CHAPTERXI.His communion with God.UNDER this head, is comprehended the whole of his conduct, and experience, as a Christian, considered in his private capacity. And for this especially, we are furnished with the most ample materials, both from the general tenor of his conversation and from his diary.He lived for thisone thing. All his actions and employments had this single tendency; and he considered every thing else, with reference thereto: making his estimate of the good or evil of every intention, action, exercise, and understanding, according as it tended to promote, or hinder this best of pursuits, and noblest enjoyment of the human soul.Without regarding the inclinations of nature, he embraced, or rejected every thing, with a view altogether to the promotion of the holy and happy fellowship of his soul with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.I am aware, how much more easy it is tosaygreat things on this head, concerning one’s self, or others, than to saynothingbut the truth. And it may be questioned, whether the greater part of the shining accounts hereof which we have seen, are the simple truth: the writers often shewing, rather whatthey could say, than what the persons whom they describe,really were. It is a fruitless expectation to look for more in men, than the state of humanity really admits.The perfection of human kind is such a state of mind and body, as their nature admits of, and as God has provided for them, in the ocean of his love, and treasures of his grace. The sum of our perfection is, that being saved from all our enemies, (that is sins, including all wrong tempers, as well as words, and actions,) we love God with all the powers of the soul, and serve him, with the whole capacity, of both our soul and body. And whoever has attained to this (which whoso denies the possibility of, rejects the counsel and word of God) is, aperfect man, according to the scripture; manifold infirmities, necessarily connected with a dying body notwithstanding.*This servant of God had his infirmities, properly so called, which often made him weep in secret places. And yet, so powerfully did the grace of our Lord work in him, to the destruction of sin; and to such a degree of victory did he attain over himself, the world and Satan, that, to many, he seemed more than human; being in truth a man of another world, in whom dwelt richly the Spirit of the living God.To such as were witnesses of his fervent zeal, mighty prayer, steady seriousness, and habitual heavenly-mindedness, I shall not wonder if all that follows, seems far short of a full description of him. And yet, I am aware on the other hand, that to many others, it may have all the air of mere ideal flight, or enthusiastic folly; to persons, who, cold themselves, think ardor comes from hell.The deep, and genuineacquaintance with God, to which he attained, was in truth beyond that which the generality of Christians arrive at; although all are, without doubt, equally entitled thereto. He trulyput off the old man with his deeds, and becamerenewed in the spirit ofhismind. He fully experienced the significancy of those words,Sin shall not have dominion over you. Andhe that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin. As also,ye are dead: and he that is dead, is freed from sin. And from hence it was, that there appeared throughout his whole carriage,such fruit unto holiness. In him might be seen, how great things God doth for his children, who simply follow him, even in this world: no less than making them complete before him in love.My first acquaintance with him, begun soon after the mercy of God had stirred me up, to seek his face. From a studious regard to the holy scriptures, it was soon given me to understand, what manner of person a Christian approved of God must be: and thenceforward, I both read, conversed, and thought of little else. And in him Isawclearly, what till then I had onlyconceived: in him my conceptions were truly exemplified. Much had been reported, both of the gifts and graces ofMr.Walsh; yet, I found in him, much more, than I had either conceived or heard. Nor did the long intimacy with him, with which I was afterwards privileged, alter, in the least my sentiments.It might perhaps be thought tedious, minutely to describe all the particular graces, which adorned his life. And indeed to conceive of the excellencies which appeared in him, they need not be attended to, one by one; for neither so, could they be fully comprehended. But hewalked beforeGod, in such a manner, as abundantly included them all. He was a person of a surprizing greatness of soul, for which the whole circumference of created good, was far, far too little: he found in God.“That something still, which prompts th’ eternal sigh,For which we bear to live, nor fear to die.”The love of Jesus, filled up in his soul, that mighty void, this whole creation leaves in human hearts.His exactness in all those particulars, which comprize men’s duty to God, their neighbour and themselves, was such, and so well known, that it would be easy to swell this chapter, by enlarging on each of them, to an enormous size. But passing over the greater part of them, I shall only point out a few particulars, relating chiefly to his internal state, which were within my own notice: referring the reader, for a larger, and more satisfactory picture of him, to the following collection from his diary: in which are represented, those secret transactions of God upon his soul, to which himself alone could be privy.The particulars I premise are,I.His Prayer.From the earliest dawn of the grace of God in his soul, he was singularly remarkable for constancy and importunity in prayer. He was early a wrestler with God, and prevailed to the obtaining that eminency in the knowledge of God, for which he was apprehended in Christ, and which is here related in part. The more he gotacquainted with divine things, the more did he increase in this soul-enriching exercise. “He that has never prayed, can neverconceive; and he that has prayed, as he ought, can neverforget, how much is to be gained by prayer.”Beside the daily, and often public pouring out of his soul, in general intercession, and occasional addresses to God, in behalf of needy souls (groaning under the guilt of sin, or body of corruption, or whatever was the cause) who often came to him for that purpose; he had his own stated times for approaching God in secret; in which it was far from sufficing, barely to present himself, and wait, whether in silence, or in discourse before the Lord. He accounted the work still to do, unless he felt his spirit affected with sentiments suitable to his condition; whether of holy mourning, self reprehension, recovery, or increase of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, or some establishment in faith, meekness, patience, hope, or love.Praying with all prayer, seemed the business of his life; for the doing of which, he waited neither for postures, times, or places. An heart so disposed, rendered holy to him, every thing of this kind, which may be said of places.*Prostrate upon his face, kneeling, standing, walking, eating; in every posture, and in every place and condition, he was a man mighty in prayer. In sleep itself, to my certain knowledge, his soul went on (Canticlesv.2.) in groans, andsighs, and tears to God. His heart having attained such a habit of tendency to its Lord, could then only give over, when it ceased to beat.The enjoyments of the divine sweetness, which God imparted to him in secret, and the nearness of access to the divine Majesty, with which he was favoured, were indeed amazing. He has been sometimes, as it were, lost in glorious absence, on his knees, with his face heavenward, and arms clasped round his breast: in such composure, that scarce could one hear him so much as breathe.His soul seemed absorbed in God, and enjoyed a calmness and transport, which can here, be well enough reconciled. From the serenity, and something resembling splendor, which appeared on his countenance, and in all his gestures afterwards, one might easily discover, what he had been about.*It was especially towards the conclusion of his Lord’s work, that he was favoured with such near fellowship with him. He approached the throne of grace with much of the reverential boldness of faith,believing, that whatever he asked, he should have the petitions he asked for; the holy Spirit making intercession in his heart, according to the will of God. And to such a degree of confidence in him, did he arrive by this means, that in the greatest straits of his life (and he met with some things which came home to him, with the deepest sensibility) he was more thankept up; so that he seemed to fear nothing, even where, to all human apprehension, every thing was to be feared. He so abandoned himself to God, in the discharge of his duty, that his very friends were sometimes ready to charge him with being a little rash or imprudent. Altho’ he endeavoured to use his understanding as far as ever it would go; yet acting in view ofthose things which are not seen, and from motives referring to eternity, he was not, it is true, so attentive to the decorums among men, as mere human prudence would have dictated. And in reality it is a truth, which is learned from a series of experience, and confirmed by numberless examples, that whoever would do much for God, should take care of being (in a sense) too wise. There is reason to think, that if the apostles themselves had consulted the directions of bare human reason, they never had undertook the conversion of the world.An habitual spirit of mortification served as wings to his prayer. And perhaps the want of this, is, much more than is commonly thought, a grand cause of that indisposedness to, and weariness in prayer, which is so generally complained of among Christians; many of whom are often even glad of a pretended occasion to avoid the duty. “Something is amiss in us, and it wanted a name, till the Spirit of God, by enjoining us the duty of mortification, hath taught us to know, that want of mortification of spirit, isthe case of all, at least of many of our secret and spiritual indispositions. The excellencies of heaven cannot be discerned but by a spirit disrelishing the low appetites of the world. Unless our spirit be mortified, we neither love to pray, nor does God love to hear us.” We find all the way thro’ ourheavenlyjourney, that to becarnally minded, in the least degree, is a proportionable degree of death. And that a mind truly spiritual alone, has true life and peace.It is hard to say positively which he was most remarkable for, thespiritor thegiftof prayer, tho’ it need not be told which he most esteemed. His public character, made it right and necessary for him, to desire and endeavour afterspiritual gifts. And the eminency to which he arrived therein in general, is too well known to need a particular relation. To hear him, on some occasions pour out his soul to God, made one often think, whence hath a man these things? Such a sluice of divine oratory ran thro’ the whole of his language on religious subjects, as is rarely to be met with. His public addresses to God, were commonly well nigh altogether, in the words of the Holy Ghost. *It seemed as tho’ he turned the whole bible into words of adoration, confession, petition, supplication, thanksgiving and glory: while at the same time his expressions glowed with the love of God: and all this with such ardour, intention, pertinency and faith, that it has seemed sometimes (one time in particularwas peculiarly noticed) as tho’ the heavens were burst open, and God himself appeared in the congregation. Something of thatActsiv.31.was often conceived while he prayed. But he made no account of this with regard to the perfection of his own soul. He made it his chief aim to follow after love, and to live in a momentary spirit of watchful prayer.*He has sometimes had very remarkable answers to prayer. One only I shall mention. A number of religious societies both inEnglandandIrelandappointed a public fast, for the imploring God, to restore to health an eminent servant of the church, who had been some time under languishment of body.Mr.Walshwas then inDublin, and pouring out his soul about noon, he spoke aloud, in a manner which shewed it not to be of himself, and saidhe shall not die, but live, and declare the works of theLord. And, blessed be God, the event shewed the prediction to be of God.Towards the latter part of his progress, and before his last sickness in particular, his prayer had less of labour in it than formerly; and consisted for the most part, of a passive receiving the impressions of the divine Spirit: God acting rather in him, than he acted himself. And so still, and recollected did he frequently appear herein, that it was as if God was visibly before him, and that he spoke to the divine Majesty, with nearness of access, and child-like familiarity. Indeed everyobject and occurrence, spoke to him of God: nor could there be wanting to him, at any time or place, incentives to raise his heart in prayer or praise to him whom his soul loved.One particular which he learned in the course of his experience, was, that altho’ the lights which are received from God in the way of prayer, are, of all others, to be most faithfully attended to; yet nevertheless, one ought not toactupon everyappearanceof this kind; that the enemy of man’s salvation can, and often does, mimick the Spirit of God; and as anangel of light, imposes upon the servants of God, by representing as from him, that which is often no other thanSatan’s illusions, or our own imagination: on account of which, some persons have in most ages, been led into grievous mistakes, and improprieties of conduct. He perceived danger with regard to himself from this quarter, and was therefore very sparing in mentioning much of what he often felt. He weighed every thing by the word of God, avoided precipitancy of conduct, and making haste; and at the same time, laboured continually to abandon himself, as it were blindfold to the teaching of the Spirit of truth, and of purity.II.Redeeming the time.In order to do this effectually, his manner was to draw up a plan in writing (till use made it familiarto him) of the manner, in which he judged it most profitable to spend the day. He distributed it into certain portions, and assigned to each its particular employment: allowing only for occasional interruptions in the business of his profession. Reading the scriptures, prayer, and visiting the sick, had the grand places in this division. He could never find any leisure for mere, ceremonious visits, or unnecessary conversation of any kind. Even at meals, and indeed in every little incidental matter he ceased not to pursue his main end of living: namely, to get, and to do good in his generation.*It was really surprizing, to see his thriftiness in this particular. He even deprived himself of such indulgences as nature required, in order to her performing the offices he imposed upon her: such, for example, as abstaining from all study immediately after meals: when, notwithstanding he eat exceeding sparingly, more relaxation would have been better for his health: likewise, a sufficient quantity of proper exercise; but most of all, a sufficiency ofsleep.He was often up late at study, and his general time of rising was four o’clock, or a little after, sometimes between three and four. He was often urged to take more rest. I remember once to have heard a gentlewoman, compassionating the wasting, dying condition of his body, saying, “SureMr.Walsh, you may at least, lielonger in bed on Sunday morning, when the preaching is not so early.” To which he replied with his usual zeal and abrupt plainness, ‘Should a man rob God?’ He was commonly up earliest on the Lord’s-day, for which he had the highest veneration. He has sometimes said, he thought there was something peculiarly sacred in the very air, and the whole structure of nature on this day.*During the long intimacy I had with him, I do not remember to have known him spend a minute in discourses about national occurrences, politics, or worldly diversions. He knew that these were nothisaffairs, and that his business wasOne. And the same may be said of what is called free and pleasant conversation. So provident was he of time, and so bent upon the pursuit of that “immense revenue which eachmomentpays,” that in whatsoever company he was, unless something relative to theonething needful was discoursed of, he either took out a book (impolite as it may seem) or continued in profound silence, save when he answered a question. And if at any time any thing vain, or tending to levity was spoken, so as to occasion the least appearance of approbation in his looks or gesture, he severely reprehended himself for it afterwards, and prayed for strength for the time to come.And yet notwithstanding all his caution, care, and diligence, he frequently lamented his not improving the time better, ‘I do not use every moment to the best purposes,’ was a frequent reflection with him against himself.III.Disengagement from the world.Although what has been said of him already, implies his just contempt of every earthly thing; yet his eminency therein, deserves to be taken some farther notice of. His indifferency to this world was such, as even bordered upon abhorrency; and the rather, as he could not but observe, what a gulph to souls it is; and how many are lost for ever through their undue attachment to it. He kept at the utmost distance from what worldly men most ardently court, and earnestly sought what they most abhor.The vain things; riches, honours, and pleasures of this world, were too poor, for so generous a heart: he shewed the greatness of his soul, by despising all that was beneath it. He had the most generous contempt of money; esteeming it (unless to bestow on the poor, or procure a book sometimes) as the pebbles in the street.He had a full reliance on the providence of God, and found a happiness therein, which infinitely surpassed all the enjoyments and treasures of the universe.IV.Recollection of spirit, and government of his thoughts.*His carriage, aspect, words, and the whole of his behaviour, spoke the solemnity and profound recollection of his soul. Nor can a stranger better conceive of him, in regard to this particular, than by forming to himself, an idea of a person returned from the happy dead, conversing with men. And it was nearly in this manner that some have expressed their surprize at him. A gentleman said to me one day, “I metMr.Walshin the street, and I declare he seemed to me like a person returned from the other world.” So emaciated a countenance, such fixedness of thought, and serenity of deportment, as appeared in him, towards the conclusion of his race especially, were surprising in so young a man; and discovered a something, very different from the busy ways of men. One needed only to look on him to perceive that there was something in him more than common. And if as the son ofSirachsays, “A man may be known by his look, and one that has understanding may be perceived by the marking of his countenance,” they must be indeed, superficial observers, that could not discern in his very aspect the excellencies that dwelt within him. An air of wisdom and piety appeared in him continually. There seemed to be something peculiarlydistinguishing in the very features of his countenance. Some have taken him to be little less than forty years of age, at the time he was but about five and twenty.*His uniform composure was the rather to be noticed, as his life was not of the recluse, but of the popular kind. He had to do with multitudes; and, unless on special occasions, was seldom above six hours together out of company. It is true he seldom appeared in publick, unless to speak of the things of eternity, in some respect or other. But he was so shut in with God, that all places became alike to him; and he retained the same attention to God in the most thronged streets ofLondon, as he could have had in the most sequestered wilderness. Curious sights, elegant furniture in shops or houses, magnificent buildings, fine shews, the ringing of bells, firing of guns, with every thing of this kind; were no more to him than the chirping of a sparrow, or the buzzing of a fly.*To all which, the constant government which he had over his senses, greatly contributed. The difference of tastes, harmony of sounds, and whatever his eyes could behold, were as nothing to him. He was in this respect truly crucified to the world, and the world to him. Even in travelling through the most pleasant parts of the country, and in the pleasantest seasons, when the stupendous beauties of the creation, the spacious firmament, the verdureof the country, (nature’s loveliest universal robe;) the music of the groves, and all the joint beauties of nature, might have furnished him with delightful contemplation; yet he seemed insensible to the whole, enjoying a“Paradise within him happier far!”*When he at any time adverted to the works of God in the creation, he was delighted chiefly with the heavens, paved as it were, with those living fires, the spangled stars. But the use which he made of every thing, was to get more acquainted with God, and so——by this stupendous scaffoldingCreation’s golden steps to climb to him!He was in truth loosed from earth’s inclosure, and from the contracted circle of the sun, his heart was set at large. Christ, and the scriptures, with things pertaining to them, were the only and uniform objects of his attention, and every thing, place or person, which did not serve to promote, in some degree, his knowledge and love of these, had with him the estimate of trivial and insignificant.*And hence it was, that thepresenceof God became so exceeding familiar to him. He could not be content a moment without it. And hereby was he fitted likewise, for more glorious,and more frequent divine communications; of which he had not a few, in the course of his progress. Several times has he been quite lost to himself, and insensible of every thing about him, being left in the visions of God. Two instances in particular are related in his diary, in which he seemed as though he was out of the body for sometime. One day I remember going to visit a person who was ill, as soon he got to the stair case, being in his usual composure, “Did you see that light?” said he, with a sudden low voice. To which I answered partly with a sigh, having seen nothing. He said no more. But it was easy to discern in him the rest of that day and night, a very peculiar solemnity of soul.In places of publick worship, he hardly ever saw any body, so as to distinguish them; and in every means of grace, his grand aim was, to find more of Godwithinhim. He waited for this in lively earnest composure; and thus approaching the Lord’s table in particular, heate the flesh and drank the blood of the Son ofGod indeed. “My heart burned! Was in a flame! O what a fire of divine love was there!” were the frequent memorials which he left in his diary, after communicating those heavenly sweets, which often overflowed his soul at the altar, and spread their inundation over every other part of his holy living. His recollection carried itself into the midst of all his labours, in which hewas still preserved, without dissipation, notwithstanding their multiplicity, and sometimes intricate nature. It was very usual with him to express what he felt of God, by the simile offire, to which the operations of theHoly Ghostare frequently compared in scripture. He often felt in prayer, in preaching, and walking, a kind of scorching within him, from the love of God. And from the abundance of the heart, his mouth generally spoke. Words of life, and fire issued as it were out of his lips, which were no other than the sparks of a burning heart. And often he could hardly refrain from expressing the holy raptures of his soul out aloud; as,O holyGod!GloriousJehovah!BlessedJesus!Son of the livingGod! He used frequently to stand up and sing,O love, how chearing is thy ray!All pain before thy presence flies!Care, anguish, sorrow melt away,Where’er thy healing beams arise;O Jesu, nothing may I see,Nothing hear, feel, or think but thee!Give to my eyes refreshing tears,Give to my heart chase hallow’d fires,Give to my soul with filial fears,The love that all heaven’s host inspires:That all my powers with all their mightIn thy sole glory may unite!There was at first an eagerness in his spirit for the success of his labours, but he in time became unanxious on the head, being taught of God, that having done his part, he should think no more about the matter, but still go on straight forward, keeping himself in repose with God: in imitation of the angels, who continually watch over the souls, which God hath given them in charge; but who lose nothing of their tranquility or happiness, even when their utmost care is unsuccessful.And from hence partly, arose that extreme tenderness of conscience, which was so remarkable in him, and which gave him a constant holy jealousy over himself in every thing he did; so that not a word, motion, or a look, could escape him, unexamined or uncensured, if it deserved it; hence likewise it was, that he had so very peculiar a regard to all his words; speaking either to the purpose, that is, when occasion required him to speak, or not at all. And yet notwithstanding his utmost circumspection, he was deeply conscious, how far short he still came of that rectitude, and entire renovation becoming a person in fellowship with the God of unspotted holiness.
His communion with God.
UNDER this head, is comprehended the whole of his conduct, and experience, as a Christian, considered in his private capacity. And for this especially, we are furnished with the most ample materials, both from the general tenor of his conversation and from his diary.
He lived for thisone thing. All his actions and employments had this single tendency; and he considered every thing else, with reference thereto: making his estimate of the good or evil of every intention, action, exercise, and understanding, according as it tended to promote, or hinder this best of pursuits, and noblest enjoyment of the human soul.
Without regarding the inclinations of nature, he embraced, or rejected every thing, with a view altogether to the promotion of the holy and happy fellowship of his soul with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
I am aware, how much more easy it is tosaygreat things on this head, concerning one’s self, or others, than to saynothingbut the truth. And it may be questioned, whether the greater part of the shining accounts hereof which we have seen, are the simple truth: the writers often shewing, rather whatthey could say, than what the persons whom they describe,really were. It is a fruitless expectation to look for more in men, than the state of humanity really admits.
The perfection of human kind is such a state of mind and body, as their nature admits of, and as God has provided for them, in the ocean of his love, and treasures of his grace. The sum of our perfection is, that being saved from all our enemies, (that is sins, including all wrong tempers, as well as words, and actions,) we love God with all the powers of the soul, and serve him, with the whole capacity, of both our soul and body. And whoever has attained to this (which whoso denies the possibility of, rejects the counsel and word of God) is, aperfect man, according to the scripture; manifold infirmities, necessarily connected with a dying body notwithstanding.
*This servant of God had his infirmities, properly so called, which often made him weep in secret places. And yet, so powerfully did the grace of our Lord work in him, to the destruction of sin; and to such a degree of victory did he attain over himself, the world and Satan, that, to many, he seemed more than human; being in truth a man of another world, in whom dwelt richly the Spirit of the living God.
To such as were witnesses of his fervent zeal, mighty prayer, steady seriousness, and habitual heavenly-mindedness, I shall not wonder if all that follows, seems far short of a full description of him. And yet, I am aware on the other hand, that to many others, it may have all the air of mere ideal flight, or enthusiastic folly; to persons, who, cold themselves, think ardor comes from hell.
The deep, and genuineacquaintance with God, to which he attained, was in truth beyond that which the generality of Christians arrive at; although all are, without doubt, equally entitled thereto. He trulyput off the old man with his deeds, and becamerenewed in the spirit ofhismind. He fully experienced the significancy of those words,Sin shall not have dominion over you. Andhe that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin. As also,ye are dead: and he that is dead, is freed from sin. And from hence it was, that there appeared throughout his whole carriage,such fruit unto holiness. In him might be seen, how great things God doth for his children, who simply follow him, even in this world: no less than making them complete before him in love.
My first acquaintance with him, begun soon after the mercy of God had stirred me up, to seek his face. From a studious regard to the holy scriptures, it was soon given me to understand, what manner of person a Christian approved of God must be: and thenceforward, I both read, conversed, and thought of little else. And in him Isawclearly, what till then I had onlyconceived: in him my conceptions were truly exemplified. Much had been reported, both of the gifts and graces ofMr.Walsh; yet, I found in him, much more, than I had either conceived or heard. Nor did the long intimacy with him, with which I was afterwards privileged, alter, in the least my sentiments.
It might perhaps be thought tedious, minutely to describe all the particular graces, which adorned his life. And indeed to conceive of the excellencies which appeared in him, they need not be attended to, one by one; for neither so, could they be fully comprehended. But hewalked beforeGod, in such a manner, as abundantly included them all. He was a person of a surprizing greatness of soul, for which the whole circumference of created good, was far, far too little: he found in God.
“That something still, which prompts th’ eternal sigh,For which we bear to live, nor fear to die.”
“That something still, which prompts th’ eternal sigh,For which we bear to live, nor fear to die.”
“That something still, which prompts th’ eternal sigh,
For which we bear to live, nor fear to die.”
The love of Jesus, filled up in his soul, that mighty void, this whole creation leaves in human hearts.
His exactness in all those particulars, which comprize men’s duty to God, their neighbour and themselves, was such, and so well known, that it would be easy to swell this chapter, by enlarging on each of them, to an enormous size. But passing over the greater part of them, I shall only point out a few particulars, relating chiefly to his internal state, which were within my own notice: referring the reader, for a larger, and more satisfactory picture of him, to the following collection from his diary: in which are represented, those secret transactions of God upon his soul, to which himself alone could be privy.
The particulars I premise are,
I.His Prayer.
From the earliest dawn of the grace of God in his soul, he was singularly remarkable for constancy and importunity in prayer. He was early a wrestler with God, and prevailed to the obtaining that eminency in the knowledge of God, for which he was apprehended in Christ, and which is here related in part. The more he gotacquainted with divine things, the more did he increase in this soul-enriching exercise. “He that has never prayed, can neverconceive; and he that has prayed, as he ought, can neverforget, how much is to be gained by prayer.”
Beside the daily, and often public pouring out of his soul, in general intercession, and occasional addresses to God, in behalf of needy souls (groaning under the guilt of sin, or body of corruption, or whatever was the cause) who often came to him for that purpose; he had his own stated times for approaching God in secret; in which it was far from sufficing, barely to present himself, and wait, whether in silence, or in discourse before the Lord. He accounted the work still to do, unless he felt his spirit affected with sentiments suitable to his condition; whether of holy mourning, self reprehension, recovery, or increase of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, or some establishment in faith, meekness, patience, hope, or love.
Praying with all prayer, seemed the business of his life; for the doing of which, he waited neither for postures, times, or places. An heart so disposed, rendered holy to him, every thing of this kind, which may be said of places.
*Prostrate upon his face, kneeling, standing, walking, eating; in every posture, and in every place and condition, he was a man mighty in prayer. In sleep itself, to my certain knowledge, his soul went on (Canticlesv.2.) in groans, andsighs, and tears to God. His heart having attained such a habit of tendency to its Lord, could then only give over, when it ceased to beat.
The enjoyments of the divine sweetness, which God imparted to him in secret, and the nearness of access to the divine Majesty, with which he was favoured, were indeed amazing. He has been sometimes, as it were, lost in glorious absence, on his knees, with his face heavenward, and arms clasped round his breast: in such composure, that scarce could one hear him so much as breathe.
His soul seemed absorbed in God, and enjoyed a calmness and transport, which can here, be well enough reconciled. From the serenity, and something resembling splendor, which appeared on his countenance, and in all his gestures afterwards, one might easily discover, what he had been about.
*It was especially towards the conclusion of his Lord’s work, that he was favoured with such near fellowship with him. He approached the throne of grace with much of the reverential boldness of faith,believing, that whatever he asked, he should have the petitions he asked for; the holy Spirit making intercession in his heart, according to the will of God. And to such a degree of confidence in him, did he arrive by this means, that in the greatest straits of his life (and he met with some things which came home to him, with the deepest sensibility) he was more thankept up; so that he seemed to fear nothing, even where, to all human apprehension, every thing was to be feared. He so abandoned himself to God, in the discharge of his duty, that his very friends were sometimes ready to charge him with being a little rash or imprudent. Altho’ he endeavoured to use his understanding as far as ever it would go; yet acting in view ofthose things which are not seen, and from motives referring to eternity, he was not, it is true, so attentive to the decorums among men, as mere human prudence would have dictated. And in reality it is a truth, which is learned from a series of experience, and confirmed by numberless examples, that whoever would do much for God, should take care of being (in a sense) too wise. There is reason to think, that if the apostles themselves had consulted the directions of bare human reason, they never had undertook the conversion of the world.
An habitual spirit of mortification served as wings to his prayer. And perhaps the want of this, is, much more than is commonly thought, a grand cause of that indisposedness to, and weariness in prayer, which is so generally complained of among Christians; many of whom are often even glad of a pretended occasion to avoid the duty. “Something is amiss in us, and it wanted a name, till the Spirit of God, by enjoining us the duty of mortification, hath taught us to know, that want of mortification of spirit, isthe case of all, at least of many of our secret and spiritual indispositions. The excellencies of heaven cannot be discerned but by a spirit disrelishing the low appetites of the world. Unless our spirit be mortified, we neither love to pray, nor does God love to hear us.” We find all the way thro’ ourheavenlyjourney, that to becarnally minded, in the least degree, is a proportionable degree of death. And that a mind truly spiritual alone, has true life and peace.
It is hard to say positively which he was most remarkable for, thespiritor thegiftof prayer, tho’ it need not be told which he most esteemed. His public character, made it right and necessary for him, to desire and endeavour afterspiritual gifts. And the eminency to which he arrived therein in general, is too well known to need a particular relation. To hear him, on some occasions pour out his soul to God, made one often think, whence hath a man these things? Such a sluice of divine oratory ran thro’ the whole of his language on religious subjects, as is rarely to be met with. His public addresses to God, were commonly well nigh altogether, in the words of the Holy Ghost. *It seemed as tho’ he turned the whole bible into words of adoration, confession, petition, supplication, thanksgiving and glory: while at the same time his expressions glowed with the love of God: and all this with such ardour, intention, pertinency and faith, that it has seemed sometimes (one time in particularwas peculiarly noticed) as tho’ the heavens were burst open, and God himself appeared in the congregation. Something of thatActsiv.31.was often conceived while he prayed. But he made no account of this with regard to the perfection of his own soul. He made it his chief aim to follow after love, and to live in a momentary spirit of watchful prayer.
*He has sometimes had very remarkable answers to prayer. One only I shall mention. A number of religious societies both inEnglandandIrelandappointed a public fast, for the imploring God, to restore to health an eminent servant of the church, who had been some time under languishment of body.Mr.Walshwas then inDublin, and pouring out his soul about noon, he spoke aloud, in a manner which shewed it not to be of himself, and saidhe shall not die, but live, and declare the works of theLord. And, blessed be God, the event shewed the prediction to be of God.
Towards the latter part of his progress, and before his last sickness in particular, his prayer had less of labour in it than formerly; and consisted for the most part, of a passive receiving the impressions of the divine Spirit: God acting rather in him, than he acted himself. And so still, and recollected did he frequently appear herein, that it was as if God was visibly before him, and that he spoke to the divine Majesty, with nearness of access, and child-like familiarity. Indeed everyobject and occurrence, spoke to him of God: nor could there be wanting to him, at any time or place, incentives to raise his heart in prayer or praise to him whom his soul loved.
One particular which he learned in the course of his experience, was, that altho’ the lights which are received from God in the way of prayer, are, of all others, to be most faithfully attended to; yet nevertheless, one ought not toactupon everyappearanceof this kind; that the enemy of man’s salvation can, and often does, mimick the Spirit of God; and as anangel of light, imposes upon the servants of God, by representing as from him, that which is often no other thanSatan’s illusions, or our own imagination: on account of which, some persons have in most ages, been led into grievous mistakes, and improprieties of conduct. He perceived danger with regard to himself from this quarter, and was therefore very sparing in mentioning much of what he often felt. He weighed every thing by the word of God, avoided precipitancy of conduct, and making haste; and at the same time, laboured continually to abandon himself, as it were blindfold to the teaching of the Spirit of truth, and of purity.
II.Redeeming the time.
In order to do this effectually, his manner was to draw up a plan in writing (till use made it familiarto him) of the manner, in which he judged it most profitable to spend the day. He distributed it into certain portions, and assigned to each its particular employment: allowing only for occasional interruptions in the business of his profession. Reading the scriptures, prayer, and visiting the sick, had the grand places in this division. He could never find any leisure for mere, ceremonious visits, or unnecessary conversation of any kind. Even at meals, and indeed in every little incidental matter he ceased not to pursue his main end of living: namely, to get, and to do good in his generation.
*It was really surprizing, to see his thriftiness in this particular. He even deprived himself of such indulgences as nature required, in order to her performing the offices he imposed upon her: such, for example, as abstaining from all study immediately after meals: when, notwithstanding he eat exceeding sparingly, more relaxation would have been better for his health: likewise, a sufficient quantity of proper exercise; but most of all, a sufficiency ofsleep.
He was often up late at study, and his general time of rising was four o’clock, or a little after, sometimes between three and four. He was often urged to take more rest. I remember once to have heard a gentlewoman, compassionating the wasting, dying condition of his body, saying, “SureMr.Walsh, you may at least, lielonger in bed on Sunday morning, when the preaching is not so early.” To which he replied with his usual zeal and abrupt plainness, ‘Should a man rob God?’ He was commonly up earliest on the Lord’s-day, for which he had the highest veneration. He has sometimes said, he thought there was something peculiarly sacred in the very air, and the whole structure of nature on this day.
*During the long intimacy I had with him, I do not remember to have known him spend a minute in discourses about national occurrences, politics, or worldly diversions. He knew that these were nothisaffairs, and that his business wasOne. And the same may be said of what is called free and pleasant conversation. So provident was he of time, and so bent upon the pursuit of that “immense revenue which eachmomentpays,” that in whatsoever company he was, unless something relative to theonething needful was discoursed of, he either took out a book (impolite as it may seem) or continued in profound silence, save when he answered a question. And if at any time any thing vain, or tending to levity was spoken, so as to occasion the least appearance of approbation in his looks or gesture, he severely reprehended himself for it afterwards, and prayed for strength for the time to come.
And yet notwithstanding all his caution, care, and diligence, he frequently lamented his not improving the time better, ‘I do not use every moment to the best purposes,’ was a frequent reflection with him against himself.
III.Disengagement from the world.
Although what has been said of him already, implies his just contempt of every earthly thing; yet his eminency therein, deserves to be taken some farther notice of. His indifferency to this world was such, as even bordered upon abhorrency; and the rather, as he could not but observe, what a gulph to souls it is; and how many are lost for ever through their undue attachment to it. He kept at the utmost distance from what worldly men most ardently court, and earnestly sought what they most abhor.
The vain things; riches, honours, and pleasures of this world, were too poor, for so generous a heart: he shewed the greatness of his soul, by despising all that was beneath it. He had the most generous contempt of money; esteeming it (unless to bestow on the poor, or procure a book sometimes) as the pebbles in the street.
He had a full reliance on the providence of God, and found a happiness therein, which infinitely surpassed all the enjoyments and treasures of the universe.
IV.Recollection of spirit, and government of his thoughts.
*His carriage, aspect, words, and the whole of his behaviour, spoke the solemnity and profound recollection of his soul. Nor can a stranger better conceive of him, in regard to this particular, than by forming to himself, an idea of a person returned from the happy dead, conversing with men. And it was nearly in this manner that some have expressed their surprize at him. A gentleman said to me one day, “I metMr.Walshin the street, and I declare he seemed to me like a person returned from the other world.” So emaciated a countenance, such fixedness of thought, and serenity of deportment, as appeared in him, towards the conclusion of his race especially, were surprising in so young a man; and discovered a something, very different from the busy ways of men. One needed only to look on him to perceive that there was something in him more than common. And if as the son ofSirachsays, “A man may be known by his look, and one that has understanding may be perceived by the marking of his countenance,” they must be indeed, superficial observers, that could not discern in his very aspect the excellencies that dwelt within him. An air of wisdom and piety appeared in him continually. There seemed to be something peculiarlydistinguishing in the very features of his countenance. Some have taken him to be little less than forty years of age, at the time he was but about five and twenty.
*His uniform composure was the rather to be noticed, as his life was not of the recluse, but of the popular kind. He had to do with multitudes; and, unless on special occasions, was seldom above six hours together out of company. It is true he seldom appeared in publick, unless to speak of the things of eternity, in some respect or other. But he was so shut in with God, that all places became alike to him; and he retained the same attention to God in the most thronged streets ofLondon, as he could have had in the most sequestered wilderness. Curious sights, elegant furniture in shops or houses, magnificent buildings, fine shews, the ringing of bells, firing of guns, with every thing of this kind; were no more to him than the chirping of a sparrow, or the buzzing of a fly.
*To all which, the constant government which he had over his senses, greatly contributed. The difference of tastes, harmony of sounds, and whatever his eyes could behold, were as nothing to him. He was in this respect truly crucified to the world, and the world to him. Even in travelling through the most pleasant parts of the country, and in the pleasantest seasons, when the stupendous beauties of the creation, the spacious firmament, the verdureof the country, (nature’s loveliest universal robe;) the music of the groves, and all the joint beauties of nature, might have furnished him with delightful contemplation; yet he seemed insensible to the whole, enjoying a
“Paradise within him happier far!”
*When he at any time adverted to the works of God in the creation, he was delighted chiefly with the heavens, paved as it were, with those living fires, the spangled stars. But the use which he made of every thing, was to get more acquainted with God, and so
——by this stupendous scaffoldingCreation’s golden steps to climb to him!
——by this stupendous scaffoldingCreation’s golden steps to climb to him!
——by this stupendous scaffolding
Creation’s golden steps to climb to him!
He was in truth loosed from earth’s inclosure, and from the contracted circle of the sun, his heart was set at large. Christ, and the scriptures, with things pertaining to them, were the only and uniform objects of his attention, and every thing, place or person, which did not serve to promote, in some degree, his knowledge and love of these, had with him the estimate of trivial and insignificant.
*And hence it was, that thepresenceof God became so exceeding familiar to him. He could not be content a moment without it. And hereby was he fitted likewise, for more glorious,and more frequent divine communications; of which he had not a few, in the course of his progress. Several times has he been quite lost to himself, and insensible of every thing about him, being left in the visions of God. Two instances in particular are related in his diary, in which he seemed as though he was out of the body for sometime. One day I remember going to visit a person who was ill, as soon he got to the stair case, being in his usual composure, “Did you see that light?” said he, with a sudden low voice. To which I answered partly with a sigh, having seen nothing. He said no more. But it was easy to discern in him the rest of that day and night, a very peculiar solemnity of soul.
In places of publick worship, he hardly ever saw any body, so as to distinguish them; and in every means of grace, his grand aim was, to find more of Godwithinhim. He waited for this in lively earnest composure; and thus approaching the Lord’s table in particular, heate the flesh and drank the blood of the Son ofGod indeed. “My heart burned! Was in a flame! O what a fire of divine love was there!” were the frequent memorials which he left in his diary, after communicating those heavenly sweets, which often overflowed his soul at the altar, and spread their inundation over every other part of his holy living. His recollection carried itself into the midst of all his labours, in which hewas still preserved, without dissipation, notwithstanding their multiplicity, and sometimes intricate nature. It was very usual with him to express what he felt of God, by the simile offire, to which the operations of theHoly Ghostare frequently compared in scripture. He often felt in prayer, in preaching, and walking, a kind of scorching within him, from the love of God. And from the abundance of the heart, his mouth generally spoke. Words of life, and fire issued as it were out of his lips, which were no other than the sparks of a burning heart. And often he could hardly refrain from expressing the holy raptures of his soul out aloud; as,O holyGod!GloriousJehovah!BlessedJesus!Son of the livingGod! He used frequently to stand up and sing,
O love, how chearing is thy ray!All pain before thy presence flies!Care, anguish, sorrow melt away,Where’er thy healing beams arise;O Jesu, nothing may I see,Nothing hear, feel, or think but thee!Give to my eyes refreshing tears,Give to my heart chase hallow’d fires,Give to my soul with filial fears,The love that all heaven’s host inspires:That all my powers with all their mightIn thy sole glory may unite!
O love, how chearing is thy ray!All pain before thy presence flies!Care, anguish, sorrow melt away,Where’er thy healing beams arise;O Jesu, nothing may I see,Nothing hear, feel, or think but thee!Give to my eyes refreshing tears,Give to my heart chase hallow’d fires,Give to my soul with filial fears,The love that all heaven’s host inspires:That all my powers with all their mightIn thy sole glory may unite!
O love, how chearing is thy ray!
All pain before thy presence flies!
Care, anguish, sorrow melt away,
Where’er thy healing beams arise;
O Jesu, nothing may I see,
Nothing hear, feel, or think but thee!
Give to my eyes refreshing tears,
Give to my heart chase hallow’d fires,
Give to my soul with filial fears,
The love that all heaven’s host inspires:
That all my powers with all their might
In thy sole glory may unite!
There was at first an eagerness in his spirit for the success of his labours, but he in time became unanxious on the head, being taught of God, that having done his part, he should think no more about the matter, but still go on straight forward, keeping himself in repose with God: in imitation of the angels, who continually watch over the souls, which God hath given them in charge; but who lose nothing of their tranquility or happiness, even when their utmost care is unsuccessful.
And from hence partly, arose that extreme tenderness of conscience, which was so remarkable in him, and which gave him a constant holy jealousy over himself in every thing he did; so that not a word, motion, or a look, could escape him, unexamined or uncensured, if it deserved it; hence likewise it was, that he had so very peculiar a regard to all his words; speaking either to the purpose, that is, when occasion required him to speak, or not at all. And yet notwithstanding his utmost circumspection, he was deeply conscious, how far short he still came of that rectitude, and entire renovation becoming a person in fellowship with the God of unspotted holiness.
CHAPTER♦XII.♦“V.” replaced with “XII.”Some particulars relating to the head of his communion withGod.V.HIS great rule was to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ, in the most perfect manner he could. The whole tenor of his conduct plainly discovered, that he sought nothing but God. There was in the chastity of his manners, a purity next to angelical; and a circumspection in his every step, which declared, that to himto live wasChrist. He kept at the utmost distance from sensual indulgences of every kind. His senses were kept under the closest custody, and he examined his conscience almost continually. Nor could it be observed at any time, that he acted otherwise than within the rules of the utmost decency.VI.*He was a man of tears, and sighs, and groans. He wanted not indeed the joy of a good conscience; and knowing continually in whom he believed, he enjoyed the benefits resulting therefrom, and yet this notwithstanding, the whole of his Christian pilgrimage, was interspersed with much weeping. He seldom had a dry handkerchief a whole day together; his eyes being for the most part, in private especially, as opened fountains; and which did not cease toflow in the night season. How often have I known him water his pillow with those briny rivers! Sometimes lamenting his two great estrangement from his beloved; sometimes mourning for the mourners; but oftener than all, he was sick of love! Love to the Crucified!To some indeed, there seemed in him something, at least bordering upon, an unyielding austerity of spirit: and so much is true, that with regard to men, and evil angels, he was undaunted, and courageous, as a lion, in the cause of God, and of a good conscience: yet, in other respects, he was a man of the keenest sensibility, and tenderest affections. He was in the presence of his invisible observer, pliant as melted wax, and cloathed with dove-like meekness. He was often, as it were, deluged in tears, prostrate before the footstool of his Lord’s majesty, and overwhelmed with a sense of his glory.VII.He was without affectation, a man of humility; not indeed so as to disown, or not to make use of the gifts and graces, with which God had endowed him: this would have been to lie against the truth; but notwithstanding all that he had, yet taking knowledge whence it came, he esteemed himself as nothing; but was truly diffident of, and heartily despised himself. And the only usewhich he made of the superior qualifications which God bestowed upon him, was to consider himself as obliged thereby, to devote himself more abundantly to the service of God, and of his neighbour. The praises of others served only to abase him, at the sight of his own nothingness. ‘Lord, I am vile! a worm! O deliver me from this evil man myself! Thou only art worthy,’ were the frequent expressions of his lips and pen. If any person, at any time, gave him but the smallest hint, by way of reproof, he received it either with silence, or thankfulness, according to the manner and occasion thereof. And supposing it to be a matter in which he was really without blame, yet the reproof was not lost upon him. He thereby took occasion, to enter more deeply into himself, making the strictest scrutiny into the whole of his tempers and behaviour. He often said to God on these occasions, ‘Lord, though thou knowest I am clear in this matter, yet, alas! How many things are there for which I stand reproved before thee! My God, I adore thee in this, which thou hast permitted.’ He often repeated as a lesson of instruction to himself, those words ofKempis, “Thou dust, learn to obey. Thou earth and clay, learn to demean thyself. Thou oughtest to be such a little child, that every body might trample thee under their feet in the streets.”VIII.There was the utmost steadiness in the whole of his religious conduct. The course of the sun, and the seasons, is not more regular, than were his successive exercises of prayer, meditation, preaching, and study; so that from knowing how he spent one day, may be gathered, his manner of spending whole months, or years; allowing only for the difference of circumstances and occasions. Thus it was in things pertaining to God, and his service; though at the same time, his attention to himself, his ease and conveniencies, was such, that some have accounted it not less than blame-worthy negligence: so truly did he live, not to himself, or the will of man, but to God.IX.Thelove of Godwas the fountain, whence issued forth those fruitful streams, which rendered his soul flourishing as the garden of the Lord, and extended their salutary influence all around, wherever he came. It was to this he reduced every thing. All his works were done in love, and therefore wrought in God. It was a debt he was ever paying, and from which he was never to be discharged.‘My God, let me love thee! Jesus, Son of the living God, thou knowest that I love thee! O love divine, what hast thou done! O that all the world did but know thee! How would theythen love thee, thoualtogether lovely!’ To this effect he often breathed out the warm emotions of his heart: so deeply was he penetrated with the love of God his Saviour. He was always exceedingly pleased with, and frequently repeated those lines,“Eternity too short to speak thy praise!Or fathom thy profound of love to man!”And again, without regarding their connexion; but overwhelmed with the thought of the dying love of Jesus, he would utter sometimes abruptly, and with astonishment,“Sensationsnewin angel bosoms riseSuspend their song; and make a pause in bliss.”*Lastly,By faith I stand!was his concluding point, after all that God had done for him. And it was not unusual with him to say, on the closest examination of all he was, and all he did, “If Christ forsook me but for a moment, I should fall and perish after all.” Yes, it was fromhis fullnesshe received all his good things, and with the dependent helplessness of an infant, he had recourse to him continually, for light, and strength, and love: for every thing in short, which he wanted. He could be happy only in conversation with him; delighted peculiarly in those parts of scripture which describe and endearhim; and from the fulness of his whole soul, repeated often,God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ. To him that hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, to him be the glory, both now and to eternity!*To sum up this head. He thoughtprayerto be more his business than any thing else in this world; and from the desire which he had to redeem the time, he employed great part of the night, as well as the day, in prayer, meditation, study, and labouring for the good of his neighbour. He was profoundly serious, and always recollected at home and abroad. He watched over every motion of his soul, keeping his thoughts in subjection to Christ continually. He proposed to himselfthe man Christ Jesus, as his great model and rule in every thing; imitating him especially, in the purity of his body, and in the chastity of his affections. Walking in deep humility before God, he was patient of reproof, nor ever retorted any thing, with heat or prejudice. There was a steadiness in his proceedings for God, and in reference to eternity, which not all the powers of earth and hell were able to interrupt. He ate but little, wept much, loved more, received all by faith; and rarely opened his mouth, but about heavenly things.
♦“V.” replaced with “XII.”
♦“V.” replaced with “XII.”
♦“V.” replaced with “XII.”
Some particulars relating to the head of his communion withGod.
V.
HIS great rule was to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ, in the most perfect manner he could. The whole tenor of his conduct plainly discovered, that he sought nothing but God. There was in the chastity of his manners, a purity next to angelical; and a circumspection in his every step, which declared, that to himto live wasChrist. He kept at the utmost distance from sensual indulgences of every kind. His senses were kept under the closest custody, and he examined his conscience almost continually. Nor could it be observed at any time, that he acted otherwise than within the rules of the utmost decency.
VI.
*He was a man of tears, and sighs, and groans. He wanted not indeed the joy of a good conscience; and knowing continually in whom he believed, he enjoyed the benefits resulting therefrom, and yet this notwithstanding, the whole of his Christian pilgrimage, was interspersed with much weeping. He seldom had a dry handkerchief a whole day together; his eyes being for the most part, in private especially, as opened fountains; and which did not cease toflow in the night season. How often have I known him water his pillow with those briny rivers! Sometimes lamenting his two great estrangement from his beloved; sometimes mourning for the mourners; but oftener than all, he was sick of love! Love to the Crucified!
To some indeed, there seemed in him something, at least bordering upon, an unyielding austerity of spirit: and so much is true, that with regard to men, and evil angels, he was undaunted, and courageous, as a lion, in the cause of God, and of a good conscience: yet, in other respects, he was a man of the keenest sensibility, and tenderest affections. He was in the presence of his invisible observer, pliant as melted wax, and cloathed with dove-like meekness. He was often, as it were, deluged in tears, prostrate before the footstool of his Lord’s majesty, and overwhelmed with a sense of his glory.
VII.
He was without affectation, a man of humility; not indeed so as to disown, or not to make use of the gifts and graces, with which God had endowed him: this would have been to lie against the truth; but notwithstanding all that he had, yet taking knowledge whence it came, he esteemed himself as nothing; but was truly diffident of, and heartily despised himself. And the only usewhich he made of the superior qualifications which God bestowed upon him, was to consider himself as obliged thereby, to devote himself more abundantly to the service of God, and of his neighbour. The praises of others served only to abase him, at the sight of his own nothingness. ‘Lord, I am vile! a worm! O deliver me from this evil man myself! Thou only art worthy,’ were the frequent expressions of his lips and pen. If any person, at any time, gave him but the smallest hint, by way of reproof, he received it either with silence, or thankfulness, according to the manner and occasion thereof. And supposing it to be a matter in which he was really without blame, yet the reproof was not lost upon him. He thereby took occasion, to enter more deeply into himself, making the strictest scrutiny into the whole of his tempers and behaviour. He often said to God on these occasions, ‘Lord, though thou knowest I am clear in this matter, yet, alas! How many things are there for which I stand reproved before thee! My God, I adore thee in this, which thou hast permitted.’ He often repeated as a lesson of instruction to himself, those words ofKempis, “Thou dust, learn to obey. Thou earth and clay, learn to demean thyself. Thou oughtest to be such a little child, that every body might trample thee under their feet in the streets.”
VIII.
There was the utmost steadiness in the whole of his religious conduct. The course of the sun, and the seasons, is not more regular, than were his successive exercises of prayer, meditation, preaching, and study; so that from knowing how he spent one day, may be gathered, his manner of spending whole months, or years; allowing only for the difference of circumstances and occasions. Thus it was in things pertaining to God, and his service; though at the same time, his attention to himself, his ease and conveniencies, was such, that some have accounted it not less than blame-worthy negligence: so truly did he live, not to himself, or the will of man, but to God.
IX.
Thelove of Godwas the fountain, whence issued forth those fruitful streams, which rendered his soul flourishing as the garden of the Lord, and extended their salutary influence all around, wherever he came. It was to this he reduced every thing. All his works were done in love, and therefore wrought in God. It was a debt he was ever paying, and from which he was never to be discharged.
‘My God, let me love thee! Jesus, Son of the living God, thou knowest that I love thee! O love divine, what hast thou done! O that all the world did but know thee! How would theythen love thee, thoualtogether lovely!’ To this effect he often breathed out the warm emotions of his heart: so deeply was he penetrated with the love of God his Saviour. He was always exceedingly pleased with, and frequently repeated those lines,
“Eternity too short to speak thy praise!Or fathom thy profound of love to man!”
“Eternity too short to speak thy praise!Or fathom thy profound of love to man!”
“Eternity too short to speak thy praise!
Or fathom thy profound of love to man!”
And again, without regarding their connexion; but overwhelmed with the thought of the dying love of Jesus, he would utter sometimes abruptly, and with astonishment,
“Sensationsnewin angel bosoms riseSuspend their song; and make a pause in bliss.”
“Sensationsnewin angel bosoms riseSuspend their song; and make a pause in bliss.”
“Sensationsnewin angel bosoms rise
Suspend their song; and make a pause in bliss.”
*Lastly,By faith I stand!was his concluding point, after all that God had done for him. And it was not unusual with him to say, on the closest examination of all he was, and all he did, “If Christ forsook me but for a moment, I should fall and perish after all.” Yes, it was fromhis fullnesshe received all his good things, and with the dependent helplessness of an infant, he had recourse to him continually, for light, and strength, and love: for every thing in short, which he wanted. He could be happy only in conversation with him; delighted peculiarly in those parts of scripture which describe and endearhim; and from the fulness of his whole soul, repeated often,God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ. To him that hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, to him be the glory, both now and to eternity!
*To sum up this head. He thoughtprayerto be more his business than any thing else in this world; and from the desire which he had to redeem the time, he employed great part of the night, as well as the day, in prayer, meditation, study, and labouring for the good of his neighbour. He was profoundly serious, and always recollected at home and abroad. He watched over every motion of his soul, keeping his thoughts in subjection to Christ continually. He proposed to himselfthe man Christ Jesus, as his great model and rule in every thing; imitating him especially, in the purity of his body, and in the chastity of his affections. Walking in deep humility before God, he was patient of reproof, nor ever retorted any thing, with heat or prejudice. There was a steadiness in his proceedings for God, and in reference to eternity, which not all the powers of earth and hell were able to interrupt. He ate but little, wept much, loved more, received all by faith; and rarely opened his mouth, but about heavenly things.