A Letter to the late Rev. David Black, Edinburgh.
BY THE LATE REV. ALEXANDER STEWART, D.D., OF MOULIN
DINGWALL, AND EDINBURGH.
(Fourth Edition, 1815.)
(Continued from page 222.)
IT is observable that the work of conversion has been begun and carried on among this people, in a quiet manner, without any confusion, and without those ungovernable agitations of mind, or convulsions of the body, or shrieking, or fainting, which have often accompanied a general awakening in other places. One young woman was so much moved in church, in March, 1799, that she wept bitterly, and her friends thought it prudent to convey her out a little before the congregation was dismissed. She was for five or six days unfit for going about her usual work. In June following at the time of our sacrament she felt emotions of joy for a few days, to such a degree as to withdraw her regard in a great measure from sensible objects. Spiritual affections were unusually strong in her, and spiritual objects appeared visible and near; but her sentiments were quite correct and scriptural. A few days afterwards, when her emotions had subsided, she told me that she was at the time sensible that her mind was somewhat unsettled, but that she found comfort in recollecting the apostle’s words, “If we are beside ourselves, it is to God.” This was exactly her case. She continues a humble, lively Christian, and, except these two short intervals, she has regularly performed her ordinary work as a maid-servant to the satisfaction of her master and mistress, in whose service she still remains. Another woman, the mother of the family, in April last, was so much moved in hearing sermon, that of her own accord she left the church. Excepting these two instances, I know of none whose emotions under the preaching of the word discovered themselves in any other manner than by silent tears.
Having lately made an enumeration of those of our congregation, whom, to the best of my judgment, I trust I can reckon truly enlightened with the saving knowledge of Christ, I find their number about seventy. The greater part of these are under thirty years of age. Several are above forty; six or seven above fifty; one fifty-six; and one about seventy. Of children under twelve or fourteen, there are a good many who seem to have a liking to religion: but we find it difficult to form a decided opinion of their case. Of persons who have died within these twelve months, three we are persuaded, and we hope two or three others, have slept in Jesus.
A very considerable number are friendly to religion, and countenance and defend the truth, even while they do not as yet appear to live under its power. A few among ourselves did for a while jeer and deride the godly; but such persons are left in so very small a minority, that they have ceased to be troublesome. The Scriptures too are so generally read and referred to, that the truth itself serves to stop the mouth of scoffers. We are sometimes told that the sentiments and language of our people are much misrepresented, and are the object of much wonder and ridicule and invective in other places. But we only hear of such things, they are hardly permitted to come nigh us. The chief opposition arises from those who possess superior scholarship and acquaintance with the Scriptures. These contend that there can be nothing substantial or necessary in that experimental knowledge which illiterate persons may pretend to have attained, and that it is mere arrogance in them to imagine that they can have a larger share of saving knowledge than men who are greater scholars and better versed in the Scriptures. “Are we blind also?” has ever been the indignant language of carnal wisdom, of literary pride, and of self-righteous presumption.
It is evident that the Scriptures represent all mankind as divided into two classes. These are distinguished from each other in the most explicit manner, and the distinction is marked by the strongest language and the most significant comparisons. They are called the children of God, and the children of the devil (1 John iii. 10); the children of the kingdom, and the children of the wicked one (Matthew xiii. 38); the just and the wicked (Matthew xiii. 49); they who are dead in trespasses and sins, and they who are quickened together with Christ (Eph. ii. 1, 6). They are compared to wheat and tares (Matthew xiii. 25); to good and bad fishes (Matthew xiii. 47, 48); to sheep and goats (Matthew xxv. 32). In the general tenor of my preaching, especially in discussing the important doctrine of regeneration, I have endeavoured to keep in view this distinction and to exhibit it clearly to the notice of my hearers. Many have been not a little offended at such a discrimination; have found fault with the preacher; have complained of uncharitable judgment, pleading that it was God’s prerogative to judge the heart; that they hoped theirs was good, though they did not make such a parading profession of religion, etc. The truth has prevailed, however, and some have confessed to me that their first serious thoughts about the state of their souls arose from the surprise and resentment they felt, on being classed, under the character of unbelievers, along with murderers and idolaters (Rev. xxi. 8). But in giving such offensive, though necessary warnings, I had much need of the spirit of Christ, to repress all asperity of language and manner, to awaken tender compassion for those whom I addressed, and to enable me to speak the truth in love.
(To be continued.)