BAPTIST MAGAZINE. JULY, 1828. ON ARDENT CONCERN FOR THE CON- To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. majority of their supporters into individual contact with souls which they might be instrumental in saving, there is another respect in which this concern may be more fully and effectively developed; and that is, the activity of the members of our churches, directed to the conversion of their companions in public worship, their neighbours, and fellow-citizens. To assert that there is a serious neglect of this subject, when local institutions of a religious character, and when commodious meetinghouses and large congregations have multiplied in the present day, may seem precipitate and unjust; yet when, notwithstanding these things, complaints of the want of prosperity are loud and frequent, suggestions on the importance of devoting particular attention to it, cannot be ill-timed or injudicious. If by any means I might save some."-Such was the Apostle's declaration, when submitting his conduct to the influence of the most solemn truths; and such is the secret of a character, distinguished beyond parallel by sacred decision and enterprize. Every pious heart must be afflicted by the scenes of iniquity which open around us in every direction, and in proportion to our personal interest in the benefits of redemption, must be the purity and vigour of our concern for the conversion of others. The magnitude of salvation in the apprehensions of those whose hearts have thrilled with penitence, and who have anxiously sought repose from the fear of future misery in the love of the Saviour, should animate to noble efforts for the recovery of the lost. And nothing can be imagined a more infallible criterion of religious declension, than indifference on church-membership? this point. Our numerous public institutions, our Bible, Missionary, Tract, and Sunday School Societies, may be considered as evidence of a concern for the salvation of sinners, which has grown in our day to an importance, both in plan and effort, incomparable with the spirit of some preceding ages; but not to say that the operations of such institutions are general on the moral state of society, and that they seldom bring the VOL. III. 3d Series. It is an important question, the answer to which must influence our subsequent remarks, how far this design enters into the constitution of a Christiau church, and is included in the obligation of There are unquestionably some persons, who imagine that when they have formed themselves into a church, procured the regular administration of the ordinances for their own benefit, and obtained a ministry gratifying their own taste, they have nothing more to regard; but, as though the design of heaven were fulfilled in their experience, repose in indolent, and almost solitary enjoyment. They are indifferent to the increase of U as a the congregation, the acceptance | to believe, but embracing the conof the minister, and having never version from all the kindreds of the interested themselves in the pro- earth, of " a number which no gressive improvement of others, man can number." Neither is this they sometimes regard an addition purpose or design, in the glory to their church as an intrusion, or which attends its completion, to be at least a subject of jealousy and referred solely to another world, suspicion. And though instances, or another period; it defines the we hope, are few, in which this operation, and gives efficacy to consummate hardness of heart is the means, which are at any modisplayed, there are many cases in ment in our hands, distinguishing which a successful minister and the preaching of the cross his more ardent friends have to blessing to sinners, and entering deplore some indications of it; essentially into the constitution of and this, it should be recollected, the church, as a fold into which like every modification of the self- those who have wandered long and ishness of our depraved nature, is widely are successively to be gasubtle in its operation, and as mis- thered. That man may soberly chievous as subtle. be affirmed to degrade the church There are many scriptures which of God upon earth, who does not place on us the obligation to regard regard it as the irradiating centre the spiritual necessities of the of those influences which are to world; such are the frequent ex- enlighten and convert the world; hortations of the apostles, and even and who does not therefore conthe instructions of Christ himself. template its various services as Every one would feel that that important to others, equally with conception of the character of himself. If, then, the purpose of Christians would be inconsistent the Almighty be thus comprehenwith the Gospel, which could not sive in the daily operation of its be resolved into the apostolic de- institutions, it becomes one of the scription, "lights of the world, plainest duties of every member to holding forth the word of life." seek the salvation of those around But there is one general remark him, and when united to a church, which seems conclusive on this to consider himself one of a sacred subject, which relates to the sub-host, devoted to the task of deservience of the Christian church, stroying the empire of Satan. as existing in the world, to the fulfilment of the purpose of grace. "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he had purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in him." Eph. i. 9, 10. Let such views as these be entertained, and they will render our designs spiritual, and prevent that disgusting and unholy self-conceit which frequently elevates the most incompetent to turbulent activity and arrogant dictation; as if church membership conferred a personal and secular importance on every individual-a mistake, or rather a crime, which lies at the foundation The purpose of grace, or the of much of the anarchy in our design of the Gospel, is compre-churches at present. Indeed, conhensive and universal; not suffer- fusion might naturally be expected ing us to limit our views to the final as the uniform result of every unsalvation of those who are known guarded assumption; for if the importance of church membership the dread of an exposure to its be not spiritual and relative, it no virulence has perhaps too often sooner becomes personal and secu-prevented the fervour and indelar, than it infallibly generates pendence of pulpit addresses.--pride and contention; slights are Thinking of what in the preaching imagined where none were intend- of the Gospel may be sanctified ed, every measure is debated for to others as well as to ourselves, the mere display of a debate, and turning the look of affection, in a the most sacred decision and en- promiscuous assembly, upon many terprise of the minister are checked to whom we know the language of for the sake of making him feel his reproof and warning would be dependence and insignificance-a suitable, we long for the counterfeeling which, did it comport with part of the Apostle before Felix. his intellectual or pious character, His people's prayers are among would establish a disqualification the supports of a minister, and for his office. since the certain efficacy of prayer cannot be limited by us, earnest supplications for success in his labours should never be omitted. Besides, should those who are partially impressed hear such supplications from a church, in aid of the addresses which have arrested their attention from the pulpit, the effect may be important. What may not be expected from a church striving, both in preaching and in prayer, for the conversion of sinners? Supposing the spirit of concern for the conversion of sinners, or of anxiety for the prosperity of a church as connected with the increase of its numbers, this spirit will be seen 1. In an attachment to an awakening ministry, and in prayer for its success. Nothing is a plainer proof of indifference to the purpose of God, in the preaching of the cross, than the complaint that such a minister preaches not to me, but to others; for I need to be comforted as a child of God, but he is too frequently warning the ungodly. A judicious minister, or "a scribe well instructed," will be careful not to afford just ground for such a complaint, since he has to seek the edification of believers; but when he "divides to every one his portion of meat in due season,' he must not forget that probably the greater division of his auditory need warning and reproof; besides, the proper application of a subject full of instruction and consolation to the matured Christian, will always afford the matter of a suitable appeal to others; and he cannot be said to have explained it fully, if he neglect this appeal. Indifference on this point betrays the poison of antinomianism, and 2. In courteous attention to either stated or casual hearers. The accommodations of christian worship should always be considered public, and as much for others as ourselves. Any thing like a monopoly by seat-holders of such accommodations, to the neglect of that courtesy which would be shewn to a stranger in a place of worldly resort, is perfectly inexcusable. Perhaps, in some instances, a mercenary disposition has produced this result. Every person, if he wishes to hear occasionally a certain minister, must subscribe, or be made to feel by little indiguities the imputation of sordidness; but supposing that he is sordid, is not his salvation of greater importance than his subscription? A stranger should never enter our sanctuaries without re ceiving the attentions of an anxious | nions, and the occasional acquaintfriendship, and feeling that -all the air is love, And all the region peace. Perhaps pride sometimes leads to a mischievous result-the rich treating the poor with superciliousness, or the poor regarding the presence of the rich as an arrogant intrusion. Let it be remembered that disgust is easily taken, and never removed without difficulty. 3. In the exercise of Christian charity towards those whose conduct is open to particular objections. ance of the pious tradesman, may all yield to the influence of entreaty, and entreaty should be employed. It should not be a cold invitation, but an urgent request, whatever obloquy is encountered, and whatever obligation is created. "Sinners entice.' The scenes of temptation and crime are frequently visited in consequence of entreaty, and ought not the house of God to be recommended to the ungodly? Perhaps no Christian is innocent when he parts from company for public worship, without taking with him as many of his companions as can possibly be prevailed on to go. This duty may require great delicacy. The purity of the Gospel must be maintained, and lead to a Those who have been impressed careful discrimination of character. by a faithful ministry, will be obWhile our congregations are ex-jects of solicitude to ardent Chrisceedingly mixed, as in the present tians. When Jesus looked upon day, the line of distinction be- the young enquirer, "he loved tween the church and careless him;" and as the language of inhearers should be broad and pal-spiration is directed to the encoupable; but still the exercise of ragement of such, the conduct of Christian charity towards the latter is indispensable, lest the last restraint should be broken by them. If their faults have procured them enemies, let not the members of the church be such; if concessions are required in secular concerns, let these concessions be made as far as possible, that they may be retained under an influence which may ultimately be sanctified to their recovery from sin; and let the ordinary occasions of civil courtesy and social intercourse be improved, in the manifestation of a tender concern for their good. 4 In efforts to induce strangers to public worship to attend a faithful ministry. matured Christians to the young and anxious, should always be full of animation. If there be joy among the angels over one sinner that repenteth, ought not the dawn of penitence in those to whose subsequent improvement we may minister, to kindle the highest delight in our bosoms, and to stimulate to an active and inventive benevolence? In this case there will be and 1. Personal attentions, inquiry, encouragement. How much do established Christians owe to the advice of their early Christian friends! The remembrance of the way in which many have been led, ought to be enough to teach them the importThere is scarcely an individual ance of this particular. Perhaps who does not possess advantages an objection is sometimes felt on which may be improved in this account of the possibility of preway, and the improvement of which cipitating the immature; but if, may be of the greatest conse- instead of urging to public deciquence. Relatives, social compa- sion, without any confidential in the usefulness of ministers, especially of young men who have to raise congregations, is prevented by the criminal supineness of others. But, however we multiply parti terchange of pious feelings, en- company, are anxious to bring his couragement be given in careful serious hearers under his ministeadaptation to humility and since- rial influence in private. Much of rity, this danger is inconsiderable. "There are some Christians (but do they indeed deserve the name ?) who would see all the process of conversion going on in the very next seat to theirs, and observe culars, much, after all, must be the fixed attention, the anxious left to the deliberation of an enlook, the tearful eye, the serious lightened mind; duties will arise deportment and all this repeated in peculiar and changing circumone Sabbath after another, without stances, for which no previous dithe least possible interest, or ever rection can be given. Let it be exchanging a single syllable with settled as a determination which the inquiring penitent! Shame, should lie at the foundation of our shame, on such professors! Can daily conduct, that we all form our the love of Christ dwell in such plans, and labour for the convercold and careless hearts? Can they sion of sinners. Let us seek, by have ever felt conviction of sin? devout contemplation and prayer, How easy, and how incumbent is to imbibe his spirit who hourly it to introduce ourselves to such commiserated the distress which individuals; a word, a look, would he saw; who, beholding the mulbe received with gratitude."- titude scattered abroad as sheep (James's Church Members' Guide, having no shepherd, was moved p. 72.) with compassion; who, catching a distant view of Jerusalem, exulting in false security and sin, wept over it; and whose sole employment was to seek and save the lost. Let not apostolic zeal for proselytism be lost to the ministers of the present generation. Oh, for the energy of Whitfield, and for the missionary spirit of a Branerd, a Schwartz, and a Martyn, at home as well as abroad! In this let churches support their ministers, and urge them to it, praying with one heart, "Oh, that the salvation of God were come out of Zion !" 2. The promotion of religious intercourse between the inquirer and other Christian friends, and especially with the minister. This is important on account of the benefit derived from the advice and sympathy of many who are supposed to have a tender concern in such a case. Besides, when our object in view is union with a church, nothing facilitates it more than the opportunity to ascertain its real character; except in those lamentable instances in which the interior of the church is a scene of disorder. An inquirer will always be anxious to possess the friendship and advice of his minister, who must chiefly depend for his knowledge of such individuals on the introductions procured for him by his friends. And that minister will often be embarrassed and checked, that is not surrounded by friends, who, though too judicious to lead him into the dissipation of There is one topic on which these views of our duty confer the greatest importance, viz. the preservation of the peace, or internal prosperity of a church. If this be destroyed, not only the enjoyment of members, but public usefulness is at an end. The guilt which is incurred by interrupting a career of prosperity in awakening the consciences of sinners, is im |