294 A FEW WORDS ON BEHALF OF DR. CUMMING. WORDS ON BEHALF OF DR. CUMMING. DEAR MR. EDITOR.-Will you allow a friend to say a few words upon the "Watchman's" "Critical Enquiry into the Vitality of Dr. Cumming's Christianity ?" Amidst much that is good and truthful in the "Watchman's" remarks, I conceive there is a want of discernment, and "love, which thinketh no evil." Those remarks affect the Dr. upon three points-his Christianity, his ministry, and his high position. A word upon each. Friend Pegg, in his remarks, does not invalidate the Dr.'s Christianity-only exposes his perversions of truth. But the "Watchman" goes a few steps farther, and assails his uprightness before God; for, notwithstanding the "Watchman's" desire to speak and write charitably, he does write uncharitably. He does not believe the Dr. is a regenerate man. Well, if he is not, he must be "dead in trespasses and sins," and at enmity with God, equally with Cardinal Wiseman, his great antagonist. Now, I conceive this is that rash judgment our Lord censures in Matt. vii. 1, 2. To point out the defects of a man's theology, or manner of preaching, is one thing; but to insinuate that the man has never been converted, and is not a gracious character, is another and a different thing altogether. This, sir, is the great evil among writers and preachers of the present day. Read, for instance, the angry contentions of some of our leading men of late-such as Messrs. Tryon, Philpot, Osbourn, and others. Each cashiers the others from the gospel vineyard, either as graceless characters, or dead letter men, under a covenant of works. I do not believe, Mr. Editor, you have any sympathy with such persons, or such practices. At best, it is but unhallowed warfare, and a waste of time and talent, which might be better employed against our common enemies. It is more than probable the Dr. could give a Scriptural reason of the hope that is within him, if he were asked in a courteous manner; and as for his preaching, I would say, every man has his proper gift of God, and his allotted sphere of usefulness. Dr. Cumming may not be employed upon the walls of Zion, after the manner and method of the Leicester "Watchman;" and yet he may be a true, loyal subject of the King of kings; and if you forbid him, positively or negatively, expressly or by implication, you are only doing the very thing you wrote against awhile ago, in the VESSEL. Some of God's ministers are raised to a high position in the world, to defend the outworks of Christianity; amongst whom I He may not would hope the Dr. is one. have raised himself, but have been exalted by the very same Providence that lowers others; and we read, "A man's gifts make room for him, and set him before great men." And could you follow the Dr. into his study, and his closet, you perhaps would find him, with all his honors, as low in the dust of selfabasement as any of those who differ from him upon some controverted points of doc trine. A WORD FOR THE WATCHMAN. DEAR BROTHER.-In friendliness I would ask-Has the good "Watchman," think you, served the cause of God and truth, by his gratuitous remarks upon the character and Christian standing of Dr. Cumming? He professes to be charitable; yet he tells us he really could not come to any satisfactory conclusion in his own mind that he (Dr. Cumming) is at the present a spiritual man, or one that is born of the Spirit." Perhaps the "Watchman's vision may be somewhat impaired by the bleak winds, or the dazzling rays of the sun, to which he may have been exposed; if so, he may not be able to discern a friend from a foe. The "Watchman tells us, 66 a man may be lifted up to preach before royalty, &c., and after all he may be up-wrong." So, indeed, a man may have the name of "A Watchman upon the Walls," and yet be ill qualified for the post his name assumes. Your "Watchman," then, flies to an experimental old lady," and uses her spectacles to aid in the wonderful discovery as to the fact of Dr. Cumming being a spiritual man And after all, this "old lady's" recorded indifference concerning how a man "brought up," does not agree with an "experimental saint" of old; for he could review his being "brought up" with true and solemn gladness. (Psa. xl. 2). is May we not conclude-especially when the cannon roars, the glitter of the bayonet is seen, and the clash of the sword is heardthat a man filling so important a station as "Watchman on the Walls," would have other and better information to give, than THE CHRISTIAN; THE HUSBAND; THE FATHER. the twaddle of an "old lady," or to spend his time in some more useful employ, than a play of words about a "blackey beetle and a crawling worm." The cry was made of old by the spiritual watchman, "Arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield. And again-for "Zion's sake" he could not hold his peace; and could not our "Watchman" do something, by the help of the Lord, in leading on the princes and the sons of our beloved Zion, otherwise than in battling with a "beetle' behind the walls of Leicester gaol, or in attempting to give judgment in a case, when, by his own shewing, he is without evidence? Does he not remember the reproof given to an enquirer of old, "What is that to thee? Follow thou me ?" Beloved Editor: I write not to anger my good brother; but I write from sorrow of heart, that he should spend his time in such profitless enquiries, which only disappoint your readers, who are looking monthly for something to instruct them, and, under God, to enlarge their spiritual acquaintances with salvation truth. 295 the slightest moral or natural sensibility. It surely needs no graces of modern diction to lure the reader on to the perusal of the document we here subjoin:" "To MY BELOVED WIFE, HELLENOR PENRY, partaker with me in this life of the sufferings of the Gospel of the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, and resting with me in undoubted hope of that glory which shall be revealed. All strength and comfort, with all other spiritual graces, be multiplied through Jesus Christ my Lord. "I see my blood laid for (my beloved), so my days and testimony drawing to an end (for ought I know,) and, therefore, I think it my duty to leave behind me this testimony of my love to so dear a sister, and so loving a wife, in the Lord, as you have been to me. "First, then, I beseech you, stand fast in the truth which you and I profess at this present in much outward discouragement and and danger. Let nothing draw you to be subject to antichrist, in any of his ordinances. Let your soul and your body be far from those assemblies which yield either known or secret submission unto the ordinances of the beast' - that is to receive his 'mark,' either in the right hand or in the forehead-as the Spirit of God saith, for this are you forbidden to do, and that under pain of God's eternal wrath. Again, my beloved, continue a member THE CHRISTIAN; THE HUSBAND; AND of that holy society, whereof you and I am; I would affectionately request the good "Watchman" to give his thoughts upon Isaiah ix. 5. And pray the Holy Ghost to lead him into the mystery and meaning thereof, that it may really help in advancing the interest of the many readers of your VESSEL. I remain, dear brother, your's, Whittlesea, Nov., 1854. THE FATHER; D. ASHBY. THE PILGRIM-MARTYR'S LAST LETTER TO HIS WIFE. WE have before referred to a volume recently issued by Messrs Cash, of Bishopsgate, and compiled by John Waddington, entitled, "John Penry, the Pilgrim Martyr." It is a book of extraordinary interest, illustrating the zeal, the enthusiasm, the boldness, the sufferings, and the triumphs of those holy men, who have been heaven's pioneers, in making way for the Gospel of Christ in different quarters of the globe. There is a manifold benefit derived from reading works of this description; and we render no mean service to the christian public by drawing their attention to the choicest portions of our Theological, Biographical, and Evangelical Literature. We shall not criticise any portion of the volume before us at the present time; but simply give the following letter from Penry, written to his wife just before his martyrdom. Sketches of his life and labours will come in future numbers. On p. 127 Mr. Waddington says, "On the sixth of April, 1593, he wrote a letter, embodying the sentiments of the christian, the husband, and the father, which cannot be regarded with indifference by any who retain 66 where the Lord in his ordinances reigneth; for here, and in all such assemblies, the Lord dwelleth by the presence and power of his Spirit. Here he is a mighty protector and a defence, ready at hand; and his ordinances, you know, he hath commanded to be greatly observed. "Our souls are to rejoice in those ways more than in all substance and treasure, and the loving-kindness of the eternal is for ever towards them and their seed, that remember his ordinances to do them. Whereas all those are accursed that err from his statutes and diminish from the obedience they owe unto his majesty. "I pray you mark these past places with all such like in the word, against all those that make it a light matter, either not to walk in the ways of our God, or to be subject to small corruptions as they count them, and be armed with the power of the word against all such lying delusions. In conclusion, my dear wife and sister, look not at any earthly thing; consecrate yourself wholly both soul and body-husband, children, and whatsoever you have, unto the Lord your God. Let them not be dearer unto you than God's serIvice and worship. Know it to be an unspeakable preferment for you, that he vouchsafeth to take either yourself, or any of your's, to suffer afflictions with him and his gospel here upon earth. I am persuaded that you have undergone the profession of the truth upon 296 THE CHRISTIAN; THE HUSBAND; THE FATHER. "In the mean time, wait patiently the Lord's leisure. He is not forgetful of you and your's, especially of his poor church. He cannot deny himself, and the truth of his promises you know. Be much and often in prayer, night and day in the reading and meditation of his word; and you shall find that he will grant you your heart's desire according to his own pleasure and will. Pray with your poor family and children morning and evening, as you do. Instruct them and your maid in the ways of God, so that no day pass over your head wherein you have not taught them (especially her) some one principle of the truth. I the condition set down by our Saviour Jesus | estate. Though you could not yet I Christ-that is, to hate all in respect to the know that you had rather dwell under the Gospel. Fear not the want of outward things. the wings of the God of Israel in poverty, He careth for you. The Lord is my God and with godly Ruth, than to possess kingdoms your's, and the God of our seed. I know, if in the land of Moab; and what shift soever you and our poor children, continue, that you you make, keep our poor children with you, shall see a blessed reward in this life for those that you may bring them up yourself in the small and weak sufferings of ours for the in- instruction and information of the Lord. terest and right of Christ Jesus; for I am leave you and them, indeed, nothing in this assured that the Lord will give a breathing life, but the blessing of my God; and his time of comfortable rest unto his poor church blessed promises, made unto me, a poor in this life. wretched sinner, that my secd, my habitation and family, should be blessed and happy upon the carth; and this, my sister, I doubt not shall be found an ample portion both for you and them; though you know that in hunger often, in cold often, in poverty and nakedness, we must make account to profess the gospel in this life. Teach them even now, I beseech you, in their youth, that lesson indeed which was the last that I taught them in word; that is, if they will reign with Christ, they must suffer with him. Teach them not to look for great things in this life, but every day to make account that they are to yield up their lives, and whatsoever they have, for the truth. While their affections are yet green, let them have instruction out of the word, and corrections meet for them. Yet you know, that parents must not be bitter unto their children; especially smite not the elder wench over hard, because yon know the least word will restrain her. When they are capable of any hardy labor, I know you will not let them be idle. Let them learn, both to read, and also to work. Howsoever it be with them in your care-or under the hands of others-I, their father, do here charge them, when they come to years of discretion, as they will answer at that great day of judgment, that they join themselves with the true profession and church of Christ, wherein now I go before them-the which charge of mine, that they now keep, I beseech you, my good wife, to put them often in mind of the same. (Jer. xxv. 2-8). And what a blessing will ensue unto them if they keep it-as also what a judgment will follow if they neglect it and withal, be careful, in case you should not be able to keep them all with you, that they are brought up with some of the church "Think the time greatly gained, as I have often told you, that is spent in the word of the Lord. Amongst other places of the word, wherein I would have you be conversant in regard of these times, I pray you read the 37th Psalm, Isaiah 60; and 61, 62, 63; Matt. 20; Exodus 22, 22 verse; Job 24 to 27. Mark every day what portion you make unto. The Lord grant that you may have either strength and comfort of your faith, or continuance of patience in expecting and waiting for his mercy; and be not weary in attending at his footstool, because in due time shall we receive if we faint not. For yet a very little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Above all things, pray that he would restore beauty unto the church, and overthrow the religion of the Roman antichrist in every part thereof. Observe your own special infirmities and wants, and be earnest with the Lord that he would do them away, and consume them by the power of his Spirit. Remember me also, and my brethren in bonds, that the Lord would assist us with the strength and comfort of his Spirit, to keep a good conscience, and to bear a glorious testimony unto the end. Yea, be not void of hope, but I may be restored again unto you by your prayers, and therefore also be earnest with him for my deliverance. with bread and water-rather than to be clad in gold with any, how forward soever they seem to please, that yield obedience to antichristian ordinances. I know, my good Helen, that the burden which I lay upon thee of four infants, whereof the oldest is not four years old, will not seem in any "If the Lord shall end my days in this way burdensome unto thee. Yea, thou shalt testimony, as blessed be his name howsoever find that God will be a Father to the fatherit may be, I am ready and content with his less, and a stay unto the widow. If, my good pleasure. Keep yourself, my good dear sister, you are married again after my Helen, here with this poor church. You days, choose, that first, he, with whom you may make all good refuge and stay marry, be of the same holy faith and and prohere as any widow else, for your outward' fession with you, Look not so much to ADAM THE FIRST, AND ADAM THE SECOND. 297 wealth or estimation in the world, yet rather | means, this day, to write this much, whereof choose many blessings than one, if you may no creature living knoweth. This 6th of the -but only respect the fear of God and the fourth month of April, 1593. In great meetness of the party. Thus having haste, with many tears, and yet in a great hitherto disburdened myself of my duty to- spiritual comfort of my soul, your husband, wards you, and care over you and our poor for a season, and your beloved brother for children in some part-to come unto myself. evermore, JOHN PENRY, I am, I thank God, of great comfort in him, though under great trials of my weaknessnot for fear of any flesh, I thank my God, but in consideration of my wants, rebellious disobedience and unthankfulness towards his Majesty. But in regard of men, and in respect of the cause of my God wherein I stand, I fear not any power or strength of man whatsoever; and I am, this hour, most willing to lay down my life for the word of my testimony, and I trust shall be unto the end. "And if I be offered upon this sacrifice, I pray thee, my good Helen, that all the dispersed papers which I have written in this cause, and are yet out of the enemies' hands, may be published unto the world after my death, together with the letters which I have written in the same cause, that are of any moment; though they be imperfect, yet the enemies' mouths will be stopped by that means, and no small light given unto the cause. "There are some of them among our brother Mr. Smith's papers. The rest, you shall know where they are. Take the direction of the church in this. If the Lord shall grant me life, myself will accomplish my purpose this way by his grace. To draw to an end, salute the whole church for me, especially those in bonds, and be you all much and heartily saluted. Let none of them be dismayed; the Lord will send a glorious issue unto Zion's troubles. Yet, you must all be prepared for sufferings, I see likelihood. Let not those which are abroad miss to frequent their holy meetings. Salute my mother, and your's, in Wales; my brethren, sisters, and kindred there. "My God knoweth, yea, yourself know, how earnestly and often I have desired that the Lord would vouchsafe my service in the gospel amongst them, to the saving of their souls, for evermore unto him. Salute your parents and mine, and our kindred in Northamptonshire; with my poor kinsman, Jenkin Jones, and Mr. Davidd also, though I had not thought that any outward respect would have made him to withdraw his shoulders from the Lord's ways; but the Lord will draw him forward in his good time. Salute all our's in Scotland, upon the borders, and every way northward-especially Mr. Fuel, always dear unto me. Christ Jesus bless thee and you all, my beloved, even for ever and ever. Let it not be known unto any, save unto the party who shall read this unto you, that I have written at all as yet. I got "An unworthy witness of Christ's testament against the abominations of the Roman Antichrist and his followerssure of the victory by the blood of the Lamb." ADAM THE FIRST, AND ADAM THE OR, CHRIST AND THE CHURCH ONE BODY. DEAR SIR.-There are many of the Lord's children much perplexed and distressed respecting their state, under the workings of sin and temptation. Although they may have sat under the sound of the gospel for years, yet many of them secretly are at times wondering how it is God can be just, and at the same time justify the sinner. I have been thinking, a few plain observations on the two head-ships, if the good Lord should grant his blessing, might be a means of setting some of their minds at liberty-Adam the First, and Adam the Second. We begin with Adam, the natural head in the garden, first, because of the order of time. All the natural seed of Adam broke the law, and sinned in him; but this could no otherwise be, than as they were considered in the loins of him who was their first federal head at the time of his fall; by which means the offence of Adam was not only imputed to all mankind, but was their own actual deed in the full extent of its guilt; inasmuch as it was impossible the head should sin without the members; nor could the members sin in Adam without being considered as one with him, and as having union with him, though personally brought into existence one by one, and at different periods from the beginning of the world to the end of it. Upon this truth the Scripture doctrine of original sin must stand or fall. In the very same manner as all Adam's natural seed were considered as united to him, and as having sinned in him when he apostatized from God, were all the spiritual seed of Christ-the second Adam-considered as ONE WITH HIM; and as united to him; yea, as very members of his body when he paid perfect obedience to that law which the first Adam had broken. In this union with Christ, the Old Testament saints had their parts, even before righteousness was absolutely wrought out; but they could have had no benefit from any work of Christ before his incarnation, had they not, in the eternal covenant, been considered as members of his body mystical, and whose very flesh and 298 BAPTISING IN THE RIVER AVON. blood, as the seed of believing Abraham, | Head, the persons of those who were so should in time, by virtue of that covenant, chosen must have been given by the Father be made part of the human nature of Christ; to the Son, in the eternal covenant of peace; who, being very God, manifest in the flesh, and it would be equally as absurd to suppose it was not possible that the covenant made that any others were taken in afterwards, as with him should fail, as it did with the first that any one of those for whom the reAdam; and if it could not fail on the part demption-price was paid, could finally be of Christ-the Head-it cannot fail on the lost. They were then viewed by the blessed part of any of his members, seeing that their Trinity in unity, as parts of Christ's Body; standing depends upon his standing; and and as soon might Christ himself be torn therefore all his acts in Scripture are looked from heaven, as any one member of his upon as their acts; as absolutely so as if holy Body be plucked from the Head: or as they had personally performed them; and in soon might an additional limb be added to truth they did so, even more than virtually the perfect humanity, as any one soul become and representatively; for they actually ful- a member of Christ, who was not chosen in filled the whole moral law in Christ, as much him from eternity. It is impossible for us as they sinned and broke it in Adam:-and to draw any middle line between absolute Christ, and they, are so entirely one, that predestination and man's merit. "O the they suffered with him, were crucified with him, are dead with him, buried with him, risen with him, are sat down in the heavenly places with him. Although these were all the personal acts of Christ, yet the whole body of the elect performed them in him, their common Head, by virtue of that covenant relationship given to them before the world was made. It is absurd in the extreme to suppose that they could have performed these acts in Christ-their Head-without depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" "What wondrous love-what mysteries In this appointment shine! SAMUEL TOOKE. being one with him, and without having Our British Baptist Churches. union with him; though the interest they have in him (like a river which runs underground, and afterwards appears to view), is not made known to them till they believe. Thus the streams of grace, though they flow from the source and fountain of free, pure and eternal love, are hidden even from the elect themselves, till they burst forth in torrents of mercy and loving-kindness at the time of effectual calling. "I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” [INTERESTING and faithful records of the origin and progress of Baptist Churches, for this department of our work, will be thankfully received:-also, reports of new causes, ordinations, &c., &c.] BAPTISING IN THE RIVER AVON. DEAR BROTHER.-I forward you a short account of the last baptising connected with Ebenezer Chapel, Widcombe, Bath. Six seals to the late William Cromwell's ministry came forward on Lord's-day, August 27th, 1854, and were publicly baptized at the accustomed spot, in the river Avon, when hundreds of persons presented themselves as spectators. The morning was beautiful, and the order that prevailed was unusual. In this view of things, redemption does not appear to be that thing of yesterday which some people would make it; just as if it were an after-thought of God, in consequence of the fall, in order to remedy the mischief which sin had unfortunately occasioned. Such little ideas are far below the greatness of the Eternal mind, with which nothing can be future or contingent; nor can he, without too near an approach to blasphemy, affirm that He who is Wisdom" itself, and who ordereth all things after the counsel of his own will, can have his plans defeated, his designs frustrated, and rendered abortive; yea, and himself disappointed by weak, finite, ignorant beings, which his own hands have made. Again: By this view of things, it appears to demonstration, that the number of the elect is so definite and certain, that it can neither be increased nor diminished; for if Christ and his church are one-if all the seed of grace were chosen in and with Christ their "What hath God wrought? might Israel say, "Though painful at present, The conqueror's song!" About eight o'clock in the morning we |