Page images
PDF
EPUB

not nearly as cold as Russia, is yet, by no means, a warm region,) immersion has been practised in some of the severest winters ever known, and that in large rivers, after the ice had been, with much difficulty, broken and removed. All this, I say, has been done in our own country, abundance of times, and always without any injury to the health of the baptized. Nay, many tender and infirm people have declared that their health became much better, after their immersion, than it had been for a long time before.—A remarkable instance of this kind occurred, in this county, some years ago, which I shall take the liberty to mention, for the purpose of corroborating my position, that immersion is NOT dangerous to health, even in cold climates, and in the coldest seasons of the year; and also, to oblige some of my friends, who have particularly desired me to make it public. The instance I have in view, relates to a Mrs. Temple, who lived in the neigh‐ | bourhood of North Walsham. She had been convinced, by reading the New Testament, that the Christian ordinance of Baptism, is the immersion in water, in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, of a person professing faith in the Son of God; and she purposed to act soon agreeably to that conviction, but, being shortly after seized with that dreadful, and commonly fatal disorder, the cancer, it was thought proper to defer it. During this illness, Mr. Faircloth, surgeon, of North Walsham, attended her for a considerable time; but, all his efforts proving fruitless, he at last pronounced her incurable. Upon this, she sent for Mr. Culley, minister of the Baptist church, at Worstead, where she usually attended, when

her without it, he went to North Walsham, and related the whole affair to the surgeon, who advised him, by all means, to make haste and baptize her, because she had but a very short time to live: And as she must soon die,' said he, 'whether she be immersed or not, none can reflect upon you; and I will take care to vindicate your character.' Upon his return, she was carried to the river side, where they usually baptized; and, after the ice was broke, (for there had been a great frost for some time before,) they went down both into the water, and he immersed her, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. She was then carried home, and put in bed; where, after ordering the things to be taken away from her breast, (that being the part where the disorder lay,) and addressing the Deity in a short prayer, she composed herself to die; but, to the great astonishment of all who knew her case, she had no more pain in her breast, and the part affected got perfectly well, in two or three days. This happened in the year 1724.The good woman continued well till the year 1727, when she died of the small pox. Her son, Abraham Temple, is still living, at North Walsham; [1784, the year when this account was published,] upon whose testimony, and that of Mr. Trivett, an ancient worthy minister, and pastor of the Baptist church, at Worstead, I publish this narration."

On this extraordinary case, the truth of which, there appears not the slightest ground to suspect, the reader is left to his own reflections. J. F.

in health, and requested him to bap- A REMARKABLE INSTANCE

OF THE

POWER OF CONSCIENCE.

tize her; declaring, at the same time, that she depended not upon that ordinance for salvation, but relied alone upon the merits of Christ.Mr. Culley told her, that such a step, possibly, might be dangerous in her A SERVANT, travelling with his case; at least, though the surgeon had master, a jeweller, in a private. given her over, yet that the enemies place, murdered him, and retired to of Baptism would not scruple to say, a considerable distance; and, with his that it was the cause of her death, property, entered into business, &c. &c. But as he could not satisfy | prospered, was respected, and be

came Chief Magistrate. Sitting on the bench one day with some of his brethren, a criminal was brought before him, who was charged with murdering his master. When he should have pronounced the sentence of condemnation, he was in great agitation of mind. He quitted the bench, and went and placed himself just by the unfortunate man at the bar. He made a full confession of his aggravated guilt, and said, "You see before you a striking instance of the just awards of hea

ven, which this day, after thirty years' concealment, present to you a greater criminal than the man just now found guilty. Nor can I feel any relief from the agonies of an awakened conscience, but by requiring that justice be forthwith done against me, in the most public and solemn manner:" which was done-and, it is added, he died with all the symptoms of a penitent mind.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Under the word Gonscience.

Obituary.

[blocks in formation]

In the latter end of the year 1807, she again entered into the marriage state, with the writer of this article; and, shortly after, she became a member of the church under the

care of Mr. Wm. Shenstone. Here

she continued until the settlement of her husband as pastor of the church at Highgate, when she was dismissed to that communion. In both societies, her conduct was consistent and exemplary. Her first minister always testified the highest regard for her, and when she had to sustain the important character of a pastor's wife, through divine assistance, she so discharged its duties, as greatly to adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour; most cheerfully making every sacrifice of domestic comfort which the difficulties connected with a newly-raised society demanded.

The deceased was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and resided there till she married and came to London. There she drank deep of the cup of affliction, for, in the course of a few years, she had to mourn She was a woman of a very deover the loss of three children and votional spirit-a diligent reader of an affectionate husband. But these the scriptures, and much attached trials were sanctified: they induced to the public means of grace, as the her to attend upon a gospel minis-remarks made in her diary abuntry at Sion Chapel, where she re- dantly shew; and although surceived the truth as it is in Jesus. rounded with a young family, At this place of worship she attend- (whose wants demanded, and reed upwards of six years, walkingceived her constant attention, and with God-making progress in who now very sensibly feel her loss,) knowledge and in holiness, and en- yet she was enabled to "set her joying the comforts which are con- affections on things above," and to nected with a diligent attention to manifest a holy indifference to the the duties of religion. world. She felt that she was a

"pilgrim"-that here she had no continuing city;" hence she was in the habit of looking forward to the period when she should enter the

EXTRACTS

FROM MEMORANDA,

IN THE

resting place of the just. To it she Pocket-Books of Mrs. A. Mileham ;

often referred, and for it she earnestly longed: and “God granted her that which she requested." When she least expected it, the voice said," Come up hither."

She had uniformly enjoyed a good state of health till within the last few months of her death, when she complained of much inward weakness; but it was only a week previous to her decease, that she found it necessary to have medical advice. Her complaint was pronounced nervous debility, and an intimation given, that there was not any thing serious to be apprehended: she continued discharging her domestic duties as usual. About half an hour before her death, she assured her husband she was much better. He left her, but was almost immediately recalled, to behold her quite insensible! Those eyes which had so often enlivened him, were closing in death, and deprived of all their lustre. In a very few moments after his arrival she expired.

All she uttered, after directing medical assistance to be sent for, was in a tone of sweet surprise, "Can this be death!-Oh, my soul,

can this be death!"

"A soul prepar'd needs no delays,

The summons comes, the saint obeys:
Swift was her flight, and short the road,
She clos'd her eyes, and wak'd with

God!"

[blocks in formation]

"IT is good for me that Christ receiveth sinners,' or I must have sunk into eternal misery."

"O Lord, lift up the light of thy countenance upon me: may I not be found a hypocrite in Zion."

R

[ocr errors]

Spent the afternoon with Mr. What a mercy to have a friend travelling the way to the heavenly Canaan."

"Let me be a humble shrub of thy right hand's planting, rather than a tall cedar without root."

"Oh thou dear incarnate God, who bore our sins in thine own body upon the tree, suffer me not to take up my rest here, for it is polluted."

"Lord, keep me near thy blessed self, I too often follow thee afar off." "Oh that Christ may, at all times, be all in all to me."

"Mr. S died, after two days' illness. Lord, make me to number my days, that I may apply my heart

unto wisdom."

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

1805.

these years past.
Truly God has been good to me
Thou supplied
my wants with a liberal hand: may
I be truly thankful for all thy
mercies."

On the Wednesday following, her remains were deposited in a vault, in Mr. Evans's chapel, Mile End New Town. Dr. Newman gave an address upon the occasion, and on Lord's-day evening, July 19, preached a funeral sermon at High-faith upon Christ. Feed me with "Lord, help me to live daily by gate, from Eph. ii. 8, 'By grace are ye saved:" a passage chosen by the deceased, some years before her de

[ocr errors]

the bread of life."

66 Lord, give me grace to perse

parture, in the prospect of child-vere, and at last to enter that rest

birth.

[blocks in formation]

which remains for the people of God."

"It is good to be found in the house of the Lord here below. May I be of that number for whom Christ had prepared a place in his Father's house above."

"Lord, make me more spiritually-minded: my soul cleaveth to the dust, quicken thou me according to thy word.”

"Lord, help me to examine myself. May I be ready when the Bridegroom shall appear."

"I trust thou hast made me willing to sit at thy feet. Oh keep me ever in that humble place."

1806.

"Dear Jesus, I would again give myself to thee. Oh take me, and soften this hard heart, and shed thy love abroad in it. Oh, Sun of righteousness, arise, and shine upon my soul."

"Oh, what a deceitful heart is mine."

[ocr errors]

"I hope I can say, the good work is begun.' Lord, enable me to persevere, for without thee I can do nothing. May I feel the work of sanctification in my soul."

"Oh Lord, thou knowest I cannot rejoice in thee; yet I do feel it sweet to mourn after thee."

"Oh thou blessed Spirit, help me to return. Indeed I feel that I am a backslider in heart. Oh apply the precious blood of Christ, that cleanseth from all sin. Draw me with the cords of love, that I may follow thee."

"Here I would raise another Ebenezer; in many dangers thou hast kept me. Lord, impress on my mind what I have heard this morning; it has been as a rich cordial to a fainting soul. Glory to thy name, for the blessings of the gospel."

"Oh draw my affections from all created objects, and fix them on thy self alone. Help me to hold every creature comfort with a loose hand."

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and be not forgetful of all his benefits. May I not say, Surely thou hast forgiven all my iniquities, and healed all my diseases. Oh Lord, I trust I can say, the ordinances of thy house have been sweet to my soul."

"In hearing Mr. ——, felt reproved. Lord help me to be more VOL. X.

[blocks in formation]

Extracts from Letters to a Friend.

"I am sorry Mrs. A-. changed her behaviour, but I am not surprised. . . . It is a mercy, that all our happiness does not depend upon the creature, but upon an unchanging friend. Oh that we may know that he is our beloved, and our friend. I rejoiced to hear of dear Mr. B—; if my heart doth not deceive me, I have often been refreshed by his ministry. Long may he be spared to comfort the mourner in Zion. If you should ever be in his company, beg of him to remember the weakest and unworthiest, at the throne of grace; the prayers of a righteous man avail much. Oh that the Lord would pour a spirit of prayer on me; but alas! what will the prayers of good men avail, without the intercession of Christ? if he pleads for me, all will be well, for him the Father heareth always.""

"You desire me to plead for you, at a throne of grace: you know not how unable I am to perform such a service. I have great reason to lament, that I feel such a backwardness to approach God: it is a source of uneasiness to me, for if it is as impossible for a regenerate soul to live without prayer as for the body to live without food, I have little reason to think I have

passed from death unto life:' and yet I cannot give up my hope; for if a change had not taken place, why should the preached word be so desirable? That blessed book, which you know once had no charms for me, I can truly say, is precious; and, if my heart does not deceive me, sin is a burden. Happy are they that are assured of an interest in the dear Redeemer. Although we may not find that enjoyment we could wish, yet the soul may be safe; for, when Christ says, he will cast out none that come unto him, his word cannot be broken."

[ocr errors]

"Oh could I say, I delighted in prayer, as I do in hearing, my soul would be in a more flourishing state; but God is witness, I do long to hold communion with him, in secret. May the severe reproof I had yesterday, from a dear minister, make me more diligent; for, he that 'cannot lie,' has promised to 'pour out his spirit,' as a spirit of grace and supplication' upon his people."

[ocr errors]

-"I am glad to hear you are better, I hope it continues to be well with your soul. I felt much pleasure from your account of the administering the ordinance of baptism. I hope I do rejoice in the increase of the Redeemer's kingdom. It must have been a very solemn sight, to see so many make an open profession of being on the Lord's side. I could not help weeping to think what the dear old minister must feel, at seeing his children willing to follow his footsteps, in the ways of religion. Oh what pleasure would it give me, to see my dear parents enquiring the way to Sion, with their faces thitherward. But God is a so- | vereign! he has a right to do with his creatures as seemeth him good. It is my duty to adore that free and sovereign grace, that 'snatched me as a brand out of the fire.'

in life, which only death can dissolve; but whenever it takes place, I hope it will be to the glory of God, and the good of our immortal souls. Should the Lord see fit, to place me in the situation of a wife and mother, I trust he will enable me to discharge, my duty as such. You say, you hope he is pious; I can truly say, I would not unite with an unbeliever, if he could make me mistress of the world ; no, believe me, I feel my heart so prone to leave the fountain of living waters, that I need not a partner in life to draw me into the world again. I cannot think there could be much happiness in the marriage state, with a man of the world; for how can two walk together except they be agreed."

"Am sorry to find you are still so unwell in your body; but I hope the soul is in a prosperous state. I wish you much of the divine presence, which is better than life itself. The crazy tabernacle may be patched and propped, but it must bo pulled down; but how sweet to rejoice in the prospect of a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens! The best of this world is only a wilderness; may we be looking forward, with desire and expectation, to that 'rest, which remains 'Oh to grace how great a debtor, for the people of God.' It will be a Daily I'm constrain'd to be.' blessed rest indeed, to be freed from May my life shew, to those around, the Lord, who is the altogether a body of sin, and to be for ever with that the religion of Jesus is not that lovely, and the chiefest among ten dull melancholy thing the world thousand. May it be your hap takes it to be; little as I know of it, piness and mine, to see our title I would not part with that know-clear to those happy mansions; and, ledge, for all the pleasures the world while our heavenly Father is pleased can give. May we be daily growto continue us on this waste-howling in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope you had a profitable day yesterday; I cannot say much for myself. I heard Mr. R-, from Eph. ii. 8, "By grace are ye saved.' I feel, if saved at all, it must be by grace: I find, by daily experience, I can do nothing myself. Oh, that the Lord would set up his throne in my heart, and reign,

Lord of every motion there.""

"I am much obliged to you for your good wishes, but must inform you, that I have not entered into that most important connection

ing wilderness, may we be earnestly concerned to glorify him in all things."

"I feel much obliged to you, for your anxious care concerning my welfare; not only of body, but of that nobler part, the soul....

...I am thankful that the Lord deals with me in such tenderness; for, oh! had he dealt with me according to my deserts, I must have been lifting up my eyes in torments! but, glory be to his name, I have experienced him to be what he has declared himself to be; 'the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious,

« EelmineJätka »