(Continued from page 301.)
JANUARY 8th, 1884.—Rested pretty well last night. In bed till 8 A.M. Our minister (late Rev. George Stevenson) was here to-day catechising the family. Before he came I intended not to be present until the children were examined, fearing that my negligence in training them might be observed, and that the excitement might be too much for me. I was resolving to be more diligent in time to come. I then remembered the great day, and how would I stand the final judgment, and give account of my walk and conversation among them, and if I had been travelling in birth for them until Christ be formed in their souls. These considerations overcame my previous purpose, and I went to the room as soon as the minister came, and was pleased the children answered so well, and the service was agreeable. This I considered was cause of renewed thankfulness that I was not dealt with as I richly deserved, to be made “ashamed before all Israel and the sun.” May I be enabled to “walk with a perfect heart within my house at home,” and to be more earnest in instructing the children!
9th.—Sleep very disturbed last night. Often out of bed, the cough being very troublesome. Last night I was very pleased,
getting a letter from Donald Duff, Stratherrick, and another from Donald Swanson, Thurso, though I must acknowledge, owing to my present weakness, that the former had much to do in keeping me awake during the night, and scared me with dreams regarding the dear faithful brother. I was led by experience to know that communion with him could not give peace, although I fancied so, as there is no other I would like better to hear from. He says, “When I look for more than forty years on my profession I am ashamed to lift my head before the Searcher of hearts.” His speech bewrays him when shame still remains. (Ezek. xliii. 10, 11.) Dear Mr. Swanson seems to feel the sad aspect of the Church and of individual professors, not excluding himself. Read the hundred and third psalm to-day, and found it wonderfully precious. Wrote my brother George, Donald Duff, Mrs. A—, and G— S—.
10th.—Rested rather better than former night. What frail, dependent creatures we are! He that fills “all and in all,” the Wonderful, takes notice of our breathings and desires. I was asking in prayer this morning that He would allow me to mourn when He did not manifest Himself. Since the above was written, at worship read the twentieth of St. John. Saw how a weeper was attended to after Peter and “that other disciple” had gone home. She got the first and sweet sight of Him whom her soul loved, and was told before separating, “I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.” She went and told the disciples she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. Afterwards He stood in the midst of the assembled disciples, saying, “Peace be unto you,” and “He showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.” “As my Father hath sent me even so send I you.” “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.”
I went to-day to the office. I have had a pretty good day as to my health. The swelling still continues, but no pain. Wrote D. Sinclair, Lybster, and Roderick Macleod, Lewis.
11th.—Much scared with dreaming the first part of the night. Got fair rest towards morning, thanks to the Giver. At family worship read in Acts where Peter went to the house of Cornelius, and the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. Thought of the unwillingness of families to gather to hear the Word. Since Adam fell there is by nature no desire after the knowledge of God, or to learn His holy ways. It is most awful to see the indifference to and despising of the worship of the blessed Creator. But it is no new thing. Even prophets were not honoured by their kin, and of the Saviour it is told, “Neither did his brethren believe on him.” This requires to be revealed by the Father. The light is not comprehended by the darkness, the god of this world having blinded their eyes. Lord, open their eyes that they may see the wonders of Thy law, and the unspeakable love and holiness opened up in the gospel of salva-
tion for such rebels, that they may joy and rejoice with thine inheritance. Wrote William Elder.
12th.—Rested pretty well. Kept fire up all night. Up four times, and rose at seven. This is old New Year’s day, and no one seems to remember it. Who would believe there would be such a change within so short a time? It looks, also, as if our Sabbaths will be forgotten soon, and holidays put in their place. Free ministers, or rather free-of-all-good ministers, are hastening this issue. Highland glens may escape longer than the towns, because they are not so much infested by college-made blind enemies to all righteousness, calling themselves by fine names to deceive the simple—Reverend, &c. Yet, alas! the people glory in their own deceivings, and love to follow their learned, foolish, carnal, light leaders, instead of fasting, prayer, and self-loathing. We have concerts, soirees, organs, money, and holidays, which ministers contend more for than for “the faith once delivered to the saints,” even the faith that worketh by love and purifies the heart. Many of them are mere vain, silly lads wanting a fine position. Take away worldly honour and money from the pulpits, and they will soon empty. “The heads thereof judge for reward, the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money; yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us.”—(Micah iii. 11.)
13th.—I have been for a long time almost always afraid to read the 4th to the 8th verses of the sixth of Hebrews, and lately the case there was often making me tremble. While on my knees the case of Peter came before me. After he had a revelation of the Son by the Father he denied Him, and that openly. Yet he got repentance, and was commanded to feed the sheep and lambs, and was greatly owned in the vineyard. Thanks for the record of Peter’s sin, the prayer by the Intercessor for him, and the repentance that followed, and that the blessed Saviour, after His resurrection, did not disown him, but rather otherwise. Many an unwatchful creature has been encouraged to hope through Him.
14th.—Rested better than expected. Slept five hours during night, and was able to rest in bed till half-past seven. The greater part of yesterday I was reading the Bible, and finding reproof and encouragement while reading Job xlii., “Now mine eye seeth thee: wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.” A blessed seeing, and such a One to behold, glorious in holiness, great in loving kindness and tender mercies, coming near to instruct a troubled child.
15th.—Letter to Mr. Daniel Louttit, Lybster. Dear Mr. Louttit—Being confined to the house for several weeks through cough, weakness, &c., but no pain, though much tossing during the night, often scared with dreams, and little sound sleep, I find my mind leads me back to former times. Among others I am led to the first times I came to the prayer meeting in the parochial school, Wick, where you, your brother, George Dunoon, Peter
Taylor, and others assembled. It was my first appearance at a public meeting. I was then quite willing to sit next the door, being afraid to come near you, or to be seen amongst you. It is now over forty years since then. How have they been spent? I cannot say with the apostle that I am writing with many tears, but surely confusion of face belongeth unto me considering what I profess to be. Where is the corresponding fruit? Have I walked worthy of God, adorning His doctrine in all things? When we measure and compare ourselves among ourselves, the standard is so low amongst those who assume to be examples to the flock, we may pass on. But if we take the holy standard of the Rule, where are we? If they walk not according to the Rule, there is no light in them. You and I have gone far to hear sermons. Might it not be well for us to examine how we stand the test of the first recorded sermon by Him who came to reveal the blessed will of the Father? And you might let me know the result. “If I had not come and spoken to them they had not had sin, but now they have no cloke for their sin.” You might also read what may be called the Mediator’s last sermon to the seven churches of Asia. What blessed calls to return and repent! May we be of the blessed number who abhor themselves and repent in dust and ashes! “He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and manifest myself to him.” “We beseech you, also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee.”
Pretty well to-day. At family worship read the fifth chapter of Hebrews. How wonderful are the seventh, eighth and ninth verses. I heard the Rev. John M’Rae, late of Lewis and Knockbain, preach from the ninth verse. “And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” He said, “To an enquiring mind this text would suggest a question, Wherein did the imperfection consist? He was perfect God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with the Father. He was perfect man, having a true body and a reasonable soul. Let us then enquire wherein the imperfection consisted. It was in the office of Mediator. In it He was made perfect through suffering, that ‘He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.’ He thus became the author of eternal salvation. Salvation to us would be an unmeaning term had we not known its opposite. Shall I mention it? It is eternal damnation.” Mr. M’Rae then opened up salvation in a most glorious manner, and damnation in a most awful aspect, enough to terrify the hardest heart. He then said, I think “I hear some poor soul say, What interest have I in this salvation or in its Author? Well, if ever the foundation stone of true religion was laid in your soul, you have been convinced in a day of power that you have no claim upon Him for this salvation. The Holy Ghost
has revealed to you God in His purity, holiness, and justice, and set your sin in order in your sight before the glory of the holy, sin-hating Jehovah. Under such a revelation the creature is ready to cry, ‘Undone! Thou art just in whatsoever Thou art pleased to bring upon me because I have sinned against thee.’ He is not desirous to be sent to hell, but he agrees with the justice of the sentence. But if the Holy Ghost is taking a saving deal with your soul He does not leave you here, but reveals this God to you, not as another God, but in another aspect, even in Him who is the author of eternal salvation, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, thus reconciling you to himself by Jesus Christ, not imputing your trespasses unto you. ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.'”
Letter to a member of the family. My dear — I know that you will be glad to hear that I am rather better than when you left. I am getting more rest during the night, and am up all day. I know you have some concern about your salvation, and that you had some consolation. Perhaps I have been too silent to you, but knowing that the Holy Spirit ordinarily works through and by the Word, I was sure that He could guide you into all truth, and that possibly I might only spoil instead of aid. You may have followed the devices of your own heart instead of waiting and following His blessed counsel as revealed in the Holy Word; therefore it would be a blessed thing to see our sin and folly in departing from the Holy One. “There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,” he may be an old minister, an elder, or a prodigal. Job abhorred himself, and repented in dust and ashes. Peter wept bitterly, and was much honoured afterwards in the vineyard. The Father ran to embrace the returning son. See that you do not stay nor linger long, prepare hastily to keep His precepts. “I commend you to God and to the word of his grace.” The Lord will not cast off for ever. Though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. Be much in prayer, and searching the Scriptures, for He hath said, “Seek and ye shall find.” Try and find a sound minister. The more broken-hearted he is the better. Wait on the Lord, and do not cease to hope for deliverance. You may rely on the Intercessor for transgressors, and the love that provided Him. I was just now looking at the fiftieth of Isaiah. You may read it. It would give me much pleasure to hear from you on this all-important subject.—Your loving father, in “light affliction,”
W. M. SINCLAIR.
There are no more Christians than there are martyrs in resolution and affection.—James Renwick.
Notes of a Monthly Lecture
BY THE LATE REV. GAVIN PARKER.—ABERDEEN, 9th March, 1824.
(Taken by a Hearer.)
Third Commandment. Exodus xx. 7.—”Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
THE law of God is much esteemed in heaven. It is highly esteemed by the people of God on earth, but it has been long despised in the world. Yet God’s law will speak, if not in this life, at judgment and through eternity. Better to receive the law now than despise it. Better to return to Christ and God than continue in sin and perish. There is a wrath to come. God will appear in righteous judgment.
The first commandment requires that God be honoured and obeyed. The second refers to the external manner of worship. God Himself has given instructions for the manner of worship, and it is presumptuous for mortals to infringe these laws. This the Church, called Christian, has done. Thereby God has been mocked and insulted upon this earth, and though there may not as yet have appeared a manifestation of divine judgment on this account, we do think there will, on a coming day, be a discovery of displeasure. The reason of innovations is found in an endeavour to bring down the worship of God to suit the taste of men who love themselves more than God, and though applauded, this manner of worshipping God is without His authority. We are inclined to swerve from the too prevalent innovations, and return to simple worship.
The third commandment respects spirituality of mind in worship. 1st.—The duties required. “The holy and reverent use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.” Everything belonging to God and worship must be considered sacred. (1) In all acts of worship we ought to reverence God. This will not be the case unless we are afraid of offending Him. This will banish vain thoughts from the mind, and induce humility, without which worship cannot be acceptable to God who is holy. There is an immense distance between God and us. It is necessary when praying to be afraid of worshipping another being than God. Beware of allowing a careless disposition of mind. Think well what is to be asked in prayer lest you mock God in the exercise. In giving thanks you ought to feel lively gratitude. In all worship it is proper you should fear God. Beware of vain thoughts and levity of mind in entering the sanctuary. Cherish a reverential awe, and with the patriarch Jacob say, “Surely this is none other than the house of God and the gate of heaven.” (2) In speaking of His Word,
works, and ordinances, feel sacred awe. You are not to enquire into them from mere curiosity or for amusement. It is dangerous to speak of the Scriptures or read them as a common book. It is dangerous to learn the Book of God as a common task. It is not from anything external we should reverence the Bible, but from the majesty of God who requires that we should show unto all that we fear Him. And this leads us to observe (3) that a holy reverence is necessary in thinking of God and His attributes. “Sanctify the Lord of Hosts in your heart; let him be your fear and your dread.” And (4) it is necessary to fill up other intervals of time in maintaining a habitual reverence in the mind. There should ever be a watching to testify that we honour God in our acts of worship, conversation, reading, thinking, even when not directly occupied in sacred duties.
2nd.—The third commandment prohibits all kinds and degrees of profanity. God’s name and attributes mentioned unnecessarily with levity, and in a common state of mind, and speaking of sacred as if they were common things. (1) Acts of worship which are only apparent. (2) Vowing without sincerity. Vows are made at baptism and at the sacramental table, in both of which there is a solemn dedication of the person to God. We judge not of the sincerity of the vow from the feelings of the person at the time, but in its effects, and who will deny its frequent gross profanation? How often is the solemn rite of baptism profaned, in which the parent dedicates his child to God, and promises to bring it up for God, but its education is diligently pursued merely for this world! How frequently are the exertions of parents employed to get their children made clever, cunning, and active for this world, while God and religion are neglected! At the communion table there is a solemn surrender of all to Christ, an engagement to be the Lord’s; but how is this ordinance profaned amongst us! How frequently do those thus vowing return to the world and their covetousness! The people of God come far short; they feel it is their grief and complaint. But such as can abuse this most spiritual ordinance of God are ready to do anything against God. Who can approach a sacramental table with a hard heart, and remain or be satisfied in a common state of mind in that most solemn of days, a Communion Sabbath, which is awfully profaned in this country? (3) Swearing unnecessarily. Oaths are necessary, and these are frequently profaned by those in power, or servants of the king. (4) All uttering of imprecations, or cursing others. God hath said, “Vengeance is mine,” and if they have the curse of God it will be sufficient punishment. They can have no need of the ill wishes of men. (5) All kinds of blasphemy, all words against God the Father, Son, or Holy Ghost, the Scriptures, or Christianity in general; calling God’s people enthusiasts by way of reproach; holding up to ridicule that religion which is the image of God. (6) Transference of property by lot. Transference of property is right, but this is not
God’s way, which is by frugality, industry, and such means. In some cases it was allowed to make an appeal to God by lot, but it is a gross profanity to make it a common thing. (7) When the name of God, His titles, and attributes are mentioned or introduced in common conversation the third commandment is broken. If the children of God do use ejaculatory expressions in conversation they should either avoid it, or if they mean to pray, show that they do so by a solemn manner, lest they encourage the careless use of such expressions in others. These chiefly prevail in genteel life, and are frequently introduced in fashionable novels.
This commandment we have said prohibits (1) only apparent acts of worship; (2) vowing without sincerity; (3) swearing unnecessarily; (4) uttering imprecations or ill wishes; (5) all kinds of blasphemy; (6) transference of property by lot; (7) the name of God used, and appeals made to Him in common conversation.
By what has been considered of this subject we perceive this command to be exceeding broad. Verily we are guilty concerning it, and have reason to tremble this night because of transgression, and turn to God through Christ.
(CONCLUSION.)—6th April, 1824.
“The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.”
In former discourses we have been illustrating the law of God. Unless He had given us a law we could not know how to regulate our conduct, and without it we should have come short of duty. “By it is the knowledge of sin, and the law is a schoolmaster.” It is very possible for us to have the law in our hands, and yet live without it. Many professors live like the world, and follow the multitude. If the law has not come to our understanding and heart, what will mere profession do? It is possible to think that we do attend to the law while we follow the world chiefly, and when convenient, observe the law of God externally. There is a want of honesty. Many know not they are thus despising, insulting, and opposing the living God. It is mournful to contemplate this state of things in a country called Christian and enlightened. God will not change His law to suit the fashions and practices of men. Unless implicitly received and diligently obeyed it is rejected. This introductory remark may be useful.
The first table of the law refers to the duty we owe to God, which is worship. There are other duties, but all resolvable into this one—worship, incessant, habitual. This demand will sound harsh to such as spend their time in levity, but God’s law remains in all its magnitude, and must not be abridged.
The first commandment refers to the object of worship, God Himself. The second, to the external manner of worship. The third, to the state of mind in which worship is to be performed.
In worship there is a variety of feeling, but love to God is the chief. Unless worship proceed from this principle it cannot meet the approbation of God. True worship will always be accompanied with reverence at all times, fear of offending and desire to please God. All kinds of profanity are prohibited.
At present we will consider the explanation given of this commandment. “The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.” The reason annexed to it: “However the breakers of it may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape His righteous judgment.” Now here are three things supposed. 1st.—Men think lightly of this sin. 2nd.—The crime itself. 3rd.—Its punishment.
First.—Men hold themselves guiltless. This is a very common feeling among the children of men. Ever since the profligate reign of the second Charles common swearing has been, in some measure, fashionable. But not only are crimes which are shocking to decency forbidden, but all kinds of profanity. In worshipping assemblies and at the communion table there may be grosser acts of profanity than the profane swearing of the hero on the field of battle. What more profane than coming to a communion table saying they love Christ while they love themselves.
(1) Profanity arises from the low and mean thoughts of God which prevail in the minds of the ignorant. Few know the real character of God. The great God is very much unknown. He is treated as a feeble, condescending, fond Being who will easily pass by transgression, and receive His enemies into favour. They know not what sort of Being the great God is. If so, they would have fear, for His righteous judgments are revealed against all ungodliness. They think repentance an easy work, and delay and delay it till a deathbed. If they avowed their sentiments they would likely declare they have never been afraid of the Divine attributes.
(2) The violations of this law pass for being innocent. They are so common, few think them criminal. Instance, in families how frequently are children taught prayers, but unless they are explained to them, unless they are taught the nature of that Being they address, and the meaning of what is asked it is profanity, it is hypocrisy. Though thus taught to pray it is a hypocritical form instead of prayer. Thus profanity has prevailed. It is also fashionable to make a profession of religion. It is thought despicable to be without it—to be called an infidel or an atheist, but it is respectable to be called a Christian. In approaching a communion table they think they are doing something good. Instance, in our own country where the gospel is not preached the parishioners, almost to a man, are found attending the communion table. Multitudes will not diminish the crime.
(3) Long habits of profanity stifle the conscience and harden the heart. In youth they would be startled to think of
making a profession without sincerity. Depraved as our nature is we do not think it is just so hardened then. But after they have ventured forward natural conscience gets quiet, and after persevering in this manner for twenty or thirty years it is likely they will not be troubled with convictions. And not only does the conscience grow dead in attending a communion table, but the same effect is produced in profane swearing. They say they mean no harm, and thus sin without remorse.
(4) This sin is easily retained because it gratifies pride. They think themselves bold and manly in getting the better of natural conscience. It is also gratifying to the pride of such to be called Christians.
(5) The want of punishment to this crime in the present life.
Second.—The great wickedness of this species of impiety. We cannot tell its extent. (1) It is directly committed against God. Not only an expression of indifference, but of contempt. (2) It is voluntary, and in many deliberate. It is from choice. In some constitutions there is a stronger propensity to particular crimes than in others. The constitution itself is good, but it is abused. There is no constitution made for profane swearing. Nothing is gained by it. It adds nothing to wisdom. It promotes no good purpose whatever. The plea of its strengthening the authority of a master proves only the hardened profanity of the leaders and the men. Though it is the practice in this country to profess Christianity, none are obliged, it is on their part voluntary. Now, if persons ignorant and self-willed do this, they do it voluntarily. Sinners despise God because they choose to do so.
Third.—We consider the punishment. “He will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.” The punishment refers both to this world and the next. (1) They are kept far from God. Every profane individual is so. God will not hold communion with him; he is under the curse, cursed in the city, cursed in the field, cursed in the house, cursed in the congregation! It is a very severe punishment to be kept at a distance from God. What good have your prayers done you? (2) We cannot describe the punishment in this life, much less describe the punishment in the next. It is a strange punishment. Deuteronomy xxviii. 58.—”If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD.” Hosea iv.—They shall be visited with everlasting destruction from His presence.
Application.—1st. We, my brethren, have much reason to tremble at hearing this part of the law because it is profaned in our country, in our conversation, in our churches. 2nd. We have great reason for self-examination. Look not around merely, but look within. Have we loved God as we ought in the sanctuary, in secret prayer? Verily, we are guilty. None who know themselves will plead guiltless. We have all gone astray. 3rd. Surely we should return.