Baptist Magazine. APRIL, 1823. A SERMON BY THE LATE DR. DAVIES, IAM called to address you on a purposes and decrees of God;- The passage I have chosen as the ground of the present discourse is, EPHES. i. 11. Being predestinated according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” that we are concerned in them, and ought to study to be acquainted with them, as far as such a knowledge will minister to our establishment and improvement in real piety. For in my apprehension, truth is important, and to be contended for, not merely or principally as an article of our creed, or part of the system of doctrines which we embrace, but on account of the influence it has on evangelical holiness, and spiritual consolation. This is the end the Lord proposes in the revelation of the truth; and the same we should aim at in the study of it. But never is it more likely to answer this purpose, than when it is proposed THE doctrine of the divine de- with great plainness and simplicrees is among those deep things city, agreeably to the representaof God, of which our ideas must tions made of it in the scriptures. be very obscure and inadequate. Learning and ingenuity may serve Canst thou by searching find out to guard it against the attacks of God? Canst thou find out the error and to handle a variety of Almighty to perfection? I desire questions, which tend rather to to receive the admonition which amuse and entertain, than to edify these words convey, and to pro- the soul in real piety; but our ceed in the discussion of the sub-peace and holiness, our establishject with diffidence and humility; ment and consolation, must be remembering, that secret things derived from the truth itself, belong to the Lord our God, but independent of the aids of logic to us, things that are revealed. and philosophy. I shall not, It cannot be denied that the therefore, attempt a long detail of scriptures speak largely of the the sentiments which different VOL. * For this article we are indebted to the Rev. Dr. Ryland XV. persons or parties have entertain- | vidence, and redemption! That ed with regard to the subject be- the design proposed in all his fore us, or of the controversies works might be infallibly effectwhich have been agitated con-ed, he digested the plan of the cerning it, but endeavour to lay whole in his own eternal thoughts, before you the doctrine of scrip- and established it by his decree. ture with the greatest plainness, Hence it is said, Known unto and the clearest evidence I am God are all his works from the able. Without any particular at beginning of the world, Acts tention to the context, I appre- xv. 18. His omniscient eye comhend that the text affords us manded a full view of every thing these important observations. within the bounds of possibility; Obser. 1. All the dispensa- his wisdom decided what creations and operations of God are tures should be called into existconducted according to a plan ence, in what situations they laid down in his own purpose and should be respectively placed, decree-" who worketh all things and what events should take after the counsel of his own will." place from the birth of time to With this general observation, the dissolution of the world. The and founded upon it, stands ano- truth of this doctrine depends on ther of a more special nature; the truth and certainty of a Proviz. vidence. If Divine Providence concerns itself in the minutest as well as in the greatest events;as the great God cannot form any new designs, what he acts must be the accomplishment of an eternal purpose. But when the blessed God is represented as concerting the plan of his works, we are not to imagine that it required the least degree of painful study; for to the infinite mind every object is at once present, nor can it feel the least degree of embarrassment or uncertainty, Obs. II. The purpose of God in a very peculiar manner embraces as its object the everlasting state of those that shall be saved."Being predestinated." Respecting the first and general Observation, the following propositions will fully express my idea of it, and I trust will contain the idea conveyed to us by the sacred scriptures. Prop. 1. The Lord has laid down in his eternal thoughts, the scheme and plan of all his works. No prudent man will embark in any design which is great and important, without first of all digesting the scheme of it. He considers, in the first place, the end itself which he proposes; and then chooses the means which are best suited for its accomplishment and in this consist principally the wisdom and prudence by which one man is distinguished from another. But how vast and momentous are the works of God, in creation, in pro 2. The decree which regulates all the works of God, originates in his own sovereign good pleasure. He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? Dan. iv. 35. But what do we mean to assert, when we maintain, that the purpose of God is absolute and sovereign? Not that the blessed God acts. capriciously, after the manner of human tyrants! Let not such a dishonourable thought be ever connexion and harmony to ac complish some valuable ends. But, though we cannot compre entertained in our breasts! For in the deepest of God's counsels, and the obscurest of his dispensations, the measures of his go-hend the structure and use of vernment are conducted with the every part, when we see the mo highest wisdom; and though we tion and effect of the whole, we may be unable to account for the conclude that the inventor conreasons of his conduct, yet are structed it according to a single we to assure ourselves, that it is plan or idea of the whole. Now directed by infinite wisdom, and the designs of God are all direct. the highest reason. But by the ed to his own glory as the ultisovereignty of his purpose we in-mate end. There are other subtend, that his determinations are guided by the free choice of his own will. It is true, there are enemies who attempt to prevent the execution of his designs, and to interrupt and disturb the plan of his operations; but they cannot affect his purposes, nor cause him to adopt one measure contrary to the choice of his own will. The enemies of God, even when guilty of the utmost opposition, are unintentionally accomplishing his purposes; as is most remarkably evident in the death of Christ. Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and with wicked hands have crucified and slain, Acts ii. 23. 3. Though the designs and operations of God are so various and complex as to the objects of them, yet through the mutual connexion and dependence of every part, the whole tends to one end; so that the plan is but one, and the decree but one. I am sensible that what has been advanced by some speculative divines respecting the unity of the divine decree, tends rather to perplex an abstruse subject, than to assist the judgment of the illiterate. Yet the unity of the decree is an important idea, and capable of illustration. We may conceive of a machine of a very complex nature, containing a great number of parts, moving in ordinate ends; but this we must dwells there as one simple idea. 4. In the plan itself, as well as the execution of it, the wisdom and holiness and justice of God are eminently displayed. We have asserted the absolute sovereignty of God in the formation of his decrees; yet this does in no degree obscure the lustre of any of his perfections. He is wise in counsel, as well as mighty in strength. Holy and reverend is his name, just and true are all his ways. As to the view of mortals, clouds and darkness surround his throne; yet justice and judgment are the habitation thereof; mercy and truth go before his face. We must, however, acknowledge, that in this parti cular, our faith must rest on the perfections of his nature, and the testimony of his word. For events may take place, the wisdom and spiritual labourer in Ireland, as prevent his heart from fainting before the numerous obstacles that present themselves to the accomplishment of his wishes. But though these obstacles are so numerous and formidable, yet I think there is an increasing desire evinced to obtain information on religious subjects; and that the attendance in most places where I preach continues to be very encouraging, particularly in this town and last evening we had an unusual crowd of persons, in consequence of my giving notice that I would endeavour to improve an event of rather a singular nature that had occurred. Two persons of colour, the only two that were in the town, died here within four days of each other; they were not living together, but had both been, indisposed for some weeks, during which time I occasionally visited them, and one of them I have no doubt is now in glory. I was happy in bearing my humble testimony, that the scripture declaration is true, which, says, that "God hath made of one blood all nations of men;" in opposition to the horrid practice of making one part of God's intelligent creation the slaves of the other. Too nearly allied to which, is the treatment which persons of colour experience from many, even in what is called "the land of liberty." Oh what pitiable, what wretched characters are those, who would endeavour to rob the world of the reli gion of Jesus Christ! or would withhold the scriptures from their fellowcreatures, by which a knowledge of salvation is to be attained! Who would not rather spend his life in the most strenuous exertions to make known the one, and to disseminate the other. I am happy to hear that there are Bibles and Testaments coming: there is such a spirit of inquiry for them, that it is most desirable it should be met. I am thankful for some of the books that were presented to the Society by different friends; these are of great use in disarming prejudice. 【 have nothing particular to say about the schools at present; the severity of the weather prevents many of the children attending, being half, more than half, naked. Opposition is again prevailing, in some districts, of a very formidable nature, but the vari→ ous, and often unexpected, means by which it has hitherto been counteracted, together with hope of assistance from a higher source, encourages perseverance. Yours affectionately, J. WILSON. From the Rev. William Thomas. MY DEAR SIR, or One of these persons was in rather respectable circumstances, and had long attended the means of grace; but clearer evidence of his knowing and I have paid the school-masters and loving the truth was most desirable. mistresses their salaries, which they The other, whom I saw the day before received with the greatest gratitude to his death, in reply to the question, the Society. You, the gentlemen of How are you? said, "Very weak, the Committee, and friends of the Sovery low as to my body, but I am joy-ciety, will be pleased to hear that seful in my soul." Being asked, what veral of them received premiums of £5 occasioned that joy, he replied, "A and £7 each from the Education Sohope of interest in Jesus Christ; Iciety in Dublin; their inspector was have no other hope-I am a sinner, but the blood of Christ gives me peace." Some other answers were given to questions on similar subjects, which were not so satisfactory; but it is thought that it was more from an inability to express himself clearly on the subject. This happy soul ascended to bliss, out of a poor, weak, dark body, from a confined, cold, and dirty cabin; off a little straw, covered with a ragged sheet, and the only covering that the poor invalid possessed was a small blanket and a piece of stuff! But in this situation he repeatedly said he was happy. so much pleased with the state of the schools, and the number and progress of the children. Notwithstanding the priests' dreadful conduct, the school under Lady O'B. opened the first week after Christmas, with forty-two children; when the priest went to take down their names to curse and excommunicate. Her Ladyship says in her letter to me, that Kian the master was very stout, and told him he would make him pay for it if he broke up his school. I inclose her Ladyship's letter. Rian is a clever, enlightened, and persevering man. I removed him from Clonerty, where he commenced under J. West. Sligo, January 18, 1823. the Society about two years ago, and From Mr. William Moore to the Res. put another in his place, and placed him in the front of the battle; as I knew he would stand fire, and would not run back. He was a papist when he became one of the Society's schoolmasters, but he is no longer under the cruel yoke of Antichrist and Satan. 66 REV. SIR, The very night I posted my last Journal, a circumstance occurred which affords cause of thanksgiving, in which we see how often the Lord makes use of the most weak instru ments to accomplish his purposes: this will appear by the following nar rative of a poor simple woman, that never learned a letter, nor understood one word of English, and had undergone sore trials and afflictions. About twelve months ago she gave me a his I have been to Dromoland, and encouraged them to go forward." On Lord's day, the 5th of January, I preached at O'Brien's Bridge to two large congregations; and the next evening at Birdhill, in Mr. O.'s parlour, and though there is only one poor Protestant family on Mr. O.'s estate, there were twenty persons to hear. Mr. and Mrs. O. and Mr. F. their agent, are excellent people, and shin-tory of her life and trials; and in the ing lights in a dark and dreadful place. They sent for me to preach for them. On Tuesday arrived in Limerick, and had the meeting for reading the scripture, conversation, singing, and prayer. The next evening preached on board a ship. On Thursday and Friday I intended to have left town, but the weather was so severe, and I felt so full of rheumatism and pain from a cold, which I caught in a wet bed, that I was obliged to stay at home. On Lord's-day morning, the 12th, my mind became very uneasy, and I began to fret, fearing I could not preach that day, as it is impossible to do it in the Court-house, it is so cold and inconvenient. I went to the quay, and got a ship: we hoisted our Bethel Flag:" I thought to have preached in the cabin; but there was such a crowd assembled, that they could not find room. I feared I should suffer from the open air, yet I was determined not to put my light under a bushel, and stood upon the deck, and preached to a multitude who were on the deck and on the quay. I have just gone through the same way this week, as I did the preceding, and preached twice at O'Brien's Bridge last Lord'sday, and at Birdhill in the evening. Last night we had our meeting for reading the scriptures, &c. and tonight, pleaseProvidence, I shall preach on board a ship. I have been out nearly all this winter, and for want of a meeting-house, my congregation, which I raised here under the most inauspicious circumstances, have, since the cold weather set in, been obliged to go to other places for accommo dation. I am, my dear sir, in the best wishes, ever yours most sincerely and affectionately, WM. THOMAS. course of conversation she made some remarks on priestcraft. This gave me an opportunity of reading and explaining the plan of salvation to her, and comparing it with the abomina tions of popery, which I perceived she understood. I also perceived that her memory was strong, as she frequently would recollect past questions, and have the answers repeated. I frequently met her afterwards, but from our first conversation she did not go to mass. The night first alluded to, when I met her she said, "You have satisfied me on every subject but one, and that subject you have never touched on. Tell me now, is there either good or harm in the ointment at the hour of death?" I said," If there were neither good nor harm, it would be a thing merely indifferent; but, on the contrary, I will prove to you it is the seal of perdition. This I will prove from the Catechism you have learned in your infancy." This opportunity, as will be seen, occurred providentially: the question and answer in the Catechism are, "What does the sacrament of the ointment do?" "The sacrament is a cooling in our sickness, strengthens us against the temptations of the devil, gives health often to the body, but at all times it promotes the health of the soul, and cleanseth from the remainder of all sins forgotten in confession." This subject came just at the proper time. I had read for her, and often before shewed her, that the blood of Jesus only cleanseth from all sin. She said, that she knew, but in conversation she knew not what to say on the subject, as she was always browbeaten by the enemies of the truth. I then read a few verses in the Revelations, and convinced her that it was the mark of the beast; seeing the |