That special Word, which declares the judgment to come, nations, all of them, from the least to righteousness." Blackmore. IS IT FROM THE LORD? DEAR BROTHER,-As you have left many a poor pilgrim astray, and so beyour pages open for the free discussion wildered his judgment and confounded of "Caleb's " questions in your Sep- his wisdom, that he has been puzzled to tember number, I feel constrained to know whether he was a pilgrim at all; cast the result of my little experience and many have been heard to say, "It is and observation into the treasury of the a delusion altogether." I myself dwelt Lord, for the use of His family, if it in that wilderness for a long time, please Him to accept it. "Caleb's "therefore know what it is; and like case has awakened considerable interest, and many who have been similarly exercised are watching the discussion; and as I have been asked, repeatedly, questions concerning the matter, this, in connexion with a passage contained in "Wayside Notes" for last month, has induced me to think upon the subject. And now I give you the result of my thoughts, observation, experience, and prayers relative to this delicate, but important subject. "Caleb" dates his letter from the "Wilderness of Paran ;" and though I am no adept in gospel mysteries and allegories, yet I know that was the locality where Hagar and Ishmael sojourned after their banishment from the house of Abraham. And if "Caleb" dwells there, in a spiritual sense, it will be no strange thing if he comes within the range of Ishmael's arrows, and the influence of Hagar's spirit. That wilderness is a place of fogs, mists, vapours, illusions, and uncertainties; false lights, also, arising from the earth, and emanations from the bottomless pit, have led all other travellers, had my "impressions," "special applications," and "promises," and in many cases proved them "illusions," mere earthly vapours; and often-oh! how often-have I had my "wisdom confounded," my "judgment taken away," and the cup of earthly expectation dashed from my parched lips, thirsting for earthly comfort. Again and again have I besought the Lord, and again the prospect has looked brighter; and I have felt, surely "This is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in my eyes." And when about to taste the cup, and take a little consolation, it has again been dashed to the ground, and I have been left to experience another and another disappointment; and I can now admire and adore the wisdom, goodness, and faithfulness of God in thus dealing with me; for it is by these things I am brought out of the wilderness of Paran," and have been taught to trust in the Lord alone. And though still, as it respects time things, walking in a crooked, dark, and peculiarly trying path, yet, by faith, I am his "experience" which may never come walking with my father Abraham through | to expect many things to be fulfilled in the land (a precious Christ), taking a survey of the length and breadth of that love and fulness which passeth knowledge. And now, this grace having discovered the "true light," and laid hold of eternal life (the person of Christ) by faith, "my heart is fixed," and I now say with the Psalmist, "My soul, wait thou only upon God" for my expecta tion is (only) from Him, and such "expectation shall not be cut off." This is a secret which all the Lord's family are not fully acquainted with as yet; neither will it be so while they consist of "young men and "fathers," "babes" and 'little children." So, while in this present militant state, the fathers must counsel the "young men," the young men lead the little children," and the little children must nurse the "babes." And I hope the discussion of this matter will not cease till we fully arrive at Scripture truth concerning those things; that the little ones may have a definite rule to walk by, as far as "special applications" are concerned. I will now endeavour to answer "Caleb's " questions, in a simple manner, as they stand. دو 3rd. Are such applications only the effect of memory? There is a possibility that they may arise from the mind or memory only; those minds who are continually looking for "special applications," and sudden impulses, and impressions, will sometimes be very fruitful that way, and go out or in for something to rest upon after prayer. Some will run to the Scripture, and take the first passage they open upon, for an answer to prayer; and many are sadly bewildered thereby. | We need more faith in Jesus Christ. 1st. When in circumstances of trial and difficulty, and after much prayer, a portion of God's word forcibly arrests the mind of a believer, is that an application of the word by the Holy Ghost? or is the belief that it is so an illusion? It cannot positively be said 4th. Is it true that the believer ought that it is always of the Holy Ghost. Satan not to expect "special applications" of may be permitted to suggest a word in promises? He ought rather to expect some cases, especially if he hears our the fulfilment of them. The believer petitions; and if they savour of the has a right to expect that which he flesh, and a tendency to earthly things, really needs, and that which God has which they often do, we may be deceived promised. But I do not recollect any by trusting to "them;" as for the belief promise, that God will make special apof their being an illusion, we appre-plications of promises. The disciples hend real faith will never believe a lie, were to wait for the promise of the nor stand in it. If it is from the Spirit, Father; not for a special application of faith will be ready to receive it, and promises. hold it fast, too, though sometimes with trembling hand. The faith wrought in the soul by the Holy Ghost is of one mind with its author, and will lay hold of what the Spirit reveals or applies. 2nd. When he rests in that promise confidently, expecting it will be fulfilled in his experience, and acts accordingly, is that appropriating faith? It is possible for a man "confidently "He spoke but once, the deed was done; 'Twas settled by the great Three-One." Had we more faith in the promise, we should have more confidence in what He has promised. 5th. Is the simple fact of their being revealed in God's word sufficient for His child's faith? If the child's faith is strong enough to lay hold of them, and appropriate them to his own use, undoubtedly they are his own; but if the child is weak, it is the sovereign prerogative of the Spirit to give it help in a special manner. In either case, if strength is not given to receive, it cannot be given. In short, faith receives what the Spirit gives. 6th. "If" special applications may be expected, ought we to believe that a promise has been specially applied, when the judgment cannot say it has been fulfilled in the experience? whether they have a tendency to induce to trust in the grand centre, the Person of the Lord Jesus. Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God. The Lord gives us understanding in all things. And now, having gone through "Caleb's" questions in a very simple way, to the best of my knowledge, in the fear of the Lord, the subject may still appear as vague as ever. The poor weak ones will say, we are still at a loss, still in the wilderness. Therefore let us inquire I have before said it is the Spirit's sove- into the probable reason of this confureign prerogative to make what is called sion. God is not the author of confuspecial application; but in bringing about sion. This confusion must arise from a the purpose of God, and in the fulfilment confused source; it cannot proceed from of His promises, our human wisdom will order; neither can uncertainty arise be confounded; and if we have any from certainty; and no lie is of the judgment in the case, or fancy we have truth. Then it appears to me to arise any, it will be taken away (like our dear from a confused faith, having a confused Lord's) in the day of our humiliation. or an indefinite object for its centre; The stage will be entirely cleared of all this object seems to be the doctrine of human competition. The Lord will "special applications" of the promises appear alone," and we (like Manoah or portion of God's word by the Spirit. and his wife) shall have to stand by, Now this is an indefinite object, inasand look on, while the angel of the Lord much as, through the ignorance and doeth wondrously. Real faith will be- darkness of our minds and the weaklieve, whether it ought or not; it is no ness of faith, it cannot always be asmenial principle, but a true and faithful | certained whether it be of the Spirit or friend; it does not ask whether it ought of the flesh, or from Satan. I need not, to believe, when human nature and I apprehend, enter into particulars how judgment fail, but rises spontaneously Satan has deceived, and still does dein time of need, and, like David's wor-ceive, many for a time, by his subtle thies, will stand alone, and fight till the delusions, as an angel of light. He can sword cleaves to its hand, gain the vic- cause numerous passages to concentrate tory, and obtain the promise. in one point, to suit his own purpose and delude the soul. But, let it be observed, these doings of his are sure, in the bottom, to be on the side of the flesh; and worldly comfort, ease, or profit, may easily be distinguished by those who have had their eyes anointed the "second time," to be at the bottom of it all. He will tell us how providential (and it may be so), and also that the hand of the Lord is so very prominent in it, and it is the very thing we have been praying for (do not let Satan hear all you ask for); we must be blind not to behold it, and fools not to believe it. But, if Í may judge, some of your readers have been in this " wilderness," as well as myself. But thus does he beguile unstable souls, who are, in a measure, ignorant of their own hearts, and his devices; and, while I write, I tremble to look back at the delusions he has led both myself 7th. Has the adversary power to suggest promises to the mind? Yes, when God suffers it to be so; but as the powers that be are ordained of God, he must have leave first, and when that is the case, which is very frequent (for the trial of our faith and the exercise of our soul to keep us in health) he can then quote Scripture plentifully, suggest promises, cautions-ah! and comforts and consolations too; appear like an angel of light, mimic the Spirit's work, cause men to kill one another, and think they do God service, and thus prove himself a devil indeed. 8th. By what test may we prove whether it is of God or of Satan? Caleb," you have asked a hard thing. Faith, patience, prayer, and watchfulness are the requisite ingredients to determine the matter. Try the spirits, God in the person of His son Jesus Christ; that we may in reality cast anchor into that which is within the veil. Secondly, is it a Scripture doctrine? "Caleb" wishes to know whether "it is right to expect special applications ?" and if I understand what he and others into; therefore I will do all! I can to expose his infernal traffic, by holding up the person of the once crucified, but now risen, exalted, and glorified Son of God, as the alone object for faith to rest in and lay hold of. The soul that trusts in Him implicitly for all things, is beyond the land of disap-means, it is the word brought by the pointments. : 66 new Spirit, and applied to the soul in an ex"Caleb" makes frequent use of the ternal manner. I quite agree with our term "special applications." Let us look friend, in this month's number, that it is now into the doctrine of "special appli- a delicate point to discuss, but yet intecations." And first, is it a scriptural resting, as well as important for our term? secondly, is it a Scripture doc-stability and peace. Then let us inquire trine? As it respects being a scriptural whether the Spirit's work is internal or term, I cannot find the word application external. We are led to conclude, from either in the Old Testament or New; the word of God, that when a soul is and the word special only occurs twice, quickened and regenerated, he becomes once in the Old Testament relative to the temple of the Holy Ghost-" Know Israel being a special people, and once ye not that ye are the temple of God, in the New, referring to special miracles and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in wrought by the hand of Paul. There- you ?" (1 Cor. iii. 16). And again, fore we have no Scripture authority for "Know ye not your own selves, how the term "special applications." Now that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye for its relations; the word "applied" be reprobates ?" (2 Cor. xiii. 5). By occurs three times, and the word " ap- His power a new, pure, spiritual life is ply" four times, in the Old Testament; placed in the soul, called the but neither of them are once mentioned man ;" and it is the office of the Holy in the New and they in nowise refer to Ghost to nourish and sustain the life of the Spirit's work, but especially to the it, in the midst of all the depravity by application of the believer seeking after which it is surrounded, by "keeping it "wisdom," "instruction," and the and watering it every moment" with "knowledge of God." For instance, that stream which is ever flowing from Prov. ii. 2, with its connexion and ten- the risen Head of the Church. It is dency, 'My son, if thou wilt receive also His office to enlighten, teach, and my words, and hide my commandments guide the soul into all truth. with thee; so that thou incline thine the exceeding blessedness of the inear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart dwelling, influential teaching of the to understanding: yea, if thou criest Holy Ghost. How sweetly He causes after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice the powers and faculties of the new for understanding. If thou seekest for nature to expand. How kind, and good, her as silver, and searchest for her as and loving of Him, to show the evil for hid treasures; then shalt thou find nature of sin, and its awful tendency and the knowledge of God:" (and that will consequence, inwardly warning of a judgbe a surer foundation than "special ap-ment to come; and thus working in us plications" from an uncertain source). the fear of the Lord (the first new cove Then shalt thou understand righte- nant blessing), we begin to depart from ousness, and judgment, and equity; evil: and when we begin to get a little yea, every good path. When wisdom self-righteous, which is generally the entereth into thine heart, and know-case, how He opens to us the spiritualledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discre-ity of God's holy law, and stops our tion shall preserve thee, understanding mouths from boasting, by holding it shall keep thee:" and thou shalt never over our heads, and thereby showing be left to believe a lie, for "he that folus our spiritual dimensions, and the loweth me shall not walk in darkness, extent of our sins; that they are infibut shall have the light of life." May the Lord stir us up, then, to personal application in seeking the knowledge of Oh, nitely offensive, and require an infinite sacrifice. Then He begins to "testify of Jesus," and hope and desire will be begotten by His gracious power, and go water on their innocent and lawful forth after Jesus, faith having heard the mirth, by saying, Ah, you are on the report. It is then they answer the de-mount now, but you will soon be down; scription of "new-born babes," given thus trying to make the hearts of God's by Peter-"As new-born babes desire little children sad, when He has made the sincere milk of the word, that ye them glad. Nevertheless, it is expemay grow thereby." These desires ex-dient that the Bridegroom should go pand, and the faculties and energies of away for a season, and in those days the new man continue to enlarge under shall they fast; and the days of darkthe fostering hand and care of the Spirit. ness may be many, though they be Then He takes of some of the things of called at the sixth or the ninth hour. Jesus, and shows them to the quickened Clouds may soon begin to gather, their soul or the eye of faith; at the same time joys begin to abate, and soon they find inspiring the new-born babe with fresh a fresh load of guilt upon the conscience, life and vigour for the attainment of which hides the face of the throne. what it sees in the distance: and as Satan, ever ready, and the inexperienced peace with God is the first thing desired, soul almost ever willing to listen, begins the precious blood and sacrifice of the to suggest it is all a delusion; fresh Son of God for sin is revealed to the sins are committed, with the aggravation wounded soul, and at length through of being done against light and knowvarious and innumerable struggles, ledge: the soul is brought into bonddoubts, fears, and despondencies, the age, darkness, and guilt, and fully made soul begins to be persuaded by the Holy conscious of its inability to keep matGhost working confidence in it, encou-ters straight; and, by reason of its daily raging it, upholding and strengthening disobedience, it becomes bewildered, it, till at length faith actually stretches forth its arms, lays hold of and receives the atonement, bringing it home to the soul. It is not, I apprehend, a "special application," but the power of faith, or strong confidence, whereby the blessing of pardon is laid hold of; and it is faith that purifies the heart and when this is the case, sin is put away, and we are brought, through the kind and fostering care of the Spirit, to the stature of little children in Christ. And so says John, the beloved disciple" I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you, for His name's sake;" and all this through believing (not special applications).* This stage of Christian experience is generally attended with much buoyancy of spirit, cheerfulness, and joy, and also with much simplicity and ignorance. They speak as children, think as children, and understand as children, little thinking of any more trouble; but as there is a time to laugh as well as a time to weep, as long as the Bridegroom is pleased to tarry with them, let them laugh-it is impossible, I know, to fast while He is there. I would be the last, then, to throw cold dejected, and unhappy, and knows not what to do. This is the Spirit's working in the soul, discovering the many infirmities and failings in thought, word, and deed; and Satan, conscience, and precept, all stand in an accusing attitude. Thus the blessed Spirit is preparing the soul for a further development of the fulness of a precious Christ; and now the doctrine of imputed righteousness is sweetly unfolded to faith, she views the prize, admires it well (faith is the eye of the soul), eventually stretches forth its long arms, embraces the best robe, brings it home to the soul, the soul puts it on, and wears it by faith (not by special applications) :* the soul feels its sweet adaptation to its nakedness, and immediately cries under the blessed effect of it, Abba, Father, with an unwavering tongue. This does for a time, but a fresh source of trouble is soon opened up by the indwelling Spirit; and as light increases by "God shining in (not into) our hearts," so hidden things will be made manifest. And now the great deep begins to be broken up; the unholy, unclean fountain casts up its mire and dirt; the vileness and the filthiness of the heart is discovered, and the voice of God and con * Away with the objection. It is all special."-ED. |