66

when he heard the word, instead of its searching and trying him, it shined upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and he saw that he was his Saviour. For by candles, ministers are meant : 'I will search Jerusalem as with candles," &c. And by head, I understand Christ, for he is the head of the church. But again, the secret of God was upon his tabernacle," which was God's eternal election and choice of him in his covenant Head. Hence David says, The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he will shew unto them his covenant." "When I washed my steps in butter." By steps, I understand the actings of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, sliding softly on in all the promises of God made in the new covenant; for you read of the steps of the faith of our father Abraham. And the rock poured me out rivers of oil." This rock was the Lord Christ. He is a rock, his work is perfect." Israel of old "drank of the rock which followed them, and that rock was Christ," in his highest nature, Jehovah, equal with the Father and the Holy Ghost, and upon which he buildeth his church," &c. This rock poured Job out rivers of oil; by which I understand an abundance of God's grace and Spirit. Hence our Lord says, "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me," &c. and "He was anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows, for the Spirit without measure was given to him." John calls it an "unction from the Holy One," and David calls it, fresh oil. James brings it in, saying, Is any sick, let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, in the name of the Lord." This Spirit never can come to us, so as to dwell richly in us, but as it comes through the Lord Jesus Christ. "My root was spread out by the waters." By root, understand the love of God: "Be rooted and

By

grounded in love." By waters, the Holy Trinity, called a fountain of living waters.' "And the dew lay all night on my branch;" that is, although his comforts did not always abound, yet he felt a sweet softening influence in a gentle way upon his spirit. "My glory was fresh in me;" that was his tongue, to relate it to others. As David says, "Awake up my glory." And my bow was renewed in my hand." By bow, understand God's word, agreeable to Habakkuk, "Thy bow was made quite naked, even thy word," hand, understand faith; and by renewed, fresh actings of faith, one after another, with but little intermission. Job experienced all this, before he ever had a deep law work, To sum up the whole in a brief way respecting Job, he was ore that feared God and eschewed evil;" was convinced of sin in a measure, but not so much as he was afterwards. The ministers which Job heard, were made to him a particular blessing, for God's candle shined on his head. God shewed him also his eternal election in Christ Jesus, and he rejoiced that his name was written in the Lamb's book of life. "Behold my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.” He had abundance of the water, living water, as well as of oil, from the rock Christ; and this went on day after day, that his bow was renewed in his hand. God blessed all he had in providence, and he sat like a king in the army, and expected to die in his nest. But it was

all tried.

(To be Continued.)

66

A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE EXPERIENCE OF MRS. SMITH,

Who died June 18, 1844, and had been a constant hearer of Mr. Gunner, Chapel Court, Borough.

It is with a view to the encouragement of some of the dear Lord's hoping family, that this short memor

of our deceased sister is imperfectly put together, shewing the way in which her Lord led her, breaking her off from all inferior things, to confide simply and entirely in the person, blood and righteousness of the Son of God.

Before the Lord brought Mrs. S. to a saving acquaintance with himself, she was, as the world say, a moral woman, and, as she vainly thought, really in the way to heaven. But, as in the apostle's case, when sin revived she died. This mighty change, the commencement of the work of grace in her soul, took place about fifteen years ago, and then it was that her spiritual conflict began.

About this time. two gracious old men occasionally called at her house, being in the habit of accompanying her husband in visiting the poor afflicted people at the workhouse and elsewhere. And in that grand language, which none but the Lord's family can understand, these dear old men would converse with her and her husband, in such a sweet simple way, and the blessed Lord attended their words with such a divine power, that conviction was carried into her mind, she saw they possessed a religion that she was an utter stranger to, and that while she had been resting in her own supposed goodness and attainments, they had cast the anchor of their hope into that immovable rock, even Jesus, the great Rock ot Ages. She saw her state, and she thought she must inevitably perish. In her distress she was tempted to hang herself, and was even suffered to go so far as to seek for a fit place and favourable opportunity. Her husband endeavoured to comfort her, but she was at that time quite unable to take any encouragement. As her husband had himself passed through those deep and bitter waters about seven years prior to his dear partner, he could sympathize with her. She said she should certainly be lost; she thought there

Her

was none so bad as herself. husband reminded her, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners;" but she replied, Not such as I. All her sins from her youth arrayed themselves against her. Although she had oftentimes previously bowed the knee with me to God, yet it had been only in a formal way; but now of her it might be said, Behold she prayeth," and groaneth. In this way she went on for many years. At times she was cheerful, and at other times cast down and ready to give all up, concluding God had forgotten her. Her husband frequently repeated to her that suitable couplet,

"The weakest saint shall win the day,

Though earth and hell obstruct the way." There was life in her soul, as she was often told; if there had been no life, there would have been no cry. So she went on, sighing and groaning, hopeful and dismayed, a little help here, and a little help there. She seemed more established under Mr. Gunner's ministry than any other. None but Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, as the sum and substance of all real religion, would suit her, because this alone met her case. She was a member of Christ's church below, but not contentious about forms. None but Christ would do for her. She said when she was in the country last year, she could hear none like Mr. Gunner,

Poor soul, the work was fastened in her soul as a nail in a sure place. Spoiled to the world, her chief aim was to do good; yea, and even to bear the burden in any kind of trouble as far as she could. These are the fruits that follow the new birth.

She often spoke of having heard Mr. Gunner respecting the vine, and her husband used to point out to her, that as Mr. G. remarked the branch was in the vine, so was her soul in Christ, the True Vine.

When in her last days, she was

asked if Christ was precious to her? Her reply was, he never did leave nor forsake. She was asked, if a minister should be sent for? to which she made no reply for some time, but at length said, I do not want a minister, they cannot save me; my hope is in Christ, he will never forsake me.

She was very much blessed under a discourse which Mr. Gunner delivered in the little chapel, June 9, from these words, "Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee." She conversed freely of it with her husband, and their souls rejoiced together. He says, it was something like two harps having the same sound, each responded "There is no spot in thee," with the fairness Christ hath clothed thee in. Oh, the heights and depths of the mercy of a covenant keeping God.

She seemed

quite ripe and ready for the sickle to cut her down, and be gathered home to the heavenly garner.

On the 18th of June last, our dear sister departed this life, her happy spirit going to Him who gave it, leaving its untenanted tabernacle to be laid in the grave, until the great day shall arrive, when it shall be raised an immortal body, free from sin, and without spot, when the Lord Jesus will present his saints, body and soul reunited, to his holy Father, as a trophy of his grand conquest, when he fell triumphant, and spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly.

As an affectionate wife and loving mother, too high praise could not be given to our departed sister.

She

was ever eager to alleviate the trials of others, and the more afflictive the dispensation, the greater her anxiety to relieve and soothe under it. She was a woman of few words, but if she said any thing, it was to the purpose and the truth. In the things of God she was no deceiver.

J. S.

ON SINNING PRESUMPTUOUSLY. An Old Watchman's Love and Thanks to Onesimus of Saffron Walden for his doctrine on " Sinning Presumptuously',' recorded in the August Number.

YOUR doctrines, beloved Onesimus, whilst proceeding in the rule with the beloved and God-blessed Mr. William Tite, on Chastisement the fruit of sin," is published for the praise, honour and glory of God, and for the good of the churches, and will be beneficial to every God-chastened and Satan-bruised regenerated person who reads the blessed doctrine. Thereby, in God's will and working, you did bring to my recollection the soul and heart distress I experienced as a backslider many years past, after my regeneration, under the chastening rod of my heavenly Father, at the same enduring Satan's permitted oppressions, temptations and torments, which indeed was to me "a fiery trial," 1 Peter iv. 12. Which backslidings and fiery trials, I am inclined, by reading your doctrine, to publish.

My backsliding, you must know, began first through the subtle working and seducing powers of Satan, by which I vainly imagined that the God fearing elders, which myself, and a young man, my bosom friend and companion, had been united to and comforted by, were too formal, dry and lifeless, whilst we two young men, in our own estimation, were free and lively and beloved of God. In that soul and heart backsliding Satan succeeded, by his seductions, to cause us to separate ourselves from those God-fearing elders, thus backsliding a second time. And as these elders assembled every Lord's-day with their companions, and peoples coming in, to pray, sing God's praise, read his word, and commune together, having a public minister but once a month, we, in our third degree of becksliding, did not keep holy the Sabbath day, but taught seduction, separation and rebellion in Israel. Thus we " vexed

the Holy Spirit: therefore he turned to be our enemy, and fought against us,” Isa. lxiii. 10, Eph. iv. 30. But my fiery trial far exceeded my companion's, for the wounds of God upon and in my soul and conscience were as the "wounds of a cruel one, and an enemy," Jer. xxx. 14, for darkness, dryness and deadness filled and encompassed me, so that I feared I was given over to a reprobate mind. Yet I was not inclined to uncleanness, but lived under a dread of being never more visited with God's favour. Thus I lived a rebellious man, in a dry land, under God's rod, very heavily chastened. God also permitted Satan to bruise and torment me, so that I feared I had sinned uuto death. And as my God had delivered me to the tormentors, they filled me with terror, suggesting to me that I was under the curse of God, and should be for ever tormented. In this state I could not see any barrier between myself and eternal death. But since that time I have felt assured there was a barrier, is now and ever will be to such to the end of time, according to God's sovereign power and will. Thus in all Satan's permitted temptations, I could not, neither can any of the elect in Christ Jesus, sin wilfully, so as to curse God or destroy ourselves, which is the sin unto death. This sin I was for many months tempted to commit, as was regenerated Job, and many others. Moreover, the tormentors, in order if it were possible to destroy me, or drive me to self destruction, testified, whilst I was sighing and groaning to God for free favour, grace, mercy, love, life, light and pardon, that all was useless, for I had sinned the sin unto death. 1 John v. 16. Thus, as Onesimus says, I was tempesttossed, and almost despairing. Nay, further, I felt and said with Job, “ I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness." But in the midst of my tribulation and anguish, behold a God-fearing relation came from a distance to visit me, and invi

ted me to go the next Sabbath morning to hear the glorious gospel faithfully preached by a God-sent minister whom I knew, and under whose ministry I had been comforted in times past. But being invited to go, I said, No, No, I cannot; it is all over with me; I am cut off for my part. Then a blessed elder in the Lord said to my relation, Your invitation is useless, he cannot, he will not go with you. As the words were spoken by the elder, my mind, to my astonishment, was changed, and I said, I will go with you, if possible, to-morrow morning. Then again these words-You are appointed unto wrath-filled me with terror, and so I continued through the night. Yet in all I could not refrain from sighing, groaning, and confessing my sins and backslidings unto God the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, the one only Mediator, although I was not assured the same was wrought in me by the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, but was afraid that I was a reprobate, and destitute of the Spirit, and one appointed unto wrath. However I arose in my distress and confusion very early in the morning, and with my relation, in his chaise, proceeded towards the place of hearing the gospel of God. At length we came unto and ascended a high hill just as the sun was rising, and as we arrived at the hill-top the sun was shining in all its God-ordained order and glory, Ps. cxxxvi. 8, whilst for my part I was meditating terror, a very

backslider in heart, filled with my own ways;" that is, my sins and evil ways of backslidings filled my soul and conscience, and made me feel the exceeding sinfulness of my ways, whilst God's chastening out of his fiery law as a rod wounded me, and with the wound of a cruel one, and as the wound of an enemy; which to me, who had been a time in favour with God, was inexpressibly trying; added to which the evil spirits filled me with great terror, whilst, God per

mitting, for my chastisement, trial and torment, they mysteriously roared in my soul, You are appointed unto wrath.

Now I could not, in all my trial cease from sighing and confessing my sins and backslidings to God, longing, if it could be granted, for his restoring power and blessings. Such was my state as we were on the hill top, a place never to be forgotten, for the words, God hath not appointed you unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ," 1 Thess. v. 9, as quick as lightning entered my whole person with God-restoring power, and the evil spirits were silent in darkness, 1 Sam. ii. 9, whilst streams of mercy, love, and peace speaking blessings filled me with strong consolation.

When we arrived at the place of preaching, the blessed minister of God confirmed all, before he knew I was hearing, and afterwards at his house, gladly entertaining me and my relation. As I related my trial and deep distress, and also my salvation and joy in the Lord God, we all, praying and communing, blessed and praised his holy name.

Thus we knew, with Habakkuk of old, and with all saints, what the prayers and singings of regenerate sinners are, in various prayers, mourning, plaintive tunes, variety of sounds, and songs of praise unto the Father of mercies, in the power and blessing of the Holy Ghost, presenting all to the chief, meritorious, praying Head and Chief Singer, the Son in God, Jesus Christ, our blessed Saviour and Advocate, as he is the great High Priest and our all, who presents our prayers and praises, in his office-characters, with free acceptance unto the Father., In these wonders of salvation, restored backsliders, with the new born, and the strong in grace, with the established in Israel, with pastors, are the delight of the glorious Three-One, in his love. All these blessings were enjoyed, and spiritually apprehended, in my restoration from backlidings,

38 years past. And since that, know ye, beloved Onesimus, I have never sunk so low, nor had such terrors; yet I find, by Satan's temptations and sinful infirmities, that is, my unbelief, fears, doubts, and sensuality join, and backslide from God. Indeed I have gone astray like a lost sheep, although I am saved. So that I need continual restorations. And God restoreth me, and leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake; as he does all his election on earth. Nevertheless now I am getting old, between sixty and seventy years of age, although God is my salvation, strength, righteousness and all; I find Satan is my bruiser, my accuser, tempter, and would be devourer, and sin is my plague, whilst I hate sin and Satan, and thirst for perfect holiness. Saying with Paul, O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord. So then, with my mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." It is through those judgments and mercies, that selfdenial and self-loathing is wrought by God in us, as is also written by us, which God, and not us, renders blessings and benefits in his churches and to individuals, as your doctrine is, in the last number of this Magazine, to the end of page 182. But there, and into page 183, you advance strange things respecting the sin against the Holy Ghost. You there state that the sin against the Holy Ghost cannot be committed now; which is a startling assertion. Beloved Onesimus, the Old Watchman therefore earnestly solicits you, if possible, to give scriptural proofs, in this Magazine, which is one of God's "baskets of consecrations," Lev. viii. 31. May God bless and guide you, together with all his ministers, churches, and people, leading all to search the book of God for themselves. Amen.

AN OLD WATCHMAN.