Page images
PDF
EPUB

OLD JONATHAN AT SCHOOL.

THE reader will remember that Old | mind, led Jonathan to think so. It was Jonathan's last word was KINDNESS. Well, after he had learnt something of that, his Master told him to prefix the word LOVING to it, and to go away and study the compound, LOVING-KINDNESS. And in order to do it thoroughly, he was to test it practically. It is this-this that Jonathan's proud heart so dislikes. Why might not he, the same as anybody else, go and spell the words off-hand loving-kindness and have done with them? No, this would not do. The subject must be burnt into Jonathan, and he must have a standing test and proof of what it was.

[blocks in formation]

The old self-willed creature felt that this involved a something; and, if he did not exactly rebel against it, he shrank from it greatly. He had proved so many times that it was of no use to kick, that he now tried another method with his Master. He sought what pleading and argument would do. He told him what a very weak and timid creature he was; what a dreadful trial such and such was; how all but overwhelming; that surely he could never go through it again; and that he knew his Master did not take delight in paining and afflicting. Would He therefore kindly forbear, and in his well-known tenderness and compassion, forego the trial? Could He not who was so wondrously wise-gain the same end in some other way, and thus spare his poor timid child the particular trial to which he had such an aversion? Thus Jonathan reasoned with his Master. Sometimes He thought He would hear; anon it seemed as if He were resolved to have his way, in spite of all Jonathan could say. And there was one passage in the text-book that, by its constant resting upon the

this," That the trial of your faith being
much more precious than gold which
perisheth, though it be tried by fire,
should be found unto glory and honour
at the appearing of Jesus Christ." Now
Jonathan clearly saw from this, that it
was not the faith merely that was pre-
cious, but the very trying and testing of
that faith. Still, though he felt the force
of this, and in some degree saw its im-
portance, it did not reconcile him to the
trial in prospect. He shrank from it as
before, and again and again did all he
could to cause his Master to give way.
He whispered, "Oh thou of little faith."
"Yes," said Jonathan, "it is little. I
know and feel it to be so.
But pray
don't overtax it. Do pity me.
lay too much upon me. I shall be sure
to give way. Thou knowest so and so,
and so and so. Thou canst not forget
what my sufferings were.
'My feet
were almost gone, my steps had well
nigh slipped.' Do spare me all that
anguish again. Don't compel me to go
through the same things. Have com-
passion upon such a poor worm. Only
hear me this once, and how will I praise
thee. I will be sure to tell of thy mercy,
and speak well both of my Master and his
School."

Don't

Thus the Old Jonathan cringed at his feet, and tried, and tried again to overcome Him. But LOVING-KINDNESS was the word; and into a practical knowledge and understanding of it, his Master was determined to lead him.

The trial came, and in all its sharpness too, according to appearance; but with it not before it, but with it-such wonderful love, such blessed disclosures, such a precious opening out of the love, and the grace, and the faithfulness, and the power of his Master, that Old Jonathan was perfectly overcome. Oh, he was so happy. He didn't care a straw what happened. He knew that "if the worst came to the worst," it was "well." He beheld the power, and the glory, and the handywork of his Master in such a way as he had never before seen it. The very thing that had before-and for a long, long time too-been such a source of dread, now actually became an object of delight. He gazed upon his Ma doings with little short of rapt

sang to Him a song of praise in the very midst of the circumstances which he had sc entreated Him to forego. He then saw, and felt too, something of love as well as kindness. He shouted from the very depths of his heart, and with a voice that made the school echo again, LOVING

KINDNESS.

to do. Too often he is disposed to listen, and, to his shame, admits, that he is at times half inclined to agree. But at other times--and that just referred to was one of them-the old tempter knows better than to come on. True it is, he made his appearance once or twice. He came and peeped in at one corner of the school-window, and made one of his desperately ugly faces; but Old Jonathan shouted about the LOVING-KINDNESS of his Master, and he was off in the twink

There is an old black creature that commonly annoys Old Jonathan not a little. As sure as he knows he has a hard lesson, and is put out of heart and out of temper about it, this old wretchling of an eye. The old fool was never makes his appearance; and, in addition to the ugliest grimaces you can conceive, he whispers all kinds of evil things about the Master. He does all he can to make Jonathan think and say bad things of him; tells him, "This is hard, and that's hard. It's anything but kind. It's not love, but anger. That if He really felt an interest, and meant well, this would not be so, nor that." And thus he raises such a commotion in Old Jona'than's breast, that he doesn't know what

more completely out-witted. He had
said a deal beforehand about this trial,
and that if Jonathan's Master really
loved him, he would not subject him to
it; but not whilst he heard Jonathan
blessing and praising and adoring his
Master for his love and his kindness in
that He did not give heed to Jonathan,
but persisted in his own way; and in
that way gave him in such a remarkable
and gracious way to prove
"the depths
of the LOVING-KINDNESS of the Lord."

A RECORD OF PROVIDENCE,

ADDRESSED TO MY DEAR CHILDREN.

k

Shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that He hath done."

"That the generation to come might know them, even the children that should be born, who should arise and declare them to their children."

[ocr errors]

That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God; but keep his commandments" (Psal. lxxviii. 4, 6, 7).

"Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children (Psalm xc. 16).

"

"This shall be written for the generation to come, and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord" (Psal. cii. 18).

"Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord" (Psal. cvii. 43).

MY DEAR SIR,-As you express a wish | idea of the law; and from my earliest for a sketch of my early life, I sit down childhood I could say, "Thy terrors to think it over, as I often do, believing have I suffered with a troubled mind." it profitable, to call to remembrance the sins of my youth," although I believe them to be all blotted out of the book of God's remembrance, by the blood of Jesus. I was born in Ireland (though of English parents), and so far as I know, none of my ancestors were pious people. My beloved mother was a most refined amiable woman, and took all the pains she could with me, teaching me hymns, &c.; but not being herself (at that time) enlightened, she could only give me an

I was an only child, and from mixing only with persons of mature age, I learnt to reason, and ponder on things, much more than other children are wont to do. When about five years old, I had the most horrible thoughts and blasphemies suggested to my mind, so that I often lay in bed trembling lest I should drop into hell. As I never heard or read of any one feeling as I did, I concluded I was possessed by a devil. When I got excitement and pleasure, these things

wore off, and at ten years of age I was ministry; I became inconsistent, not so taken to England to be educated, as I much outwardly, as privately; I had not was considered an heiress, and person of sought the Lord's guidance in this resome importance. Now I was under a moval, and having taken my own way, faithful ministry, but no word touched was left in a degree to myself. My bemy heart. I felt fear of those who loved mother, whose mind had been were considered fanatics, and the enmity gradually opening, was, however, growof my heart showed itself in all ways. I ing in the knowledge of Jesus. My fahated the Bible, prayer, the Lord's day, ther was much opposed to my views; every thing good-mine was no negative he hoped I should have shone in society, feeling, it was cordial disgust. At times and he was sorely annoyed; besides my terrors alarmed me-all around me temper and behaviour was not such as seemed able to be good, I could not be to adorn religion. Oh, how should Chrisgood. I was an undutiful child to the tians cultivate whatever is "lovely and kindest of mothers, and she was obliged of good report." I could have married to send me to school; there I was com- a dear Christian, but I knew my father paratively happy, the enmity of my heart would not hear of such a thing. I left slumbered. At fifteen, I left school, with my mother, to pay a visit of a few every prospect of worldly prosperity bc-months to my father in Ireland; here I fore me. Again my soul troubled me, was in a position to do much good, for and I strove to be good; I " did many my father, who had not seen me for things," but Satan opposed more than some time, was disposed to indulge what ever, and at last I believed I had com- he thought my prejudices; he was mitted the unpardonable sin-I was in pleased with my accomplishments, and anguish, and can recollect when I started fond of me. But here I must pause and from my bed to pray-alas, I knew not sigh over my sad inconsistency. I marhow! We removed to a watering place ried in three months after my arrival, a for the benefit of my mother's health; man whose views were evangelical, but there God met with me. Under the who I did not know to be a converted perministry of a late beloved Bishop and a son; and I did so against my father's Curate, I heard, for the first time as it consent. My God did not leave me, but seemed, that God would change the since that time, he has chastened me. heart! Oh, here was joy indeed! What My beloved husband was most devoted I had been trying to do, He would do to me, he permitted me to assemble our for me. The Gospel only dawned on me household daily, for family prayer, and then, I saw not its fulness, but I saw besought me to pray with him, and for enough to make me flee to Jesus. Then him. We lived in great worldly proscame the old temptations-and Satan perity for some time, but my father had my mind in a fearful state-infidelity, never was reconciled to me. As surely blasphemy rolled wave on wave, and as as God's word is true, so surely shall I imagined, I was an exception to all those who walk according to their own other people, I dared not mention my ways, if children of God, be sorely chasmisery to any one. Just then some tened. This we see in Bible narrative; volumes of the "GOSPEL MAGAZINE " and this will be the experience of all were lent to me, and there I saw plenty God's backsliding children. The Lord's of cases like my own. This was in 1824. faithfulness and gracious care after our We again removed, and were under a worldly affairs became embarressed, are most faithful ministry. Here I com-recorded in the MS. I sent you last mitted an error, into which many young week. I commenced the Record when people are liable to fall. I thought II thought my beloved children might must work hard to prove my love to God, and so undertook visiting the poor, and attending meeting, so as to prevent me from performing the quieter, but paramount duties of ministering to the comfort of my mother; a complete invalid. My dear Pastor thought far too highly of me he did not see the pride and naughtiness of my heart.

After residing in H- for three years, we again removed, but this time we had not the privilege of a Gospel

soon be deprived of me, and I desired to keep in their memory, the mercies which they knew we had experienced. I have continued year by year to make a note of passing mercies.

*

*

*

In commencing this record, my dear children, I am principally influenced by two motives.

First. I see it plainly enjoined in the Old Testament, that the Israelites should constantly refer to the wonders God had wrought for them, and for their fathers

heritage ?" But man being in honour, | thing, think you, to

[ocr errors]

وو

"take the prey did not continue" so (Psal. xlix. 12-from the mighty, and deliver the lawful old version). For one forbidden plea- captive ?" The redemption of the soul sure, he mortgaged all his fair inheritance is precious.-Was it a small price, think to the devil-" for nought" he "sold" himself to be Satan's slave. Yes, and Satan "foreclosed" the mortgage-the "field" passed away from man, and He -the arch deceiver, became not only the prince" and " god" of this world, "the prince of the power of the air; but also the spirit which now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Eph. ii. 2). Hell thought it was a glorious bargain-Satan gloated over so goodly a spoil-but, ah! he did not know how much he had gained, he was not conscious of the magnitude of his victory; for God had a treasure in the field-a treasure He could no more part with than the jewels of his crowna treasure He must have, for to keep it his justice, his truth, his mercy, and his love, were all eternally pledged.

66

وو

cr

poor ?" (2 "in the

you, that redeemed it from death? Not only must Satan be dispossessed, but he must be dispossessed according to law. But none of these things moved our precious Jesus; so that he might redeem his people from the hand of the enemy," (Psal. cvi. 10). He did not fear the rage of Satan, though "the blast of the terrible ones was as a storm against the wall; for his name was "The mighty God," (Isa. ix. 6). He counted not the cost of his undertaking, for his bowels yearned over his brethren, and his heart was made of love. He "goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." Is the language thought too strong? Is it too much to say of JEHOVAH JESUS, that he sold all that he had, in order to redeem his church? True, he was "rich;" but then did he Such, then, were the circumstances not for our sakes become under which Satan held possession of this Cor. viii. 9). True, he was world;-it was an unjust usurpation-form of God, and thought it not robbery a usurous fraud. And such was our fal- to be equal with God;" but then did he len condition, stripped of our inheri- not "empty himself" of his divine glory, tance, and groaning under his hard and veiling for a season the manifestation of cruel bondage-led captive by him at his Godhead, and "taking upon him the his will," having no hope, and without form of a servant ?" (Phil. ii. 6, 7). God in the world." But, oh,-eternal True, all the beasts of the forest were blessings on his name-there was a great his, and the cattle upon a thousand Redeemer a gracious Goel! Though hills;" but then, was he not " hungry," "Israel had destroyed himself, yet in and without a place "where to lay his Christ was his help found." And "when head?" (Matt. iv. 2, viii. 20). What He saw that there was none to help, and says the apostle Paul,-" Christ loved wondered that there was no intercessor; the Church, and gave himself for it," then His arm brought salvation unto (Eph. v. 25). Here is language much him; and his righteousness, it sustained stronger-not only does Christ give all him; for he put on righteousness as a that he has, he even gives himself! breastplate, and an helmet of salvation" Oh," you are ready to say, it was upon his head, and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak," (Isa. lix. 16, 17). Yes:

With pitying eyes, the Prince of grace,
Beheld our helpless grief;

He saw, and O, amazing love!

He ran to our relief.

Down from the shining seats above,
With joyful haste he fled-.
Entered the grave in mortal flesh,
And dwelt among the dead.

He spoil'd the powers of darkness thus,
And brake our iron chains;
Jesus hath freed our captive souls
From everlasting pains.

6. And the cost?—It would take eter-
nity to
count it! "The strong man
armed, kept his palace."-Was it an easy

[ocr errors]

too much; surely a much smaller price might have bought so mean a thing." But no; for it was written in the law, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die;" it was written in the law, that God would

[ocr errors]

by no means clear the guilty;" it was written in the law, "without shedding of BLOOD is no remission." "Heaven and earth might pass away, but one jot, or one title could in no wise pass from the law," (Matt. v. 18). And, therefore, it was not enough that Christ should part with all his rich revenues of glory,—it was not enough that he should veil his Godhead power in human weakness—it for three and thirty years through this was not enough that he should wander sin-polluted world, "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;"-it was not

[ocr errors]

--

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

enough that he should be tempted of the in the whole universe which he loved devil, and despised and rejected by his better than the Church, he would not own creatures, and made a spectacle have parted with it for the sake of the to the world, to angels, and to men.' Church; but he "sold all that he had," No; even "all that he had" was not and thereby gave an incontestable proof enough, he must give himself-his "pre- that he loved the Church more than all cious blood"-his spotless life-his in- besides. It is indeed a love that admits finite merit. If we were to be redeemed, of no comparison. Abraham's love for it could not be "with corruptible Isaac was a great love; he was his only things, as silver and gold;" if the trea- son, the child of his old age, the heir of sure was to be bought, it could only be promise;-Jonathan's love for David was at the sacrifice of all that he had," a great love; it "passed the love of woeven himself;" if God would " pur-men;"-David's love for Absalom was a chase the church," it must be "WITH great love, it caused him to cry out, HIS OWN BLOOD" (Acts xx. 28). Awful Would God I had died for thee, O and tremendous truth! "God the Absalom, my son, my son ;"-but all mighty Maker "must die," ere "man, these were but faint shadows of the love the creature's sin," can be pardoned of Christ to sinners, for it is the love of Woe to the Arian and the Socinian! God, infinite as his being, boundless as Unutterable woe to the presumptuous his presence, and eternal as his existence. worm who dares to deny the essential "Greater love," we are told, "hath no Deity of Christ, who "tramples under man than this, that a man lay down his foot the Son of God, and counts the life for his friends;" but Christ has blood of the everlasting covenant a com- manifested his love to be infinitely mon thing." With awful compassion, greater, in that he not only shed his prebut with holy boldness, we tell him, that cious blood, but was "made a curse, for him "there remaineth no more sacri- and endured the poured-out vials of Alfice for sins"-nothing but the "certain mighty vengeance for us. fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devonr the adversaries:" for the God whom he denies has said, "If ye believe not that I AM, ye shall-ye must die in your sins" (John viii. 24).

Tempests of angry fire shall roll,
To blast the rebel worm,
And beat upon his naked soul
In one eternal storm.

[ocr errors]

But we cannot close these remarks in such a strain as this we cannot conclude our explication of this beautiful parable, so full of blessing, with the denunciation of a curse. Let us, therefore, meditate for a few moments on the greatness of the Redeemer's love, as it is here exhibited to us.. "He sold all that He had". "He gave Himself." This, beloved, was the measure of his love-this was his estimate of the value of the "treasure." Well may the Apostle speak of " the love of Christ which passeth knowledge" (Eph. iii. 19): for it was a love as high as the heaven from which He came down, as deep as the hell from which He delivered his people, as large as the eternal covenant of grace, and as broad as the "commandment" of God's infinitely holy law. Truly it was a wondrous love which led Christ to "sell ALL that He had." It was a love that had no limits-that recognised no restrictions. Had there been anything

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

His

Moreover, it was a practical love; for He exhibited at the expense of all that He had. Oh, it was no barren pity which had nothing but words to bestow; it was no weak sentimentality which exhausted itself in idle tears over the misery of its objects--it was living, acting, self-sacrificing love. "Christ loved the Church," and He proved it by giving Himself for it;"-He valued the treasure, and He gave practical evidence that He did so, by selling all that He had" to buy it. His love had "hind's feet" (Sol. Song ii. 17), which bare Him swiftly to our rescue. love had " everlasting arms," one to cast around his bride, while the other held out à golden shield to arrest the stroke of wrath. And when stern justice cried, Sin must be punished," incarnate love responded, "Let it be punished on me, but let these go their way." Verily, in the language of ancient prophecy, Christ might ask, "What more could I have done for my people, that I have not done for them?" For while "scarcely for a righteous man will one die; though peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die, Christ not only commendeth, but demonstrates his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners He died for us (Rom. v. 7, 8).

دوو

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

And once more, it was an inestinguish

« PreviousContinue »