CONSTITUTIONAL EXAMINATION.
By James White
TESTIMONY OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS.
UNDER this head we design to quote from the writings of men of eminent piety. And, although their testimony may contain some unscriptural expressions, and sentiments, we think them worthy of a place in the REVIEW on account of the spirit of consecration and holiness they breathe. J. W. FROM THE MEMOIR OF JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR, BY JOHN HOLT RICE D. D., AND BENJAMIN HOLT RICE D. D. "His daily and most earnest prayer was for higher and holier zeal, and more fervent love. He was fully persuaded that a Christian, in the use of the appointed means, might make continual progress in the divine life, and advance far beyond his Christian stature. And this high attainment was the object of his continual desire. "His repeated declarations show, that from the time he made a public profession of religion until the year 1822, he longed for, and with much earnestness sought clearer manifestations of the divine favor, and greater conformity to the divine will. He was under the abiding feeling that, without higher attainments in holiness, he never could enter the ministry. During the Spring vacation of 1822 he visited his parents, and, as it would seem, resolved to consecrate this time of relaxation from study to the special object of seeking such an increase of religion as would relieve him from many doubts which barrassed his mind. It was his privilege at this period to enjoy the society of some relatives, who, according to his account were persons of very distinguished zeal and piety. He made much use of their conversation and prayers, as well as of other means for the accomplishment of his object. All his subsequent papers refer to the twenty-third of April, in this year, as the most important era in his Christian life. He then gave himself up to Christ with a strength of purpose, a depth of feeling, and an unreservedness of which he had never before been conscious. And he was made to partake of peace, of joy, of rapture, such as he had never experienced. It was a great revival of religion in his heart. He knew something of that "hope which maketh not ashamed;" of that "perfect love which casteth out fear;" of that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. In a great number of letters written about this time, and years afterwards, he dwells on this season and its blessings. The fullest account, however, of the whole case, is given in a letter, dated May, 1823, which is here introduced, as the event recorded had a very strong bearing on his religious character and his whole future conduct." "This day brings with it a privilege of no ordinary kind. It is that of witnessing the good profession of the church in this village, and of testifying to the world that I am on the Lord's side. Once more I am called to sit at the table of the Lord Jesus and celebrate his dying love—may I do it in remembrance of him, penitently, humbly, with faith, with love, with peace, with joy! I would remember him as the man who is Jehovah's fellow, [Zech. xiii, 7,] set up from everlasting—I would remember him as the promised seed, who should bruise the serpent's head—as the looked for Shiloh—as the Messiah foretold by the prophets. I would remember him as already come—the babe of Bethlehem—the man of sorrows—the despised Nazarene—the friend of publicans and sinners. I would remember him as voluntarily humbling himself, and although rich, for our sakes becoming poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. I would remember him in the garden in his agony—before an earthly tribunal, though Judge of all the earth—on the cross, thirsting, bleeding, groaning, dying, although he is the Lord of life and glory. I would remember him in the grave, in his resurrection, and in his various manifestations to his disciples. In a word, I would remember him as delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification. "What an honor, to have a name and a place among his people here below. But what is a name and a place, if we are destitute of the badge of true discipleship? I mean the badge of love—supreme love to God, universal love to men. "But I would remember the forbearance and mercy of him whose name is LOVE. I would never forget that fourteen years of my life were spent in folly and in sin, and yet I was not cut down as a cumberer of the Lord's vineyard; that by the Holy Spirit I was convinced of sin and converted. I would remember Jesus as my best friend, in the midst of temptations, trials and afflictions—as him who has not only permitted me to taste of his grace, but has filled me with his perfect love, which casteth out fear, save the filial fear of offending my Father. I would indeed remember him as my Lord, my portion, and my all. "The Lord has often made himself known to me in the breaking of bread, particularly during the last year. My soul has, indeed, been richly fed at the communion table. The intercourse between my heart and heaven has been frequent and full. Jesus has been exceedingly precious. May I find the tabernacle of the Lord of hosts amiable this day because of his presence; may the banner of Jesus over me be love; and may his food be sweet to my taste! Then shall I sit under the shadow of the Almighty; my spiritual strength will be renewed; and I shall be happy in the Lord my Saviour. "I re-perused with interest a letter received from you in 1819. Among other things contained in it, I found the following:—It is thought by some pious persons, that the course of study usually pursued in the present day, by candidates for the ministry, is calculated to abate that fervor in religion which is so desirable. However this may have appeared to the observation of others, I have not discovered it to be the case in many instances. On the contrary, it is to be hoped that young men, in a course of preparation for the sacred office, grow in grace as they advance in knowledge. Surely, if they do not, they will have occasion to accuse themselves of base ingratitude and very culpable negligence. That some are thus worldly remiss cannot be doubted. In the words of your correspondent, as quoted, they become, in the course of their education, very different men, with a very different kind of piety; and time must show whether it is better or worse. "But thanks, everlasting thanks to the great Head of the church, that he has not suffered my graces to languish and die. It is to his rich grace that I owe it all. He has done great and wonderful things for me since I commenced studying for the ministry. Shall I tell you? My tongue could not, much less can my pen express the loving kindness of the Lord to me, who am less than the least of all his mercies. Eternity is too short to utter all his praise. But I may tell you some of the merciful dealings of the Lord to my soul. "You will doubtless recollect how often I have complained to you of the littleness of my attainments in the divine life; how much of sin was still remaining within me, notwithstanding my profession that I had crucified the world, the flesh and the devil. I have had keener sorrows for indwelling sin than I ever experienced before conversion. O the distress which I have felt on account of pride, envy, love of the world, and other evil passions, which have risen up and disturbed my peace, and separated between God and my soul. But the Lord heard my cries and groans, and was witness to my tears and my desires for holiness. I pleaded and wrestled with him; and, praise to his name! after six long years I found what I had so long and so earnestly sought. It was on the 23d of April, 1822, when I was on a visit at Haddam, in Connecticut. Memorable day! The time and place will never, no, never be forgotten. I recur to it at this moment with thankful remembrance. For then, through the great love and power of our Lord, my feet were set in a large place. "I cannot give you the particulars better than by making an extract from my journal: "For some days I have been desirous to visit some friends, who are distinguished for fervor of piety, and remarkable for the happiness which they enjoy in religion. It was my hope, that by associating with them, and through the help of their prayers, I might find the Lord more graciously near to my soul. After my arrival, I took up a hymn book, where I found a hymn descriptive of my situation. The perusal of this increased my desire that the Lord would visit me, and fill me with the Holy Ghost—my cry to him was, seal my soul forever thine. I lifted up my heart in prayer that the blessing might descend. I felt that I needed something which I did not possess. There was a void within, which must be filled, or I could not be happy. My earnest desire then was, as it had been ever since I professed religion six years before that all love of the world might be destroyed—all selfishness extirpated—pride banished—unbelief removed—all idols dethroned—everything hostile to holiness, and opposed to the divine will, crucified; that holiness to the Lord might be engraved on my heart, and evermore characterize my conversation. My mind was led to reflect on what would probably be my future situation. It recurred to me, I am to be hereafter a minister of the Gospel. But how shall I be able to preach in my present state of mind? I cannot—never; no, never shall I be able to do it with pleasure, without great overturnings in my soul. I felt that I needed that, for which I was then, and for a long time had been, hungering and thirsting. I desired it, not for my benefit only, but for that of the church and the world. At this very juncture I was most delightfully conscious of giving up ALL to God. I was enabled in my heart to say, Here, Lord, take me, take my whole soul, and seal me thine—thine now, and thine forever." If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. There then ensued such emotions as I never before experienced—all was calm and tranquil, silent, solemn—and a heaven of love pervaded my whole soul. I had a witness of God's love to me, and of mine to him. Shortly after, I was dissolved in tears of love and gratitude to our blessed Lord. The name of Jesus was precious to me. 'Twas music in my ear. He came and took full possession of my heart; and I was enabled to say; I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me. Let him reign in me, reign without a rival for ever. "But this is not all—since that blessed season I have enjoyed times of refreshment, in which I have gained nearer access to God. I have enjoyed his presence from day to day. Not one I believe has passed, in which I have not had the witness in myself that I am born from above. O the peace which I have had, and joy in the Holy Ghost! It has flowed as a river. I have been happy in my Lord; I have exulted in the God of my salvation. But I ascribe all to his grace. The Lord hath done great things for me, whereof I am glad, and for which I would praise his name. Not unto me, not unto me! I am nothing—Jesus is all. To his name be the glory! He is the author and finisher of faith. I know and am as fully assured of my acceptance with God as I can be of my existence—that is, if love, joy, peace, are evidences of reconciliation. The perfect love of God casteth out all fear of death, of the grave, of judgment, of hell. Filial fear—fear of offending my heavenly Father, and my brethren, possesses me. Surely I am a miracle of grace, free grace, sovereign grace, almighty grace. I feel that I love the Lord, because he first loved me. And, even now, I am favored with the gracious presence of Emmanuel. How suitable and delightful is the name—God with us! yes, and formed within us the hope of glory. "I find the Scriptures increasingly delightful. I read no book with so much pleasure. It is indeed not a dead letter, but spirit and life. Divinity is stamped on its pages; and when carried home to the heart, its truths are life and power. "In closet duties you doubtless find most pleasure. Here I too find the heavenly manna. My soul has had Gospel measure in my evening's retirement. 'Tis here the Christian comes at the essence of religion, while he holds intimate communion with heaven, and partakes of joys sublime and substantial, such as the world knoweth not, the unrenewed never taste. But they are real; they are pure; they are foretastes of good things to come, earnest of future endless bliss. "The prospect before me is a pleasant one. I have no anxiety about the future. My only wish is to know what my heavenly Father will have me to do. I have, indeed, the ministry in view. I believe that the great Head of the church has called me to prepare for it. But whether he will count me worthy to be put into it, is not for me to decide. I would not determine. He may see fit to remove me hence before I shall have finished my course of study. But whether my life be protracted or shortened, my inquiry is, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. I am not my own keeper; neither would I be at my own disposal. Godliness with contentment is great gain. I trust that I have won this prize. Pray that I may keep and finish my course with joy. "Thus I have spoken of the Lord's dealings, and testified to his goodness. I have spoken to you with the familiarity and confidence of a friend. Do not think me an egotist. "And now may I ask you, Is it well with thee? If I mistake not, you were once not a little harassed with fears, and perplexed with doubts. Have you gained the ascendancy over your adversary? If not, be assured it is your privilege. For this purpose was Jesus manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. And it is not his pleasure that we should always be babes, or even young men. He would have us arrive at the stature of perfect men in Christ Jesus. Alas! how many seem to be ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. There are some who are always complaining of their deadness and want of spirituality. Do you know the reason? Certainly it is not because they have religion, but because they have no more religion. The effect of true piety is to quicken and enliven the soul, to make its possessor spiritual and heavenly-minded, which is life and peace. All, all should be on the alert; up and doing for their Master's cause. Indeed, there is much land to be possessed; much in our own heart; much in our families; much in our neighborhood; much in the world at large. Who will be Christians in deed and in truth? who will be decidedly for the Lord—eminently holy and devoted103servants of the Most High? There is much to do; much for you and much for me to accomplish; and our time is short. O for more of Enoch's spirit, that I may walk with God continually; for more of the meekness and the ardor of our Saviour. In a word, let us live for God, for heaven, for eternity. Then shall we rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks. The world will sink into nothing before us—souls will be valued according to their worth—the divine glory will be our chief aim, and heaven our final home. "What shall I say more? May you and I seek to be uncommon Christians; that is, eminently holy. Holiness becometh the house of the Lord. It is this which conforms us to his image, which fits us for communion with him here, and which only will fit us for heaven and for glory."