37. O let us watch continually, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks ; let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us ; the more Satan has lost, the more bitter he will be : let us be sober, be vigilant, for the devil, like a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter v. 8. Therefore let us continually be found in the valley of humiliation, and as we have received Christ Jesus, the Lord, so walk in him.