THE LIBRARY OF THHl'XI\I:RSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS AXGELES THE CHRISTIAN'S MINIATURE A PICTUEE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. R. K SEW ALL, BOSTON: BENJAMIN PEEKINS & CO. 1846. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1846, BY R. K. SEWALL, In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the District of Massacliusetts. STEREOTYPED BY S. X. DICKINSON & CO. BOSTON. DESIGN OE THE WOEK. It has seemed to the author a desidera- tum to have a brief outline — a miniature of the Christian life, in which the several stages in the process of its development should be described. This idea he has attempted to realize in this volume. Though the portrai- ture be deficient in many of its features, yet it is believed the most prominent and essen- tial are embraced. Conscious of the imperfect execution of the task, yet, if it shall assist the Christian to a view of himself, and in the work of self- examination, the author will feel himself re- warded. P^ 7 CONTENTS. Page Chap. I. Christian's Natural State, 5 II. Christian's Developing State — under conviction, 13 ni. Christian's Developing State — in Process of Conversion, 23 IV. Christian Developed, 33 _- > Christian Endowed < .^, ,, .. VI. ' < with Hope, 48 VII. Christian's Relation to the World, 58 VIII. Christian's Conquest, 69 IX. Christian's State of Glorification, 83 THE CHRISTIAN'S MINIATURE. CHAPTER I. THE CHRISTIAN IN HIS NATURAL STATE. Who, as he looks on the rude and shape- less pile of granite — or the blocks of marble, by the bench of the statuary, would conceive of the figure and likeness of the man hid under the rough exterior? But by the power of genius, the strokes and delicate finishings of the sculptor's chisel lay bare, first the ob- scure outlines, then the image, and finally, the naked man, in all his symmetry of parts, in all the delicacy and beauty of form and feature, the cold countenance often being lighted up with a glow of intelligence, the marble — the stone — the block being made almost to speak ! Now, what the man is in the block of marble, the Christian is in his b THE CHRISTIAN S MINIATURE. native state. There is the mass, crude, mis- shapen, formless. The God-likeness, originally enstamped, is defaced and overpx)wn with the moss of earth. The image is lost. liut it may be restored by the skill and power of a master .'ipirit. The Christian, in all the symmetrj', beauty, purity and spirituality of high and holy character, under the hand of the spirit of God, is developed from a moral mass of senile and sin, which constitutes the natural man. The defoniiity, natural and moral gross- ness of man, in his carnal state, is unbelief. Unielir/h the marble and the granite which encase the carnal heart, the unhewn, cum- brous exterior, which envelops the Chris- tian. This is the natural state of man- kind, the great evil of which is, the atheism, the practical atheism it involves. Therefore, luttiirally, man is without God in the world. He lives — he acts — he plans and executes as though God did not exist. He hates the knowledge of God, and does not choose the tear of the Lord. The consequences are le- gitimate. On account of unbelief man is THE CHRISTIAN'S M I. M ATI' RE. 7 condemned on charge of a capital oflence against God. " He that believeth not is con- demned already." lu bis natural .state, man acts as though he were conscioun of being uiulcr such condem- nation. Thoughts of death, judgment and eternity, are sources of distjuietude. Hence, men in a stnte of unbelief, strive to divert their thoughts from themselves, us account- able creatures ; und they desire not ** to have God in all their thoughts." Hence unbeliev- ing men shrink from the truth as God has revealed it — they dure not meet it face to face — they cannot meet it frankly and not tremble. Therefore, when exposed to the clear ligiit and power of truth, man in his natural state, (if he be not hardened in sin,) will attempt to bribe conscience, and darken reason : and wrapped about and shielded with a web of sophisms, he stands forth, the cham- pion of error. Behold the felon I He is convict- ed of crime for which he is condemned to atone oji the gallows. Kvery hour is full of melan- choly forboding. Every moment is crowd- ed with bitterness. Every foot-step— every clunk of bolt, bar or chain, are ominous of "^ THE CHRISTIAN S MIMATl'RK. evil. The thouglit of his puilt nnd condem- nation haunts liiin in liis solitude ; and there- fore, he endeavors so to fill up each moment, that he may forget himself, and his end. And it is the same with man in a state of unbelief. His condition and that of the felon are very like. The unbeliever is disquieted at any exhi- bition of the greatness, and i»o\ver, and justice of CmkI. The general fear of death, springs, nu)stly from a consciousness of guilt and condemnation before God. What comes af- ter death, is an object of dread. There are indescribable apprehensions of real danger, in the dark valley and shadow. It is a view, however indistinct, of inexorable justice, the distant gleaming of whose sword, flashes in the face of the unbeliever across the dark valley : and whose frown hangs over the gates of the grave ! Death " is the king of terrors," because he is a minister of justice. The condition of pardon, in order to salva- tion, implies that man in a state of unbelief, is already condemned. Man may be for- given — he may be acquitted, but he cannot be pardoned if he be not condemned. THE CHRISTIAN S MIMATfRK. 9 Then, all who ne«d pardon — all to whom pardun is ofTered in the (Jo«pcI, must be in a state of condemnation. They must be lust to law and juniice, before executive clemency can open a door of salvation. God R()eak» to, and treats with the unbeliever a5 with one condemned. Therefore he has made provi- sion, and oj)ened a way for the encapo of un- believer*, through pardon. So then, the real condition of unbelieving men, i« that of the prisoner, who has been arraigned, found guilty, is Hcntenced, and now awaits the hour of execution ! Such is the natural state of the Christian. He is in a state of unnutigatetl guilt. I'n- belief is a sin of }>eculi!ir enormity, not only on account of its practical atheism, but be- cause of the consequences in which it in volves its subjects. In all judicial proceed- ings, justice seizes quickly, on those whoso oftencesare marked by peculiar atrocity, and obvious guilt. There is no debate with the jury ; no hesitancy wiih the judge. Con- demnation follows hard upon conviction This is precisely the state of the unbeliever's cause at the tribunal of the judge of quick 10 THE christian's 94IMATUKE. an>l dcjul. For his unbelief man is condemn- ed already. In his natural state, the Christian is in great peril. Though the guilt of no other sin lies at the dt)or, unbelief itself, is sulliciently enor- mous to decide the question of his eternal destiny. When man is weighed in the bal- ances, with his works, unbelief will turn the scale of justice. The condition of an unbeliever, is legally and justly sealed. Sentence of condemna- tion i-s pronounced ; and the unbeliever only lives waiting the hour of its execution. On the pivst, it is written — hopeless. On the dark front of the future, glows the fiery sentence — " he that bclieveth not is condemned alrea- dy !" Unbelief meets man in his natural state at every tuni, and shuts in his face ev- ery door of hope ! Hence, we perceive the absolute necessity of pardon as a condition of salvation ; and also, the necessity of repentance, as a condi- tion of j)ardon. The only safe and honorable way of escajje for the condemned, is through pardon. This is a lawful method of escape. In the nature THE christian's MINIATCRE. 11 and constitution of jjoveniment, pnrtlon is the njitiinil means of relief to the condemned — it 18 the natural r of hope, to all, who are lost to Inw and justice. So, the natural state of the Christian, is one of unbelief, or practical atheism. It involves enormous j^uilt. It incurs all the riwjue of impending sentence of law, which hang:sover him. burdened with the "wrath to come." Justice pu!\rd« with a flnminjj sword, which turns every way to cut off escape, while par- don, on account, and in virtue of the merits of .lesus, has bridged a passape to hope and heaven ! Let man pass here, an»l all is safe. Let him refu-e — delay a little longer, and all is lost for ever ! Tlie reason why the Christian in his nat- ural state is not cut off at once, together with all who are in this condition, is, A^fuz/.ttf God traits on man to be graciuiif. Sentence await* its execution. Life, is the pardoning period of human existence. Justice, at the ! solicitation of mercy, lingers on the track of the guilty, and condemned through the day of grace, that op|>ortunity may be given for the overtures of mercy to be complied with. 12 THE christian's MINMTIRK. In the meanwhile, Heaven, Earth and Hell, are moved to save, beinjj emptied of their motives to hedge np his course, and turn the condemned into the way of life and pardon. Such is the natunil condition and exposure of the Christian, viewed in his carnal state. Unnlened with the puilt of unbelief, he stands condemned to suffer the penalty of violated l;i\v. He is in a state of treason a;»ainst the Sovereign of the Universe. The wrath of (jod abides on him. He must perish, or be rescued from the bonds of sin, and the hands of the executioner, through panlon. Hence, by nature, the Christian is a child of wrath even as others. THE christian's mimatlre. 13 CHAPTER II. THE CHRISTIAN IN HIS DEVELOPING STATE. This state is complex, — consisting of two stages — conviction and conversion. I pro- pose to consider it in the order ot" its succes- sive stages, as a process. The dilTerence between this, and man's nat- ural state, consists, in a lively LnowUtii^f of one's true condition as an unhtUevrr. Where- as he was once blind, ho now sees. He sees himself to be guilty and lost. Hi* eye aJTects his heart. He trembles in view of his peril. He is oppressed with a sense of his sin, which, like a burden of lead, bears down on his heart and conscience. His condition is no worse, — his guilt and danger are no greater, — his sentence is no heavier now, than before. But the scales have fallen from his eyes. He has become sensible of his state and condition. Here, is the precise point of contrast, between the 14 THE christian's MINIATURE. christian in his natural, and in his devel oping state. This contrast is technically exprespcil by the temi conviction. Conviction, embraces not only a just ap- prehension — a tnie seju>e of one's carnal state, but al«o, a lively regret, — t/cep jieni- tenct, for the guilt incurred. The head and the heart, are touched by the arrows of conviction. Light and pain follow in their course, which result in the product of a peculiar disposition. So the disposition of mind preparatory to conver- sion, (or that change of state and relations, which constitutes the christian, ) is the natural effect of the process of conviction. This disposition develops itself in the christian, (while in the state of an awakened, anxious sinner,) as subdued. In the natural, carnal state, the mind and heart, in their temper, are luisubdued. " The carnal mind is enmity against God, is not subject to his law, neither indeed can be." Man universally, in his natural state, lives as though he were independent of God. He lives without God in the world. TBE christian's MINIATURE. 15 On the one hand, he stoops not to ask even the supply of his necessary breath, and the elements of health ; nor on the other, does he render thanks for what lias been received. Confiding in himself and the wisdom of his own plans, jealous of his ri^ht to himself and service — impatient of the restraint of that divine law, which is obnoxious to the clamors of appetite and the demands of lust — man naturally and generally, d<*s not recognize the authority of his Creator, nor yield the tribute of obedience which is his due. When Goes ; — when nature's self speaks forth glad hosannas. the voice of carnal man alone is silent. Hut the gush of godly sorrow in the heart, stricken with a sense of sin, breaks down the will, and sweeps away its perverseness. 16 THE christian's MINIATURE. No man, in this condition can forget God, when he has met him in the way — whose ma- jesty has made liim afraid — whose terrors have seized upon him. There is no longer con- (idt-nce in his own might and wisdom. •' Tiie wicked, through the pride of his counte- nance will not seek after God." When this pride is broken, inditTerence, canial security, can no longer find a lodgment in the mind. Sensible of the evil of his condition, pene- trated with a view of his ingratitude, " going and weeping," they shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces thitlierward. — Jere- miah v. 5. Such is the evidence of a subdued dispo- sition, which constitutes that " broken-heart- edness " essential to contrition. The will, the desires, the affections, and the thoughts, are thus broken to law, and are reduced to the authority of the Gospel. Tears and sadness, desire and effort to return to God, indicate a state of submission which is induced by the special power of the spirit of God, put forth to break down the natural temper of man's perverse will. The instrument by which conviction is THE christian's miniature. 17 wrought in the heart, is the Law of God. It is the hiw-work iu the soul, which creates :i sense of sin. As, our schoohnivstcr, the law teaches and '^nhdnes tlio heart, — drivos man out of him- self unto Christ, " Who is the end of the law for righteousness to him that be- lieveth." Another fiMituro of this disposition is humility. This is the permanent effect of brokenness of heart, or that subdued state, in which, the work of conviction develops itself. It is a most attractive element of character. It implies a just apprehension "f one's true relation to God and his fellow man. A suitable sense of dependence on (iod, is however, its prevailing feature. A becoming distrust of self, begets willingness to be taught — a disposition to be directed. It prepares the way to be led by the spirit and coun-^el of God. Therefore, the mind truly convicted of sin, instead of a self-justifying spirit, humbly '• asks the way to Zion." Man, while in the state of an anxious sinner, lies not down iu supine inactiv- Ih THE christian's MKMATURK. ity, presuming to console himself with the reflection, " if I am to be saved, I .'-Imli be saved, let me live as I list." No. His ill-desert seems so great he feels willing to be led. " What must I do to be saved ? " is the absorbing question with him. If it can be answered satisfactorily, the heart's desire will be gratified ; — the mind will be at ease. Man is no longer ashamed to have it known, that the salvation of his soul is the great object of his concern. He makes no secret of the fact, that he is seek- ing the pardon of his sins. Interested to secure to himself every help, he seeks it at the hand of God, and at the hand of man. The Bible — the closet — the pastor's study, will be visited ; and the important errand to each will be — "how shall I be saved ? " Earne^tnesfi^ is another development in the disposition of the convicted soul. The eflbrt of genuine penitence, -Mill ex- ert itself in a hearty desire to be freed from the dominion of sin. Sin lies heavilv THE CHBISTIA?l'S MINIATKRK. 19 at the heart, and the sense of its guilt, strikes the soul to the very quick, a.s with a sting. No desire car. well b« stronger, than that which moves the heart of the anxious sifi ner. Sin becomes his loathing and abhor- rence, as a deadly-hiiteful thing. There is — there can be no peace of conscience, till the sense of this bunlcij of moral disease which fills the soul with aches and pains, be removed. Perhaps no effort is so intense, and requires more perseverance, than that of turning from siti :uid forsaking it. In this effort, the eaniestness betrays itself, in the eye, the voice, and the very aspect of the man. It is so great as to absorb all other things. The overwhelming thought is — "I am lost — lost, perishing." — "How shall I be saved?" Who can help? Where is it to be found? Whither. whither shall I flee from this troubled brea.st ? And when the hope of the possibility of relief begins to dawn, it is seized with desire. Every power is taxed — every nerve is stretched — every energy is put in requisition. Man must strive to enter into life — many will seek to enter in and shall not be able. ■JO THE christian's MINIATURE. The earnestness of the anxious sinner to escnpe from the wrath to come, is exhibited in an elVort, by which lie strives to secure the boon of pardon at tlie hands of God. Resohihon and rirtfrmiiiation, are furtlier developments in the disposition of the con- victed. Subdued, under a heart, broken for sin — lnmil)lcd under a sense of piiiltiness in the sight of God — earnest to be freed from the power and dominion of sin, — the anxious sinner, is resolved on escape. He lingers not to become more swift of foot, or better fitted for his flight, but, he " hastes to Zion, as well as asks the way." Until man has determined, that he will now begin the work of his salvation, he has absolutely done nothing. Until the anxious sinner is determined in his own mind on obtaining religion, it is absolutely certain he will do nothing. He will perish in his sins. He must resolve in the strength of the Lord, and carry the reso- lution into effect. Man does nothing, before he resolves, or THE christian's MINIATIRE. 21 determines on doing it. Determination is the j^)un«l of efficient action in securing any interest, in accomplishing any purpose. He who is awakened at night by the cry of fire under his window, may stand doubting whether to flee by seeking the door, or by leaping from the window. His irresolution increases his peril. Not being detenniiied, he hesitates. But let the flames curl about his lotlging place — the roar of which, combined with the crash of falling timbers, bursts suddenly on his ear, — and he will leap for his life. Ho will no longer hesitate about the way, but will be concerned only to escape. The very ne- cessity of his condition will be his salvation. So is it with the anxious sinner tnily con- victed of his guilt. The sense of his guilt and danger, awakens his fears, and excites him to escape for his life ; and letting go every hold, he drops, and is received into the arms of Jesus, " who is mighty to save ! " The convicted sinner, when he begins to experience in his heart the throbbings of real penitence, in the light which is shed upon his way — with his eyes now open to \CZ THE CHRISTIAN S MIMATflM:. sec his tmc condition, beholds an open door before him, whicli no man can slmt. He enters here (hrouph the only way of escape, whicli " is Christ ;'' " wlio is the way, the trutli and the life." With joy he runs the race set before him, and is not weary ; he walks, but does not faint. He finds it just what he needs ; the highway to pardon and peace in believing ! If he returns to the city of his carnal state, death is in the city. If he stops by the way, or remains where he now is, he must perish. He can but perish if he ad- vances. Hope dawns before him, but dark- ness gathers behind. Hence his resolution is stimulated to the utmost — his determi- nation is fixed. Such is the disposition of genuine peni- tence, as exhibited in all those, who truly seek to return unto the Lord, who are de- scribed in the Bible "as asking the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, come, let us join ourselves unto the Lord in a perpetual covenant never to be forgotten." THE CHRISTIAM'S MINIATURE. 23 CIIAl'TKR III. christian's developino state. We shall now consider the Christian in thut stnge of development called conversion. The disposition described as the product of conviction, lays the founilation of the pro- cess, by which, conversion i>crfects the work of Christian relationship. By this process a retuni to God is effected ; and in the act of return, man becomes united to (Jod a^ the branch is united to the vine through faith on his son ; — and thus man be- comes a real child of God — a true Christian. The Christiajfs natural state, is one of alienation from Gotl. His return i» elTected by an alliance with GckI, in the hearty and faithful execution of his duties as a subject. When subjects, in a state of revolt, return to their duty, they bind themselves to the person, interests, and government of their sovereign. Religion — a.s the word signifies, — binds man to the person, interests and gov emment of his Maker. This is its object. 24 THE christian's miniature. This is its result on those who embrace it. The instrument by which religion binds — is 11 covoimnt. Those mourners who " lucked tlie way to Zion, with their faces thitherwtinl," proposed to join themselves unto the Lord "in a per- petual covenant." I upprchcml these were convicteil sinners who wen- seeking Kcligion, and by it.s bonds, an union with the Lord, Now, this is just the process by which the Ciiristian passes out of a state of anxiety and sorrow, into one of hope ami peace in believ- ing. The act of return to the Lord, is con- summated, by an agreement, bargainor cov- enant of perpetual obligation. This trans- action involves conditions and obligations, foundeil in the mutual consent of the parties. This process, — so well understood among men — so constantly in practice — so simple, and yet so effectual, — God, in conde>cension to our state, has adopted as the method of return, by which, the sinner may secure his favor. The disposition already described as the product of the convicting agency of the Holy Spirit, is the basis of the anxious smner's eflbrts to seek an union with his THE christian's MIMATfRK. 25 God. He who has promise*! and fulfilled — who ha» bought nnd fiuld, possesses practical knowledge of the nature of this important transaction. This covenant by which roan is holden in the bonds of religion, — by which he is tninsfemvl from him.*idf to his Creator, uiul is constituted a Christimi — is a spirUtuU trauxiictiou. " God is a spirit. He seeketh such to wor- s-hij) him as will worship him in spirit and truth."' Therefore, the soul, the essentiiU, immortal, invisible self, must execute the act, which (Jod can recojjuizo as the legiti- mate act of the rnnn. It is with tlie mind — the conscious self, God has to do. The boe is a part of the eye, or necessary to the existence of the astronomer. God listens to the language of the thoughts; the siilent, secret breathings of the heart,- he hear?, while the loudest vociferations of zeal arc lost in sound, or returned in the auswers of echo. 126 THE CHRISTIANS MINIATURK. The soul, the whole soul, as it goes forth, on the swellinps of n full tide of deep desire to meet nnd hold communion with it.s (Jod, alone can expect to find audience. Thus if man approachcn unto Goil, and desires union with him in a covenant transaction, the act is a spiritual act, — the spirit of God and the spirit of man being the contracting parties. This transaction is of the nature of a contract to wliich two parties are nece.s- sar}'. Such is the fact in this transnction. Stipulated duties, conditions, promises and oMipations, are implied. Such arc the facts in the transaction under consideration. Every Christian is conscious of it. The church it- self, embracing the whole boar, the voice, the whole outer man, are as thoy were. Novertholess, a change is apparent. We SCO it, we hear it, wo fool it. It shows itself through the man, and is so great, peculiar and glorious, that it places him iu contrast with his former self. In the RMJovating change, the current and character of the spiritual exercises, are di- verted into a new channel. Hut spiritual exercises are developed in the thoughts, words and actions. Therefore, the change exhibited iu the daily walk and conversation of the Christian, is but the external development of a corresponding change in his spiritual state. The facts which are the representatives of this change, are such, ''that things once 460017 3S THE christian's miniature. • hated, are now loved ; and things once loved, are now hated." The fear of God which springs from, and has its source in filial love, now controls the heart and life. !Man under this change is pressed by new wants — excited by new desires. " He hungers and thirsts after righteousness." He loaths and abhors sin, and himself, on account of sin. Urged by new motives, he enters on a new course^ of life and conduct. In the change, holiness, anew and foreign element of character is in- troduced, which is a principle of spiritual life, that gradually unfolds the christian charac- ter and assimilates it to that of the just made perfect. The spiritual system consists of the union of several functions, which concur in the product of moral action. They may be ar- ranged under the intellectual powers — the affections and the will. The affections hold a central position ; and are denominated the hearty in scriptural phraseology. Originally the heart beat with love to God. Now, it is a source of hatred to God and su- preme love for self. Originally, it poured a tide of life through- THE christian's MINIATURE. 39 out the spiritual system, which ■vvamied every emotion, excited desire, and kindled thought to a plow of holy and fervid com- munion with God. But a disastrous change has come over our race — a ead catjistrophe ha-s befallen human nature ! " The heart is now deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." " Out of it pnxieed thefts, munlers, adulteries, evil thoughts and all uncleanness." Here nestle the evil passions. Here is hatched every diabolical purpose. Then a change of heart is absolutely necessary. Now in regeneration, a change is wrought, and the affections are the seat of this change, and first indicate it. Love becomes the con- trolling power ; and benevolence, like a clear, deep and well defined vein, runs through the character. So the heart in the true Christian, is changed from sin to holiness, and it becomes the source of those correcting influences, which develop, perfect, and beau- tify, the Christian character. " Whatever things are pure and lovely and of gooii report," are desired; while impurity and unholiness are abhorred. For the affec- 40 THE christian's miniature. tions of a renewed heart flow in a channel of holy desire and emotion. Thus is holiness planted in the heart by the spirit of (Jod. It grows with the Chris- tian's growth, and ripens with his age. Faith and good works are its fruits here in the flesh on earth ; and in the world to come, life everlasting. How choice the fruit! how ricli the harvest! Who will not sow that he may reap hereafter ? Such is the nature of that change, through which man passes to the Christian estate, and by which he becomes a new creature. THE christian's MINIATURE. 41 ClIAPTKR V. THE CHRISTIAN ENDOWED. There arc two endowments with which the christian is invested, and which distin- guish him in his renewed character. The former is the source of the difTerence between the christian and tlie wordling, and constitutes the wall of separation, between " the clean and the unclean — the holy and the unholy ; " and the other, is the source of the believer's joy. The one invests him with righteousness — the other, with peace in be- lieving. The one is faith ^ and the other is lurpe. The act of believing in Christ, is the sub- stantial element of christian faith. The end of faith is the salvation of the soul ; — " and without faith, it is impossible to please God." Then, faith, is in some important sense, con- nected with human salvation. Now, the righteous are those, and those only, who 42 THE christian's mimatlre. " shall enter into life eternal." " These shall po away into everlu-sting punishment, but, the rightrous into life eternal^'' said Christ, in his description of the conchiding scene of the general judgincnt. " Witliout hulinoss no man shall sec the Lord." Only in righte - ousness, can man behold the face and stand with acceptance in the presence of his Maker. Then, the necessity of personal or imputed righteousness, (that rigl»teousnes« of which holiness is the essential element,) is obvious. But, man is naturally destitute of righteous- ness. The "sweet singer of Israel," ex- claimed in view of this fact — "behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me I" As it was with the Psalmist, so is it with all other men in their natural state. " There is none righteous, no not one." Such is God's estimate of man's moral condition. Now, man is utterly unable to meet this deficiency, in his moral qualifications for Heaven. He cannot clothe himself in righte- ousness. Self-righteousness will no more cover the nakedness of his soul, than filthy rags would hide and protect his naked body. THE CHRISTIA?»'S MINIATIBE. 43 And though innn has sought out mnny in- vcnlions — " hus hewn out to himself cis- terns — broken cisterns that can hold no water" — a« he stands looking wislifuUy therein, expecting to purge away his un- clcanness ; — in his own blood and tears, and toil, to wash his robe and make it white — God meets hira in the way, saying, " though thou wash thee with nitre and take the much soap, yet tliine iniquity is marked before me saith the Ix)rd." Jer. 2, 22 v. Therefore, righteousness must become the possession of all who shall be saved, or enti- tled to regard as Christians. Law is the natural source of righteous- ness ; its righteousness is rendered available through obedience. But Christ is the gra- cious source of righteousness, which, as a gift, becomes available through faith as ita medium. That, faith, is connected with righteousness as a medium, the Bible renders obvious. Abel, Noah, Abraham and the Patriarchs, were righteous before God ; but their righteousness was of faith. Indeed, " with the heart man believeth unto righteous- 44 THE christian's iminiature. ness.' Rom. 10, 10 v. Faith is urged in the Bible, as a condition of salvation, because, it is a medium of righteousness. Faith opens a channel of righteousness, full, free, abounding, which, in all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in the person of Christ, and like the rill from its fountain head, leaped in living streams from his wounded hands and pierced side, as he hung on the crof^s ! Faith is appropriative. In believing a dog- ma, a fact, or an opinion of others, we, in a true, proper and practical sense, make it our own, for our use and advantage. Then he who believes in Christ, as his substitute to God for virtue — as his surety to God for fidelity in service — as the centre and cir- cumference of his hope of favor with God — makes the righteousness of Christ his own, — so far as is necessary to his acceptance with God. From the very nature of the relation of faith, the righteousness of which it is the medium, is just such righteousness as will be acceptable with God. He must regard with infinite complacency, his own excel- lence. But the righteousness of which faith THE christian's MINIATURE. -lO is a medium, is the righteousness of God in Christ ; and it is this, which becomes avail- able unto salvation. " For God hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in hifh." 2 Cor. 5, 21 V. Thus does the christian appear righteous before God. He shines in the lustre of bor- rowed beams. He is clothed with righteous- ness not his own, as with a garment. It is " a robe washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb." Thus arrayed, the christian is fitted to stand in the presence of God and the Lamb, without spot and blameless, and to mingle in the society of the "spirits of just men made perfect." Thus arrayed in the vesture of Christ, redeemed sinners will fill the orchestra on high, and sing on the celestial heights and along the banks of the river of life, and through the streets of the golden city, "that new song — worthy is the Lamb that was slain, for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood." So the christian is endowed with faith that he may become possessed of the righteousness 46 THE christian's miniature. of Christ, and share an inheritance with the saints. The mendicant who walks our streets, soliciting his bread at the hand of charity — who would be spurned from the very door- stool of a bfenk — in the name, and with the check of a friend who has money deposited in its vaults, may stand at its counter, and despite his rags and haggard looks, draw forth silver and gold for the supply of all necessities. Faith is to man, what the bank check would be to the beggar. Christ is the sinner's friend. He has pro- vided a deposite of righteousness sufficient for life and salvation. With faith, poor, blind, naked, and destitute as he is in a spiritual sense, the sinner may present him- self in the name of Jesus at the very door of Heaven, and draw on its righteousness for the supply of every spiritual necessity. Thus Christ is accomplishing human sal- vation, by fitting man for the presence of his Maker and the society of Heaven — cloth- ing the christian in his own righteousness — purifying to himself, in this way, " a peculiar THE CHRISTIANIs MINIATURE. 47 people," and reconciling those who were en- emies by wicked works, that he may pre- sent them unto God, " holy, unblamable and ureproachable in his sight." Colos. 1, 22 V. 48 THE christian's miniature. CHAPTER VI. the christian as endowed with hope. The endowment of faith has relation to the christian's moral condition ; but hope contemplates his present and future blessed- ness. Hope is the bow of promise to the christian life, within the circle of whose influence, though often enveloped in clouds and darkness, life is charmed. Hope con- sists in the union of desire and expectation. The act of such a union, is the soui'ce of the existence of hope in a philosophical point of view. Christian hope,. is, then, the union of christian desire and expectation. It is the natural desire, and the ear- nest expectation of man, that there is for him, a life beyond the grave. We are conscious of the springing of an immor- tal something within — a germ of that life to be. The flower, which is reared in some dark THE christian's MINIATURE. 49 recess, turns instinctively, and stretches itself in the direction of the straggling sun- light, to drink in health and verdure. So the germ of immortality within man, stretches itself in thought, desire and ex- pectation, onward and upward, to the light and purity of a more perfect state. For whatever be the condition of our spe- cies, they look beyond the bounds of time with deep solicitude ; and though a dense and cheerless mist rises before the spiritual vis- ion, and shades the prospect, yet, there are traceable tiie outlines of a future state. There is a land — there are shores washed by an eternal sea ; and now and then, a shadow sweeps over earth, — an echo reaches mortal ear ! Here lies that *' world to come," so often spoken of by Christ — where man is to fill up the measure of his being, after a brief, preparatory sojourn here on earth, in the flesh. Connected with these facts are high inter- ests ; -^ interests co-extensive with the work of the soul< — interests, which involve all an immortal being can hope — all he has rea- son to fear. 50 THE christian's MINIATURE. Now, concern is the mother of hope. Then, whoever has religious desires and expecta- tions, and is concerned for the interests in- volved therein, cherishes hope concerning them. The Bible speaks of genuine and spurious hopes. A genuine hope is described under the figure of an anchor ; and the hope of the hypocrite, as a " spider's web." The former, is sure and steadfast ; the latter, is a net, with which souls are caught and entan- gled for their ruin. The drowning man, it is said, will catch at a straw; so, the sinner, is liable to mistake when he feels himself sinking in the troubled deep of sin, and will grasp at a shadow, and cling to it with all the tenacity of despair ! A man with a sore conscience seeks ease, rather than soundness and healing. Comfort or happiness, at this day, is the motive with many in seeking religion. It is for its consolations, rather than its duties, there is reason to fear, that many desire re- ligion. Therefore, multitudes in all proba- bility, in their hot haste to escape the edge of the sword of the spirit, and get out of its THE christian's MINIATURE. 51 reach, run into the church, having seized only the cloak of Religion ; and hence we per- ceive, that many have a form of godliness, but none of its power, — a name to live while they are dead. But genuineness or fraud, is indicated by certain peculiarities ; and often, one well de- fined characteristic is sufficient to settle the question. Now, a genuine hope has a distinguishing peculiarity — a marked characteristic. The reason, which lies at the foundation of a genuine hope — its peculiarity — its distin- guishing feature, is the effect of its ivjiaeiwe. " He that hath this hope purifyeth himself." Then, the purifying influence of the hope, on the mind, heart and life of him who cher- ishes it, is its distinguishing feature. The influence of a genuine christian hope, is, in its nature and design, purifying. Purity is a rare and distinguished attain- ment ; and is of great value in the estimation of Jehovah. " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." One main object with Jesus, in the great work of mediation, was, " that he might 52 THE christian's miniature. piu-ify to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works." The whole system of the machinery of grace, was adapted and oper- ates to effect this one design. The presence of God, will be a source of the greatest joy to any pure intelligence. The presence of God and the Lamb, is the all-pervading medium of the joy and blessedness of Heaven. Its light is superior to the power and brightness of the sun. It illumines the Heavenly clime, and gilds every prospect from the Holy Hill of Zion, and impai-ts life and gladness to every inhabitant of the heavenly world. To bask in its uncreated aud ever- lasting eff"ulgence, is the earnest desire and expectation of every christian. This desire engrosses his heart. It is the centre, about which, his hope revolves. In the light of a prospect of becoming pure and holy, his hope brightens, glows and wanns. Now, such a hope, will exert a coiTespond- ing influence over the clmstian's life and character. It will beget the desire and ex- cite the effort to become holy. Therefore, under the influence of a genu- ine hope, he who possesses such a hope, THE christian's MINIATURE. 53 will bring his personal agency to co-operate ■with the tendency of his hope, in the pu- rification of his heart and life. " Faith, is the substance of things hoped for." — But faith works by love and purifies the heart. Purity is an essential element of holiness. Angels are holy, because they are pure spirits. Heaven is pure, because its very atmosphere is holiness. Spirits of just men made perfect, who abide there, are pure, because they are holy. The hope of the Christian, being a product of holiness, is itself, a source of holy emotion and influence which are strong and penetrat- ing. The Bible describes spiritual life, as a well or fountain of living water, which opens in the heart of the believer, as a gushing spring of life and blessedness. From the waters of this well of life, is formed the hope of the christian, which like a glorious bow, bends over the prospect beyond the grave. Hang- ing in the heavens above him, this hope pow- erfully attracts the soul in holy aspirations to- wards that bright and blessed abode where ev- ery breath is purity, and every breeze is love ! 54 THE christian's miniature. The hope of the Christian, shoots its ray across the dark valley and shadow of death into the scene of a future life, where it ex- pands into a prospect, most enchanting and glorious. This is the land of Beulah, on the borders of which, Payson plumed his spirit for its eternal flight. Here, is the Canaan of the Christian's pilgrimage — where the " weary are to rest — and the wicked cease from troubling." Here is a scene of blessed- ness to be enjoyed by the Christian, because it is a place of holiness. Here the burning seraph spreads its wing and chants its glad hosanna. Here too is Jesus, — the mediator of the new covenant — sitting at the right hand of power — clothed in a vesture dipped in blood — who is the beating pulse of the blessedness of the Heavenly hosts ! Indeed, the high walls of precious stones, and the gates of massive pearls which enclose the celestial city, will forever shut out and exclude all impurity, " for there shall in no wise enter into it, any thing that defileth, neither what- soever worketh abomination, or maketh a THE christian's MINIATURE. 55 lie, — but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." Rev. 21, 37 v. Now, to such an abode, the hope of the christian allures his feet. It excites the soul, by awakening desires, which, like a raging thirst, bum in the soul and impel it to seek gratification by fre- quent draughts from the word of God and the rich fullness of his grace. Hence, a process of purification is conducted in the heart of the Christian, by the influence of his hope, directed by the spirit of God, whose work it is to render the Christian more pure and holy, till like a shock of corn, he has become fully ripe for the harvest. Here, then, we have a test, by which the Christian may judge of his hope, whether it be true or false. The effect of the influence of his hope, af- fords such a test. This influence will tell on the heart and life — operate in private, as well as in public — in the closet, as well as on the house top. It will leave its traces of purity on the thoughts and desires. It will excite in the Christian, hungering and thirsting after righteousness — it will 56 THE christian's miniature. dispose him to break away from evil habits of remaining sin, till one after another, their galling shackles shall be loosened and drop from the weary soul. It will aid him, in making new conquests over himself, his dis- position, evil inclinations and desires. "With fear and trembling, he will watch and keep the garden of his own heart. He will watch with increasing solicitude, against the evil hour of temptation. He will love to pray in secret- He will admire and love the character of God with increasing fervor, and all, who bear the image of Jesus Christ. His interest in the discharge of religious duties, will increase. He will esteem the privileges and opporttmities of grace more precious- He will receive the truth in the love of it, and hate and avoid error. He will love ho- liness for its own sake, and hate and avoid sin on account of its inherent turpitude. Such are some of the marks by which a good hope traces its influence on the life and character of the Christian. By these marks, it may be definitely ascertained. Thus the christian as endowed with hope, THE christian's MINIATURE. 57 is purified and perfected in proportion to which, his joy and blessedness are in- creased. For the Christian's hope, beams with the dawning light of that future and more per- fect state, where no storm beats — no cloud obscures the prospect. The Christian's hope is full of balm for the wounds of sin. Its consolations, " the world can neither give nor take away." Its sweet foretastes of Heaven, to the soul of the child of Jesus, are like the drops of dew, which fell in bread round about the encamped hosts of Israel in their journeyings through the wilderness to the promised land. Thus, as endowed with faith the Christian becomes possessed of righteousness ; and as endowed with hope, he is allured into paths of peace and purity, till he is sanctified in the full enjoyment of the holiness and blessedness of the paradise of God. 58 THE christian's miniature. CHAPTER Vir. christtan's relation to the world. As related to, and connected with the glory of his Creator, man cannot live in vain. He dies not to himself. Living or dying man must so far subserve the end of creation, as to exhibit the benevolent principle on which Deity acted in putting forth creative power. This element in the divine charac- ter must have a development in all his works to the grand display of which, man, sensual, selfish, groveling man, must ultimately con- tribute, in his life and death, — "for none of us liveth unto himself, and no man dieth unto himself." In the fall of man from primordial inno- cence and virture, the world passed into a state of revolt against God. He became a rebel, and lived in treason ; and on this ac- count, the favor of his Sovereign was forfeit- ed, — while justice required the sacrifice of man to the honor of law, or the reconcilia- tioft of man with his God, as a subject of law. THE christian's mi.mature. 59 The reconciliation of this world with its JIaker, has ever been a prominent object with the court above. This was the main object of the mission of Jesus to earth. Hav- ing projected the scheme of grace, — which began its movements cotemporaneously with the fall, in the course of which the cross be- came tlie centre of action, — and having set in train of operation, a series of mighty agencies, and committed to the apostles and their suc- cessors, the ministry of reconciliation, and in- stituted a church, as the depository of means and agencies in reconciling man with his Maker, Christ ascended on high, to manage the interests of the great work above. Now, it is in connexion with this scheme of things, the Christian is called to live and die in a world exposed to the casualties of sin, temptation and evil. Through this scheme, the Christian is related to the world and connected with its destiny. The church, in its largest sense, is a body of Christian believers — men who have been reconciled with God, and washed and puri- fied in the blood of his Son. Christ is the head of this body. Christians 60 THE CHRISTIAN'S MINIATURE. are the members and organs, which direct and concentrate the moral power lodged in the church, so as to make impression on the world. This power has ever been aimed by Chris- tianity, at the single object of turning men from sin unto holiness, and from the service of Satan unto God. In the exercise of their peculiar and ap- propriate duties. Christians animate the church, which is the body of Christ. The world lies in sin. Its children are sinners. Impenitence and perverseness, mar- shal them on the plains of time, as the arm- ies of the aliens. Though they often rush upon the thick bosses of Jehovah's power, the God with whom we have to do, being merciful, long suffering and of great forbearance — •' not willing any should perish" — hushes the thun- der of his wrath — bids justice stay its sword, till opportunity shall have been granted for repentance and reconciliation. While thus waiting to be gracious, God sends forth his spirit, and raises up in the midst, and from the very ranks of rebel men, " a new-born THE christian's MINIATURE. 61 race — a chosen generation — a peculiar peo- ple." This people he makes use of in exe- cuting his gracious design of benevolence, by planting them around his ambassadors, to stay up their hands, and second their efforts, in the ministry of reconciliation. The whole company of redeemed men be- long to the embassage, and are appointed by God to live and die, (if need be,) in sustain- ing the institutions of religion and executing plans for the reconciliation of a world of per- ishing sinners. The ministers of the cross are the envoys extraordinary, but Christians belong to the same mission of peace and good will to man, which was heralded by a multi- tude of the Heavenly hosts, that hovered over the manger in Bethlehem, where the infant Savior lay. While they live in it. Christians are citi- zens of the world ; and though they are but pilgrims and strangers on earth, they are connected to it by civil, social and domes- tic relations. Thus, the Christian is connected with the world, and by the connexion, constitutes a centre of influeuce in the circle of social re- 62 THE christian's miniature. lationship, which mingles with the tide of national character — which diffuses itself like leaven throughout the mass of society. On all within his circle, the Christian operates ; and when the influence of several are com- bined, it silently affects the whole commu- nity, checks open vice, and swallows up out- breaking sin. Christian influence is the great conservative element in human society. In his change from a state of nature to a state of grace, God uses the Christian, by turning his life to his service and glory. In the conversion of Paul, was seen the hand of Almighty God ; and in every case of the conversion of a sinner fiom the error of his ways, God is present and has a direct agency. The change through all its stages, is usually marked with the traces of a di- vine agency. It is wrought, " neither by might nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord." Moreover, the hopes and the fears, the joys and the sorrows, which spring out of this change, present the Christian in perfect con- trast with his former self, and the associates of his carnal state. Now, while the world, THE christian's mimatcre. 63 with scoffs and scorn, beholds these things, though it turns aside with a leer, yet it is moved with wonder, — it is aflected ; and the tendency of the effect, is, to draw it out after God. Moreover, in the change from a state of nature to a state of grace, the Christian be- comes invested with a character, from which spring new and peculiar relations. The distinguishing feature of this char- acter, is, a god-likeness of disposition. This is a gracious disposition ; and is the source of direct agency and effort, in the reconcilia- tion of man with his Maker. The Christian's relations and character, are such, that they can be fulfilled, only, by such a course of life and conduct, as that he shall " live not unto himself; " for the boundary between the regenerate and unregenerate states, is a deep, permanent principle of benevolent de- sire, developed in a corresponding course of benevolent, disinterested action. The Christian is endowed with new and peculiar power, by which, " as a Prince, he hath power Avith God and prevails." It was so with Jacob. With the humble follower 64 THE christian's miniature. of Jesus, prayer is a most potent engine, by which, he directly reaches, takes hold of and affects the interests of the world. Through prayer, as an instrumentality, the Christian can move that hand, which holds the world in its grasp — whose finger marks out the path of every event, and directs the energy of every cause. Though a simple, neglected and often despised means of good — though stript of its power and importance by the vain philosophy of some, nevertheless, prayer as a cause in the relation of events, is the channel of influences which are bearing the world onward to its destiny ! How often has a praying wife been the means of saving an ungodly husband ! how often have praying mothers prevailed with God in behalf of absent children ! how often has spiritual life kindled afresh and spread through the community, warming to new- ness of life, those dead in trespasses and sins, in answer to the fervid aspirations of some humble, perhaps obscure child of God ! As connected with the embassy God has sent to earth, all true Christians are expect- ed to be direct, in their efforts to reconcile THE christian's MINIATURE. 65 man with his Maker. The Christian is rais- ed up and stationed among men, to propose and urge the necessity of reconciliation, for ■which, by overtures of mercy, God has pre- pared the way. Singly, or associated in church estate and relationship. Christians are expected to sus- tain and execute plans, for the recovery of their friends and fellow men fi'om the power and dominion of sin. In this respect they are co-workers with God. By making exhibition of the fruits of re- conciliation in their lives and death, God uses his children, in can-ying forward the work of reconciliation. The Christian is a pardoned sinner. Ee- joicing with joy unspeakable and full of glorj'-, he is a living example of the blessed- ness of reconciliation. " To him who loves God, all things work together for good." Temptations, crosses, afflictions — all, like joyous rills, are so turned as to flow together, (if not in comfort here on earth) yet so as to mingle and swell that ocean of blessedness and purity, where the spirits of just men made perfect, shall bathe forever ! 60 THE CHPaSTIAN'S MINIATURE, The Holy Scriptures, though sealed to other eyes, to those of the reconciled in God, discover inexhaustible treasures of consola- tion. Jesus, now and then, opens the very win- dows of Heaven, to aflbrd a glimpse of that rest, which remains for the people of God ; and from its rich fullness, sheds down a few mercy drops as a foretaste, letting in upon the soul, a ray of his own burning love, to fire its zeal and kindle its devotion. And if a cloud is suffered to sweep over the prospect of the reconciled soul, it is only that the light may break forth in brighter effulgence — that in the cloud, the bow of promise may appear. But when the wintry chill of death sweeps over the scene, it brings the Christian's harvest day, when the choicest fruits of reconciliation, will be reaped. — Though the soul be folded in the arms of death, it experiences an embrace of love. A shout of triumph trembles on the tongue as the spirit breaks away from the thrall of sense and flesh, and soars to meet its God ! " death, where is thy sting ! O grave, where is thy victory !" THE christian's MINIATURE. G7 There is a precious reality in the power of the religion of the cross, which can be fully realized, and which is exhibited in its won- derful displays, only, in the deatli scene of the real christian. There is a charm in atoneing blood, which holds the king of terrors spell-bound, till the soul of the departing saint has safely crossed the dark valley and shadow of death — that abyss which divides the spirit land from ours I Thus, is the Christian connected with the interests, and called to live and die in a world of sin and wo. In the manifestation of cov- enanting mercy and grace, by direct eflbrt, by the power of prayer, by an exhibition in his own life and death, of the fruits of re conciliation, God calls the Christian into his service here on earth. He is a living epistle, in which may be read, the merciful and be- nevolent disposition of God towards his crea- tures. A real Christian, is a real blessing to the world. His influence purifies and perfects society. He lives and labors, and dies for others. He is a living, moving, speaking example of the mercy and grace of God. The Christian is called to glorify 6S THE christian's MINIATURE. God, by affording in his life and death-scene, an exhibition of the fruits of reconciliation. He dies not for himself, but for the interests of the great work of reconciliation, on which the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are engaged. — he dies for the truth. Huss, Rogers, Cran- mer and Gridley, in the flames at the stake, died not for themselves. The fires that kin- dled their funeral piles, lighted also a vol- cano, which has shook the very walls of the popedom, and poured a flood of light and truth, over continents and kingdoms. Its mighty throbbings are yet felt at Rome, in Italy and among the islands of the sea, and wherever the pulse of truth can beat ! Martyn, Not, and Harriet Xewell, together with the whole company of the heralds of the cross, whose bones bleach on foreign shores, died not for themselves. *' For none of us liveth unto himself; and no man dieth unto himself." — Rom. xiv: 7. THE christian's MINIATURE. 69 CHAPTER VUI. THE christian's CONQUEST. The gladiator, it is said, met his foe in deadly combat on the arena of a vast amphi- theatre, in the presence of the congregated citizens of Rome. So the christian has been summoned to a conflict, for which, he stands girded, in the midst of a vast amphitheatre — a spectacle to angels, men and devils. This world is the arena of his spiritual strife. By the same dark and perilous route, the great captain of our salvation, as a pioneer, in opening — fought — bled and triumphed, — the disciple of Chi'ist — the Christian, must pass to his rest on high. In the flesh, he must meet the foes of his master ; — run like risques ; — and engage in the same perilous conflict, and achieve a like victory. Then, he will be entitled to the rewards and honors of a conqueror — and crowned as a hero. 70 THE christian's MINIATURE. The course of the Christian is a warfare, in which he wrestles, not against flesh and blood — " but against principalites and powers — against the rulers of this world — and against spiritual wickedness in high places. The weapons of his warfare are not carnal, but spiritual and mighty through God. The end of his warfare will be victory — a tri- umph — the fruits of a conquest. In this conquest, the Christian must meet in conflict and overcome, the world — the devil and himself. The devil is described as a fierce, malig- nant spirit — of great subtlety and power — and of real and not fictitious existence. The world is the Province of his usurped dominion; for he is said to be the "Pi'ince and power of the air — the Prince of this world." " We have the strongest reason," says the author of the Physical Theory of Anoth- er Life — "for believing that men universal- ly and in every age, are exposed to silent malignant seductions, which indeed, never trench upon natural liberty of mind ; which, too often, like the influence of profligate THE christian's 311NIATURE. 71 companions, prevail over the better princi- ples of our nature." Such, is the nature of the power of dark and fallen spirits, over mankind. But a direct agency is attributed to Satan, as the instigator and abettor of the acts of wicked men — "the children of disobedi- ence," as they are called. Therefore, the Devil is the patron of wick- edness ; in which he delights, and which he encourages. All this is implied in those words of inspiration, which speak of him, " as the Prince and power of the air, who worketh in the hearts of the children of dis- obedience." Evil-doers, are then, the willing tools of the Devil. He contrives, plans, and sug- gests ; while they, at his instigation, execute his diabolical purposes. Insatiable destructiveness, is another fea- ture of his character, as sketched in the Bible. " He goeth about, as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." 1 Pet. 5: 9 V. The fact of the real existence of such a being, though invisible, who frequents the 72 THE christian's miniature. path of human hfe, to beguile and destroy, is as clearly revealed, as any fact in the Bible. Christ had sensible demonstration of it. The world groans under it ; and all in the world, are exposed to the power of the arch- apostate. Christians are a " peculiar people," — and therefore, objects of the fierce wrath and im- placable hatred of the Devil. Once his slave and tool — as all the chil- dren of disobedience are, — in his change of character, the Christian changed masters, and revolted against the authority of the Devil. The Christian is a follower of Jesus, a soldier of the cross, a candidate for a celes- tial crown and throne, and receives the countenance and support of the great Cap- tain of our salvation, — who has vanquished the Devil — chained him to the car of prov- idence, and compels him to drag onward to its glorious consummation, the scheme of grace. The Devil seeks the everlasting ruin of the saints, because they are destined to rival himself, in glory and exaltation. He would defeat God, in any purpose he may THE christian's MINIATURE. 73 have, to elevate redeemed men to the vacant seats, once occupied by the Devil and his angels: — so that in Heaven, redeemed men may not become kings and priests unto God — noblemen in the celestial empire. In attempting to execute this design, the Devil avails himself of temptation, which he plies under its various forms. The circum- stances of life, society and companions — asso- ciates and friends — furnish ample resources. And if the Devil fails in the means temp- tation furnishes, then he changes his method of operation. He is a being of great versa- tility. He can become, in appearance well disguised, an angel of light, when by such a change, he can more successfully prose- cute his designs. Artful and insidious, with all the skill of the old serpent who lurked in the garden of Eden — the Devil sometimes approaches the Christian, opening before him a way that seemeth right in his own eyes, that he may more effectually lead him down to the gates of death. " For there is a way that seem- eth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Prov. 14 : 12 v. 74 THE christian's miniature. It is not impossible, that providential oc- currences, may be bent iji the direction of his purposes, so that in following them as indications of the path of duty, the Chris- tian, may be deceived and led astray there- by. Suggestion and impulse, are often effectually turned to his advantage, in ac- complishing the same design. Peculiar moral and mental infiiTnities, are seized upon, and brought to bear against the Christian — so that his steadfastness is often shaken — his rampart of faith broken down — his conscience paralyzed — while he him- self, is hurried into sin. By gusts of passion, the Devil often sweeps away the barriers of religious restraint — dashes to the ground, every good resolution — and precipitates the Christian into «in. Envy, jealousy and malice, are sparks in the remaining depravity of the heart, which he contrives to fan into a flame. Thus does the Devil, at every corner of life, beset the Christian, that he may ensnare and capti- vate the soul. The godly in all ages have experienced the buffetings of Satan. They have escaped through much tribulation, and THE christian's MINIATURE. 75 by firm resistance- Every Christian may ex- pect to meet the Devil in the warfare of faith, and must achieve a victory over him, would he gain the Christian conquest. " Kesist the Devil and he will flee from thee " — " watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Watchfulness and prayer are safeguards against temptation ; while resistance, will de- feat the Devil in his attempts to overcome the soul. But, though the Christian be successful in the first encounter, and overcome his fore- most enemy, there is danger still, to his soul, from the world in which he lives. Attractive, but delusive, the world is a scene of enchantment, often, too powerful for the heart of the Christian. " The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of Ufe" — are the sources of the world's power, over the heart of the Christian. Worldly-mindedness, is one of the most prevailing and yet pernicious defects of Christian character. The world absorbs in its own, every other interest. Let the Chris- tian become so blind to his real interest, as to feel that his treasure is on earth, and he 76 THE christian's miniature. will dig for it here, till he has dug the grave of his soul ! " For he who will be the friend of the world, is the enemy of God." — James iv : 4. The motives of the gospel, fall pow- erless at the feet of the worldly-minded Chris- tian. As he hastens through life, his eye will be diverted from life's great end. The phantoms of earth, as they flit by, will at- tract him : and as he turns aside to gaze, or mingles w^ith the giddy throng of worldlings in the doubtful chase, he will stumble and fall into sin, if not into hell. Over the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches, multitudes have pitched into outer d.arkness. When the world rolls a bauble of fashion, or honor in his way, the worldling will stop to admire, and then stoop to pick it up. Pleasure beckons to her bowers, and he is won by the address of the world to receive her embrace, which ends in disappointment and remorse. How many strong men armed, have fallen thus, under the craft of the world ? How many, who would have braved legions of darkness, in open, undisguised con- flict, and successfully mantained the fight, have been vanquished by a smile ? THE christian's MINIATURE. 77 The embrace of the "world, is death to the Christian ; for the world never caresses, but to conquer. Then, the Christian must over- come the world, since his safety, lies in his victory here. And this is the victory that overcometh the world — " even your faith." Let the Christian live by faith, and he will overcome the world ; for he will live above the fear of its power, and below its flattery. Let him repudiate the selfish maxims of the world — resist its enchantments, and use the world as not abusing it, keeping himself un- spotted therefrom — and whether the world go fair or foul with him, he will maintain a con- sistent walk and conversation. In fine, the Christian must meet and conquer himself. Alexander the great, conquered the world, — could weep, it is said, because other worlds were not within reach of his sword. But, Alexander could not conquer himself. He was master on every other field, but that, in which he encountered self. Naturally, self was not more invinci- ble to the king of Macedon, than it is to the humblest peasant on the mountain, or in the vale. 78 THE christian's miniature. Knowledge is the ground of successful ac- tion. Knowledge of the circumstances and position of the enemy, enables the general, to secure victory. Self-knowledge, is the first step to self-conquest. Such knowledge, implies acquaintance with pei-sonal infirmities — those vulnerable points in character, at which the shafts of sin, enter and wound, and destroy. Though the heart be renewed, " the mo- tions of sin remain in our mortal members." All have their besetting sins, dear as a right hand, or as a right eye ; and various, as the seeds of human depravity, from which they spring. Though different in difi'erent indi- viduals, besetting sins will appear under the fonn of passion, envy, lust and pride. These sins, like the little foxes which spoiled the vines, have spoiled many a Christian char- acter, and blighted the graces which are the natural fruits of Christian principle. Open and flagitious wrong doing, is generally guarded against ; while little sins and vices, which can hide in the dark corners of the heart, or lurk under the motives, or bury in the desires, are suffered to escape as infirmities. THE christian's MINIATURE, 79 But these little sins, are the canker worms, at the root of piety. They cause blight to fall on the fruits of virtue. They must be hunted down and destroyed, or, overcome. Self is dear, but dangerous. The Christian, must not only watch against sin, but strive for the mastery of himself. He who holds with a firm grasp, the rein of every passion — he who can check appetite and suppress unholy desire, hath rule over his own spirit — has conquered himself. So far as the development of disposition and character are concerned, " man is a bun- dle of habits." But habits are the natural shoots of the heart, or, like exotics, they have been transplanted from the circle of so- ciety in which we move, and become ingraft- ed on ourselves. In the conflict for self con- quest, the power of habit is to be overcome, so far, as to be subject to the control of him- self. But such ascendency over the appetites and passions and habits, can be acquired, only, by rigid and persevering discipline and self-denial. Then the Christian must prac- tise habits of self-denial, and establish habits of self scrutiny. 80 THE ciiuisriAN's miniature. Tlio (liHpoKltioii, the molivcH, tho (lOHlroH uiid fonlin^H, uniHt bo coinpcllcd, oflcii, lo [iMss ill rcvi(nv hcforo lht> hnr df coiiscnciicc. Nn\v,Mllcll !ini llic In.. H Willi wllicll llic Clllis- liiiii iimsl /'Tiippir in li,.|V(r condict. 'I'Iki |.n-,cMl is !i sliil.- (if .lisciplii,,.. I'.y Ili«. ilis- ripliiH^ (.r IIiiM st:it.', evil liiiliils iin- If) Ixi JiriiKiMi lip, :iiiil evil (lispcmil ioiiH iircs to Iki (ivricoiiir. r.<'i.'lliii<',siiis nni toho Hiilxliicd. 'I'lio Devil, IIh' wniM Mill! oui'solvns, anUo 1)0 (■((inpiorcii. 'i'lic w IkiIc man, is to bo broiif^lit into siilijcrlion to llu' rrlii'ioiiH priticiplo. Wll.-U nil IbiM llMH lllTll tllO|-()l|.r|l!y I|C(M)II1- pli' lii'ij, ihr^ (^IiriHtiiin will Imvn ovcrc.diin'. His colKpii-Ht will bo COIIlpIi'tc. 'I'licil will III' pn-soiit nn iibiMtriotis oximipio of tin- iijitiin' iukI ('(r(>ctrt, of tlio n'Ii':;ioii oCbvmiH. Sm-li is till' wMrfaic, in wliidi, llin f"!liriftfiiui is cii- (■;:i;';i''l. I,ct liini piidi Cor llio coiwiuost, iiiiil ][i' will \lo iH death. IT<} iniiHt mtfttlon of moan« to the end, ill tho coiirHO of diHcijiline to wlii<;h the (JhriK- tiiin \h Huhjectcd, though (tod givetli to the ChriHtian hirt victory through our Ii(jrd.Je«un (JhriKt, hy which, tho Devil, tho world and hijuHolf, aro chulnod t^; tho will of tho con- (jiieror, and led aHliiHcaptivoH. Thoy can no iiioro entice the lieurt, and lead hito hIii. Tho ro«ult of tl»i» conflict, Ih, to purify and 82 THE christian's miniature. perfect character. The moral power brought into exercise, for resistance against evil, strengthens the moral constitution ; and the effect of temptation resisted successfully, strengthens the moral nature, in well devel- oped power and habit. The moral energy brought into exercise for resistance, devel- ops the higher and nobler nature of man. It also generates habit, and plants principles, which will ultimately control the being. The sehabits being virtuous, and the prin- ciples being those of holy benevolence and obedience, peace, blessedness, life evei-last- ing, will be the rich reward. He who passes into a future state, from his present inferior condition — from time into eternity — furn- ished with such habits and principles by the discipline of life, is prepared to enjoy the Christian's reward, as the hero of a spiritual warfare. THE christian's MINIATURE. 83 CHAPTEK IX. christian's STATE OF GLORIFICATION. We have seen the Christian on earth — exposed to its evil — flying from the " wrath to come " — encountering temptation — con- tending with and triumphing over sin. But, having fought the good fight — finished his course and kept the faith — he will be per- mitted to enter into his rest — a rest which remaineth to the people of God — "a rest that shall be glorious." On earth — among its inhabitants — the Christian was distinguished as belonging to a peculiar people. In heaven, he will be no less distinguished, in the same particular. He will appear there, "with a great multi- tude which no man can number," who sur- round the throne of God and the Lamb, and cease not day, nor night, saying " holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." 84 THE christian's miniature. In personal appearance, the Christian will be distinguished in his glorified state. He will walk among the inhabitants of Heaven — robed in white — wearing a crown, and bearing the emblems of victory in his hands. His robe of linen, clean and white, " is the righteousness of the saints." But, the righteousness of the saints, is the righteous- ness of God in Christ, with which redeemed men are clothed. It is a royal vesture. It is of the same material with Christ's. Then the Christian in his glorified state, will be dressed like Christ. He will be crowned with a crown of life, fashioned like Christ's crown — studded with symbols of life — beaming with its glory. He will be distin- guished among the heavenly hosts as a hero — a conqueror — even as Christ — the great captain of our salvation, is there distin- guished. Each Christian, will bear there the image of Christ, which, on earth, was formed in his heart the hope of glory. ■\\liatever regal honor, whatever glory as a conqueror — whatever admiration as a moral hero — Christ shall receive at the hands and THE christian's MINIATURE. 85 lips of celestial beings, and the pure intelli- gences of the universe of God who may gather there from all worlds — the Chris- tian, will be permitted to share, — if we may- believe the word of God. Indeed — the resurrection body of the Christian, is to be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body, however marred, it may here seem — howev- er deformed, it may be here, in the flesh. So the Christian, in heaven, will be distinguish- ed in his person — in his appearance — in his vesture, and in his character — by a close and striking resemblance to Christ. In this respect, he will appear there, as be- longing to a peculiar people. He will be equally distinguished, for the service, to which he will be called there. The place of service will be peculiar. He will serve in the inner court — where God dwelleth. Angels, like flames of fire stand and serve round about the throne, as minis- ters of state. But the Christian is called to the estate of " Kings and Priests unto God." He will be honored in heaven with mysteri- ous revelations of the presence of God in 86 THE christian's miniature. the deep fullness of his glory — in the secret place of the Most High. The Christian will lead the service of God in his celestial Temple. To this end, he is made a Priest unto God. The object of this service, would seem to be, an increase of celestial harmony. Christian spirits — re- deemed, blood-washed, will fill the orchestra above — lead the heavenly choirs, and teach them to hymn their Maker's praise in a song which will be new, even among those sweet sounds which warble from immortal tongues, or flow from the voice of harpers harping with their harps ! The burden of this song will be more strange than the song itself. Salvation is its theme. Those who sing it, having experienced its power and drank of the fullness of its bles- sedness, are able to sing it with the spirit and understanding also. Therefore, Christian spirits in heaven can touch chords of sympathy — awaken emo- tions — and reach strains so exalted, as will transcend the power and skill of every other heavenly songster. When the Christian with his blood- washed THE christian's MINIATURE. 87 companions, shall strike this new song, we may suppose that angels will pause to catch the thrilling strain — the heavenly inhabit- ants cease their pastimes on the banks of the river of life, and listen with rapture to the strange enchanting sounds — and that cherub and seraph will climb celestial heights — drop their golden harps and suspend their hallelujahs to hear. But when the song is ended, and the echoes of it begin to die along the heavenly plain — its power, will move even the heavenly hosts, who, rising round about the throne, and falling on their faces, will worship God — and in one long, loud, and rapturous chorus unite, saying — " Amen — blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be unto our God for- ever and forever — Amen!" So the Chris- tian, in heaven, will lead the song, in the chorus of which only, will high and holy in- telligences be able to join. The Christian in his glorified state will be an object of peculiar interest. God Almighty will take special notice of him, and receive him, into a special and peculiar nearness 88 THE christian's miniature. to himself. The Lord God will dweU with him. No tear can start, but he will see, and stoop to wipe it away. No sorrow can invade his peace. God will watch over Christian spirits, to comfort them. They will be removed in all respects, from all those causes of sorrow and suffering, which mar- red their peace on earth. The glorified state of the Christian, in fine, will be in perfect contrast with his present state. Something analogous to this description, is shadowed through the gorgeous imagery of the book of Revelations. Let the Christian contemplate the minia- ture of the Christian's hfe, till the features shall be indelibly impressed on his own soul, — till he shall see himself, as he hopes to appear in Heaven — transformed into the likeness of Christ. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below S51c miniature itt^L -€ili(Mlimiii % Min. 3Y 4501 S51c {7!]i^:"ii