title: The spiritual mirror; or, looking-glass: exhibiting the human heart as being either the temple of God, or habitation of devils.
text: 2=7 ^ 0* v v * 1 * " , m V * ^ * / ^ V ^ v * o , ^ V ^ ^ * / % $\\?Ss//A.. 1 V ^ * ^ ^ ^ www r\< <S\\M/A) c ^0^ 1 <3ft '4? v THE SPIRITUAL MIRROR; OR, LOOKING-GLASS: EXHIBITING THE HUMAN HEART AS BEING EITHER THE TEMPLE OF GOD, OR HABITATION OF DEVILS. EXEMPLIFIED BY A SERIES OF TEN ENGRAVINGS; INTENDED TO AID IN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MAN'S FALLEN NATURE. Anciently published in the French language, in which five editions were printed. In 1732, translated into the German language, from which it is now translated, BY PETER BAUDER " By this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil : " 1st. Epistle John iii. 10. NEWBURYPORT : PUBLISHED BY CHARLES WHIPPLE. 1 830. DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, to wit : District Clerk's Office . Be it remembered, that on the ninth day of September, a. d. 1830, in the fifty-fifth year of the Independence of the United States of America, Charles Whipple, of the said district, has deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as Proprietor, in the words following, to wit i " The Spiritual Mirror ; or Looking-Glass : exhibiting the human heart as being either the temple of God, or habitation of devils. Exemplified by a series of ten engravings; intended to aid in a better understanding of man's fallen nature. Anciently published in the French language, in which five editions were printed. In 1732, translated into the German language, from which it is now translated, by Peter Bauder. £ By this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:' 1st Epistle John iii. 10.' " In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, < An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned:' and also to an act, entitled, 'An act supplementary to an act, en- titled, An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned ; and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etching historical and other prints.' JOHN W. DAVIS, Clerk of the District of Massachusetts. STEREOTYPED BY LYMAN THURSTON & CO. BOSTON. / 7 PREFACE. COURTEOUS READER, Having in some degree, looked abroad into the world, and discovered the follies and crimes of my fellow ration- als ! I have been called to commiserate their wretch- edness, which is the offspring of their depraved, fallen nature, and have been often ready to wonder at the mani- fest neglect of the benevolent Gospel, which breathes nothing but pity and compassion to sinners. Having sought diligently for the principal reasons of such neglect, I have concluded the reason why the sick are not healed, is not because there is no Balm in Gilead, or no Physi- cian there, but because they are ignorant of their mala- dies. As the Laodiceans, they suppose they are rich, and know not that they are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked. Rev. hi. 17. While reflecting on the deplora- ble condition of so many of my fellow beings, who were perishing for lack of knowledge, I found the matter of the work before you, in the German language, and after a careful perusal, I was induced by the excellence of its matter, and the beauty of its illustrations, to translate it .into that language in which it may be more extensively read, especially in our happy, and favored land. The matter of this work needs no recommendation, though worthy of much. And the translator presumes to hope that the pureness of sentiments and excellence of matter, will atone for any inelegance of style, which may fall un- 4 der the observation of the critical reader. As from such imperfections he cannot believe it entirely free, as this is the first production of his labors which has fallen into the hands of the public. He dare not flatter himself with the hopes of pleasing the carnal Antinomian, or proud Phari- see, yet he does indulge a hope that some whose hearts are the seat of every unclean and venomous thing, may, through the instrumentality of this work, by the blessing of God, be made the temple of the holy spirit — which will amply reward him for all his toil. Dear Reader, look into thy heart, and look to God to enter and dwell there — He wills thy complete and entire salvation — Quench not his spirit — Grieve not his love. Set thy house in order for thou shalt die. That you may be eternally benefited through the instrumentali- ty of this treatise, is the prayer of the public's friend and humble servant, PETER BAUDER. Albany, January, 1826. INTRODUCTION. He that committeth sin is the servant of sin, and the wages of sin is death. But it is written, repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blot- ted out, and such may claim the promise, viz : he will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God ! therefore the world knoweth us not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God ; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin, transgres- seth also the law : for sin is the transgression of the law. And we know that he w T as manifested to take away our sins ; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not : Little children, let no man deceive you : he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righ- teous. He that committeth sin is of the devil ; for the devil sinneth from the beginning, for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is borne of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil : he that doeth not righteousness, is not of God. 1 John iii. 1—10. 1* TO THE READER. This work was translated from the French in the year of our Lord 1732, at Wertsburg, under the title of Spir- itual Looking Glass, in which every man, desirous for salvation, may clearly discover the state of his heart, and may by the assistance of grace, regulate his daily walk profitably, and by earnestly striving, have his heart cleansed from sin, and made a temple for the holy spirit to dwell in. I am well aware that the lovers of sin, and forbidden pleasures, will not behold this work with appro- bation, but will disapprove of it, because it so plainly exhib- its to view the contrast of the two characters, and expo- ses the arch fiend, who keeps them bound slaves to sin and Satan. While on the other hand, it clearly shows the liberty of the children of God, w T ho have obeyed the calls of the gospel, and have opened the doors of their hearts, and have received a crucified Saviour, whose hearts are now become the temple of God. We know that the ungodly scoff at the idea that Satan worketh in the hearts of the children of disobedience, neither do they be- lieve in Christ, and the atonement, as we are taught by the holy scriptures. Knowing, however, that the carnal mind is enmity against God, being well assured that a worldly spirit doth not come from God, but from Satan, therefore we have no reason to expect that this work will please a carnal mind. 7 But we are taught by Jesus Christ, and his apostles in- variably, That as God has erected his kingdom in the hearts of his believing children, where he dwells and reigns, as in his own temple, and by his spirit enlivens, purifies, sanc- tifies, and fills them with the power of God, heavenly joys and peace, and everlasting life ; so hath Satan his kingdom in the hearts of the ungodly, and unbelieving ; he dwells in them as in his own house, and works all manner of mischief, and makes them miserable, and wretched. We are taught by Jesus Christ, that the enemy that sowed tares among the wheat is the devil. Matt. xiii. 25. 39. The tares are there, which cannot be denied. We shall now endeavour to show more plainly in what manner this arch enemy sows them. Jesus spoke unto the unbelieving, and said, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do ; he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him ; when he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own ; for he is a liar, and the father of it. St. John viii. 44. St. Paul teaches, that Satan is a prince, a powerful, a mighty spirit, who reigns in the wilderness of this world ; therefore it is written, we wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places • Ephes. vi. 12. Again we read; Satan is the god of this world, whom the wicked and unbelieving serve ; he blinds their minds, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor. iv. 4. It is plainly proved, that this is the work of the devil, a blindness cast over the mind of the carnal man, by the 8 spirit of Satan, which keeps them from seeing the light ; accordingly they will not believe the gospel of Christ. St. Paul writes, Ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of diso- bedience. Ephes. ii. 2. The Apostle Peter commands, to be clothed with hu- mility, be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith. 1 Pet. v. 5, 8, 9. John the Revelator, says, that old serpent, the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world. — Rev. xii. 9. We read, he that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning; for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John iii. 8. Again we read, resist the devil and he will flee from you: draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James iv. 7, 8. Christ gave power to his disciples to cast out devils, and over all the power of the enemy. Matt. x. 8. Luke x. 19. There has been so much said on this subject, that we are ready to conclude, that the serious reader does not entertain a doubt, but that every human heart, is either the temple of God, or a habitation of devils; or, in other words, that as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, dwell in the hearts of the children of God, to reign, and rule, and sanctify. Even so has Satan his seat in the hearts of the wicked, and ungodly, and there dwells, and reigns, and rules predominant. It is intended, by the assistance of divine grace, to have this little work so calculated, that in these plates may 9 be discovered, in a small measure, the undeniable truths of the gospel, and the glorious plan of salvation — and it is hoped that this little work may prove an instrument, under God, in the building up of the saints in their most holy faith; and of turning many from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan, and slavery of sin, unto the living God. In each plate you will discover a heart, with a face or countenance of a person; each countenance is expressive of the state of the heart, as in the heart is the ruling prin- ciple of the whole man. The face may be called the sign, which the internal man presents to public view, by which men may know what spirit is in the heart. There- fore the reader is entreated, whenever he sees these plates, to turn the eyes of his mind into his own heart, examine, and search to the bottom, in order that he may discover the situation of his heart; that he may know whether Christ or Satan reigns in him; whether God's or Satan's kingdom is erected in his heart. Whether he is a slave to sin and Satan, or whether Christ has made him free, and whether he now enjoys the liberty of a child of God. Be in earnest, do not look over it care- lessly. Be reasonable, it behooves you to deal honestly with your God, and your own soul; and as an honest man confess to God, whatever you find in your heart; recollect that every moment of your life, you stand in the immediate presence of that God, who searcheth the hearts, and trieth the reins; before whom nothing is hid; he sees and knows the situation of your heart, if you find wickedness there. Mourn before the Lord, put your trust in him, confess your sins, turn to God, give him your heart as it is; he is waiting to receive it. The blood of Jesus Christ, cleanseth from all sin; he is your Saviour, he came into the world to save you; he was 10 manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil in you; to redeem you from the power of Satan, and adopt you, as an heir of his kingdom. Then you will be able to say with the Apostle Paul; giving thanks unto the Father, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Col. i. 13. He will also give you grace, and strength, that you need no longer be subject to Satan; you need no longer to obey, nor serve him. He will make you free, if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. St. John viii. 36. This figure is a representation of a man who Serves sin, and suffers Satan to reign in his heart. THE SPIRITUAL MIRROR. FIGURE I. THIS FIGURE IS A REPRESENTATION OF A MAN WHO SERVES SIN, AND SUFFERS SATAN TO REIGN IN HIS HEART. As you see this Heart, so is the heart of a man who lives in sin, and vanity, af- ter the vain imagination of his heart, and the trifling amusements of this world, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Eph. ii. 2. Thus this man goes on, first indulging himself in small sins, so called, and proceeding by degrees. He soon indulges himself in all the gratifications and lusts, of his polluted, and sinful heart; and esteems nothing as sin, without one serious re- flection, on God, judgment, or eternity. This Heart proves itself to be a habi- tation of devils, which is exemplified by a train of seven unpleasant likenesses, representing the reigning principles of the unregenerate heart. 12 The Peacock, that is spreading his shining feathers, denotes that killing sin, pride, which leads so many astray, by so many different ways, either by riches, honor, their beautiful form, or features, fine dress, or their gifts or talents, &c. which are all unmerited favors, that God has bestowed, in which the person takes pride, and exalts himself in his own es- teem, and fancying himself better than his neighbour, he despises him, and seeks every opportunity to press him down. The Goat being an unruly and ill smel- ling, disagreeable animal, represents the disorder and impureness of the unre- generate heart, licentiousness, &c. The Hog, is to represent gluttony and drunkenness, and the like. The Toad, who gets its living close to the earth, is to represent an earthly minded, covetous disposition, which keeps men close to the earth, in pursuit of more wealth, being never satisfied. The Serpent, who deceived our first pa- rents, because he envied their happiness, is a true representation of envy, deceit, and a spirit that seeks the ruin of others. 13 The Tiger, one of the most voracious animals, represents anger, which seems to be a besetment of too many. The Turtle, being a slow moving crea- ture, represents the slowness, and dul- ness to which men are inclined, in obey- ing the commands of God. The Holy Spirit is drove from the heart, and fleeth; being grieved notwith- standing, he withdraws not the gifts and graces of Providence from the sinner, which is represented by the flames of fire, surrounding the heart, offering the sinner light ; but finds no admittance, because the heart is filled with all man- ner of wickedness, and shut against the light of the Good Spirit, and the offers of grace. The guardian Angel, or ministering Spirit, is continually watching over, and guarding the sinner; directing him to the word of God, and other means of grace: but he refuses to hear, and is deaf to the still small voice ; occasioned by the lusts and pleasures of sin. This is the miserable and awful condition of the man who lives in the vain maxims and fashions of this world. Oh! how 2 14 many live to an old age in this wretch- ed condition, and dream of Heaven, and feel secure, because they are not guilty of the commission of so great crimes as some of their neighbours, or because they have taken upon themselves a form of godliness, not searching the scriptures to find that they deny the power, or be- cause Christ died that all may come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved from their sins, they lay aside a part of the scriptures and calculate to be saved in their sins, or obtain forgiveness after death ; or having been convinced of sin, they deceive themselves, mistaking con- viction for a change of heart ; or because some months, or years since the Spirit of God had illuminated their hearts, and they had joy in believing, and are now settled down upon a hope which they received with their former experience; and like the foolish virgins slumber, and sleep, not knowing that their lamps have gone out, neither do they know that they have no oil in their vessels ; they are not conscious of danger, they are called Christians while they are the servants of sin and slaves to Satan, they have a name to live and are dead. Rev. iii. 1. 15 A PRAYER. Almighty and most merciful God, wilt thou look down upon me with com- passion, and behold the wretched condi- tion of my sinful heart ; illuminate it by thy holy Spirit, and open the eyes of my understanding, that I may have a clear discovery of myself; give me grace, that I may come humble before thee, and surrender myself wholly to thee : Oh let thy holy Spirit come into my heart, and eradicate every evil; preserve me Al- mighty Saviour, that I may never again yield to the temptations of the enemy of my soul, that my heart may never more become the habitation of an unclean spirit: Oh! cleanse me, purify my heart by the sanctifying influences of thy holy Spirit ; make thine abode in me, destroy every root of bitterness in me, keep me by thy Spirit's power, that Satan may never more draw my affections from thee, by presenting unto me the honors, riches, or pleasures of this vain world: Oh ! Lord prepare my heart for a dwell- ing for thyself, and keep it through life, and in death receive me to thyself, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 16 Oh ! Jesus, my Redeemer, Lord; In dust and ashes would I lie, Implore thy grace, thy grace award My sin sick soul, or else I die. Though great my sins, thy grace excels The blackest crime, in nature known ; And with my God forever dwells Rich mercy — mercy's all his own. Great God, of thee I ask relief: Forbid that sin should me control: My sins have caus'd my Saviour grief, Thy gospel cheers my inmost soul. 2 This figure represents the person convinced of sin , aiuf is ei hi eav curing to flee the wrath to come. 17 FIGURE II. THIS FIGURE REPRESENTS THE PERSON CONVINCED OF SIN, AND IS ENDEAVOURING TO FLEE THE WRATH TO COME. The Angel, as you see him, is exhi- biting to the sinner, through the grace of God, the wages of sin, namely, the sword of justice, or judgment, and death, and convinces him, from the word of God, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God: be not deceived; nei- ther fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adul- terers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10. Tribulation upon every soul of man that doeth evil. Rom. ii. 9. This man is alarmed in his conscience ; he turns the eyes of his mind into his heart, and there he finds nothing but sin and every evil propensity ; he discovers, by a still greater light, which is shining into his heart from the Holy Spirit above him, the awfulness and sinfulness of sin, and the danger of living in sin ; he mourns, 18 he abhors sin, and himself for having com- mitted sin: he groans under the weight of sin ; he seeks to be delivered from it, but he feels his own weakness and the power of sin; confesses his weakness and proneness to do evil ; he sighs from the very bottom of his heart, O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death. Rom. vii. 24. The Holy Spirit answers, son give me thy heart, I am waiting to receive it: I am always ready to receive all those that are of a broken heart, and a contrite spirit. The Holy Spirit draws near, and the rays of divine light penetrate the heart ; and as the light of the Holy Spirit shines into the heart, and the rays of divine light spread, Satan with his whole train, have to flee. All those hateful images, all those creatures which are dreadful in their nature, which represent the ruling pas- sions of a sinful heart, all have to flee from before the light of the Spirit. Where the light shineth, darkness gives way. As soon as the bright rays of the sun make their appearance in the eas- tern horizon, the darkness of the night gives way. Sin brings darkness, and night into our hearts ; the Spirit of God 19 brings light. As soon as the man begins to hate sin, light springs up in the soul; Satan has to flee, he cannot dwell in the light, he reigns in darkness and sin, he has but one way to enter into our hearts, namely, through sin: if you desire sin, you open the door of your heart for him to enter; if you love sin, you give him the key of your heart. Love to God, and his commandments, and hatred to sin, keeps the heart sealed against Satan. O ye eternity bound souls, love the light of the spirit, hate darkness, resist evil, and Satan will flee from you. Shut and seal your eyes against the world, sin, and all wanderings after evil: open your hearts to receive the Holy Spirit of God: be grateful for each ray of light that is offered; let the Spirit come in; he will expel sin and darkness, yea, Sa- tan, and hell also out of your hearts. Whenever your hearts are in the least illuminated by the Spirit of God, then improve your time ; remember the word of God tells us, my spirit shall not always strive with man ; turn the eyes of your mind into your heart, search to the bot- tom, examine as for eternity; there may be some secret sin, concealed in some obscure or dark corner ; if you discover 20 darkness there, you may be well assured there is sin concealed. If you would escape the wrath to come, immediately open the door of your heart, to let in the Holy Spirit, who has been knocking, and waiting until his locks are wet with the dew of the night, desiring admission, that he may show you the secret sins of your heart ; that you may see their enormous black appearance, and he may extirpate them; that he may come in, that your hearts may become a temple for the Holy Spirit of God to dwell in. PRAYER. O, Father, thou fountain of light and life, wilt thou let the light of thy Spirit, shine into my dark and benighted soul, that I may see, and live : thou wil- iest not the death of the sinner, thou wil- iest not my death, but rather that I turn from my evil ways and live: wilt thou show unto me my sins, which have so long blinded mine eyes, and still keep me a bound slave to sin and Satan: give me thy grace which thou hast promised unto repenting sinners, through Jesus 21 Christ: let thy Spirit find way to my heart, fill it with penitential grief and sorrow; drive out sin and Satan, and make room for thyself! give me thy Holy Spirit, to stimulate in me love to God, and thy holy commandments, and renew within me a right spirit, that sin may no more reign in my body ; that Satan may no more blind, lead, nor over- come me: teach me freely to confess that in sin is no holiness ; he that commit- teth sin is the servant of sin; let me always remember that no unrighteous person can enter into thy kingdom ; that a righteous judgment, everlasting death, and endless misery awaits all them that do wickedly: let me feel heartily sorry for each of my sins, and with all the pow- ers of my soul turn away from all sin, and flee every appearance of evil, that I may turn unto the Lord, that I may be saved from the power of darkness, cleansed from all unrighteousness, and receive the grace, and light, and communion of thy Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 22 Almighty God, to thee I cry ; I humbly own to thee, My sins are of the blackest die, Still thou canst set me free. Extend to me thy mercy, Lord, And save me by thy grace ; Grant me the knowledge of thy word, Show me thy smiling face. 24 cxx. 1. The Angel, or ministering Spirit, now steps forward, and by faith the sinner sees him, presenting in one hand a crucified Saviour, and in the other the everlasting gospel of Christ : declar- ing unto him that desirable message, be- hold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, just such a sinner as you are ; he died for sinners, procured their pardon on the tree, and now offers them everlasting life. Then is also offered unto this broken hearted sinner, by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, remission of all his sins, and with it, peace, joy, life, and salvation; he now receives these offered mercies, in the depth of humility ; he then finds, that notwithstanding his own unworthiness, he has received a crucified Saviour, his sufferings and death, and also his merits ; he now firmly believes that all this the Lord has suffered for him, and is now, freely, without any merit of his own, bestowed upon him, through grace ; by faith he lays hold on the promise, the Holy Spirit now comes into his heart, and bears witness with his spirit, that his sins are forgiven, and that he is now 25 a child of God. His heart is now filled with peace, joy, and the Holy Ghost, and has now in reality, become the tem- ple of God. His eyes now flow with tears, but they are tears of joy and gratitude to God, for filling his heart with the joys of heaven, for taking his feet out of the horrible pit and miry clay, for putting a new song into his mouth ; now he can say, with the Psalm- ist, I will extol thee, my God, O king : and I will bless thy name forever and ever; every day will I bless thee, and I will praise thy name forever, and ev- er. Ps. cxlv. 1, 2. Being thus assured that he is cleansed from sin, and filled with holiness ; soul and body are now employed and enga- ged in rejoicing in, and praising the liv- ing God. The star in his heart, now shines bright, since faith has become alive in his soul. His former sinful pleasures are now disgusting to him; those dreadful creatures, or passions, Satan with his black train are now dis- lodged, and entirely drove out ; the child of God will sometimes look at them, and will abhor himself, saying in the depths of humility, all those have I harboured in my heart, but thanks be 3 26 to God, who has given me the victory over them, in the name of the Lord Je- sus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. vi. 11. O how happy, how blessed, how full of rejoicing is the heart of a sinner so highly favored. He now feels to rejoice and praise God aloud, by singing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in his heart. He now speaks in the language of the prophet, Hearken and I will tell you what the Lord has done for my soul, as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Ps. ciii. 12. He cannot sufficiently rejoice in his Sa- viour, for his grace and mercy ; he can- not admire the love of God enough, nor express his gratitude as he wishes, msm He should, however, be very cautious, amidst all his joy and comfort, that he does not feel himself too secure, or put any confidence in his own strength, he should continually watch and pray, lest he should enter into temptation : although Satan, and his train, and all evil passions are drove out of his heart. Satan will not depart far from us, he has lost his seat in us, and his power over us. But 27 is very unwilling to give us up, he watch- es us day and night, in hopes of over- taking us at an unguarded moment, when we neglect prayer, or lay down our watch, or do not deny ourselves, or do not take up our cross daily ; then the light that shone so bright in us becomes dim, and we do not discover him in all his stratagems, but he sees us, and watch- es closely; then he improves his time, and transforms himself into an angel of light, and before we are aware, our minds become carnal, and we begin to love sin, and that moment we love sin we let him have the key of our hearts, there- fore it is written, what I say unto you, I say unto all, watch. Mark xiii. 37. O let us watch continually, pray with- out ceasing, and in every thing give thanks ; let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us ; the more Satan has lost, the more bitter he will be : let us be sober, be vigilant, for the devil, like a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter v. 8. Therefore let us continually be found in the valley of humiliation, and as we have received Christ Jesus, the Lord, so walk in him. 28 CoL ii. 6; and the way will shine more and more unto the perfect day. Prov. iv. 18. A PRAYER. Most merciful God! how can I suf- ficiently rejoice in thy love, and how shall I present myself before thee, that I may come in a proper reverential man- ner, and how can I express my gratitude as I ought to do, how can I be thankful enough to thee, for thy plan of salvation, for the revelation of thy word, and will to man ; — -O Saviour, thou hast redeemed me by thy blood. In thee I have the forgiveness of sins, Eph. i. 7; thou hast also healed me, and given the earnest of the Spirit into my heart. 2 Cor. i. 22. increase my faith more and more, en- lighten the eyes of my understanding more and more, that I may have clearer views of thy death and sufferings, thy grace and mercy, and the salvation which thou hast purchased for me, through thy death and sufferings, which thou dost so freely give us, in thy gospel ! 1 will praise thee for thine unspeakable goodness, and thy rich graces and mer- 29 cies to me. I that have heretofore been a habitation of devils, have now become the temple of thy Holy Spirit! I who have been a slave to sin, am now a child of God ! I, who have heretofore been a dwelling for unclean spirits, am now the joy of angels! I, who have heretofore been laboring under a load of guilt and sin, and was led captive at Satan's will, am now filled with joy, peace, and the Holy Ghost ! who now dwelleth in me, and is given unto me by the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ. Satan, and all the enemies of my soul, which have so long kept me a bond slave, are driven out of my heart, and I am made free, and whom the Son makes free, is free indeed. O what mercy I have received. I have found grace! How can I be thankful enough; thy praise shall ever be found in my lips. Now merciful Saviour, I pray thee, do not leave me, take not thine arm of pow- er from me ; O preserve me that I may never settle down in security, depend- ing on former experience. O enable me to watch continually, that I may never be led astray by the enemy, or deceiv- ed by sin ! O confirm my heart by thy 3* 30 grace, that I may ever hate sin, and flee the temptation as I would from ruin's brink. Thou hast made me free, O let me never again become a slave ; thou hast cleansed my heart, O let it never be defiled again. O may it ever be a temple, and a dwelling for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen. 31 FIGURE IV. THIS IS TO REPRESENT THE HEART OF THE SINNER, WHO THROUGH CHRIST, IS RECONCILED TO GOD, AND IS DETERMINED TO KNOW NOTHING BUT CHRIST, AND HIM CRUCIFIED. In the heart of the sinner thus favor- ed, and purified, there is nothing to be seen, but a crucified Saviour, and the tokens of his sufferings ; for the Holy- Spirit, who now reigns and rules there, and under whose direction it is now pla- ced, can be enlightened no better in the love of God, than by continually keep- ing in clear view a crucified Christ. — Nailed to the cross, reared between the heavens and the earth, he thinks he hears his expiring groans ; the sinner's mind is constantly drawn out in contemplating the sufferings and death of his Saviour, how much it has cost the Son of God to redeem him, the thoughts that he is re- deemed from the bondage of sin, these complicated mercies now occupy his mind constantly; now he says with St, Paul, I know nothing but Christ, and him crucified ; God forbid, that I should glo- ry, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified 32 unto me, and I unto the world. 1 Cor. ii. 2 Gal. vi. 14. In meditating on the sufferings and death of his Redeemer, and in commun- ing with the Holy Spirit, he finds such comfort and strength, that his whole heart is so filled, that from the abundance of which the mouth speaketh in the lan- guage of the apostle : If God be for us, who can be against us, he that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him free- ly give us all things? Rom. viii. 31, 32. The death and sufferings of Christ, is to him a pledge of the love of the Father. Now he says if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new ; and all things are of God, who hath reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ, not imputing our trespasses unto us. 2 Cor. v. 17, 18, 19. Now he puts all his trust in God through Christ, in full assurance of faith, knowing that a Fa- ther that would give his only Son, thus to suffer and die for us, will not withhold anything from us, that is good for us to enjoy. Now when in this way a crucified Sa- viour has come into his heart, so that he 33 can claim him as his own, and is sent there from the Father, and dwells there, I then he finds in himself a well of water springing up, which not only yields him constant comfort, but strength, to do the righteous will of his heavenly Father; his faith is in lively exercise, fixed I through a crucified Saviour, anchored within the vale ; he is firmly established in the love of God, which gives him a disgust or hatred to all worldly pleas- ures ; lusts of the flesh, carnal appetite, earthly comforts, or any satisfaction in transitory objects, he hears a voice with- in him constantly, as if the crucified Sa- viour were calling unto him, saying, If thou wilt be my disciple, take up thy | cross daily, deny thyself, and follow me. Matt. xvi. 24. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Matt. x. 38. The whole bent of his mind, is aspir- ing for more of a conformity to the will of God ; O that I were now like my Sa- viour; his constant theme is breathing after holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Heb. xii. 14. He speaks in the language of the apostle, Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from 34 all filthiness of the flesh, and spirit, per- fecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. vii. 1. He prayeth without ceasing, with all prayer and supplication in the spirit. Eph. vi. 18. To do good, and communicate, he will not forget; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii. 16. He rejoices when he suffers reproach for Christ's sake, whether af- fliction, temptation, distress, adversity, or persecution, he is willing to bear it patiently; knowing that if he suffers with his master here, he shall also reign with him. None of these trials move him; he says, the troubles of this pre- sent life, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed hereafter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us. Rom. viii. 37. Again he remembers, the scriptures tell him, he that overcometh, shall inherit all things. Rev. xxi. 7. Then he hears a sound in his ears, saying, This one thing I do, for- getting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before ; I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God, in Christ Jesus. Phil. iii. 13. 14. 35 PRAYER. O Love ! O my crucified loving Sa- viour! thou hast reconciled me unto God ! thou hast filled me with holiness ! thou shalt henceforth be seen in my heart ! O may thy sufferings and death be ever alive in my memory. O may that love, with which thou hast loved me, be in me, and penetrate through my whole soul ! reign in all my thoughts, and regulate all my powers! may I be re- newed after thine own likeness, that thine image may be enstamped in me, that the fruits of thy sufferings and death may be seen in me ! O give me that mind, that all that I heretofore trusted in, or built upon, or considered gain, may now be esteemed as loss, and dross, compared with the knowledge of, and the incomparable love in Christ. Be thou all, and in all to me, and all without thee, be as nothing to me, that I may win thee, and be found in thee, that I may not trust in my own righteousness, which may proceed from the deeds of the law; but may I be found at all times having thy righteous- ness through faith with which only I can stand before God. That the language 36 of my heart may be every moment, I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me ; and the life which I now live, in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal. ii. 20. Dear Saviour, let my mind be firmly, and invariably stayed on thee, who art the author and finisher of my faith. May thy cross strengthen me in trials and temptation; in every tri- al direct mine eyes to thee, in doubts, fears and dark hours, let thy love be a light unto me ; be thou my sun and shield, that I may neither grow weary nor faint, but patiently run the race, fight the good fight, and keep the faith ; that I may re- ceive the crown, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. There's none can tell the Saviour's love ; He hears affliction's sigh, And comforts with the heavenly dove, Nor lets the humble die. Oh ! precious love, Oh ! love divine, And did my Saviour die, To save this trembling soul of mine. That I might reign on high. Oh ! that each mortal knew the Lord, - And felt his mighty love ; He'd grant to them a rich reward, To dwell with him above. The representation of a sanctified heart with whom the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit iu/ve made their abode. 37 FIGURE V. THE REPRESENTATION OF A SANCTIFIED HEART, WITH WHOM THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT HAVE MADE THEIR ABODE. 