simple definition. -Much of the war of words is a war about words: and men might as profitably employ their steel on windmills. These thoughts occurred to us, when reflecting on the subject of natural or acquired powers, would be any thing but acceptable prayer. Besides, as it would be very indecorous and even ungenerous to show in a closing prayer our feelings of dissatisfaction towards a minister who has just spoken; and as we might do him the great-types, as often brought to view by est injustice by thus publickly preachers and theological writers. censuring his performance, so it When we have been told, that would be equally indelicate to such a patriarch or Jewish saint praise him to his face, and in the was a type of Christ, or such a presence of a large congregation. rite in the old Testament, a type There is nothing good in this of some one in the New, we have practice. Its origin is not good. often found ourselves at a loss to Its appearance is not good. Its know whether the assertion were effects are not good. Let every true or false. If by type, is minister then, at least by his own meant a thing which bears some example, discountenance the thing. resemblance to something else, Were I in that sacred office, 1 the assertion may be very true, would not ask any one to pray at though not vastly instructive. the close of one of my discourses, For in that case, every man is a unless there was good reason to type of Christ; and few rites, believe, that he would not so far divinely instituted, are so entireforget the object of prayer as to ly dissimilar, as to afford no reoffer to me the unprofitable and semblance whatever to each other. noxious incense of adulation. But what may thus be made to prove any thing, proves nothing. Something more, then, than a bare resemblance, between two things, is necessary to constitute one a type of the other, in the Scripture sense. We undertake to say, that the resemblance must be designed, in order to authorize us in making one event or character typical of another. But the question may return upon us, how shall we know when there is a designed resemblance? You may know it, when the inspired writers inform you of it: and you cannot possibly know it in any other way. Here must the landmark be fixed. Here must the line of demarkation be drawn, which is to separate the region of truth from the region of conjecture. All beyond this boundary is dark and uncertain. SCRIPTURE TYPES. X. Y. THROUGH the poverty of language it happens, that there are few words of importance which are not used in a variety of significations. Hence it becomes necessary, when special stress is laid on any word, to define it and to make known the precise shade of meaning attached to it by the speaker or writer. Unless this be done, it is impossible to communicate clear ideas on any moral or abstract subject. The mischief is, every man supposes he perfectly understands terins in common use, when in reality he may attach no distinct meaning to them, or one quite different from his neighbour. Many, very many of the warm disputes in politics and religion, in morals and metaphysics, might be laid asleep by a That there must be some stand ard to guide us on this subject, is evident from the discordant and endless variety of types, which are palmed upon us as scriptural, Now as to the examples above cited, where is the evidence, that the former part of the example, in each case, was designed by God to be a type of the latter, and was made to exist for this purpose ? They are varied and multiplied, || the knowledge of what is such, is according to every man's fancy. to be drawn, not from our imagiIn this way, a grievous tax is im- nation, but from the Bible. posed on honesty and good nature and this tax operates as a bounty upon scepticism. Many are hence driven off to the ranks of infidelity. Those who handle the sacred oracles, are bound to do it with modesty and reverence. They should not treat them, as is sometimes done, with a license, which would be unpardonable even in human compositions. There is another necessary caution: even where there are rites in the Old Testament, which are designed to be typical, it does not Thus a respectable writer makes follow that they were so underGideon's victory and Sisera's fall stood by the ancient Jews who both typical of the spiritual victo- practised them. These rites ries of the Church, because, for- were undoubtedly designed to ansooth, this victory and this over- swer present important purposes throw are afterwards incidentally as well as to point to something alluded to (Isaiah ix. 4. Psalms future. It is to be observed, also, lxxxiii. 9.) as instances in which that real types are generally carri God had afforded help to his peo-ed too far. One thing is typical of ple. The healing of Naaman, another, in a particular respect. the Syrian, and the merciful visit-But the visionary interpreter caration of the widow of Sarepta, are made by him to typify the admission of the Gentiles to the blessings of the gospel, because those facts are referred to by Christ, (Luke iv. 25-27) though for a very different purpose. All the most eminent saints of ancient times are made types of Christ: the histories of Cain and Abel, of Jacob and Esau, of Isaac and Ishmael, of Ephraim and Manassah, are made to prefigure the rejection of the Jews; and the fall and temporary banishment of Nebuchadnezzar, to prefigure the present state of this people. Such is a specimen of the types (and these not of the more travagant kind) which are sometimes furnished for our edification. The general fault in the cases adduced, is converting mere examples, illustrations, and resemblances, into types and antitypes. ex But we have advanced the position that a Scripture type is a designed representation of some future character or event; and that ries the parallel throughout. Because there is a resemblance in one quality, he makes a resemblance in all. Thus a man preaching from this text-" As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up," makes the serpent a type of Christ, and then proceeds to show how much Christ resembles a serpent! In the first place, there is no type here ;nothing but a comparison: and, secondly, the comparison extends merely to the manner and design of being lifted up; i. e. for healing and saving purposes. [R. 1. Relig. Meas. ON DEFICIENCY IN ACCOUNTS OF We have lately understood, that it has been mentioned as a matter of complaint against the American Baptist Magazine, that it contains but few records of Revivals of It has, indeed, sometimes been the case, that churches in our own denomination have been blessed with numerous additions, and we have not given a particular detail of circumstances connected with these events; and for this very Religion. If we did not feel mortified that we are surrounded by such a fault-finding world, we should be amused with the communications which we receive, and with the remarks which we hear are made conce.ning our editorial labours. We are some-weighty reason, that we were not times scolded for not inserting furnished with them. In some ininformation which we have nev-stances interesting narratives of er received; and should we dare to borrow intelligence from our more favoured brethren who send forth a weekly publication, then we are censured for making our readers pay twice for the same thing. Placed, not between two bundles of hay, but betweer. two fires, we should be extremely glad if we knew how to avoid the difficulties to which we are exposed. We really are desirous to the utmost of our abilities, of pleasing all; if we may do it in a way that we think will profit all. To be serious. A few explanatory remarks in vindication of ourselves as editors, may not be unseasonable. We are the more inclined to offer them because we know, that the nature of this case is not understood. If we have not altogether mistaken the character of our own feelings, there is nothing which affords us greater pleasure than the prosperity of the churches of Christ. To hear of the displays of divine grace, in the conversion of sinners, at a distance, is, to us delightful; and to witness the the work of God have enriched the columns of other religious publications, and we simply abstained from copying them to avoid giving offence." We felt a reluctance to be frequently and significantly told, "we have read that account before." Our object in making these remarks, is to leave a distinct impression on the minds of our readers, that such articles of religious intelligence as are alluded to in these remarks will receive prompt and grateful attention. So far as there may have seemed to be a remissness on this subject, we beg leave to say, that in most instances, at least, it has been occasioned by circumstances beyond our control. And we do now earnestly request from our brethren, such statements of the progress of religion in our churches throughout the country, as may serve to animate and gladden the hearts of the people of God. working of his mighty power in DR. ADAM CLARKE'S LETTER TO A our own Congregations, is the most gratifying recompense that attends our ministerial labours. Under the influence of these sentiments, no articles forwarded to us, have been more readily inserted on our pages, than well authenticated statements of Revivals of Religion. It is believed, that no communication of this kind was ever written and sent for our Magazine, which did not receive a place there. 1. Be diligent:-never be unemployed a moment :-never be triflingly employed :-never while away time :-neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary. 2. "Be serious. Let your motto be, Holiness to the Lord. Avoid all lightness, jesting and foolish talking. 3. Converse sparingly and cautiously with women; particularly young women. 4. Take no step towards marriage, without consulting with your brethren. 10. "Be punctual: do every thing exactly at the time: and keep our rules, not for wrath, but for conscience' sake. 11. "You have nothing to do but to save souls : therefore, spend, and be spent in this work: and go always, not only to those who want you, but to those who want you most. 12. "It is not your business to preach so many times, merely, or to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can: to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance, and with all your power to build them up in that holiness, without which they cannot see the Lord.” These rules, next to the Scriptures, will prove a lamp to your feet, and a light to your path: and will at once recommend themselves to your judgment, your conscience, and your heart. From what are termed the "smaller advices, relative to preaching," I shall make a short extract, though several of the subjects here shall be treated more at large, in the course of this let 5. "Believe evil of no one; unless you see it done, take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction on every thing. You know, the judge is always suppos-ter. ed to be on the prisoner's side. 6. "Speak evil of no one else your words especially, would eat as doth a canker: keep your thoughts within your breast, till you come to the person concerned. 7. "Tell every one what you think wrong in him, and that plainly, as soon as may be, else it will fester in your heart. 8. man. Do not affect the gentleYou have no more to do with this character, than with that of a dancing-master. A preach er of the gospel should be the servant of all. 9. "Be ashamed of nothing but sin: not of fetching wood or drawing water, if time permit: nor of cleaning your own shoes, or those of your neighbour. 1. "Be sure never to disappoint a congregation, unless in case of life or death. 2. "Begin and end precisely at the time appointed. 3. "Let your deportment before the congregation be serious, weighty and solemn. 4. Always suit your subject to your audience. 5. "Choose the plainest texts you can. 6. "Take care not to ramble, but keep to your text, and make out what you take in hand. 7. Be sparing in allegorizing, or spiritualizing. Take care of any thing awkward or affected either in your gesture, phrase, or pronunciation. 9. Sing no hymns of your own composing. 66 10. "Beware of clownishness. Be courteous to all. 11. "Be merciful to your beast; not only ride moderately, but see that your horse be rubbed, fed and bedded. 12. 66 Every where recom- mend cleanliness. next to godliness." From these excellent documents, I forbear to make any farther quotations, and come inmediately to the general object which I had in view; and to which, I trust, you will, in the fear of God, seriously attend. Remember, God is the fountain of all good: whatever comes from him will lead to him. His blessing is on his own productions, and his curse on every thing besides. Son of Man, saith the Lord, receive the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. Deeply consider that, to be successful in bringing souls to God, you must bring the spirit of the gospel into the work of the ministry. In order to this; see that you retain a clear sense of God's mercy to your own soul, and of your call to the work; and while you feel his love in your heart, it will not only support you in all trials and difficulties, but will induce you cheerfully to spend and be spent for the salvation of those for whom Christ has died. 2. You preach, not merely to explain God's word, but to save souls whenever you forget this, you go astray. Now, as no man can see the worth of the salvation which God has provided for him, till he be convinced of his want of it; therefore, preach the law and its terrors to make way for the gospel of Christ crucified. But take heed, lest while you announce the terrors of the Lord, in order to awaken sinners and prepare them for Christ, that you do not give way to your own spirit, especially if you meet with oppo sition. Remember that admirable advice, given by the greatest preacher God ever made, to a young man just setting out in the work: The servant of God must not strive, but be gentle towards all; apt to teach; patient: in meekness instructing those who 24, 25. oppose themselves. 2 Tim. ii. law in the economy of the intelFrom an indescribable lectual world, the spirit that acts upon another, begets in it its own likeness.-You will get a profusion of light on this subject, if and unction of Christ with you you take care to carry the Spirit into all your publick ministrations; and preserve them in all your private communications with the people. I have known ministers, and of no mean note either, who seldom have a soul comforted under their ministry, merely bener cause of their harsh, austere man Others, far their inferiors in point of preaching the gospel. of ministerial qualifications, get souls for their hire wherever they come, principally (under God) through their affectionate manner of recominending the gospel of the grace of Christ. it has been justly said, They Of the former make even the promises of God too hot to be held. people; therefore, avoid continu3. Beware of discouraging the ally finding fault with them. This does very great hurt. There are some, whose nothing but terror: and though sermons impress they point out the heights and depths of holiness; yet they leave the hearers no courage to follow on to know the Lord. There are others who become Censors general of the different societies to whom they preach. This (imperceptibly to themselves) spoils their own tempers, begets a spirit of uncharitableness, and greatly injures their usefulness. find a society fallen or falling, examine as closely as you can te If you |