The holy spirit... considered in four lectures ...

Front matter

5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.?

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{ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. {

Introduction

On introducing to the public a new and unaltered edition of this little but important work, many considerations present themselves. The relation of the subject of the work to man's spiritual welfare, is one. But there are others connected with the history of the work itself, and the progress of evangelical sentiments, which ought not to be overlooked. The reputation of the dead is involved, as well as the interests of the living. Truth and righteousness — the faith and memory of our ancestors — are also concerned.

These lectures were preached during one of the most extensive and interesting revivals ever witnessed in this country. It is known as the " great awakening." It began about A. D. 1734, # under the preaching of Edwards, Whitefield and Tennent, and continued nine or ten years.

* Great Awakening, p. 1. 1#

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In consequence of this religious interest, a Tuesday evening lecture was established in Boston, of which Dr. Sewall in his private journal speaks thus :

" Oct. 21st. An evening lecture was begun at Dr. Column's. He preached from Isa. 60: 8 ; great assembly. 28th. I preached from Ezek. 11: 19,20; another great assembly. I hope God helped me under my infirmities. It is said many were affected. Lord, touch the hearts of thy people — put a new heart in them. let not our sinfulness hinder the success of thy word ! The Thursday lecture seems to be better attended."

" Jan. 20, A. D. 1740-1, I preached the evening lecture from John 16: 8. ' Reprove the world of sin, &c.' There were notes for about fifty -four (54) under conviction of sin, sensual hard heart, temptations Satan ; besides, several young children concerned for their souls. I hope God helped me. Lord, I thank thee. Revive thy work more and more."*

Their author, Rev. Joseph Sewall, D. D., was born in Boston, August 15th, 1688. His father was the Hon. Samuel Sewall, descended from a long line of noble ancestors. He graduated at Harvard College in 1707; and continued his residence in Cambridge to study divinity. From his earliest days, Dr. Sewall was the subject of religious impressions. While but a youth, there was such an uncommon seriousness and strict regularity in his whole walk, as to attract the notice of all his acquaintance, and command the respect of his superiors in age. His baptism is thus noticed in his father's journal :

* Dr. SewalPs Journal.

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"Aug. 19, 1688. In the afternoon, Mr. Willard, after sermon, baptized my young son ; whom I named Joseph, in hopes of the accomplishment of the prophecy, Ezek. 37, and such like, — and not out of respect to any relation, or other person, except the first Joseph."

In 1706, while yet an under-graduate, he united himself with the church at Cambridge ; and about the same time, he became a member of a society there formed for the first time, among the students of College, which met weekly for prayer, religious conference, and the promotion of personal piety and virtue. At nineteen years of age he began a private journal, in which he constantly refers to God as the author of his life, the dispenser of good and evil, and the wise disposer of himself and all the events and circumstances of his life. His mind was deeply imbued with religious sentiment ; though we cannot discover the precise time of his conversion. But his life, views, and religious character, afford abundant proof of such a change.

Says a late writer, " His disposition was naturally mild and affectionate, and began to be sanctified in early childhood ; and evidences are preserved of his diligent and faithful use of the means of promoting growth in grace from early youth."* The testimony concerning him, transmitted to us from the most authentic sources, is, that, through life, "his chief glory was the love of God and zeal to do good."

* Wisner's History of O. S. Church.

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He was early devoted to the service of the sanctuary hy his venerable father ; and to it he freely devoted himself. Divinity was his favorite study. Its themes were suited to his taste, because they led him to form a more intimate acquaintance with God, and tended to improve his piety.

August 20th, 1710, he preached his first sermon, in the Old South Church, Boston, in the presence of his father and its Pastor, Rev. Ebenezer Pemberton, from Psalm 73: 28, " But it is good for me to draw near unto God." It was received with favor ; and from that time, the people seem to have had him in their minds as their minister. In April, 1712, their wishes were made known, in the choice of him by the church, as colleague Pastor with Mr. Pemberton. He was not settled immediately, nor did he return at once his answer. He first sought divine direction, and often asked of God the way of duty — appropriating special seasons for this purpose by himself, and once at least in union with his pious father. Having maturely considered the question of his settlement over this church, and sought divine guidance, he gave his consent to become colleague Pastor, and was publicly and solemnly separated to the work of the ministry by fasting, prayer and the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, September 16, 1713. A description of his ordination is given below, as an example of the custom of Congregationalism, in these early times.

Dr. Sewall's ordination is thus described in his father's journal. " 1713, Sept. 16, was a very com-

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fortahle day for the ordination. Begun a little after ten, M. Dr. Cotton Mather begun with prayer, excellently ; concluded about the bell-ringing for eleven. My son preached from 1 Cor. 3: 7, " So then neither is he thatplanteth any thing," &c. Was a very great assembly. Were elders and messengers from nine churches, North, Old, Column's, Cambridge, Charlestown, Roxbury, Dorchester, Milton, Weymouth. Twelve ministers sat by the table at the pulpit. Mr. Pemberton made an august speech, showing the validity and authenticity of New English ordinations. Then, having made his way, went on ; asked, as customary, if any had to say aught against ordaining the person. Took the church's hand vote ; church sat in the gallery. These declared, the elders and messengers had desired the ministers of Boston to lay on hands. Dr. Increase Mather, Dr. Cotton Mather, Mr. Benjamin Wards worth, Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton, and Mr. Benjamin Colman,laid on hands. Then Mr. Pemberton prayed, ordained, and gave the charge, excellently. Then Dr, Increase Mather made a notable speech, gave the right hand of fellowship, and prayed. Mr. Pemberton directed the three and twentieth psalm to be sung. The person now ordained dismissed the congregation with blessing."

For more than half a century, he continued to fill the office and discharge the duties of a Pastor, in the Old South Church, Boston. " In humble, ardent and consistent piety, and devoted ness to the work of the ministry, he has seldom been equalled," says Rev. Dr. Wisner. He delighted in it ; and when he grew

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venerable for his age as well as his piety, he was regarded as the father of the clergy. His pulpit discourses were chiefly devoted to the illustration of the distinguishing and important points of Christianity, relative both to faith and practice. They were the result of study, — the composition discovering not only judgment, but an intimate acquaintance with the holy Scriptures. His sermons, of which many were published and are preserved, were always instructive and practical. His preaching was solid and scriptural — practical and pathetic. He dwelt much on the great doctrines of religion, but never entered into any curious speculations. His aim was, to impress upon people what they should believe, and how they must live, to be eternally happy. He had a clear apprehension of the truths of religion. He did not entertain his hearers with the subtilties of the schools. He furnished to his people sound doctrine, derived from the treasury of the gospel, — administered reproof, and gave them instruction in righteousness. Dr. Sewall was distinguished among his brethren in the ministry for his wisdom : not the wisdom of this world, but for that which is from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. " 1 know of no man," said Dr. Chauncy of him, "that discovered more prudent caution through his whole life."

His style was simple and plain. His delivery was serious and solemn. "Sometimes he uttered himself with a voice so elevated with zeal, and modulated

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under the influence of a deeply affected heart," as to arrest attention and deeply impress his auditory with a sense of the importance of the message he delivered. He stood before his people and addressed them as a man of God.

" He conveyed his sentiments to the minds of others," says a cotemporary,* " in easy, chaste language, and delivered himself with such commanding elocution, as almost necessarily engaged the attention of the assembly, and greatly tended to impress their minds and reach their hearts. The great secret of his peculiar art, was a deep sense of the vital importance of the truth he dispensed, which, setting his own heart on fire, animated his discourses with the same divine emotion he felt himself." His prayers were remarkably devout and fervent. He seemed to breathe the atmosphere of heaven. f

He discharged the other duties of his sacred office with prudence and fidelity, diligence and impartiality, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, not only publicly, but from house to house, that he might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. His very presence banished levity, and produced solemnity of mind in all who were with him, " He was distinguished for affectionate attention to children and youth ; and eminently happy and useful in his pastoral visits."

His labors were not in vain in the Lord. Between seven and eight hundred were received to his church during his ministry, principally the fruit of his labor.

* Dr. Chauncy. f Wisner ; s History O, S. Church.

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"In principle, Dr. Sewall was a Calvinist ; and made the doctrines, usually called the doctrines of grace, the foundation and chief subject of his preaching. But he stood aloof from the doubtful and dangerous extremes to which some have carried their reasoning upon these doctrines."*

Prayer was his delight ; as the following extracts from his journal evince : 1729. u 1 arose early in the morning, prayed once and again for my honored father — the college — our family — my kinswoman entering upon the married state," etc. "0 Lord, hear and give an answer for thy Son's sake." Jan. 5, 1721. " Mr. Prince and I prayed together as is usual before the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.— Lord, hear our prayers !" 1722, Nov. 2. " Mr. Prince and I met together and prayed to God for direction and assistance relating to the fast to be kept by the church we stand related to." 1728, Jan. 13. " The church being to meet relating to the affairs of the new building, Mr. Prince and I prayed together. — Lord, hear ; guide and govern our affairs in mercy, "f

"A portion of Friday afternoon before every communion, and a season preceding the transaction of any important business in the church, was habitually spent in this manner by these faithful servants of Christ ; and, occasionally, they spent portions of a

* Extract from Boston Evening Post, containing biographical notice, 1769. t Wisner's History O. S. Church.

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day mutually devoted to private humiliation, in united prayer."

He accompanied his prayers with alms. It was a fixed principle with him to devote a tenth of his income to God, in pious and charitable uses.

" Having inherited a considerable fortune," says Dr. Wisner, " he, for many years in succession, made a liberal donation to the College (Harvard), to be appropriated to pious indigent students ; when the College Library was consumed by fire, he made a present of many valuable books. He also gave liberally to the poor and other charitable objects."

He was both a husband and a parent. October 29, 1713, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Walley, who died before her husband. Only one son survived him, whose name was Samuel. His learned cotemporary, Dr. Chauncy, says of him, " The Father of spirits was pleased to furnish him with valuable intellectual powers. These, by the advantages of a good education, were highly cultivated and improved." It is further said of him, " that his solidity and exactness of judgment, even in cases of difficulty, and a distinguishing prudence both in public and private life, made him justly esteemed as one of the wisest men of his day. " " His whole deportment was a proof of the truth of religion." He came as near to the apostolic requirement— that the Christian be a " living epistle, read and known of all men" — as any other man. He was of a quiet and peaceable disposition. " He could sacrifice every thing, but duty, for peace ;" and 2 -

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esteemed nothing too dear, " but truth and holiness, for the purchase of it. 55

"Dr. Sewall was a warm friend of literature ; * his excellence as a man, his professional ability and classical attainments were appreciated both in this country and Europe. On the death of President Leverett, 1724, his eminent qualifications for the office recommended him to the elective powers of Harvard College, as a suitable candidate for the honors and duties of that distinguished position. He was accordingly chosen to succeed Mr. Leverett. When he received intelligence of his election — which, in his own words, " was surprising to him" — he thus notices it in his journal, " O Lord, what am I, a sinful worm, that there should be any thought of me for so considerable a trust!" " I besought the Lord to give all needed direction to the overseers, the flock I stand related to, and to myself. I also endeavored to examine myself; and if I know my own heart, my inclination is to abide with my dear people, and spend and be spent in the work of the ministry here, if this be the will of God and most to his glory. I think T can truly say that no prospect of greater worldly honor or gain would prevail with me to leave this people ; and that I do not account my life too dear to be spent in the service of Christ among them."

This feeling of attachment to his people was mutual. His charge refused to part with him. Upon the action of the church in reference to his dismissal to a more conspicuous, responsible and eligible field of labor, having sought divine light and guidance, he

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writes as follows : " I suppose that now God makes my way plain to give an answer in the negative (to the call of the College), which I accordingly did. Lord, provide a more suitable and sufficient person for that important trust."

In 1728, Dr. Sewall was chosen a member of the corporation of Harvard College; and in 1731 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, from the University of Glasgow.*

Dr. Sewall had great veneration for our pious and excellent forefathers. He could not calmly hear them reproached or vilified. He thought their self-denying virtue and magnanimity, which led them to encounter such multiplied dangers in preserving the rights of conscience ; and their wisdom and piety, which enabled them to lay the foundations of our civil and religious prosperity — ought more than counterbalance any little mistake they might have committed. He was alarmed at any effort for the establishment of a hierarchy in the colonies. Nor was he less solicitous when any attempt was made to deprive the people of their civil rights and liberties.

In fine, as a man, Dr. Chauncy remarks of him, — " It is hard to say what virtues were most eminent in him, he set such a shining example of all." This is the testimony of a cotemporary — an eye-witness — a fellow-laborer and townsman — who preached his funeral sermon, from Heb. 12: 6, "Be followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the

* MS. copy Rev. 3. Sewall.

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promises." After illustrating and enforcing the obvious sentiment of the apostle, he concludes by saying — the occasion of this discourse is the death of Dr. Sewall, " who was justly held in high reputation throughout the town and land, for those excellent qualities in which he shone with exemplary brightness, both as a Christian and a minister, from youth to protracted old age."

The Lord long continued the usefulness of Dr. Sewall. Few ministers ever prosecuted with less interruption the labors of their profession ; and few were ever blessed with more vigorous and unbroken health. On the evening of the eightieth year of his age, he preached to a serious and affected auditory, and in this public manner, recounted with humble and thankful gratitude, the sparing mercy of God. "He had for some time, on account of his infirmities, been carried into the pulpit (in an arm chair, by the sexton and another individual), from Sabbath to Sabbath ; where, like the beloved disciple of old in his latter days, he sat, and with paternal and apostolic affection and fidelity, instructed and exhorted his children in the faith. The Sabbath following his 80th year, he was prostrated by an attack of paralysis, which put an end to his public labors and confined him to his house. But he was still engaged in his Master's service. As opportunity occurred, he gave pious counsel and instruction to many who visited him ; which, it is believed, was of lasting benefit. By repeated attacks upon his naturally firm, but now breaking constitution, occasion was given for exem-

INTRODUCTION. XVII

plary exercise of faith and patience, and those other virtues which adorned his character as a Christian and a minister. Death was disarmed of his sting. He waited the approach of the king of terrors "with a peaceful and resigned frame of mind." As he was visited by great numbers, who were desirous of hearing the last words of the ascending prophet, so he was incessant in his counsels and prayers. With solemn and engaging pathos, he was wont to say — "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." To those who were disposed to eulogize his labors, and commend him for his service, and point him to his works as a ground of confidence that he should be accepted with his Maker, he expressed his sense of his defects — acknowledged himself to be an unprofitable servant — bewailed the remains of indwelling sin — and assured them that he looked to Jesus Christ for pardon, and confided in his atoning sacrifice for acceptance with God. His great fear was, lest he might not wait with due Christian submission till his change should come. He had glimpses of unseen and eternal things, and spoke of them with great interest. He enjoyed sweet foretastes of heaven — such foretastes as if his soul was on the wing in the heavenly atmosphere. He undoubtedly stood, where Payson stood, in prospect of the land of Beulah, and heard the sweet music and felt the refreshing breezes of that heavenly clime, ere his foot pressed its soil, or his soul basked in its uncreated glory. He beheld the distant, but "wonderful, wonderful, wonderful glory," upon which the dying Evarts gazed with rapture. Like " a mote 2*

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floating in the sun-beams,' ' his soul swam in the dawning.light of heaven, as did the spirit of the dying Walton, when it mounted to meet its God.

To the last, he seemed to have the full exercise of reason, and calmly and serenely sunk into that sleep from which the body shall know no waking, till the trumpet shall sound, and " all who are in their graves shall hear the voice of the Son of man, and come forth, they that have done good to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation." Thus, ''the venerable and excellent Sewall entered into his rest," 26th of June, 1769, having attained nearly the eighty-first year of his life.

Rufus K. Sewall.

Boston, Dec, 1845.

Preface

It hath pleased the sovereign and gracious God, in whose hand our times are, to ordain that we should live under some peculiar advantages for our precious souls ; for to the ordinary means, we have superadded the manifestation of the Spirit, in extraordinary works of grace. We have lately heard glad tidings from one place and another, that many are inquiring the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward; and some are declaring what God hath done for their souls. Yea, God hath brought this work home to our own doors, and we hear many crying out, What must we do to be saved? And there are a number hopefully rejoicing in God's salvation. Of such a season as this it may well be said, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the ac

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cepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. I hope God's people are reaping the fruit of their prayers, particularly on extraordinary days of fasting observed with an especial view to this great blessing, the plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit. And shall we not prize and improve this rich gift ? Shall we not redeem this precious time in working out our own salvation? considering that God who alone can work in us to will and to do, says to us, Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. To day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Certainly we must be very criminal if we sleep or loiter away such a day of grace. They who are guilty of such a presumptuous sin, run a dreadful hazard of swift destruction, double damnation. O there's great reason to fear that another like season will never, never return upon you. O sleeper ! awake, and hearken, there's a noise, and a shaking among the dry bones. Some it may be of your own acquaintance, secure like you a little while ago, are now in deep concern, and can no longer relish those carnal pleasures in which you were companions. Now, destruction from God is a terror to them, and they are fleeing from the wrath to come. What a reproof doth God

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give to your stupidity in the awakenings of others? Now then hear God's voice, Turn ye at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you. Or, if ye are still deaf to God's calls, let the thunder of those amazing words make your ears to tingle; Because I have called, and ye have refused, — I also will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction as a whirlwind. And tremble lest you should be suddenly destroyed, and that without remedy. But then, let awakened sinners be encouraged to press into the kingdom of heaven. Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Improve the five talents now put into your hands, remembering what our Lord hath said, Unto whom much is given, of him shall much be required. O look diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God! Continue seeking till Christ be revealed to you as the Lord your righteousness, and as the God of judgment : that you may glory in this, that you understand and know the Lord, who exerciseth loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth. And here, among you with whom the Spirit is striving at this day, we behold many of our young people. O

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our children! God is drawing nigh to you in a distinguishing manner, and will not you from this time cry unto him, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth? Shall any of you be profane as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birth-right; and then, when he would have inherited the blessing, was rejected ? God forbid. May you all thirst for God, and seek him early, till that promise shall be more abundantly fulfilled in you — I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing on thine offspring. And is it possible for parents and eider persons to behold these things, and not be moved? Can you see your children in pain, and travailing till Christ be formed in them, and you be unconcerned about the new birth? Are they taken, and can you bear to be left behind; left to perish in your sins, as far distant as heaven and hell? Is the eleventh hour running, and you not effectually called? What a sad token is this! The Lord have mercy upon you!

But there are considerable numbers of elder as well as younger persons, of whom I am persuaded better things, and things that accompany salvation. And to you our ascended Saviour speaks, Hold fast till I come. Be not ashamed or afraid to confess Christ before

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men, and to stand up for him. And here the providence of God gives me advantage to press upon you that exhortation — If ye are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above; set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For as it was with God's ancient people, a day of darkness and gloominess, and then God comforted his people with that gracious promise — I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh*, so it pleaseth God to send down the Comforter from heaven into the hearts of his people, while it is a dark day with us upon temporal accounts. May the Spirit of judgment sanctify the frowns of God upon us to rebuke our pride, our covetousness, our luxury; and all those foolish and hurtful lusts, whereby we have been conformed to this world. And now we behold the curse devouring the earth, may we all unite in seeking the blessings of the heavenly paradise, where Satan and the curse can never enter. That we may even now say with the prophet,— Although the fig-tree shall not blossom — and the fields shall yield no meat; the flocks shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall: yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

* Joel 2.

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But I forbear, and would only further say, that the remarkable work of grace begun and going on among us, gave encouragement to me to study and preach the following sermons. At first, I designed to publish only upon the head of Conviction of Sin, the discourses upon which subject it pleased God to own and bless much beyond my expectation. May the praise be given to that God who hath chosen the weak things of the world, that no flesh should glory in his presence. Since that, I have been prevailed upon to go on with the subject, and also to publish the other discourses; that we may see in some measure how the Spirit of God carrieth on his good work in the hearts of his people from legal conviction to saving conversion, and then sends forth judgment to victory, notwithstanding all opposition from the enemies of our salvation. Sensible of the defects which attend this performance, I humbly commend it to God for his blessing, beseeching him to teach us to profit by all the means of race which he gives us richly to enjoy.

JOSEPH SEW ALL.

Boston, April, 1741.

LECTTJUE I.

THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVINCETH OF SIN.

And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

In my last turn at this lecture, I considered our Lord Jesus Christ as exalted to be a Prince, and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins ; from Acts 5 : 31. I now proceed to show you the great and comprehensive gift which our Lord received of the Father, when he ascended on high, the gift of the Holy Spirit, by whom he works faith and repentance in the hearts of his people, and so prepareth them for all the blessings of the gospel. And here our Lord assureth us that his disciples, and so 3 his churches would be great gainers by his withdraw from them on earth, to his exalted state in heaven ; for then, and not till then, should the Spirit be given in a more plentiful and extensive manner, in virtue of Christ's intercession at the Father's right hand; and that to make application of the redemption purchased by him, and to communicate all spiritual blessings to bis people, v. 7. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth ; it is expedient for you that I go away : for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you ; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Accordingly we also read, that the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified. And we have the fulfilment of our Saviour's promise, Acts 2 : 4. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, in miraculous gifts, particularly the gift of tongues, whereby the apostles were qualified to preach the gospel to other nations. And the Spirit of God was also poured out in an extraordinary manner as a spirit of grace and consolation, vs. 41, 42.