JAMES GOUGH. Born 1712, Kendal, Ireland. In his last letter, he gives
an account of a current disorder, viz. the dysentery, with which many
had been seized, and that it had followed him very closely for several
days. It seems that, partly from reserve, but chiefly, from a desire to
accomplish the remaining part of the service before him, so as to get
through it in time, to return home, against the ensuing half-year's meeting;
he suffered this disorder to gather strength before he let it be known,
to a degree of obstinacy, beyond the power of medicine to remove: for
although no care of attendance, or suitable applications, under the direction
of skilful physicians were wanting, yet these proving ineffectual, he
departed out of this transitory state of existence, in much tranquility
of mind, in 1780. . . . .
About this time the Methodists had got some footing in sundry parts
of Ireland, and in Mountmelick in particular: John Curtis, a friend of
Bristol, who had been one of them about a year, having been afterwards
convinced of our principles, and received a gift of the ministry, came
over upon a religious visit to friends in Ireland, amongst whom his service
was very acceptable.
I was with him at a large meeting in the court house in Athy, another
in the assembly room at Athlone, and at several others which were very
large. He appeared in inwardness of mind to attend upon his gift, and
follow its leading; and concluded his service in Ireland with an epistle
to friends whom he had visited, which the national meeting ordered to
be printed.
I mention this by reason of what follows.
One afternoon John Wesley made his first entrance into Mountmelick,
attended by a large company on horseback of those who joined him in society.
As several of their ministers had been here before, some of whom had invited
me to come, and bring my family, to hear them preach the gospel, I had
not as yet found freedom to go: but hearing that John Wesley was to preach
that evening in the open marketplace, I was not easy to avoid going. So
I went, and standing at a friend's shop-door, I heard him begin with the
following preamble or introduction:
"Before I unfold to you the oracles of God I must first remove a stumbling-block
out of the way, which is this; I understand one John Curtis from Bristol
hath of late been travelling in these parts, and endeavouring to lay waste
that good work, which it hath pleased God to carry on by our hands, giving
out that he was formerly a Methodist and acquainted with me. Now he never
was a Methodist to my knowledge, and I think he could not be one in or
about Bristol without it: And as to any acquaintance with the said John
Curtis, I solemnly declare I never had any; only I remember being twice
in his company occasionally, about eight years ago. I hope no man will
account me an offender for speaking the truth. If George Fox were here
he would embrace me for it."
This was the substance of his introduction in the same words, or very
nearly the same, in which he delivered it, for I gave good attention to
this part. Then he proceeded to what he called unfolding the oracles of
God, which I thought was stamping the matter far too high.
That evening I got two friends to accompany me to his lodging to speak
to him hereupon. At the first mentioning of the subject he discovered
some warmth. "I tell you John Curtis has done more harm in his journey
thro' these parts, than ever he will do good as long as he lives. He has
gone about scattering poison." This high charge he undertook to prove
thus: "What poison is to the body, that bigotry is to the mind; but John
Curtis has been industrious to sow bigotry, that is to sow disaffection
in the hearts of christians toward one another, barely on account of difference
in opinion."
To all this I replied to the following import. "I was an entire stranger
to John Curtis till he came into these parts, since which I had made use
of the opportunity of contracting an acquaintance with him, and being
pretty much in his company, I have known him to be influenced with the
universal love of God, and that he has endeavoured to propagate the same
in others. This thou canst never call scattering poison; and if my account
differ from thine, so doth the foundation on which it is built. For thine
is only upon hear-say, which is too slender a foundation whereupon publicly
to asperse any man's character who is not present to answer and vindicate
himself." At this he seemed somewhat confused, and acknowledged that he
had not duly considered that part of the matter; but thought he might
depend on the sundry repeated informations, he had received from different
quarters.
"I farther observed to him that he ought to have duly regarded our Lord's
directions not to judge, &c. For if any good is done it is the Lord that
doth it, and in what way, and by what instruments he pleases; and therefore
all the glory of it is due to him alone, and no part of that glory or
honour to any instrument, which can do nothing of itself, and that it
would be a sin in any instrument to take to itself what was due to God
only: and that if John Curtis faithfully did what the Lord directed, he
would be accepted, tho' no shining outward effects should arise from it.
And in regard to what thou hast alledged of his sowing disaffection
in the hearts of Christians, towards one another, barely on account of
difference in opinion; something occurs to me on that head, which
is that John Curtis might be endued with a sense of the danger, which
some might be in of magnifying and extolling certain men instead of giving
all glory to God; and might apprehend it to be his duty to caution and
guard them against that danger, which might be misconstrued by some, as
seeking to sow disaffection toward those men and their adherents;" or
to this effect.
This opportunity concluded peaceably, with John Wesley's acknowledging,
"that it had been to his edification, and that he therefore wished he
could get the like opportunities with our friends more frequently; that
he saw some things in a clearer light than he had done before, and that
he would never say any thing against John Curtis publicly again, unless
he administered a real foundation for it." I heard he had the day before
made the same preamble, or to the same purport, before his sermon at Edenderry,
and would probably have gone on so from place to place.
I writ to John Curtis hereupon, who answered that he never pretended
to, nor ever spoke of his having any intimate acquaintance with John Wesley;
but that he was regularly a methodist for some time, he sent me a certificate,
signed by several of the same fraternity, and some other testimonials.
Hereupon he writ to John Wesley, and sent me over copies of the letters
that passed between them. I did not see that this paper-war, if continued,
would be likely to serve any good purpose, and so I wrote to him, and
it dropped. And all the use I made of the above-said testimonials was
occasionally to shew them to some of the methodists and to one of their
ministers.
I was glad to see some in that part awakened out of their sleep of darkness,
to a thoughtfulness about their souls, and sincerely wished the increase
and promotion of solid piety: but I had opportunity to observe there that
those who were innocent and well-minded before have continued the most
steady and circumspect in their conduct; that those who had before gone
into gross pollutions, being induced to believe that regeneration was
an instantaneous, not a gradual work, did not sufficiently remain under
repentance, to let it have its perfect work; and that instead of pressing
forward after the perfection of the inward life, denying self, and a conformity
to this world in its corruptions, in language and practice, their zeal
too much settled in the frequency of their meetings, hearing sermons,
praying, singing, reading, and treasuring up scripture texts and passages
in their memories, talking them over too lightly and customarily, in conversation,
which rendered these divine truths like salt without the proper favour,
taking from them the awful weight and dignity due to them.
By these means christian fortitude for standing stedfast in a reverent
simplicity and holy vigilance soon retired; a silent dependence on Christ
the true teacher was irksome, and that dependence which was due to him
misplaced on fallible men. The consequence was a dwindling, a blast on
the first buddings of heavenly desires, a decay of the divine life: and
many of them soon returned, like the sow that was washed, to wallow in
the mire and filth of transgression again; and threw off the affectation,
the insipid, and surfeiting talk of religion; the form of godliness, which
they had too much gloried in, for want of humbly abiding under the purifying
power thereof. . . . .
DEARLY BELOVED FRIENDS, Under a concern for the welfare of our religious
society, yet left in Ireland, I think it my duty, to stir up the pure
mind by way of remembrance. I. In the first place, I desire that none
under our name, may be raw and ignorant, at a loss, if asked what we profess,
or what is our fundamental principle; but having the heart-felt experience
thereof, "be ready always." (as a good apostle advises) to give an answer,"
or a "reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
We profess to be a people called out of the corrupt spirit, and customs
of the world, out of all evil words and works, to follow Christ, in a
close inward adherence to the secret discoveries, which he gives us of
our duty; that as his faithful servants, we may enjoy his favour, both
while here, and eternally hereafter.
And our fundamental principle is this, that as God has created us to
be for ever happy, he hath bestowed his light, grace, or holy spirit,
to fit and prepare us for it. Hereby he teacheth us what to deny, and
how to live, to attain this great and glorious end.
If we adhere to this divine gift, we shall love him above all things,
and other gifts and blessings, as we ought to do. Parents will love their
children in the Lord. Children will be an honour to their parents, by
a well-guarded, and dutiful conduct. The young, and the aged, will be
joined as brethren, in one good concern.
Thus would a holy harmony, be seen and felt, as formerly: And we, in
that peace, order and union, reverencing the Lord our God, should enjoy
the sweet influences of his presence, and the joy of his salvation.
Why are we members of a separate society, but to be more closely connected
with the divine source of all purity and goodness, walking in the light
of the Lord, that it might shine in our lives, as waymarks to neighbours
and sober enquirers, that they, being won by our good conversation, may
have cause to bless God on our behalf? Thus were many convinced of our
principles, and drawn into our society, even at the hazard or loss of
all that was dear to them in the world.
II. I think it necessary, to enter upon some points more particularly,
and to add such exhortations thereupon, as my present concern may engage
me to impart.
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:" actively,
when not contrary to the law of God; passively, when it is opposite thereto.
This is conformable to the example of Christ and his apostles, as well
as of good men, in former ages, and of all the worthy martyrs in later
days.
The Jews complained of Christ, for transgressing or breaking their laws:
at last when Pontius Pilate said, repeatedly, "I find no fault in him,"
they answered, "We have a law, and by our law he ought to die."
From our fundamental principle, beforementioned, proceeded our well-known
principles, or testimony for Christ our Lord, in its sundry branches,
which it is our incumbent duty to bear, and to shew forth to the world;
as in the following instances.
III. Our blessed Lord commands us, "not to swear at all." It is our
duty firmly to obey his command, whenever we are tried herein, and rather
to suffer patiently what human laws may inflict, than to take an oath,
on any account whatsoever. Thus Daniel and the three worthy Hebrews, chose
rather to sacrifice their bodies to the lion's den, and to the fiery furnace,
than to comply with the law of man, when it demanded a revolt from their
duty, to their supreme Sovereign.
IV. The law of man sometimes requires wars and fightings, and
actively to contribute thereto: but Christ commands us to love our enemies,
and do to all men nothing but what is good. As his professed subjects,
we cannot therefore, actively contribute to military affairs. Our Lord
said to Pilate, "If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants
fight." Again, whatever injuries or ill usage we receive, we must follow
his pattern, not rendering reviling for reviling, leaving vengeance to
the Lord to whom it belongs. None amongst us, must either fight, or do
any violent action, tending to provoke thereto. We must trust in the Lord,
and then he will discover the best means of helping and healing the evil
in others, or animate us innocently to bear our testimony against it,
where hearts are too hard to admit any offered help. In this case our
Lord assures us, that great is our reward in heaven: for such usage the
righteous who were before us, have met with.
V. Our dear Lord commands his own ministers freely to give, as from
him they freely receive; and he changeth not: a hireling man-made ministry
therefore, is none of his; nor can we join in supporting it, as such.
Tho' the law of man hath established it, we ought to do as the apostles
did, "And to obey God rather than man." The gospel of Christ is free,
not subject to worldly traffic. It can neither be bought nor sold. It
is the power of God to salvation. It brings the soul, which receives and
submits to it, into immortal union with the father of lights, by leavening
it into his divine nature. That which selfish priests purchase and demand
money for, is therefore not the gospel; and their pretending it to be
so, is an artful imposition.
This with many other things of like kind, our ancestors discovered in
the true light, and therefore (like holy Daniel and his brethren) passively
submitted to the laws, which required the support of this imposition,
and to the rigorous execution of those laws. By their courage and constancy
herein, they made the way smooth and easy to us, our sufferings being
light, in comparison of theirs. It was nothing but the love of God, that
animated them cheerfully to suffer great spoiling of goods, with long
and hard imprisonments: separated from all that was near and dear to them
in the world. It was in the support of their testimony to the universality
of God's love to mankind, who invites them that are athirst, and them
that have no money, to come and buy wine and milk, without money and without
price.
May their descendants and successors, from generation to generation,
come up after them, in the same noble cause. So would they minister joy,
to such as have no other interest in view, but the spiritual health and
vigor of the body, and of every member therein. Some indeed of late years,
have degenerated from that fidelity to God, which those worthies ever
firmly manifested. These throw down what their forefathers laboured to
build up, and dissolve that spiritual bond, which should unite us in faith
and love. I earnestly desire they would draw near in spirit to Christ,
and to his militant church, to be a help to faithful friends. When any
of you are tried with future demands on such accounts, I cannot but wish
for you, as I look back to the worthies gone, that like them ye may stand
fast, in the freedom of the gospel, without flinching, or any way evading
our testimony for it. I fully believe that your fidelity, in such trials,
would be the means of giving you new life and strength, for the zealous
and upright discharge of other christian duties, and of making you both
useful and honourable members, not only of civil, but also of religious
society.
As to that formal worship, which is begun and carried on in the will
of man, our faithful predecessors could have no unity with it, nor actively
contribute to the support of the places or materials appropriated to such
worship.
VI. On the other hand, they most conscientiously paid an active obedience
to the laws, which enjoin the payment of customs, duties, and excise,
to the King and government; and were zealous, both by example and precept,
to induce all to be careful and punctual therein, and not on any account
to deal in goods suspected to be clandestinely imported, nor even to buy
any of them, for their own private consumption. So should we still keep
ourselves, entirely clear from this, and every other sort of unrighteous
gains or savings.
VII. The law of the land, sets apart one day in seven, for religious
retirement, and the worship of God. This our forefathers approved of,
and religiously observed; tho' at the same time, they testified that the
Jewish sabbath is ended, by the coming of Christ; and that, there is no
inherent holiness, in any one day more than another. I have long had an
earnest desire, that all our friends would duly observe, and apply that
day, to its proper purpose, to begin each week aright, and so to hold
on to the end of it; to avoid as much as possible, travelling about worldly
affairs on that day, and be constant, while in health, in attending meetings
for worship. Deny yourselves the liberty of walking abroad, at such time,
or in such manner, as will not be of good example to the idle multitudes,
who give the loose rein to licentious inclinations, on that day: but rather
choose to have your families collected, for reading the holy scriptures,
or what may make good impressions on their minds, that when it shall be
said, "Give an account of they stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer
steward," we then may be ready to give our accounts with joy, and receive
the answer of "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the
joy of thy Lord."
VIII. For want of this care, what harms abound! I am loth to mention
them, but hope ye will bear with me when ye duly consider that, nothing
but well-wishing love, induces me to lay them before you, in order that
all might join in contributing a timely remedy thereto, with the means
of doing it, which the Lord furnishes us with.
It is apparent, that from hence the love of God in many waxeth cold.
How they make light of religious duties! What a slender attendance of
week-day meetings for the worship of God, as well as of those which are
held for an united care of the good of the body! So that it may now be
said of many, as in sorrowful days formerly, "The ways of Zion mourn,
because none come to her solemn feasts." Again, what restlessness in meetings,
what outward indications of spiritual indolence, of absent and wandering
minds, of neglect of the awful duty of worship, due from us to our great
creator, what gazing about, or falling asleep! Oh it is grievous, and
tends to give strangers a dishonourable idea concerning us, while we profess
the pure spiritual worship of God, according to his own institution; and
while our dear Saviour hath assured us, that where two or three are gathered
together in his name, he is in the midst of them. Again, from hence what
violations of our christian testimony in its sundry branches, what weakness
and inconsistency in conduct with that divine principle, which we profess!
How do many trample upon the precious labours, and sufferings of men,
whose memories are and ever will be blessed, as they were valiant for
the truth, revealed to them by Christ their dearest Lord! And shall we
not be brought to account for these things? And will not our account be
heavier, in the reckoning day, than that of others, who have not been
favoured in so high a degree, nor so much striven with, by the spirit
of the Lord, who declared to the old world, before its final ruin, "My
spirit shall not always strive with man."
IX. Again, how many in these perilous days run back, and draw others
with them, into the vanities of the times, into a conformity with the
world, both in dress and address, into the company of such as indulge
the same dispositions, till the plain honest manners, of sincere and affectionate
friends, are falling into disuse, being such as some are ashamed of. Thus
were many ashamed of Christ, and offended in him, for his plain and humble
appearance, when in the body: but he declared that, he also would be ashamed
of them, or would deny them, before his father and his holy angels.
From these pernicious liberties, have proceeded mixt marriages, running
out to the priests, confusion in families, affliction and anguish of parents,
in the bad returns made to them by disobedient children, painful wounds
to our christian society. Many, by these traps and snares of the common
enemy, have been carried away into the wide world; and quite lost as to
the dedication of their hearts and lives, to the love and fear of God:
and but few have stood in the gap, to prevent their thus running out:
Few have joined in repairing the breaches, made by backsliders, in that
wall of defence, which the Lord by his power and spirit, had erected about
us.
In this general decline of the society, there seems to be great cause
to fear the yet farther spreading of these harms, unless the Lord in mercy,
turn the hearts of many, timely to himself, which we ardently pray for,
knowing that, except the Lord build the house, men labour but in vain:
yet we must do our duty; otherwise we shall not be clear in his sight:
and he ordereth (now as he did formerly) line upon line, and precept upon
precept, in order that all may be timely warned, whether they will hear
or forbear!
I believe there are none joined in profession with us, who deviate from
our principle of self-denial, and plainness in habit and speech, who have
not been secretly shewed that it is wrong, that it is a compliance with
the spirit of the world, a refusal of the cross of Christ, a denial of
him before men: but they listen to that voice, which beguiled Eve, which
tells them that there is no harm in such devinations, or that they are
small matters; tho' it is manifest, that such small matters have opened
the door gradually wider and wider, to the gross declension which has
overspread. Tho' many are deceived and darkened by the enemy, to deem
them small matters, yet they have great consequences, as they tend to
debar us of future happiness, and to center us in justly deserved punishments,
for disobeying and disregarding Christ, who leads into humility and plainness,
and preferring that enemy who seduces into pride, and worldly conformity.
I often look with pity, on the victims to the vanities of the world,
who sell their birthright for a mess of pottage; often desiring that they
may quit the pursuit of shadows, wisely to seek, and happily possess the
most inestimable, and enduring substance. Hereby they would give solid
joy to their well-wishing friends, and gain an ample share thereof in
themselves; a joy not like the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season,
and are followed with a certain and severe sting; a joy, which will go
beyond the grave, to receive an infinite increase, and an endless duration.
X. In regard to such as have not yet much departed from that plainness,
(at least in dress) in which they were educated, some probably may not
be under any strong temptation, to run into the foolish fashions of a
corrupt age. Yet the enemy seeks to catch them in some other snares: and
perhaps some of these may be as ignorant, and as void of experience of
the divine principle we profess, as some of the more fashionable. Outward
plainness, without inward humility, mercy, justice and charity, is of
very little worth. Except we follow after these virtues, obvious faults
in temper and conduct, will appear, to discover our emptiness, and to
serve some for an argument against plainness, or for a subject of ridicule;
and do more harm to the cause of truth, than greater errors, in the conduct
of open and profest libertines.
How grievously disappointing, are they who carry a right appearance,
yet when tried are found to be insipid, and dead, as to the life of righteousness!
Wherefore let none value themselves on a plain outside, as if that of
itself were sufficient. It is as far from it, as the state of those formerly
complained of; who drew nigh to the Lord with their mouths, and with their
lips honoured him, but their hearts were far from him.
Be not deceived: God is not mocked by fair appearances, or empty pretences:
But such as every man sows, he must reap. If under the best appearance,
or strictest form, we sow to the flesh, we shall only reap corruption,
and the miserable fruits of hypocrisy, professing one thing and practising
another; when they who have sowed to the spirit, shall reap the happy
fruits of their fidelity to God.
If we look over our society in this nation, and take a view, both of
them who are plain in dress, and who are otherwise, how many of both sorts,
have their minds fast rooted in this present world, devoting all their
talents to it, rejecting the counsel of Christ, who directs us "to seek
first the kingdom of God," or to live and act, under his government! Hence
in some places, what poor lifeless meetings! How little of the sacred
fire of divine love burning! How little of the light of the glory of God
shining! No living minister left amongst them, and scarce one living member
of the body of Christ, to feel for the others, and take some tender care
of them for their good; their lamps gone out, and scarcely any oil retained
in a single vessel; a week-day meeting hardly kept up, and the one meeting
on the first day badly attended. Thus have some meetings died away, and
are lost; and others appear to be in a languid, sickly condition, seeming
scarce likely to live long, except they timely apply to the great and
good physician, who is both able and willing to restore life, health,
soundness and vigor, to raise up and qualify "Judges, as at the first,
and counselors as at the beginning." But formerly, when in the body, in
some places, he did none of his mighty works, by reason of their unbelief:
so now, when his ministers visit such places, they find the gospel has
not a free course; they can at best but feebly labour in such hard spots.
The word preached, doth not profit, by reason of not meeting with faith
in them that hear.
Great is the mystery of iniquity, in which the subtle serpent works
in many, to their hurt or ruin, unawares to them, for want of their paying
due regard and attention, to that grace of God, which would discover the
hidden snare, and preserve from it. Hence a wrong spirit usurps the government
due to God, and gradually hardens the heart, till the salvation of the
immortal soul, becomes a matter of very little concern, the first and
great commandment of loving God with the whole heart, being much violated:
such are in a most dangerous state, except they turn in haste "to flee
from the wrath, that is to come." I often earnestly desire, that ye who
are of this kind, would do it, lest ye be left to your own courses, in
that broad way, which leads to destruction, and "the things which belong
to your peace, be hid from your eyes."
XI. "The Lord hath shewed unto thee O man, what is good." But many have
suffered the good impressions they have been favoured with, to be like
the morning dew, which soon passeth away. They rush into irreligious company,
and self-indulging liberties, which like the fowls of the air, carry off
all the good seed of the kingdom, which infinite goodness had sowed in
their minds.
What need have we then, to prize and pursue Christ's counsel, "to watch
and pray," not to enter into these temptations, to abstain from all appearance
of evil, to avoid such company as deadly poison, as there can be no fellowship
betwixt light and darkness, or betwixt Christ and Belial; and as we naturally
become like those, whom we love and with whom we associate?
Never go to places of public diversion, such as Play-houses, Horse-races,
Cock-fightings, or to Ale-houses, those haunts of the licentious, who
fear not God. Be watchful and clear from intemperance. Live as men accountable
to God, your hearts, and your conversation in heaven, and your moderation
appearing in all things.
All would be glad to escape everlasting misery, the habitation of rebels
to the laws and government of our great Creator. All would be glad to
be admitted into everlasting happiness, the portion of such as obey those
laws and that government. Why then, will any amongst us, be the enemy's
instruments, in promoting apostacy, from the very life of true religion,
and godliness? Oh rather choose to escape misery, and ensure happiness.
Break off all connections, which are obstacles to it. It is Christ's command,
"If thy right hand offend, cut it off." Lay aside every weight, and the
sin which most easily besets. Be obedient to him, and thou wilt be happy,
separated from the miserable regions of obstinate and obdurate sinners.
XII. Let us call to mind, and not hastily forget it, that Christ has
given himself for us, "to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Yet not withstanding
all this, it is evident that too many among us are induced, and induce
one another, to slight the kindest offers of their best friend. They give
ear to the voice of the stranger, and swayed by his persuasions, put off
their embracing a Saviour's offer. Far from being zealous of doing all
that is well pleasing to God, they counteract that profession, to which
he by his holy spirit, hath called us. To propose to obey the Almighty
at some future day, and in that presumptuous hope, to stifle divine conviction,
is a most fatal artifice of the grand adversary, whereby he insensibly
darkens the mind, and hardens the heart, to render us his vassals, and
to secure us to himself as such. --As delays herein are infinitely dangerous,
as we cannot repent when we will, for repentance is God's gift, begin
then, while it is the day of God's visitation; for when the night overtakes,
none can work out their soul's salvation.
XIII. Wherefore cleave close in heart, to the divine gift, the mystery
hid from ages, but now revealed, even Christ in you the hope and glory,
that your souls may be enamoured with that beauty, which will never fade.
Lay hold of all the helps and means by him provided. Be kind to all, but
familiar with few, and those few, such as fear the Lord. This fear preserved
Joseph, in the time of trial; but for want of it Absalom overset all his
personal advantages. Seek to be closely linked with good friends: for
"two are better than one," "and a threefold cord is not easily broken."
Great are the benefits and solid satisfactions, found in truly religious
society. Formerly when the proud were counted happy, they who feared the
Lord, spake often one to another, and the Lord declared his approbation
of the pious ardour, with which they mutually animated each other. As
on one hand, :the friendship of the world, is enmity with God:" So on
the other, Israel the Lord's people, were to dwell alone, and not to be
numbered with the nations; their safety and true peace depending hereupon,
they were enjoined not to contract any alliance or intimacy with them,
to prevent the decay of that servant love to the Lord their God, which
he inspired them with, while they abode in his covenant, and duly observed
his laws, his statutes and ordinances; and to prevent their children from
contracting the manners of those nations, and running into their fashions
and customs. While they kept together in an united care, and veneration
of the Lord, they prospered both outwardly and inwardly; nothing could
harm them, no effort of the common enemy, could prevail against them.
May we thus keep together, strengthening one another in the love of God,
and faithfulness to him, and then we may be sure that our case will be
the very same.
XIV. There are many we believe, orderly and reputable in their lives,
who need to be more baptized into the ardent love of God, and dedication
of heart to his cause, that they may not be like slothful servants, at
ease in Zion, and indulging themselves, instead of serving the Lord. The
harvest is great, and needs more laborers, to fill up the vacant places
of many removed from works to rewards. What want of ministers, elders,
of such whom the Holy Ghost hath made overseers, taking heed to themselves,
and to the flock, of helpers of one another in animating visits, both
to families and individuals, in the lively flow of that love which the
Lord giveth to them, who devote their hearts to his service!
A few yet are mercifully preserved, who for Zion's sake cannot be at
ease, but thro' all discouragements hold on their way, knowing they serve
a good master, and resolving thro' his grace, never to desert his service,
but to keep their places under his direction, and to hold fast the blessed
truth, in the love of it, to the end of their lives. May he grant an increase
of their number and strength! I desire above all things for myself, that
to the end of my days, I may be one of their number. O my soul, come thou
into their secret adoration of God; with their assembly herein, mayest
thou ever be united! For indeed the Lord is good to them, that seek and
diligently serve him, nourishing that life, which is hid with Christ,
a life which will never die; well rewarding them, for all their labours,
and for the sacrifices which they offer to him on the altar of obedience,
giving them an hundredfold.
XV. When our Lord told his disciples, that one of them should betray
him, the rest heard it with concern, and enquired, Is it I? Many
have contributed to the great declension, and each of us should enquire,
Is it I? Many have need to be created anew in Christ Jesus, unto
good works; but they must first put off the old man, with his deeds, in
deep humiliation before the Lord; which to them, who patiently abide under
his righteous judgments for sin, draws down the gift of repentance unto
salvation, never to be repented of; and that new birth without which we
can have no place in his kingdom. We must give up all our idols; else
we are undone. Our own wills must be subjected to the will of God. All
our own wisdom must be laid at his feet. We must deny ourselves, take
up our cross daily, and follow him. There are no other terms on which
life everlasting is to be had. Our Lord informs us, that they who expect
to gain it, by climbing up any other way, will be treated as thieves and
robbers. Oh then, my dear friends, in every part of Ireland, I earnestly
desire that ye may buy the truth, whatever it cost you, and sell it not.
Look upon all things beside, bust as dross or dung, in comparison of it.
Let us hold Fast the one thing needful, whatever else leave us or be taken
from us. So shall we have lived not in vain, obtaining the great end for
which we had a being given us.
XVI. O ye parents, who have many children, and not much of the world
for them, don't be over anxious on that account, or make it an excuse,
for non-attendance of religious duties. Consider that it may be wisely
so ordered, as the means of their preservation; and if they follow Christ,
it may prove of great advantage to them, beyond what ye and they are aware
of. A little satisfies a humble mind, as we brought nothing into the world,
and can carry nothing out. They who obtain the favour of God, will neither
want any thing needful, nor covet any thing superfluous, but having food
and raiment, therewith be content. Wherefore be anxious for them, only
on this account, that they may lay hold on eternal life, and keep their
hold of that; then they will be truly happy, but not without it, if they
had ever so much in the world. They are indeed justly to be esteemed,
who having more, are thereby the more humbled, and more abounding in useful
services and good works.
And O ye young people, often consider, that ye are born into the world,
to be happy for ever, on the terms laid down by Christ, as abovementioned.
With all your gettings, get the favour of the most high, who invites you
to it: before honour, even true honour with God, is humility; but pride
goes before destruction. Ye need not envy any one, however great in the
world, if ye have the Lord on your side. United with your dear parents,
in walking humbly with him, ye will have the enlarged view of your happy
portion. Your fervent gratitude, obedience, vigilance and firmness, will
be crowned with the endearing pledges and encouraging foretastes, or endless
bliss. So will ye be well satisfied with your lots in every condition,
and find that godliness coupled with divine contentment is the greatest,
and infinitely the most valuable gain, being fitted by your blessed Redeemer
for life, death, judgment, and for that eternal joy, which is unspeakable
and full of glory.
So will ye be alive to God, and of that number whom he pronounces blessed,
who hunger and thirst after righteousness. So will ye carefully watch
against every thing that is wrong, both in yourselves and others, and
endeavour to stop it in its first beginning: ye will love that which is
good, and employ all your talents, with divine help, to promote it both
by example and brotherly counsel.
Then would meetings both for worship and discipline be well attended;
for coming to them under the preparation of heart which is of the Lord,
we should by him be overshadowed with his power and love; the wing of
the sun of righteousness, would be overspread, which illuminates the spiritual
mind to discern its duties, and animates to discharge them, therein to
share the good things which God has in store for them that love him. We
should hereby be edified and built up together in the most holy faith,
and concerned to live in reverent love and subjection to him out of meetings,
faithfully maintaining our testimony for Christ, our holy head in all
its branches.
So should we be again, as formerly, a people of one heart and mind,
baptized by one spirit into one body: All the darkness of ignorance and
inexperience, all the coldness of the worldly or carnal mind would be
removed; and Zion's light would yet again go forth with brightness, and
the salvation of God be felt amongst us, as a lamp that burneth.
With strong desires on the behalf of all, who, in this nation, join
in the profession of the blessed truth, that they may thus experience
the possession of it, and be partakers of its saving efficacy and lasting
peace, I remain your affectionate and well-wishing friend.
JAMES GOUGH.
