Page images
PDF
EPUB
[ocr errors]

to be, an example for others, to avoid the appearance of evil; to be decided in his conduct, by well-doing, putting to silence the clamours of ignorant and malicious men. We may observe that Scripture is decided here:-"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." And the same inspired penman considers it as an evidence of his sincerity, that he was a companion of those that feared God, and kept his precepts +. "He that walketh with wise men," says Solomon," shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." It may be objected, that these passages have an allusion to practising the ways as well as joining in company with the wicked. But, do not evil communications corrupt good manners? and what concord hath Christ with Belial, or he that believeth with an Infidel? Can two walk together, except they be agreed? We are inclined to favour the negative, in the common concerns of life, and will it not hold good, in religion? Our divine Master exhorts his disciples, even to forsake a refractory brother, and esteem him as an Heathen man, or a publican. The writer of this article well knows that it is no pleasing part of duty to, separate from those with whom, previous to conversion, we may have formed: attachments; but the duty may not be less necessary, though painful. We are, called upon to deny ourselves;, and take up our cross daily.". Let us cheerfully go without the camp, bearing the reproach of Jesus :" like him, be harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinders," hating even the garment spotted by the flesh," bearing in mind, that we are exhorted to" come out from the world and be separate," if we claim a relation to the Almighty; for "the friend of this world is an enemy to God." At the same time, not forgetting that Christian philosophy which teaches and excites to, weep over, pray for, and tenderly admonish our friends and relations. convincing them, that we feel for them, are kindly affected towards their welfare, while we maintain a steady attachment to our holy religion, by not countenancing their evil practices. Thus we shall appear to be followers of Jesus indeed!

[ocr errors]

* Ps. i. 1.

No. 1.

+ Ps. cxix. 63.

AN ORIGINAL LETTER

FROM THE LATE REV. R. ROBINSON,

My dear Brother,

OF CAMBRIDGE.

NOTHING could be more acceptable to me than your valuable present by the German. I was at that time too ill to converse much, and had been so six weeks before; but, thro' 4 B

XII.

tender mercy, I am now recovered, and able to write. Permit me to assure my dear Mr. L--, that neither length of time, distance of place, nor multiplicity of affairs, have been able to erase from my mind that deep-rooted regard which (I will not say formerly, but constantly) to this moment has subsisted for you. The pleasing moments we have enjoyed toge ther, stamped in me a veneration for a name which, when I cease to respect, I shall also cease to live. But when shall we have an interview? I have a thousand questions to ask, and a thousand things to tell. Bear with me a little in my folly. I have two of our Tabernacle Society situated near me, pastors of two congregational churches; but alas! where is that ancient simplicity and power? They are modernized; and a vain affectation of academic pride and insolence has taken place of Methodistie zeal and energy. I confess, therefore, freely to you (for friendship admits of no reserve) that while I long to know how you are in the ministry, I am afraid to enquire, lest I should not find you such as I would. O that I had a window, think I, into his heart, that I might see the secret spring of his conduct! or, O that I had a seat in meeting, that I might read his heart in his actions! Does he court popularity and applause? or is he aiming at winning souls for Christ? Does he give himself airs? Does he study the art of the finger, show of the ring, cut of the band, size of the wig? &c. or, dead to these, is his holy soul absorbed in the presence of God, importance of his errand, misery of sin, bowels of the Saviour, and certainty of an approaching judgment, when he must give an account? The former are baubles, fit only for babes and idiots; the latter, worthy the desires of a minister of Christ. You see I am putting your patient friendship to the trial; but, believe me, real love makes me speak. I enquired several years before I heard where you was. I intended to have visited you last harvest; but sickness prevented. Now, I beg to see you at Cambridge. — Somebody told me (I fancy Mr. C) that you was moveable; if so, pray let me see you at Cambridge. A pretty con gregation, thirty miles from me, want just such a man as I hope you are there is a plenty of fish; and there, should I have a world of pleasure in seeing you catch men. I have mentioned you to this people, and told them (what I heard) that you intended to leave; and I, this day, received a letter from them, desiring me to inform them more particularly about you, aud to enquire the truth from you. Do me, there fore, the favour, my dear J-y, to write by return of post. Direct for me at Mr. F's, Cambridge; and, however it be in regard to a removal, do not deny me a visit. We have some Jonahs, though in the belly of Hell;- I mean, though at Cambridge.

I am now in my eighth year at Cambridge, with a people

ANECDOTES.

555

who abound in love to me and each other; so that I never knew what a wish for a remove meant; and was I to choose this day a people in the three kingdoms, this is the people I should choose. I am only troubled that I can serve them no better. Would to God I had the gift of an archangel for so worthy a people. I have plenty of work in Cambridge, and villages adjacent, where I preach in my poor way often: I trust, not altogether in vain.. I live in a village four miles from town; I have four daughters, a son, and a wife, who fear God. I have judged of your love to me by mine to you, and have therefore stuffed in trifles, not worthy of being related to other people; but Friendship is inquisitive. Tell your lady, I should take pleasure in shewing her the University, &c. With tears I conclude, praying that the Almighty God, who led us formerly, "when the land was not sown, would bless you indeed here and hereafter. I can get in no more. Love to Mrs. L. and Mr. S. I am, my dear brother, Haurton, Nov. 19, 1766. yours unalterably,

R. ROBINSON. P. S. My mother was in the room when your letter came: she rejoiced with me. She lives twelve miles off; but begged

I would insert her love when I wrote.

ANECDOTES.

THE LATE REV. S. PEARCE.

and

MR. P. being one week-day evening in town, and not engaged to preach, asked his friend Mr. S. where he could hear a good sermon. Mr. S. mentioned two places. Mr. P." tell me the character of the preachers, that I may "Well," said choose." Mr. D.' said his friend, exhibits the orator, is much admired for his pulpit eloquence. Mr. P." and what is the other?" "Well," said to say of Mr. C.: he always throws himself in the backWhy, I hardly know what ground, and you see his Master only. That's the man for me then," said the amiable Pearce; "let us go and hear him."

[ocr errors]

A CURIOUS PROOF OF CONVERSION.

ABOUT the time of the conclusion of the peace of Reswick, the noted Therouet died at Montreal. The French gave him Christian burial in a pompous manner, the Popish priest, who attended him in his sickness, having pronounced the poor Indian to have been a true Christian; "for," said he, " while I explained to him the passion of our Saviour, whom the Jews crucified, he cried out, Oh! had I been there, I would have revenged his death, and brought away their scalps!"

[ocr errors]

Colben's Hist. of the Five Nations, vol. i. p. 207
4 B 2

:

JAMES OLD,

DORCHESTER.

Obituary.

THE righteous shall, doubtless, be held in everlasting remembrance. After death, indeed, their survivors soon forget them; but it is a consoling truth, that they are ever known unto the Lord. "Their names are written in the Lamb's book of life, they have a place among the living in Jerusalem, and are numbered among the citizens of Zion." At death, believers only part to meet again at their Father's house they will certainly know each other in Heaven. Possessing a perfect knowledge of the dealings of God, they will relate to each other all the way in which the Lord led them, and admire every part of his conduct towards them. I am firmly persuaded that the subject of this account now stands before the throne, and is mingling his praises with all the ransomed of the Lord For many years he followed the Saviour; and manifested the most unshaken confidence in the doctrines of the gos: pel. Amidst very indigent circumstances, and the greatest sufferings, the promises of the word were his constant support., He had a clear view of divine truth, a deep ac-. quaintance with the human heart, and a zealous attachment to the

doctrines of the gospel. The precepts of the word also were his de. light; and he was very diligent in the performance of religious duties. The character of Barnabas may, with great propriety, be apphed unto him: "He was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." No human character is perfect: spots of impurity are found in the most eminent believers. Religion, delineated in the sacred Scriptures, is perfect; but when exhibited in the lives of men, it is mixed with more or less sin.

Though few persons possessed

greater excellencies than Mr. Old, he also had his faults. His natu ral temper was hasty and irascible. This was his easily besetting sin; he used often to complain of it, and earnestly to pray against it; yet it was evident to all, what influence the love of Jesus had on his natural disposition to restrain and sweeten it.

The dispensations of Providence are subservient to religion. Onesimus fled from the service of his Master to Rome his conduct was wrong; but it was over-ruled for his spiritual advantage. In this place he heard St. Paul preach the gospel, which was made the power of God to his salvation. In the days of youth, Mr. Old left an unkind master, and went to London to follow his occupation. It was in this place that he was brought to a known concern for his eternal state. The ministry of Mr. Whitefield was rendered very useful to him when he first began to walk in the ways of God; and he used to speak, with peculiar delight, of the many comfortable seasons he enjoyed under the early morning discourses of that eminent servant of the Lord Jesus. He afterwards joined the church under the care of the Rev. Mr. Hart; and, for anany years, adorned his profession as a useful member of that Society. On account of growing afflictions and increasing infirmities, he left London, and came into the country. For many years past, he has resided in the amis-house at Dorchester, the place of his nativity. By his death, the 'church there has lost one of its most active members and brightest ornaments. During the time of my residence in that towll, I had frequent opportunities of ob serving his truly Christian spirit; and can say, I never company without receiving spiritual benefit. His room was a Bethel set apart for the worship of

was in his

God: few ever departed from it without reading the Scriptures and prayer. The young, and all under spiritual distress, found his house a sanctuary, and his conversation a blessing. Before his friends departed, he used to say to them, in the language of Archbishop Usher, "Surely, we must have one word of Christ before we part." Being eminently a man of prayer, he wrestled much with God; and spent much time in this delightful exercise. He used to keep a list of particular persons by him, in order that he might present them severally before the throne of grace, He was a man of a public spirit, greatly concerned for the kingdom of Christ, and desirous that the gospel might universally spread. When it met with any hindrance, like Eli, he trembled for the ark of God; but when he heard of any revival of religion, it rejoiced his heart. The success of the Missionaries that now labour among the Heathen, greatly engaged his attention; and for them he put up many a fervent prayer. Tender compassion for immortal souls par. ticularly marked his character. He often mentioned, that it was his greatest desire on earth that he might live to see his daughter, his only child, brought to the knowledge of the truth, that she might serve the Lord here, and dwell for ever with him in Heaven. He was very diligent in endeavouring to bring others under the sound of the gospel; and I have heard him relate, with pleasure and humility, many instances of his success. Be ing prudent, judicious, and affectionate, his advice and counsels were remarkably useful. Under injuries, he used to say, "I live by mercy myself; and therefore should shew mercy to others: Jesus bears much with me, and ought not I to bear much with my brethren?" He always manifested a peculiar attachment to the word of God; and, for a number of years, had never read no other book. The Bible was truly the rule of his faith, the support of his mind, and the guide of his life. He had a

singular talent in addressing others on religious subjects; and em braced every prudent opportunity of conversing with all he met con cerning eternal things.

Like Abraham, our friend was a man of great faith. Amidst great poverty and pain, his confidence in Jesus was firm and unmoved. When his worldly stock was exhausted, and he had neither bread nor mo ney, he used to say, "I will draw upon my heavenly Banker, for he has never yet failed to supply me: his promise is sure. Notwithstand. ing all, I am in good circumstances; besides present possessions, I am heir to a large estate,— "an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away!"

During his last illness, he suffered the most acute pain; but, in genc ral, bore it with Christian patience, especially while he underwent a most painful operation. He was confined to his bed about three weeks, during which period he enjoyed much of God. When able to speak to the numerous friends who visited him, he addressed them in the most affectionate and faithful manner. With great solemnity he thus spake to a young person: "My journey is almost ended: I would not be in your situation for a thousand worlds! I know beforehand your troubles: I know something of the various temptations and afflictions you must endure. O live near to God! There is no real enjoyment but in him. Be much upon your watch-tower: your path is a slippery one. It is my earnest prayer that you may have strength proportioned to your day. the word of God your Counsellor, and God will bless you." The experience of this good man, in the last hours of his life, was a practical commentary on that expression of the apostle's: Rejoicing with joy unspeakable, and full of glory!" For some time before his death, he appeared like an inhabitant of the other world. When unable to speak, he often took his surrounding friends by the hand; and, with an expressive look, manifested his

Make

« PreviousContinue »