even in his time, begun to show itself within the pale of the protestant church. And in the succeeding period of very general infidelity, the temptation of lapsing to Romanism was strongly felt by many of the more honest and pious Protestants. His views have been likewise a means of preserving very many from schism; and his warnings against infidelity, and against its awful consequences, will be found of use to those who have not yet learnt openly or secretly to abet it. Such warnings, moreover, have proved most efficacious, when drawn from apocalyptical considerations; and Bengel's manner of conceiving and giving them was most unaffected. They were uttered from the convictions of his heart; from convictions impressed upon him by the word of God. And as conscience obliged him to cause his warning voice to be heard, who can condemn him for following that voice himself? Lastly, should what may happen in future years, render such apocalyptical admonitions more necessary for Christendom than ever, will it not appear a peculiar providence, that Bengel was gifted, more than a hundred years ago, with such deep insight into the mysteries of the kingdom of God? CHAPTER XVIII. HIS COMPOSITIONS IN VERSE. BENGEL Occasionally employed himself a little in versification; and several of his spiritual songs have long been found in some of our popular collections of words for devotional melody. Others, equally good, having remained in manuscript; it may gratify some of our readers to have them in the present volume.* I. A Spiritual Song upon Ps. cxvi. 1, 2.—(Sung on the day of Bengel's marriage, June 5, 1714.) Jehovah! gracious and just, Long-suff'ring, in faithfulness great; Renew'd, ev'ry morning await : When we, as forlorn and undone, And sunk in the heat or the shade, Though death still reign, and its fear Blest Eden had lost by the fall;— * The Translator was unwilling to omit the pious and elevated sentiments and breathings of Bengel's devotional versification; but nothing more is here professed to be given than a very humble and, occasionally perhaps, too distant imitation of the original compositions. even in his time, begun to show itself within the pale of the protestant church. And in the succeeding period of very general infidelity, the temptation of lapsing to Romanism was strongly felt by many of the more honest and pious Protestants. His views have been likewise a means of preserving very many from schism; and his warnings against infidelity, and against its awful consequences, will be found of use to those who have not yet learnt openly or secretly to abet it. Such warnings, moreover, have proved most efficacious, when drawn from apocalyptical considerations; and Bengel's manner of conceiving and giving them was most unaffected. They were uttered from the convictions of his heart; from convictions impressed upon him by the word of God. And as conscience obliged him to cause his warning voice to be heard, who can condemn him for following that voice himself? Lastly, should what may happen in future years, render such apocalyptical admonitions more necessary for Christendom than ever, will it not appear a peculiar providence, that Bengel was gifted, more than a hundred years ago, with such deep insight into the mysteries of the kingdom of God? G G PART IV. BENGEL'S PRIVATE LIFE. CHAPTER I. AS A FAMILY MAN. SOON after Bengel had become settled in his permanent station at Denkendorf, he looked out for a pious helpmate to share with him the vicissitudes of human life. He was persuaded, he said, that "the heart is so formed by nature, that it cannot easily renounce every kind of recourse to and refuge in the creature,' and that the married state is one of his own wise and gracious ordinances." Such a friend he found in the family of Frederic Seeger, Esq., receiver-general of the provincial estates, whose daughter, Joanna Regina, became endeared to him, as much by her simple piety as by her excellent understanding and disposition. She was engaged to him in April 1714, and they were married in the following June. As, in forming a connexion of this kind, very much depends "on how persons understand each other at first setting out," (which is another of his own remarks,) some passages of his letters to this lady will show how important he considered it, that their mutual alliance should be hallowed by mutual union with Christ. "Jesus is all in all! "My beloved and esteemed Friend, 66 April 17, 1714. "I have continual confidence that what has commenced between us will, by the blessing of the Most High, be the occasion of constantly renewed felicity. May the pure love of Jesus fully occupy us, and keep us in tranquillity and peace!" * Rom. viii. 19. "20th April. "Our absence just now from each other may be turned to our spiritual benefit, if we make a proper use of it. Souls that would depend only on God, and live entirely to his glory, have to undergo many self-denials to deliver them from all undue attachment to the creature. Let our mutual absence, therefore, which will be but short, be employed in learning to find our chief delight, more in Him, yes, than in each other. Though we have never seen Christ in the flesh, we cleave to him in spirit; and we know that our love of him, and our desire to enjoy his perfect presence, are to be of far more consequence to us than each other's company. May he therefore dispose our united hearts more and more to himself, and possess them entirely. Thus I remain, now and for ever, my beloved friend's most faithful and attached," &c. "27th April. "Only let us endeavour more and more unremittingly to exercise lively confidence in God, and to be conscious that we really love him, and we shall never want any manner of thing that is good. This, too, will be the best preparation we can make for our marriage.” "4th May. "No greater joy can I have than to see that my most valued friend is enjoying the grace of God, walking in the love of her Saviour, and thus realizing every true enjoyment at once. This must be the one great concern with us both, and must never, through our alliance with each other, be lost sight of, much less hindered; but promoted. Our heart should be quite as decidedly with the Supreme Lover of our souls, as yours, I am sure, is with me; and we should believe His love towards us to be infinitely greater than we are able to imagine. The best way to experience the truth of this, is to retire into quietness of spirit, into secret communion and childlike converse with him. This is a grace indeed; and as I heartily desire it for us both, I make it a subject of prayer continually. For it is the best foundation for the permanency of our mutual affection, and for the happiness of our union; a union, the comfort and benefit of which are not to be confined to a few early days. And in this way I am, and by God's grace intend to be through life, a life to be spent by us according to his will, "My highly esteemed and truly dear friend, "Yours, |