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PRINCETON,   N.  J. 
SAMUEL   AGNEW, 

■^  OF    PHILADELPHIA,    PA. 

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BV  3667  .D38  D38  1833 
Davis,  John,  1802-1875. 
A  brief  memoir  of  the  late 
Rev.  Richard  Davis,  of 


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BRIEF    MEMOIR 

OF    THE    LATE 

REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS, 

OF  WALWORTH; 


^  ^ftrtflj  uf  tl^e  Sermon 

Delivered  ou  occasion  of  his  Death, 

BY  THE  REV.  F.  A.  COX,  LL.  D. 

AND 

SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS  OF  THE  DECEASED. 


COMPILED    BY    HIS    SONy'' 

THE  REV.  JOHN  DAVIS. 


LONDON : 

PUBLISHED    BY    G.    WIGHTMAN,    PATERNOSTER-ROW. 
J  833. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

Th  e  compiler  of  the  following  sheets  has  to  ex- 
press his  most  sincere  regret  that  his  work  appears 
at  so  much  later  a  period  than  that  for  which 
it  was  originally  announced.  The  delay  has  arisen, 
for  the  most  part,  out  of  a  series  of  hindrances 
against  which  it  had  been  scarcely  possible  to 
provide,  and  a  detail  of  which  would  be  far  more 
curious  than  useful.  The  records  and  memorials 
of  solid  worth,  however,  are  at  no  time  devoid  of 
interest  to  those  by  whom  that  worth  is  held  in 
its  proper  estimation.  The  compiler  ventures  to 
hope,  therefore,  that  his  little  work  will  be  so 
received,  by  the  immediate  friends  of  his  late 
father,  as  well  as  by  those  portions  of  the  reli- 
gious public  to  whom  he  was  less  intimately 
known,  but  who  yet  may  feel  a  pleasure  in  cherish- 
ing his  memory,   as  to  evince  that  they  neither 


IV  ADVERTISEMENT. 

deem  the  delay  which  has  occurred  unpardon- 
able, nor  account  the  recollections  of  his  departed 
parent  the  less  valuable  because  the  medium  for 
assisting  those  recollections  is  furnished  some- 
what later  than  might  fairly  have  been  expected. 

Walworth,  August  1833. 


CONTENTS. 


Page 
Advertisement  .         .  .....      iii 

Memoir .1 

Funeral  Sermon         .         .         .       ' .         .         .         .         .97 

SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I.  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  I  liad  not  thought  to  see  thy 

face  :  but  lo,  God  hath  shewed  me  also  thy  seed.     Gen. 
xlviii.  11 113 

II.  He  that  spared  not  bis  own  Son,  but  delivered   him  up 

for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us 

all  things  ?     Rom.  viii.  32. 125 

III.  Men  ought  always  to   pray,   and   not   to  faint.     Luke 
xviii.  2 133 

IV.  And  if  the  righteous  scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  tlie 
ungodly  and  the  sinner  appear"?     1  Pet.  i v.  18       .         .1-18 


VI  CONTENTS. 

Page 

V.  (An    Ordination  Sermon.) — Thou,  therefore,  my  son,  be 

strong-  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.     2  Tim.  ii.  1.   162 

VI.  And  thou  saidst,  I  will  surely  do  thee  good.  Gen. 
xxxii.  12 169 

VII.  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts 
unto  your  children  ;  how  mucli  more  shall  your  heavenly 
Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him  ?  Luke 


si.  13. 


On  the  Compassion  of  Christ 
On  walking-  with  God 
Notices  of  Religious  Experience 
Obituary  of  Eliza  Davis 


182 

196 
204 
208 
220 


LETTERS. 

I.  To  his  daughter  E.  at  school  .....  232 

II.  To  the  same 234 

III.  To  the  same 235 

IV.  To  his  daughter  N.  at  school         .....  236 

V.  To  the  same 237 

VI.  To  Mr.  T.  Devonport 238 

VII.  To  the  same 239 

VIII.  To  the  same 241 

IX.  To  the  same  ........  242 

X .  To  the  same 246 

XI.  To  the  same 248 

XII.  To  the  same .  251 


COxVTENTS, 


XIII.  Pastoral  Letter  to  tlie  Church  at  Devonport 

XIV.  Ditto 

XV.  To  his  son  J. 

XVI.  To  the  same 

XVII.  To  the  same     . 

XVIII.  To  his  sons  J.  and  J. 

XIX.  To  his  son  J.      . 

XX.  To  the  same 

XXI.  To  Mrs.  H.,  Liverpool 

XXII.  To  Mrs.  Davis 

XXIII.  To  the  same 
Select  Sentences  extracted  from  various  Letter 


Page 

.  251 

.  256 
.  261 
.  ib. 
.  262 
.  ib. 
.  263 
.  264 
.  265 
.  269 
.  270 
272 


1 


MEMOIR. 


MEMOIR. 


*'  The  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed ;  but  the 
name  of  the  wicked  shall  rot."     The  words  of  the 
wise  man  express  what  ought  to  be,  and  what  shall 
be  in  the  better  ages  of  the  world,  and  in  the  light 
of  eternity,  rather  than  what  now  is.     The  great- 
ness of  bad  but  eminent  men  is  too  often  suffered 
to  throw  a  veil  over  their  utter  destitution  of  good- 
ness, and,  for  a  season,  to  conceal,  though  it  can- 
not destroy,  the  rottenness  of  their  names ;  while 
mere  goodness,  though  in  itself  true  greatness,  the 
only  greatness  in  the  estimation  of  a  pure  and  holy 
God,  if  unaccompanied   by  qualities   of  a  more 
glaring  character,  is  apt  to  fall  under  contempt, 
and  to  excite  scarcely  any  kind  or  degree  of  in- 
terest.    It  is,  however,  a  cheering  consideration, 
that  this  is  not  universally  the  case,  and  that  there 
are  many,  very  many,  to  whom,  next  to  the  con- 
templation of  living  worth,  no  higher  gratification 
-caxi  be  afforded  than  is  to  be  found  in  cherishing 


'Z  MEMOIR    OF 

the  memory  departed  excellence — in  dwelling 
upon  the  record  of  the  lives  and  deaths  of  holy 
men — or  in  meditating  upon  such  illustrations  of 
their  piety  as  they  may  have  left  behind  them. 
And,  as  the  subject  of  the  present  sketch  was 
remarkable  for  his  goodness  rather  than  his  great- 
ness, for  moral  and  spiritual  excellence  rather  than 
for  intellectual  (though  not  unendowed  with  some 
of  the  elements  of  distinction  of  the  latter  kind), 
it  is  presumed  that  to  readers  of  the  class  just 
described  the  contents  of  this  volume  will  admi- 
nister edification  and  pleasure ;  while  to  the  be- 
reaved widow  and  family  of  the  deceased  minister, 
as  also  to  a  large  circle  of  Christian  friends,  the 
work  will  serve  as  a  pleasing  though  mourn- 
ful remembrancer  of  one  who  was  esteemed  by 
them  all,  by  many  of  them  loved,  and  regarded 
with  the  largest  measure  of  affection  by  those  of 
them  to  whom  he  was  most  intimately  known. 

The  late  Rev.  Richard  Davis  was  born  at 
Chatham,  in  Kent,  March  9,  1768.  He  was 
brought  into  the  world  under  very  affecting  cir- 
cumstances ;  his  mother  having  been  bereaved  of 
her  husband,  the  much-loved  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
church  at  Chatham,  a  few  months  before  the  birth 
of  her  son  took  place.  Thus,  before  he  saw  the 
light,  was  he  manifestly  cast  upon  the  care  of  that 


UEV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  3 

God  in  whom  "  the  fatherless  find  mercy."  Nor 
did  that  care  prove  vain.  From  his  birth  to  his 
death  his  wants  were  ever  amply  though  not 
lavishly  supplied ;  and  he  experienced  the  truth 
of  that  inspired  expression  of  confidence,  "  When 
my  father  and  my  mother  forsake  me,  then  the 
Lord  will  take  me  up."  He  was  trained  under  the 
care  of  his  maternal  grandfather,  who  was  a  deacon 
of  the  church  of  which  his  father  had  been  the 
pastor.  Under  his  roof  he  was  initiated  into  the 
great  truths  of  religion.  The  instructions  which 
he  there  received  were  followed  by  a  blessing  -,  for 
in  early  life  he  became  the  subject  of  serious  im- 
pressions, occasionally  very  deep,  which  issued 
in  his  conversion  to  God  when  he  was  about  twenty 
years  of  age.  Soon  after  this  all-important  change 
had  occurred  he  became  a  member  of  the  church 
at  Chatham,  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
late  Mr.  Knott. 

At  Rye  in  Sussex,  at  which  place  he  resided  for 
a  short  time,  he  commenced  his  ministerial  career, 
being  frequently  engaged  in  preaching  for  the  late 
Mr.  Purdy.  Here,  however,  he  was  not  regularly 
called  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  This  did  not 
occur  till  his  return  to  Chatham,  where  most  of 
his  early  years  were  spent,  and  where,  in  the  year 
1793,  when  about  twenty-five  years  of  age,  he  was 
formally  consecrated  to  the  service  of  God  in  the 
b2 


MEMOIR    OF 


Gospel  of  his  Son.  It  may  be  interesting  to  state 
that,  at  the  time  of  which  the  narrative  now  speaks, 
the  business  of  setting  apart  to  the  ministry  was 
attended  to  in  a  manner  eminently  calculated  to 
impress  the  mind  of  the  candidate  for  the  work  of 
an  evangelist  with  a  deep  sense  of  the  importance 
of  the  duties  he  was  about  to  undertake,  and  of 
his  indispensable  and  extensive  need  of  the  in- 
fluences of  the  Holy  One  in  order  to  their  right 
fulfilment.  In  the  present  instance  there  was  a 
public  service  held,  and  a  charge  was  solemnly 
delivered,  consisting  of  such  topics  as  were  adapted 
to  the  occasion,  while  the  whole  was  accompanied 
with  prayer  for  those  special  blessings  which  the 
case  required.  A  mode  of  proceeding  this  of  which 
there  are,  it  is  believed,  very  few  instances  at  the 
present  time;  and  the  revival  of  which  is  not,  per- 
haps, undesirable.  It  is  easy  to  account  for  its 
discontinuance.  In  consequence  of  the  now  ge- 
nerally prevailing  practice  of  sending  young  men 
possessed  of  ministerial  qualifications  to  some  one 
or  other  of  our  Academical  Institutions,  the  work- 
man is  thrown  back,  for  a  season,  from  his  work, 
and  made  to  pass  through  an  appropriate  course  of 
preparation.  The  minister  for  a  time  is  thus  lost 
in  the  student,  and  the  sense  of  importance  and 
responsibility  which  attaches  to  the  former  cha- 
racter is  not  fdt  to  attach  to  the  latter.     The 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  O 

churches  from  which  the  young  men  go  out  are 
not,  therefore,  impressed,  as  they  seem  formerly  to 
have  been,  with  the  propriety  of  solemnizing  the 
dedication  of  their  members  to  the  engagements  of 
the  ministry  in  so  devout  and  marked  a  manner  as 
once  obtained.  But  is  not  this  diminished  feeling 
of  importance  and  responsibility  fallacious  ?  Does 
not  the  occupation  of  the  ministerial  student  imply 
a  fitness  for  the  high  calling  itself  which  is  con- 
templated ?  And  does  not  that  fitness  involve  the 
existence  of  a  state  of  heart  conformed  to  the 
character  of  the  anticipated  office,  and  as  indis- 
pensable in  the  student  as  in  the  minister  ?  Is  it, 
therefore,  quite  right  that  any  means  should  be 
omitted  which  were  once  employed,  and  which 
might  be  no  less  useful  in  their  tendency  now  than 
they  then  were,  having  in  view  the  deepening  of 
those  impressions  which  the  case  so  manifestly 
demands  ?  Rather,  exposed  as  young  men  are  to 
peculiar  temptations  while  passing  through  theii 
Academical  course,  should  it  not  seem  that  the 
solemnities  employed  at  the  introduction  to  that 
course  ought  to  wear  even  a  deeper  character  of 
seriousness  and  devotion  than  was  formerly  im- 
parted when  no  such  temptations  existed  ?  And 
if  so,  might  it  not  be  advantageous  to  revive  the 
practice  above  described  ?  Might  not  a  return  to 
that  practice  exert  a  most  salutary  influence  upon 


MEMOIR    OF 


our  brethren  while  enduring  the  trials,  and  con- 
tending with  the  difficulties,  and  undergoing  the 
labours  of  the  initiatory  process,  and  conspire,  in 
no  small  degree,  with  all  the  other  means  brought 
into  operation,  to  make  them  holy  and  "  able  mi- 
nisters of  the  New  Testament  ?"  Might  it  not 
become  an  important  aid,  with  the  blessing  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  in  enabling  our  Timothies  *'  both  to 
save  themselves  and  them  that  heard  them  ?"  Not 
that  any  special  charm  could  be  supposed  to  reside 
in  such  services,  any  more  than  in  our  ordina- 
tion-services ;  but,  where  ends  so  momentous  are 
contemplated,  can  we  safely  dispense  with  the 
employment  of  any  scriptural  means  ?  or  can  such 
means  be  too  greatly  multiplied  ? 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  entered  upon  the 
work  of  the  ministry  without  a  regular  education. 
One  reason  was,  that  he  was  married  before  he  was 
called  into  the  ministry ;  and  another  was,  that 
the  advantages  of  Academical  instruction  were 
not  so  highly  appreciated  when  he  began  his 
course  as  they  have  since  been,  while  they 
were  not  so  accessible  as  they  are  at  the  present 
period.  He  was  not  without  his  thoughts  on  this 
subject ;  but  either  they  never  came  to  any  degree 
of  maturity,  or  else  circumstances  prevented  him 
from  carrying  them  into  effect.  After  all,  he  per- 
haps sustained   less  injury  from  his  loss  in  this 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  7 

respect  than  at  first  might  be  imagined.  The 
theory  of  salvation,  the  scheme  of  the  Gospel, 
may  be  well  understood  apart  from  the  possession 
of  learning.  Otherwise  the  poor  and  illiterate 
could  derive  no  advantage  from  the  reading  or 
from  the  publication  of  the  Word.  It  follows,  that 
the  things  which  pertain  to  peace  may  be  explained 
without  the  aid  of  great  or  even  of  moderate  learn- 
ing ;  which  fact  affords  a  general  justification  of 
the  practice  of  employing  unlearned  men  in  the 
work  of  public  religious  instruction.  In  the  ex- 
planation and  enforcement  of  general  truths  and 
grand  essentials  my  father  was  accustomed  mainly 
to  occupy  himself.  He  never  aimed  at  a  higher 
character  than  that  of  a  plain  and  perspicuous 
preacher  of  the  Gospel.  He  never  seems  to  have 
been  tempted  to  aspire  after  literary  distinction. 
He  might  frequently  have  ventured  upon  remarks 
on  the  Sacred  Text  which  an  acquaintance  with 
the  original  languages  of  Scripture  would  have 
shown  to  be  incorrect,  (though  it  is  only  fair  to  say, 
that  the  memory  of  the  writer  does  not  supply  him 
with  an  instance  in  point,)  but  he  never  made  any 
pretensions  to  that  kind  of  criticism  which  can 
only  be  accomplished  with  the  aid  of  at  least  a 
tolerable  share  of  learning.  He  knew  what  he 
was  capable  of  effecting,  and  never  attempted  any 
thing  beyond  it.     At  the  same  time,  he  was  pes- 


MEMOIR    OF 


sessed  of  that  native  sagacity,  that  solid,  well- 
judging  good  sense,  so  essential  to  a  right  under- 
standing of  the  Scriptures-— for  the  want  of  whicli 
no  learning  can  compensate — which  constitutes  so 
powerful  an  auxiliary  to  learning  the  most  exten- 
sive— and  which,,  for  many  practical  purposes,  is 
no  mean  succedaneum  for  learning  itself.  Add  to 
which,  that,  having  enjoyed  a  pretty  good  English 
education  in  his  youth,  and  having  afterwards 
cultivated  an  acquaintance  with  his  own  languao-e, 
his  compositions  were  never  disgraced  by  glaring 
inaccuracies.  His  public  efforts,  moreover,  were 
always  distinguished  by  an  earnestness  and  an 
unction  enough  to  have  covered  a  thousand  minor 
defects,  and  which,  in  combination  with  those 
various  excellencies  whereby  he  was  distinguished 
independent  of  learning,  rendered  his  minis- 
trations highly  acceptable  to  the  great  mass  of 
hearers,  while  they  secured  for  him  the  esteem  and 
the  affectionate  regard  of  the  more  judicious. 

This  seems  to  be  the  place  for  noticing  an  im- 
portant change  effected  in  my  father's  views  of 
Divine  truth  about  the  time  at  which  he  began  to 
preach.  As  a  preacher  he  set  out  upon  what  was 
considered  some  fifty  years  ago  the  thoroughly 
orthodox  scheme  of  doctrine.  He  was  "  not  only 
sound,  but  sound  indeed,^''  having  adopted  those 
tenets  which,  in  theological  phrase,    are  termed 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  9 

supralapsarian.  But  he  soon  found,  that  his  creed 
contained  within  it  but  very  few  topics,  and  that 
those  topics  themselves  involved  but  very  few 
points  of  real  interest,  and  led  to  scarcely  any  prac- 
tical results  ;  while  those  results,  again,  were  rather 
injurious  than  beneficial — rather  opposed  to  the 
sanctifying  tendency  of  the  "  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus'' 
than  in  harmony  with  it.  With  such  a  creed  as 
this  he  had  too  much  enlargement  of  mind,  and  too 
much  piety,  to  remain  long  contented.  With  one 
effect  thereby  produced  upon  his  preaching  he  felt 
especially  dissatisfied.  His  discourses  were,  for  the 
most  part,  addressed  to  believers.  His  heart, 
nevertheless,  better  instructed  than  his  head,  would 
often  urge  him  to  try  to  say  something  to  sinners. 
But  then  his  creed, — his  cold,  exclusive,  repulsive 
creed, — checked  the  flow  of  his  better  feelings,  and 
he  found  that  he  either  could  not  address  sinners 
at  all,  or  that  he  could  only  speak  to  them  in  lan- 
guage adapted  rather  to  drive  them  from  the  Sa- 
viour, and  to  plunge  them  into  despair,  than  to 
win  them  to  seek  an  interest  in  the  great  blessings 
of  salvation  ;  exhibiting  the  warnings  and  threaten- 
ings  of  the  Word  apart  from  its  invitations  and 
promises  —  giving  utterance  to  the  thunders  of 
Sinai  rather  than  to  the  whispers  of  Sion.  It 
occurred  to  him,  that  there  must  be  some  difference 
between  his  own  views  and  those  of  the  Saviour 
B   5 


10  MEMOIR    OF 

and  his  apostles,  since  he  could  not  help  observing 
a  great  discrepancy  between  their  modes  of 
address  and  his  own.  He  therefore  resolved  to 
examine  the  New  Testament  for  himself,  and  to 
form  his  style  of  preaching  upon  the  models  therein 
exhibited,  conducting  his  investigation  in  the  spirit 
and  with  the  practice  of  prayer.  In  agreement 
with  this  resolution  he  began  with  the  perusal  of 
the  Acts  of  the  Apostles.  In  the  inspired  discourses 
of  those  holy  men  he  soon  discovered  the  absence 
of  every  kind  of  reserve  in  their  exhortations  to 
the  unconverted ;  and  that,  without  any  distinction 
of  sinners  into  sensible  or  otherwise,  the  men  who 
crucified  their  King  were  exhorted  to  "  repent  and 
be  baptized,"  to  "  save  themselves  from  their 
untoward  generation" — the  idolatrous  Athenians, 
before  they  could  have  afforded  any  indications  of 
a  spirit  of  awakening,  were  instructed,  that  "  God 
had  commanded  all  men  everywhere  to  repent  " — 
and  a  Simon  Magus,  even  while  he  was  plainly 
told  that  he  was  "  in  the  gall  of  bitterness  and  in 
the  bond  of  iniquity,"  was  yet  urged  to  "repent  of 
his  wickedness,  and  to  pray  God,  if  perhaps  the 
thought  of  his  heart  might  be  forgiven  him."  In 
the  discourses  of  John  the  Baptist  and  of  the 
Saviour  also  he  observed,  that  men  while  yet  in  an 
unconverted  state  were  addressed  with  the  like 
unreservedness :  and,  honestly  following  out  the 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  11 

convictions  derived  from  the  whole  of  his  survey, 
little  as  they  accorded  with  his  once  cherished 
system,  he  thenceforth  adopted  the  practice, — a 
practice  which  he  continued  to  the  close  of  his 
life,  and  of  the  fitness  of  which  he  never  intimated 
the  least  doubt, — of  preaching  to  sinners  in  their  own 
proper  and  native  character,  and  entreating  them, 
by  every  motive  which  could  address  itself  to  their 
reason,  their  conscience,  their  hopes,  or  their  fears, 
to  "  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,"  and  "  to  lay  hold 
upon  the  hope  set  before  them"  in  the  Gospel. 
His  conceptions  on  this  subject  were  confirmed  and 
enlarged  by  the  perusal  of  some  of  the  productions 
of  the  American  divines ;  particularly  Edwards  on 
the  Will,  and  Bellamy's  "True  Religion  Deli- 
neated." He  soon  obtained,  as  the  consequence  of 
this  change  of  views,  the  then  obnoxious  epithet  of 
a  Fullerite;  though  it  is  worth  recording,  as  afford- 
ing a  strong  presumption  in  favour  of  the  correct- 
ness of  the  sentiments  in  whose  revival  Fuller  was 
so  happily  instrumental,  as  well  as  illustrating  the 
moral  and  intellectual  soundness  of  my  father's 
mind,  that  he  derived  his  notions  immediately  from 
the  perusal  of  the  Sacred  Volume^  those  portions 
especially  above  noticed  —  that  from  Edwards, 
Bellamy,  and  other  writers,  he  only  acquired 
stronger  convictions  (so  far,  that  is  to  say,  as  the 
question  of  addressing  sinners  was  concerned,)  of 


12  MEMOm    OF 

the  truth  of  ideas  already  imbibed — and  that  he 
did  not  fall  in  with  Mr.  Fuller's  publications  tilt 
three  years  after  he  had  adopted  opinions  coin- 
cident with  those  advocated  by  that  great  and  good 
man.  From  the  time  of  his  adopting  these  senti- 
ments his  whole  creed  underwent  an  extensive 
modification,  and  he  at  length  settled  down  as  a 
moderate  Calvinist.  This  will  be  seen  by  two 
extracts  from  his  confession  of  faith. 

"  I  believe, 

"  6thly.  That  this  triune  Jehovah  from  eternity 
entertained  purposes,  formed  a  council,  and.  entered 
into  a  covenant  of  peace  and  mercy ;  the  design  of 
which  was,  to  rescue,  of  his  mere  good  pleasure, 
a  certain  but  innumerable  portion  of  the  human 
race  from  the  ruins  of  the  fall,  by  making  them 
partly  holy  and  happy  here,  but  perfectly  so  here- 
after :  and  this  is  usually,  and  with  great  propriety, 
denominated,  eternal  and  personal  election  to  holi- 
ness here,  and  eternal  life  hereafter;  which  is  a 
doctrine  1  believe  to  be  written  in  the  Sacred  Scrip- 
tures as  with  a  sun-beam.     Consequently,  all  who 
are  saved  will  enjoy  that  salvation  as  the  result  of 
such  a  determination  inthejnind  of  that  Sovereign 
Being  who  was  under  no  obligation  to  save  any, 
and  if  he  does,  he  informs  us  that  it  is  his  preroga- 
tive to  *  have  mercy  on  whom  he  will  have  mercy ; 
while,  for  reasons  best  known  to  himself,  he  leaves 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  13 

others  to  the  w^ickedness  of  their  own  hearts  ;  who 
will  be  condemned,  not  hy  any  arbitrary  decree,  or 
for  the  abuse  of  privileges  they  never  enjoyed,  but 
for  vnlful  violations  of  knoivn  laws;  so  that  their 
condemnation  will  be  of  themselves,  and  not  in  con- 
sequence of  not  being  chosen  to  everlasting  life. 
For,  though  the  decree  of  election  has  a  positive 
influence  on  the  salvation  of  those  who  are  saved, 
that  is,  though  it  is  the  original  cause  of  any  being 
saved,  it  is  not  in  the  least  the  cause  of  any  being 
condemned.  Therefore  it  appears  to  me  to  be  a 
truth  worthy  of  God,  and  I  unreservedly  declare 
my  belief  in  it;  though  I  always  feel  it  a  subject 
that  leads  me  to  exclaim,  '  Oh  !  the  depths  of  the 
riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God  ! 
how  unsearchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his  ways 
past  finding  out ! ' " 
"  I  believe,  moreover, 

"  9thly.  That  in  order  to  accomplish  these  pur- 
poses of  mercy  and  grace  Jesus  Christ  has  com- 
manded his  ministers  to  go  everywhere,  preaching 
his  Gospel  to  every  creature,  stating  to  them  their 
danger,  and  pointing  them  to  him  as  their  only 
deliverer,  inviting  them  to  come  to  him  as  '  poor 
and  blind,  as  miserable  and  naked,'  assuring  them 
that  '  whosoever  cometh  to  him,  he  will  never  cast 
them  out ;'  and,  having  done  that,  we  are  to  leave 
the  event  with  him." 


14  MEMOIR    OF 

Such,  in  his  own  words,  were  my  father's  senti- 
ments on  some  of  the  subjects  so  strongly,  and,  on 
the  one  part,  bitterly  controverted  among  Calvin- 
ists  in  his  earlier  days,  and  the  contest  in  regard 
to  which  is  not  even  now  so  near  to  a  close  as 
many  are  ready  to  imagine  ;  there  yet  remaining 
much  ignorance  and  prejudice  on  these  points  in 
the  minds  of  large  numbers  of  very  good  and  valu- 
able persons — there  being  a  sad  congeniality  be- 
tween erroneous  views  respecting  them  and  the 
indolence  and  pride  of  our  fallen  nature — and  the 
great  and  crafty  enemy  of  souls  finding  the  cultiva- 
tion of  such  views  but  too  well  adapted  to  promote 
his  fearfully  destructive  designs.  My  father  deeply 
felt  the  truth  of  remarks  such  as  are  contained  in 
the  latter  portions  of  the  foregoing  sentence ;  and 
at  first,  while  the  matters  of  controversy  between 
the  contending  parties  were  laid  upon  his  mind 
with  all  the  freshness  and  vigour  of  early  impression 
on  a  youthful  spirit,  he  dwelt  upon  them  in  his 
public  ministrations  with  too  much  exclusiveness, 
and  a  disproportionate  measure  of  earnestness. 
"  Young  Melancthon"  thus,  instead  of  converting 
"  old  Adam,"  only  provoked  him  to  maintain  his 
hold  upon  ancient  prejudices  with  the  greater  tena- 
city, and  the  more  violently  to  defend  them.  Such 
was  my  father's  experience ;  and  in  time,  uniting 
wisdom  with  his  knowledge,  while  he  retained  those 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  15 

views  of  truth  which  had  been  acquired  in  the 
manner  above  described,  he  mixed  them  up  with 
the  whole  course  of  his  ministrations,  instead  of 
giving  them  an  undue  prominence  in  any  part  of 
them ;  he  insinuated  them  into  the  minds  of  his 
hearers,  instead  of  presenting  them  in  direct  con- 
trast with  their  preconceived  opinions  ;  endeavoured 
to  worm  them  imperceptibly  into  their  thoughts, 
instead  of  forcing  a  way  for  them  as  with  a  wedge. 
And  thus  he  continued  to  the  end  of  his  days ; 
perhaps  as  he  advanced  in  life  becoming  more  and 
more  pacific  in  regard  to  the  points  which  had  for- 
merly so  much  engaged  his  attention,  and  con- 
tenting himself  with  the  simple  exhibition  of  truth 
as  the  surest  means  of  eradicating  error. 

The  way  is  now  clear  for  tracing  out  my  father's 
public  course.  Soon  after  he  had  been  regularly 
called  into  the  ministry  he  received  an  invitation 
to  supply  the  church  at  White's  Row,  Portsea, 
for  six  months,  destitute  in  consequence  of  the 
resignation  of  Peter  Edwards,  so  singularly  dis- 
tinguished in  the  baptismal  controversy.  With  a 
view  to  complying  with  this  invitation  he  gave  up 
his  employment  in  Chatham  dock-yard,  and  thus 
threw  himself  solely  upon  the  service  of  the  Gospel 
for  temporal  support.  When  his  term  of  labour 
had  expired  here  he  was  engaged  for  twelve  months 
at  Lyme  in  Dorsetshire,  as  assistant  to  the  late 


16  MEMOIR    OF 

Mr.  Dawson.  After  this  he  preached  for  three 
years  at  Thorn  in  Bedfordshire,  to  the  church  now 
meeting  for  worship  at  Dunstable.  Then  for  nine 
months  he  supplied  the  church  at  Little  Wild 
Street,  London,  destitute  by  the  decease  of  Dr. 
Samuel  Stennett.  At  all  these  places,  as  well  as  at 
those  at  which  he  occasionally  dispensed  the  Word 
of  Salvation,  his  public  labours  were  both  accept- 
able and  useful,  while  his  conduct  in  private  life 
served  to  illustrate  and  commend  the  truths  which 
he  openly  declared.  At  several  of  them  he  was 
urged  to  make  a  permanent  settlement;  but  cir- 
cumstances, which  it  is  needless  to  explain,  pre- 
vented him  from  complying  with  the  requests 
which  were  thus  made  to  him. 

While  supplying  at  Thorn  he  was  much  occu- 
pied with  the  concerns  of  the  Baptist  Mission, 
which  originated  about  the  time  of  his  residence 
there,  and  with  some  of  the  prime  movers  in  which 
his  local  situation  brought  him  into  frequent  con- 
tact. He  was  associated  with  Fuller,  SutclifF,  and 
Ryland,  on  the  early  committees  for  conducting 
its  affairs,  and  was  accustomed  to  spare  no  pains 
in  order  to  the  fulfilment  of  the  responsible  duties 
which,  as  he  felt,  were  thereby  laid  upon  him. 
The  deepest  interest,  indeed,  was  awakened  in  hi& 
mind  for  the  condition  of  the  perishing  heathen  on 
the  continent  of  India.     This  interest  led  him  to 


REV.  KICHARD  DAVIS.  17 

make  a  proffer  of  his  personal  services  for  the  ar- 
duous but  surpassingly  honourable  employ  of 
preaching  among  them  "  the  unsearchable  riches 
of  Christ;" — a  proffer  which  was  cheerfully  ac- 
cepted, and  which  nothing  but  the  explicit  state- 
ments of  medical  men,  that  the  constitution  of 
his  beloved  associate  would  not  endure  a  tropical 
climate,  prevented  from  being  carried  into  final 
effect.  His  proposal  was  made  about  the  time  at 
which  Messrs.  Marshman,  Ward,  Brunsdon,  and 
Grant*  were  sent  out ;  and  had  it  been  acted  upon 
he  would,  in  all  probability,  have  accompanied 
them  to  their  scene  of  labour.  It  fell  to  his  lot 
to  witness  their  embarkation,  which  took  place  at 


*  It  will  be  remembered  that  three  of  these  are  now  passed 
into  the  other  world;  of  whom  one,  Grant,  was  scarcely  per- 
mitted to  see  the  shores  of  India  before  he  was  called  to  his  rest ; 
a  second,  Brunsdon,  was  summoned  to  his  reward  after  a  short 
residence  of  one  year  and  nine  months  ;  and  the  third.  Ward,  though 
spared  to  accomplish  much  ,was  suddenly  removed,  just  as  his  health 
had  been  recruited,  and  just  as,  therefore,  he  seemed  prepared  for 
renewed  devotedness  to  his  work.  Thus  mysteriously,  to  our  ap- 
prehensions, does  the  Great  Head  of  the  church  deal  with  his 
servants.  With  those  with  whom  my  father  was  not  permitted 
to  associate  in  labour  is  he  now  associated  in  bliss,  in  that  state 
to  which  all  the  followers  of  Christ,  how  diverse  soever  their 
allotments  below,  are  constantly  tending — in  which,  too,  the 
reasons  of  those  allotments  are  explained,  while  that  in  them 
which  crosses  our  schemes,  and  disappoints  our  expectations,  and 
blasts  our  hopes,  is  divested  of  its  mystery,  and  seen  to  be 
"  wisest,  kindest,  beat."^ 


18  MEMOIR    OF 

Gravesend, — a  circumstance  to  which  he  always 
looked  back  with  pecuHar  pleasure.  His  interest 
in  the  Mission  he  ever  maintained,  and  in  the 
latter  years  of  his  life  was  once  more  introduced  to 
a  participation  in  the  management  of  its  affairs, 
being  again  called  to  serve  as  a  member  of  its 
Committee,  and  continuing  his  services  so  long  as 
he  was  able  to  render  them.  It  is  worth  mentionins 
that  the  afflictive  circumstances  of  our  West  Indian 
Mission  dwelt  much  upon  his  spirit  in  his  last  ill- 
ness. In  the  year  1807,  while,  as  will  be  imme- 
diately noticed,  he  was  stationed  at  Liverpool,  the 
bill  for  the  Abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade  passed 
into  a  law  ;  for  which  event,  even  at  that  mart  of 
West  Indian  commei'ce,  he  could  not  forbear 
(though  some  professors  did  not  scruple  to  charac- 
terize the  act  as  imprudent)  offering  public  thanks- 
givings to  Him  who  "  heareth  the  groaning  of  the 
prisoner,"  and  "breaketh  in  pieces  the  oppressor." 
He  had  always  felt  the  liveliest  satisfaction  in 
the  signal  success  with  which  it  pleased  God 
to  crown  our  own  Mission,  as  well  as  the  missions 
of  other  religious  bodies,  to  the  poor  burdened  and 
bleeding  victims  on  whose  behalf  he  had  thus 
presented  the  incense  of  praise.  When,  therefore, 
the  progress  of  the  good  work  among  them  received 
a  check  so  serious  as  was  inflicted  by  the 
events  connected  with  the  late  insurrection  in  Ja- 


REV.  RICHARD  DAVIS.  19 

maica,  it  could  not  be  but  that  he  should  deeply 
sympathize  in  the  general  sentiment  of  grief 
which  the  transpiring  of  those  events,  on  this 
special  account,  excited  in  the  religious  world. 
This  sentiment,  as  has  been  intimated,  he  carried 
with  him  to  his  dying  couch.  Before  his  de- 
parture, however,  he  was  cheered  by  the  glimmer- 
ings of  hope  which  had  been  shed  upon  the  pros- 
pects of  our  West  Indian  Mission ;  and  doubtless, 
in  common  with  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  heavenly 
world,  he  now  rejoices,  with  a  purity  and  elevation 
of  joy  unknown  to  earth,  in  the  delightful  antici- 
pations, which  we  are  now  fairly  warranted  in 
cherishing,*  of  the  speedy  triumph  of  the  cause  of 
civil  and  religious  liberty  on  the  very  spot  which 
has  witnessed  its  cruel  profanation,  and  of  that 
other  and  holier  cause  for  which  the  triumph  of 
the  former  is  but  casting  up  the  way, — the  cause 
of  spiritual  and  eternal  freedom. 

In  the  year  1800  my  father  was  invited  to 
supply  the  church  in  Byrom  Street,  Liverpool, 
destitute  by  the  decease  of  the  late  well-known 
and  highly-esteemed  Samuel  Medley.  After 
preaching  here  for  some  time  he  received  an  invi- 
tation to  the  pastoral  office,  with  which  he  com- 


*  In  consequence  of  the  cbaracter  and  professions  of  Earl 
Grey's  administration. 


20  MEMOIR    OF 

plied,  and  was  finally  ordained  towards  the  close 
of  the  year.  The  late  venerable  Dr.  Fawcett  de- 
livered the  charge  at  his  ordination  from  John  v.  35, 
"  He  was  a  burning  and  a  shining  light;"  and  the 
late  Mr.  Littlewood  of  Rochdale  preached  to  the 
people  from  Phil.  i.  27,  "  Only  let  your  conversa- 
tion be  as  it  becometh  the  Gospel  of  Christ."  At 
Liverpool  my  father's  labours  were  for  several 
years  both  pleasant  to  himself  and  eminently  use- 
ful to  the  people  of  his  charge.  The  congregations 
were  always  very  good,  the  place  of  worship, 
which  is  capable  of  holding  twelve  hundred  people, 
being  well  filled  at  the  Sabbath-day  services,  and 
numerous  additions  were  made  to  the  church  ; 
while  with  his  flock  he  lived  upon  terms  of  high 
personal  friendship,  and  large  Christian  affection. 
Things  thus  went  well,  till  "roots  of  bitterness" 
were  permitted  to  spring  up,  and  some  of  his  people 
became  dissatisfied  with  his  ministry.  It  were 
perhaps  injurious  to  state  minutely  the  grounds  of 
dissatisfaction.  It  may,  however,  be  recorded, 
that  one  cause  of  uneasiness  originated  from  the 

visits  of of  ■ to  the  town.     The 

circumstances  of  the  case  with  respect  to  him  are 
thus  exhibited  by  my  father  himself,  in  a  letter  to 
a  friend,  written  apparently  in  1809  or  1810  (the 
writer  transcribes  from  a  copy  which  has  neither 
date  nor  address),  when  the  term  of  his  residence  at 
Liverpool  had  almost  come  to  an  end.  "About  two 


REV.  RICHARD  DAVIS.  21 


years  ago,"  says  he,  "  a  man  of  the  name  of 

visited  Liverpool,  who  is  a  wild  Antinomian.  I 
was  solicited  to  grant  him  the  use  of  my  pulpit, 
which  I  declined  without  hesitation ;  but  he  has 
had  free  access  to  both  the  other  Baptist  places. 
From  that  time  he  has  generally  visited  Liverpool 
about  once  a  quarter,  and  draws  many  of  my 
people  after  him,  among  whom  are  two  of  the 
deacons.  I  have  carefully  avoided  taking  any 
notice  of  him ;  but  in  consequence  of  his  being 
suffered  to  preach  at  other  places,  and  not  at  mine, 
several  families  have  left  me  and  gone  to  those 
places.  Those  who  have  gone,  and  those  who  stay, 

that  admire ,  have  availed  themselves  of 

this  circumstance  to  insinuate  to  such  of  my  friends 
as  are  by  no  means  of  an  Antinomian  cast,  that 
the  interest  is  sure  to  decline  under  my  ministry, 
by  which  means  they  have  produced  a  considerable 
spirit  of  disaffection  toward  me."  Thus  insidious 
and  pernicious  are  the  operations  of  this  accursed 
leaven  wherever  it  is  introduced.  The  result  was, 
that  my  father  at  last  felt  it  his  duty  to  leave  Li- 
verpool. His  case  was  a  peculiarly  hard  one.  As 
a  minister  he  was  deservedly  honoured  and  loved 
by  the  great  body  of  his  people.  His  labours  had 
been  extensively  useful  among  them,  and  every 
prospect  of  their  continued  usefulness  seemed  to 
present  itself.     His  family,  consisting  at  this  time 


22  MEMOIR    OF 

of  nine  children,  seven  of  whom  were  sons,  was 
just  rising  up  into  Hfe  in  a  situation  which  would 
have  afforded  every  facility  for  their  comfortable 
settlement,  and  perhaps  even  for  their  arriving  at 
opulence.*  Not  a  single  objection  was  formally 
taken,  nor  could  one  have  been  sustained,  against 
hispiety,his  character,  his  conduct,  or  even  his  ortho- 
doxy.f  His  only  crime  was  that  he  could  not  indulge 


»  This  feature  of  tlie  case  drew  from  Mr.  Hall,  who  visited 
Liverpool  about  the  time  of  my  father's  leaving  his  station,  a  re- 
mark to  this  effect : — "  That  no  compensation,  on  the  part  of 
those  who  made  themselves  most  active  in  seeking  Mr.  Davis's 
removal,  could  repair  the  injury  thereby  inflicted  upon  him  and 
his  family."  Such  was  the  sentiment  expressed  by  Mr.  Hall ;  the 
writer  regrets  his  inability  to  furnish  the  phraseology. 

t  In  fact  the  excellence  of  my  father's  moral  and  religious 
character,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  was  by  some  tortured  into  a 
sort  of  salvo  to  their  consciences  for  acting  towards  him  an  un- 
kind and  an  un-Christian  part.  "  Oh !  "  it  was  said,  "  God  will 
never  suifer  so  good  a  man  to  want  if  he  does  leave  Liverpool." 
Good  man  as  they  thought  him  to  be,  however,  and  worthy  of  the 
paternal  care  of  God  as  they  deemed  him,  they  were  by  no  means 
ambitious  of  the  honour  of  becoming  the  instruments  of  that 
care. 

In  further  confirmation  of  the  account  given  in  the  text,  it  may 
be  stated,  that  when  my  father  made  an  appeal  to  the  church  on 
some  of  the  matters  to  which  we  have  referred,  before  the  crisis 
of  his  troubles  had  arrived,  he  received  a  unanimous  and  most 
unequivocal  testimony  in  his  favour  ;  and  it  is  not  to  be  doubted 
but  that,  had  he  chosen  to  throw  himself  upon  the  majority  of 
the  church,  and  thus  to  seek  for  support  against  the  machi- 
nations of  those  who  were  desirous  of  getting  rid  of  him,  he 


REV.  RICHARD  DAVIS.  23 

in  the  spirit,  and  style,  and  phraseology  of  a  certain 
school  of  most  proud,  and  dogmatic,  and  poverty- 
stricken  theology  (if  we  may  thus  desecrate  so 
venerable  a  term) — that  he  could  not,  that  is  to  say, 
dam  up  the  flow  of  benevolent  feeling,  nor  resist 
the  force  of  Divine  instruction  and  example,  in 
withholding  from  unconverted  sinners  the  invita- 
tions and  the  expostulations  on  which  the  Word  of 
God  has  given  them  so  gracious  a  claim — that  he 
could  not  exhibit  the  privileges  of  salvation  apart 
from  the  duties  with  which  they  are  inseparably 
associated,  nor  lay  to  the  consciences  of  such  as 
neglected  those  duties  "the  flattering  unction" 
that  they  still  had  an  interest  in  those  privileges — 
that  in  a  word  he  was  determined  to  proclaim  to 
sinners  the  unfettered  freedom  of  salvation,  and  to 
enforce  it  upon  saints  that  Jesus  is  emphatically  a 
Saviour  because  he  "  saves  his  people  from  their 
sins.^^  For  this  crime  he  was  to  be  denounced  as 
a  legalist,  a  workmonger,  an  Aiiminian,  and  to 
be  robbed  of  the  esteem  and  affection  of  his  flock  j 
while  all  concern  for  his  own  temporal  interests, 
and  those  of  his  family,  was  practically  to  be  given 
to  the  winds.     Such  is  Antinomianism—such  the 


might  after  all  have  stood  his  ground.  Perhaps,  though,  he  mosi 
consulted  his  comfort  by  adojitinj  a  different  course,  cud  it  is 
certain  his  usefulness  was  not  impaired,  as  we  shall  have  occasion 
to  see  as  we  proceed. 


24  MEMOIR   OF 

sin  against  which  its  anathemas  are  directed — and 
such,  where  the  power  keeps  pace  with  the  will, 
the  punishment  which  it  delights  to  inflict  on  every 
minister  who  dares  to  dispute  its  dicta,  or  to  con- 
tend against  its  influence.  From  Liverpool  my 
father's  steps  were  ultimately  directed  to  Trow- 
bridge in  Wiltshire,  to  which  place  he  removed  in 
the  year  1810,  followed,  notwithstanding  the  pain- 
ful circumstances  to  which  allusion  has  been  made, 
by  the  regrets,  and  embalmed  in  the  memory,  of  by 
far  the  larger  portion  of  the  church  and  congrega- 
tion which  he  left  behind  him. 

At  Trowbridge  my  father  succeeded  Mr.  Raw- 
lings,  who  had  reached  the  venerable  age  of  seventy- 
five  years,  nearly  forty  of  which  he  had  spent  in 
this  scene  of  exertion.  Here,  again,  his  work  was 
extensively  owned  and  blessed  by  the  Great  Head 
of  the  Church.  When  he  began  his  course  the 
place  of  worship  was  exceedingly  small,  compared 
with  that  which  he  had  been  accustomed  to  occupy 
at  Liverpool,  being  capable  of  accommodating  not 
more  than  four  hundred  persons.  It  soon  became 
necessary  to  enlarge  it  to  its  present  size,  so  as  to 
hold  seven  hundred  people.  During  the  whole 
period  of  my  father's  continuance  here,  which 
extended  to  the  year  1814,  this  place  was  always 
well  filled,  while  considerable  numbers  were  added 
to  the  church. 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  25 

In  the  autumn  of  the  year  1812  my  father  paid 
his  first  visit  to  London  for  the  purpose  of  supply- 
ing the  pulpits  of  the  Tabernacle,  Moorfields,  and 
the  chapel  in  Tottenham  Court  Road,  for  the  terra 
of  six  weeks.  This  visit  he  annually  repeated  for 
the  seven  following  years,  that  is,  till  he  removed 
to  the  neighbourhood  of  London  ;  when,  according 
to  the  rules  for  the  management  of  those  places  of 
worship,  his  regular  services  were  discontinued, 
although  he  was  frequently  engaged  there  up  to  the 
close  of  his  life.  These  engagements  he  ever  con- 
templated with  a  more  than  common  satisfaction. 
It  was  exceedingly  gratifying  to  him  to  proclaim 
the  truths  of  the  Gospel  in  the  very  places  which 
had  been  reared  by  the  efforts,  and  are,  in  a  man- 
ner, consecrated  to  the  memory  of  the  apostolic 
Whitfield — to  become  the  associate  of  the  many 
able  and  excellent  men  who  have  there  dispensed 
the  Word  of  Life,  and  who  still  dispense  it — and 
to  be  favoured  with  the  opportunities  of  addressing 
the  thousands  who  there  were  accustomed  to 
gather  together  for  the  observance  of  Divine  ordi- 
nances :  so  that,  while,  for  a  season,  he  was  with- 
drawn from  his  own  immediate  circle,  and  com- 
pelled to  leave  to  others  the  cultivation  of  that 
portion  of  his  Master's  vineyard  which  had  been 
allotted  to  his  especial  care,  he  was,  for  that 
time,  filling  a  far  wider  sphere,  scattering  the 
c 


26  MEMOIR    OF 

seed  of  the  kingdom  over  a  much  more  extended 
surface,  "  drawing  the  bow  at  a  venture"  in  the 
face  of  a  much  deeper  and  denser  mass,  and  thus 
putting  forth  his  efforts  where  the  probabiHties  of 
success  were  granted  upon  a  greatly  enlarged  scale. 
To  the  man,  the  Christian,  and  the  minister,  all  this 
was  calculated  to  afford  great  pleasure ;  and  such 
pleasure  my  father  experienced.  Evidences  of  the 
direct  usefulness  of  his  labours  in  this  scene  some- 
times came  under  his  notice.  From  the  very  nature 
of  the  circumstances  in  which  these  labours  were 
conducted  it  may  be  presumed  that  many  more 
such  evidences  exist  which  never  came  to  his  know- 
ledge. And  in  that  world  of  light  and  revelation 
to  which  he  is  removed  we  may  be  well  assured 
he  is  now  learning,  and  shall  continue  to  learn,  how 
these  exertions,  as  well  as  all  his  others,  have  been 
accepted  by  his  Lord,  and  rendered  subservient  to 
the  production  of  the  best  and  most  abiding  results. 
Towards  the  close  of  the  year  1813  my  father 
received  a  request  to  supply  the  church  at  Mau- 
rice Square,  Devonport  (then  called  Plymouth 
Dock),  destitute  by  the  removal  of  the  Rev. 
Isaiah  Birt  to  the  church  at  Cannon  Street,  Bir- 
mingham. Not  having  at  that  time  any  thought 
of  leaving  his  station,  he  complied  with  this  request 
simply  with  the  view  of  affording  a  little  friendly  aid 
to  a  destitute  church,  and  at  the  same  time  hoping 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  27 

to  obtain  some  assistance  towards  the  removal  of 
the  debt  which  had  been  incurred  by  the  enhirge- 
ment  of  the  place  of  worship  at  Trowbridge. 

The  following  letter,  written  in  reply  to  the 
invitation  from  Devonport,  and  addressed  to  the 
leading  deacon  at  that  place,  while  it  is  interesting 
in  itself,  will  serve  to  confirm  part  of  the  statement 
just  made. 

"  Trowbridge,  Wilts,  Nov.  10,  1813. 
"  Dear  Sir, 

"  If  it  had  been  practicable  you  should 
have  had  an  earlier  reply  to  yours  of  the  4th  inst. 
I  sincerely  sympathize  with  you  and  your  friends 
imder  the  heavy  loss  which  you  have  been  called 
to  sustain  of  a  truly  valuable  and  beloved  pastor. 
You  know,  however,  that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  is 
in  this  as  well  as  in  all  your  other  trials,  and  that 
he  hath  said,  '  What  I  do  ye  know  not  now  ;  but 
ye  shall  know  hereafter.'  Whenever  his  explana- 
tions of  mysterious  and  painful  providences  come, 
they  are  always  perfectly  satisfactory;  and  his 
afflicted  people  then  see  and  acknowledge  that '  He 
hath  done  all  things  well.'  As  friends  to  the  cause 
of  Christ  at  large,  it  must  be  an  alleviating  con- 
sideration to  you,  that  your  loss,  great  as  it  is,  is 
the  equal  gain  of  another  part  of  the  same  family 
and  interest  with  yourselves.  He  who  hath  called 
c  2 


28  MEMOIR    OF 

you  to  suffer  this  loss,  has  *  the  residue  of  the 
Spirit.'  He  therefore  can,  and,  when  it  seemeth 
good  in  his  sight,  he  no  doubt  will,  provide  you  with 
another  '  pastor  after  his  own  heart,'  by  whom  he 
will  'feed  you  with  knowledge  and  understanding.' 

"  With  regard  to  my  visiting  you  a  few  weeks, 
it  will  be  a  gratification  to  me  to  render  you  any 
assistance  in  my  power.  The  last  Sabbath  in  this 
month,  the  28th,  is  our  ordinance  day.  It  would, 
therefore,  be  inconvenient  for  me  to  leave  home 
before  then.  But,  if  agreeable  to  you  and  your 
friends,  I  will  supply  for  you,  God  willing,  the  four 
Lord's-days  in  December  next.  I  will  thank  you 
to  favour  me  with  a  few  lines  shortly,  to  say 
whether  you  will  expect  me  at  that  time.  If  you 
should,  and  you  can  give  me  any  information  con- 
cerning the  journey,  I  shall  be  much  obliged  to 
you  for  it. 

"  Please  to  present  my  Christian  regards  to  all 
your  brethren  in  office,  and  to  your  friends  in 
general.  That  you  may  all  be  blessed  with  an 
abundant  'supply  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ,'  whereby 
all  your  steps  may  be  directed  and  influenced,  is 
the  unfeigned  prayer  of, 
"  Dear  Sir, 

"  Your's  affectionately, 

"  In  our  common  Lord, 
"  To  Mr.  Wm.  Tucker,  "  Richard  Davis." 

''Plymouth  Dock." 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  29 

After  supplying  at  Devonport  for  three  weeks 
my  father  received  an  invitation  to  renew  his  visit. 
This,  however,    he   declined,  as   he  still   had   no 
thought  of  leaving  Trowbridge,  and  thus  hoped  to 
have   put   an    end    to    the   overtures   which    the 
church  at  Devonport  seemed  disposed  to  make. 
But,  on  the  contrary,  his  refusal  led  the  church 
to     resolve   upon    inviting    him   at    once   to    the 
pastoral    office ;    which    they  did    in    the    most 
gratifying    and    affectionate    manner.      Still   he 
hesitated  as  to  the  propriety  of  listening  to  their 
invitation,  feeling  very  great  difficulties   both  as 
to  leaving  the  station  he  then  occupied,  and  as 
to  entering  upon  the  one   to  which  an  opening* 
had   so    unexpectedly    been   made ;    and  it    was 
not  till  after  much  correspondence  in  various  direc- 
tions, long  and  anxious  dehberation,  earnest  prayer 
for  Divine  prevention  and  guidance,  and  the  occur- 
rence of  some  events  which  seemed  to  furnish  very 
marked  answers  to  that  prayer,  that  he  at  length 
decided  upon  removing  to  Devonport.     It  has  been 
already  stated,   that   at  Trowbridge    my   father's 
labours   had  been  remarkably   successful.     Some 
obstacles  to  his  usefulness  and  comfort  had  once 
existed  ;  but,  towards  the  latter  part  of  the  period 
of  his  residence  there,  these  had  begun  to  give  way, 
and,  by  maintaining  his  ground,  he  would,  in  all 
human  probability,  have  become,  instrumental  in 


30  MEMOIR    OF 

carrying  forward,  on  a  still  extending  scale,  the 
great  work  which,  by  God's  blessing,  he  had  been 
enabled  to  commence.  The  subsequent  history  of 
the  cause  at  Trowbridge  may  be  regarded  as 
justifying  all  the  anticipations  of  this  kind  which 
might,  at  that  time,  have  been  entertained ;  and, 
taking  into  the  account  the  then  existing  aspect  of 
things,  he  was  severely  censured  by  the  church 
which  he  had  determined  to  leave,  as  well  as  bv 
some  observers  of  the  course  of  events  upon  whose 
opinion  he  set  a  high  value,  while  he  himself  was 
afterwards  led  to  think  that  his  removal  from 
Trowbridge  was  not  capable  of  an  entire  vindica- 
tion. If,  however,  it  were  proper  to  give  publicity 
to  the  details  of  the  case,  it  would  be  seen  that,  to 
say  the  least,  much  might  be  said,  and  truly  said, 
in  defence  of  the  step  which  he  then  took,  and 
that,  in  the  circumstances  in  which  he  was  placed, 
other  and  wiser  men  might  easily  have  committed 
a  similar  error ;  while  it  may  be  stated,  and  none 
who  knew  my  father  will  question  the  correctness 
of  the  statement,  that,  though  others  censured  him, 
and  he  afterwards  censured  himself,  his  own  con- 
science at  the  time,  and  on  every  subsequent  review 
of  the  affair,  acquitted  him  of  every  desire  to  pur- 
sue any  other  course  than  that  which  might  most 
directly  and  largely  tend  to  promote  the  glory  of 
God,  and  the  interests  of  the  kingdom  of  his  dear 


REV.    raCHARD    DAVIS.  31 

Soil.  His  error,  if  indeed  he  did  err,  was  one  of  the 
judgment  only — of  the  head,  and  not  of  the  heart. 
This  vvas  always  felt  by  the  friends  at  Trowbridge, 
and  always,  therefore,  when  he  subsequently 
visited  them,  he  was  received  with  every  demon- 
stration of  respect  and  affection;  while,  in  after 
years,  when  again  deprived  of  a  pastor,  they  would 
gladly  have  placed  themselves  once  more  under  his 
care,  had  he  felt  himself  at  liberty  to  listen  to 
overtures  for  this  purpose,  which  they  were  pre- 
pared to  make. 

In  the  spring  of  1814  my  father  removed  to 
Devonport.  Here,  as  at  his  former  pastorates,  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest  was  pleased  to  give  him  very 
extensive  success.  The  meeting-house  in  which 
he  began  his  course  was  capable  of  seating  be- 
tween five  and  six  hundred  persons.  The  con- 
gregation so  greatly  increased,  however,  that  it 
was  thought  desirable  that  the  accommodations 
should  be  increased  also.  In  the  year  181.5,  there- 
fore, an  enlargement  was  effected,  and  the  place  of 
worship  was  rendered  capable  of  seating  upwards 
of  nine  hundred  hearers.  Of  the  debt  thus  incurred 
the  greater  part  was  wiped  off  by  my  father's  own 
exertions.  The  same  statement,  by  the  way,  is 
applicable  to  the  enlargement  at  Trowbridge.  At 
Devonport,  as  at  the  last  mentioned  place,  the 
event  proved  that  the  increased  accommodations 


32  MEMOIR    OF 

were  needed.  The  chapel,  great  as  was  the  addi- 
tion which  it  received,  was  constantly  filled ;  and 
well  does  the  writer  remember  the  deep  and  solemn 
interest  which  pervaded  the  large  assemblies  ac- 
customed to  meet  within  its  walls.  What  was 
heard  in  many  instances  was  heard,  it  may  be 
hoped,  to  the  saving  of  the  soul;  numerous  addi- 
tions being  made  to  the  church  during  the  term  of 
my  father's  ministry  here.  This  course  of  suc- 
cessful effort  closed  in  the  year  1819.  The  people 
at  large,  both  in  the  church  and  congregation, 
maintained  an  ardent  attachment  to  my  father's 
person  and  ministry,  and  were  most  desirous  of  his 
continuance  among  them.  Unequivocal  symptoms 
of  dissatisfaction,  however,  having  appeared  in 
some  who  had  it  in  their  power  to  do  much  to- 
wards making  or  marring  a  minister's  enjoyment 
and  success,  and  steps  having  been  taken  by 
these  which  indicated  a  wish  for  his  departure 
more  clearly  and  emphatically  than  any  words 
could  have  done,  he  deemed  it  best  once  more 
to  make  a  removal.  He  therefore  acceded  to  an 
invitation  to  become  pastor  of  the  church  in  East 
Street,  Walworth,  destitute  by  the  resignation  of 
the  late  Dr.  Jenkins,  where  he  finished  his  earthly 
career,  after  a  period  of  labour  extending  through 
a  term  of  upwards  of  twelve  years. 

My  father  found  the  interest  at  Walworth  in  a 


REV.   RICHARD    DAVIS.  33 

very  different  state  from  that  in  which  he  had 
found  any  of  the  interests  over  which  he  had  pre- 
viously presided.  A  number  of  the  members  had 
separated  from  the  church,  and  had  gone  off  with 
Dr.  Jenkins.  There  remained  behind  about  forty 
other  members,  beside  whom  there  were  very  few 
hearers.  Here,  therefore,  dying  embers  were  to 
be  re-kindled  —  a  cause  which  had  been  fast 
hastenino;  to  extinction  was  to  be  revived.  In  the 
hope  of  accomplishing  this  desirable  object,  and 
in  dependance  upon  Divine  aid  for  the  realization 
of  that  hope,  my  father  entered  upon  his  course. 
Nor  were  his  expectations  disappointed.  The 
place  of  worship,  capable  of  accommodating  about 
five  hundred  hearers,  was,  after  no  very  long  period 
of  time,  well  filled,  and  some  families  of  high  re- 
spectability became  regularly  connected  with  the 
congregation.  What  was  better,  the  Word  seemed 
to  enter  the  hearts  of  those  who  heard ;  and  here, 
as  at  the  former  scenes  of  his  ministry,  my  father 
had  the  happiness  of  introducing  considerable 
numbers  into  the  church.  Indeed,  the  church 
which  he  left  at  the  time  of  his  decease,  and  which 
consisted  of  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  mem- 
bers, had  been  almost  wholly  gathered  under  his 
ministry;  most  of  those  who  belonged  to  it  at  the 
commencement  of  his  pastorate  having  been  re- 
moved either  by  death,  or  by  other  dispensations 


34  MExMOIR    OF 

of  Providence.  The  respectability  of  the  interest, 
so  far,  that  is,  as  externals  were  concerned,  received 
some  injury  from  the  operation  of  causes  over 
which  he  had  no  control;  but,  up  to  the  close  of 
his  ministry,  the  congregation  maintained  its  num- 
bers, and  good  was  manifestly  wrought. 

One  circumstance  in  my  father's  ministry  here 
it  may  be  allowed  particularly  to  notice.  It  had 
often  been  a  matter  of  regret  with  him,  that, 
though  his  labours  had  been  blessed  to  the  con- 
version of  many  souls  at  all  the  stations  which 
he  had  occupied,  he  had  yet  never  had  the 
pleasure  of  introducing  any  young  men  into  the 
ministry.  This  source  of  satisfaction  was  re- 
served for  his  later  years.  Six  young  men  were 
called  into  the  ministry  by  the  church  at  Wal- 
worth, during  his  pastorate ;  five  to  its  regular 
exercise,  the  remaining  one  to  its  occasional  en- 
gagements. One  of  these,  Mr.  Crate,  has  for 
some  time  past  been  settled  at  Eye  in  Suffolk. 
A  second,  Mr.  Burgess,  has  been  ordained  at 
Luton,  Bedfordshire,  as  successor  to  Mr.  Daniel, 
now  engaged  in  the  Missionary  work  at  Ceylon. 
The  other  four  were  his  own  sons ;  of  whom  one 
is  very  frequently  occupied  in  occasional  minis- 
trations, two  are  settled  down  as  pastors,  and  the 
fourth  *  is  still  pursuing  his  studies  under  the 
•  Written  in  March,  1833, 


REV.     RICHARD     DAVIS.  35 

care  of  the  Stepney  Academical  Institution.  May 
these  all  be  enabled  both  "  to  save  themselves," 
and  very  many  of  "  them  that  hear  them !"  May 
they  follow  the  footsteps  of  their  now  glorified 
pastor  and  father  so  far  as  he  followed  Christ ! 
Thus  may  they  at  length  come  to  be  reunited  with 
him  in  the  world  of  endless  joy  ;  each,  with  their 
several  bands  of  converts,  contributing  to  the 
enlargement  of  his  splendour  and  his  bliss,  and 
all  combining  with  him  in  beholding  and  reflecting 
the  glories  of  their  common  Redeemer  ! 

During  this  the  latter  part  of  my  father's  public 
life,  though  he  addressed  in  his  own  pulpit  a  smaller 
congregation  than  any  of  which  he  had  previously 
had  the  regular  charge,  his  opportunities  of  useful- 
ness were,  perhaps,  as  great  as  those  which  he  had 
formerly  enjoyed.  He  was  frequently  called  upon 
to  occupy  the  pulpits  of  his  Baptist  brethren. 
To  this  may  be  added  that  although,  as  has  already 
been  noticed,  his  regular  engagements  at  the 
Tabernacle  and  Tottenham  Court  Road  Chapel 
had  ceased,  he  was  often  invited  to  preach  among 
his  old  friends :  while  at  Surrey  Chapel,  the 
Adelphi,  and  at  many  other  places  connected  with 
our  Independent  brethren,  his  labours  were  like- 
wise often  sought;  insomuch  that  perhaps  few 
ministers,  in  this  way,  have  occupied  a  more  exten- 
sive field  of  labour.     Besides  all  which,  scarcely 


36  MEMOIR    OF 

a  year  passed  away,  after  he  had  taken  up  his 
residence  in  the  metropolis,  in  which  he  did  not 
undertake  one  or  even  two  joumies,  frequently  to 
remote  parts  of  the  kingdom,  for  the  purpose  of 
collecting,  sometimes  for  the  Missionary  insti- 
tutions connected  with  his  own  denomination, 
but  oftener  for  the  support  of  the  Moravian  Mis- 
sions. On  the  whole,  the  latter  part  of  his 
laborious  life  was  by  far  the  most  laborious ;  and 
thus,  though  his  own  immediate  sphere  was  then 
somewhat  narrow,  he  was  favoured  with  numerous 
opportunities  of  publishing  the  Word  of  Life  in 
the  hearing  of  thousands  who  lay  beyond  that 
sphere,  and  of  administering  a  vast  number  of 
instructions  whose  effect  can  never  be  known  until 
manifested  in  the  revelations  of  the  judgment-day  : 
and  while  a  remark  of  tliis  kind  is  applicable  to 
all  the  efforts  of  every  minister  of  the  Gospel,  let 
his  circle  be  as  small  as  it  may,  it  has  an  emphatic 
application  to  such  a  case  as  that  just  stated. 
Here,  therefore,  we  may  be  allowed  to  reiterate 
the  sentiment  that,  doubtless,  the  disembodied  spirit 
of  the  departed  minister  is  already  rejoicing,  and 
has  new  joy  yet  in  reserve,  while  the  light  of  eter- 
nity unveils  to  his  view  the  real  extent  of  his  use- 
fulness as  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ — while  his 
Lord  and  Master  invests  him  with  those  high  re- 
wards which  he  has  graciously  promised  to  such  as 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  37 

"convert  the  sinner  from  the  error  of  his  way,"  to 
such  as  "  save  souls  from  death,"  and  lead  them 
up  to  participate  in  the  blessings  of  an  endless  life. 

The  foregoing  pages  relate  principally  to  my 
father's  public  life.  His  domestic  history  may  be 
soon  sketched.  The  circumstances  of  his  birth 
and  of  his  earlier  years  were  naturally  noticed  at 
the  commencement  of  our  narrative.  In  the  year 
1791,  when  about  twenty-three  years  of  age,  he 
entered  upon  the  marriage  union  with  Miss  Sarah 
Tamsett,  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church  at 
Rye.  To  this  event  he  ever  looked  back  with 
the  warmest  gratitude  to  the  Author  and  "  Giver 
of  every  good  and  perfect  gift."  And  with  the 
very  best  reason;  for — the  reader  will  pardon 
the  apparent  impropriety  of  which  the  writer  is 
guilty  in  offering  such  a  testimony  respecting 
his  maternal  parent,  and  that  too  while  she  yet 
survives  to  peruse  the  record,  persuaded  as  he 
is  that  those  to  whom  she  is  known  will  not  deem 
him  chargeable  with  any  offence  for  which  pardon 
need  be  sought — if  ever  there  was  a  help-meet 
devoted  upon  the  best  and  purest  principles  to  the 
welfare  of  her  husband  ;  if  ever  there  was  a  mo- 
ther who  tenderly,  and  wisely,  and  unweariedly 
discharged  the  duties  of  her  difficult  and  respon- 
sible office,  such  was  the  associate  of  the  griefs 
and  joys  of  my  deceased  father.     Long  may  she 


38  MEMOIR    OF 

be  continued  to  cherish  his  memory — to  rehearse 
his  excellencies — to  receive  the  tribute  of  affec- 
tionate and  respectfid  regard  due  to  her  for  the 
sake  (Jf  the  relation  which  once  she  sustained,  and 
scarely  less  for  her  own— and  at  last,  in  "  a  good 
old  age,"  may  she  peacefully  leave  her  mortal  part 
to  the  repose  of  the  grave,  while  her  immortal 
springs  upward  to  a  re-union  with  her  sainted 
husband,  which,  founded  on  their  common  union 
with  Christ,  death  cannot  dissolve,  and  eternity 
itself  shall  but  heighten  and  confirm  ! 

Fourteen  children,  nine  sons  and  five  daughtei-s, 
were  born  to  my  father.  Seven  of  these  he  fol- 
lowed to  the  grave.  They  died  at  various  ages ; 
in  infancy,  in  childhood,  in  youth,  and  in  matured 
life.  All  these  he  has  now  rejoined  in  the  world 
of  eternal  bliss.  Of  one,  his  daughter  Eliza,  who 
died  at  Liverpool  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  he  fur- 
nished a  touching  and  interesting  obituary  to  the 
Baptist  Magazine  for  Februaiy  1811,  a  reprint 
of  which  will  be  found  in  the  ensuing  pages.  The 
last  hours  of  his  daughter  Naomi,  who  died  only 
a  twelvemonth  before  he  himself  was  called  away, 
at  the  age  of  thirty-five,  were  so  much  clouded  by 
disease  that  she  was  incapacitated  from  leaving  be- 
hind her  a  dijing  testimony  to  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  But  she  furnished  a  living 
one.  She  was  the  first  of  my  father's  children 
whom  he  had  the  happinesss  of  introducing  into 


REV.     RICHARD     DAVIS.  39 

the  Christian  church,  having  baptized  lier  when 
at  the  age  of  eighteen  years.  Her  conduct,  from 
the  time  of  her  pubhc  profession  to  the  period  of 
her  decease,  was  marked  by  the  operation  of  reh- 
gious  principle,  while  she  not  unfrequently  gave 
utterance  to  thoughts  and  feelings,  both  in  writing 
and  conversation,  which  betokened  a  large  mea- 
sure of  acquaintance  with  the  truths  of  Scripture, 
a  strong  apprehension  of  their  worth,  and  a  deep 
sense  of  their  power.  Thus  living  in  Jesus,  it  is 
not  to  be  doubted  but  that 

"  She  sleeps  in  Jesus,  and  is  blest." 
For  the  others,  not  having  arrived  at  years  of 
responsibilitv,  their  spirits  have  been  welcomed 
to  rest  by  Him  who  graciously  said  while  upon 
earth,  "  Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto  me, 
and  forbid  them  not :  for  of  suth  is  the  king- 
dom of  God;"  and  whose  inspiration  taught  his 
servant  David  to  say,  when  a  loved  infant  had 
been  snatched  from  his  embraces  by  the  hand  of 
death,  "  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he  shall  not  return 
to  me."  Thus  seven  of  my  father's  children  be- 
came his  forerunners  to  the  world  of  glory.  For 
those  who  remain  behind  him  it  is  to  be  said,  that 
all  of  them,  except  one,  received  the  ordinance  of 
Christian  baptism  at  his  hands,  while  in  the  in- 
stance of  this  one  he  had  reason  to  know  before 
his  departure  that  she  too  had  "  chosen  that  good 
part  which  cannot  be  taken  away."     Thus  there 


40  MEMOIR    OF 

exists  a  cheering  hope  tlKit,as  his  surviving  children 
are,  one  by  one,  summoned  into  the  other  world, 
the  message  of  death  shall  be  a  message  of  highest 
joy,  and  that  the  vi^hole  family  shall  at  length 
meet  before  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb,  and 
form  portions  of  the  great  family  of  the  redeemed — 
that,  while  the  stroke  of  mortality  shall  for  a 
little  season  separate  them,  it  shall  also,  in  its  final 
dealings,  repairing  its  own  breaches,  reunite  them 
to  part  no  more — that,  as  they  love  each  other, 
and  pray  for  each  other,  and  seek  each  other's 
welfare  below,  so  they  shall  at  last  gather 
together  where  the  affections  of  time  are  absorb- 
ed in  the  higher,  and  purer,  and  more  enduring 
affections  of  eternity. 

"  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord." 
To  such  as  are  indeed  "  in  the  Lord  "  death  in  itself 
must  be  a  blessing,  by  whatever  circumstances  it 
may  be  attended.  Not  unfrequently,  however, 
those  circumstances  serve  to  afford  still  further  illus- 
tration of  the  words  of  the  "voice  which  came 
from  heaven."  Thus  was  it  with  my  father.  The 
poet  might  have  written  under  the  recent  influence 
of  a  visit  to  his  dying  couch,  when  those  striking 
and  beautiful  expressions  dropped  from  his  pen  : — 

''  The  chamber  where  the  good  man  meets  his  fate, 

Is  privileged  beyond  the  common  walk 

Of  virtuous  life,  quite  on  the  verge  of  heaven,-— 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  41 

His  comforters  he  comforts  ;  great  in  ruin. 
With  unreluctant  grandeur,  gives,  not  yields. 
His  soul  sublime,  and  closes  with  his  fate. — 
How  our  hearts  burn  within  us  at  the  scene  ! 

Whence  this  brave  bound  o'er  limits  fix'd  to  man  1 
His  God  sustains  him  in  his  final  hour  ! 
His  final  hour  brings  glory  to  his  God  !  — 
Sweet  peace,  and  heav'nly  hope,  and  humble  joy. 
Divinely  beam  on  his  exalted  soul ; 
Destruction  gild,  and  crown  him  for  the  skies. 
With  incommunicable  lustre  bright." 

Death  came  to  him  robbed  indeed  of  his  sting  ; 
for  with  him  was  there,  the  calmness  of  faith,  and 
the  lustre  of  hope,  and  the  aspiring  of  gratitude 
and  love,  while  the  whole  was  softened  and  tem- 
pered by  the  overshadowing  of  humility.  The 
following  account  will  be  found  amply  to  justify 
the  language  here  employed. 

My  father's  health  had  always  been  very  good, 
with  the  exception  of  an  alarming  attack  on  the 
lungs  with  which  he  was  visited  when  about 
twenty-five  years  of  age,  from  which  time  up  to 
the  period  of  his  last  illness  he  had  scarcely  known 
what  sickness  meant,  and  had  never,  during  the 
whole  course  of  his  ministry,  been  laid  aside  for  a 
single  Sabbath; — a  remarkable  circumstance,  when 
it  is  remembered  that  that  course  extended  through 
a  term  of  forty  years.  Little  was  it  expected, 
therefore,  that  he  would  be  removed  from  this 
world  to  a  better  so  soon  as,  to  all  who  had  known 


42  MEMOIR    OF 

him,  and  had  marked  the  apparent  robustness  of 
his  constitution, it  seemed  to  be;  and  still  less  did 
it  enter  into  their  calculations  that  he  would  be 
carried  to  the  grave  by  a  pulmonary  complaint. 
Yet  it  was  by  such  a  complaint  that  his  earthly 
career  was  terminated.  His  family  and  friends 
first  became  anxious  respecting  him  about  the  close 
of  the  year  1831,  when  his  countenance  began  to 
wear  a  haggard  appearance,  and  he  betrayed  an 
unwonted  weariness  after  exertion.  This  latter 
symptom  of  decay,  indeed,  had  discovered  itself 
for  some  years  previously,  during  which  he  had 
evidently  been  growing  into  the  old  man  ;  but  at 
the  period  of  which  we  now  speak  it  became 
more  marked,  and  therefore  more  alarming.  Still  he 
continued  his  work ;  and,  with  a  little  aid  (for  he 
was  unwilling  to  be  dependant  upon  others  so  long 
as  he  was  himself  at  all  capable  of  labouring),  he 
regularly  preached  till  the  third  Sabbath  in  March, 
1832.  This  and  the  preceding  Sabbath  he  spent 
at  Maidstone  in  Kent,  whither  he  had  gone  in  hope 
that  a  little  excursion  might  prove  beneficiatto  his 
health.  It  was  remarked  by  the  friends  at  this 
place,  that,  though  he  was  evidently  very  ill,  his 
public  exercises  had  lost  none  of  their  accus- 
tomed energy ;  and  that  the  last  sermon  which  he 
preached  among  them,  and  with  which  his  minis- 
terial life  closed,  was  delivered  with  a  freedom  and 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  43 

a  force  equal,  as  it  appeared  to  them,  to  any  which 
he  had  ever  displayed.  His  text  on  that  occasion 
was  Luke  xi.  13. — "  Ifye  then,  being  evil,  know 
how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children  ;  how 
much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him  ?" 

Before  this,  medical    aid  had    been  called    in. 
He  was  from  the  first  informed  that  he  was  in 
a   very  critical   state,  having   arrived  at   what  in 
advanced    persons   is    called    the    turn    of    life  ; 
but  that,  nevertheless,  he  might  struggle  through, 
and  continue  yet  for  years.     With  the  hope  that 
this  might  prove  the  case  he  sought  partial  rest 
from  his  public  work,  while  appropriate  means  were 
applied  in  the  way  of  medicine  ;  and  in  order  that 
nothing  should  be  omitted  which  might  prove  con- 
ducive to  his  recovery  he  paid  the  visit  to  Maidstone 
which  was  just  now  noticed.     Here  he  consulted  a 
physician,  whose  prescriptions  at  first   seemed  to 
afford  him  considerable  relief ;  and  on  his  return 
home  on  Monday,  March  19th,  it  was  fondly  hoped 
that  he  might  yet  be  spared  a  little   longer.     But 
he  had  preached  his  last  sermon ;  and  an  impression 
that  his  work  was  almost  over  was  produced  on  the 
following  Wednesday,  on  the  morning  of  which, 
being  the  day  appointed  by  government  for  the  ob- 
servance of  a  public  fast  on  account  of  the  visita- 
tion of  cholera,  he  attended  a  prayer-meeting  held 


44  MEMOIR    OF 

at  his  own  place.  He  then  looked  exceedingly  ill. 
He  took  but  a  very  little  part  in  the  service,  only 
giving  out  the  hymns,  and  briefly  concluding  in 
prayer.  He  seemed  to  be  the  subject  of  a  mingled 
state  of  mind,  manifestly  depressed  in  his  natural 
spirits,  and  yet  experiencing  much  of  an  elevated 
feeling  of  devotion.  In  the  course  of  the  service 
he  gave  out  the  first  part  of  the  forty-sixth  Psalm, 

''  God  is  the  refuge  of  bis  saints,"  &c. 

the  fourth  stanza  of  which  reads  thus  ; — 

"There  is  a  stream  whose  gentle  flow 
Supplies  the  citj  of  our  God  ; 
Life,  love,  and  joy  still  gliding  through. 
And  watering  our  divine  abode." 

While  reading  this  he  was  observed  to  weep,  as 
if  anticipating  at  once  the  pain  and  the  pleasure,  the 
sorrows  of  mortality  and  the  bliss  of  immortality, 
towards  which  he  was  so  rapidly  hastening.  This 
was  the  last  public  service  he  ever  attended.  The 
day  after  he  officiated  at  a  funeral,  visited  a  mem- 
ber of  his  church  who,  as  it  afterwards  proved,  was 
near  death,  and  then  returned  to  his  home  never 
again  to  cross  its  threshold. 

Soon  after  this  the  nature  of  his  case  was  ex- 
plained to  him,  and  it  was  intimated  to  him  that 
there  remained  no  probability  of  his  recoveiy. 
These  tidings  he  received  with  the  most  unruffled 
composure.     He  even  wondered  when  he  observed 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  45 

how  much  others  were  affected  at  the  thoimht  of 
his  approaching  departure.     He  was  no  stranger  to 
that  dread  of  death  which  is  inseparable  from  the 
love  of  life.      He  had  often  enlarged  upon  the  cir- 
cumstances which    attend   the   dissolution   of  the 
body  with  an  emphasis  which  showed  that  he  was 
perfectly  alive  to  all  those  shuddering  and  revolting 
feelings  of  which  every  one  is  conscious  when  he 
surveys  the  shroud,  the  coffin,  the  pall,  the  grave, 
and  all  the  sad  paraphernalia  of  funeral  pomp, 
and  reflects  that  the  time  is  rapidly  drawing  nigh 
when  he  himself  must  be  the  principal  object  in 
the  midst  of  all  this  dismal  display, — this  vain  effort 
of  human  pride  (if  we  may  be  indulged  in  a  passing 
comment)  to  give  the  lie  to  that  sentiment  of  degra- 
dation which  death  so  irresistibly  forces  upon  us — 
an  effort  which  betrays  at  once  the  arrogance  and 
the  powerlessness  of  man.  But  though  this  had  been 
the  case  with  him,  he  had  always  been  accustomed 
to  expect  that  when  death  did  come,  it  would  come 
accompanied  by  the  firm  supports  of  the  Gospel — 
that  when  he  should  be  cast  into  the  furnace  of  this 
affliction  his  Lord  would  be  with  him  in  the  fire, 
preserving  him  at  once  from  all   harm,  and  from 
all  sense  of  harm,  and  suffering  him  to  lose  there 
nothing  but  his  bonds.     To  this  effect  the   writer 
well  remembers  an  anecdote  which  his  father  often 
repeated,  and  repeated  with  the  highest  satisfaction. 
While  he  was  yet  a  young  man  he  was  called  to 


46  MEMOIR    OF 

visit  the  dying  bed  of  an  aged  female  disciple.  In 
the  course  of  conversation  she  addressed  him  in 
some  such  terms  as  these  ; — "  I  have  learnt  a  lesson 
on  this  bed,  Sir,  which  the  experience  of  a  long  life, 
and  of  a  long  acquaiiitance  with  the  Gospel  had 
failed  to  teach  me.  1  have  'all  my  life-time  through 
fear  of  death  been  subject  to  bondage.'  I  have 
not  been  afraid  of  the  consequences  of  death  ;  but 
I  have  trembled  at  the  idea  of  dying  itself.  I 
have  wondered  what  I  should  do  when  I  came  to 
endure  these  my  last  agonies,  and  have  distressed 
myself  with  the  apprehensions  which  I  have  suffer- 
ed myself  to  cherish  on  this  subject.  I  have 
wanted  to  have  dying  grace  while  as  yet  I  was  in 
the  midst  of  life ;  but  I  now  find  that  I  did  not 
need  dying  grace  till  I  came  to  dying  moments. 
And  I  have  it.  I  am  indeed  '  passing  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  but  I  fear  no  evil; 
his  rod  and  his  staff  they  comfort  me.'  "  The  like 
experience  my  father  had  expected  in  his  last  hours; 
and  he  was  not  disappointed  ;  for  such  he  richly 
enjoyed. 

The  developements  of  that  experience  will  be 
found  in  the  ensuing  recital  of  various  expressions 
which  dropped  from  the  lips  of  the  departing 
saint.  It  did  not  occur  to  the  individual  who  pre- 
served the  greater  part  of  them  to  prefix  their  se- 
veral dates,  so  that  they  cannot  here  be  presented 
in  chronological  order.     But  perhaps  the  perusal 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  4? 

of  them  will  be  found  scarcely  less  interesting  if 
they  are  so  disposed  as  to  illustrate  the  different 
graces  of  the  Spirit  by  the  operation  of  which  they 
were  evidently  suggested.  From  this  arrangement, 
however,  may  be  excepted  the  following  conver- 
sation, which  took  place  about  the  time  at  which 
my  father  was  first  laid  aside,  as  also  many  of  the 
sayings  uttered  by  him  in  the  last  two  or  three 
days  of  his  life,  which  will  be  found  interwoven 
with  the  narrative  of  those  days. 

On  Monday,  March  26th,  a  week  after  his  re- 
turn from  Maidstone,  and  before  he  was  confined 
to  his  bed-room,  throwing  himself  back  upon  his 
sofa,  he  observed,  "  In  health  we  seem  to  want 
the  comforts  we  have.  How  much  more  in  sick- 
ness !  I  wonder,"  he  added,  "  if  my  gracious 
Lord  ever  was  ill.  He  had  no  comforts,  as  I 
have."  It  was  replied,  "We  know  he  suffered 
hunger,  and  thirst,  and  weariness."  "  Ah  !  he 
did,"  he  continued.  Then,  as  if  his  thoughts  had 
been  led  to  that  passage  in  Heb.  iv.  15, — "  For 
we  have  not  an  high-priest  which  cannot  be 
touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities  ;  but  was 
in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  ivithout 
sin;'' — he  proceeded,  "  Oh,  how  can  any  seek  to 
rob  Him  of  his  honour  by  attributing  to  him  a 
sinful  nature  !  Blessed  be  his  grace  I  have 
been  preserved  from  this  error,  and  have,  if  I  am 


48  MEMOIR    OF 

not  greatly  mistaken,  been  enabled  to  preach  the 
doctrines  of  the  Gospel  in  all  their  blessed  purity. 
I  love  the  salvation  of  the  cross  because  of  its  jus- 
tice, its  purity — because  it  lays  the  sinner  in  the 
dust,  and  exalts  God  upon  the  throne.  If  it  should 
be  that  I  am  spared  to  preach  again,  if  I  should 
get  over  this  attack  of  disease,  [the  probability 
of  its  fatal  termination  not  having  at  the 
time  of  this  conversation  been  announced  to  him,] 
I  shall,  by  God's  help,  preach  more  fervently 
than  ever  I  have  done.  I  wish  to  be  'instant  in 
season,  and  out  of  season.' "  A  young  friend 
present  remarked,  "  Dear  Sir,  God  has  graciously 
blessed  your  labours  in  the  conversion  of  sinners, 
and  the  building  up  of  his  saints  in  the  ways  of 
holiness."  "Yes,  he  has,"  was  the  reply.  "Oh, 
that  those  who  have  been  converted  may  walk  in 
holiness  of  life  !  This,  however,  will  not  do  to 
build  any  hopes  upon.  1  must  come,  a  sinner  to 
be  saved  by  grace  alone. 

'  I  have  no  merit  of  my  own. 
But  look  for  all  in  Christ.' 

Oh,  to  keep  near  God  !  A  little  religion  will 
always  make  a  man  miserable.  It  will  reproach 
him  for  his  inconsistencies,  and  [thus]  render  him 
unhappy.  But  a  great  deal  will  make  him  really 
happy.  Yet  how  difficult  it  is  to  maintain  a  spiri- 
tual, holy  spirit  and  temper  of  mind — to  walk  as  a 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  49 

devoted  Christian  in  the  closet,  in  the  family,  in 
the  world,  and  in  the  church  !  This  alone  is  real 
religion  ;  and  what  a  conflict  must  there  be  for 
this !  I  have  made  the  experiment  for  good  part 
of  fifty  years  ;  and  I  know  it  to  be  a  sore  conflict. 

'  Oh  !  for  a  closer  walk  with  God  !' 

What  sweet  lines  Dr.  Watts  has  written  at  the 
close  of  the  thirty-second  Psalm — 

'  How  glorious  is  that  righteousness 
That  hides  and  cancels  all  his  sins. 
While  a  bright  evidence  of  grace 
Through  his  whole  life  appears  and  shines !'  " 

The  conversation  just  recited  discovers,  among 
other  things,  a  Jirm  and  an  exclusive  reliance  upon 
Christ.  This  is  also  displayed  in  the  following- 
expressions. 

"  I  commit  my  frail  body  and  my  immortal 
spirit  into  the  hands  of  Him  who  is  able  to  keep 
them  against  that  day." 

"  Christ  and  his  Gospel,  I  trust,  have  been  the 
subject  of  my  ministry;  and  they  are  now  the 
ground  of  my  hope,  and  the  source  of  my  happi- 
ness." 

One  who  had  formerly  lived  as  a  servant  in  his 
family  being  introduced  to  him,  he  said,  address- 
ing her  by  name,    " ,  you  see  me  neare 

home  than  I  v*  as  when  last  you  saw  me."     '*  Yes, 

D 


50  MEMOIR    OF 

Sir,"    she    replied;    "but    you    can   adopt  the 
language  of  the  poet  as  your  own, — 

*  Yet  on  my  Lord  relying, 
I  bail  the  happy  day.'" 

"O  yes!"  he  rejoined,  "it  is  all  well  in  that 
respect.  The  blood  and  righteousness  of  Jesus 
Christ  are  the  only  but  sure  basis  of  my  hope," 

'  And  faith  desires  no  more,' " 
"  You  are  very  low,"   it  was   one  day  remarked 
to  him.     "  I  am  low  in  body,"  he  replied,  "  not  in 
mind.    I  fear  not  the  result." 

He  frequently  repeated  the  following  senti- 
ment : — "  It  is  not  my  having  preached  the  Gospel 
to  others,  but  the  Gospel  I  have  preached,  that 
supports  me  in  this  season  of  affliction." 

*'  I  have  often  said  in  the  pulpit,"  he  one  day 
remarked, 

"  '  None  but  Jesus 

Can  do  helpless  sinners  good;' 

and  I  now  find,  that 

'  None  but  Jesus 

Can  do  dying  sinners  good.'" 

He  once  said,  "  I  know  I  have  been  an  unpro- 
Jitable,  and  sometimes  a  slothful,  but  I  hope  not 
a  wicked,  servant  of  Christ  Jesus."     He  added, 

''  *  Jesus!  thy  blood  and  righteousness 
My  beauty  are,  my  glorious  dress  : 
Midst  flaming  v.orlds,  in  these  arrayed, 
With  joy  shall  I  lift  up  my  head.'  " 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVtS.  51 

Thus  meanly  did  my  father  think  of  himself, 
and  thus  did  he  repose  himself  on  Christ.  The 
sentiment  of  self-abasement  is  contained  also  in 
these  other  expressions. 

He  on  one  occasion  intimated  a  hope  that  the 
people  of  his  charge  "might  be  united  in  the 
choice  of  a  pastor,  and  be  directed  to  one  who  would 
serve  them  more  faithfuUy  than  he  had  done." 

Again  he  said,  "  I  am  sometimes  ready  to  fear 
that,  if  I  am  a  virgin-soul,  I  have,  with  the  virgins, 
'  slumbered  and  slept.'  " 

These  views,  however,  never  degenerated  into 
despair.  His  humility  was  always  combined  with 
faith.  While  he  had  no  hope  in  himself,  he  had 
all  hope  in  Christ. 

One  day,  addressing  himself  to  a  young  friend, 
he  said,  with  great  earnestness,  "  Cleave  closer  to 
God — cleave  closer  to  God — cleave  closer  to  God. 
I  wish  I  had,"  he  proceeded,  wliile  tears  almost 
choked  his  utterance  ;  "  but  my  hope  is  in  Christ ! 
He  pleads  before  *  my  Father  and  his  Father,' 
before  'my  God  and  his  God !' " 

In  harmony  with  all  this  he  at  other  times  re- 
peated the  following  stanzas,  as  expressive  of  the 
Ktate  of  his  mind  :-  • 

"  1  shall  behold  tlie  face 
Of  my  forgiving  God, 
Dressed  in  the  Saviour's  righteousness, 
Acd  washed  in  his  own  blood." 

d2 


52  MEMOIRS    OF 

"  Lord  !  when  I  quit  this  mortal  stage,    " 
Where  shall  I  fly  but  to  thy  breast? 
For  I  have  sought  no  other  home; 
For  I  have  learnt  no  other  rest." 

My  father's?  dying  experience  was  as  strongly 
characterized  by  gratitude  and  hope  as  it  was  by 
faith  and  humility. 

On  one  occasion  he  thus  summed  up  his  per- 
sonal history: — "  I  have  much  cause  for  gratitude  ; 
I  have  never  through  life  had  a  want  unsupplied, 
or  a  wish  ungratified." 

Once,  when  greatly  distressed  with  phlegm,  his 
beloved  partner  repeated  the  lines, — 

"  Since  all  that  we  meet  shall  work  for  our  good, 
The  bitter  is  sweet,  the  med'cine  is  food." 

•''  Oh  !"  he  replied  "  /  have  no  bitter  portion. 
This  is  only  tending  towards  the  taking  down  of 
this  tabernacle,  that  it  may  be  rebuilt  in  all  its 
beauty." 

He  thus  consoled  a  member  of  his  family,  who, 
not  having  very  recently  seen  him,  was  much 
affected  at  his  first  interview  with  him.  "Oh, 
you  have  much  to  reconcile  you  to  this  dispensa- 
tion !  What  a  mercy  that,  as  a  family,  you  will 
not  'sorrow  as  those  without  hope!'  I  might 
have  been  lying  here  in  the  prospect  of  going  to 
that  place  where  there  is  not  a  drop  of  water  to 
cool  the  parching  tongue  .'" 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  53 

**  If  no  comparison  can  be  drawn,"  he  at 
another  time  remarked,  "  between  the  circum- 
stances of  our  birth  and  those  attending  the  birth 
of  Christ,  how  much  less  between  his  death  and 
that  of  his  followers  j  when  he  died  the  agonizing 
death  of  the  cross,  and  endured  the  hidings  of  his 
Father's  face,  and  cried  out  '  My  God,  my  God, 
why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  V  " 

And  again,  to  the  same  effect : — "  How  different 
a  scene  is  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  to  the 
disciples  of  Christ  from  what  he  found  it!  He 
received  the  sting  of  death,  and  endured  all  its 
horrors ;  so  that  it  comes  to  us  with 

'  An  angel's  face,  and  a  deliverer's  arm.' " 

"  If  mine  is  a  dying  bed,"  was  another  of  his 
expressions,  "  it  is  a  delightful  one  !  It  is  going 
to  heaven  in  a  chariot !" 

His  preparation  for  death  and  his  resignation  to 
the  will  of  God  were  thus  intimated. 

Towards  the  close  of  his  illness,  rousing  from 
a  sort  of  stupor,  and  observing  one  of  his  family 
standing  at  his  bed-side,  "  Ah  !"  he  said,  "  you 
will  soon  have  done  watching  your  dying  father. 
But  I  am  thankful,  /  have  nothing  to  do  but  to 

die  r 

"  You  see  me,"  he  once  said  to  a  friend,  on  her 
entering  his  room  for  the  first  time  since  his  afflic- 


54  MEMOIR   OF 

tion,  "  where  you  never  saw  me  before,  on  a  sick 
bed.  But  it  is  just  where  I  ought  to  be  ;  and  I 
would  not  have  one  single  circumstance  altered." 

At  one  time,  exhausted  with  his  cough,  he  thus 
breathed  forth  his  sense  of  suffering,  and  his 
spirit  of  submission  :  "  Merciful  Father  !  if  it  be 
coiisistent  with  thy  Divine  Will,  be  pleased  to 
give  me  a  little  ease  from  this  distressing  cough  !" 

"  Like  the  Apostle,"  he  said,  while  as  yet  he 
was  uninformed  as  to  the  probable  result  of  his 
affliction,  "  I  am  waiting  to  know  whether  my 
Divine  Master  will  say  to  me,  '  Go  forward,'  or, 
'  Come  up  hither ;'  being  '  in  a  strait  betwixt  two, 
having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ, 
which  is  far  better.'  " 

"  If  a  heavenly  messenger  were  to  be  dis- 
patched to  me,"  he  more  than  once  said,  "  for 
the  purpose  of  ascertaining  my  wish  as  to  the 
issue  of  this  dispensation,  1  would  send  him  back 
with  this  answer, — Not  my  will,  but  thine,  my  God 
be  done  ! — *  Father,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou 
wilt.'  " 

In  the  same  spirit  he  once  repeated  the  follow- 
ing stanza : — 

"  Thy  slieep,  thine  own  peculiar  care, 
Though  now  thej  seem  to  roam  uneyed, 

Are  led  or  driven  only  where 

They  best  and  safest  may  abide." 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  65 

The  expressions  just  recited  indicate  at  once  a 
willingness  on  the  part  of  the  sufferer  to  have 
tarried  a  little  longer  on  earth,  had  his  heavenly 
Father  so  appointed,  together  with  an  anxiety  for 
a  dismission  from  the  body — a  longing  to  depart 
so  soon  as  the  destined  moment  should  arrive. 
This  latter  feeling  is  more  strongly  marked  in  the 
following  language. 

Under  a  great  pressure  of  weariness  and  weak- 
ness, he  said,  "  I  am  sometimes  ready  to  say, 
*  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly.'  " 

When  his  end  was  drawing  very  near,  he  said, 
"That  he  was  in  such  a  state  of  mind,  that  even  if 
there  were  a  probability  of  his  restoration,  he 
should  feel  no  pleasure,  but  rather  an  unwilling- 
ness to  return  to  the  world  again." 

"  I  think,"  he  once  said,  "  if  the  summons 
were  to  come  to  me  this  moment,  I  could  willingly 
obey  it.  1  trust  when  death  appears  in  view,  he 
will  come  without  his  sting,  and  in  the  hands  of 
Christ." 

The  following  stanzas  were  peculiarly  sweet  to 
him,  and  dwelt  much  upon  his  mind  during  the 
last  few  weeks  of  his  life.  When  the  first  of 
them,  from  Watts's  Lyric  Poems,  was  repeated  to 
him  by  his  dear  companion,  he  was  much  de- 
lighted with  it,  and  expressed  surprise  that  he 
had  never  particularly  noticed  it. 


56  MEMOIR    OF 

"  Had  but  the  prison  walls  been  strorg. 

And  firm  without  a  flaw. 
In  darkness  I  had  dwelt  too  long. 

And  less  of  glory  saw." 

"  Jesus  !  to  thj  dear  sacred  hand 

My  naked  soul  I  trust ; 
And  my  flesh  waits  for  thy  command. 

To  drop  into  the  dust." 

"  The  pains,  the  groans,  the  dying  strife-. 

Fright  our  approaching  souls  away  : 
Still  we  shrink  back  again  to  life, 
:        Fond  of  our  prison  and  our  clay. 

01),  if  my  Lord  would  come  and  meet. 
My  s.-ul  should  stretch  her  wings  in  haste. 

Fly  fearless  through  death's  iron  gate. 
Nor  feel  the  terrors  as  she  passed  !" 

"  Oh,  that  tlie  happy  hour  were  come 

To  change  my  faith  (-o  sightl 
I  shall  behold  my  Lord  at  home 

In  a  diviner  light  !" 

Something  of  the  ghry  of  that  Lord  he  beheld 
before  he  reached  his  "home." 

The  day  after  a  royal  levee  had  been  held^ 
"What,"  he  asked,  *' would  all  the  jewels  and 
splendid  robes  worn  at  the  king's  levee  yesterday, 
do  for  me,  or  administer  to  me  now  ?  Nothing," 
he  continued.    "  I  could  say  to  my  Josus, 

'  Yes  !  thou  art  precious  to  my  soul, 

My  transport  and  my  trust. 
Jewels  to  thee  are  gaudy  toys. 

And  gold  ia  sordid  dust !'  '* 


REV.    RICHAItD    DAVIS.  57 

"  Jesus  Christ  knows,"  he  said  at  another  time, 
"  that  I  •  count  all  things  but  dross  and  dung  for 
the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  him.'  This 
was  a  noble  confession ;  but  it  is  mine." 

He  one  day  said,  though  with  an  implied  cen- 
sure upon  himself,  which  was  scarcely  just,  "  That 
his  mind  was  not  so  much  directed  to  the  future 
and  heavenly  state  as  he  sometimes  wished,  he 
was  so  absorbed  in  contemplating  the  glories  of 
that  Saviour  through  whose  merits  he  hoped  to 
be  introduced  there." 

Speaking  of  Christ,  at  another  time,  as  "  the 
chief  corner-stone"  of  the  spiritual  edifice,  he 
observed  "that  it  was  he  who  gave  the  temple  its 
stability,  its  durability,  and  its  glory." 

"  What  a  powerful  and  attractive  influence 
must  that  be,"  was  one  of  his  remarks,  "  which 
draws  and  unites  thousands,  yea  millions,  in  one, 
even  in  Christ !" 

Yet  with  all  these  wishes  and  anticipations, 
and  elevated  views,  my  father  never  experienced 
any  thing  like  extacy.  He  was  satisfied,  he  was 
more  than  satisfied,  with  his  prospects  ;  he  rejoiced 
with  a  solid  and  abundant  joy, — with  a  joy  which, 
however,  while  it  filled  his  soul,  never  overflowed 
— or  which,  to  use  another  figure,  while  it  shone 
bright,  clear,  and  constant,  like  a  star,  never, 
like  a  meteor,  emitted  a  dazzling  but  fitful 
I)  3 


58  MEMOIR    OF 

splendour.  His  state  of  mind  was  that  which 
seems  most  fitting  in  a  poor  sinner,  going  to 
glory,  indeed,  but  going  there  solely  by  means 
of  the  atoning  sacrifice  of  Jesus  Christ — saved 
and  yet  "  scarcely  saved," — gladdened  while  he 
gazes  upwards  at  the  heights  to  which  he  is  rising, 
trembling  while  he  glances  downwards  upon  the 
depths  from  which  he  is  escaping.  On  the  one 
hand  he  thus  described  the  character  of  his 
feelings: — '^  When  Mr.  Fuller  was  near  death, 
he  said,  he  was  not  the  subject  of  desponding? 
but  of  depression.  And  I  can  say  the  same.  I 
never  had  extatic  joys."  On  the  other  he  thus 
spake  of  himself  the  day  before  his  death  ; — "  If  I 
have  no  high  enjoyments,  Satan  is  not  standing 
there  [pointing  to  his  bed-side,]  to  accuse  me." 

Amid  his  anxiety  for  his  own  salvation  my 
father  did  not  lose  his  concern  for  others.  On 
the  contrary,  a  desire  to  do  good  characterized 
his  dying  hours  as  well  as  his  living  ones. 

A  short  time  before  his  decease  he  was  visited 
by  a  young  relative  who  had  imbibed  Socinian 
views.  Exhausted  as  he  was  by  the  operation 
of  disease,  argument  was  out  of  the  question. 
All  that  could  be  done, — and  this  was  done  with 
an  earnestness  and  an  affection  which  will  not 
easily  be  forgotten, — was,  to  convey  to  the  poor 
wanderer  from  tlie  paths  of  truth    and    salvation 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  59 

an  emphatic  assurance  that,  at  that  hour  of  need, 
no  hope  was  drawn,  or  could  be  drawn,  but  from 
a  beheving  view  of  the  proper  Deity  and  pro- 
pitiatory atonement  of  Jesus  Christ.  The  precise 
language  in  which  this  assurance  was  couched 
has  not  been  preserved ;  but  it  was  to  the  effect 
•above  stated.  May  he,  who  had  often  resisted 
the  reasonings  of  the  living  saint,  not  prove  finally 
regardless  of  the  appeals  of  the  dying  one  ! 

To  his  only  surviving  daughter  he  once  said, 
"  '  Wilt  thou  not,  from  this  time,  cry  unto  him, 
My  Father,  thou  art  the  guide  of  my  youth  V  The 
foot  of  the  cross,  the  foot  of  the  cross,  the  foot 
of  the  cross  is  the  only  safe  place  !" 

"  Keep  close  to  God,  and  you  have  nothing  to 
fear"  was  an  exhortation  often  in  his  mouth.  It 
had  been  addressed  to  himself  by  Abraham  Booth 
while  yet  a  young  man.  Through  life  he  had 
often,  very  often,  addressed  it  to  others.  And  in 
death,  by  his  frequent  repetitions  of  it,  he  made 
it  manifest  that  his  mind  still  retained  the  highest 
sense  of  its  importance,  together  with  a  conviction 
that,  if  he  could  but  persuade  those  on  whom  he 
pressed  it  cordially  to  receive  it,  and  to  act  it  out, 
he  should  be  leaving  to  them,  in  its  holy  and 
beneficial  influence,  an  incalculably  rich  and 
precious  legacy. 

"  For  your  sake,  and  for  that  of  the  family,.'' 


GO  MEMOIR    OF 

he  once  said  to  his  endeared  associate,  "but more 
especially  on  account  of  the  church,  as  far  as  my 
feelings  are  concerned,  if  it  had  been  the  will  of 
God,  I  should  have  liked  to  have  been  spared  a 
little  lonoer." 

His  anxiety  for  the  best  interests  of  the  people  of 
liis  charge  will  receive  the  strongest  illustration  from 
the  following  letter,  which  cannot,  perhaps,  be  more 
fitly  introduced  than  in  connexion  with  the  language 
just  recited; — a  letter  whose  contents  in  them- 
selves must  be  deemed  of  great  value,  but  the  im- 
pression of  whose  value  will  be  enhanced  in  the 
minds  of  many,  if  it  be  remembered,  that  it  was  dic- 
tated only  one  month  before  the  interesting  sufferer 
"  fell  on  sleep,"  and  that  it  was  the  last  attempt 
which  he  made  at  regular  composition,  and  the 
last  document  to  which  he  affixed  his  signature. 

"  To  the  Church  of  Christ   meeting    for    Divine 

Worship  in  East  Street,  Walworth. 
"  Dearly  beloved  brethren  and  sisters  in  Christ, 

"  When  I  met  with  you  in  church-meeting 
in  February  last,  I  suggested  that,  in  conse- 
quence of  the   lamented  illness  of  our  beloved 

brother  H ,  it  was  thought  desirable  by  the 

other  brethren  in  office  that  they  should  be 
strengthened  by  the  addition  of  one,  at  least,  to 
their  number.     Had  it  not  been  for  my  unexpected 


REV,    RICHARD    DAVIS.  6i 

illness,  that  suggestion  would  have  been  followed 
up  by  the  nomination  of  some  brother  for  your 
choice.  As  my  recovery  is  now  perfectly  out  of  the 
question,  and  as  the  necessity  for  bringing  this 
business  to  a  close  is  thereby  rendered  the  more 
urgent,  one  of  your  brethren  will  be  proposed  this 
evening  for  union  with  those  already  set  apart  for 
office  ;  and  should  the  proposal  meet  with  your 
approbation,  it  has  also  my  most  cordial  concur- 
rence. 

"  I  take  this  opportunity  of  offering  you  my 
unfeigned  thanks  for  your  united  and  special 
as  well  as  for  your  individual  applications  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  for  my  support  and  recovery, 
as  also  for  every  other  expression  of  your  good 
will  towards  me  during  my  pastorate.  In  answer 
to  your  supplications  for  my  support,  I  have  grate- 
fully to  say,  that  I  now  find  the  Gospel  I  have  so 
often  preached  to  you  sufficient  for  the  sustenance 
of  my  spirit ;  and  that  the  blood  and  righteous- 
ness, the  fulness  and  the  intercession  of  Christ, 
are  able  to  uphold  me  in  the  prospect  of  eternity  ; 
so  that  I  am  '  looking  for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal  life.' 

"  The  unexpected  and  insidious  manner  in 
which  mortal  disease  has  been  commissioned  to 
invade  my  frame  does  most  impressively  enforce 
the  language  of  our  beloved  Lord, — '  Be  ye  also 


62  MEMOIR    OF 

ready ;  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not  the 
Son  of  man  cometh.'  This  admonition  is  viewed 
and  is  felt  upon  a  sick  and  dying  bed,  very  differ- 
ently from  what  it  is  in  the  vigour  of  health. 
That  readiness  consists  in  a  participation  of  the 
spirit  and  grace  of  Christ.  This  is  the  '  oil  in  the 
vessels  with  the  lamps.'  For  '■  if  any  many  have 
not  the  Spirit  of  Christ  he  is  none  of  his ;  but 
if  the  Spirit  of  him  that  raised  up  Jesus  from  the 
dead  dwell  in  you,  he  that  raised  up  Christ  from 
the  dead  shall  also  quicken  your  mortal  bodies  by 
his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  you :'  in  the  vigorous 
exercise  of  all  the  graces  of  the  Spirit ; — in  having 
on  the  wedding-garment  of  salvation,  being  covered 
with  the  robe  of  righteousness ; — in  having  our 
hearts  and  affections  placed  upon  '  things  above 
where  Christ  sitteth  ;' — in  occupying  our  time  and 
talents  with  that  solemn  account  in  view  which 
we  must  one  day  render  ('for  whether  we  live, 
we  live  unto  the  Lord ;  and  whether  we  die,  we 
die  unto  the  Lord  :  whether  we  live,  therefore,  or 
die,  we  are  the  Lord's) ;— and  in  patient  and  per- 
severing waiting  for  his  coming. 

'  O  !  happy  servant  he, 
In  such  a  posture  found  ! 
He  shall  his  Lord  with  rapture  see, 
And  be  with  honour  crowu'd.' 

I  express  it  as  my  dying  wish,  that  this  may  be 
the  case  with  each  of  yon,  and  that  I  may  meet 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  63 

you  all  at  last  around  the  throne  of  God  and  the 
Lamb,  to  celebrate  his  praises  for  ever  and  ever. 

"  By  my  removal  you  will  be  called  upon  to 
discharge  one  of  your  most  important  duties. 
You  will  have  to  look  out  for  and  to  choose  a  suc- 
cessor to  him  who  now  addresses  you.  And  my 
heart's  desire  and  prayer  to  God  for  you  is,  that 
you  may  have  wisdom  and  grace  imparted  to  you 
to  select  a  '  pastor  after  God's  own  heart,' — and 
such  a  one  onli/,  'who  shall  feed  you  with  know- 
ledge and  understanding. '  To  that  end  *  pray 
without  ceasing,  with  all  prayer,  for  the  peace 
and  prosperity  of  Jerusalem ;'  and  let  it  be  the 
concern  of  each  individual  of  you  to  '  live  in  peace,' 
'that  the  God  of  love  and  peace  may  be  with  you,' 
that  thus  '  the  Lord  of  peace  himself  may  give 
you  peace  always  by  all  means.'  In  this  mo- 
mentous business  I  aflPectionately  advise  you  not 
to  consult  your  own  individual  gratification,  but 
the  general  good,  the  glory  of  your  Heavenly 
Master,  and  the  promotion  of  his  cause. 

"  That  your  eyes  may  soon  behold  such  a  teacher 
as  has  been  above  described,  and  that  you  may  be 
blessed  with  great  and  long-continued  prosperity, 
is  the  supreme  and  dying  wish  of 

"Your  afflicted  but  affectionate  pastor, 

"Richard  Davis." 

"  Walworth,  May  23,  1832." 


64  MEMOIR    OP 

The  few  preceding  pages  have  served  to  show 
how  eminently  the  dying  Christian  was  distin- 
guished by  faith  and  humility — by  gratitude  and 
hope— by  preparedness  for  death,  and  resignation 
to  the  will  of  God  —  by  ardent  longings  for 
dismission  from  the  body  —  by  delight  in  the 
contemplation  of  the  glory  of  Christ  —  by  a 
chastened  and  subdued  tone  of  feeling — and  by 
an  anxiety  to  be  made  a  blessing  to  others  in 
death  as  well  as  in  life.  A  few  expressions 
remain  yet  to  be  recorded  which  could  not  be 
placed  under  any  of  the  heads  in  the  foregoing 
arrangement. 

Many  quotations  from  sacred  poetry  will  have 
been  observed  in  the  details  already  furnished, 
and  some  others  will  yet  be  found.  During  the 
whole  of  his  illness  indeed  my  father  took  great 
delight  in  recollections  of  portions  of  hymns. 
On  one  occasion  he  intimated  an  apprehension  of 
doing  dishonour  to  the  word  of  God  by  cherishing 
so  strong  an  attachment  to  human  compositions, 
whatever  might  be  their  interest  or  their  excel- 
lence. He  was  reminded,  in  reply,  that  it  was  at 
all  times  natural  for  verse  to  take  a  stronger 
hold  upon  the  memory  than  prose ;  and  that, 
therefore,  when  the  mind  was  previously  familiar- 
ized therewith,  it  was  not  to  be  wondered  at  if 
in  seasons  of  depression   and  sickness  it  should 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  65 

occur  with  peculiar  readiness.  It  was  suggested 
also,  that  in  sucli  a  case  as  his,  it  was  not  the 
mere  versification  which  administered  pleasure,  but 
the  contemplation  of  Scripture  sentiment,  of  vvhich 
the  versification  was  no  more  than  the  vehicle. 
These  explanations  seemed  to  satisfy  him,  and  he 
never  afterwards  reverted  to  the  topic.  The  cir- 
cumstance is  mentioned  as  illustrative  of  my 
father's  jealous  watchfulness  over  the  workings  of 
his  spirit,  and  of  his  holy  anxiety  to  maintain  for 
the  BOOK  OF  BOOKS  its  own  proper  supremacy  ; 
while  the  repetition  of  the  remarks  by  which 
his  scruples  were  laid  to  rest  may  possibly  prove 
useful  in  some  cases  where  similar  scruples  have 
insinuated  themselves. 

One  evening,  upon  taking  a  survey  of  himself, 
he  said,  "What  a  poor  emaciated  frame  mine  is  !  It 
is  a  delightful  thing,"  he  added  a  little  after,  "  that 
one  day  this  frail  tabernacle  will  be  raised  from 
the  dust,  and  rebuilt  in  all  its  beauty  and  glory." 

"  What  an  awful  thing,"  he  once  said,  addressing 
himself  to  one  in  attendance  upon  him,  ''  for  those 
who  think  they  are  on  the  rock,  and  are  not !" 
"Yes!''  was  the  reply;  "but  I  trust  it  can  be 
said  of  me,  *  You  hath  he  quickened,  who  were 
dead  in  trespasses  and  sins.'  "  "  Oh,  what  a 
mercy  !"  he  pursued.  "Then  you  are  '  a  living 
stone.'    And  so  am  I." 


66 


MEMOIR    OF 


"I  shall  soon  have  done  with  the  bread  that 
perisheth,"  he  once  said,  on  taking  some  food  for 
which  he  had  no  appetite. 

Expressing  some  anxiety,  towards  the  close  of 
his  illness,  for  the  relief  of  acute  pain,  he  was  told 
that  it  was  an  indication  of  approaching  dissolution. 
"  Well,  then,"  he  said,  "  I'll  try  to  buckle  on  the 
armour." 

To  the  wife  of  one  of  his  deacons,  who  had  been 
so  ill  as  to  be  supposed  near  death,  but  had  partially 
recovered,  he    said,  "  I   shall  go  before  brother 

H ;    but   what  a   glorious  meeting  shall  we 

have  above  !  What  pleasure  shall  I  have  in  wel- 
coming him  in  !" 

One  day  he  said  to  his  beloved  associate,  when 
in  a  peculiarly  composed  frame  of  mind,  "  My  dear, 

•  There's  not  a  wave  of  trouble  rolls 
Across  my  peaceful  breast.'  " 

"  I  could  hardly  have  believed,"  he  remarked, 
when  brought  very  low,  "  that  the  human  frame 
could  have  been  reduced  to  such  extreme  weakness 
and  yet  live.     But 

'  Yet  a  season,  and  I  know 
Happy  entrance  will  be  given, 

All  my  sorrows  left  below, 
And  earth  exchang'd  for  heaven.'  " 

The  stanza  which  the  departing  saint  thus  quoted 
may  serve  appropriately  to  introduce  the  account 


REV,    RICHARD    DAVIS.  6^ 

which  is  now  to  be  furnished  of  the  closing  scene 
of  his  mortal  existence.  Up  to  and  throughout 
that  scene  he  continued  in  the  holy,  humble,  happy 
state  of  mind  of  which  the  preceding  pages  have 
afforded  such  ample  illustration.  During  the 
whole  of  the  last  week  of  his  life  he  was  evidently 
sinking.  On  the  evening  of  Friday,  June  15, 
being  the  subject  of  great  weakness,  and  having 
an  impresssion  that  his  end  was  very  near,  if  not 
actually  arrived,  he  desired  that  as  many  of  the 
family  as  were  in  the  house  should  be  called  around 
him,  that,  like  good  old  Jacob,  he  might  give  thera 
a  blessing  before  he  died.  In  reference  to  his  sons 
he  used  the  language  of  Jacob,  "The  angel  which 
redeemed  me  from  all  evil  bless  the  lads !"  On 
behalf  of  his  only  surviving  daughter  he  sup- 
plicated the  blessings  of  "  the  upper  and  nether 
springs."  On  its  being  mentioned  to  him  that  his 
son  Thomas,  who  had  not  been  present  when  he 
offered  up  his  prayer  for  his  sons  at  large,  was  then 
in  the  room,  he  said,  as  he  grasped  his  hand,  "God 
Almighty  give  thee  the  blessing  of  Thomas  a 
Didymus,  when,  in  the  awakenings  of  his  soul, 
he  exclaimed,  *  My  Lord,  and  my  God  !'  I  be- 
lieve," he  added  "  that  comprises  all  I  have  to  be- 
stow. To  him  it  was  said,  *  Thomas  !  because 
thou  hast  seen  me  thou  hast  believed :  blessed 
are  they  that  have  not  seen,  and  yet  have  believed.' " 


DO  MEMOIR    OF 

"  If  I  am  in  the  valley,"  he  afterwards  said,  "  I 
fear  no  evil." 

The  next  day,  Saturday,  June  16,  he  was  a  little 
disturbed  with  apprehension  and  doubt,  but  was 
much  comforted  by  the  conversation  and  prayers 
of  one  of  his  sons.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  day 
he  was  still  disposed  to  examine  the  ground  on 
which  he  stood  ;  not  so  much,  apparently,  for  the 
purpose  of  ascertaining  the  fact  as  the  degree  of 
its  firmness.  He  repeated  with  great  satisfaction 
the  words  of  Paul :  "  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count 
all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  know- 
ledge of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord  ;  for  whom  I  have 
suffered  the  loss  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them 
but  dung,  that  I  may  win  Christ,  and  be  found  in 
him,  not  having  mine  own  righteousness,  which  is 
of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of 
Cliiist,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith." 
The  following  stanza  of  Dr.  Watts  afforded  him 
much  delight,  on  account  of  its  very  clear  enun- 
ciation of  the  sentiment  expressed  by  the  apostle: — 

"  The  best  obedience  of  my  bands 
Dares  not  appear  before  thy  throne  ; 
But  faith  can  answer  thy  demands. 
By  pleading  what  my  Lord  has  done." 

He  felt  encouraged  by  the  views  of  death  so 
beautifully  exibited  at  the  close  of  the  second  part 
of  Bunyan's  Pilgrim.     He  remarked  upon  them, 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  69 

however, — and  the  criticism  betrayed  the  streno  th 
of  his  mental  faculties,  which,  indeed,  he  retained 
almost  uninterruptedly  to  the  last, — that  it  appear- 
ed to  him  that  the  manner  in  which  John  Bunyan 
had  treated  death  had  a  tendency  to  throw  a  false 
light  upon  the  matter,  making  even  the  decease 
of  the  Christian  appear  less  terrible  than  it  really 
was.  "  If,"  he  proceeded  in  elucidating  his  meaning, 
"  I  could  walk  down  to  the  brink  of  a  river,  accom- 
panied by  my  family,  and  there,  one  by  one,  take 
my  leave  of  them,  and  then  calmly  walk  into  it, 
and  disappear  on  the  opposite  bank,  I  should 
think  nothing  of  all  this— it  would  be  a  very  pleasant 
sort  of  thing.  But  my  present  state  of  weakness 
and  suffering  makes  me  feel  that  death  is  a  very 
different  affair  from  what  Bunyan's  allegory  would 
make  it  out  to  be."  In  justification  of  Bunyan  it 
was  replied,  that  his  design  evidently  was,  not  to 
convey  a  false  impression  with  regard  to  the  suffer- 
ings of  death,  as  though  they  were  in  themselves 
nothing,  but  to  show  their  comparative  nothingness 
when  placed  in  contrast  with  the  succeeding  glory  ; 
in  accordance  with  the  sentiment  of  the  apostle, — 
"  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment, 
worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory ;  while  we  look  not  at  the  things 
which  are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are  not  seen : 
for  the  things  which  are  seen  are  temporal,    but 


70  MEMOIR    OP 

the  things  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal."     With 
this  he  seemed  satisfied,  and  pursued  the  subject 
no    further.     After   this,    while   two   of  his   sons 
were  watching  at  his  bed-side,  he  appealed  to  them 
on  the  subject  of  his  final  safety  and  happiness. 
He  adverted  to  John  v.  24  :    "  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  you,  he  that  heareth  my  word,  and  believeth 
on  him  that  sent  me,  hath  everlasting  life,  and 
shall  not  come  into  condemnation,  but  is  passed 
from  death  unto  life."  "  Now,"  he  remarked, "  there 
is  a  chano;e  of  tense  in  these  words.     It  is  said 
that  he   that  believeth  on   him  that  sent  Jesus 
Christ  is  passed  from  death  unto  life,  and  shall  not 
come  into  condemnation.     Now  I  have  believed" 
he  added,  with  great  emphasis ;    "and  if  Christ 
be  true  /  cannot  he  condemned."     Reverting  to  this 
subject  he  said,  "  It  grieves  me  to  my  heart  that  I 
have  not  served  Christ  better.     However,  it  is  not 
the  service  I  have  rendered  Christ  which  now  gives 
me  hope,  but  the  service  he  has  rendered  for  me." 
A  similar  sentiment,  expressed  at  an  earlier  stage  of 
his  illness,  has  been  already  recited  : — "  It  is  not 
viy  having  preached  the  Gospel  to  others,  but  the 
Gospel  I  have  preached,  that  supports  me  in  this 
season  of  affliction."     It  was  in  the  course  of  this 
afternoon  that  he  described  his  state  in  language 
to  which  likewise  reference  has  before  been  made  •. 
— "  If  I   have  no  high  enjoyments,  Satan  is  not 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  71 

standing  there  [pointing  to  his  bed  side,]  to  accuse 
me." 

The  night  of  Saturday  passed  away  very  tran- 
quilly, the  dear  sufferer  slumbering  throughout  a 
large  portion  of  it.  On  the  morning  of  June  17, 
the  Sabbath,  the  "dying  strife"  commenced. 
Between  nine  and  ten  o'clock  he  began  to  breathe 
with  great  difficulty— he  gasped  for  breath.  This 
continued  till  about  noon  ;  when,  owing  apparently 
to  the  exhaustion  of  nature,  and  its  consequent 
inability  to  maintain  further  contest,  he  became 
much  calmer,  though  the  gasping  still  continued 
at  intervals.  In  the  afternoon,  between  two  and 
three  o'clock,  he  requested  that  prayer  might  be 
offered  up  for  him.  Previous  to  this  exercise  it 
was  proposed  to  read  the  forty-sixth  Psalm.  To 
this  he  assented,  and  the  Psalm  was  begun.  Not 
many  verses  had  been  gone  through,  however, 
before  he  requested  that  it  might  be  sung  instead 
of  being  read.  The  first  part  of  the  forty-sixth 
Psalm  in  Dr.  Watts  was  accordingly  opened 
upon.  Then,  at  a  pause,  he  burst  forth  in  singing, 
setting  the  tune  of  the  Old  Hundred,  in  which 
the  family  instantly  united.  He  sang  through 
the  first  stanza,  and  then,  finding  himself  worn 
out,  discontinued  his  effort.  When  those  around 
bim  were  proceeding  to  the  third  stanza,  beginning 


72  MEMOIR   OF 

"  Loud  may  the  troubled  ocean  roar," 

he  requested  them  to  pass  on  to  the  fourth, 

"  There  is  a  stream  whose  gentle  flow,"  &c. 

which  lines  had  affected  him  even  to  weeping,  as 
it  will  be  remembered,  at  the  last  public  service 
at  which  he  ever  attended,  as  if  he  had  antici- 
pated the  use  which  would  be  made  of  this  same 
psalmody  when  he  should  be  stretched  on  his 
dying  bed.  From  this  time  he  said  but  little.  In 
the  evening  his  medical  attendant  called,  and 
remained  with  him  for  upwards  of  an  hour. 
While  he  was  feeling  his  pulse  he  inquired,  "  If 
there  were  not  a  point  at  which  the  soul  quitted 
the  body  ?"  Being  answered  in  the  affirmative, 
he  continued,  "  That  point  is  not  yet  come  with 
me ;  and  when  it  is  come,  the  spirit  appears  in- 
stantly and  nakedly  before  the  all-seeing  eye  of 
God.  Then  I  shall  behold  his  face  without  a 
veil  between."  His  beloved  partner  replied, 
"  Yes,  my  dear,  you  will.  And  it  is,  you  see,  as 
I  always  told  you  it  would  be — 'At  even-tide 
it  is  light  with  you.'  "  "  It  is  so,"  lie  said  ;  "  and 
although  Jesus  Christ  had  to  say,  '  My  God,  my 
God,  why  hasl  thou  forsaken  me?'  it  was  only 
a  temporary  darkening  of  his  human  understand- 
ing, until  a  flood  of  light  was  to  be  poured  in 
upon  his  soul  when  his  work  was  finished."     He 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  73 

seemed  much  soothed  by  the  kind  attentions  of 
his  medical  friend,  and  received  from  his  lips, 
with  real  pleasure,  the  assurance  that  the  conflict 
was  then  veiy  nearly  over.  Some  time  after 
this,  when  his  breathing  was  greatly  oppressed, 
he  said,  or  rather  gasped  out,  "  Not — one — hard 
thought — of  Christ."  For  the  last  two  hours  of 
his  life,  until  he  became  apparently  unconscious 
of  existence,  and  manifested  the  continued 
presence  of  life  only  by  a  gentle  breathing,  like 
that  of  a  person  in  deep  sleep,  he  was  much  in 
prayer.  The  last  sentence  which  could  be  dis- 
tinctly collected  was,  "  Lord,  have  mercy  on  me 
now."  The  words  "covenant,"  "  tabernacle,"  and 
some  others  of  the  same  kind  were  aftenvards 
heard.  At  length  he  ceased  to  move  his  lips — 
then,  for  a  short  space,  his  breathing  ceased — it 
was  once  more  continued  for  a  few  moments — 
then  again  it  ceased — there  followed  a  gentle 
sigh — it  was  the  last — and  thus,  at  twenty  minutes 
before  twelve  o'clock,  without  a  struggle  or  a  groan, 
he  "  fell  asleep"  in  Jesus. 

My  father  had  expressed  a  wish  during  his 
illness  to  be  interred  in  the  burial-ground  attached 
to  the  chapel  in  Maze  Pond,  Southwark,  where 
already  the  bodies  of  a  Booth,  a  Wallin,  a  Dore, 
and  a   Manu  had   been  laid   to  rest.      Thither, 

E 


74  MEMOIR    OF 

therefore,  his  mortal  remains  were  conveyed  on 
Tuesday,  June  26th.  A  large  portion  of  his  late 
church  and  congregation,  together  with  many 
others  out  of  his  own  immediate  circle,  accom- 
panied the  mournful  procession  to  the  grave,  or 
awaited  its  arrival  at  the  place  of  interment.  In 
the  chapel,  Mr.  Ivimey  of  Eagle  Street  delivered 
the  funeral  oration ;  Mr.  Chin  of  Lion  Street 
gave  out  appropriate  hymns ;  and  Mr.  Upton  of 
Church  Street,  Blackfriars,  offered  up  prayer. 
When  the  body  had  been  committed  to  the  grave, 
Dr.  Steadman  of  Bradford  delivered  an  address, 
and,  with  renewed  supplication,  closed  the  solem- 
nities of  the  occasion.  On  the  following  Sabbath, 
July  1,  the  funeral  sermon  was  preached  in  the 
chapel  in  East  Street,  to  an  extremely  crowded 
and  deeply-affected  audience,  by  Dr.  Cox  of 
Hackney,  who  had  been  specially  requested  by  the 
deceased  to  undertake  this  service.  The  text,  which 
had  been  selected  by  my  father  some  years  before 
his  death,  was  1  John  iii.  2^ — "  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."  An  extended  outline  of  the 
sermon,  kindly  furnished  by  the  preacher,  will  be 
found  in  the  ensuing  pages. 

In  the  execution  of  that  part  of  his  task  to 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  75 

which  the  writer  is  now  come,  viz.,  the  ofierino- 
a  sketch  of  his  departed  father's  character,  he 
begs  to  throw  himself  upon  the  candid  construc- 
tion of  his  readers.  He  knows  how  difficult  it  is, 
in  every  attempt  to  exhibit  those  features  by 
which  one  individual  stands  distinguished  from 
another,  to  escape  the  imputation  of  a  severe 
justice,  on  the  one  hand,  or,  as  more  frequently 
happens,  of  a  partial  indulgence  on  the  other. 
Where,  as  in  his  own  case,  a  son  is  called  upon 
to  speak  of  a  father,  the  pressure  of  the  diffi- 
culty is  felt  to  be  greatly  aggravated.  He  the 
more  readily  advances  to  the  fulfilment  of  his 
undertaking,  however,  sustained  by  a  conscious- 
ness of  the  absence  of  every  temptation  to  speak 
otherwise  than  graciously  of  his  late  honoured 
and  honourable  parent,  and  cheered  by  the  assu- 
rance, that  many  witnesses,  to  whom  he  was 
intimately  known,  will  be  prepared  to  attest  the 
general  truth  of  what  may  here  be  offered  in  the 
way  of  eulogy. 

Of  my  father's  person,  especially  of  what  it 
was  in  his  later  years,  a  very  correct  idea  may  be 
formed  from  the  portrait  which  accompanies  this 
volume.  He  was  of  a  middle  stature,  and  rather 
disposed  to  corpulency,  though  never  of  an  un- 
wieldy size.  In  public  he  was  generally  distin- 
guished by  a  composed  and  dignified  air;  and 
E  2 


76  MEMOIR    OF 

when  engaged  in  his  work,  wore  a  serious  and 
earnest,  but  seldom,  if  ever,  an  austere  aspect. 
When  removed  from  the  influence  of  excitement 
the  indications  of  care  and  anxiety  would  steal 
over  his  brow,  and  give  to  his  face  a  cast  of  gloom; 
though,  when  he  suffered  himself  to  unbend,  as 
he  often  did,  a  glow  of  cheerfulness  diffused  itself 
over  his  countenance,  while  there,  too,  the  flashes 
of  humour  would  sometimes  display  their 
gleamings. 

If  my  father's  mind  was  distinguished  by  one 
quality  more  than  another,  it  was  clearness  of 
apprehension.  His  mind  w'as  not  various ;  nor 
was  it  imaginative.  It  was  a  matter-of-fact  mind. 
He  appealed  much  to  the  cui  bono  ?  and  was  ex- 
tremely apt,  when  any  thing  elegant,  or  eloquent, 
or  splendid,  was  presented  to  his  contemplation, 
to  suspect  its  utility — to  ask,  with  the  mathema- 
tician when  he  had  finished  the  perusal  of  Para- 
dise Lost,  "And  what  does  it  prove?"  There  was 
nothing  about  ray  father's  mind  but  what  was 
masculine.  Whatever  it  took  hold  of  it  seized 
firmly.  Hence  his  conceptions  and  expressions 
were  full  of  force  and  vigour.  Whatever  he  said 
seemed  to  be  engraven  on  his  own  mind,  and  fitted 
to  make  a  powerful  impression  on  the  minds  of 
others.  He  possessed  a  good  endowtnent  of  the 
reasoning  faculty.     He  had  no  love,  indeed,   for 


REV.  RICHARD  DAVIS,  77 

long  and  laboured  deduction  ;  since  he  judged, 
that  the  truths  of  most  importance  to  man  are 
capable  of  the  most  direct  and  easy  proof.  He 
made  but  little  use  of  analooical  reasoning;;  but 
in  his  selection,  collocation,  and  support  of  the 
arguments  which  he  thought  fit  to  employ,  it  was 
abundantly  manifest,  that  he  was  imbued  with 
the  spirit  of  logic,  though  he  eschewed  its  cum- 
brous forms.  In  one  sense  my  father  might  justly 
claim  the  praise  of  originality/.  Not  indeed  with 
regard  to  his  conceptions  and  trains  of  thought. 
At  the  present  period  of  intellectual  advancement 
there  seems  to  remain  so  little  room  for  the  exer- 
cise of  this  kind  of  originality,  especially  in  the 
department  of  theology,  that  the  mere  discovery 
of  the  sphere  for  its  operation  may,  perhaps,  be 
taken  as  no  mean  evidence  both  of  its  existence 
and  its  power.  Every  man,  however,  of  any 
strength  or  independence  of  mind  will  be  original 
in  his  modes  of  viewing,  exhibiting,  and  illus- 
trating the  subject  with  which  he  deals.  He 
will  leave  the  mean  vice  of  plagiarism  to  those 
who  have  no  mental  resources  of  their  own — 
whose  unproductive  minds  can  become  no  more 
than  the  vehicles  of  other  men's  thoughts — and 
which,  poor  starvelings  as  they  are,  like  their 
fellow-starvelings  in  Pharaoh's  dream,  are  none  the 
richer  for  all  that  they  devour.     On  the  contrary 


78  MEMOIE    OF 

to  all  this,  in  my  father's  case,  it  was  evident  to 
all  who  heard  him  that  he  thought  for  himself, 
and  that  whatever  he  presented  to  the  consider- 
ation of  others  had  been  first  cast  into  the  mould 
of  his  own  mind,  and  had  thence  derived  its  form 
and  character.  He  was,  moreover,  greatly  distin- 
guished by  good  sense — sound  and  solid  judgment. 
To  this  there  was  added  a  considerable  en- 
dowment of  tact  and  ingenuity.  The  combined 
influence  of  these  qualifications  gave  great  interest 
and  effect  to  his  remarks  on  Scripture  history, 
fitted  as  they  were  to  their  subjects,  and  thus 
commending  themselves  as  correct  and  striking 
expositions  of  the  views,  and  feelings,  and  motives 
of  those  to  whom  they  referred.  Depth  and  in- 
tensity of  feeling  belonged  also  to  my  father's 
mind.  He  had  no  notion  indeed  of  a  mawkish 
sentimentality,  the  offspring  of  an  enervated 
effeminacy.  He  could  not  feel  where  there  was 
nothing  really  suited  to  excite  feeling.  He  did 
not  always  immediately  feel  where  others  would 
have  been  instantly  and  powerfully  affected.  But 
when  once  he  was  touched — when  once  his  foun- 
tains of  emotion  were  reached  and  opened,  large 
and  copious  were  the  streams  that  gushed  forth. 
On  one  occasion,  when  a  beloved  child  lay  near 
death, — it  was  his  first-born,  and  the  first  of  the 
seven  children  whom  he  followed  to  the  grave, — 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  79 

*'he  felt,"  he  said,  "  as  if  boiling  lead  had  beeh 
poured  into  his  bowels."  And  in  his  public 
ministrations,  when  he  spoke  of  the  trials  of  the 
Christian  life — of  the  awful  state  and  final  doom 
of  the  impenitent — and,  more  than  all,  of  the  suf- 
ferings of  Christ — though,  perhaps,  he  wept  not 
himself,  he  often  drew  tears  from  others.  To  all 
this  it  may  be  added,  that  my  father's  whole  con- 
stitution was  inwrought  with  energy.  He  said 
and  he  did  nothing  in  a  half-hearted  manner. 
Activity  was  the  very  element  of  his  being.  He 
valued  this  quality  at  a  very  high  rate,  "  Energy," 
he  would  often  say,  "  will  make  up  for  the 
want  of  every  thing  else ;  but  nothing  will  make 
up  for  the  want  of  energy."  And  this  was  with 
him  no  idle  and  inoperative  sentiment ;  for  to  all 
who  had  any  opportunity  of  observing  him  either 
in  private  or  public  he  afforded  a  strong  practical 
illustration  of  the  precept  of  inspired  wisdom, — 
"  Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with 
thy  might ;  for  there  is  no  work,  nor  device,  nor 
knowledge,  nor  wisdom,  in  the  grave,  whither  thou 
goest." 

In  DOMESTIC  AND  SOCIAL  LIFE  my  father  was 
distinguished  by  the  sterling  rather  than  by  the 
attractive.  He  was  more  observant  of  what  was 
right  in  principle  than  of  what  was  winning  and 
graceful  in  manner.     From  this  circumstance,  as 


80  MEMOIR    OF 

well  as  from  habits  of  unobtrusive  modesty,  by 
which  also  he  was  distinguished,  time  and  inti- 
macy were  required  in  order  to  the  due  apprecia- 
tion of  his  worth.  Where  these  were  allowed, 
that  worth  never  failed  to  obtain  for  him  a  larae 
share  of  esteem  first,  and  then  of  attachment. 
Conscientious  and  unbending  integrity,  firm  friend- 
ship, substantial  kindness,  deep  sympathy,  the 
strong  expression  of  awakened  feeling,  rendered  it 
impossible  but  that  he  should  procure  to  himself, 
when  known,  "a  good  degree,"  both  in  the  judg- 
ments and  affections  of  those  with  whom  he  was 
connected,  and  among  whom  he  dwelt.  He  had, 
too,  as  has  been  intimated,  his  seasons  of  relax- 
ation, in  which  he  threw  off  every  thing  like  re- 
serve— mixed  himself  up  with  the  sympathies  of  his 
associates  for  the  time  being — mingled  in  happy 
proportion  the  instructive  with  the  amusing,  and 
the  amusing  with  the  instructive — giving  the  sanc- 
tion of  godliness  to  the  whole  strain  of  his  com- 
munications— and,  on  his  departure,  leaving  behind 
him  an  impression  alike  honourable  to  his  social 
qualities,  and  his  Christian  graces.  To  the  occur- 
rence of  such  seasons  as  these  he  owed  much  of 
that  veneration  and  love  with  which  he  was  re- 
garded while  living ;  and  the  remembrance  of 
them  now  that  he  is  gone  severely  enhances  the 
sense  of  his  loss. 


REV.  RICHARD   DAVIS.  81 

My  father  was  emphatically  a  "  man  of  God." 
The  Gospel  with  him  was  not  a  subject  of  cold 
speculation,  or  a  mere  matter  of  preference  in  point 
of  taste;  it  was  an  object  of  ardent  love.  Its 
power  was  manifest  to  himself,  however,  rather 
through  the  medium  oi painful  conjikt  than  of  ele- 
vated enjoyment.  He  was  naturally  of  an  irritable, 
anxious,  and  even  melancholy  temperament.  When 
he  came  under  the  renewing  influence  of  the  truth 
a  counteracting  energy  was  introduced  into  his 
moral  system,  which,  in  all  probability,  saved  him 
from  being  through  life  a  source  of  unhappiness  to 
himself,  and  to  all  whose  destinies  might  have 
been  hnked  with  his.  But  still  he  felt  and 
mourned  the  workings  of  his  old  nature.  The 
body  of  sin  was  indeed  chained  down,  but  not 
destroyed;  and  when,  as  in  its  perpetual  struggles 
was  sometimes  the  case,  it  had  worked  a  limb  out 
of  its  manacles,  it  wrought  sad  havoc  upon  the 
peace  and  comfort  of  the  inner  man.  This  gave 
the  character  to  my  father's  religious  experience. 
He  knew  more  of  the  pangs  of  conflict  than  of  the 
extacies  of  triumph  ;  and  could  better  sympathize 
with  the  apostle  in  the  heart-rending  complaint, 
"  Oh,  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  shall  deliver 
me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?"  than  with  the 
psalmist,  in  the  cheerful  exclamation,  "  My  soul 
shall  be  joyful  in  the  Lord;  it  shall  rejoice  in 
E  3 


82  MEMOIR    OF 

his  salvation."*  In  this  conflict,  however,  the 
hand  of  God  wrought  with  him.  Not  only  is 
it  meant  in  the  communication  of  inward  energy, 
the  "  lusting  of  the  Spirit  against  the  flesh,"  but 
in  the  application  of  appropriate  discipline.  My 
father's  life  was  very  much  a  life  of  trial. 
Though  never  in  "  despair"  he  was  often  "  per- 
plexed ;"  though  never  "  destroyed"  he  was 
often  "  cast  down."  He  was  made  to  know,  by 
bitter  experience,   that   "  this  is    not  our    rest," 

♦  The  following  exquisite  passage  from  Hall  presents  a  coin- 
cidence, in  the  case  of  Brainerd,  with  the  account  furnished  in 
the  text. 

"  The  life  of  Fletcher  of  Madeley,"  says  Mr.  Hall,  in  his 
preface  to  the  Memoirs  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Freestone,  "affords 
in  some  respects  a  parallel,  in  others  a  contrast,  to  that  of 
Brainerd  ;  and  it  is  curious  to  observe  how  the  influence  of 
natural  temperament  varies  the  exhibition  of  the  same  principles. 
With  a  considerable  difference  in  their  religious  views,  the  same 
zeal,  the  same  spirituality  of  mind,  the  same  contempt  of  the 
world  is  conspicuous  in  the  character  of  each.  But  the  lively 
imagination,  the  sanguine  complexion  of  Fletcher  permits  him 
to  triumph  and  exult  in  the  consolatory  truths  and  prospects  of 
religion.  He  is  a  seraph  who  burns  with  the  ardours  of  divine 
love  ;  and,  spurning  the  fetters  of  mortality,  he  almost  habitually 
seems  to  have  anticipated  the  rapture  of  the  beatific  vision. 
Brainerd,  oppressed  with  a  constitutional  melancholy,  is  chiefly 
occupied  with  the  thoughts  of  his  pollutions  and  defects  in  the 
eyes  of  infinite  purity.  His  is  a  mourning  and  conflicting  piety  ; 
imbued  with  the  spirit  of  self-abasement,  breathing  itself  forth 
in  'groanings  which  cannot  be  uttered,'  always  dissatisfied 
with  itself,  always  toiling  in  pursuit  of  a  purity  and  perfection 
"nattainable  by  mortals.     The  mind  of  Fletcher  was  habitually 


REV.    RICHARD    DAMS.  83 

and  that  the  path  to  the  heavenly  Canaan  lies 
through  a  desert,  and  is  every  where  planted  with 
thorns.  But  "  it  was  good  for  him  to  be  afflicted ;" 
for  his  sorrows  drove  him  to  prayer.  In  this 
grace,  in  fact,  he  made  great  attainments  ;  and  it 
was  doubtless  to  be  attributed,  in  a  great  mea- 
sm'e,  to  the  sanctified  influence  of  the  many  trials 
he  was  called  to  endure.  And  hence  he  derived 
a  power  which  enabled  him  to  bring  "  the  law  of 
sin  which  was  in  his  members"  into  captivity  to 
"the  law  of  his  mind,"  which  at  length  made  him 
"more  than  conqueror  through  him  that  loved 
us."  My  father's  external  deportment  amply  vin- 
dicated his  claim  to  the  Christian  character.  He 
was  distinguished  by  his  regard  to  consistency 
in  general,  and  to  integrity  in  particular,  which 
comprises  so  much  that  is  essential  to  consistency. 
In  this  latter  respect  he  studied  and  laboured,  as 

brightened  with  gratitude  and  joy  for  what  he  had  attained; 
Brainerd  was  actuated  with  a  restless  solicitude  for  farther  ac- 
quisitions. If  Fletcher  soared  to  all  the  heights,  it  may  be 
affirmed  with  equal  truth,  that  Brainerd  sounded  all  the  depths 
of  Christian  piety  ;  and,  while  the  former  was  regaling  himself 
with  fruit  from  the  tree  of  life,  the  latter,  on  the  waves  of  an 
impetuous  sea,  was  '  doing  business  in  the  mighty  waters.' 
Both  equally  delighted  and  accustomed  to  lose  themselves  in  the 
contemplation  of  the  Deitj,  they  seemed  to  have  surveyed  that 
infinite  object  under  difievent  aspects  ;  and,  while  Fletcher  was 
absorbed  in  the  contemplation  of  infinite  benignity  and  love, 
Brainerd  shrunk  into  nothing  in  the  presence  of  immaculate 
purity  and  holiness." 


84  MEMOIR    OF 

has  been  intimated  already,  to  obtain  "  a  good  re- 
port of  them  that  were  without  j"  "  hating  the  very 
garment  spotted  with  the  flesh."  Thus  was  it 
also  with  him  in  the  church.  He  knew  not  what 
was  meant  by  expediency  and  accommodation  in 
the  affairs  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  He  was  not 
without  his  temptations  to  make  concessions,  but 
he  never  suffered  them  to  prevail.  He  was,  for 
instance,  an  advocate  for  the  practice  of  strict  com- 
munion. His  connexions,  however,  his  friend- 
ships, and  even  his  interests,  lay  much  among 
Psedobaptists ;  and  it  might  have  conduced  to  the 
promotion  of  those  interests,  could  he  conscien- 
tiously have  mingled  with  them  at  the  Lord's 
Table.  But  this  he  could  not  do ;  and  he  dis- 
played the  firmness  of  his  principle  in  never  suf- 
fering his  friendships  or  his  interests  to  seduce 
him  from  what  he  conceived  to  be  the  line  of 
obedience.  Whatever  diversity  of  opinion  may 
exist  as  to  the  grounds  of  his  conduct,  in  this  re- 
spect, it  is  impossible  not  to  venerate  the  con- 
scientiousness with  which  he  made  his  convictions 
the  sole  arbiters  of  his  practice.  It  must  not  be 
inferred,  that  my  father's  charity,  in  consequence 
of  his  views  as  a  strict  Baptist,  was  open  to  im- 
peachment. Such  an  inference  does  not  neces- 
sarily arise  out  of  these  views  ;  nor  is  it  to  be 
admitted  in  the   case  before  us.       Every  where 


KEV.    RICHAKD    DAVIS.  85 

but  at  the  Lord's  Table  he  was  willing  to  hold 
the  most  unrestricted  intercourse,  and  did  in  fact 
maintain  such  an  intercourse,  with  all  who  "  loved 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity,"  although 
there  might  exist  between  them  many  differences 
of  sentiment  on  points  of  minor  importance. 
Here  only,  where,  as  he  judged,  his  master  forbad 
his  advance,  he  felt  compelled  to  stop  ; — but  not, 
as  himself  often  confessed,  without  pungent  regret, 
that  his  judgment  should  repudiate  vi'hat,  at  first 
sight,  seemed  most  consonant  with  Christian 
feeling.  The  strain  of  my  father's  conversation 
was  in  delightful  harmony  with  his  general  cha- 
racter. Religion  gave  its  tincture  to  his  intercourse 
with  his  fellow-creatures,  even  where  it  did  not 
constitute  the  immediate  theme  ;  while — and 
the  remark  is  especially  applicable  to  his  later 
years — he  was  ever  prepared  to  enter  on  it,  and 
ever  observant  of  opportunities  for  its  graceful 
introduction.  And  when  he  did  speak  of  the 
things  of  Christ,  it  was  with  a  savour,  as  one  who 
had  entered  into  a  spiritual  realization  of  the  em- 
phatic language  of  John — "  That  which  we  have 
heard,  which  we  have  seen  with  our  eyes,  which 
we  have  looked  upon,  and  our  hands  have  han- 
dled, of  the  Word  of  life ;  that  which  we  have 
seen  and  heard  declare  we  unto  you."  On  the 
whole,  wherever  my  father's  character  developed 


86  MEMOIR    OF 

itself,  both  saint  and  sinner,  notwithstanding  the 
discovery  of  flaws  and  imperfections,  and  even  of 
occasional  excrescences,  were  constrained,  not  by 
reason  indeed  of  an  ostentatious  display  of  the 
forms  of  godliness,  but  by  the  mere  necessity  of 
the  existence  and  effulgence  of  an  excellence 
which  could  not  be  concealed,  to  know  and  honour 
him  as  "  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  there  was 
no  guile."  "  His  light  so  shone  before  men  that 
they,  seeing  his  good  works,  glorified  his  Father 
who  is  in  heaven." 

Although  the  ministerial  and  pastoral 
CHARACTER  of  my  father  has  received  some  inci- 
dental notice,  it  yet  remains  that  it  should  be 
more  distinctly  brought  under  review. 

In  matters  of  doctrine  my  father  bowed  to  no 
human  authority  ;  "one  was  his  Master,  even 
Christ."  His  views,  however,  for  the  most  part, 
as  we  have  already  seen,  coincided  with  those  of 
Calvin.  On  what  has  been  termed  "  the  modern 
question,"  as  has  also  been  stated,  he  agreed  with 
Fuller.  He  loved  to  ascribe  to  God  all  the  glory 
of  human  salvation,  and  to  lay  at  the  door  of  man 
all  the  guilt  and  shame  of  his  own  ruin  j  and  he 
knew  not  how  these  great  objects  were  to  be  at- 
tained, except  in  conjunction  with  that  form  of 
doctrinal  sentiment  commonly  described  by  the 
collective  phrase,  moderate   Calvinism.      It  hap- 


REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  87 

pened,  nevertheless,  that  he  was  often  ranked 
with  preachers  of  the  higher  forms  of  Calvinism, 
with  the  followers  of  Gill  and  Brine.  This  arose 
from  the  fact,  that  his  themes  were  very  frequently 
of  that  class  on  lohich  the  disciples  of  the  higher 
schools  delight  so  well.  He  was  desirous  of  not 
giving  needless  offence  to  those  whose  views  on 
these  subjects  differed  from  his  own,  and  was 
anxious,  at  the  same  time,  to  guard  the  minds  of 
his  hearers  at  large  against  the  injurious  influence 
of  such  misrepresentations  in  relation  to  them  as 
were  sure  to  fall  in  their  way.  It  may  be  doubted 
whether,  from  these  laudable  motives,  he  was  not 
betrayed  into  a  disproportionate  exhibition  of  Cal- 
vinistic  peculiarities.  The  fact,  however,  was 
such  as  has  been  stated.  He  was  accustomed, 
moreover,  to  enter  largely  into  the  details  of 
Christian  experience ;  for  which  his  outward 
trials  and  his  inward  conflicts  had  served  to  pre- 
pare him.  The  providential  dealings  of  God  loith 
his  people  also  held  a  prominent  place  in  his 
ministrations.  Together  with  all  this  there  was  a 
large  admixture  of  the  phraseology  of  the  school 
in  which  he  had  been  trained ;  which,  though  he 
had  abjured  its  distinguishing  tenets,  he  still 
retained, — an  effect  attributable  in  great  part  to 
his  not  having  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  academi- 
cal instruction  and  discipline.     It  is  not,  therefore, 


88  MEMOIR    OF 

to  be  wondered  at,  that  he  sometimes  was  con- 
founded with  a  class  of  preachers,  to  which,  most 
assuredly,  he  did  not  belong.  His  real  freedom 
from  fellowship  with  them  he  made  sufficiently 
evident  in  his  statements  and  enforcements  of' 
the  fundamental  truths  of  the  Gospel.  Here  he 
was  accustomed  to  take  the  broadest  ground, 
to  follow  out  the  examples  of  Christ  and  his  apos- 
tles to  their  utmost  verge ;  and,  while  he  cut  oif  the 
saint  from  all  pretence  for  self-gratulation,  to  deprive 
the  sinner  of  every  shadow  of  excuse  for  living  and 
dying  in  his  sins.  It  would  be  grossly  absurd  to 
claim  for  him  a  character  for  elegance  and  refine- 
ment as  a  preacher ;  but  certainly  if  ever  he  rose 
to  the  heights  of  Christian  eloquence,  it  was  when 
he  expatiated  upon  such  topics  as  these.  The 
clearness  of  his  statements,  the  faithfulness  and 
pungency  of  his  warnings,  the  affection  and  fer- 
vour of  his  invitations  and  entreaties,  can  never 
be  forgotten  by  those  who  sat  under  his  ministry, 
and  heard  him  with  any  degree  of  attention. 
Then,  too,  his  exhibitions  of  doctrine,  even  of  ivhat 
is  termed  high  doctrine,  were  never  mere  abstrac- 
tions— mere  skeletons  without  flesh,  or  blood,  or 
clothing.  Thei/  were  always  accompanied  with 
practical  enforcements,  and  animated  with  them. 
He  was  very  jealous  for  the  honour  of  the  doctrines 
of  free  grace,  was  ever  concerned  to  show  that, 


ItEV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  89 

much  as  they  might  be  mahgned  by  verbal  misre- 
presentation, or  by  practical  abuse,  they  were  still 
"  doctrines  according  to  godliness,"  and  afforded 
not  the  slightest  sanction  to  the  fearful  and  damn- 
able inference, — let  us  "  continue  in  sin  that  grace 
may  abound."  Besides  which,  the  whole  strain  of 
his  preaching  ivas  of  a  di's,criminating  and  search- 
ing character.  He  would  often  allude  to  the  lan- 
guage of  God  to  the  false  prophetesses ; — "  With 
lies  ye  have  made  the  heart  of  the  righteous  sad ; 
and  strengthened  the  hands  of  the  wicked,  that  he 
should  not  return  from  his  wicked  way,  by  pro- 
mising him  life;" — and  he  felt  and  manifested  an 
habitual  and  deep  anxiety  to  escape  at  once  their 
error  and  condemnation.  The  result  was,  that  at 
different  times  he  was  branded  with  different  names, 
— sometimes  Antinomian,  and  sometimes  Armi- 
nian;  and  that  he  often  both  pleased  and  dis- 
pleased the  same  people  in  the  same  sermon. 
The  whole  amounts  to  a  tolerably  clear  demonstra- 
tion, that  he  could  not,  after  all,  be  very  far  from 
the  truth,  and  that  his  ministry,  in  its  general  ten- 
dency, was  eminently  fitted  to  promote  the  great 
ends  of  the  publication  of  the  Gospel. 

My  father's  style  and  manner  were  such  as  to 
commend  both  himself  and  his  matter  to  the  at- 
tention of  his  hearers.  His  composition,  while  it 
was  unadorned  by  the  graces  of  an  elaborate  cul- 


90  MEMOIR    OF 

tivation,  was  characterized  by  that,  the  attain- 
ment of  which  ought  ever  to  constitute  the  chief 
end  of  cultivation, — perspicuity.  He  used  much 
alignment  and  illustration  ;  and  yet  his  sermons  in 
general  did  not  appear  particularly  argumentative 
or  laboured  :  the  reason  of  which  was,  that  his 
arguments  and  illustrations  were,  for  the  most 
part,  drawn  immediately  from  the  fountain-head 
of  inspiration,  and  were  of  the  most  direct  and 
simple  kind.  He  abounded  in  appeal  and  applica- 
tion. After  he  had  once  well  and  securely  laid  his 
groundwork  he  indulged  in  excursions  on  every 
hand ;  here  seeking  to  strengthen  a  grace,  there 
to  destroy  a  corruption — here  to  lift  up  the  humble 
but  fainting  soul,  and  there  to  cast  down  the 
haughty.  This  practice  sometimes  detracted  from 
the  appearance  of  unity  in  his  discourses,  and 
tended  unduly  to  attenuate  the  materials  of  which 
they  were  composed.  But  it  was  the  preacher's 
manner — a  manner  that  God  was  pleased  to  bless  in 
his  hands — to  have  attempted  to  hedge  him  in,  or  to 
curtail  him,  would  have  been  to  diminish  his  com- 
fort, and  perhaps  to  have  impeded  his  usefulness 
— and  to  indulge  in  the  severity  of  criticism  now 
that  he  is  gone  would  be  ungracious  to  his  me- 
mory, and  ungrateful  to  the  God  who  so  exten- 
sively owned  his  labours  while  he  was  continued 
amons:  us.     Not  that  it  is  to  be  imasined  that  he 


REV.   RICHARD   DA\IS.  91 

never    delivered     closely    compacted     discourses. 
Sometimes,  yea,  frequently,  he  would  seem  to  for- 
get his  more  ordinaiy  mode  ;  and  would  state  his 
object,  and  lay  down  his  premises,  and  marshal 
his  arguments  and  illustrations,  and  advance  to  his 
conclusions,   and   deduce  his   inferences,  all   the 
while  adhering  closely  to  his  text  or  subject,  and 
exhibiting  its  proportions  and  bearings,  in  a  manner 
which  evinced,  not  only  the  goodness  of  his  heart, 
but  the  vigour  of  his  intellect,  and  the  high  standard 
of  attainment   to   which  he  was  actually   equal. 
His  delivery   was  distinguished  by   its  clearness, 
its  energy,  its  seriousness,  its  unction,  and  its  J'er- 
vour.     Every   word  and  every  syllable  fell  dis- 
tinctly upon  the  ear.     He  was  always  in  earnest, 
and  always  appeared  in  earnest.     He  knew  that 
he  had  a  message  of  infinite  importance  to  deliver, 
and  was  determined  that  it  should  be  heard  whe- 
ther it  was  heeded  or  not.     No  one  could  suspect, 
from  his  manner,  but  that  he  himself  was  deeply 
imbued  with  the  spirit  of  piety,  and  was  deeply 
anxious  to  communicate  that  spirit  to  others.     He 
made  it  ever  manifest  that  he  yearned  over  the 
souls  of  his  hearers — that  he  really  loved  them — 
and  that  he  had  no  greater  joy  than  to  see  them 
walking  in  the  truth,  and   seeking  their  highest 
and  most  lasting  good.     On  the  whole,  the  general 
acceptance  which  he  enjoyed  through  life  with  the 


92  MEMOIR    OF 

several  flocks  over  which  he  presided,  and  with 
the  numerous  congregations  which  shared  his 
occasional  labours,  was  well  founded,  and  well 
earned  ;  while  it  was  reasonable  to  expect,  on  all 
the  grounds  of  Christian  calculation,  that  ministe- 
rial labours,  conducted  as  his  were,  should  have 
been  accepted  and  honoured  by  God  as  the  means 
of  that  extensive  good  which,  under  him,  they 
actually  effected. 

My  father's  excellence  in  the  exercises  of  social 
and  public  prayer  must  not  be  forgotten.  There 
was  here  a  copiousness,  a  variety,  a  wealth,  so  to 
speak,  both  of  thought  and  expression,  which  few 
perhaps  are  capable  of  exemplifying.  His  high 
attainment  in  the  grace  of  prayer  shone  conspicu- 
ously in  connexion  v»^ith  his  gift.  He  always 
prayed  in  the  presence  of  others  like  one  who 
was  accustomed  to  pray  alone — like  one  well  initi- 
ated into  the  mysteries  of  secret  communion  with 
God. — His  face  reflected  upon  those  at  the  foot  of 
the  mount  the  light  which  had  fallen  upon  it  in  his 
intercourse  with  Deity  at  the  summit ;  and  often 
too,  it  was  his  privilege  to  lead  others  to  the 
elevation  in  which  his  own  spirit  loved  to  dwell, 
and  to  place  them  amid  the  beamings  of  that 
splendour  in  which  himself  basked  with  unutter- 
able and  awful  delight. 

My  father  added  pastoral  excellence  to  minis- 


REV.    RICHARIJ    DAVIS.  93 

terial.     He  knew  the  members  of  his  church  indi- 
vidually.    He  was  in  the  habit  of  visiting  regularly 
those  who  lay  within  his  reach,  and  made  himself 
accessible  to  all  at  all  times.     He  would  converse 
freely  and  faithfully  with  them  about  their  best 
interests — would   enter  into  all  their  lesser  con- 
cerns— sympathize    with  them  in  their  joys   and 
sorrows — drop  many  "  a  word  in  season"  to  every 
member  of  the  various  households,  children  and 
servants  not  excepted — and  "  sanctify  all  with  the 
word  of  God  and  with  prayer."     Where  sickness 
and  death  had  entered,  his  offices  of  love  were  not 
wanting,  but  were  rendered  with  peculiar  tender- 
ness, wisdom,  and  assiduity.     Infirmity,  poverty, 
and  age  were  not  overlooked,   but  sought  after, 
soothed,  and,  as  far  as  might  be,  relieved.     Nor 
were  the  members  of  the  congregation  passed  by. 
Many   of  these,   too,  enjoyed  his   regular  visits. 
With  them  also  he  would  converse  about  the  state 
of  their  souls,  and  endeavour  to  impress  in  pri- 
vate the  instructions  which  had  been  administered  in 
public.     Where  any  who  had  been  careless  and  un- 
concerned discovered  hopeful  indications,  he  would 
watch  over  them,  and  cherish  them,  and  aim,  by 
the    blessing  of  God,  at   bringing   their  serious 
thoughts  to  maturity.     With  him,  in  a  word,  his 
professions  as   a    Christian  and  a  minister  were 
perpetually  kept  in  sight.     His  walk  in  private 


94  MEMOIR    OF 

offered  no  contradiction  to  his  enforcements  in 
public,  but  rather  confirmed  and  recommended 
them.  In  his  "  doctrine,  manner  of  life,  purpose, 
faith,  long-suffering,  charity,"  he  habitually  so 
spake  and  acted  as  both  in  word  and  work  to 
"  warn  every  man,  and  teach  every  man,  in  all 
wisdom,  that  he  might  present  every  man  perfect 
in  Christ  Jesus." 

Such  was  the  subject  of  the  foregoing  pages. 
Not  without  fault — not  so  much  the  slave  of 
self- flattery  as  ever  to  entertain  such  a  very  dream 
respecting  himself — not  suspected  to  be  perfect 
by  those  who  best  knew  him, — but  delivered 
from  the  dominion  of  sin  by  the  power  of  grace, 
and  by  that  same  power  exalted  into  high  honour 
and  happiness  below,  and  now  raised  to  still 
higher  honour  and  happiness  in  heaven.  His  alloy 
he  has  left  in  the  tomb  with  his  body ;  let  him 
lose  it,  too,  in  our  contemplations :  or  let  us  so  think 
of  it  only  as  to  be  roused  to  seek  with  more  zeal 
the  purification  of  our  own  natures.  To  God  let 
the  glory  of  all  his  excellence  be  ascribed,  even  as 
he  himself  was  wont  to  ascribe  it  ;  and  to  the 
attainment  of  that  excellence,  and  of  still  higher, 
let  our  best  efforts  be  called  into  activity.  Let 
our  thanksgivings  ascend  to  "  the  Father  of  all 
mercies"  that  he  was  so  long  continued  to  us,  and 


REV.    RICHAHn    DAVIS.  95 

SO  greatly  blessed ;  while  in  Him  we  repose  with 
assured  confidence  that  his  cause  shall  not  finally 
suffer,  though  his  servants,  one  after  another,  be 
removed  from  the  field  of  action  to  the  land  of 
rest,  and  to  Him  we  look  for  grace  that,  as  far  as 
can  be,  we  may  fill  up  their  places,  and  carry  on 
their  work.  Finally,  let  us  "  be  stedfast,  immove- 
able, always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
forasmuch  as  we  know  that  our  labour  is  not  in 
vain  in  the  Lord" — forasmuch  as  we  know,  that 
the  harvest  of  the  universe  draws  nigh,  in  which 
the  devastations  of  sin  and  death  shall  be  for  ever 
ended,  and  the  spirits  of  the  "just  made  perfect" 
shall  return  to  their  ancient  homes,  then  purified 
and  immortalized — in  which  Christ  "shall  see  of 
the  travail  of  his  soul,  and  be  satisfied  ;"  while  the 
countless  myriads  of  holy  and  happy  intelligences, 
upheld  in  obedience  and  bliss,  or  redeemed  from 
sin  and  woe,  and  made  instruments  in  the  advance- 
ment of  his  designs,  shall  be  lost  in  the  blaze  of  his 
glory,  and  filled  with  the  fulness  of  his  joy,  and  enter 
upon  that  state  wherein  fresh  displays  of  the  one, 
and  fresh  experience  of  the  other,  shall  for  ever 
and  ever  enlighten  the  eyes,  and  enrapture  the 
heart,  and  minister  themes  to  the  song,  and  life, 
and  sweetness,  and  grandeur  to  the  voice  of 
praise. 


^Itettft  of  a  Mention 

BY    THE 

REV.    F.    A.    COX,    LL.D., 

DELIVERED    IN  THE    CHAPEL  IN    EAST  STREET,  WALWORTH, 
ON  OCCASION  OP  THE 

DEATH  OF  THE  REV.  R.  DAVIS. 


SERMON. 


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.  1  John  iii.  2. 

Assisted  by  the  discoveries  of  revelation,  we 
cannot  hesitate  to  affirm,  that  futurity  constitutes 
the  greatness  of  man.  Here  we  behold  him  only 
in  his  insignificance — in  his  elementary  being, — 
nay  more,  in  his  state  of  debasement. 

Once,  for  a  short  season,  man  was  seen  as  his 
Creator  made  him,  in  a  condition  of  original  recti- 
tude, elevated  dignity,  and  perfect  enjoyment.  He 
walked  in  the  light  of  the  Divine  countenance,  which 
shone  upon  him  with  unclouded  benignity ;  and 
his  alliances  as  well  as  his  passions  were  all  holy 
and  celestial.  Now  he  is  to  be  seen  as  sin  has 
made,  or  rather  unmade  him.  He  is  seen  in  the 
prostration  of  his  faculties,  and  in  the  meanness, 
misery,  and  guilt  of  a  fallen  nature.  Internal 
pollution  sends  forth  its  streams  of  malignant  and 
demorahzing  influence  into  ten  thousand  channels 
of  impurity. 

F  2 


100  FUNERAL    SERMON    FOR 

But  the  grace  of  God  commences  a  new  pro- 
cess, which  will  educe  glory  and  immortality  from 
the  elements  of  corruption.  It  is  a  leaven  which, 
when  put  into  the  mass  of  human  passions,  will 
gradually  leaven  and  transform  the  whole  lump. 
"  This  is  the  bud  of  being ;" — emphatically  so  in 
a  Christian  sense.  It  is  the  bud  of  intellectual 
being  indeed,  but  especially  of  moral  and  spiritual 
character;  which  will  hereafter  break  forth  and 
bloom  before  the  throne,  and  which,  with  all  its 
attributes  of  mind  and  heart,  is  evidently  capable 
of  an  indefinite  expansion  of  excellence,  as  well  as 
an  interminable  progression  of  joy. 

Surely  this  thought  is  adapted  to  animate  us 
in  our  progress  towards  futurity,  and  to  elevate 
lis  above  the  fear  of  affliction  and  death.  As  we 
have  fallen  into  the  power  of  sin,  so  have  we  sunk 
into  the  likeness  of  death.  We  are  become  cor- 
ruptible and  mortal ;  and  nothing  can  be  more 
humiliating  than  the  temporal  close  of  human 
existence.  But  the  scene  brightens  beyond.  In 
many  important  points  the  eternal  destination  of 
the  "  sons  of  God"  is  unlike  their  present  condi- 
tion—" it  doth  not,"  says  the  text,  "  yet  appear 
what  we  shall  be."  The  departure  of  a  believer,  a 
friend,  "  a  holy  man  of  God,"  into  the  invisible 
world,  naturally  attracts  our  thoughts  upward,  and 
we  become  eager  to  take  the  lamp  of  inspiration  in 


THE     REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  101 

our  hands,  and  explore  what  we  can  ascertain  of 
a  mysterious  eternity. 

The  heavenly  state  is  described  in  Scripture  in 
a  variety  of  ways.  In  the  passage  before  us  two 
ideas  are  suggested,  which  will  be  sufficient  to 
engage  our  attention  at  present. 

I.  The   blessedness    of   heaven   will  very 

MUCH    CONSIST     IN     SEEING   ChRIST    AS    HE     IS,     AS 

God. 

Though  the  reference  in  the  text  may  be  con- 
sidered as  general  to  the  Deity,  yet,  as  the  term 
"  appearing"  is  employed,  which  is  specifically 
descriptive  of  the  predestined  manifestation  of  the 
Saviour,  and  as  there  are  ample  reasons  for  con- 
cludino-  that  he  once  assumed  our  nature,  and 
raised  it,  in  a  purified  state,  by  his  ascension,  to 
the  celestial  world,  it  seems  natural  to  understand 
the  language  of  this  promise  as  conveying  the  idea 
of  beholding  more  distinctly,  more  gloriously, 
"  God  in  Christ;"  or  in  a  mode  of  manifestation 
which,  though  it  will  fill  the  soul  with  conceptions 
of  an  ever  present  and  infinite  Being,  who  is  "  all 
in  all,"  will  nevertheless  impress  the  redeemed 
universe  especially  with  the  mystery  of  incarnate 
love. 

A  pure  and  exalted  friendship  sympathises  with 
the  distinction  and  happiness  of  a  beloved  object. 
In  proportion,  therefore,  as  we  love  Christ,  and 


102  FUNERAL  SERMON   FOR 

become  purified  from  the  selfishness  of  our  na- 
ture, we  shall  rejoice  in  his  exaltation  and  glory. 
Rehgion  inspires  an  enlarged  generosity  of  mind, 
teaching  its  subject  to  feel  emotions  of  pleasure 
in  the  greatness  of  another;  and  this  sentiment 
attains  its  utmost  expansion  and  grandeur  when 
the  bosom  is  filled  with  the  love  of  Christ.  To 
"  see  him  as  he  is"  will  therefore  constitute  an 
essential  element  of  future  bliss. 

It  is  true  that  the  blessed  Jesus  has  been  seen, 
even  in  a  personal  form,  on  earth  ;  and  he  is  now 
seen  by  the  assurances  of  faith  by  the  believing 
church  ;  but  not  altogether  "  as  he  is." 

■  1.  The  apostles,  and  many  of  the  primitive  dis- 
ciples "  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only 
begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth ;" 
but  he  was  then  clothed  with  the  partially  con- 
cealing vestment  of  humanity.  It  was  indeed  an 
attractive  sight,  even  in  these  his  days  of  humili- 
ation, and  calculated  to  excite  high  conceptions  of 
moral  grandeur,  and  impress  mean  ideas  of  mere 
earthly  glory;  but  it  was  a  dim  and  passing 
vision.  It  was  needful  that  he  should  first  appear 
in  this  manner,  that  he  might  be  capacitated  to 
accomplish  the  work  of  redemption.  He  must 
have  assumed  our  nature,  or  he  could  not  have 
suflfered  and  atoned  for  our  guilt.  And  it  would 
not  have  comported  with   the   present  state   of 


THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  103 

things  to  have  made  a  more  unveiled  display  of 
his  Divine  essence  and  attributes. 

2.  It  is  the  privilege  of  all  believers  now  to  see 
him  throusfh  the  medium  of  ordinances,  and  this 
too  in  a  dehghtful,  in  some  respects  in  a  glorious 
manner  ;  but  still  it  is  an  imperfect  manifestation. 
He  is  exhibited  indeed  in  his  truth,  in  the  read- 
ing of  the  Scriptures,  in  the  ministry  of  the  Word, 
at  the  Sacramental  table.  His  authority  is  every- 
where visible,  his  character  displayed,  and  his  love 
and  presence  perceptible,  in  the  celebrations  of 
worship.  But  this,  even  this,  with  all  the  sacred- 
ness,  solemnity,  and  spirituality  that  can  exist  on 
earth,  is  not  seeing  him  "  as  he  is." 

3.  Now  we  see  him  in  his  providential  dealings ; 
for  as  he  is  "  head  over  all  things  to  the  church," 
the  present  economy  is  under  his  superintendence 
and  control.  "  All  power"  is  given  to  him.  He 
has  "  the  keys  of  hell  and  of  death.''  The  world  is 
under  his  dominion  ;  the  church  is  under  his  care. 
In  consequence  of  this,  whatever  may  be  our  mis- 
conceptions, or  whatever  obscurities  may  be  thrown 
around  us,  nothing  is  out  of  place.  Disorder  is 
but  seeming  disorder.  Were  an  uninstructed  per- 
son to  stand  in  the  midst  of  a  vast  machinery  in 
motion,  he  would  be  perplexed  by  the  noise  and 
contrary  movements  of  the  wheels ;  but  a  greater 
knowledge  of  the  mechanical  art,  and  a  compa- 


104  FUNERAL    SERMON    FOR 

rison  of  the  result,  would  remove  his  apprehen- 
sions, and  enable  him  to  see  contrivance,  order,  and 
a  beneficial  effect,  which  were  before  impercep- 
tible, and  even  incomprehensible.     It  is  thus  in 
providence.     The  confusion  is  only  in  our  minds — 
the   consequence  of  our  ignorance  or  prejudice. 
All  is  order  in  the  view  of  the  Great  Disposer. 
The  motions  all  follow  the  impulse  of  the  prime 
spring  which  he  touches,  and  tend  to  the  consum- 
mation which  he  has  predetermined.     We  know, 
however,  but  in  part ;  and  though  the  enlightened 
and  sanctified  mind  traces  with  inexpressible  satis- 
faction the  operations  of  Him  who  is  making  "  all 
things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
him,"  we  do  not,  we  cannot,  at  present  see  him 
"  as  he  is." 

But  this  glorious  vision  will  be  hereafter  granted, 
and  is,  we  doubt  not,  already  partly  disclosed  to 
our  departed  friend,  in  relation  to  three  great 
points. 

1.  Christ  will  be  seen  in  the  heavenly  world 
"  as  he  is,"  as  God,  in  the  perfect  and  unlimited 
extent  of  his  dominion.  In  the  present  state  this 
dominion  is  to  be  viewed  with  especial  reference 
to  this  world  and  his  mediatorial  government, 
which,  in  comparison  with  the  whole  universe  of 
rational  intelligences,  is  extremely  limited.  We 
have  now  indeed  general  assurances  of  the  fact  of 


THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  105 

his  real  superintendence  in  other  regions  ;  but  the 
impossibility  of  any  present  comprehension  of  the 
relations  he  sustains,  and  the  influence  he  exerts, 
beyond  our  own  sphere,  prevents  our  now  seeing 
him  "  as  he  is." 

2.  The  Son  of  God  will  be  hereafter  beheld  in 
the  unrestricted  manifestations  of  an  injinite  love 
throughout  all  the  realms  of  happy  being.  In 
what  particular  modes  of  power,  or  wisdom,  or 
grace  he  may  reign,  futurity  only  can  disclose. 
At  present  there  exist  circumstances  which  tend 
to  restrict  the  effusions  of  his  benevolence,  and 
prevent  unmingled  demonstrations  of  kindness. 
The  guilty  condition  of  mankind  inevitably  in- 
volves them  in  darkness  and  displeasure  ;  and  the 
imperfection  of  human  character,  even  when  re- 
newed by  Divine  grace,  renders  the  diversified 
afflictions  of  life  necessary  as  the  means  of  purify- 
ing the  soul,  and  preparing  it  for  the  blissful  pre- 
sence of  its  Redeemer.  The  whole  process  of 
moral  probation,  therefore,  checks,  if  I  may  so 
speak,  the  full  display  of  the  love  of  God.  For, 
although  this  love  is  in  reality  as  truly  evinced  in 
the  design  and  transforming  efficacy  of  painful 
dispensations  as  if  no  "  clouds  and  darkness  were 
round  about  it,"  there  is  yet  an  essential  difference, 
with  regard  to  our  perception  of  what  he  is,  in 
being  placed  in  an  economy  of  discipline,  and  in 


106  FUNERAL    SERMON    FOR 

one,  as  it  will  finally  be,  of  perfect  light  and  un- 
restricted love. 

3.  He  who  is  "  the  brightness  of  the  Father's 
glory,  and  the  express  image  of  his  person,"  will 
be  seen  "  as  he  is,"  in  a  future  world,  with  respect 
to  the  immutahility  and  eternity  of  his  being.     The 
New  Testament  presents  him  to  our  view  chiefly 
as   compassed   with  infirmities,   and   pursuing   a 
short  journey  to  the  sepulchre.     He  was  indeed 
in  the  highest  degree  "  destitute,  afflicted,   tor- 
mented," till,  amidst  the  successful  machinations 
of  infernal   spirits,  and  the  maledictions  of  his 
enemies,  he   died   a   sacrifice   for  sin.     Scorned, 
insulted,  and  crucified,  we  have  not  yet  seen  him 
"  as  he  is."    To  his  temporal  existence  we  necessa- 
rily attach  ideas  of  frailty,  brevity,  and  change,  as 
well  as  of  sorrow.     But  in  another  sphere  there  is 
a  far  different  manifestation.     In  the  mid  heaven 
of  his  glory  there,  no  clouds  intercept  his  light, 
and  no  mortal  shadows  can  extinguish  it.     His 
essential  attributes  of  immutability  and  eternity 
will  then  be  incontestably  apparent,  and  inspire 
"joy  unspeakable"  in  the  hearts  of  an  adoring 
universe.    The  absolute  perfections  of  Deity  can 
now  be  very  indistinctly  conceived ;  but  there  is 
reason  to  beheve  that  with  more  expanded  powers, 
and  in  a  more  spiritual  world,  they  will  be  more 
clearly  perceptible,  and  more  duly  appreciated. 


THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  107 

II.  The  blessedness  of  heaven  will  also 
IN  great  part  consist  in  assimilation  to 
Christ. 

The  reference  in  the  text  is,  of  course,  to  his 
moral  excellence.  Eternity,  immutability,  and  ab- 
solute dominion  are  not  objects  of  imitation,  But 
only  of  contemplation ;  and  whatever  emotions  of 
awe  or  of  delight  they  may  occasion,  there  is  no 
tendency  to  assimilate  the  observer.  While,  there- 
fore, "  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is"  in  the  full-orbed 
glory  of  all  his  perfections,  it  will  be  only  through 
the  influence  of  his  moral  glory  that  we  shall  be 
made  like  him.  This  idea,  however,  must  be 
viewed  in  connexion  with  one  that  seems  also,  per- 
haps chiefly,  included, — namely,  that  believers  are 
prepared  by  the  discipline  of  earth  for  the  bliss  of 
heaven. 

1.  In  order  to  enjoy  the  vision  and  presence  of 
Christ  there  must  be  a  previous  preparation — an 
assimilating  process  in  this  world,  by  which  we 
are  "  made  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light,"  in  consequence  of  which  "  we  shall  be 
like  him,"  and  thus  prepared  to  be  with  him  when 
we  see  him  "  as  he  is."  This  assimilation  is  there- 
fore now  continually  going  forward,  by  means  of 
the  illuminating  and  sanctifying  influences  of  his 
Holy  Spirit,  destroying  the  power  of  sin,  and 
strengthening  the  principles  of  grace,  and  will  be 


108  FUNERAL    SERMON    FOR 

in  a  sense  complete  at  the  resurrection,  when  this 
"  vile  body  shall  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glo- 
rious body,"  and  the  exulting  spirit  haste  to  "  meet 
him  in  the  air."  Then  will  he  indeed  be  "  glori- 
fied in  his  saints,  and  admired  in  all  them  that 
believe."  The  moral  and  spiritual  resemblance  of 
the  saints  to  their  Lord  will,  in  that  day,  become 
at  once  obvious,  when  they  shall  appear  with  him 
entirely  emancipated  from  the  bondage  of  corrup- 
tion. 

2.  But  they  will  appear  on  that  great  occasion 
in  the  first  stage  only,  if  I  may  so  express  it,  of 
that  process  of  assimilation  which  will  be  for  ever 
perfecting  before  the  throne.  The  sight  of  Christ, 
the  vision  of  his  excellence  in  all  its  modes  of 
moral  manifestation,  will  be  assimilating.  In  a 
well-constituted  mind  the  desire  of  resemblance  is 
always  enkindled  by  the  contemplation  of  extraor- 
dinary virtue.  It  cannot  be  satisfied  with  total  or 
flagrant  dissimilarity.  It  cannot  cherish  the  evil 
passions  with  satisfaction  amidst  a  profuse  and 
beneficent  display  of  those  which  adorn  existence, 
and  promote  general  happiness.  What  degree  of 
attainment  in  assimilation  to  perfect  excellence 
may  in  a  future  state  be  the  result  of  the  perpetual 
aim  of  the  spirit,  and  of  the  copious  communication 
of  Divine  influence,  it  is  not  possible  for  us  to 
imagine.     But  there  are  at  least  two  considera- 


THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  109 

tions  by  which  our  expectations  may  be  regulated. 
First,  That  the  attainment  will  bear  a  proportion 
to  the  desire.  And  the  desire  must  be  ineffably 
ardent ;  inasmuch  as  that  must  be  again  propor- 
tioned to  the  purity  of  the  mind,  which  will  then 
be  entire,  and  its  moral  capacities,  which  will  then 
be  immeasurably  increased.  And  secondly/,  That 
both  the  means  of  promoting  this  assimilation,  and 
the  stimulus  to  employ  those  means,  will  be  inex- 
pressibly enhanced.  There  is  abundant  and  de- 
lightful reason  to  anticipate,  that  the  reciprocities 
of  heavenly  friendship  among  holy  spirits  and 
perfected  saints  will  be  favourable  to  enlarged  and 
ever  enlarging  conceptions  of  the  Divine  glory; 
while  there  will  be  a  direct,  intimate,  and  everlast- 
ing association  of  the  highest  and  holiest  kind 
with  "  the  Lamb"  himself,  who  is  "  in  the  midst 
of  the  throne,"  and  who  will  "  lead  us  and  feed  us 
by  fountains  of  living  waters;  and  God  himself 
shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  our  eyes." 


*^*  In  the  preceding  sketch,  made  after  the  lapse  of  some 
months,  and  from  recollection,  aided  only  by  very  brief  notes 
used  at  the  time,  it  has  not  been  thought  necessary  to  insert 
pointed  allusions  to  the  character  of  the  deceased,  or  addresses 
given  either  to  the  family  or  the  church ;  the  former  belonging 
more  properly  to  the  province  of  the  biographer,  the  latter  being 
of  too  private  or  too  temporary  a  nature  for  permanent  record. 

F.  A.  C. 


StUttion^ 


THE     MANUSCRIPTS 


OF    THE    LATE 


REV.  RICHARD  DAVIS. 


OUTLINES     OF    SERMONS. 


I. 


And    Israel    said  unto    Joseph,    I    had    not 

THOUGHT    TO  SEE  THY  FACE:    BUT  LO,  GoD  HATH 
SHEWED  ME  ALSO  THY  SEED.       Gen.  xlviu.  11. 

The  cordial  friends,  and  faithful  servants  of  God, 
in  all  periods  of  time,  have  been  distinguished  by 
their  believing,  their  ardent,  and  growing  attach- 
ment to  the  Saviour.  In  their  estimation  every 
thing  has  derived  its  value  and  importance  from 
its  relation  to  him ;  for  the  person  and  work  of 
Christ  sweeten  and  sanctify  all  their  joys,  and 
even  their  sorrows.  It  appears  to  me  we  have  an 
illustration  of  these  remarks  in  the  connexion  of 
my  text. 

When  the  aged  patriarch  uttered  this  language 
the  time  was  drawing  near  when  he  was  to  die. 
Joseph  was  apprised  of  his  sickness  ;  he  therefore 
left  the  affairs  of  state  to  visit  his  dying  father,  and 
he  took  with  him  his  two  sons,  to  obtain  for  them 
the  patriarchal  and  prophetic  benediction.     When 


114      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

his  dying  father  was  informed  of  their  arrival,  in 
his  body  and  mind  he  gathered  strength.  He  there- 
fore sat  up  on  his  bed,  and  addressed  to  Joseph 
the  following  language : — "  God  Almighty  ap- 
peared unto  me  at  Luz  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and 
blessed  me,  and  said  unto  me.  Behold  I  will  make 
thee  fruitful,  and  multiply  thee,  and  I  will  make 
of  thee  a  multitude  of  people ;  and  will  give  this 
land  to  thy  seed  after  thee  for  an  everlasting  pos- 
session. And  now  thy  two  sons,  Ephraim  and 
Manasseh,  which  were  born  unto  thee  in  the  laii.i 
of  Egypt,  are  mine ;  as  Reuben  and  Simeon,  the} 
shall  be  mine."  The  first  two  of  these  verses  are 
an  abstract  of  the  promises  which  were  given  Ja- 
cob, as  recorded,  Gen.  xxviii.  10 — 15.  These  pro- 
raises  receive  their  full  and  final  accomplishment 
in  Christ,  and  in  all  the  good  bestowed  on  his 
spiritual  seed  through  him.  It  was  for  this  reason 
principally  that  they  were  so  highly  valued  by 
the  dying  patriarch  :  Heb.  xi.  13.  On  this  account 
also  Joseph,  having  imbibed  the  spirit  by  which 
Moses,  at  a  later  period,  was  actuated,  esteemed 
an  interest  in  these  same  promises  as  "  greater 
riches"  for  his  children  than  all  "  the  treasures  of 
Egypt."  For  myself  and  my  fellow-Christians,  I 
wish  that  we  were  all  more  like-minded  with 
Joseph  than  we  are,  and  were  more  concerned  in 
the  first  place  to  seek,  for  ourselves  and  our  families, 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  115 

"  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his  righteousness," 
pursuing  all  temporal  interests  in  subordination  to 
this.  For  what  can  be  equal,  for  ourselves,  or 
those  belonging  to  us,  to  the  "  one  thing  needful" 
— "  the  good  part  that  cannot  be  taken  away  ?" 
The  presence  of  the  children  of  his  beloved  Joseph 
filled  the  patriarch's  heart  with  tenderness  towards 
him,  and  with  gratitude  to  his  God  ;  when,  taking 
a  review  of  all  the  way  in  which  he  had  graciously 
led  him,  he  said :  "Ah,  Joseph  !  I  had  not  thought 
to  see  thy  face  j  but  God's  thoughts  were  not  as 
my  thoughts ;  he  has  showed  me  even  thy  seed." 

The  words  of  my  text  require  no  explanation ; 
but  they  will  furnish  a  few  remarks,  which,  with  a 
Divine  blessing,  may  be  rendered  useful. 

I.  We  learn  from  them,  that  the  afflicted  people 
of  God  are  very  incompetent  judges  of  the  wisdom 
and  goodness  of  his  dealings  totvards  them. 

He  has  given  us  repeated  assurances,  in  his  holy 
word,  that  he  orders  all  our  concerns  for  us. 
None  of  our  circumstances  are  so  trivial  as  to  be 
beneath  his  notice  ;  neither  are  there  any  of  such 
magnitude  as  to  be  above  his  management.  All 
"  our  times  are  in  his  hand;"  and  he  ever  has 
ordered,  and  will  order  them  for  good.  We  shall 
never  have  a  pain  more,  nor  a  pleasure  less,  than 
he  has  appointed  in  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness. 
He  so  manages  all  things  as  infallibly  to  promote 


116      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

our  good,  and  his  own  eternal  glory.  In  carrying 
on  his  gracious  designs,  however,  "clouds  and 
darkness"  are  frequently  "  round  about  him."  He 
appears  in  the  thick  and  impervious  darkness, 
which  it  is  impossible  for  the  eye  of  sense  to  pene- 
trate, in  gazing  upon  which  nothing  but  keen  and 
strong  faith  will  stand  us  in  stead.  He  acts  to- 
wards us  sometimes  in  such  a  manner  that  the 
promise  and  providence  appear  to  cross  each  other, 
and  to  run  counter,  and  be  quite  contrary  to  each 
other ;  so  that  we  cannot  discern  the  connexion  be- 
tween the  means  and  the  end,  and  the  suitableness 
of  the  one  to  accomplish  the  other.  If,  under  such 
circumstances,  we  judge  of  the  Divine  conduct 
towards  us  merely  by  present  appearances,  by  the 
sight  of  the  eyes,  or  by  the  hearing  of  the  ears, 
we  shall  be  likely  to  form  the  most  erroneous 
opinions,  and  to  come  to  the  most  unjust  and  dis- 
tressing conclusions.  It  was  thus  with  Naomi, 
the  widow  of  Elimelech,  when  she  returned  to 
Bethlehem.  It  should  seem  that  previous  to  her 
departure  she  was  a  person  of  considerable  note ; 
for  "  all  the  city,"  on  her  coming  back,  **  was 
moved.  And  they  said,  Is  this  Naomi?  And 
she  said  unto  them.  Call  me  not  Naomi,  call  me 
Mara ;  for  the  Almighty  hath  dealt  very  bitterly 
with  me.  I  went  out  full,  and  the  Lord  hath 
brought  me  home  again  empty ;  why  then  call  ye 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  117 

me  Naomi,  seeing  the  Lord  hath  testified  against 
me,  and  the  Almighty  hath  afflicted  me  ?"  How 
many  of  the  children  of  God  have  drawn  such 
conclusions,  and  entertained  such  false  opinions 
of  the  dealings  of  God  towards  them  !  But  Naomi 
was  greatly  mistaken.  God  had  good  things  in 
store  for  her,  though  she  spake  thus  despondingly  : 
Ruth  iv.  15.  It  was  thus  also  with  Jacob  in  a 
former  part  of  his  life.  For  twenty-three  years  he 
had  been  deprived  of  his  beloved  son  Joseph. 
During  the  whole  of  that  time  he  considered  him 
as  dead,  and  concluded  that  he  should  see  his 
face  no  more :  Gen.  xxxvii.  33.  He  was  after- 
wards deprived  for  a  while  of  Simeon,  and  of  Ben- 
jamin also,  when  he  was  left  to  express  himself  in 
the  following  distressing  and  desponding  language: 
— "  Me  have  ye  bereaved  of  my  children  :  Joseph 
is  not,  and  Simeon  is  not,  and  ye  will  take  away 
Benjamin  also:  all  these  things  are  against  me.'' 
But  here  he  too  was  greatly  mistaken.  There  was 
a  sad  defect  somewhere.  It  was  not,  however,  in 
God,  but  in  Jacob — not  in  God's  plan,  but  in 
Jacob's  faith.  In  the  text  he  seems  to  acknow- 
ledge this,  and  to  say,  "  I  was  a  poor  short-sighted 
worm  of  a  day ;  yet  I  was  measuring  the  vast 
plans  of  Omnipotence  with  my  little  contracted 
mind.  I  little  thought  the  plan  of  Providence  was 
going  on  in  such  a  manner  as  this."     Thus  did  he 


118      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

furnish  a  striking  proof,  that  the  afflicted  people 
of  God  are  utterly  incompetent  to  judge  of  the 
wisdom  and  goodness  of  his  dealings  towards  them, 

"  Judge  not  the  Lord  by  feeble  sense. 

But  trust  him  for  his  grace  ; 
Behind  a  frowning  providence 

He  hides  a  smiling  face.' 

II.  A  o-racious  God  ^uill  explain  his  own  deal- 
ings in  due  time. 

For  a  season   he  calls  upon  us  to   "  walk  by 
faith,  and  not  by  sight."     When  we  can  discover 
no  agreement  between  the  promise  and  providence 
of  God — when  we  can  discover  no  good  end  to  be 
answered  by  our  afflictions — when  we  can  perceive 
no  possible  way  of  escape  out  of  trouble,  then  we 
are  to  "  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  to  stay  ourselves 
upon  our  God."     We  are  not  left  to  go  through 
these  paths,  of  which  we  are  so  utterly  ignorant, 
alone.     "  I  will  bring  the  blind,"  says  our  God, 
"  by  a  way  that  they  know  not ;  I  will  lead  them 
in  paths  that  they  have  not  known."     He  hath 
said,  and  confirmed  it  by  an  oath,  "  I  will  surely 
do  thee  good."     He  hath  given  us  to  understand, 
however,  that  it  will  be  principally  "  at  our  latter 
end."    He  led  the  children  of  Israel  by  a  circuit- 
ous path  "  to  do  them  good  ;"  but  it  was  "  at  their 
latter  end." 

"  He  led  their  march  far  wandering  round, 
'Twas  the  right  path  to  Canaan's  ground." 


OF    THE    REV.    KICHARD    DAVIS.  Il9 

And  while  he  thus  deals  with  his  children,  perpe- 
tually and  graciously  pursuing  his  own  end  by 
means  which  we  cannot  comprehend,  he  says, 
"  What  I  do  ye  know  not  now ;  but  ye  shall  know 
hereafter."  It  was  thus  he  dealt  with  Jacob; 
which  he  in  effect  gratefully  acknowledges  in 
the  words  of  my  text,  and  more  expressly,  v.  15, 16. 
"  I  thought  not  to  see  thy  face ;  and  lo  !  God 
hath  showed  me  thy  seed.  He  has  been  as  good 
as  his  word.  He  has  led  me  and  fed  me  all  my 
life  long.  He  has  redeemed  me  from  all  evil,  and 
given  me  such  explanations  as  are  sufficient  to 
inspire  me  with  the  most  exalted  gratitude." 

"  Wait  but  a  while,  and  thou  shalt  see 
His  lore  in  all  that  comes  to  thee." 

*'  Blind  unbelief  is  sure  to  err. 

And  scan  his  work  in  vain ; 
God  is  his  own  interpreter. 

And  he  will  make  it  plain." 

III.  Latter  trials  are  frequently  explanatory  of 
former  ones. 

There  is  an  inseparable  connexion  between  the 
various  parts  of  the  Divine  dealings ;  and  they  are 
administered  in  that  order  as  to  make  way  for 
and  explain  each  other.  Providences  at  great  dis- 
tance from  each  other,  and  that  have  no  apparent 
alliance  with  each  other,  will  appear  at  length  to 
be  closely  connected.     We   have    a   remarkable 


120       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

instance  of  it  in  the  history  of  the  woman  of  Shu- 
nem.  She  had  been  favoured,  in  an  extraordinary 
way,  with  an  only  son.  At  a  tender  age  he  was 
taken  from  her  by  a  very  sudden  stroke.  On  this 
trying  occasion  she  was  led  by  faith  to  form  a  cor- 
rect estimate  of  her  affliction.  She  said  concerning 
it,  "  It  is  well :"  2  Kings  iv.  18 — 26.  It  proved 
so  in  the  immediate  issue  of  the  visitation.  But 
it  was  more  fully  explained  at  a  later  period : 
2  Kings  viii.  1—6.  The  property  of  this  good 
woman  was  thus  restored  to  her  in  consequence  of 
an  apparently  accidental  conversation  which  the 
king  had  with  Gehazi,  Elisha's  servant  [while  a 
dispensation  which,  notwithstanding  her  faith, 
must  have  been  very  dark  and  distressing  to  her, 
was  explained  in  a  manner  she  had  little  expected]. 
It  was  thus  also  in  the  history  and  experience  of 
Jacob.  The  loss  of  Simeon  and  Benjamin  was  the 
means  of  explaining  to  him  why  he  had  been  de- 
prived of  his  beloved  Joseph. 

IV.   When  a  gracious  God  fully  explains  his  dis- 
pensations to  his  afflicted  people,  he  is  seen  to 
unspeakably  better  to  them  than  all  their  hopes  or 

fears. 

This  was  most  gratefully  acknowledged  by  Jacob 
in  these  words,  when  he  said  to  Joseph,  "  I  had 
not  thought  to  see  thy  face ;  and  lo !  God  hath 
also  showed  me  thy  seed."    Under   severe  trials 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  121 

nature,  and  even  grace  is  ready  to  give  way.  Nature 
shrinks,  for  "afflictions  are  not  joyous  but  griev- 
ous;" and  we  say,  "  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let 
this  or  that  cup  pass  from  us."  Our  faith  and 
patience  give  way,  and  we  draw  the  most  erroneous 
conclusions,  and  utter  the  most  groundless  affirm- 
ations. But  though  "  we  believe  not,  God  abides 
faithful,''  and  completely  fulfils  all  his  engage- 
ments. And  if  God  does  all,  and  above  all  that  we 
ask  or  think  here,  what  shall  we  say  as  it  respects 
another  world  ?  What  would  be  the  emotions  of 
Jacob  when,  in  the  full  blaze  of  Divine  discovery, 
he  saw  the  wisdom,  loving-kindness,  goodness,  and 
trath  of  him  in  whom  he  had  believed  !  And  all 
the  followers  of  the  Lamb  at  last  will  say,  "  Eye 
hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered 
into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God  hath 
prepared  for  them  that  love  him." 

V.  When  all  the  purposes  of  Jehovah  are  accom 
pHshed,  the  despotiding  thoughts  of  his  people  will 
he  turned  into  songs  of  grateful  praise. 

Jacob  anticipated  the  praises  of  heaven  before 
he  arrived  there,  and  expressed  the  gratitude  of 
his  heart  towards  that  God  who  had  more  than 
fulfilled  all  his  engagements  and  promises 


122       SELECTIONS   FROM  THE   MANUSCRIPTS 


IMPROVEMENT. 

1 .  Let  US  learn  from  hence,  as  from  every  other 
subject,  the  itifinile  value  of  Christ  and  his 
work. 

The  promises  of  God  are  "  exceeding  great  and 
precious;"  but  they  derive  all  their  value  from 
Christ  Jesus,  in  whom  they  are  "  yea  and  amen." 
It  was  for  this  reason  that  God  fulfilled  his  pro- 
mises to  Jacob.  Our  security  does  not  depend  on 
our  faith,  but  on  God's  faithfulness ;  and  it  is 
because  the  promises  are  "yea  and  amen"  i?i  Christ 
that  they  are  sure  to  receive  their  accomplishment. 
Jesus  is  "  the  head  of  his  body  the  church,''  and 
"  head  over  all  things  to  the  church."  The  reins 
of  universal  empire  are  in  his  hands ;  and  therefore 
he  will  bring  to  pass  all  the  designs  of  Divine 
mercy,  and  all  the  promises  of  Divine  love. 
Through  Christ  all  our  unbelief,  distrust,  and  hard- 
ness of  heart  are  forgiven.  Jacob  was  in  fault 
when  he  said,  "  All  these  things  are  against  me." 
He  gave  God  the  lie — he  said  the  God  of  truth 
had  forfeited  his  word  ;  and  therefore  he  needed 
the  blood  of  atonement  to  purify  him  from  the  evil 
of  his  spirit.  Through  Christ,  too,  all  oiir  unbe- 
lieving fears  and  desponding  thoughts  are  par- 
doned. And  through  him  "  the  ransomed  of  the 
Lord  shall  return,  and  come  to  Zion  with  songs 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  123 

and  everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads  :  they  shall 
obtain  joy  and  gladness,  and  sorrow  and  sighing 
shall  flee  away." 

2.  We  may  perceive  the  necessity  of  strong  faith, 
and  more  uncomplaining  patience. 

God  will  explain,  reconcile,  and  harmonize  his 
word  and  his  works  by-and-by. 

"  Oh,  for  a  strong  and  lasting  faith, 
To  credit  what  th'  Almighty  saith  !" 

Thus  shall  we  give  glory  to  God,  and  experience 
large  measures  of"  comfort  in  our  own  souls. 

3.  Are  there  any  without  repentance,  without 
faith,  "  without  Christ,  without  God,  and  without 
hope  in  the  world  ?" 

When  the  promises  of  God  are  all  fulfilled 
to  \ns  friends,  it  will  appear  that  he  is  unspeak- 
ably better  than  they  ever  expected.  But  when 
his  threatenings  are  executed  to  his  enemies,  they 
will  be  worse  than  they  expected.  The  horrors 
and  remorse  of  a  guilty  conscience  now  embitter 
your  life.  But  if  remorse  of  conscience,  while  in 
the  land  of  hope  and  mercy,  is  intolerable,  what 
will  you  do  with  the  "  worm  that  dieth  not .?" — how 
will  you  endure  the  reproaches  of  a  guilty  consci- 
ence in  the  land  of  darkness  ?  "  If  thou  hast  run 
with  the  footmen,  and  they  have  wearied  thee, 
then  how  canst  thou  contend  with  horses?  and  if 
in  the  land  of  peace,  wherein  thou  trustedst,  they 
G    2 


124       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

wearied  thee,  then  how  wilt  thou  do  in  the  swell- 
ing of  Jordan  ?"  What  God  has  pronounced 
against  his  foes,  remember,  will  far  exceed  their 
strongest  apprehensions.  My  dear  fellow-sinners, 
you  run  an  awful  and  a  dreadful  risk !  You  are 
tampering  with  eternal  misery,  and  turning  your 
back  on  everlasting  joys  !  But  oh  !  let  it  not  be 
forgotten,  the  same  blood  that  cleansed  Jacob  is 
sufficient  to  cleanse  you.  It  is  as  efficacious  now 
as  when  it  first  flowed  from  the  heart  of  the  Sa- 
viour. The  "  fountain  opened  to  the  house  of 
David,  and  to  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  for 
sin  and  for  uncleanness,"  is  open  still.  Repair  to 
it,  I  beseech  you;  for  this,  and  this  alone,  will 
remove  your  unbelief  and  impenitence,  and  sanctify 
and  save  vour  souls.  May  we  all  live  and  die  at 
the  footstool  of  Divine  mercy,  and  at  last  take  our 
flight  to  the  realms  of  eternal  day  ! 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS,  126 

II. 

He  that  spared  not  his  own  son,  but  deli- 
vered HIM  UP  FOR  us  all,  HOW  SHALL  HE  NOT 
WITH    HIM   ALSO    FREELY   GIVE    US    ALL    THINGS? 

Rom.  viii.  32. 

In  the  connexion  of  my  text  the  apostle  traces 
the  salvation  of  sinners  to  its  source,  and  looks 
forward  to  its  final  consummation.  He  makes  the 
most  confident  declaration,  v.  28.  He  states  the 
ground  of  his  confidence,  v.  29,  30.  From  wlience 
he  concludes,  that  the  believer  in  Christ  is  secure 
from  all  his  adversaries,  v.  31  ;  and  infallibly  cer 
tain  of  enjoying  all  necessary  and  real  good,  v.  32. 
It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that,  under  the  powerful 
impression  the  subject  made  on  the  apostle's  mind, 
he  expressed  himself  in  language  similar  to  that 
used  by  his  Divine  master.  But  the  language  of 
Christ  was  expressive  of  overwhelming  sorrow ; 
while  that  of  the  apostle  was  the  overflowing  of 
holy  joy.  "  Now  is  my  soul  troubled,"  says  the 
Saviour;  "and  what  shall  J  say?  Father,  save  me 
from  this  hour  ?  But  for  this  cause  came  I  unto 
this  hour." — "  What  shall  we  then  say  to  these 
things .?  If  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against 
us?  He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  de- 
livered him  up  for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not  with 
him  also  freely  give  us  all  things?" 


126       SELECTIONS   FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

The  words  of  my  text  contain, 

I.  A  most  interesting  and  important  truth. 

II.  A  truly  encouraging  conclusion. 

I.  Here  is  a  most  inter estmg  and  important  truth 
stated, — that  God  "  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  de- 
livered him  up  for  us  all." 

In  this  part  of  my  text  there  is  something  de- 
nied, and  something  affirmed. 

Here  is  a  negation,  or  something  denied  ; — God 
*'  spared  not  his  own  Son." 

To  spare  sometimes  means  to  withhold.  "  The 
righteous  giveth,  and  spareth  not."  Abraham's 
faith  and  obedience  are  therefore  thus  com- 
mended;— "Now  I  know  that  thou  fearest  God, 
seeing  thou  hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thine 
only  son  from  me."  In  this  respect  the  ever- 
blessed  Jehovah  did  not  spare  his  only-begotten 
and  well-beloved  Son  ;  that  is,  he  did  not  with- 
hold so  invaluable  a  gift  from  us.  **  For  God  so 
loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only-begotten 
Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not 
perish,  but  have  everlasting  life."  How  truly  is  it 
said,  that  "his  ways  are  not  as  our  ways  !"  We 
have  all  withheld  from  him  that  which  is  his  most 
righteous  due, — perfect  love  and  obedience;  but 
he  has  not  withheld  from  us  a  gift  of  infinite  value, 
and  for  which  we  had  no  claim. 

To  spare  means  also,  to  abstain  from  inflicting 


OF    THE    llEV.     RICHARD    DAVIS.  127 

punishment.     "God  spared  not  the    angels   that 
sinned" — he  "  spared  not  the  old  world."     And  in 
this  respect  God  "  spared  not  his  own  Son."    There 
was   not  the  least  abatement   of  those   dreadful 
sufferings  which  he  undertook  to  bear  on  behalf 
of  his  body  the  church.     Isa.  liii.  6 — 10. 
Here  is  therefore  an  ajfirmation. 
In  opposition  to  being  spared  it  is  said  he  "  deliv- 
ered him  up  for  us  all."  The  apostle  will  explain  his 
own  meaning  in  the  expression  being  "  delivered 
up."   He  "  was  delivered  for  our  offences:"    He  was 
delivered  for  a  season  into  the  hands  of  Satan,  for  he 
was  exposed  to  the  "  hour  and  power  of  darkness"- 
into  the  hands  of  wicked  men,  to  endure  all  the 
anguish  of  soul  and  pain  of  body  which  they  could 
inflict :  Acts.  ii.  23. — into  the  hands  of  death  in 
his  most  dreadful  forms :  Gal.  iii.  13  ;  Phil.  li.  8. 
—above  all,  into  the  hands  of  Divine  justice,  of 
which  all  the  rest  were  but  ministers,  and  to  which 
he  made  complete  satisfaction  :  Zech.  xiii.  7. 

It  is  declared  by  the  apostle,  that  he  was  "  de- 
livered up  for  us  alV  On  such  expressions  as 
this  the  advocates  of  general  redemption  profess 
to  found  their  system.  Whenever  we  speak  or 
hear  of  the  Divine  sovereignty  it  would  be  well  if 
we  felt  with  the  apostle,  "  Oh  the  depth  of  the 
riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God  ! 
how  unsearchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his  ways 


128       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

past  finding  out !"  I  wish  to  feel  the  sentiments 
which  this  language  expresses  while  I  remark, 
with  reference  to  the  extent  and  design  of  the 
death  of  Christ,  with  Dr.  Ovren,  that  he  died  for 
all  the  siiis  of  all  men  ;  ov  for  some  of  the  sins  of  all 
men,  or  for  all  the  sins  of  some  men.  If  he  died 
for  all  the  sins  of  all  men,  then  all  would  be  saved  ; 
which  is  contrary  to  Scripture.  If  for  some  of  the 
sins  of  all  men,  then  none  would  be  saved  ;  for  who 
is  to  atone  for  the  rest?  It  must  therefore  be  for 
all  the  sins  of  some  men ;  which  is  the  current  doc- 
trine of  Scripture.  He  laid  down  his  life  under 
the  character  of  a  Shepherd  ;  and  it  was  for  his 
sheep :  John  x.  11,  15;  and  as  "  the  Shepherd  of 
the  sheep"  he  was  raised  from  the  dead:  Heb.  xiii. 
20.  He  died  as  the  "  Surety  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment:"  Heb.  vii.  22;  ix.  15;  consequently  it  was 
for  those  for  whom  he  was  responsible,  according 
to  Matt.  xxvi.  28.  He  laid  down  his  life  as  a 
Husband ;  it  was,  therefore,  for  his  bride,  the 
church :  Eph.  v.  25.  He  died  as  a  sacrifice  of 
atonement  for  those  for  whom  he  was  set  apart : 
John  xvii.  19.  And  the  general  expression  used 
by  the  apostle  is  perfectly  consistent  with  parti- 
cular redemption ;  for  he  is  addressing  believers  in 
Christ,  whom  he  describes  in  the  context  as 
"called,''  as  "justified,"  and  as  "the  elect  of 
God:"!;.  28— 30,33, 


OF    THE  UEV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  129 

II.  Let  us  attend  to  the  encouraging  conclusion 
which  the  apostle  draws  from  this  truth ; — "  He 
that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up 
for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not  ivith  him  also  freely 
give  us  all  things  ?" 

1.  Mark  the  extent  of  the  believer's  inheritance. 
It  comprehends  "  all  things." 

The  church  of  Christ  is  frequently  represented  in 
the  Scriptures  as  a  body,  of  which  every  believer 
forms  a  distinct  member ;  so  that  the  interest  and 
happiness  of  the  whole  are  bound  up  together: 
1  Cor.  xii.  12,  13,  26,  27.  Christ  is  the  Head  of 
this  body ;  and  he  is  "  head  over  all  things  to  the 
church  :"  Eph.  i.  21,  22.  In  this  view  of  the  sub- 
ject, therefore,  it  may  truly  be  said  to  the  people 
of  God,  "All  things  are  yours." 

But  it  will  apply  to  them  in  their  individual  as 
well  as  in  their  collective  capacity,  as  it  relates  to 
all  spiritual  blessings  :  Eph.  i.  3  ;  I  Cor.  i.  30.  And 
to  this  the  expression  "  all  things"  is  exclusi»vely 
applied.  Rev.  xxi.  7.  This  language  includes  also 
ail  necessary  supplies  of  temporal  good.  Our  Lord 
guards  his  disciples  against  anxious  care  by  re- 
minding them  that  "  their  heavenly  Father  knows 
they  have  need  of  these  things  ;"  and  he  has  pro- 
mised to  supply  them,  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11. 

2.  Observe  the  manner  in  tvhich  Divine  blessings 
are  bestowed.   They  are  "  given  freely." 


130       SELECTIONS   FROxH  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

This  language  reminds  believers  of  their  entire 
dependance  on  Divine  grace  for  every  blessing. 
Whatever  they  receive,  it  is  on  the  ground  of  unde- 
served favour.  Are  they  the  partakers  of  "  pre- 
cious faith  ?"  It  is  "  the  gift  of  God."  Are  they 
'^  justified  from  all  things?"  It  is  because  they 
''  have  received  abundance  of  grace,  and  the  gift 
of  righteousness."  Are  they  the  partakers  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  ?  He  is  given  to  them.  And  do  they 
expect  eternal  life  ?  It  is  because  "  it  is  the  Father's 
good  pleasure  to  give  them  the  kingdom."  What 
an  encouragement  this  is  under  a  sense  of  personal 
unworthiness  ! 

3.  Learn  from  the  apostle's  conclusion,  that  the 
gift  of  Christ  ensures  all  other  blessings. 

This  is  evidently  the  leading  idea  of  the  passage, 
and  may  be  illustrated  in  the  following  particulars. 

( 1 .)   TAg  gift  of  Christ  is  the  greatest  of  all  gifts. 

He  is  called  by  the  apostle  God's  "  own  Son," 
expressive  of  his  proper  Deity  :  John  v.  18.  He  is 
essentially  the  proprietor  of  all  things,  and  in  the 
economy  of  grace  "  heir  of  all  things."  The  mean- 
ing of  the  apostle,  therefore,  is,  that  He  who  has 
bestowed  the  greatest  gift  will  not  withhold  the 
less.  Indeed,  those  who  possess  Christ  possess  all 
things  in  him. 

(2.)  'The  gift  of  Christ  is  the  richest  display  of 
Divine  love. 


OF    THE  REV.    KICHARD    DAVIS.  131 

Thus  he  speaks  himself,  John  iii.  16;  and  th( 
beloved  apostle  also,  1  John  iv.  10.  It  is  an  essen- 
tial property  of  genuine  love  to  delight  in  and  U) 
promote  the  good  of  its  object.  Novv^  Divine  love 
has  been  expressed  in  the  strongest  manner  pos 
siblein  the  work  of  Christ.  The  gift  of  all  the  bless- 
ings of  grace  and  glory  is  not  so  strong  a  proof  of 
it ;  and  that  love  which  induced  the  Divine  Fa- 
ther "  not  to  spare  but  deliver  up  his  own  Son/" 
will  surely  induce  him  to  give  all  inferior  and 
needed  blessings. 

(3.)  The  gift  of  Christ  was  for  the  express  piu- 
pose  of  giving  all  things  toith  him,  and  through  him. 

This  is  the  current  and  uniform  language  of 
Divine  revelation.  An  instance  or  two  must  suf- 
fice. "  For  he  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who 
knew  no  sin ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteous- 
ness of  God  in  him  J''' — "  Ye  know  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that,  though  he  was  rich,  yet 
for  your  sakes  he  became  poor,  that  ye  through 
his  poverty  might  be  made  rich."  It  is  evident 
that  he  was  made  a  curse  to  the  end  that  his 
church  might  obtain  all  spiritual  blessings.  He 
was  raised  up  upon  the  cross  that  they  through 
him  might  be  raised  to  eternal  glory. 

(4.)  Christ  was  given  as  a  covenant  to  his  people, 
whereby  all  things  were  conveyed  and  secured  to 
them> 


132       SELECTIONS   FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

This  was  the  view  which  David  had  of  the  pro- 
mises made  to  him  concerning  the  Messiah,  2  Sam. 
xxiii.  5.  And  in  this  hght  he  is  prophesied  of, 
and  promised,  Isa,  xiii.  6. 

(5.)  The  gift  of  Christ  has  opened  a  living  way 
of  access  to  the  Father,  to  obtain  all  needed  bless- 
ings :  Heb.  iv.  14—16. 


OF    THE    REV.     RICHARD    DAVIS.  133 


III. 


Mex  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint. 
Luke  xviii.  1. 

"  Hope  deferred  maketh  the  heart  sick,"  sajth 
the  wise  man.  Innumerable  events  in  the  course 
of  our  hves  may  and  do  occur  to  exemplify  this 
proverb ;  but  the  experience  of  the  Christian,  under 
the  trial  of  his  patience,  waiting  for  promised  but 
suspended  blessings,  will  famish  the  most  striking 
illustration  of  it.  To  such  a  character  we  must 
likewise  go,  when  triumphing  in  Divine  faithful- 
ness and  love  in  answering  his  prayers,  for  a  con- 
firmation of  the  connected  clause,—  ''  When  the 
desire  cometh  it  is  as  a  tree  of  life."' 

To  support  the  minds  of  his  disciples  when  m 
the  former  situation  our  Lord  spake  the  parable  to 
which  my  text  is  the  preface :  wherein  he  affords 
them  the  most  ample  encouragement  to  expect  an 
experimental  proof  of  the  truth  of  the  latter  por- 
tion of  the  aforementioned  passage. 

The  parable  is  this.  A  poor  and  oppressed 
widow  applied  to  an  unjust  and  unprincipled  judge 
to  have  justice  done  to  herself  and  her  oppressor. 
At  first  he  acts  according  to  his  general  character 
—  he  pays  her  no  attention.  She  nevertheless  per- 
sists in  her  application;  till,  at  length,    wearied 


134       SELECTIONS   FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

with  her  importunity,  he  attends  to  her  case,  and 
redresses  her  grievance.  "  Now,"  says  our  Lord, 
"  if  an  unjust  judge,  from  so  low  and  mean  a  mo- 
tive, performed  an  action  so  contrary  to  his  cha- 
racter and  inclination,  for  a  person  he  neither 
loved  nor  feared,  and  was  induced  to  do  so  by  an 
importunity  that  he  hated,  shall  not  God  avenge 
his  own  elect,  who  cry  unto  him  day  and  night, 
though  he  bear  long  with  them  ?  I  tell  you  that 
he  will  avenge  them  speedily.' 

On  the  whole  we  are  led  to  consider,    ' 

I.  The  discouragements  we  meet  with  in  prayer. 

II.  The  encouragements  we  have  to  persever- 
ance and  importunity  notwithstanding. 

I.  We  are  to  consider  the  discouragements  we 
meet  with  in  prayer. 

1.  The  weakness  of  our  graces  is  one  cause  of 
discouragement. 

There  is  nothing  of  which  true  Christians  are 
more  fully  persuaded,  than  of  the  necessity  of  liv- 
ing faith  in  the  glorious  person  and  perfect  work 
of  Christ,  and  in  those  "  precious  promises"  which 
are  "  yea  and  amen"  in  him,  in  order  that  their 
applications  to  the  throne  of  grace  may  be  suc- 
cessful. They  are  equally  persuaded,  that  wher- 
ever this  faith  is  possessed,  and  in  exercise,  the 
prayer  that  proceeds  from  it  is  the  fruit  of  the 
Spirit,  and  is  sure  to  be  accepted.     But  very  often 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  135 

they  find  their  faith  so  feeble  in  prayer  that  they 
are  ready  to  tear  that  they  do  not  possess  any. 
Owing  to  this  weakness  of  their  faith,  they  feel 
little  or  no  brokenness  of  heart,  nor  contrition  of 
soul,  nor  tenderness  of  conscience,  while  they  are 
making  confession  of  their  sins  before  God.  They 
find  also  the  most  mournful  languor  in  their  love, 
as  well  as  coldness  of  desire  after  the  blessings 
contained  in  Divine  promises,  and  for  which  in 
words  they  present  their  petitions.  They  experi- 
ence too  so  much  half-heartedness  in  acknowledg- 
ing mercies  received,  that  it  appears  to  themselves 
little  more  than  mere  lip-service — returning  m^re 
compliments  to  the  Almighty,  rather  than  offering 
him  the  sacrifice  of  unfeigned  praise.  To  those 
who  possess  in  the  least  degree  the  "  spirit  of 
grace  and  supplication"  all  this  is  unutterably 
distressing.  Not  only  because  it  prevents  the 
soul  from  enjoying  holy  liberty -and  Divine  conso- 
lation in  prayer;  but  in  addition  to  this,  and 
indeed  principally,  because  the  ever-blessed  Jeho- 
vah is  not  served  and  honoured  as  he  ought  to  be. 
In  the  season  of  prayer,  therefore,  and  on  a  review 
of  it,  the  sorrowful  supplicant  adopts  the  language 
of  dejected  Hezekiah,  "  Like  a  crane  or  a  swallow, 
so  did  I  chatter :  I  did  mourn  as  a  dove :  mine 
eyes  fail  with  looking  upward  :  O  Lord,  I  am 
oppressed  ;  undertake  for   me  :" — or   that  of  the 


136       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE   MANUSCRIPTS 

afflicted  father  in  the  Gospel, — "  If  thou  canst  do 
any  thing,  have  compassion  on  me,  and  help  me — 
Lord,  I  believe ;  help  thou  mine  unbelief." 

2.  The  remaining  strength  and  violent  opposition 
of  our  various  enemies,  is  another  source  of  dis- 
couragement in  prayer. 

By  the  efficacious  influences  of  Divine  grace  be- 
lievers are  '^  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  their  minds," 
whereby  they  are  made  the  "  partakers  of  the  Di- 
vine nature:"  for  "  that  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit 
is  spirit."  The  ever-blessed  Spirit  has  thus  sub- 
dued their  manifold  sins,  and  has  delivered  them 
from  the  love  and  power  of  all  iniquity.  But  he 
has  not  destroyed  any.  For  unbelief,  and  pride, 
and  carnality,  with  every  other  sin,  still  live  in 
the  hearts  of  believers.  These  indwelling  evils 
are  always  present  with  them,  and  continually 
opposing  them  in  their  most  desirable  enjoyments. 
And  too  often  they  are  partially  successful ;  so 
that,  in  the  bitterness  of  their  souls,  believers  have 
to  utter  David's  complaint,  or  to  express  them- 
selves in  the  heart-felt  lamentations  of  the  apostle ; 
— "  Innumerable  evils  have  encompassed  nie 
about ;  mine  iniquities  have  taken  hold  upon  me, 
so  that  I  am  not  able  to  look  up ;  they  are  more 
than  the  hairs  of  my  head :  therefore  my  heart 
faileth  me." — "  O  wretched  man  that  I  am ;  who 
shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?" 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  137 

In  addition  to  this,  although  the  Great  Captain 
of  salvation  has  gained  the  victory  for  his  people 
over  the  powers  of  darkness,  they  are  not  so  de- 
feated as  to  make  no  farther  attempts  against 
them.  Now  the  weapon  of  "  all  prayer"  is  one  of 
the  principal  means  whereby  the  spiritual  warfare 
is  maintained.  We  may  be  sure,  therefore,  that 
the  great  enemy  will  direct  all  his  force  against 
that.  And  he  well  knows  how^  to  draw  his  "  fiery 
darts"  from  the  personal  unworthiness,  the  aggra- 
vated guilt,  and  manifold  evils  of  which  the  trem- 
bling and  discouraged  supplicants  are  conscious. 
If  by  these,  or  by  any  other  means,  he  cannot  suc- 
ceed in  preventing  them  from  drawing  near  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  he  will  do  all  that  he  is  permitted 
to  effect  for  the  purpose  of  distressing  them  while 
engaged  in  prayer.     Thus 

"  He  worries  whom  he  can't  devour, 
With  a  malicious  joy." 

It   appears   to    be    the  design  of  the  prophetic 
vision  to  teach  us  this,  Zech.  iii.  1 — 4. 

Seeing,  then,  that  we  have  such  powerful  ene- 
mies to  grapple  with  in  prayer,  who  are  ever  pre- 
sent with,  and  continually  opposing  us,  and  that 
we  have  an  accuser  as  well  as  an  Advocate,  and 
"  a  roaring  lion  going  about  seeking  whom  he 
may  devour,"  as  well  as  "  the  lion  of  the  tribe  of 
Judah,"  who  will  protect,  and  finally  deliver  from 


138      SELECTIONS   FROM   THE   MANUSCRIPTS 

him,  we  need  not  wonder  that  at  times  the  hands 
of  the  people  of  God  are  weak,  and  their  knees  wax 
feeble,  and  that  they  are  ready  to  faint.  At  such 
seasons,  however,  let  them  think  of  the  prophet's 
language, — "  Thou  hadst  cast  me  into  the  deep, 
in  the  midst  of  the  seas ;  and  the  floods  com- 
passed me  about :  all  thy  billows  and  thy  waves 
passed  over  me — When  my  soul  fainted  within 
me  I  remembered  the  Lord ;  and  my  prayer  came 
in  unto  thee,  into  thine  holy  temple." 

3.  Praying  souls  are  discouraged  when  the  infiu- 
ences  of  the  Spirit  are  not  freely  granted. 

The  blessed  Spirit,  together  with  all  his  graci- 
ous influences,  form  the  principal  subjects  of  Di- 
vine promises.  They  are,  therefore,  the  principal 
objects  of  desire  to  those  who  draw  near  to  God 
in  prayer ;  for  they  comprise  all  the  "  good  and 
perfect  gifts"  which,  as  their  heavenly  Father,  he 
bestows  upon  them.  These  blessed  influences  are 
supremely  desirable  to  truly  praying  souls  for  ano- 
ther reason.  For,  while  the  weakness  of  their  graces 
and  the  strength  of  their  enemies  discourage  them 
in  prayer,  it  is  by  Divine  influence  that  their  spi- 
ritual strength  is  renewed,  and  their  enemies  are 
successfully  resisted.  If  they  are  *'*  strengthened 
in  their  inner  man,"  it  is  "  by  the  Spirit's  might." 
If  they  "  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body,"  it  is 
"through  the  Spirit."     And  it  is  by  "  walking  in 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD     DAVIS.  139. 

the  Spirit"  that  they  are  preserved  from  "  fulfill- 
ing the  lusts  of  the  flesh."  The  partakers  of  the 
"  spirit  of  grace  and  supplication"  are  tenderly 
concerned  also  for  the  conversion  of  sinners,  the 
sanctification  of  believers,  and  the  prosperity  of 
the  church  of  Christ.  And  an  abundant  supply 
of  the  Spirit  is  essential  to  producing  these  happy 
effects.  "  I  have  planted,  Apollos  watered  ;  but 
God  gave  the  increase.  So  then  neither  is  he  that 
planteth  any  thing,  neither  he  that  watereth ;  but 
God  that  giveth  the  increase." 

Now,  as  the  gracious  and  holy  influences  of  the 
blessed  Spirit  are  so  valuable,  both  in  their  nature 
and  effects,  the  partakers  of  the  spirit  of  genuine 
prayer  constantly  implore  an  abundant  supply  of 
them.  For  reasons,  however,  which  are  well  worthy, 
nodoubt,  of  the  infinitely  wise,  and  blessed,  and  gra- 
cious Jehovah,  he  delays,  for  a  season,  bestowing 
those  influences,  at  least  in  that  measure  in  which 
his  praying  people  long  for  them.  This  may  be  to 
teach  us  his  absolute  sovereignty  in  bestowing  the 
blessings  of  his  grace ;  and  he  has  a  perfect  right 
to  grant  them,  not  only  where,  but  also  when  he 
pleases.  This  delay  may  be  designed  also  to  make 
us  feel  more  sensibly  the  value  of  these  favours, 
and  our  need  of  them,  and  to  make  us  more  impor- 
tunate in  seeking  them.  Something  of  this  is 
intimated,  Luke  xi.  5 — 13.     But  whatever  reasons 


140       SELECTIONS  FROM   THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

the  God  "  that  heareth  prayer"  may  have  for  de- 
laying to  fulfil  the  desires  of  his  praying  people,  as 
long  as  that  delay  continues  it  is  a  sore  trial  to 
their  faith  and  patience ;  and  they  are  ready  to 
express  themselves  in  effect  in  the  language  of 
David, — "  How  long  wilt  thou  forget  me,  O 
Lord?"  &c.  Ps.  xiii.  1-4. 

4.  Discouragements  in  prayer  frequently  arise 
from  the 'peculiar  difficulties  of  our  own  cases. 

It  is  indeed  a  true  saying,  that  "  every  heart 
knoweth  its  own  bitterness."  And  this  knowledge 
often  produces  most  painful  effects  on  the  minds 
of  the  people  of  God.  They  approach  the  mercy- 
seat  under  a  full  persuasion  of  his  Almighty  power 
and  grace  to  remove  the  woes,  and  to  supply  the 
wants  of  all  who  "  call  upon  him  in  spirit  and  in 
truth."  But,  from  the  weakness  of  their  graces, 
the  strength  of  their  enemies,  and  the  want  of 
large  supplies  of  the  Spirit,  they  are  tempted  to 
conclude  that  their  prayer  is  not  "  the  prayer  of 
the  upright,"  and  therefore  it  is  not,  and  will  not, 
be  answered.  In  addition  to  this,  as  they  know 
that  of  themselves  in  general  which  they  cannot 
know  of  their  fellow-Christians,  they  are  ready  to 
fear  that,  notwithstanding  all  their  applications  to 
the  throne  of  grace,  "  the  Lord  will  not  hear  them." 
A  very  affecting  and  instructive  instance  of  the 
jealousy  of  themselves  rather  than  of  others  which 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  141 

upright  souls  are  apt  to  entertain  is  recorded, 
Matt.  xxvi.  21,  22.  From  this  knowledge  which 
praying  souls  have  of  their  own  cases,  and  which 
they  cannot  have  of  others,  they  are  ready  to  con- 
clude that  there  are  aggravations  in  their  sins,  and 
defects  in  their  services  peculiar  to  themselves. 
Under  this  view  of  their  cases  they  are  ready  to 
apply  to  themselves  such  passages  as  this  ; — 
**  Your  iniquities  have  separated  between  you  and 
your  God,  and  your  sins  have  hid  his  face  from 
you,  that  he  will  not  hear ;"  or  to  adopt  the  de- 
sponding language  of  the  afflicted  patriarch, — **  I 
cry  unto  thee,  and  thou  dost  not  hear  me :  I  stand 
up,  and  thou  regardest  me  not." 

Such  are  some  of  those  discouragements  which 
the  praying  people  of  God  frequently  meet  with  in 
their  approaches  to  the  throne  of  grace.  Let  us 
now  proceed  to  consider. 

II.  The  encouragements  to  perseverance  in  prayer. 

These  are  summed  up  by  our  Divine  Instructor, 
V.  6 — 8.  Let  us  take  a  brief  review  of  these  en- 
couragements, as  contained  in  this  and  other  por- 
tions of  the  Divine  Word.  They  are  drawn  and 
justly  drawn  from  the  following  sources. 

1 .  The  glorious  Object  of  prayer. 

The  poor  widow  succeeded  in  her  persevering 
applications  to  a  man — to  an  unjust  man — who 
was  wearied  with  her  importunity,  and  redressed  her 


142       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

grievances  only  to  relieve  himself  from  it.  "  And 
shall  not  God  avenge  his  own  elect,  who  cry  day 
and  night  unto  him  ?" 

One  of  the  most  endearing  and  honourable  cha- 
racters that  he  sustains  is  that  of  the  God  "  that 
heareth  prayer."  In  this  character,  therefore, 
there  is  every  thing  combined  to  encourage  us  in 
our  addresses  to  him.  He,  for  example,  delights  to 
hear  the  prayer  of  the  upright  and  humble,  the 
afflicted  and  distressed,  and  to  bestow  on  them  the 
blessings  which  he  knows  their  circumstances  re- 
quire. He  is  also  the  all-wise,  the  all-sufficient,  and 
the  infinitely-gracious  God  ;  and  is  therefore  both 
able  and  willing  to  do  in  them  and  for  them  "  ex- 
ceeding abundantly  above  all  that  they  can  ask  or 
think."  And  he  always  does  this  in  the  best  time, 
and  in  the  best  mariner  in  which  it  can  be  done. 
He  hath  also  invited  us  to  his  mercy-seat,  to  "  ob- 
tain mercy,  and  to  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of 
need."  Such  is  the  evident  import  of  the  follow- 
ing passages,  among  many  others  that  might  be 
referred  to:  Prov.  xv.  8;  Ps.  x.  17;  xxii.  24; 
1.  15;  cii.  17;  cxlv.  18,  19.  In  addition  to  this, 
as  he  is  the  "  heart-searching  God,"  he  "  knoweth 
the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  who  maketh  intercession 
"for  the  saints  according  to  the  will  of  God."  He 
is  likewise  perfectly  acquainted  with  those  ardent 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  143 

desires  and  longings  of  soul  "  which  cannot  be 
uttered  :"  Rom.  viii.  26,  27  ;  Ps.  xxxviii.  9. 

2.  Encouragement  to  perseverance  in  prayer  is 
drawn  by  our  hord  from  the  relation  in  which  the 
subjects  of  prayer  stand  to  the  Almighty.  They  are 
"  his  axon  elect.''' 

By  the  "  elect  of  God"  those  persons  are  meant 
whom  he  hath  chosen  in  Christ  from  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world,  out  of  "  all  nations,  and 
kindreds,  and  people,  and  tongues,"  to  the  certain 
participation  of  genuine  holiness  here,  and  of  eter- 
nal life  hereafter.  To  this  sovereign,  eternal,  and 
gracious  act  of  Jehovah  the  salvation  of  his  people 
is  invariably  ascribed  as  its  original  and  only 
source  :  Rom.  viii.  29,  30  ;  Eph.  i.  3,  4 ;  2  Thess. 
ii.  13.  Now  one  of  the  principal  blessings  that 
flow  from  electing  love  is  that  of  the  "  spirit  of 
grace  and  supplication."  From  hence  it  neces- 
sarily follows,  that  those  who  truly  possess  this 
blessing,  in  any  degree,  have  scriptural  proof  of 
their  personal  interest  in  the  electing  and  covenant 
love  of  Jehovah,  and  they  have  likewise  a  sure 
pledge  of  their  prayers  being  heard  and  answered 
by  him.  The  following  passages  of  Scripture  will 
fully  prove  the  truth  of  these  remarks :  Ps.  Ixv.  2, 
4;  Hos.  ii.  19,  20,  23,  compared  with  1  Pet.  ii.  5, 
9,  10.     The  same  view  of  the  subject  is  given  us 


144       SELECTIONS   FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

also,  Zech.  xii.  10 ;  xiii.  9.  And  these  gracious 
promises  were  strikingly  verified  in  the  conversion 
of  Saul  of  Tarsus  :  Acts  ix.  6 — 15.  The  subject  is 
thus  stated  by  our  Lord  also  when  he  speaks  of 
the  "  elect  of  God"  as  "  crying  to  him  day  and 
night."  To  refer  again,  therefore,  to  his  own  strik- 
ing parable,  he  therein  in  effect  says, — "  If  an 
unjust  judge  redressed  the  wrongs  of  a  person 
whom  he  neither  feared  nor  loved,  and  was  induced 
to  do  so  by  an  importunity  that  was  very  offensive 
to  him,  how  much  more  will  the  ever-blessed  Jeho- 
vah answer  the  prayers  of  those  whom  he  *  loves 
with  an  everlasting  love,'  on  whom  he  hath  bestowed 
the  'spirit  of  grace  and  supplication''  that  they 
might  call  upon  him,  whose  prayers  therefore  he 
delights  to  hear,  and  whose  happiness  he  delights 
in  promoting. 

3.  Perseverance  iii  prayer  is  the  only  effectual 
method  of  removing  the  causes  of  our  discourage- 
ment. 

Does  the  weakness  of  our  graces  make  us  go 
mourning  ?  By  "  continuing  instant  in  prayer" 
we  may  expect  that  the  God  of  all  grace  will 
"  strengthen  us  with  strength  in  our  souls."  When 
the  apostle  wished  to  give  the  churches  to  whom 
he  wrote  the  strongest  proof  of  his  love,  it  was  by 
informing  them  how  ardently  he  prayed  for  them. 
And  there  is  no  appointment  whereby  the  Lord 


or     THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  145 

carries  on  his  work  in  the  souls  of  his  people  so 
effectually  as  by  that  of  prayer :  Jude  20. 

Do  we  feel  the  strength  of  our  enemies  ?  Prayer 
is  the  principal  weapon  of  our  warfare  :  Luke  xxi. 
34—36;  Eph.  vi.  18. 

Are  we  lamenting  the  want  of  a  larger  commu- 
nication of  Divine  ififluence,  which  would  turn 
our  sorrow  into  joy?  Remember  this  for  your 
consolation ; — it  is  the  grand  subject  of  New  Tes- 
tament promises — to  be  seeking  after  it  is  one  of 
the  distinguishino;  characteristics  of  the  children 
of  God — and  He  who  taught  you  to  prize  and 
seek  his  influences  as  the  "  one  thing  needful" 
did  it  with  a  design  to  bestow  them  upon  you ; 
and  the  partial  suspension  is  only  to  prove  the 
reality  of  your  faith  and  love,  and,  as  has  been 
already  intimated,  to  make  you  form  a  higher 
estimate  of  this  blessing.  The  "  Angel  of  the  ever- 
lasting covenant"  seemed  as  if  he  could  have  left 
Jacob  before  he  blessed  him  ;  but  this  made  Jacob 
more  importunate,  and  he  prevailed.  Christ,  when 
in  human  flesh,  tried  the  faith  of  the  woman  of 
Canaan  to  the  utmost.  At  first  he  seemed  to  pay 
no  regard  to  her  case.  When  he  spake  it  ap- 
peared as  if  he  would  "  plead  against  her  with  his 
gi'eat  power."  But  it  was  on/i/  in  appearance  ;  for 
he  "  put  strength  in  her,"  and  enabled  her  to  turn 
her  seeming  discouragement  into  a  cogent  argu- 

H 


146       SELECTIONS  FROM   THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

merit  with  the  Lord,  and  he  granted  her  that  which 
she  requested.  When  Christ  had  promised  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  his  disciples,  he  informed  them 
they  must  tarry  at  Jerusalem  till  the  promise  was 
fulfilled;  and  it  was  while  they  were  "  continuing 
in  prayer"  that  the  blessing  was  bestowed.  Let 
us  therefore  tarry  at  a  throne  of  grace,  waiting  for 
the  same  display  of  Divine  mercy  as  it  relates  to 
his  gracious  operations. 

4.  The  last  encouragement  to  "  continue  instant 
in  prayer,"  and  that  which  gives  weight  to  all  the 
rest,  is  this ; — the  name  in  which  we  come  to  God, 
even  "  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous.''' 

We  are  cast  down  because  of  our  personal 
unworthiness,  the  weakness  of  our  graces,  and 
strength  of  our  enemies.  And  well  we  might  if 
we  were  to  come  in  our  own  names,  and  for  our 
own  sakes.  But  upon  that  score  there  is  not  a 
single  person  or  service  to  be  accepted,  however 
holy  any  might  be  made  even  by  the  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit.  But  it  is  in  the  name,  and  for 
the  sake  of  Christ. 

(1.)  Consequently  that  plea  in  the  mouth  of 
the  possessors  of  weak  faith  is  as  prevalent  as  when 
urged  by  those  who  are  stronger. 

(2.)  The  plea,  too,  is  ahvays  the  same ;  for  Christ 
as  Mediator  is  "  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and 
for  ever." 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS,  147 

(3.)  His  honour  is  concerned  in  the  bestowment 
0/ promised  and  desired  blessings;  for  that  is  the 
reward  of  his  work :  John  xiv.  13,  14. 

(4.)  Finally,  where  Christ  is  thus  viewed,  our 
enemies  are  his  enemies,  and  our  interest  is  his. 

Therefore  we  may  well  "  pray  without  ceasing," 
and  then  "  in  every  thing  give  thanks." 


H  2 


148       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 


IV. 

And  if  the  righteous  scarcely  be  saved, 
where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner 
APPEAR?    1  Pet.  iv.  18. 

The  Holy  Scriptures  are  possessed  of  properties 
of  which  all  other  writings  are  destitute.  It  is 
one  of  their  distinguishing  excellencies  to  speak 
to  the  heart,  and  "  to  commend  themselves  to  every 
man's  conscience."  "For  the  word  of  God  is 
quick  and  powerful,  and  sharper  than  any  two- 
edged  sword,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing  asun- 
der of  soul  and  spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and  mar- 
row, and  is  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents 
of  the  heart."  In  the  various  forms  in  which  they 
thus  address  us,  there  are  none  more  penetrating 
than  that  of  interrogation.  Thereby  they  arraign 
us  at  the  bar  of  our  own  consciences — they  carry 
conviction  to  our  minds,  and  sooner  or  later  will 
constrain  us  to  plead  guilty  before  God.  It  was 
thus  the  Divine  Being  addressed  the  apostate  pa- 
rents of  our  race  ; — "  Adam,  where  art  thou  ? — 
— Eve,  what  is  this  that  thou  hast  done  ?"  Thus 
he  addressed  one  of  their  immediate  and  murder- 
ous posterity ; — "  Where  is  Abel  thy  brother  ? — 
What  hast  thou  done?"  iVnd  thus  he  addresses 
the  present  assembly  :  asking,  "  If  the  righteous 


OF      THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  149 

scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly  and 
the  sinner  appear?"  Questions  more  searching 
and  solemn  than  these  could  never  have  been  pro- 
posed to  any. 

The  words  of  my  text  are  an  improvement  or 
application  of  the  subject  on  which  the  apostle  has 
been  treating;  namely,  the  sufferings  of  the  righ- 
teous in  the  present  state.  They  are  given  to  un- 
derstand and  to  expect  that  "  through  much 
tribulation  they  must  enter  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven." But  lest  this  should  discourage  the  righte- 
ous, and  induce  the  wicked  to  "  bless  themselves" 
in  escaping  these  troubles,  he  reminds  both  that 
the  severest  sufferings  of  the  servants  of  God  in 
the  present  state  are  far  more  alarming  to  the 
wicked  than  to  themselves.  This  is  evidently  the 
design  of  the  apostle,  both  in  the  text,  and  in  the 
verse  immediately  preceding  it.  "  For  the  time  is 
come,"  &c.  V.  17,  18. 

I.  Here  are  certain  characters  spoken  of.  1. 
"  The  righteous."     2.  "  The  ungodly  and  sinners.'' 

II.  Some  facts  stated  concerning  the  former. 
Founded  on  one  of  those  facts  there  is, 

III.  A  solemn  question  proposed  with  reference 
to  the  latter. 

I.  Here  are  certam  characters  spoken  of. 

1.  "  The  righteous." 

This  is  a  character  which  is  frequently  men- 


150      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

tioned  in  the  Word  of  God.  The  term  is  a  relative 
one ; — that  is,  it  bears  an  especial  relation  to  some 
rule ;  namely,  the  Word  of  God  in  general,  and 
his  law  in  particular,  to  which  those  who  are  righ- 
teous in  the  sight  of  God  are,  in  the  main,  con- 
formed. From  hence  it  is  manifest,  this  character 
belongs  to  none  of  the  children  of  men  by  nature, 
or  by  their  personal  obedience  to  the  law  of  God  : 
Rom.  iii.  10,  20.  It  must  refer,  therefore,  to  what 
the  believer  is  by  grace.  For  in  the  glorious  plan 
of  redemption  "  grace  reigns,"  not  at  the  expence 
of  righteousness,  but  "  through  righteousness,  to 
eternal  life,  by  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord." 

The  term  therefore  is  expressive, 

(1.)  Of  the  believer's  state  before  God,  by  virtue 
of  the  righteousness  of  Christ  imputed  to  him,  and 
enjoyed  by  faith.  To  use  the  language  of  Paul, 
"  To  him  that  worketh  not,"  &c.  Rom.  iv.  5,  6. 

(2.)   Of  his  internal  character. 

For  the  heart  of  the  righteous  is  "  right  in  the 
sight  of  God."  He  has  righteousness  imparted  as 
well  as  imputed ;  and  those  who  receive  Christ, 
and  believe  on  him  alone  as  "the  end  of  the  law 
for  I'ighteousness,"  prove  thereby  that  they  are 
"  born  of  God  :"  John  i.  12,  13.  The  law  of  God 
is  "  written  in  their  hearts,  and  put  in  their  inward 
parts."  And  thus  they  are  "  created  anew  in 
Christ  Jesus,  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness." 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  151 

(3.)  Of  the  believer's  conduct. 

The  law  of  God  written  in  the  heart  will  always 
become  a  spring  of  holy  obedience  in  the  life. 
Believers  are,  therefore,  characterized  as  "  doing 
righteousness."  And  while  the  righteousness  of 
Christ  is  the  meritorious  ground  of  their  justifica- 
tion, it  is  also  the  pattern  of  their  sanctification. 
The  people  of  God  are  therefore  said  to  be  "  pre- 
destined to  be  conformed  to  him,"  as  well  as  to  be 
called,  justified,  and  glorified. 

Their  beino;  righteous  in  each  of  these  senses  is 
essential  to  forming  the  character  of  the  genuine 
Christian,  and  enjoying  the  blessings  of  a  com-  ' 
plete  salvation.  By  virtue  of  the  righteousness  of 
Christ  imputed  to  believers,  they  are  adjudged  to 
everlasting  life  ;  for  it  is  "justification  of  life." 
Being  "created  anew  in  Christ  Jesus  in  righteous- 
ness and  true  holiness,"  eternal  life  is  actually 
begun  in  the  soul ;  for  "  this  is  life  eternal,"  &,c. 
John  xvii.  3.  And  by  the  "  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness" which  appear  in  the  life,  believers  are  daily 
meetening  for  its  consummation  in  glory. 

2.  "  The  ungodly  and  sinners.'^ 

To  be  ungodly  is  to  be  unlike  God,  and  contrary 
to  his  law  and  glory.  This  character  is  too  appli- 
cable to  every  unbeliever  in  the  world.  Therefore 
to  exhibit  the  greatness  of  redeeming  love  in  the 
strongest  light,  Christ  is  spoken  of  as  "  dying  for 


152       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

the  ungodly."  The  expression  seems,  however,  to 
be  employed  4n  the  Scriptures  to  denote  those  cha- 
racters who  have  attained  an  awful  pre-eminence 
in  the  practice  of  sin,  and  the  accumulation  of 
guilt.  Such  as  the  ungodliness  of  the  old  world,  and 
of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  2  Pet.  ii.  5, 6.  You  may 
read  the  history  of  these  devoted  people.  Gen.  vi.  5, 
1  ]  ;  xiii.  13  ;  xviii.20. — The  prosperous  and  proud 
worldUng,  who  affects  a  spirit  of  independence  of 
Jehovah,  and  sets  him  at  defiance  :  Ps.  Ixiii.  3 — 9, 
1 1,  12. — Those  who  can  treat  religion  with  a  con- 
temptuous sneer,  and  employ  against  it  the  unhal- 
lowed weapon  of  keen  ridicule  and  coarse  banter. 
These  characters  are  described,  Jude  15 — 18. — 
Those  who  "  turn  the  grace  of  God  into  lascivious- 
ness."  Such  persons,  methinks,  may  be  considered 
asi  n  the  last  stages  of  depravity,  and  the  greatest 
proficients  in  the  school  of  Satan. 

Many  who  are  far  from  God  may  be  ready  to 
"  bless  themselves,"  saying,  "  We  belong  to  none  of 
these  classes  of  character.  The  interrogation,  there- 
fore, contains  nothing  terrific  to  us."  To  prevent 
such  self-deception,  "  sinners"  are  classed  with  the 
"  ungodly"  in  this  verse. 

This  is  a  term  of  awful  import  also,  and  undeni- 
ably of  universal  application.  It  belongs  to  every 
individual  of  the  human  race.  For,  however  ami- 
able some  persons  may  be  before  men,  in  the  sight 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  153 

of  God  "  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  his 
glory."  And  as  "  sinners"  stand  opposed  in  my 
text  to  "  the  righteous,"  it  manifestly  refers  to 
every  individual  v^rho  is  a  stranger  to  "  repentance 
towards  God,  and  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;" 
for  in  the  preceding  verse  the  same  persons  are 
described  as  "  not  obeying  the  Gospel  of  God.'* 
In  short,  sinners  are  those  who  withhold  from 
God  that  which  is  his  due,  viz.  love  and  obedi- 
ence ;  and  commit  what  he  hath  prohibited : 
Mai.  iii.  8  ;  1  John  iii.  4. 

These  are  the  characters  spoken  of.  Let  us 
attend, 

IL  To  some  facts  stated  concerning  the  former, 
"  the  righteous." 

1.  They  are  "  saved."  This  is  evidently  im- 
plied. 

2.  They  are  "scarcely  saved."  This  is  plainly 
expressed. 

1.  They  are  "  saved"  from  the  guilt  and  con- 
demnation of  sin  :  Rom.  viii.  I.— from  the  love  and 
power  of  sin:  Rom.  vi.  12 — \^.—from  the  usurpa- 
tion and  tyranny  of  Satan:  Col.  i.  13.  All  this 
is  intimately  connected  with  their  obtaining  eternal 
glory :  2  Tim.  ii.  10. 

2.  They  are,  however,  but  ^'scarcely  saved." 
(1.)   Various  are  the  explanations  which  have 

been  given  of  this  expression ;  and  as  it  may  ap- 


154       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

pear  to  convey  ideas  which  it  by  no  means  dpes^ 
it  may  be  requisite  to  state  what  it  does  not  mean. 
1.)   This  does  not  refer  to  the  state  of  the  righte- 
ous, or  to  their  acceptance  before  God. 

In  other  words,  it  does  not  mean  that  the  blood 
and  righteousness  of  Christ  are  scarcely  sufficient  for 
the  justification  of  behevers,  or  that  it  is  with  any 
reluctance  on  the  part  of  the  Father  that  they  are 
"  accepted  in  the  Beloved."  The  whole  tenor  of 
Scripture  teaches  us  otherwise.  Believers  are  said 
to  be  "justified  freeli/  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  With  the  Lord,  it  is  de- 
clared, there  is  not  only  mercy,  but  "plenteous 
redemption:'  So  that  in  Christ  "  all  the  seed  of 
Israel"  not  only  are  "justified,"  but  in  him  they 
may  "glory;"  and  exultingly  challenging  every 
accuser,  may  well  say,  "  Who  shall  lay  any  thing 
to  the  charge  of  God's  elect?"  &c.  Rom.  viii. 
33,  34. 

2.)  Neither  does  this  language  imply  that  there  is 
any  scarcity  of  power  or  grace  in  Christ  for  the  com- 
plete sanctification  and  salvation  of  the  righteous. 

The  enemies  of  Christ  and  his  people,  it  is  true, 
are  mighty  ;  but  he  is  "  mighty  to  save."  There 
is  no  danger,  therefore,  that  they  will  ever  prevail 
against  him,  or  "  pluck  his  sheep  out  of  his 
hands."  The  wants  of  the  righteous,  too,  are  many 
and    urgent;    but   there   is  no  deficiency   in  the 


OF    THE    REV.  RICHARD  DAVIS.  l55 

supplies  deposited  in  the  hands  of  Christ.  His 
"  riches  are  unsearchable  ;"  so  that"  their  God  sup- 
plies all  their  need  according  to  his  riches  in  glory  by 
Christ  Jesus."  By  his  power,  he  is  "  able  to  keep 
them  from  falling,"  and  by  his  grace  to  "  present 
them  faultless  before  the  throne  of  his  glory." 

The  expression,  therefore,  cannot  imply  any 
deficiency  in  the  merit  or  fulness  of  Christ ;  and  it 
relates  not  to  the  state  of  the  righteous  before 
God.     But, 

(2.)  To  their  present  character  and  condition. 

These  are  marked  with  imperfection,  and  at- 
tended with  sorrow,  in  the  present  world.  The 
language  of  my  text,  therefore,  is  in  the  present 
tense.  It  is  not  said  the  righteous  shall  be 
"  scarcely  saved,"  but  that  they  are  "  scarcely 
saved."  And  it  is  true  in  the  following  parti- 
culars :  — 

1.)  Though  they  are  saved  from  the  guilt,  and 
love,  and  power  of  sin,  they  are  tiot  yet  saved 
from  its  being,  and  partial  prevalence. 

They  do  not  live  in  sin,  and  "  shall  not  come 
into  condemnation  ;"  but  sin  lives  in  them  in  all 
its  forms,  and  struggles  hard  for  the  mastery: 
Rom.  vii.  21. 

2)  Though  they  are  saved  from  the  tyranny  of 
Satan,  therj  are  not  beyond  the  reach  of  his  tempta- 
tion and  oppositioji :  Eph.  vi.  12, 


156      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

3.)  They  are  sometimes  "scarcely  saved"  in 
their  oivn  apprehensions. 

They  have  seasons  of  darkness  and  desertion,  in 
which  their  evidences  are  greatly  obscured,  when 
they  "  write  bitter  things  against"  themselves, 
and  are  ready  to  conclude  they  have  been  self- 
deceivers. 

4.)  When  left  to  themselves  they  sometimes  ap- 
proach too  much  to  the  spirit  of  the  world,  and 
are  in  part  carried  away  with  specious  and  false 
doctrine^  Then  they  are  "  scarcely  saved"  in  the 
apprehension  of  their  faithful  ministers.  Thus 
Paul  "  stood  in  doubt"  of  the  Galatians  :  Gal.iv.  20. 

5.)  Though  saved  from  the  penalty  of  sin,  they 
are  not  saved  from  chastisement  for  it :  Ps.  Ixxxix. 
30—32. 

They,  therefore,  are  not  yet  saved  from  suffer- 
ing. They  are  uniformly  given  to  understand  that 
"  in  the  world  they  shall  have  tribulation ;"  and 
they  all  experience,  in  every  age  and  situation, 
that,  in  some  form  or  other,  affliction  and  sorrow 
await  them.  It  is  this  to  which  my  text  plainly 
refers ;  for  in  the  preceding  verse  it  is  said,  "  the 
time  was  come  that  judgment  must  begin  at  the 
house  of  God."  And  this  fact  gives  a  peculiar 
solemnity  and  force, 

III.  To  the  question  proposed  concerning  "  the 
ungodly  and  sinner s.^^ 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  157 

The  fact  which  is  stated  concerning  "  the  righ- 
teous" relates,  as  we  have  seen,  to  their  present 
state.  But  the  question  proposed  concerning  "  the 
ungodly  and  sinners"  refers  to  the  world  to  come. 
And  the  amount  of  it  is, — If  "  the  righteous"  do 
not  escape  trouble  and  suffering  in  the  life  that 
now  is,  what  must  "  the  ungodly  and  sinners"  ex- 
pect in  the  world  that  is  yet  to  come?  From 
whence  we  learn, 

Tliat  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous  in  the  present 
state  are  a  certain  token  of  the  future  punishment 
of  the  finally  impenitent. 

1.  The  snffFerings  of  the  righteous  demonstrate 
the  hatred  of  God  to  sin. 

He  is  of  "  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity." 
He  abhors  it  with  a  perfect  detestation.  All  the 
prohibitions  and  warnings  of  his  Word  say  in 
effect  to  us,  "  Oh !  do  not  the  abominable  thing 
which  my  soul  hateth."  And  the  sufferings  of  the 
righteous  in  general  are  the  fruit  of  sin,  and  ex- 
pressions of  Divine  displeasure  against  it :  Prov. 
xi.  31.  Now,  if  the  Almighty  shows  his  abhor- 
rence of  sin  in  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous, 
will  he  not  much  more  in  the  punishment  of 
the  wicked  ? 

2.  They  demonstrate  the  faithfulness  of  God  to 
his  threatenings. 


158      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

The  bulk  of  mankind  do  not  approve  of  the 
precepts  of  the  Divine  law.  They  therefore  do 
not  think  God  can  ever  abide  by  his  threatenings 
expressed  therein.  But  in  the  chastisement  of  his 
own  children  we  have  a  proof  that  he  means  what 
he  says.  The  faithfulness  of  God  to  his  threaten- 
ings appears  from  Dan.  ix.  10,  11. 

3.  The  sins  of  the  righteous  are  atoned  for ;  and 

yet  they  suffer  correction. 

What  then  must  be  their  doom  whose  guilt 
lies  at  their  own  door  ? 

4.  The  righteous  are  in  the  main  the  cordial 
friends  of  God,  and  their  sins  are  only  occasional 
and  partial;  nevertheless  they  do  not  escape  with 
impunity. 

But  "  the  ungodly  and  sinners"  are  his  avowed 
enemies,  and  their  iniquity  is  habitual  and  entire— 
they  are  nothing  but  sin.  What  then  must  they 
expect  ? 

5.  The  righteous  are  the  objects  of  Divine  love  : 
and  while  the  corrections  of  Jehovah  are  expressions 
of  his  displeasure  against  their  sins,  they  are  sent  in 
love  to  their  persons. 

But  he  "  abhors  all  the  workers  of  iniquity :" 
Ps,  V.  4—6.  Now,  if  he  afflicts  those  whom  he 
loves,  will  he  not  punish  those  with  whom  he  is 
"  angry  every  day  ?" 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  159 

6.  The  righteous  *'  have  an  Advocate  ivith  the 
Father ;"  and  he  does  not  secure  them  from  sorrow, 
though  he  pleads  the  causes  of  their  souls. 

But  the  same  character  is  to  the  wicked  their 
offended  Sovereign,  and  righteous  Judge. 

All  these  considerations  show  the  certainty  of 
their  future  punishment.  If  the  "  righteous,  then, 
are  scarcely  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly  and 
the  sinner  appear?"  The  Providence  and  the 
Word  of  God  all  lie  against  them.  For  it  is 
written,  "The  ungodly  shall  not  stand  in  the 
judgment,  nor  sinners  in  {the  congregation  of  the 
righteous."  There  is  nothing,  therefore,  before 
those  who  die  in  that  state  but  "  a  fearful  looking 
for  of  judgment  and  fiery  indignation  to  devour 
them  as  the  adversaries  of  God."  And  their  pu- 
nishment will  be  according  to  their  sin.  This,  as 
we  have  before  seen,  consists,  first,  in  withholding 
that  which  is  due ;  which  exposeth  them  to  a  pu- 
nishment of  loss ;  "  Depart  from  me."  Second, 
in  committing  that  which  is  forbidden.  The  sin- 
ner, therefore,  is  liable  to  a  punishment  of  sense ; 
— "  Depart  from  me  into  everlasting  Jire,  prepared 
for  the  devil  and  his  angels."  And  the  question 
implies  the  absolute  certainty  of  the  punishment 
being  inflicted.  All  self-justifying  and  sin-extenu- 
ating pleas  will  be  silenced,  and  all  false  confi- 
dence and  hopes  will  give  way.     And  though  the 


160       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

ungodly  may  be  past  feeling  now,  their  sensibility 
will  then  return  in  all  its  force. 


IMPROVEMENT. 

1.  From  the  character  of  the  righteous  we  learn, 
the  perfection  of  Gospel  blessings. 

They  meet  all  the  necessities,  and  provide  for 
all  the  wants,  of  the  children  of  men.  Are  they 
guilty  and  condemned  ?  Here  is  an  honourable 
and  just  acquittal :  Acts  xiii.  38,  39.  Are  they 
polluted,  and  unfit  for  the  enjoyment  and  service 
of  God  ?  Here  is  "  cleansing  from  all  filthiness 
both  of  flesh  and  spirit,"  and  assistance  to  "  per- 
fect holiness  in  the  fear  of  God."  Do  they  desire 
a  good  without  bounds,  both  in  nature  and  dura- 
tion, to  fill  the  capacious  powers  of  their  souls  ? 
It  is  to  be  found  in  the  Gospel ;  for  there  "  life 
and  immortality  are  brought  to  light." 

2.  We  may  see,  who  may  claim  the  privileges  of 
"  the  righteous  ;"  namely,  those  who  bear  the  cha- 
racters we  have  been  describing  in  all  respects. 

3.  From  the  view  we  have  taken  of  "  the  un- 
godly and  sinners,"  we  perceive  the  suitableness  of 
the  Gospel  to  their  state. 

It  has  justly  been  styled  "  glad  tidings  to  pe- 
rishing sinners."     Under  this  very  view  of  the  cha- 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  161 

racter  and  state  of  the  children  of  men  did  Christ 
die  for  them ;  and  under  this  view  does  the  Gospel 
address  us:  Rom.  v.  6,  8;  1  Tim.  i.  15.  The 
question  before  us  implies,  there  will  be  no  escap- 
ing the  wrath  of  God  in  the  tomb,  if  we  die  un- 
godly, impenitent,  and  unbelieving  sinners.  But 
this  is  not  the  case  while  we  inhabit  this  world. 
It  rolls  within  the  precincts  of  Divine  mercy, 
where  we  are  informed  that  Jehovah  is  seated  on 
a  throne  of  grace,  waiting  to  be  gracious ;  and  he 
is  sendino;  his  messages  to  the  sinful  children  of 
men,  inviting  them  to  flee  to  him  "from  the  wrath 
to  come." 


162       SELECTIONS   FROM   THE  MANUSCRIPTS 


V. 

Thou,  therefore,  my  son,   be  strong  in  the 
GRACE    THAT    IS    IN    Christ    Jesus. — 2   Tim. 

ii.  1.* 

It  is  8  momentous,  an  eternally  important  office 
to  which  you  have  been  called,  which  you  have 
accepted,  and  to  which  you  have  been  pubUcly 
appointed.  For  the  conscientious,  the  aiFec- 
tionate,  and  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of 
that  office  you  greatly  need  much  counsel  and 
encouragement.  I  wish  I  was  better  qualified 
than  I  am  to  administer  both.  Under  a  consci- 
ousness of  my  insufficiency,  however,  I  feel  consi- 
derably relieved  by  the  words  I  have  just  read  as 
my  text  on  the  present  interesting  occasion.  Ttiey 
are  admirably  suited  to  assist  me  in  aiming  to  ad- 
minister the  counsel  which  you  need  ;  and  an  ex- 
perimental enjoyment  and  exemphfication  of  them 
will  constitute  you  a  good,  an  able,  and  a  faithful 
minister  of  Jesus  Christ.  This,  I  hope,  will  in 
some  measure  appear,  while,  in  dependance-  on 
*'  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  I  remind 
you, 

*  Delivered  at  the  ordination  of  the  compiler  of  the  present 
Tolume  at  Southsea,  Portsmouth,  Jan.  15,  1829. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  163 

I.  Of  the  import  of  the  language  that  is  here 
employed  by  the  apostle. 

II.  Of  the  vast  importance  of  the  exhortation 
which  it  contains. 

I.  I  am  briefly  to  remind  you  of  the  import  of 
the  apostle's  language  when  he  says,  "Thou,  there- 
fore, my  son,  be  strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in 
Christ  Jesus." 

I  say  remind  you  ;  because  I  am  fully  persuaded 
that  you  need  not  now  be  informed  that  "  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ"  sometimes  means, 
his  eternal,  his  free,  his  sovereign,  and  unchange- 
able favour ;  which  induced  him,  in  the  counsels 
of  eternal  peace,  to  undertake,  and  in  "  the  fulness 
of  time"  to  accomplish,  in  his  own  person,  the 
great  work  [of  salvation  for  guilty  and  perishing 
sinners:  2  Cor.  viii.  9.  To  this  grace,  therefore, 
all  true  believers  look  for,  and  ascribe  the  whole  of 
their  salvation :  Acts  xv.  11.  And  this  grace,  in 
common  with  that  of  the  eternal  Father,  and  infi- 
nitely holy  and  blessed  Spirit,  is  the  great,  the 
leading,  and  the  eternally  interesting  subject  of  a 
truly  faithful  Gospel  ministry :  Acts  xx.  24. 

"  The  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jes7is"  is  expres- 
sive also  of  the  inexhaustible,  or  rather  of  the  un- 
impaired fulness  which  he  possesses.  In  his  medi- 
atorial capacity,  *'  it  hath  pleased  the  Father  that 
in  him  should  all  fulness  dwell ;"  and  out  of  it 


164       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

every  believer  in  him  "  receives  grace  for  grace." 
It  is  to  this  Divine  and  communicative  fulness 
that  the  apostle  principally  refers  in  the  words  of 
the  text. 

To  be  "  strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ" 
must  mean,  to  live  habitually  and  entirely  depend- 
ant on  his  fulness.  Thus  will  your  supplies  all  be 
constantly  derived  from  him.  Thus  the  graces  of 
his  Spirit  will  be  lively  and  fruitful  in  your  soul. 
And  this  will  lead  to  a  faithful  and  persevering 
consecration  of  all  your  powers  to  his  service  and 
will.  AH  this  was  strikingly  exemplified  in  the 
case  of  this  apostle  himself:  1  Cor.  xv.  10  ;  2  Cor. 
xii.  9,  10. 

From  this  brief  statement  of  the  import  of  these 
.words  I  shall  proceed  to  direct  your  attention, 

II.  To  the  supreme  importance  of  the  exhortation 
they  contai7i. 

To  *•  be  strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ 
Jesus"  is  of  the  greatest  consequence  to  Chris- 
tians in  general.  This,  however,  is  more  especi- 
ally the  case  with  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel  in 
particular. " 

1.  It  is  so  for  the  prosperity,  the  peace,  and  the 
well-being  of  their  own  souls. 

You  are  fully  aware,  that  it  is  repeatedly  en- 
joined upon  the  ministers  of  Christ  in  the  first 
place  to  "  take  heed  to  themselves ;"  for  a  large 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  165 

measure  of  personal,  vital,  and  vigorous  godliness 
is  indispensably  necessary  to  the  enjoyment  of 
happiness  in  our  work.  That  work  is  principally 
of  a  spiritual  nature.  It  is  most  accurately  de- 
scribed as  a  "  giving  ourselves  continually  to 
prayer,  and  to  the  ministry  of  the  word,"  In  this 
work  we  are  engaged  in  the  worship  of  an  infi- 
nitely holy  and  perfect  Being,  who  has  declared 
"  that  they  who  worship  him  acceptably  must  do 
it  in  spirit  and  in  truth."  We  are  engaged  in  the 
constant  consideration  and  delivery  of  subjects 
which  are  purely  spiritual,  and  which  involve  in 
them  the  present  and  everlasting  welfare  of  our 
own  souls.  Now,  if  you  are  "  strong  in  the  grace 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus,"  it  will  produce  the  follow- 
ing effects. 

Yotc  ivill  he  "  spiritually  minded"  in  every  part 
of  your  work ;  which  you  will  find  indeed  to  be 
"  hfe  and  peace."  You  will  knoiv  and  enjoy 

your  own  personal  interest  in  Christ :  Gal.  ii.  20. 
The  lohole  of  the  "  word  of  Christ  will  dwell  in 
you  richly r  It  will  be  the  subject  of  your  con- 
stant meditation,  the  rule  of  your  conduct,  and  the 
directory  of  your  ministry.  Your  principles, 

your  views,  and  your  motives  will  be  right  in  the 
sight  of  your  holy  and  heart-searching  God  and  Sa- 
viour. And  you  tvill  he  fully  warranted  to  expect 
a  happy  result:  Josh.  i.  6—8;  2  Tim.  iv.  7,  8. 


166     SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

I  just  observe  also,  that  the  more  entirely  you 
are  living  upon  "  the  grace  of  Christ,"  and  are 
strong  in  it  yourself,  the  more  will  he  be  the  great 
subject  of  your  ministry,  and  the  more  will  you 
direct  the  views  of  your  hearers  to  him. 

2.  The  supreme  importance  of  the  exhortation 
arises  from  the  greatness  of  the  work  in  which  you 
are  engaged. 

With  this  consideration  I  hope  you  are  already 
deeply  impressed,  and  with  the  necessity  also  of 
"  great  grace"  rightly  to  fulfil  it.  The  principal 
branch  of  your  work  is  to  "  preach  the  Gospel," 
and  to  declare  "  the  whole  counsel  of  God."  You 
have  to  show  the  truth  of  the  Gospel,  and  of  Di- 
vine revelation  in  general, — that  it  is  the  word  of 
God.  You  have  to  display  its  infinite  goodness, 
and  superlative  excellence, — that  it  is  well  worthy 
of  the  ever-blessed  Jehovah.  And  especially  you 
have  to  demonstrate  the  humbling  and  holy  natwre 
and  tendency  of  Divine  truth.  In  order  that  in 
this  work  you  may  be  "  approved  of  God,"  and 
"  a  workman  that  need  not  to  be  ashamed"  before 
men,  you  must  "  give  yourself"  to  reading,  to  medi- 
tation, and  to  prayer ;  especially  on  those  parts  of 
Scripture  that  relate  to  the  duties  of  your  oflace. 
In  all  this,  and  after  all  this  private  and  prepara- 
tory, and  public  labour,  you  must  be  "  strong  in 
the  orace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus  f  remembering 


OF    THE  REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  167 

that  "  all  your  sujficiency  is  of  him,"  and  that 
you  "  can  do  all  things  through  him  that  strength- 
eneth  you." 

3.  The  gracious  design  of  your  work  gives  a 
particular  importance  to  the  exhortation. 

The  great  ends  which  a  faithful  Gospel  ministry 
and  the  various  duties  of  the  pastoral  office  are 
designed  and  suited  to  answer,  render  them  institu- 
tions of  the  utmost  value,  and  serve  to  demonstrate 
that  they  are  of  Divine  origin.  The  truly  benevo- 
lent design  of  your  work,  you  know,  is  to  convert 
sinners  to  God,  and  thus  to  win  souls  to  Christ. 
This  is  most  expressly  stated  by  Christ  and  his 
apostle  Paul:  Acts  xxvi.  18  ;  2  Cor.  v.  18—20. 
It  is  also  to  "feed  the  sheep  and  lambs''  of  Christ, 
who  are  brought  into  his  fold, — to  "  lead  them  to 
green  pastures,  and  beside  the  still  waters,"  and 
thus  to  "  help  them  who  have  believed  through 
grace."  Now  these  great  ends  are  generally  ac- 
complished by  those  who  are  "  strong  in  the  grace 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  It  was  strikingly  the 
case  in  the  earliest  ages  of  Christianity :  Acts  iv. 
33 ;  xi.  22 — 24.  Under  the  same  influence,  there- 
fore, you  may  hope  for  success  in  your  work. 

4.  The  exhortation  is  of  great  importance,  that 
you  may  exemplify  your  doctrine  in  your  own  spirit 
and  conduct :   1  Tim.  iv.  12. 

You  will  preach  the  humbling,  the   holy,   the 


168       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

truly  spiritual  Gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Humility,  and  holiness,  and  spirituality  in  your  own 
spirit  and  conduct,  will  greatly  serve  to  enforce 
your  ministry.  It  will  serve  to  prove  that  you 
understand,  and  believe,  and  experience  what 
you  preach  :  1  John  i.  3.  "  The  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ"  is  sufficient  to  produce  in  you  these 
happy  effects.  I  would  say  to  you,  therefore,  my 
son,  not  only  in  your  study,  and  in  your  pulpit, 
but  in  your  social  intercourse  with  your  fellow-men 
and  fellow-Christians,  "  Be  strong  in  the  grace 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 

5.  The  difficulties  and  discouragements  which  you 
will  meet  with  give  importance  to  the  exhortation. 

These  arise  from  the  depravity  of  men — from  the 
influence  of  Satan — from  sin  in  real  believers — from 
the  apostacy  of  nominal  professors — and  from  in- 
dwelling sin  in  your  own  soul.  If  you  are  "  strong 
in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus''  you  will  go  on 
in  the  face  of  all. 

6.  The  importance  of  the  exhortation  arises  from 
your  own  titter  insufficiency  :  John  xv.  4,  5 ;  2  Cor. 
iii.  5. — the  consequent  utter  impossibility  of  fulfil- 
ling your  work  to  any  good  purpose  without  being 
thus  "  strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ 
Jesus." 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  169 


VI. 


And   thou    saidst,    I    will   surely   do   thee 
GOOD.    Gen.  xxxii.  12. 

This  is  the  language  of  the  patriarch  Jacob, 
which  he  addressed  to  his  God ;  and  when  he 
uttered  it  his  case  was  this.  About  twenty  years 
before  he  had  fled  from  his  father's  house  to  Pa- 
danaram  in  Mesopotamia,  for  the  purpose  of  avoid- 
ing the  resentment  of  his  brother  Esau.  During 
the  whole  of  the  time  he  had  been  residing  with 
Laban,  his  mother's  brother;  and  in  the  latter 
part  of  it  the  Lord  his  God  had  greatly  prospered 
him  in  his  worldly  circumstances.  In  consequence 
of  this  he  was  involved  in  great  perplexity  from 
the  evil-mindedness  of  Laban  and  his  sons  towards 
him.  Like  a  faithful  and  an  Almighty  friend  at 
his  right  hand,  however,  his  covenant  God  ob- 
served his  situation.  He  therefore  appeared  to 
him  and  graciously  gave  him  a  commandment  and 
a  promise  ; — "  Return  unto  the  land  of  thy  fathers, 
and  to  thy  kindred  ;  and  I  will  be  with  thee."  In 
obedience  to  the  Divine  command,  and  in  depend- 
ance  on  the  Divine  promise,  he  departed  from 
Padanaram  for  Canaan.  During  his  journey  he  met 
with  some  circumstances  of  a  very  painful  nature. 
Hence  we  may  learn,  that  we  are  not  to  expect 
I 


170       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

exemption  from  trouble  even  in  the  path  of  duty. 
All  that  we  are  warranted  to  reckon  upon  is,  Di- 
vine support  under  trials,  and  a  happy  issue  to 
them.  Thus  it  was  with  Jacob.  For  very  shortly 
after  his  departure  Laban  pursued  him  for  the  pur- 
pose, it  should  seem,  of  bringing  him  back,  either 
bv  force,  or  by  fraud.  Of  this  Jacob  knew  no- 
thing; but  Jacob's  God  did,  and  provided  for 
his  deliverance  out  of  trouble  before  it  came  upon 
him.  So  true  is  it  that  *'  the  Lord  knoweth  how 
to  deliver  the  godly  out  of  temptation."  Gen. 
xxxi.  24 — 55.  On  parting  with  Laban  "  Jacob 
went  on  his  way,  and  the  angels  of  God  met  him." 
This  was  a  most  seasonable  manifestation  of  Di- 
vine mercy  to  the  patriarch.  He  had  just  been 
delivered  from  the  hand  of  Laban  ;  but  he  was 
soon  to  learn  that  "  Esau  was  coming  out  with 
four  hundred  men  to  meet  him."  The  angels  of 
God,  however,  were  divided  into  two  hosts  ;*  one 
behind,  between  him  and  Laban,  the  other  before, 
between  him  and  Esau.  Thus  do  the  trials  and 
enjoyments  of  believers  in  the  present  state  suc- 
ceed and  prepare  the  way  for  each  other.  Thus 
also  doth  "  the  angel  of  the  Lord  encamp  about 
them  that  fear  him,"  for  the  purpose  of  bringing 
all   their   trials   and   all   their    enjoyments  to    a 

♦  Mahanaim,  two  hosts,  or  camps,  Cant.  vi.  13. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  171 

happy  issue.     In  order  to  ascertain  the  state  of 
his  brother's  mind  towards  him,  and  to  conciliate 
him  if  necessary,  Jacob  sent  to   him  a  most  re- 
spectful and  submissive  message.     On  the  return 
of  the  messengers,  however,    they  informed  him 
(as  we  had  occasion  just  now  to  notice),  that  Esau 
was  coming:  with  a  great  force  to  meet  him.     This 
excited   in  the    patriarch's   mind  very    alarming 
apprehensions,   under  which   he  used   the   most 
prudent  precautions,  and  then  had  recourse  to  fer- 
vent and  believing  prayer.     By  this  example  we 
are  taught  neither  to  neglect  means,  nor  to  depend 
upon  them  ;  but  to  use  them  with  all  diligence, 
and  constantly  to  look  up  to  God  to  attend  them 
with  his  blessing.     This  union   of  dihgence    and 
dependance  forms  the  consistent,  the  useful,  and 
the  happy  Christian.     The  words  of  the  text  are 
a  part  of  the  prayer  which  Jacob  offered  on  this 
occasion.     With  the  whole  history  of  the  patriarch 
before  us,  we  may  consider  them, 

I.  As  a  promise  given. 

II.  As  a  promise  pleaded. 

III.  As  a  promise  fulfilled. 

I.  We  are  led  to  consider  the  words  of  our  text 
as  a  promise  given :  that  is,  by  God  to  Jacob. 

It  was  thus  he  viewed  it  vi'hen  he  reminded  his 
gracious  God,  "  Thou  saidst,  I  will  surely  do  thee 
good."  The  very  same  promise  is  in  effect  given 
1  2 


172       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

to  every  "  Israelite  indeed  f  that  is,  to  every  one 
whose  heart  in  the  main  is  "right  in  the  sight  of 
God.''  The  patriarch  manifestly  refers  in  these 
words  to  the  gracious  assurances  which  God  gave 
liini  when  he  was  going  down  to  Padanaram,  and 
which  are  recorded,  Gen.  xxviii.  10 — 15.  The 
amount  of  these  promises  is  contained  in  the  words 
before  us.     And  they  teach  us, 

1.  That  all  the  concerns  of  the  people  of  God 
are  under  his  immediate  atid  especial  direction. 

He  does  not  merely  assure  them  that  good  shall 
come  to  them  ;  but  he  says  "  /  will  surely  do  thee 
good."  The  doctrine  of  a  supreme  and  an  all-dis- 
posing Providence  is  one  of  the  leading  subjects 
of  Divine  revelation,  and  it  is  one  of  the  most  con- 
soling truths  contained  in  the  sacred  pages.  From 
thence  we  learn,  that  universal  and  uncontrollable 
dominion  is  the  essential  and  inalienable  preroga-. 
tive  of  Jehovah  :  Dan.  iv.  35.  In  carrying  on  his 
great  designs  he  employs  many  second  causes  and 
mere  instruments  ;  but  he  is  the  Great  First  Cause 
that  moves,  and  the  Supreme  Being  who  directs 
the  affairs  of  the  universe.  "  He  hath  prepared 
his  throne  in  the  heavens,  and  his  kingdom  ruleth 
over  all."  But  while  he  directs  the  affairs  of  the 
universe  in  general,  in  infinite  condescension  he 
orders  all  the  concerns  of  his  beloved  and  be- 
lieving people  in  particular.  All  "  their  times 
are    in   his    hand."     It    is    He,    therefore,    who 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  173 

metes  out  to  them,  as  by  weight  and  mea- 
sure, their  appointed  portion  both  of  enjoy- 
ment and  of  suffering:  Job  xxiii.  13,  14.  It  is 
the  Lord  who  "  orders  all  their  steps."  And  our 
Lord  declares,  that  "  the  very  hairs  of  their  head 
are  all  numbered."  The  cordial  friends  and  faith- 
ful servants  of  our  God  and  of  his  Christ,  in  every 
situation,  and  under  all  cu'cumstances,  may  v.ell 
say,  "  We  will  cry  unto  God  most  high ;  unto 
God  that  performeth  all  things  for  us" — "  He  will 
perfect  that  which  concerneth  us;  for  his  mercy 
endureth  for  ever." 

2.  This  promise  most  fully  assures  the  people  of 
God,  that  he  will  order  all  their  concerns  for  their 
advantage. 

Profit  and  loss  are  very  interesting  subjects  to 
many  of  the  children  of  men  ;  and  in  the  best 
sense  of  the  words  all  is  profit,  and  there  will 
finally  be  no  loss,  to  the  real  Christian.  When 
God  made  this  promise  to  Jacob  it  did  not  relate 
to  his  journey  to  Haran  and  back  to  Canaan 
merely  ;  but  it  evidently  included  all  his  concerns 
both  for  time  and  eternity  :  Gen.  xxviii.  14,  15. 
[And  so  is  it  with  the  whole  Israel  of  God.]  They 
have  not  a  promise  merely,  but  it  is  confirmed  by  an 
oath.  To  every  believer,  in  all  ages  of  time,  Jelio- 
vah  swears  by  himself,  saying,  "  I  will  surely  do 
thee  good."  The  supreme  end  of  all  Jehovah's  works 
is,  the  glory  of  his  own  name.  "  Of  him,  and  through 


174      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

him,  and  to  him  are  all  things."  But  in  subordina- 
tion to  this  end  all  things  are  also  made  to  promote 
the  good  of  his  beloved  and  believing  people.  It 
was  this  which  furnished  matter  for  the  Psalmist's 
grateful  exclamation,  "  Oh,  how  great  is  thy  good- 
ness, which  thou  hast  laid  up  for  them  that  fear 
thee  ;  which  thou  hast  wrought  for  them  that  trust 
in  thee  before  the  sons  of  men!"  And  on  this 
principle  the  apostle  makes  his  confident  declara- 
tion, "  We  know,"  &c.  Rom.  viii.  28.  The  cer- 
tainty of  this  may  in  some  measure  be  seen  from 
the  following  considerations. 

(1.)  In  allJehovah's  dealings  with  his  people  he 
acts  in  the  character  of  a  covenant  God. 

It  was  in  this  character  the  promise  was  given, 
Gen.  xxviii.  13,  15.  In  this  character  Jacob 
prayed  that  it  might  be  fulfilled.  Gen.  xxxii.  9. 

(2.)  Every  part  of  his  conduct,  therefore,  is  an 
expression  of  his  infinite  love  and  good  will  towards 
them. 

(3.)  All  is  under  the  direction  of  his  wisdom ; 
which  employs  the  best  means  to  produce  the  most 
desirable  ends. 

(4.)  The  whole  is  accomplished  by  that  Almighty 
power  and  inviolable  faithfulness  which  never 
fail. 

The  servants  of  God,  it  is  true,  frequently  meet 
with  very  trying  circumstances,  which  seem  de- 
signed for  evil,  and  they  may  be  ready  to  conclude. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  176 

"  All  these  things  are  against  us."  But  in  tlie 
issue  it  will  be  clearly  seen  that  "  God  meant 
them  for  good.'' 

IT.  Let  us  proceed  to  consider  the  words  of  my 
text  as  a  promise  pleaded. 

The  Holy  Scriptures  are  the  sole  medium  of  all 
spiritual  enjoyment.  Whatever  inward  strength 
or  Divine  consolation  the  Spirit  of  God  imparts  to 
his  people,  it  is  all  by  means  of  his  Word  in  ge- 
neral, and  his  promises  in  particular.  This  renders 
the  Word  of  God  unspeakably  valuable  to  be- 
lievers at  all  times,  but  especially  when  they  are 
called  to  endure  severe  trials  of  their  faith  and 
patience.  Such  were  the  circumstances  of  the 
patriarch  Jacob  when  he  pleaded  this  promise  at 
the  Divine  footstool.  In  considering  his  conduct 
in  this  particular,  I  remark, 

1.  That  it  was  a  right  use  to  make  of  the  promises 
of  God. 

They  are  given  as  promissory  notes,  so  to  speak. 
to  be  presented  for  payment  as  the  believer's  ne- 
cessities, in  the  sight  of  his  God,  may  require. 
Concerning  these  promises  Jehovah  says  in  effect, 
"  Put  me  in  remembrance."  It  is  a  part  of  the 
gracious  work  of  the  ever-blessed  Spirit  to  "  bring 
them  to  remembrance."  And  these  are  the  "  argu- 
ments" with  which  he  "  fills  our  mouth' '  when 
pleading  at  the  mercy-seat.     Thus  Moses  pleaded 


176       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCBIPTS 

for  Israel  at  large  :  Exod.  xxxii.  13.  Thus  David 
urged  his  plea  on  his  own  behalf,  "  Remember  the 
word  unto  thy  servant,  upon  which  thou  hast 
caused  me  to  hope."  And  thus  Jacob  pleaded  in 
the  case  before  us. 

2.  It  tvas  expressive  of  a  deep  sense  of  entire  de- 
pendance  on  Divine  aid. 

It  was  in  effect  saying,  "  Oh  Lord,  thou  who 
hast  given  the  promise  art  alone  able  to  fulfil  it." 
It  is  manifestly  a  part  of  Jehovah's  conduct  to- 
wards all  his  servants,  to  bring  them  sometimes 
into  circumstances  of  great  straits  and  difficulty. 
Hereby  he  makes  them  feel  their  depend ance  upon 
him  in  a  manner  they  would  not  otherwise  feel  it ; 
and  then  fully  displays  his  all-sufiiciency  and 
readiness  to  afford  them  seasonable  relief.  These 
remarks  are  strikingly  exemplified  in  the  case  of 
Jehoshaphat  and  Judah,  as  it  is  recorded,  2Chron. 
XX.  1 — 20.  The  same  spirit  of  entire  reliance 
upon  a  faithful  God  was  discovered  by  Jacob,  and 
is  exemplified  by  every  believer  when  pleading- 
Divine  promises  in  faith.  It  is  then  he  "  encou- 
rages himself,"  in  all  his  distresses,  "  in  the  Lord 
his  God ;"  "  being  fully  persuaded  that  what  he 
hath  promised  he  is,"  in  every  sense,  "  able  also 
to  perform." 

3.  It  expressed  a  consciousness  of  being  in  the 
path  of  duty. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  177 

Jacob's  God  had  given  him  a  command  as  well 
as  a  promise  ;  and  it  was  only  as  he  rendered  obe- 
dience to  the  one  that  he  was  warranted  to  expect 
the  accomplishment  of  the  other.  But  he  teas 
acting  according  to  the  command  of  his  God,  and 
meeting  his  trouble  in  the  path  of  duty.  He 
therefore  approached  the  throne  of  grace,  and 
pleaded  the  promise  with  holy  boldness.  How 
differently  did  Jonah  feel  in  his  overwhelming 
sorrow,  which  came  upon  him  in  the  path  of  dis- 
obedience :  Jonah  ii.  1 — 4.  A  guilty  conscience 
tends  to  shut  the  mouth  before  God  ;  but  a  good, 
that  is,  a  purified  and  tender  one,  inspires  with 
holy  confidence  at  his  throne.  Many  of  the  pro- 
mises of  God  are  made  to  his  servants :  Isa.  xii. 
8 — 10;  liv.  17.  Under  this  character  they  draw 
near  to  him:  Neh.  i.  11.  And  conscious  that 
they  sustain  it,  they  plead  Divine  promises,  and 
expect  their  accomplishment :  Ps.  cxix.  49.  The 
reason  of  this  connexion  is  plain  enough.  A  spirit 
of  genuine  faith  in  the  promises  of  God  will 
always  work  in  a  way  of  obedience  to  his  pre- 
cepts. Or,  in  other  words,  the  same  disposition 
of  heart,  which  will  lead  us  to  embrace  Divine 
promises,  will  always  incline  us  to  love  and  obey 
Divine  commands.  This  is  very  fully  illustrated 
in  the  whole  of  the  119th  Psalm. 


178       SELECTIONS   FltOM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

III.  We  are  to  consider  these  words  as  a  pro^ 
mise  fulfilled. 

This  will  be  seen  in  a  brief  review  of  Jacob's 
history ;  and,  allowing  for  circumstantial  differ- 
ences, it  will  appear  that  as  it  was  fulfilled  to 
him  so  it  is  to  every  "  Israelite  indeed." 

First.  The  Almighty  did  Jacob  good,  according 
to  his  word,  in  the  dealings  of  his  providence  tO' 
wards  him. 

1.  In  supplying  all  his  temporal  necessities. 
This   he    most   faithfully  accomplished :    Gen. 

xlviii.  15.  In  this  respect  the  Lord  did  for  hira 
"  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  he  ever 
asked  or  thought  of:"  Gen.  xxviii.  20,  21; 
xxxii.  10. 

2.  In  disappointing  and  scattering  his  most 
gloomy  fears. 

On  some  occasions  in  his  life  those  fears  were 
very  strong,  and  led  him  to  forebode  the  worst 
of  evils.  But  they  ultimately  proved  to  be  per- 
fectly groundless:  Gen.  xxxii.  11,  compared  with 
xxxiii.  4.  And  again,  Gen.  xxxiv.  30,  compared 
with  XXXV.  5. 

3.  In  ovei'ruling  his  severest  trials  for  the  great- 
est advantage  to  him  and  his. 

There  was  no  part  of  Jehovah's  conduct  to- 
wards his  servant  Jacob  wherein  his  faithfulness 


OF    THE  REV.    HICHARD    DAVIS.  179 

more  conspicuously  appeared  than  in  this.  And 
in  this  particular  the  patriarch  most  tenderly  felt 
it:  Gen.  xlii.  36,  compared  with  xlviii.  11;  1.20. 
In  some  way  or  other,  according  to  the  word  of 
a  faithful  God,  the  sharpest  trials  of  the  people 
of  God  at  large  will  be  productive  of  the  greatest 
good. 

Second.  He  did  him  good  in  his  soul. 

This  is  the  great  design  of  a  covenant  God 
towards  all  his  people,  in  all  the  dealings  of  his 
providence,  and  in  all  the  methods  of  his  grace. 
And  in  this  particular  the  promise  was  most  strik- 
ingly verified  in  the  experience  of  the  highly  fa- 
voured patriarch. 

1.  He  was  blessed  with  a  remarkable  spirit  of 
faith  and  prayer. 

For  this  he  is  most  renowned  in  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures. And  to  this  his  various  and  heavy  trials 
materially  contributed  :  Gen.  xxxii.  22 — 28. 

2.  He  vms  rendered  remarkably  spiritual  and 
heavenly-minded. 

The  holy  apostle  Paul  affirms  that  "  to  be  spi- 
ritually-minded is  life  and  peace."  And  this 
spirituality  of  mind  appeared  in  Jacob  in  an  emi- 
nent degree. 

(1.)  He  discovered  and  acknowledged  the  hand  of 
God  in  all  his  mercies;  Gen.  xxxii.  10;  xxxiii. 
5,  11;  xlviii.  15,  16. 


180      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

(2.)  He  made  him  his  refuge  in  seasons  of  dijji- 
culty  and  distress. 

(3.)  He  appears  to  have  been  habitually  im- 
pressed with  the  brevity  of  life,  and  the  vanity  of 
all  its  enjoyments :  Gen.  xlvii.  9. 

(4.)  His  affections  were  set  on  heavenly  things  : 
Heb.  xi.  13—16. 

(5.)  He  was  made  meet  for,  andfnally  put  in  pos- 
session of,  his  heavenly  inheritance  :  Heb.  xi.  16. 

Third.  The  promise  was  wonderfully  fulfilled  in 
rendering  him  a  distinguished  blessing  to  the  church 
of  Christ  in  all  ages. 

He  is  so, 

1.  In  his  history. 

2.  In  his  predictions. 

3.  In  his  posterity. 

4.  Above  all,  in  the  promised  Seed. 

Thus  the  God  of  Jacob  has  been  doing  good 
through  him  to  the  present  period — he  will  con- 
tinue to  do  it  to  the  end  of  time,  and  through 
a  blissful  eternity — and  I  have  no  doubt  but 
Jacob's  tide  of  heavenly  joy  is  continually  rising 
higher  and  higher. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

1.  Behold  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  God  in 
thus  introducing  Divine  promises. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  181' 

They  are  made  to  characters  ;  and  if  we  sustain 
similar  characters  we  may  safely  appropriate 
them  to  our  own  cases  under  all  circumstances. 

2.  What  abundant  reason  does  this  subject  sup- 
pi  1/  for  unlimited  conjidence  in  God,  and  entire 
resignation  to  him  at  all  times ! 

Let  us  remember,  that  though  he  has  promised 
to  do  his  people  good,  he  always  does  it  in  his  own 
way. 

3.  How  infinitely  important  it  is,  that  we  view 
the  Divine  conduct  on  a  large  scale  ! 

4.  Learn  the  unspeakable  value  of  Christ,  in 
whom  the  promises  are  all  "  yea  and  amen." 

5.  Learn  the  misery  of  unbelievers. 

To  them  God  says,  "  I  will  surely  do  thee 
evil." 


182        SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

VII. 

If  ye  THEN,  BEING  EVIL,  KNOW  HOW  TO  GIVE  GOOD 
GIFTS  UNTO  YOUR  CHILDREN  ;  HOW  MUCH  MORE 
SHALL  YOUR  HEAVENLY  FaTHER  GIVE   THE  HoLY 

Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him  ? — Luke  xi.  13.* 

The  spiritual  necessities  of  the  children  of  God 
are  innumerable  and  constant ;  for  they  arise  from 
all  the  relations  in  which  they  stand,  and  from  all 
the  variety  of  circumstances  in  which  they  are 
placed.  The  ample  supply  of  those  necessities  is 
essential  to  their  present  and  eternal  welfare ;  and 
having  no  resources  in  themselves,  they  are  entirely 
dependant  for  it  all  on  their  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 
Blessed  be  his  holy  name,  he  is  both  able  and  will- 
ing to  "  supply  all  their  need  according  to  his  riches 
in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus."  Of  this  he  has  given 
abundant  proof,  by  having  revealed  himself  in  his 
Word  as  "  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,"  and  through  him  as  the  "  God  that  heareth 
prayer."  It  is  on  these  grounds  that  we  are  en- 
couraged by  Christ  himself,  in  my  text  and  its 
connexion,  to  "  come  boldly  to  the  throne  of  grace, 
that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help 

*  It  will  be  remembered,  that  this  was  the  last  sermon  my 
father  ever  delivered. 


OF  THE   REV.   RICHARD   DAVIS.  183 

in  time  of  need."  This  is  more  especially  the  case 
in  the  words  of  the  text,  which  are  full  of  instruc- 
tion and  consolation. 

I.  They  teach  us  what  should  be  the  principal 
Object  of  desire  in  prayer. 

II.  They  plainly  intimate  the  unspeakable  value 
of  that  Object. 

III.  They  give  the  greatest  possible  encourage- 
ment to  ask  for  it. 

I.  We  are  taught  in  these  words  what  we  should 
principally  seek  for  in  prayer, — "  the  Holy  Spirit." 

In  order  that  I  may  place  this  subject  in  as  clear 
a  light  as  I  am  capable  of  placing  it,  I  remark, 
that  it  is  one  of  the  first  principles,  if  not  the  first 
principle  of  Divine  revelation,  that  "  the  Lord  our 
God  is  one  Lord."  From  that  pure  and  imme- 
diate fountain  of  all  spiritual  intelligence,  however, 
we  learn  also,  that  the  one  living  and  only  true  God 
subsists  in  three  distinct  and  equal  persons, —  the 
Father,  the  Word  or  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost. 
This  is  a  truth  which,  as  a  vein,  runs  through  the 
whole  of  Divine  revelation ;  for  therein  we  find 
that  Divine  and  personal  names,  and  perfections, 
and  works,  and  honours,  are  given  and  ascribed  to 
each  and  all  the  adorable  persons  in  the  glorious 
Godhead. 

I  remark,  furthermore,  that  it  is  most  explicitly 
stated  in  the  Word  of  God,  that  the  great  work  of 


184       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

saving  sinners,  in  particular,  is  accomplished  hy 
the  united  influence  of  the  Sacred  Three.  Tliis 
eternally  momentous  truth  is  plainly  intimated  and 
practically  professed,  in  the  divinely  authorized 
form  of  Christian  baptism  :  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  It  is 
clearly  stated  also  in  apostolic  benedictions  and 
prayers:  2  Cor.  xiii.  14;  Col.  ii.  2. 

I  observe  once  more,  that  in  the  wonderful  plan 
of  salvation,  it  is  the  province  and  work  of  the  Hoh/ 
Spirit  to  carry  the  designs  of  Divine  mercy  into 
full  effect ;  for  it  is  he  who  begins,  and  carries  on, 
and  completes  the  work  of  grace  in  the  souls  of  the 
people  of  God.  It  is  thus  by  "  the  communion  of 
the  Holy  Ghost"  that  "  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  the  love  of  the  Father,"  are  known  and 
enjoyed.  On  this  principle  proceed  the  prayers 
recorded,  2  Thes.  iii.  5 ;  Rev.  i.  4,  5.  For  this 
reason  also  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  his  offices,  and 
works,  and  his  holy  influences,  gifts,  and  graces, 
is  a  principal  subject  of  Divine  promise  in  the  Old 
Testament,  and  he  is  the  chief  subject  of  promise 
in  the  New.  He  is  therefore  spoken  of  by  Christ 
as  "  the  promise  of  the  Father ; "  and  he  is  called 
by  the  holy  apostle  Paul  "  that  Holy  Spirit  of 
promise." 

From  the  whole  it  is  evident,  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  is  the  principal  blessing  which  God  hath 
promised,  and  that  we  need;  and  that  it  should, 


OF    THE    REV.     RICHARD    DAVIS.  185 

therefore,  be  the  chief  and  the  constant  object  of 
desire  in  our  approaches  to  the  throne  of  grace. 

II.  These  words  plainly  intimate  the  value  of 
this  supreme  Object  of  desire  in  prayer. 

It  is  placed  in  contrast  with  the  "good  gifts" 
which  earthly  parents  bestow  on  their  offspring. 
And  well  it  may  ;  for  it  comprehends  "  every  good 
and  perfect  gift"  that  God  bestows  on  his  chil- 
dren :  Matt.  vii.  11.  It  is,  therefore,  the  principal 
blessing  for  which  Christ  himself  intercedes ;  and 
it  is  clearly  intimated,  that  he  would  more  than 
make  up  the  loss  of  Christ's  bodily  presence :  John 
xiv.  16 ;  xvi.  7.  The  great  reason  for  this  is,  he  is 
the  efficient  cause  of  all  that  is  spiritually  good  in  the 
sight  of  God.  Whatever  comes  under  this  descrip- 
tion is,  therefore,  called  "  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit:" 
Gal.  V.  22,  23  ;  Eph.  v.  9. 

The  truth  of  these  general  remarks,  and  the  in- 
finite value  of  the  Spirit,  will  more  fully  appear  by 
considering, 

1.  That  he  is  the  sole  Author  of  all  quickening 
influence. 

The  condition  of  man  by  nature  is  truly  humi- 
liating, and  awfully  perilous.  We  are  uniformly 
represented  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  "  alienated 
from  the  life  of  God,"  and  "  dead  in  trespasses  and 
sins."  Sin,  in  all  its  hateful  and  destructive  forms, 
lives  in  us ;  and,  in  some  or  other  of  its  forms,  we 


186        SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

live  in  sin.  Thus  while  we  are  "  dead  in  sin"  we 
are  alive  to  it,  and  while  dead  to  God  we  are  alive 
to  Satan.  Our  obligations  to  love,  to  believe,  and 
to  obey  the  Lord  continue  in  all  their  force ;  but 
instead  of  complying  with  them  we  are  under  the 
influence  of  a  carnal,  an  unbelieving,  and  a  rebel- 
lious heart,  which  is  "  enmity  against  God ;  for  it 
is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can 
be."  In  this  state  we  are  justly  exposed  to  his  righ- 
teous displeasure  ;  for  "  children  of  disobedience" 
are  "children  of  wrath."  Such  are  the  affecting- 
representations  of  Holy  Writ:  Eph.  ii.  1 — 3;  v. 
5,  6.  In  this  criminal  and  miserable  condition 
would  every  individual  of  the  human  race  for  ever 
remain,  were  it  not  for  the  quickening  influences 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  whereby  he  imparts  spiritual 
life  to  the  soul :  John  iii.  5,  6.  And  as  he  imparts 
Divine  life,  so  he  maintains  and  consummates  it 
in  eternal  glory  :  John  iv.  14.  The  sanctification 
of  believers  is  therefore  called  the  "  sanctification 
of  the  Spirit."  And  all  tends  to  prove  the  value 
of  him. 

2.  He  is  the  Author  and  Giver  of  all  spiritual 
and  saving  knowledge. 

"The  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus"  is  a  fair  transcript  of 
the  Divine  character.  It  is  holy  in  its  nature,  and 
it  is  holy  and  humbling  in  its  tendency  or  effects. 
For  these  reasons  "  the  natural  man  receiveth  not 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  187 

the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God ;  for  they  are  foolish 
ness  to  him  :  neither  can  he  know  them,  because 
they  are  spiritually  discerned/'  But  when  that 
"  God  who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of 
darkness  shineth  into  the  heart,  he  gives  the  light 
of  the  knowledge  of  his  glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ."  Thus  while  the  Word  of  God  giveth 
liglit,  it  is  the  Spirit  of  God  who  gives  discernment 
of  that  light ;  and  all  the  partakers  of  it  understand, 
in  some  measure,  and  use  this  language; — '*  For 
what  man  knoweth  the  things  of  a  man,"  &c. 
1  Cor.  ii.  11,  12.  It  is  by  the  constant  teachings 
and  illuminations  of  this  blessed  Spirit  also,  that 
"  the  path  of  the  just  is  like  the  shining  light, 
shining  clearer  and  clearer  unto  the  perfect  day." 
The  promises  of  Christ  to  his  disciples,  and  the 
prayer  of  the  apostle  for  them,  proceed  upon  this 
ground:  John  xvi.  8 — 14;  Eph.  i.  15 — 18. 

3.  He  produces  and  maintains  all  Christian 
graces,  and  spiritual  dispositions  in  the  soul. 

"  Repentance  towards  God,  faith  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,"  and  the  spirit  of  genuine  prayer,  are 
essential  parts  and  blessings  of  that  "  salvation 
which  there  is  in  Christ  with  eternal  glory."  With- 
out these  blessings,  therefore,  none  can  be  safe  or 
happy,  in  time  or  in  eternity ;  while  the  partakers 
of  them  have  eternal  life  actually  begun  in  their 
souls.     Now,  wherever  they  are  enjoyed,  they  are. 


188      SELECTIONS    FROM    THE    MANUSCRIPTS 

the  "  fruit  of  the  Spirit,"  and  are  proofs  of  his  in- 
finite value  :  Zech.  xii.  10. 

4.  All  spiritual  strength  and  holy  vigour  of  soul 
come  from  him. 

This  spiritual  strength  and  vigour  of  soul  are  in- 
dispensably necessary  to  our  knowing  and  doing, 
to  our  enjoying  and  suffering  the  whole  of  the  will 
of  God.  For  these  reasons  God  hath  been  pleased 
to  make  it  the  subject  of  Divine  promise  :  Isa.  xl. 
31.  This  and  similar  promises  are  fulfilled  to  and 
in  the  people  of  God  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  It  is  he 
who  "  strengthens  their  souls  by  his  might  in  their 
inner  man."  It  is  he  who  fulfils  in  them  the  inspired 
prayer  presented  by  the  holy  apostle  on  behalf  of 
the  Colossians :  Col.  i.  9 — 11.  It  is  he  who  "  puri- 
fies the  heart"  by  producing  "obedience  to  the  truth 
unto  unfeigned  love  of  the  brethren."  And  where- 
ever  the  "  deeds  of  the  body  are  mortified,"  it  is 
by  his  gracious  influences:  Rom.  viii.  13. 

5.  All  consolation  and  holy  joy  come  alone  from 
him:  Rev.  xv.  13. 

It  is  under  his  gracious  teachings  and  influences 
alone  the  people  of  God  are  the  partakers  of  holy 

joy- 

III.  These  words  afford  the  greatest  possible  en- 
couragement to  ask  for  this  invaluable  blessing. 

This  is  drawn  from  the  superior  excellency  of 
God  as  a  Father  above  all  earthly  parents.     And 


OF   THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  189 

human  language  is  incapable  of  expressing  this 
thought  more  tenderly  and  strongly  than  the  text 
does.  Its  obvious  meaning  is,  that  the  ever-blessed 
God  is  more  ready  to  "  give  his  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
tvho  ask  him"  than  the  most  affectionate  and  affluent 
father  can  be  to  give  bread  to  his  hungry  children. 
There  is  much  instruction  and  encouragement  to  be 
derived  from  the  resemblance  which  there  is  be- 
tween our  earthly  and  our  heavenly  Father:  Ps. 
ciii.  13.  In  these  words,  however,  it  is  drawn  from 
the  disparity  or  diff^erence  that  there  is  between 
them.  The  apostle  Paul  reasons  on  the  same 
principle  in  that  well-known  passage,  Heb.  xii. 
9,  10. 

Let  us  now  pursue  this  thought  in  a  few  parti- 
culars ;  and  consider, 

1.  The  superior  excellence  of  Divine  love  to  that 
which  is  merely  human. 

Earthly  parents  love  their  children,  it  is  true, 
which  induces  them  to  supply  their  wants  accordino- 
to  their  ability.  But  their  attention  is  often  entirely/ 
limited  to  their  temporal  interests ;  and  even  in  the 
very  best  of  men  it  is  too  much  the  case.  In  many 
instances  also  their  love  degenerates  into  foolish 
fondness;  and  from  a  grossly  mistaken  affection 
children  are  indulged  to  their  own  ruin.  [In  this 
way  did  David  indulge,  and,  as  it  appeared  in  the 
sequel,  ruined  Ad onij ah  :]  1  Kings  i.  5,  6,     Such 


190       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

cases  are  mournful  proofs  that  we  in  the  present 
state  are  "  evil."  Now  let  us  turn  our  thoughts 
to  the  character  of  our  heavenly  Father.  He  loves 
his  children  also  ;  and  his  love  is  eternally  and  un- 
changeably the  same.  But  it  is  a  perfectly  holy 
love,  and  free  from  all  impure  mixture.  He  is 
therefore  supremely  and  always  concerned  for  their 
spiritual  and  eternal  welfare.  It  is  thus  that  **  all 
things  are  working  together  for  their  good :"  Rom. 
viii.  28,  29.  Now  the  constant  supply  of  the  Spirit 
is  as  essential  to  promote  this  end  as  was  the  gift 
of  Christ.  It,  therefore,  proceeds  from,  and  is  an 
expression  of,  the  same  love:  Jer.  xxxi.  8. 

2.  The  superiority  of  our  heavenly  Father  arises 
from  the  perfection  of  his  ktwwledge. 

The  knowledge  of  earthly  parents  is  limited  and 
imperfect.  They  therefore  cannot  always  tell  what 
their  children  need,  or  what  is  best  for  them. 
Thus,  they  may  be  led  to  bestow  upon  them  that 
which  is  good  in  itself,  but  which  may  become 
the  occasion  of  great  sorrow :  Gen.  xxxvii.  3,  4, 
23,  31 — 33.  The  knowledge  of  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther is  infinitely  perfect.  He  is  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  all 
his  children.  He  knows  the  aid  which  they  need, 
and  supplies  them  "  according  to  the  measure  of 
the  gift  of  Christ" — "  according  to  his  riches  in 
glory  by  Christ  Jesus." 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  191 

3.  Consider  further,  the  inexhaustible  nature  of 
Divine  supplies. 

Earthly  parents  may  tenderly  love  their  off- 
spring, may  know  what  they  need,  and  what 
would  be  best  for  them  ;  hut  their  means  may  fail, 
so  that  they  have  not  wherewith  to  supply  them. 
This  was  the  case  with  Hagar :  Gen.  xxi.  14 — 16. 
On  the  contraiy  to  this,  the  gracious  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  suffer  no  diminution.  He  is  in 
himself  "  a  living  fountain  of  waters,"  "  whose 
waters  fail  not ;"  and  in  those  who  partake  of  him 
he  is  "  a  well  of  water  springing  up  into  ever- 
lasting life."  We  are  therefore  encouraged  to 
"  open  our  mouths  wide"  that  our  God  may  "  fill 
them." 

4,  The  supreme  excellency  of  God  as  a  Father 
arises /rom  his  promises,  and  the  nature  of  them. 

Earthly  fathers  may  intejid,  and  may  engage  to 
bestow  good  gifts  on  their  children.  These  inten- 
tions and  promises,  however,  must  be  confined  to 
temporal  good,  and  they  must  be  conditional-,  be- 
cause spiritual  blessings  and  future  circumstances 
are  not  at  their  command  :  James  iv.  13,  &c.  But 
the  promises  of  God  relate  principally  to  spii'itual 
blessings,  and  are  all  "  yea  and  amen  in  Christ  .•" 
Ezek.  xxxvi.  26,  27  ;  2  Pet.  i.  3,  4  ;  2  Cor.  i.  20. 
The  nature  of  Divine  promises,  therefore,  together 
with  the  truth  and  faithfulness  of  Jehovah,  demon- 


192       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

stiate  his  superiority  as  a  Father,  and  afford  ample 
encouragement  to  ask  for  the  Holy  Spirit.  Hence 
his  own  gracious  language,  Ezek.  xxxvi.  36,  37. 

5.  Consider  his  gracious  design  in  bestowing  his 
Holy  Spirit. 

Whatever  fathers  after  the  flesh  give  to  one  child 
they  must  withhold  from  others ;  and  in  bestowing 
their  favours  they  consult  the  interests  of  the  par- 
takers of  them  only.  This  in  most  instances  is 
unavoidable,  because  their  interests  are  generally 
distinct  from  each  other.  We  may  see  this  illus- 
trated in  the  case  of  Abraham's  family  :  Gen.  xxv. 
5,  6.  This,  however,  is  not  the  case  with  the 
children  of  God ;  for  their  interest  is  one  and  indi- 
visible; and  when  he  bestotvs  his  Holy  Spirit  on  them 
it  is  for  the  good  of  others  as  well  as  of  themselves. 
Those  who  are  thus  "  blessed"  are  thereby  "  made 
blessings."  This  is  plainly  expressed  in  the  fol- 
lowing passages  among  others : — Isa.  Iviii.  1 1  ; 
Hos.  xiv.  5 — 7  ;  John  vii.  37 — 39.  According  to 
the  import  and  principles  of  these  promises,  we  find 
that  the  works  of  God  of  a  spiritual  nature  are  ge- 
nerally wrought  by  means  of  spiritually-minded 
men.  All  the  penmen  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  were 
"  holy  men  of  God,"  who  "  spake  as  they  were  moved 
by  the  Holy  Ghost;"  and  thus  they  became  the  most 
distinguished  of  blessings  to  the  human  race : 
2  Tim,  iii.   15 — 17.      Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  193 

were  all    the  partakers   of  the  Spirit  of  God  in 
an    eminent    measure ;    and  it    is  thus  that  "  in 
them  and    in   their  seed  all  the  nations  of    the 
earth  are  blessed."   When  the  Gospel  commission 
was  opened,  and  attended  with  such  remarkable 
success,  it  was  by  men  who  were  "  filled  with  the 
Holy  Ghost."     When  the  church  of  Christ  pros- 
pered, in  so  eminent   a  degree,  it  was  while  the 
members    of   it    "  continued    steadfastly   in    the 
apostles'  doctrine,"  &c.  Acts  ii.  42,  46,  47.     A  si- 
milar statement  we  have  to  both  these,  Acts  iv. 
31 — 33.      And  elsewhere  we  are    informed,  also, 
that  while  the   churches   were   "  walkino-  in  the 
fear   of  the    Lord,    and    in   the   comfort  of   the 
Holy  Ghost,"  they  "  were  multiplied."     The  sub- 
ject before  us  is  illustrated  and  confirmed  by  an- 
other interesting  fact.     When  deacons  were  to  be 
chosen,  they  were  to  be  "  men  of  honest  report,  full 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  wisdom."  Such  men  "  use 
the  office  of  deacons  well,  purchasing  to  themselves 
a  good  degree,  and  great  boldness  in  the  faith  whicli 
is  in  Christ  Jesus  ;"  while  under  their  ministra- 
tion the  cause  of  Christ  will  greatly  prosper :  Acts 
vi.  3 — 7. 


194      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 
IMPROVEMENT. 

1.  This  subject,  like  every  other  part  of  the  eco- 
nomy of  redemption,  teaches  us  the  injinite  riches 
and  fulness  of  Divine  grace. 

Nothing  can  be  more  just  and  equitable  than 
the  requirements  of  the  Most  High.  They  are 
founded  on  the  excellence  of  his  character,  and  on 
our  relation  to  him.  But  such  is  the  invincible  de- 
pravity of  the  human  heart  that  nothing  but  Divine 
influences  will  lead  us  to  comply  with  them.  The 
Almighty,  however,  is  under  no  obligation  to  give 
his  Holy  Spirit  for  this  purpose.  If  he  does  it, 
therefore,  it  is  a  matter  of  mere  and  undeserved 
favour.  Hence  the  expression,  he  "gives  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him."  What  encourage- 
ment does  this  minister  to  those  who  are  conscious 
of  their  utter  un worthiness  of  Divine  blessings! 

2.  Learn,  hence,  the  value  and  importance  of  a 
spirit  of  prater. 

To  this  the  encouragement  is  given  in  the  text. 
It  is  not  said,  "how  much  more  shall  your  hea- 
venly Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit"  to  his  children, 
but  to  "  them  that  ask  him."  A  heart  to  seek  this 
blessing  in  God's  own  way,  and  for  the  same 
ends  for  which  he  bestows  it,  is  "  a  token  for  good." 
It  indicates  that  we  possess  a  truly  fihal  spirit — 
that  we  are  under  Divine  teachings :  and  we  are 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  195 

sure  to  prevail ;  for  this  is  genuine  and  acceptable 
prayer. 

3.  The  subject  vjiU  furnish  a  test  of  the  state  of 
our  souls  before  God. 

Let  us  suppose  he  addressed  us,  saying,  "  Ask 
what  I  shall  give  you,"  what  should  we  each  reply? 
If  we  are  "  sensual,  not  having  the  Spirit,"  we 
should  ask  for  any  thing  but  this  blessing.  But 
if  we  are  "spiritually-minded,"  we  should  scarcely 
think  of  any  thing  else. 


k2 


196       SELECTIONS  FROM   THE  MANUSCRIPTS 


THE    COMPASSION    OE    CHRIST.* 

It  was  a  truly  wise  determination  of  the  holy 
apostle,  that  he  would  "  not  know  any  thing;,"  as 
the  ground  of  his  hope,  or  the  subject  of  his  minis- 
try, **  save  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified."  In 
him  there  is  an  ample  sufficiency  of  blessings  to 
meet  all  our  necessities,  and  such  a  combination 
of  excellencies  as  to  deserve  and  demand  our  su- 
preme regard.  Among  these  excellencies  that  of 
his  COMPASSION  is  suited  to  excite  in  our  minds  the 
most  lively  interest. 

The  term  compassion  means  in  general,  that  ten- 
derness of  heart  luhich  is  felt  for  those  who  are  in 
trouble  and  want,  and  that  actual  kindness  which  is 
slioiun  to  them.  Or,  in  other  words,  it  means  to 
feel  for  and  to  relieve  the  aflSicted  and  necessitous. 
A  most  instructive  and  encouraging  exemplifica- 
tion is  afforded  in  the  life  of  Christ.  "  There  came 
a  leper  to  him,  beseeching  him,  and  kneeling 
down  to  him,  and  saying  unto  him,  If  thou  wilt, 
thou  canst  make  me  clean.      And  Jesus,  moved 


*  Rein-inted  from    the   New    Baptist    Miscellany   for  Marcli, 
1829. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  197 

with  compassion,  put  forth  his  hand,  and  touched 
him,  and  saith  unto  him,  I  will ;  be  thou  clean. 
And  as  soon  as  he  had  spoken,  immediately  the 
leprosy  departed  from  him,  and  he  was  cleansed." 

I.  The  compassion  of  Christ  is  an  essential  pro- 
perty of  his  infiniteiy  lovely  character. 

Being  one  in  nature  and  perfections  with  his 
divine  Father  and  the  eternal  Spirit,  it  may  with 
truth,  and  in  the  most  unqualified  manner,  be  af- 
firmed of  him,  that  as  Jehovah  he  is  "  gracious 
and  full  of  compassion."  It  is  plainly  intimated, 
also,  that  this  is  a  qualification  necessary  to  his 
being  "  the  High  Priest  of  our  profession."  "  For 
every  high  priest  taken  from  among  men  is  or- 
dained for  men  in  things  pertaining  to  God,  that 
he  may  offer  both  gifts  and  sacrifices  for  sins : 
who  can  have  compassion  on  the  ignorant,  and  on 
them  that  are  out  of  the  way  ;  for  that  he  himself 
also  is  compassed  with  infirmity."  Now  as  he  is 
truly  and  properly  the  partaker  of  the  human  as 
well  as  of  the  Divine  nature,  and  yet  is  "  holy, 
harmless,  undefiled,  and  separate  from  sinners," 
he  is,  in  his  oflice  as  Mediator  and  "  High  Priest 
over  the  house  of  God,"  essentially  compassionate, 
and  that  in  perfection. 

If.  The  compassion  of  Christ  is  perfectly  con- 
sistent with  the  spirituality  of  his  nainre,  and  the 
perfection  of  his  heavenly  blessedness. 


198      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

In  the  present  state  of  existence  we  are  so  orga- 
nized that  sympathy  makes  us  in  a  measure  the 
partakers  of  the  sufferings  of  others.  Of  the  ex- 
alted Saviour  it  is  also  affirmed,  that  "  we  have 
not  a  High  Priest  which  cannot  be  touched  with 
the  feeling  of  our  infirmities." 

"  He  in  a  measure  feels  afresh, 
What  every  member  bears." 

This,  however,  is  not  intended  to  convey  the  idea 
of  transferring  the  sorrows  of  his  suffering  people 
in  any  way  to  him.  In  this  respect  he  "bore 
their  griefs,  and  carried  their  sorrows,"  when  on 
earth ;'  but  not  so  in  heaven,  for  in  his  exalted 
state  his  personal  happiness  is  perfect  and  unin- 
terrupted. When  therefore  it  is  intimated,  that 
he  still  sympathizes  with  his  suffering  saints,  it 
means  that  he  does  it  in  such  a  way  as  to  impart 
to  them,  out  of  his  own  all-sufficient  fulness  and 
grace,  adequate  support  and  consolation.  This  is 
the  natural  effect  of  his  sympathizing  compassion ; 
and  inasmuch  as  "  we  have  a  High  Priest  touched 
with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  having  been 
tempted  in  all  points  like  as  we  are,  yet  without 
sin,"  we  have  the  most  ample  encouragement  to 
"  come  boldly  unto  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we 
may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time 
of  need."  Thus  it  is  obvious  that  the  compassion 
of  Christ  is  perfectly  consistent  with  his  state  of 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  199 

glorified  blessedness  ;  and  it  is  suited  at  the  same 
time  to  excite  and  encourage  the  most  unlimited 
confidence  in  him. 

III.  Tlie  compassion  of  the  Redeemer  is  entirely 
sovereign  and  free. 

Although,  as  God,  and  as  Mediator,  it  is  an  es- 
sential property  of  his  nature,  yet  none  of  the 
children  of  men  have  any  claim  upon  him  for  the 
extension  and  exercise  of  it  towards  them ; 
but  he  has  an  indisputable  right  to  say,  "  I 
will  have  mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I 
will  have  compassion  on  whom  I  will  have  com- 
passion." 

This  is  one  of  those  Scriptural  views  of  the  doc- 
trine of  salvation,  by  a  crucified  and  exalted  Sa- 
viour, which  renders  it "  glad  tidings  of  great  joy" 
to  persons  who  are  truly  convinced  of  their  cha- 
racter and  estate  as  sinners  in  the  sight  of  God. 
The  entrance  of  his  Word  has  given  them  light, 
while  his  Holy  Spirit  has  given  them  discernment 
of  that  light,  whereby  they  perceive  that,  as  sin- 
ners by  nature  and  practice,  they  deserve  to  suffer 
the  penalties  of  the  Divine  law ;  for  "  cursed  is 
every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which 
are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them." 
Thus  they  can  see  in  themselves  sufficient  reasons 
why  a  righteous  God  should  condemn  them,  but 
they  can  discover  none  whatever  why  he  should 


200      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

everlastingly  bless  them.  The  consideration,  how- 
ever, that  the  compassion  of  Christ  is  perfectly 
sovereign  and  free, — in  other  words,  that  all  his 
reasons  for  saving  sinners  are  taken  from  himself, — 
affords  them  the  most  abundant  encouragement  to 
apply  to  him  for  all  the  blessings  of  life  and  sal- 
vation. Those,  therefore,  who  know  and  feel  their 
need  of  his  tender  mercy,  and  apply  to  him  for  it, 
will  take  this  low  and  safe  ground,  seeking  for  it 
as  undeserved  and  sovereign  favour.  The  persons 
who  applied  to  him  in  the  days  of  his  flesh  for 
the  help  which  they  needed,  exemplify  this  truth  ; 
for  their  only  plea  was,  "  Jesus,  thou  son  of  David, 
have  mercy  on  us:"  and  none  ever  thus  sought 
unto  him,  and  were  refused.  It  is  equally  true 
that  none  have  thus  applied  to  him,  or  ever  will 
call  upon  him,  for  spiritual  blessings,  that  were,  or 
will  be,  rejected  by  him. 

IV.  The  compassion  of  Christ  is  ahvays  exercised 
under  the  direction  of  his  infinite  ivisdom. 

In  the  whole  economy  of  human  redemption  the 
ever  blessed  Jehovah  "  abounds  towards  us  in  all 
wisdom  and  prudence ;"  and  this  is  very  clearly  to 
be  seen  in  the  different  manifestations  of  the  tender 
pity  of  the  Saviour. 

The  various  expressions  of  it  are  always  exactly 
suited  to  the  wants  and  the  troubles  of  those  who, 
through  grace,  make  their  applications  unto  him. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  201 

If  the  souls  of  believers  were  but  richly  and  habi- 
tually imbued  with  this  sentiment,  they  would  be 
led  to  say,  under  all  the  sorrows  of  life,  "  None 
of  these  things  move  us,  neither  count  we  our 
lives  dear  to  us,  so  that  we  may  finish  our  course 
with  joy." 

The  displays  of  the  Saviour's  compassion  are 
always  the  most  seasonable  also ;  for  they  are  af- 
forded just  at  that  period  of  time  in  which  they 
are  most  needed. 

"  Just  in  the  last  distressing  hour, 
The  Lord  displays  delivering  power; 
The  mount  of  danger  is  the  place, 
Where  we  shall  see  surprising-  grace." 

Its  exercise  is  frequently  as  unexpected  as  it  is 
undeserved.  The  poor  demoniac,  "who  had  his 
dwelling  among  the  tombs,  and  no  man  could  bind 
him,  no  not  with  chains,  and  who  was  always, 
night  and  day,  in  the  mountains,  and  in  the  tombs, 
crying,  and  cutting  himself  with  stones,"  was  fa- 
voured with  a  deliverance  which  was  altogether 
unlocked  for  by  himself  and  others ;  and  to  him 
Christ  might  well  say,  "  Go  home  to  thy  friends, 
and  tell  them  how  great  things  the  Lord  hath  done 
for  thee,  and  hath  had  compassion  on  thee."  He  did 
indeed  go  before,  and  "  prevent  him  with  the  bless- 
ings of  his  goodness;"  and  when,  in  his  inexpres- 
sible tenderness  towaids  the  souls  of  any  of  the 
K  3 


202       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

children  of  men,  he  bestows  upon  them  spiritual 
deliverances  and  blessings,  he  always  does  it  in 
such  a  way  that  they  have  abundant  reason  grate- 
fully to  acknowledge,  "  This  is  the  Lord's  doing ; 
it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes." 

V.   The  compassion  of  Christ  is  unchangeable. 

Immutability  is  a  necessary  attribute  of  an  ab- 
solutely perfect  character ;  and  such  is  truly  the 
character  of  our  adorable  Redeemer.  Such  ian- 
o-ua^e  as  this  is  therefore  addressed  to  him:  — 
"  Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning  hast  laid  the  foun- 
dation of  the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the  works 
of  thine  hands.  They  shall  perish;  but  thou  re- 
mainest :  and  they  all  shall  wax  old  as  doth  a  gar- 
ment ;  and  as  a  vesture  shalt  thou  fold  them  up, 
and  they  shall  be  changed ;  but  thou  art  the  same, 
and  thy  years  shall  not  fail."  In  his  mediatorial 
character  also  he  is  "  Jesus  Christ,  the  same 
yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever."  It  is,  there- 
fore, still  in  the  power,  both  of  his  heart  and  his 
hand,  most  tenderly  to  feel  for,  and  effectually  to 
show  kindness  to  those  who  are  in  trouble  and 
want ;  and  it  will  continue  to  be  the  case  with  him 
to  the  end  of  time. 

This  view  of  the  compassion  of  Christ  is  indis- 
pensably requisite  for  those  who  have  long  "  tasted 
that  he  is  gracious,"  as  well  as  for  those  who  have 
been  more  recently  brought  to  see  and  to  feel  their 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  203 

need  of  such  a  Saviour;  for  the  most  eminent 
saints,  in  their  most  spiritual  moments,  have  abun- 
dant cause  to  say,  with  the  most  deeply  abased 
sinners  under  their  first  spiritual  convictions:  "  It 
is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed, 
because  his  compassions  fail  not.  They  are  new 
every  morning  ;  great  is  thy  faithfulness." 


204       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 


ON    WALKING   WITH    GOD. 

[A  Fragment.] 

It  is  recorded  of  Enoch  and  Noah  that  "  they 
walked  with  God."  This  is  one  of  those  short  but 
comprehensive  descriptions  of  vital  and  practical 
godliness  with  which  the  Holy  Scriptures  abound. 
It  is,  therefore,  a  matter  of  no  small  moment  to 
understand  its  meaning.  To  the  writer  of  this  ar- 
ticle it  appears  that  walking  %oith  God  comprises 
in  it: — 

I.  Unfeigned  reconciliation  of  heart  to  him  by 
faith  in  his  beloved  Son. 

It  is  a  self-evident  truth,  as  well  as  a  scriptural 
declaration,  that "  two  cannot  walk  together  except 
they  are  agreed."  Now,  all  who  have  ever  been 
brought  to  walk  with  God,  under  any  dispensation 
of  Divine  truth,  were  by  nature  alienated  from  him 
in  their  hearts,  and  enemies  to  him,  even  as  others. 
They  were  not  subject  to  his  law,  neither  did  they 
approve  of  his  Gospel;  for  the  carnal  mind  as  de- 
cidedly dislikes  the  "  ministration  of  righteous- 
ness" and  life,  as  it  does  the  "ministration  of 
condemnation"  and  death.  In  this  state  of  mind 
men  walk  contrai^  to  God,  and  he  walks  contrary 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  205 

to  them.  But  by  the  efficacious  influences  of  his 
grace,  accompanying  the  word  of  reconciliation, 
he  has  renewed  the  hearts,  enhghtened  the  minds, 
and  has  thus  subdued  the  enmity,  of  those  who 
have  ever  been  brought  to  walk  with  him. 

One  of  the  immediate  and  happy  effects  of  this 
change  is,  that  what  ivere  before  the  objects  of 
men's  decided  aversion  are  noiu  become  those  of 
their  admiration  and  delight.  Of  the  whole  of 
the  infinitely  lovely  and  glorious  character  of  the 
ever-blessed  God,  as  it  is  made  known  in  the  per- 
son and  work  of  Christ  Jesus,  they  say,  and 
in  some  good  measure  they  feel  the  sentiment, 
"  How  great  is  his  goodness !  and  how  great  is 
his  beauty  !"  They  view  the  law  of  God  as  spi- 
ritual, and  "  holy,  and  just,  and  good  j"  and  they 
"  delight  in  it  after  the  inward  man."  They  con- 
template his  Gospel  in  all  its  doctrines,  promises, 
and  blessings  ;  and  they  perceive  that  it  is  indeed 
"  the  glorious  Gospel  of  the  blessed  God."  They 
"  esteem  all  his  precepts  concerning  all  things  to  be 
right,"  while  they  "  hate  every  false  way."  They 
are  fully  persuaded  also  that,  however  mysterious 
the  dispensations  of  his  providence  or  the  methods 
of  his  grace  may  be,  he  is  "  righteous  in  all  his  ways, 
and  holy  in  all  his  works,"  and  that  "  all  things 
are  working  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
God,  to  them  who  Eire  the  called  according  to  his 


206      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

purpose."  All  this  is  comprised  in  unfeigned  re- 
conciliation of  heart  to  God,  and  is  essential  to  walk- 
ing with  him. 

This  may  justly  be  denominated,  the  walk  and 
life  of  faith  in  Christ  Jesus.  It  is  through  him  that 
all  the  discoveries  of  the  Divine  glory  are  made  to 
believers :  2  Cor.  iv..6.  It  is  from  him  they  derive 
all  their  supplies  to  maintain  their  walk  with  God : 
Gal.  ii.  20.  It  is  by  him  they  enjoy  intercourse 
with  their  heavenly  Father :  John  xiv.  6.  And  "  as 
they  first  received  Christ  so  they  continue  to  walk 
in  him." 

II.  Those  who  walk  with  God  are  conformed  to 
his  holy  image. 

An  inspired  writer  affirms  that  "  they  who  walk 
with  wise  men  shall  be  wise."  It  is  altogether 
as  true,  that  they  who  walk  with  a  holy  God  are 
and  shall  be  holy.  For,  to  imbibe  and  breathe 
in  some  measure  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  to  bear 
his  lovely  image,  are  essential  to  walking  with 
him;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  walking  with 
him  will  serve  to  increase  that  resemblance,  as 
thereby  the  cleansing  efficacy  of  the  blood  of 
Christ  will  be  more  fully  enjoyed.  Those  who  are 
truly  influenced  by  a  sense  of  redeeming  love  will 
abstain  from  what  God  hath  forbidden,  and  which 
is  contrary  to  him,  while  they  render  prompt  obe- 
dience to  all  that  he  hath  commanded.     Such  a 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  207 

course  of  conduct  is  accurately  described  by 
Moses: — "Ye  shall  walk  after  the  Lord  your 
God,  and  fear  him,  and  keep  his  commandments, 
and  obey  his  voice,  and  ye  shall  serve  him,  and 
cleave  unto  him."  It  was  exemplified  by  Zacha- 
riasand  Elizabeth,  who  "were  both  righteous  before 
God,  walking  in  all  the  commandments  and  ordi- 
nances of  the  Lord  blameless."  This  is  "  walking 
worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  believers  are 
called,"  and  "  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all 
pleasing." 


208       SELECTIONS  FROxM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 


NOTICES    OF    RELIGIOUS    EXPERIENCE.* 

Dec.  6,  1796.  As  I  was  journeying  from  Lon- 
don to  Salisbury  . . .  the  coach  overturned ;  whereby 
the  person  who  sat  next  me  was  so  injured  as  to  die 
in  a  day  or  two,  and  two  others  were  materially 
bruised,  but  I  escaped  unhurt. 

Reflections  on  this  Providence. 

1.  How  uncertain  are  our  enjoyments  of  earthly 
comforts !  This  reflection  is  produced  from  a  re- 
collection of  the  pleasure  I  anticipated  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  an  interview  with  my  dear  family  after  an 
absence  of  twelve  weeks.  .  *  . 

2.  What  a  striking  proof  was  this  of  the  Divine 
faithfulness,  as  it  was  to  me  an  experimental  expo- 
sition of  Ps.  cxxi.,  which  has  always  been  a  pre- 
cious portion  of  the  Word  to  me  in  journeying  ! 

3.  What  an  obligation  am  I  hereby  laid  under 
to  imbibe  the  spirit,  both  in  sentiment  and  practice, 
of  those  lines, — 

"  The  life  wliich  thou  hast  made  thy  care, 
Lord,  I  devote  to  thee  !" 


*  Extracted  from  a  journal  mainly  consisting  of  records  on  the 
above  subject. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  209 

O  Lord  !  conscious  of  my  own  depravity,  yet  de- 
sirous of  doing  it,  to  this  end  I  ask  it,  as  the  supreme 
wisli  of  my  heart,  on  the  most  deUberate  considera- 
tion, that  "  thy  grace  may  be  sufficient  for  me,  and 

thy  strength  made  perfect  in  vi^eakness." 

*  #  *  * 

March  27,  1797 This  day  proved  some- 
thing of  the  truth  of  that  threatening,  "  The 
backshder  in  lieart  shall  be  filled  with  his  own 
ways." .  .  . 

28th.  Enabled  to  act  with  some  little  more  con- 
sistency, and  found  encouragement,  in  reading  the 
Scriptures  and  prayer,  to  hope  that  the  Lord  will 
grant  me  more  grace,  that  I  may  act  more  worthy 
of  my  character,  and  more  to  his  glory.  What  an 
infinite  mercy  I  have  not  been  permitted  to  apos- 
tatize from  him ! 

tF  7]^  *  *ir 

July  17.  Found  some  pleasure  in  reading  a 
portion  of  the  Word,  particularly  Ps.  Ixvi.,  but  sad 
coldness  of  affection  and  wandering  of  thought  in 
prayer.  What  a  proof  this  of  our  absolute  need  of 
the  constant  communications  of  Divine  influence, 
and  of  the  worth  of  Jesus  in  the  character  of  an 
advocate  with  the  Father  ! 

Sept.  26.  ...  I  resolve,  in  the  strength  of  Divine 
grace,  to  continue  and  renew  my  applications  to 
God,  to  grant  me  the  all-sufficient  energy  of  his 


210       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

Spirit,  to  quicken  me  to  and  in  duty,  and  the 
enjoyment  of  himself  as  my  only  portion  ;  and  that 
not  merely  that  I  may  escape  punishment,  or  even 
chastisement  from  himself,  or  because  my  own  hap- 
piness is  inseparably  connected  [therewith,]  but 
that  I  may  serve  him  as  he  deserves  to  be  served, 
viz.  with  the  most  lively  affections  towards  him, 
and  ardent  desire  to  promote  his  glory.  .  .  . 

^  ^  Tp  TP 

Feb.  24,  1799.  Lord's  Day.  Experienced  con- 
siderable pleasure  and  assistance  in  my  work ;  in 
delivering  two  discourses  on  private  prayer,  and 
one  on  God's  promise  to  "  do  his  servants  good." 
I  humbly  hope  my  own  exercises  and  feelings  cor- 
responded with  what  I  directed  others  to,  and  de- 
clared to  them.  Oh,  that  the  Lord  may  bless  the 
duties  of  the  day  to  my  own  soul  and  others,  and 
accept  of  my  thanks  for  the  assistance  I  then  en- 
joyed ! 

I  generally  find  a  sad  degree  of  criminal  stu- 
pidity in  studying  the  most  interesting  subjects ; 
and  if  at  times  I  enjoy  a  degree  of  feeling  and 
pleasure,  there  is  so  much  pride  makes  its  inroads 
upon  me  that  I  can  hardly  tell  which  contracts 
most  guilt.  But  surely  these  exercises  are  calcu- 
lated to  teach  me,  and  I  trust  they  do,  that  no 
Saviour  but  one  that  is  "  able  to  save  to  the  utter- 
most" will  ever  suit  my  case.      Blessed  be  God  for 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  211 

revealing  such  a  Saviour,  and  giving  me  the  least 
acquaintance  with  him ! 

Jan.  24,  1800.  In  reading  over  the  preceding 
pages,  and  reviewing  my  conduct  from  the  last  date 
to  the  present,  and  considering,  on  the  other  hand, 
what  goodness  and  mercy  have  surrounded  and 
satisfied  me  ever  since,  what  reason  have  I  to  ex- 
claim, "  O  wretched  man  that  I  am ! "  Surely 
never  a  heart  stood  it  out  against  so  much  loving- 
kindness  as  mine  does  !  Surely  never  was  so  guilty 
a  criminal,  so  unfaithful  a  servant,  and  so  ungrate- 
ful a  recipient  of  the  Divine  favour!  Is  it  not 
owing  to  this,  in  a  great  measure,  that  I  have  been 

so  unsuccessful  in  my  ministry  in ?     And 

what  adds  to  my  crimes  and  calamity  is,  the  stu- 
pidity of  my  heart  under  all  these  considerations; 
which  at  the  same  time  serves  to  set  off  the  Divine 
forbearance  and  tenderness  to  the  greatest  advan- 
tage. Surely  I  can  never  sufficiently  adore  the 
Most  High  for  his  conduct  towards  me,  in  that  he 
has  not  said  concerning  me,  "  Cut  him  down ; 
why  cumbereth  he  the  ground  ?  "  or  even,  "  He  is 
joined  to  idols:  let  him  alone."  For  though  he 
has  not  so  wounded  me  as  to  make  me  feel  that 
compunction  that  would  be  most  becoming  under 
my  circumstances,  yet  he  has  not  so  left  me  to  my 
corrupt  heart  as  to  be  easy  and  contented  in  this 
state ;  which  I  trust  is  yet  a  "  token  for  good."  Oh, 


212       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

that  the  goodness  of  a  justly  offended  God  may 
yet  "  lead  me  to  repentance  ! " 

"  Stretch  out  thine  arm,  victorious  Xing', 

My  reigning  lusts  subdue  ; 
Drive  the  old  dragon  from  his  seat. 

With  all  his  hellish  crew. — 

A.  guilty,  vreak,  and  helpless  worm, 

On  thy  kind  arms  I  fall  ; 
Be  thou  my  strength  and  righteousness, 

My  Jesus,  and  my  all." 

"  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God  ;  and  renew  a 
right  spirit  within  me. — Then  will  I  teach  trans- 
gressors thy  ways ;  and  sinners  shall  be  converted 
unto  thee."  Oh,  that  this  may  prove  the  beginning 
of  a  new  hfe  to  my  soul,  and  glory  to  Him  to  whom 
all  glory  is  due  ! 

In  reading  the  abridgment  of  the  history  of  the 
rebellion  of  Israel,  as  recorded  Deut.  ix.,  through 
mercy  I  lost  sight,  as  it  were,  of  the  Jewish  nation, 
and  found  my  attention  turned  within ;  so  exactly 
are  my  character  and  conduct  therein  delineated. 
Oh,  what  an  unspeakable,  yea,  what  an  inconceiv- 
able mercy  is  it,  that,  as  their  deliverances  and 
final  settlement  in  Canaan  depended  not  on  their 
righteousness,  but  [on]  the  immutability  and  faith- 
fulness of  a  covenant  making  and  [covenant]  keep- 
ing God,  so  our  perseverance  and  final  attainment 
depend  solely  on  the  covenant  settlements  of  grace 
with  Christ !  Oh,  that  this  may  serve  as  a  motive 


OF    THE  REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  213 

and  encouragement  to  my  soul  to  apply  with  re- 
newed ardour  of  mind,  and  depend  solely  on  the 
power  and  grace  of  Christ ;  who  makes  interces- 
sion for,  and  imparts  salvation,  in  all  its  branches, 
even  to  transgressors  !  May  I  so  enjoy  his  favour 
as  to  make  me  more  watchful  and  more  devoted  to 
this  merciful  God,  and  gracious  Saviour !  Even  so, 
Lord  Jesus.     Amen. 

July  29.  Found  in  my  secret  devotions  a  great 
deal  of  callousness  of  feeling,  and  that  my  ad- 
dresses to  the  Divine  throne  were  more  from  the 
decided  dictates  of  my  judgment  than  of  my  af- 
fections ;  and  yet  I  trust  my  heart  was  in  the  work 
in  the  main.  Oh,  how  valuable  is  that  Divine  in- 
fluence which  produceth  a  correspondence  between 
the  declarations  of  eveiy  part  of  Scripture,  and 
the  dictates  of  our  judgments,  consciences,  wills, 
and  affections  !  The  Lord  make  me  a  wrestling 
Jacob  after  it,  till  I  come  off  a  prevailing  Israel  ; 
that  being  thus  blessed  I  may  be  constituted  a 
blessing  indeed  to  the  church  of  the  living  God. 
Enjoyed  something  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
in  the  evening,  at  the  prayer-meeting. 

tK  ^  ^  ^ 

August  1  and  2.  Found  a  great  deal  of  dul- 
ness  in  my  mind  preparing  for  the  work  of  the  Sab- 
bath. I  oftentimes  think  I  am  more  Hke  a  me- 
chanic, working  in  the  ministry  as  a  trade,  than 


214      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

as  engaged  in  propagating  truths  involving  in 
them  the  glory  of  God,  and  good  will  to  men. 
Surely  it  will  not  always  be  so.  "  It  is  good  that 
a  man  should  both  hope  and  quietly  wait  for  the 
salvation  of  the  Lord." 

tF  tP  ^  ^ 

6  and  7.  Still  have  reason  to  complain  of 
a  want  of  that  tenderness  of  spirit  in  prayer 
which  is  peculiarly  desirable  to  render  it  more 
pleasant  and  profitable.  Yet  there  still  is  hope 
concerning  this  thing ;  for  though  it  is  distressing 
to  feel  coldness  of  affection,  yet  it  is  a  mercy  to 
be  distressed  on  account  of  it.  There  was  a  time 
when  the  fruit  of  sin  did  not  trouble  me  so  much 
as  the  root  does  now. 

TT  T^  tF  Jpt 

14.  The  Ordination  Day.  Blessed  be  the 
Lord,  I  trust  on  the  whole  it  was  a  good  day  to 
many.  If  I  am  but  made  "  a  burning  and  a 
shining  light"  I  shall  have  my  heart's  desire. 
Adored  be  the  name  of  my  Divine  Master  for 
implanting  that  desire,  as  1  can  but  hope  it  is 
with  a  design  to  fulfil  it. 

'^  ^  %  % 

Sept.  2.  Attended  the  consecration  of  the 
Temple,  otherwise  Christ  Church.  What  reason 
have  I  to  adore  that  grace  which  hath  delivered 
me  from  acting  as  though  religion  consisted  in 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  215 

superstitious   forms,    which   it    was   evident    the 
bishop  and  clergy  present  did  ! 

Jan.  13,  1801.  ...  Resolve,  by  the  strength 
and  grace  of  Christ,  to  direct  my  prayers  more 
uniformly  to  the  object  of  obtaining  the  gift  of  the 
Holy,  Blessed,  and  Gracious  Spirit. 

July  31.  For  a  long,  long  season  I  have  found 
much  darkness  in  my  soul,  and  drudgery  in  my 
work,  and  fear  but  little  usefulness.  This  is  suf- 
cient  to  give  the  alarm  to  my  mind  and  con- 
science ;  and  thanks,  eternal  thanks  to  the  Great 
"High  Priest  of  our  profession,  who  can  have  com- 
passion on  the  ignorant,  and  on  them  that  are  out 
of  the  way,"  that  he  has,  I  trust,  been  pleased  to 
arouse  my  attention  to  these  things,  and  excited  a 
returning  desire  in  my  heart  to  be  entirely  devoted 
to  his  service,  and  that  of  immortal  souls.  .  .  . 

I  consider  the  above-mentioned  darkness,  &c., 
as  the  fruit  of,  and  punishment  for  my  pride  and 
ingratitude,  and  desire  to  be  deeply  humbled  be- 
fore God  on  account  of  them.  "  To  him  belongeth 
righteousness,  but  to  me  shame  and  confusion  of 
face."  .  .  . 

When  a  minister  considers  how  intimately  con- 
nected the  state  of  his  own  soul  is  with  his  success 
or  otherwise,  he  must  see  the  importance  of  look- 
ing constantly  and  diligently  to  himself,  almost 
as  the  one  thing  needful :  1  Tim.  iv.  16.  .  .  . 


216     SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

Oct.  8,  1802.  For  me  to  record  my  feelings  is 
to  record  my  own  disgrace  ;  for  ever  since  the  last 
date  I  fear  I  have  been  ..."  vi^axing  worse  and 
worse."  Oh,  what  a  God  of  patience  have  I  to  do 
with !  I  have  abundantly  proved  the  truth  of 
Mai.  iii.  6  : — "  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not ;  there- 
fore ye  sons  of  Jacob  are  not  consumed." 

Found  a  gleam  of  hope  this  morning  that  it  will 
not  always  be  with  me  as  it  is  now  ;  and  it  was 
excited  by  reading  the  gracious  conduct  of  Jeho- 
vah towards  Jonah  and  the  Ninevites :  Jonah  iii. 
Like  him  I  have  deserved  to  be  turned  out  of  the 
service  of  the  Lord  ;  but  like  him  I  have  been  gra- 
ciously continued  in  it.  Oh,  that  I  may  not  like 
him  again  rebel  against  the  Most  High  !  but  un- 
less he  preserves  me  I  know  I  shall.  "  Quicken 
me,  O  Lord,  in  thy  way;"  and  "hold  thou  me  up, 

and  I  shall  be  safe.'' 

#  #  *  * 

12.  Attended  the  launching  of  Captain  H.'s 
ship,   the  Britannia. 

13.  Attended  the  launching  of  the  ship  Factor, 
at  Mr.  J.  S.'s.  With  what  care  and  attention 
every  thing  is  arranged  to  prevent  any  accident 
or  loss  on  these  occasions.  Oh,  that  myself  and 
mankind  at  large  were  as  attentive  to  the  "  one 
thing  needful !"  .  .  . 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  217 

16.  The  distress  of  my  mind  this  day  is 
great  indeed.  I  can  fix  and  think  on  no  subject 
whatever  for  to-morrow.  I  am  hke  the  Psalmist 
when  he  said,  "  Are  his  mercies  clean  gone  for 
ever  ?  Hath  he  in  anger  shut  up  his  tender  mer- 
cies ?  And  will  he  be  favourable  no  more?"  1 
know  it  is  "mine  iniquities  have  separated  be- 
tween God  and  my  soul ;"  and  I  sometimes  fear 
they  will  never  be  subdued,  and  the  light  of  his 
countenance  enjoyed  by  me. 

17.  Notwithstanding  the  distress  of  my 
mind,  as  mentioned  yesterday,  the  Lord  was 
pleased  to  grant  me  a  comfortable  degree  of 
liberty  in  my  public  labours  this  day  ;  in  preach- 
ing on  Ps.  1.  15.  in  the  morning  and  afternoon,  and 
2  Thes.  i.  10.  in  the  evening.  If  I  was  but  dis- 
posed to  make  the  returns  that  are  due  to  the  gra- 
cious Author  of  all  my  mercies,  how  happy  should 
I  be! 

18.  Attended  Mr.  V.'s  family  meeting  after 
Mrs.  V.'s  confinement. 

20.  Attended  Mr.  R.  J.'s  family  meeting 
after  Mrs.  J.'s  confinement.  Oh,  that  these  family 
mercies  were  more  truly  blessed  to  the  souls  of 
my  friends  ! 

Nov.  1.  ...  We  had  a  goodly  company  at 
prayer-rneeting  this  evening.  Oh,  that  the  Lord 
may  speedily  send  prosperity  to  Zion  ! 

L 


218       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

2.  Visited  brother  G.  H.  in  his  dangerous  ill- 
ness ;  in  whose  support  and  resignation  to  the 
Divine  will  may  be  seen  a  striking  proof  of  the 
reality  and  value  of  true  religion. 

22.  From  the  last  date  to  the  present  I  have 
had  a  continued  and  dreadful  struggle  with  inor- 
dinate affection  towards  created  good,  barrenness 
of  mind,  and  benumbing  insensibility  of  heart. 
This  has  been  the  case  particularly  in  the  exer- 
cises of  reading,  meditation,  and  private  prayer. 
But  thanks  be  unto  the  Lord,  in  general  he  has 
given  me  liberty  in  my  public  work,  and  has  not 
given  me  over  to  the  will  of  my  spiritual  enemies, 
especially  to  my  own  "  desperately  wicked"  heart ; 
but  I  trust  will  yet  "  put  off  my  sackcloth,  and 
gird  me  with  gladness ;"  for  I  .  .  .  this  morning 
.  .  .  found  myself  encouraged  in  reading  Gen. 
xviii.,  wherein  the  Lord  says,  "  Is  any  thing  too 
hard  for  me  ?"  so  that  he  can  easily  subdue  my 
depravity,  and  1  trust  he  will.  That  chapter 
likewise  is  a  striking  instance  of  the  prevalence  of 
prayer. 

June  24,  1803.  I  still  find  the  same  causes  for 
complaint  in  my  desperately  deceitful  and  wicked 
heart  which  are  heretofore  mentioned.  My  ingra- 
titude, inconstancy,  insensibility,  and  unbelief  are 
past  all  description.  When  I  pray  it  is  without 
feeling.     When  I  praise  it  is  without  gratitude. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  219 

When  I  confess  it  is  without,  contrition.  When  I 
resolve  it  is  without  firmness.  And  when  I  ask 
the  removal  of  these  evils  it  is  with  little  or  no 
confidence.  Sucli  is  my  deplorable  state  at  pre- 
sent. Nevertheless,  as  Christ  "is  able  [to  save 
to  the  uttermost,"  I  cannot,  I  dare  not,  give  up 
my  hope.     For 

"  Other  refuge  have  I  none, 

Hangs  my  helpless  soul  on  thee  : 

Leave,  ah  !  leave  me  not  alone, 
Graciously  deliver  me." 

*  *  #  # 


2    L 


220      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 


OBITUARY    OF    ELIZA    DAVIS.* 

Eliza  Davis,  daughter  of  Mr.  E.ichard  Davis, 
Baptist  Minister  of  Liverpool,  died  March  27, 
1810,  aged  nearly  fifteen  years.  In  the  latter  part 
of  her  short  life,  and  in  her  death,  this  truly  amiable 
and  promising  child  was  a  remarkable  instance 
of  the  infinite  riches  and  efficacy  of  Divine  grace. 
From  her  early  childhood  she  was  convinced  of 
the  reality  and  importance  of  personal  religion, 'but 
she  discovered  no  satisfactory  evidence  of  a  change 
of  heart  till  within  a  few  weeks  of  her  death.  In 
the  beginning  of  the  year  1809  she  was  seized 
with  alarming  symptoms  of  that  sore  scourge  of 
humanity,  consumption.  By  change  of  air,  and 
the  use  of  other  suitable  means,  the  progress  of  the 
complaint  was  so  far  arrested,  and  appearances  of 
her  recovery  were  so  flattering,  that  the  most 
pleasing  hopes  were  entertained  of  her  perfect  res- 
toration. These  hopes,  however,  were  soon  disap- 
pointed ;  for  in  the  latter  end  of  the  year  all  the 
threatening  symptoms  of  her  disease  returned  with 
such  violence  that  its  termination  in  death  was 
little  less  than  absolutely  certain. 


Reprinted  from  the  Baptist  Magazine  for  February,  1811. 


OF    THE    REV.   RICHARD  DAVIS.  221 

Hitherto  she  had  discovered  no  particular  con- 
cern about  the  state  of  her  soul,  but  had  conversed 
in  very  general  terms  when  any  thing  was  said  to 
her  on  the  subject.  About  ten  months  before  her 
death,  however,  she  told  her  mother  "that  she  was 
greatly  distressed  in  her  mind."  When  asked  the 
cause  of  it,  she  replied,  "  I  am  fully  convinced 
that  I  am  a  great  sinner  in  the  sight  of  God,  and 
yet  I  feel  as  though  something  told  me  that  I  am 
good  enough,  and  do  not  need  a  Saviour ;  which 
is  directly  contrary  to  the  dictates  of  my  judgment 
and  conscience,  and  greatly  adds  to  my  trouble." 
She  then  asked,  "  if  that  suggestion  came  from 
Satan  ?"  To  which  her  mother  answered,  "  that 
without  doubt  it  did,  in  connexion  with  the  natural 
pride  of  the  human  heart;  but  that  her  convictions 
came  from  God."  She  then  took  occasion  to  direct 
her  views  immediately  to  Christ  as  revealed  in  the 
Scriptures,  under  the  character  of  the  all-sufficient 
and  willing  Saviour  of  perishing  sinners.  But  her 
distress  of  soul  continued  for  some  time  after  this  ; 
insomuch  that  she  could  obtain  scarcely  any  sleep 
for  several  nights,  when  her  bodily  pain  was  so  far 
abated  as  to  have  admitted  of  it.  At  length,  how- 
ever, it  pleased  the  gracious  Saviour  to  grant  her 
deliverance,  by  directing  her  mind  to  that  conde- 
scending and  compassionate  language,  "  Come 
unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden. 


222      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

and  I  will  give  you  rest."  That  well-known  hymn 
also,  beginning — 

"  Come,  ye  sinners,  poor  and  wretched," 

the  lJ5th  in  Dr.  Rippon's  Selection,  was  the 
means  of  affording  her  great  relief.  To  a  truly  kind 
and  pious  female  friend,  who  was  almost  constantly 
with  her  the  few  last  weeks  of  her  life,  she  said, 
"  That  hymn  exactly  describes  and  suits  my  case, 
and  it  has  given  me  much  instruction  and  encou- 
ragement. " 

Soon  after  this  she  was  much  perplexed  about 
knoioing  her  interest  in  Christ,  and  being  assured 
of  her  salvation.  This  perplexity  appeared  to  arise 
in  a  great  measure  from  remaining  indistinct  and 
obscure  notions  about  the  nature  of  faith  in  Christ. 
When  this  was  mentioned  to  her  father,  he  re- 
minded her  of  the  declarations  and  promises  of  the 
Gospel,  such  as  John  iii.  16 ;  vi.  37  ;  1  Tim.  i.  15 ; 
Heb.  vii.  25,  &c.  &,c.  He  then  informed  her  "  that 
true  faith,  which  is  *  of  the  operation  of  God,' con- 
sisted in  believing  these  testimonies  and  promises 
from  the  heart ;  and  that  the  partakers  of  it,  view- 
ing themselves  as  guilty,  helpless,  and  perishing 
sinners,  placed  all  their  dependance  for  salvation 
on  Christ,  and  on  him  alone."  On  his  further 
remarking  "  that  if  she  was  conscious  that  this 
was  her  case,  she  might  rest  assured,  upon  the 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  223 

word  of  God,  that  she  should  certainly  be  saved," 
she  replied,  "  I  am  certain  this  is  my  case."  This 
fully  satisfied  her  mind,  and  in  this  way  she  found 
true  and  lasting  peace  of  soul. 

Her  subsequent  conversation  uniformly  corre- 
sponded with  this  declaration  of  her  faith  and  ex- 
perience. She  frequently  mentioned  those  two 
remarkably  expressive  hymns, 

"  How  sad  our  state  by  nature  is,"  &c. 

the  90th  Hymn,  Book  2,  Dr.  Watts,  and 

"  Father,  at  thy  call  I  come,"  &c. 

the  270th  in  Dr.  Rippon's  Selection,  as  truly  de- 
scriptive of  her  views  and  feelings.  She  was  like- 
wise favoured  with  Divine  teachings,  as  to  the 
great  plan  of  salvation,  in  a  very  remarkable  man- 
ner, so  that  her  views  of  it  became  very  clear  and 
scriptural.  Her  father  once  remarked  to  her, 
"  What  an  unspeakable  mercy  is  it,  that,  in  the 
painful  prospect  of  parting,  we  do  not  '  sorrow  as 
those  without  hope'  of  a  joyful  meeting  hereafter !" 
at  the  same  time  observing,  "  We  are  indebted  for 
this  to  sovereign,  electing,  and  efficacious  grace ; 
for  there  are  many  parents  and  children  in  similar 
circumstances  with  us  who  have  no  such  good 
hope."  He  spoke  this  with  a  view  to  ascertain 
what  were  her  thoughts  on  this  subject.  To  his 
unspeakable  satisfaction  she  immediately  replied, 


224      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

"  That  is  the  only  source  from  whence  I  look  for 
salvation."  In  the  course  of  her  illness  she  often 
expressed  great  pleasure  in  reading  the  eighth 
chapter  of  the  epistle  to  the  Romans. 

Thus  led  into  "  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus"  she 
enjoyed,  during  the  last  four  weeks  of  her  life,  an 
almost  uninterrupted  tranquillity  of  mind,  and  hope 
of  heaven.  Herein  Divine  mercy  was  wonderfully 
displayed ;  for  she  had  a  great  weight  of  bodily 
pain  to  endure.  Notwithstanding  this,  while  she 
was  enjoying  in  her  soul,  and  discovering  to  those 
about  her,  the  most  satisfactory  evidences  of  her 
own  salvation,  she  was  tenderly  concerned  for  that 
of  others.  Her  two  eldest  brothers  leaving  home 
for  school  a  short  time  before  her  death,  she  called 
them  to  her  bedside,  and  took  a  most  affecting- 
leave  of  them,  saying,  "  I  am  going  to  die,  and 
shall  never  see  you  again  in  this  world.  Remem- 
ber that,  young  as  you  both  are,  you  are  sinners, 
and  need  salvation  ;  and  the  only  way  of  obtaining 
it  is,  to  come  as  sinners  to  Jesus  Christ.  Be  sure  to 
read  your  Bibles,  and  you  will  find  that  what  I 
say  is  true ;  and  if  you  truly  observe  what  is 
written  therein,  I  shall  at  last  meet  you  again  in 
heaven."  She  then  made  them  some  small  pre- 
sents, and  said,  "  Whenever  you  see  these  think 
of  the  advice  I  have  given  you  with  my  dying  lips." 
When  any  of  her  young  friends  visited  her  she 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  225 

exhorted  them,  in  the  most  affectionate  and  solemn 
manner,  to  read  the  Scripture^,  and  to  pay  an  im- 
mediate attention  to  the  concerns  of  their  souls ;"  at 
the  same  time  acknowledging,  with  deep  regret, 
"  that  she  had  lived  almost  to  the  last  in  the  neglect 
of  them  ;  while  she  thankfully  expressed  her  obliga- 
tions to  Divine  grace,  that  she  had  not  been  cut  off  in 
her  sin,  and  before  she  was  brought  to  the  knowledge 
of  Jesus  Christ."  She  particularly  pressed  these 
things  on  their  minds  from  the  consideration  of 
the  uncertainty  of  life,  as  exemplified  in  her  own 
case,  and  from  the  infinite  importance  of  real  reli- 
gion while  they  were  yet  young,  to  fit  them  either 
for  life  or  death. 

From  her  earliest  childhood  she  had,  in  the  main, 
habitually  discovered  a  truly  filial  spirit  towards 
her  parents,  but  she  now  felt  herself  united  to 
them  by  stronger  ties ;  and,  while  her  affections 
were  set  upon  her  Father's  house  in  heaven,  she 
was  tenderly  concerned  that  they  should  enjoy 
Divine  support  and  consolation.  One  day  she  said 
to  them,  "  That  passage  has  very  forcibly  occurred 
to  my  mind,  '  Our  light  afliiction,'  8cc.  2  Cor.  iv. 
17,  and  I  wish  it  to  be  my  funeral  text."  She 
evidently  mentioned  this  to  console  the  aftlicted 
minds  of  her  parents,  as  well  as  to  express  her  own 
hopes  and  prospects.  At  another  time  she  said, 
"  My  parents  are  dearer  to  me  than  ever ;  but  I 
l3 


226       SELECTIONS   FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

can  cheerfully  leave  them  now,  in  a  full  assurance 
that  hereafter  I  shall  meet  them  in  heaven."  Just 
before  her  death,  observing  them  to  weep,  she  re- 
marked, "  You  should  not  grieve,  but  think  that  ere 
long  we  shall  meet  to  part  no  more  for  ever," 

As  her  afflictions  abounded  her  consolations  did 
more  abound.  In  a  time  of  great  pain  she  once 
said,  with  reference  to  2  Cor.  iv.  17,  "  My  afflic- 
tions are  light  indeed ;  for  I  can  say  that,  as  death 
approaches,  the  prospect  of  heaven  is  brighter  and 
brighter."  She  also  remarked,  "  What  a  conso- 
lation it  is  in  my  sufferings  to  think  of  the  suffer- 
ings of  Him  who  came  from  heaven  to  earth  to  die 
for  sinners !"  and  with  a  peculiar  emphasis  she 
added,  "  And  I  trust  he  died  for  me."  Her  mind 
was  greatly  supported  likewise  by  those  words, 
"  Whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chasteneth,"  &c.' 
Heb.  xii.  6.  At  times  her  sufferings  were  so  very 
great,  on  the  one  hand,  and  on  the  other  her  de- 
sires to  depart  were  so  habitually  and  inexpres- 
sibly strong,  that  she  sometimes  feared  they  par- 
took of  impatience,  and  that  she  only  wished  to 
get  free  from  pain.  She  therefore  frequently  prayed, 
"  Oh  that  I  may  but  be  enabled  to  say  from  the 
heart,  '  Here  I  am.  Lord  ;  do  with  me  whatsoever 
seemeth  good  unto  thee.' — Oh  that  '  patience  may 
have  its  perfect  work  !'  "  On  one  of  these  occa- 
sions she  said,  "  I  cannot  tell  how  much  I  wish  to 


OF    THE  REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  227 

be  gone,  and  can  scarcely  keep  from  saying,  *  Why 
are  his  chariot-wheels  so  long  in  coming?'  I  long 
for  it,  that  I  may  be  free  from  sin,  and  be  with 
Jesus."     She  then  added, 

"  Sin,  (my  worst  enemy  before,) 
Shall  vex  my  eyes  and  ears  no  more  ; 
My  inward  foes  shall  all  be  slain, 
Nor  Satan  break  my  peace  again." 

Mr.  Stewart,  a  worthy  Psedobaptist  minister  in 
the  town,  frequently  visited  her  during  her  illness. 
On  one  of  those  visits  she  expressed  her  fears  to 
him  lest  she  should  be  left  to  fretfulness  and  im- 
patience. To  guard  her  against  it  he  observed, 
'*  that  the  children  of  God  were  frequently  called 
to  glorify  him  by  suffering  his  will,  when  they  are 
unable  to  do  it  by  actually  serving  him."  As  he 
engaged  in  prayer  before  he  left  her,  she  was 
asked  what  he  should  pray  for  in  her  behalf;  to 
which  she  replied  in  these  words ; — "  Pray  that  1 
may  have  good  evidence  of  my  interest  in  Christ 
— that  I  may  glorify  God  in  my  death — that  I 
may  leave  behind  me  a  testimony  that  I  am  gone 
to  him — and  that  my  parents  may  be  supported 
under  and  resigned  to  the  stroke." 

Soon  after  this  it  appeared  as  though  "  the  time 
of  her  departure  was  at  hand,"  and  she  desired  two 
hymns  might  be  read  to  her;  the  17th,  Book  I, 
Dr.  Watts,— 


228      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

"  Oil  for  an  overcoming  faith, 
To  cheer  my  dying  hours,"  &c. 

and  the  31st,  Book  2, — 

"  Why  should  we  start  and  fear  to  die  ? 
What  timorous  worms  we  mortals  are!"  &c. 

She  continued,  however,  several  days  after  this. 
On  one  of  those  days  she  selected,  with  the  utmost 
composure,  the  following  hymns,  to  be  sung  at  her 
funeral ;— the  270th,  Dr.  Rippon's  Selection ;  the 
88th,  and  the  3d,  Book  2,  Dr.  Watts.  In  reading 
the  second  of  these  hymns, 

"  Salvation  !  oh,  the  joyful  sound  !"  &c. 

she  remarked,  in  the  most  emphatic  manner,  "  It 
is  a  '  joi/ful  sound'  indeed.^'' 

On  Lord's  day  morning,  March  25th,  such  an 
alteration  took  place  that  her  immediate  dissolu- 
tion was  expected  by  herself  and  all  about  her. 
She  expressed  herself  as  perfectly  happy  in  the 
prospect.  As  she  revived  again  she  intimated 
that  it  was  a  disappointment  to  her;  for  she  said 
in  the  evening,  "  I  hoped  that  before  now  I  should 
have  been  singing  the  praises  of  God  and  the  Lamb 
around  the  throne  of  glory."  After  a  painful, 
sleepless,  and  wearisome  night,  which,  however, 
she  was  enabled  through  grace  to  pass  with  great 
patience,  she  again  changed  apparently  for  death. 
When  her  parents  repeated  the  inquiry,  "  If  she 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHAKD    DAVIS.  229 

was  still  happy  in  the  prospect  of  dying  ?"  she  an- 
swered, "  Yes,  for  I  can  say,  *  When  my  heart  and 
my  flesh  faileth,  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart, 
and  my  portion  for  ever.'  "  Her  cough  continuing 
very  violent,  her  father  remarked,  "  He  had  hoped 
that  it  would  have  ceased  before  she  came  so  near 
her  end  ; "  on  which  she  opened  her  dying  eyes, 
and  said, 

^"  'twill  cease  before  loner, 


And  then  oh  how  pleasant  the  conqueror's  song  !" 

Soon  after  she  inquired  "  if  her  pulse  was  nearly 
gone  ?  and  whether  she  appeared  to  be  immediately 
going  home  ?"  adding,  "  If  I  revive  I  hope  I  shall 
not  fret ;  but  I  shall  be  sorry."  It  pleased  the 
Lord,  however,  to  continue  her  life  till  the  next 
day,  March  27th,  when  her  difficulty  of  breathing 
and  weakness  were   so  great  that  she  could  but 

just  say,  "  Lord  Jesus," .     A  kind  friend, 

on  whom  she  was  leaning  her  head,  added,  "  You 
meant  to  say,  '  receive  my  spirit.'  "  She  replied, 
"  Yes — that  is  what  I  want — but  he  stops — he 
tarries."  This  was  nearly  the  last  sentence  she 
uttered  about  the  concerns  of  her  soul ;  for,  though 
she  continued  some  hours  after  this,  and  perfectly 
sensible  to  the  last,  her  bodily  sufferings  were  so 
acute  as  to  prevent  all  further  conversation  witli 
her.  At  length  her  gracious  God  and  Saviour  was 
pleased  to  put  a  period  to  them  all,  by  giving  her 


230        SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

a  dismission  from   mortality  to  life,   about    two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Such  was  this  truly  amiable  and  promising 
child  in  her  life,  and  such  was  this  monument  of 
Divine  mercy  at  her  death.  As  long  as  her  afflicted 
parents  are  continued  in  this  vale  of  tears,  and  an 
indulgent  Providence  spares  to  them  the  powers  of 
recollection,  they  hope  to  cherish  her  memory  with 
the  mingled  feelings  of  parental  sorrow,  and  Chris- 
tian resignation  and  gratitude.  They  know,  and 
they  trust  that  in  some  measure  they  feel,  that  in 
this,  and  in  all  their  other  trials,  their  heavenly 
Father  has  not  only  done  all  things  right,  but  he 
has  likewise  done  all  things  well. 

Impressed  with  this  truth,  her  father  preached, 
on  the  Sabbath  Day  morning  after  her  decease,  on 
Ps.  cxix.  75  :  "I  know,  O  Lord,  that  thy  judg- 
ments are  right,  and  that  thou  in  faithfulness  hast 
afflicted  me."  Mr.  Palmer  of  Shrewsbury,  being 
then  in  Liverpool,  preached  her  funeral  sermon  in 
the  evening,  from  the  words  she  had  chosen, 
2  Cor.  iv.  17  :  "  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is 
but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  ex- 
ceeding and  eternal  weight  of  glory."    - 

Let  those  who  are  in  childhood  and  youth  learn, 
from  the  experience  and  death  of  this  young  person, 
the  sreat  truth  she  so  frequently  inculcated,— the 


OF  THE  REV.  RICHARD   DAVIS.  231 

infinite  importance  of  personal  and  vital  godliness  in 
early  life  ;  and  let  them  not  be  contented  with  any 
thing  short  of  this,  however  amiable  they  may  be 
in  their  natural  dispositions,  or  however  regular  in 
their  general  conduct.  Let  believing  parents  be 
satisfied  with  nothing  but  this  in  their  beloved 
children ;  while  from  such  instances  they  are  en- 
couraged to  pray  for  it  in  their  behalf.  At  the 
same  time  let  them  cherish  a  tender  concern,  to  be 
prepared  to  receive  an  answer  to  their  prayers 
in  whatever  way  it  may  be  granted  by  a  wise, 
a  righteous,  and  a  gracious  Sovereign.  Some- 
times he  answers  by  "  terrible  things  in  righteous- 
ness ; "  but  in  them  all  he  is  still  the  "  God  of 
our  salvation:"  Ps.  Ixv.  5. 


232       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 


LETTERS. 


I. 

To  his  daughter  E.  at  school. 

DEAR  E,, 

Your  last  letter  gave  us  great  pleasure.  We 
were  thankful  to  hear  of  your  welfare,  and  glad  to 
observe  your  improvement  in  writing.  You  need 
not  be  informed,  my  dear  child,  that  your  parents 
regard  you  with  tender  affection  and  anxious  hope. 
Should  it  please  the  Almighty  to  spare  your  life 
and  ours,  you  are  sure  to  contribute  to  our  sor- 
row or  our  joy;  and  we  venture  to  hope  our  hap- 
piness being  so  intimately  connected  with  your 
present  and  future  conduct,  is  a  consideration 
which  will  influence  you  through  life. 

By  a  kind  providence  you  are  placed  under  the 
care  of  a  tutor  and  governess  whose  instructions 
and  admonitions,  if  rightly  improved,  will  fit  you 
for  a  useful  and  happy  life.  Cultivate  a  tender 
concern,  therefore,  to  behave  in  the  most  respect- 
ful manner  towards  them.  Carefully  guard  against 
whatever  would  excite  their  displeasure,  and  as 


OF  THE  REV.  RICHARD   DAVIS.  233 

diligently  attend  to  whatever  they  enjoin  and  ap- 
prove. 

But  while  you  regard  the  authority  of  your  kind 
instructors,  and  the  will  of  your  parents,  I  hope 
you  will  not  forget  your  obligations  to  your  great 
Creator,  but  remember  him  in  the  days  of  your 
childhood  and  youth.  He  has  formed  you,  my 
dear  E.,  a  rational  and  immortal  creature.  You 
are,  therefore,  accountable  to  him  for  all  you  think, 
and  say,  and  do,  and  enjoy.  He  will,  therefore, 
call  you  at  death  to  his  righteous  bar,  and  give 
you  a  gracious  admission  into  heavenly  and  ever- 
lasting happiness,  or  "  punish  you  with  everlasting 
destruction  from  his  presence,  and  the  glory  of  his 
power."  This  will  b6  "  according  to  the  deeds  done 
in  the  body,  whether  they  be  good  or  evil."  In  the 
Holy  Scriptures  this  great  and  good  Author  of  our 
being  has  made  known  every  thing  that  is  necessary 
to  "  make  you  wise  unto  salvation."  Let  it  be  your 
chief  concern,  therefore,  to  understand  and  love  the 
Holy  Scriptures  from  a  child.  When  you  have 
opportunity  read  them  alone,  and  pray  to  the  Lord 
to  give  you  wisdom  to  understand  them,  and  grace 
to  act  according  to  them.  You  will  learn  from  them, 
and  you  will  soon  observe  for  yourself,  that,  young 
as  you  are,  you  are  a  sinner  in  his  sight,  and  there- 
fore you  need  a  Saviour.  And  so  great  is  the  love 
of  God,  he  hath  provided  one ;  who,  when  he  was 


234      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

upon  earth,  manifested  a  peculiar  regard  to  chil- 
dren, saying,  "  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come 
unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  God."  He  hath  also  said,  "  I  love 
them  that  love  me ;  and  those  that  seek  me  early 
shall  find  me."  Oh  that  you  may  "  seek  him  while 
he  is  to  be  found,  and  call  upon  him  while  he  is 
near!"  Your  wisdom,  duty,  and  happiness,  all 
unite  in  this  one  point, — your  seeking,  enjoying, 
and  serving  the  Lord  in  time  and  eternity. 
*  #  *  * 

Your  truly  affectionate  father. 

Rich.  Davis. 
Liverpool,  March  20,  1806. 


II. 

To  the  same, 

DEAR  E., 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  and  thankfulness  to  a 
merciful  Providence  I  have  to  inform  you,  that 
your  dear  mother  was  yesterday  safely  delivered  of 
another  son,  whom  we  call  J.,  and  both  are  in  a 
fair  way  of  doing  well.  I  sincerely  wish  you  may 
not  only  feel  pleasure  in  reading  this,  because 
your  truly  tender  and  valuable  parent  is  spared  to 
you,  and  to  us  all,  but  that  you  may  also  recollect 
and  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  God  in  it.    From 


OF  THE  REV.  RICHARD  DAVIS.  235 

him  are  all  our  mercies,  and  to  him  we  should 
render  a  tribute  of  praise  for  and  in  the  use  of 
them. 

*  #  #  # 

Liverpool,  Oct.  8,  1807. 


III. 

To  the  same. 

*  *:  *  # 

Mr.  W.  died  this  day  three  weeks,  very  sud- 
denly. He  arose  at  six  o'clock  to  go  to  the  river, 
with  a  view  to  take  a  voyage  to  Ireland.  Finding 
himself  ill  ...  he  returned  to  bed,  and  in  less  than 
half  an  hour  was  in  eternity.  Such  providences  as 
these,  my  dear  child,  are  wonderfully  suited  to 
impress  on  our  minds  the  uncertainty  of  life,  and 
the  infinite  importance  of  being  always  ready  for 
death ;  "  for  at  such  an  hour  as  we  think  not  the 
Son  of  man  cometh."  And  nothing  short  of  being 
born  of  God,  and  living  a  life  of  communion  with 
him  by  faith  in  Christ,  will  prepare  us  either  for  a 
happy  life,  or  a  peaceful  death.  The  importance  of 
these  things  is  particularly  impressed  on  the  minds 
of  youth  in  the  Word  of  God.  We  could  have  no 
greater  joy  than  to  see  them  so  realized  by  you, 
that  you  may  sustain  the  character,  and  enjoy  the 


236        SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCEIPTS 

assurance, — "  I  love  them  that  love  me  ;  and  those 

that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me." 

#  *  *  * 

Liverpool,  Oct.  21,  1808. 


IV. 

To  his  daughter  N.  at  school. 

^  -tF  ^  ^ 

We  hope  you  are  not  unmindful  of  the  caution 
and  advice  you  received  before  you  left  home. 
Your  own  judgment,  I  am  sure,  is  fully  convinced 
that,  by  practical  and  habitual  attention  to  our 
counsel,  you  will  promote  your  own  comfort  and 
reputation,  as  well  as  our  happiness,  and  the  sa- 
tisfaction of  all  with  whom  you  stand  connected. 
There  is  one  rule,  my  dear  girl,  which  it  would 
give  us  the  most  heartfelt  pleasure  to  hear  that 
you  invariably  adopted  ; — that  is,  never  to  say  or  do 
any  thing  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  or  Mrs.  E.,  which 
you  are  conscious  you  would  not  say  or  do  if  they 
were  present.  Above  all,  remember  that  the  eye 
of  a  holy  and  heart-searching  God  is  always  upon 
you,  and  that  you  are  accountable  to  him  for  all 
that  you  feel  and  think,  say  and  do.  Oh  what 
happiness  it  would  afford  us  to  know  that  you 
feared     his    displeasure    as    the    greatest   of    all 


OP  THE  REV.  RICHARD  DAVIS.  237 

evils,  sought  liis  favour  and  approbation  as  the 
supreme  good,  and  that  you  were  constantly  watch- 
ing and  praying  against  the  former,  and  for  the 
latter,  with  your  whole  heart !  For  this  you  have 
the  most  abundant  encouragement  in  the  Scrip- 
tures in  general,  and  in  such  passages  as  the  fol- 
lowing in  particular  :—Prov.  ii.  1—8;  iii.  1—8; 
iv.  1 — 13.  Read  these  portions  of  the  Word  of 
God,  my  child,  with  attention,  and  above  all  with 
prayer  to  him,  that  he  would  teach  you  by  his 
good  Spirit  so  to  know  the  Scriptures  that  you 
may  thereby  be  "  made  wise  unto  salvation,  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  "  Consider  what  I 
say ;  and  the  Lord  give  you  understanding  in  all 
things." 

*!&  -Jr  ^  ^ 

Troiobridge,  April  29,  1812. 


V. 

To  the  same. 

MY  DEAR  CHILD, 

We  duly  received  both  your  last  letters ;  and  it 
gave  us  no  small  pleasure  to  observe  how  you  ex- 
pressed yourself  in  the  former  one  about  the  plea- 
sures and  importance  of  true  religion.  "  Our 
heart's  desire  and  prayer"   for   you  is,  that  your 


238      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

future  life  may  prove  that  you  know  these  things  by 
experience.  You  have  abundant  encouragement 
in  the  Word  of  God  to  seek  after  spiritual  bless- 
ings, which  may  well  be  described  as  "  durable 
riches  and  righteousness,"  and  "  life  which  is  with 
God  for  evermore."  May  you  seek  and  find  them, 
my  dear  girl,  to  the  joy  and  rejoicing  of  your  heart 
and  ours!  Prov.  ii.  1 — 6. 

^  ^  w  "^ 

Trowbridge y  Oct.  29,  1812. 


VI. 

To  Mr.  T,,  Devonport. 

^  -B*  tT  •!(* 

Mrs.  Davis  and  myself  most  tenderly  feel  with 
and  for  you  under  your  painful  bereavement.* 
These  are  the  seasons  in  which  our  eternal  Father 
and  Friend  not  only  tries  us,  but  gives  us  an  op- 
portunity of  trying  him  ;  and  whether  we  stand  the 
trial  or  not,  blessed  be  his  name,  he  never  fails  us. 

^  *  TT  * 

Trowbridge,  Feb.  22, 1814. 

*  The  death  of  a  beloved  child. 


OF  THE   REV.  RICHARD   DAVIS.  239 

VII. 

To  the  same. 

Trowbridge,  March  3,  1814. 

■tP  **(■•  tF  ^ 

On  perusing  the  account  which  you  communi- 
cated of  the  death  of  your  dear  little  S.,*  I  most 
tenderly  felt  for  and  with  you,  your  dear  yoke- 
fellow, and  all  your  afflicted  family.  Such  exer- 
cises as  these  are  very  truly  described  as  being 
"  not  joyous,  but  grievous."  To  persons  of  great 
sensibility  they  are  so  indeed.  Nevertheless,  I 
trust  they  will  finally  "  yield  the  peaceable  fruits 
of  righteousness"  to  us  who  have  been  so  recently 
exercised  with  them.f  A  very  intimate  acquaint- 
ance with  our  own  hearts  will  fully  convince 
us,  that  we  are  constantly  prone  to  put  the 
gifts  of  our  heavenly  Father's  hand  in  the 
place  of  the  Giver — to  substitute  the  streams 
for  the  Fountain,  or  the  withering  gourds  for 
the  Tree  of  Life.  This  is  one  species  of  idolatry  ; 
and  the  design  of  a  gracious  God  in  afflicting  his 


*  Referred  to  in  the  last  letter. 

t  In  allusion  to  a  recent  affliction  of  the  same  kind  in   his  own 
family. 


240       SELECTIONS   FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

people  is,  "  to  cleanse^ them  from  their  idols.''  How 
much  love  and  mercy  are  there  in  this,  rather  than 
in  saying,  "They  are  joined  to  idols;  let  them 
alone."  By  removing  from  us  our  created  enjoy- 
ments, he  teaches  us  their  utter  uncertainty  and 
insuflficiency  :  he  thereby  frequently  brings  sin  to 
our  remembrance  also,  and  humbles  us  in  his  sight 
on  account  of  it.  He  thus  makes  us  feel  more  than 
ever  the  infinite  worth  of  his  character  as  "  the  Fa- 
ther of  all  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  grace,"  and 
the  equal  value  of  his  Spirit,  Word,  and  "  throne 
of  grace."  He  convinces  us  more  fully  of  the 
unspeakable  excellency  of  Christ,  through  whom 
grace  reigns,  and  is  communicated.  He  makes  us 
to  know  more  than  ever  our  entire  dependence 
upon  him,  and  leads  us  to  "  cleave  to  him  with 
purpose  of  heart."  When  our  afflictions  are  ac- 
companied with  Divine  influence,  so  as  to  produce 
these  salutary  effects,  I  am  sure  you,  my  dear 
brother,  with  your  beloved  companion  and  family, 
will  readily  acknowledge  with  the  poet,  that 

"  Such  crosses  from  his  sovereign  band 
Are  blessings  in  disguise." 

"  My  heart's  desire  and  prayer"  for  you  and  all 
yours,  as  well  as  for  myself  and  all  mine,  is,  that 
all  our  sorrows  may  be  productive  of  such  truly 
beneficial  effects.  Present  my  Christian  regards 
to  Mrs.  T.,  and  enclosed  she  will  receive  the  out- 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  241 

lines  of  the  sermon  which  she  requested.  I  wish  I 
could  have  got  it  into  less  compass ;  but  I  found 
that  impracticable.  I  shall  be  thankful  if  she  finds 
any  thing  in  it  of  a  consoUng  nature  to  her  mind. 
One  thing  it  is  certain  she  will  find  in  perusing  it, 
that  is,  an  exercise  for  her  patience ;  and  as  our 
graces  gather  strength  by  exercise,  so  far  it  will  be 
an  advantage  to  her. 

*  *  *  # 


VIII. 


To  the  same. 


Tabernacle  House, 
Bristol,  April  25,  1814. 
Dear  brother. 
Under   the  protection  of  an  indulgent  Provi- 
dence, I  reached  Trowbridge  in  perfect  safety  on 
Tuesday  evening,  and  found  my  dear  partner  and 
family  in  general  well.     I  wish  my  gratitude  to  a 
gracious  God  was  more  proportioned  to  my  obli- 
gation to  him  than  it  is.     In  that  case  I  should 
"  thank  him  for  all  that  is  past,"  and  take  courage 
for  all  that  is  future,  much  more  than  I  do  at  pre- 
sent-    It  is,  however,  my  desire  to  bless  his  name 


M 


242       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

at  all  times,  and  to  place  the  most  unlimited  con- 
fidence in  him.  On  this  account  it  becomes  me 
to  say,  under  all  my  causes  of  complaint, 

"  Yet  the  desire  is  somewhat  good, 
For  which  my  praise  is  due." 


IX. 

To  the  same. 

Tabernacle  House,  Moorjields, 

London,  Aug.  16,  1815. 

*  *  *  * 

I  AM  unfeignedly  thankful  to  find  by  your's 
that  things  are  going  on  so  pleasantly  at  the 
Square,  and  humbly  hope  that  the  great  and  gra- 
cious Head  of  the  church  will  manifest  his  appro- 
bation of  our  undertaking,*  by  causing  "  his  work 
to  appear  unto  us,  and  his  glory  to  our  children." 
Thus  "  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  will  be 
upon  us,  the  work  of  our  hands  will  be  established," 
and  crowned  with  his  blessing.  I  have  no  doubt 
that  it  is,  and  trust  that  it  will  be,  in  an  increas- 


*  The  enlargement  of  the  chapel  in  Maurice  Square. 


OF    THE    REV.     RICHARD    DAVIS.  243 

ing  degree,  the  constant  desire  and  prayer  of  all 
our  beloved   brethren    and   sisters  in  Christ,  that 
whenever  we  return  to  our  place  of  worship  we  may 
be  favoured  in  the  most  visible  manner  with  an 
experimental  fulfilment  of  those  gracious  declara- 
tions and  promises  recorded  Ps.  cxxxii.   13 — 17. 
It  is  very  encouraging,  that  part  of  this  quotation 
is  put  in  the  form  of  a  prayer,  v.  9,  and  as  an  an- 
swer to   prayer,  it  is  put  in  the  form  of  a  pro- 
mise, v.\Q :— "  Let  thy  priests  be  clothed  with 
righteousness,  and  let  thy  saints  shout  for  joy. — I 
will  also  clothe  her  priests  with  salvation ;  and  her 
saints  shall  shout  aloud  for  joy."    The  vast  extent, 
the  inconceivable  richness,  splendour,  and  magni- 
ficence of  Solomon's  temple  did  not  constitute  its 
glory,  but  its  being  the  abode  of  the  ever-blessed 
Jehovah,  and  especially  under  the   character  of 
"  the  God  that  heareth  prayer."     After  the  long 
privation  which  we  have  sustained,  I  do  hope  that 
whenever  we  are  indulged  with  readmission  to  our 
own  place  of  worship  it  will  be  truly  the  place 
"  where  prayer  is  wont  to  be  made"— where  the 
presence  of  God  may  be  richly  enjoyed — where 
"  the  hand  of  the  Lord  may  be  with  us,"  so  that 
"■  great  numbers  may  believe  and  turn  unto  him," 
— and  where  "  great  grace  may  be  on  all"  them 
that  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     I  know  that  you, 


M  2 


244     sELr.cTioNs  from  the  manuscripts 

with  my  beloved  people  at  large,  will  to  this  say 
Amen.  May  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  say  unto  it 
Amen  too  I  You  will  have  the  goodness  to  present 
my  most  cordial  Christian  love  to  them,  one  and  all, 
as  though  named.  Not  one  of  you  can  think  of 
my  return  to  you  with  so  much  pleasure  as  I  think 
of  it  myself.  I  wish  I  could  say  with  the  apostle, 
"  /  am  sure  that  when  I  come  unto  you,  I  shall 
come  in  the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel 
of  Christ."  Of  this,  however,  I  am  sure,  that 
it  is  the  sincere  desire  of  my  soul  that  I  may  so 
return  unto  you. 

Love  to  your  dear  Mrs.  T.  Inform  her  that 
Mr.  Hall  was  at  Bristol  when  I  passed  through  in 
my  way  to  town.  I  had  a  few  minutes  interview 
with  him.  He  inquired  after  the  friends  in  gene- 
ral, and  after  Mrs.  T.  in  particular,  in  his  usually 
ardent  and  rapid  manner.  If  I  could  recollect  all 
that  he  was  pleased  to  say  concerning  her,  and 
were  to  communicate  it,  I  know  that  I  should  give 
her  more  pain  than  pleasure.  This  is  sufficient  to 
remind  her,  that  he  has  not  forgotten  one  of 
his  earliest  friends.  How  pleasing  the  reflection, 
that  we  are  none  of  us  ever  forgotten  by  our  Di- 
vine and  gracious  Friend  !  May  we  never  more 
be  so  forgetful  of  him  as  we  have  heretofore  been  ! 
Most  affectionate  regards  to  your  sister,  accompa- 


OF    THE  REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  245 

nied  with  my  best  wishes  that  above  all  things  her 
soul  may  greatly  prosper.     Dear  love  to  M.    May 
she  ever  be  kept  near  the  feet  of  her  beloved  Lord, 
decidedly  choosing  and  richly  enjoying  the  "one 
thing  needful, — that  good  part  which  can  never  be 
taken  away" — that  in  all  the  scenes  of  life  which 
are  before  her  she  may  ever  be  enabled  to  "  mag- 
nify the  Lord,  and  her  spirit  to  rejoice  in  God  her 
Saviour."     Present  the  same  regards  to  your  dear 
A.     I   have   procured  the    hymn-books  for   him. 
May  the  God  of  his  fathers  be  gracious  to  him, 
and  abundantly  bless  him,  that  he  may  "  sing  with 
grace  in  his  heart,  making  melody  unto  the  Lord," 
and  be  raised  up  to  be  a  distinguished  blessing  to 
the  church  of  Christ,  and  to  all  with  whom  he  may 
ever  be  connected.     And  do  not  forget  to  tell  T. 
and  C.  that  the  best  proof  I  can  give  of  my  love  to 
them  is,  to  say,  I  hope  they  will  not  forget  that 
their  heavenly  Father  has  said  to  them,  "  Children, 
obey  your  parents  in  all  things ;  for  this  is  well 
pleasing  to  the  Lord."     Remind  them  also,  that  it 
was  recorded  even  of  Jesus  Christ,  when  he  was 
older  than  they  are,  that  he  was  subject  to  his 
parents,  and  that  thus   he  "  increased  in  favour 
with  God  and  man."     Of  course,  if  they  wish    to 
grow  in  favour  with  God   and   man  they  must  be 
subject  to  their  parents  in  all  things.     As  to  E. 
and  S.,  if  mamma  and  M.  will  give  thr^m  a  kiss, 


246        SELECIIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

and  place  it  to  my  account,  I  will  repay  it  the  first 

opportunity. 

*  *  *  * 

May  grace,  mercy,  and  peace  be  with  you  all, 
and  with 

Your's  in  our  common  Lord, 

Rich.    Davis. 


X. 

To  the  same. 

■^  *  *  fi 

You  will  have  heard  by  Mrs.  Davis,  that  I  was 
brought  hither  under  the  care  of  an  indulgent  Pro- 
vidence in  perfect  safety.  I  wish  the  life  which  a 
gracious  God  is  thus  continually  making  his  care 
may  be  most  unreservedly  devoted  to  his  glory, 
and  the  good  of  the  beloved  people  he  has  been 
pleased  to  make  my  more  peculiar  charge.  At 
present  he  is  giving  to  the  inhabitants  of  these 
realms  some  very  affecting  proofs  of  the  utter  un- 
certainty of  all  sublunary  enjoyments.  In  the 
commercial  world  things  wear  the  most  gloomy 
pspect,  and  almost  "  every  face  gathers  blackness." 
Houses  of  the  longest  standing,  and  of  the  greatest 
respectability,  which  could  have  commanded  credit 
to  any  amount,  are  under  the  necessity  of  giving 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  247 

up  their  concerns  into  the  hands  of  their  creditors. 
Where  these  things  will  end  is  known  to  the  Su- 
preme Disposer  of  all  events  only.  It  is  an  infinite 
mercy  that  he  reigns,  and  that  he  is  "  Head  over 
all  things  to  the  church."     This  is  a  considera- 
tion which  affords  consolation  that  we  shall  look 
for  in  vain  from  any  other  quarter.     Whatever  un- 
dertakings fail,    and   whatever  cause  miscarries, 
the  cause  and  people  of  God,  in  their  individual 
or  collective  capacity,  are  safe  for  time  and  eter- 
nity.    We  are  in  general  so  much  more  affected 
by  objects  of  sight  than  we  are  by  those  of  faith, 
that  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  if  we  very  sensibly 
feel  the  present  state  of  public  affairs,  '  The  way 
of  the  ever-blessed  God,  however,  has  frequently 
been  "  in  the  whirlwind  and  the  storm ;"  when  those 
events   in    Divine  Providence   which   have   been 
death  to  the  world  have  been  life  to  the  church. 
It  is  therefore  said,  that  the  Lord  "  smote  Egypt 
in  their  first-born  ;  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever:" 
and  he  "  overthrew  Pharaoh  and  his  host  in  the 
Red  Sea ;  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever."     In 
many  instances  also,  the  destruction  of  the  tem- 
poral  interests  of  the  children  of  men  has  been 
the  means  of  promoting  the  salvation  of  their  souls ; 
and  I  am  sometimes  ready  to  indulge  the  pleasing 
hope  that  such  will  be  the  result  of  the  present 
state  of  things  in  the  world.     Be  that  as  it  may, 


24:8     SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

one  thing  is  certain ;  which  is,  "  Happy  are  the 
people  who  have  the  Lord  for  their  God."  Amidst 
all  the  storms  which  agitate  the  world,  they  may 
safely  say,  "  God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,"  &c, 
Ps.  xlvi.  1 — 3.  "  My  heart's  desire  and  prayer" 
to  God,  on  my  own  behalf,  on  yours,  and  on  be- 
half of  all  who  are  related  to  us  in  the  ties  of 
nature,  or  in  the  endearing  bonds  of  the  Gospel, 
is,  that  we  may  all  "  cleave  to  him  with  purpose  of 
heart,"  that  we  may  live  upon  his  fulness,  and  be 
devoted  to  his  glory. 

*  *  *  * 

Tabernacle  House,  London,  JulyZ\,  1816. 


XI. 

To  the  same. 


Through  the  good  hand  of  a  gracious  God 
upon  me,  I  have  been  favoured  with  much  assist- 
ance in  my  public  work  since  I  have  been  here  ; 
and  from  some  small  degree  of  a  wrestling  spirit 
which  I  have  experienced  in  retirement,  that  my 
efforts,  such  as  they  are,  may  be  crowned  with  a 
Divine  blessing,  as  well  as  from  the  marked  atten- 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  249 

tion  of  listening  thousands  to  the  truths  I  have 
from  time  to  time  dehvered,  I  can  but  hope  that, 
in  the  last  great  day,  my  annual   labours  in  the 
metropolis  will  not  appear   to  have  been  in  vain- 
If  we  were  but  suitably  impressed  with  the  incal- 
culable value  of  immortal  souls,  with  the  tremen- 
dous dang-er  to  which  by  sin  they  are  exposed, 
and   with    the  infinite  worth   of  that  "salvation 
which  there  is  in  Christ  Jesus  with  eternal  glory," 
with  what  importunity   should   we  pray  for   the 
most  ample  supply  of  the  Spirit  to  accompany  all 
the   means    which    are  employed   to  promote  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  everlasting  welfare  of  man  ! 
and    with   what   inflexible   fidelity  should  we  be 
concerned  that  our  conversation,  our  example,  our 
influence,  our  authority,  and  whatever  means  we 
evidently  possess,   should   be  consecrated  to  the 
service  of  Christ,  and  the  promotion  of  his  cause  ' 
How  carefully  also  should  we  guard  against  every 
thing  that  might  in  the  least  degree  serve  to  retard 
its  progress  !     When  [  seriously  consider  in  secret 
my  defects  in  these  particulars,  I  am  covered  with 
shame  and  "  confusion  of  face"  before  God.    Con- 
scious,  however,   that  I    do   not   allow  of  these 
things,  that  I  have  no  wish  to  offer  a  word  in  ex- 
tenuation of  them,  and  persuaded  that  Jesus  Christ 
"  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  that  come 
unto  God  by  him,"  I  feel  that  while  I  have  need 


250       SELECTIOISS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

I  have  encouragement  also  to  draw  near  to  him  in 
the  spirit  and  language  of  two  lines  I  remember 
somewhere    to    have    seen,    which    are    to    this 

effect : — 

"  Lord,  grant  me  pardon  for  the  past, 
And  strength  to  serve  in  time  to  come." 

Under  the  full  influence  of  such  sentiments  and 
feelings  I  hope  to  return  in  due  time  to  the  be- 
loved people  of  my  charge,  and  to  that  scene  of 
my  stated  labours  which  affords  me  some  of  the 
richest  enjoyments  of  my  life.  To  the  period  of 
my  return  I  am  looking  forward  daily  with  the 
mingled  emotions  of  pain  and  pleasure :  with  pain 
that  it  is  yet  so  far  distant — with  pleasure  that  every 
day  brings  it  nearer.  By  the  way,  is  not  this  the 
state  of  mind  which  is  most  desirable  to  the  be- 
liever with  regard  to  our  final  home  ?  Every  day 
brings  us  nearer  to  it.  Happy  indeed  is  that 
Christian  whose  heavenly-mindedness  gathers 
strength  as  rapidly  as  time  passes  away.  May 
that  be  your  happiness  and  mine,  my  dear  brother, 
with  all  who  appertain  to  us  in  the  ties  of  nature, 
in  the  bonds  of  the  Gospel,  and  in  those  of  friend- 
ship. Then  we  shall  have  happy  families,  a 
happy  church,  and  blessed  circles  of  friends  in- 
deed. 

#  *  *  * 

Tabernacle  House,  London,  Aug.  7,  1817. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  251 

XII. 

To  the  same. 

W"  ^  ^  tF 

Bristol,  March  23,  1818. 

1  WAS  favoured  with  a  blessed  gale  of  the  Spirit 
I  trust  in  preaching  this  evening  on  "  Pray  with- 
out ceasing."  Hope  it  will  prove  a  blessing  to 
many.  If  we  are  but  made  the  instruments  of 
setting  the  people  to  pray  hard,  things  are  sure  to 
go  well. 


XIII. 

To  the  Church  of  Christ  ineeting  in  the  Square, 
Plymouth  Dock* 

My  beloved  brethren  and  sisters  in  Christ, 

With  the  pleasing  feehngs  of  a  Christian  pastor 
happy  in  the  people  of  his  charge,  I  address  this 
to  you  in  my  absence,  to  express  my  sincere  soli- 
citude for  your  spiritual,  your  present,  and  eternal 
welfare.  While  I  am  conscious  that  it  is  the  su- 
pi'eme  desire  of  my  soul  to  promote  this  object,  and 
thereby  to  be  the  instrument  in  the  hand  of  the 
ever-blessed  Spirit  of  advancing  "  the  praise  of  the 
glory  of  Divine  grace,"  I  feel  at  the  same  time 
a  firm  persuasion,  that  my  happiness,  and  that  of 

♦  A  pastoral  letter. 


252      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

each  other  hes  altogether  as  near  to  your  hearts  ; 
so  that  our  interests,  our  desires,  and  designs  are 
blended  and  bound  up  together,  and  we  know  in 
some  measure  by  experience  the  blessedness  of 
"  brethren  who  dwell  together  in  unity."  May 
our  God  most  graciously  grant,  that  this  "  unity 
of  the  Spirit"  may  be  extended,  increased,  and 
perpetuated  among  us,  till  we  are  admitted  to  the 
church  triumphant,  where  we  shall  be  perfectly 
"  one  in  Christ  Jesus  !"  In  proportion  as  we  enjoy 
this  union  of  soul  to  each  other  here,  and  antici- 
pate it  in  all  its  perfection  hereafter,  we  shall  value 
"  the  glorious  Gospel  of  the  ever-blessed  God  ;"  for 
it  is  by  means  of  that  Gospel  that  we  are  "  ga- 
thered together  in  one,''  even  "  in  Christ ;"  and 
being  made  partakers  of  "  like  precious  faith"  in 
him,  we  are  one  in  heart,  not  with  him  only,  but 
are  in  the  main  thereby  of  one  heart  and  one  soul 
with  each  other  also. 

Seeing  that  these  are  the  blessed  effects  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ  wherever  it  is  received  in  the 
love  of  it,  how  truly  desirable  it  is  that  it  should 
"  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified."  You  are 
aware  that  this  is  the  language  of  Scripture  : 
wherein  the  Word  of  the  Lord  is  represented  under 
the  image  of  a  river,  and  it  is  described  also  as  the 
"  river  of  the  water  of  life,  proceeding  out  of  the 
throne  of  God,  and  of  the  Lamb ;"  on  each  of  the 


OF    THE    REV,    RICHARD    DAVIS.  253 

banks  of  which  river  there  grows  "  the  tree  of  hfe." 
It  is  by  means  of  this  river  and  tree  of  hfe  that  the 
"  life  of  God,"  and  "  the  fruits  of  righteousness" 
have  been  produced  and  maintained  in  our  souls  ; 
where  death,  barrenness,  and  misery  would  other- 
wise have  everlastingly  reigned.     It  is  a  mournful 
consideration  that  this  river  is  at  present  impeded  ; 
for    there   are   obstacles    which   prevent  its   pro- 
gress, all  of  which   may  be  comprised  in  human 
depravity.     The    Spirit    and  grace   of  our   God, 
however,    whereby    our   hearts    have    been    sub- 
dued to    "  the  obedience  of  faith,"  my    beloved 
friends,    are   sufficient  to    accomplish    the    same 
good   work    in   others    also;   and    he    hath   gra- 
ciously  engaged   that  his    Word,   wherever    and 
whenever  it  is  faithfully  preached,   shall  be  made 
to  answer  this  Divine  design.     One  of  the  prin- 
cipal means  whereby  he  is  pleased  to  render  his 
Gospel  effectual  is,  that  of  the  earnest  and  united 
prayers  of  his  people  who  have  already  "  believed 
through  grace."     He   could   work  without  these 
means;    but  he   does  not;  neither  will   he.     He 
loves  that  his  people  should  feel  for  his  cause,  and 
labour  to  promote  it.     We  are  therefore  directed  to 
"  give  him  no  rest  till  he  establish,    and   till  he 
make  Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the  earth." 

But  while  prayer  for  the  success  of  the  Gospel 
in  general  is  one  of  the  principal  means  of  promot- 


254       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

ing  it,  the  prayers  of  the  people  of  God  for  their 
own  ministers  in  particular  are  of  especial  import- 
ance. I  would  therefore  affectionately  beseech 
you,  to  let  me  have  a  continual  interest  in  your 
applications  to  the  throne  of  grace,  "that  the 
word  of  the  Lord,"  as  administered  by  me,  **may 
have  free  course  and  be  glorified,"  as  it  has  hitherto 
been  the  case  with  you — that  it  may  do  so  in  a 
much  greater  degree.  "  Pray  for  me,"  that  I  may 
be  favoured  with  a  much  larger  supply  of  the 
Spirit  and  grace  of  Christ — that  under  Divine 
teaching  and  influence  I  may  be  more  fully  led 
into  "  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus" — that  I  may  be 
assisted  to  deliver  "  the  whole  counsel  of  God" 
with  inviolable  faithfulness,  and  tender  affection — 
and  that  my  feeble  efforts  may  be  crowned  with 
abundant  success. 

Union  of  heart  among  themselves,  and  a  remark- 
able spirit  of  prayer,  were  the  weapons  of  warfare 
with  which  the  primitive  Christians  and  ministers 
entered  the  kingdom  of  darkness,  and  became  the 
means  of  establishing  the  kingdom  of  "  righteous- 
ness, peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost."  And 
as  long  as  we  are  blessed  with  these  unspeakable 
blessings  we  shall  be  a  happy  minister  and  people, 
"  walking  in  love,  and  the  God  of  peace  and  love 
will  be  with  us." 

Since  I  have  been  from  home  I  have  had  op- 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  255 

portunities  of  preaching  at  several  other  places  as 
well  as  in  this  city,  and  have  been  favoured  with 
much  assistance  in  ray  work  ;  for  which  I  desire  to 
be  unfeignedly  thankful,  and  hope  my  labours  will 
not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord,  I  have  visited  my 
late  charge  for  a  few  days,  and  am  thankful  to 
find  that  most  of  those  who  profess  to  have  been 
brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  during  my 
pastorate  at  Trowbridge  are  walking  "  as  becometh 
the  Gospel  of  Christ."  Ministers  can  "  have  no 
greater  joy"  than  to  see  their  beloved  people 
"  walking  in  the  truth."  Paul  might  well  say, 
"  Now  we  live  if  ye  stand  fast  in  the  Lord."  I 
am  well  aware  that  we  as  a  church  have  many 
things  for  which  we  have  great  cause  to  be 
humbled  before  our  God.  We  have,  however, 
much  to  be  thankful  for  also;  and  when  we  re- 
view all  circumstances,  perhaps  we  may  say  few 
have  more.  That  we  may  be  enabled  to  **  cleave 
to  the  Lord"  with  "  more  purpose  of  heart" — 
that  we  may  enjoy  more  of  the  "  fellowship  of  the 
Spirit,  and  comfort  of  love" — and  that  we,  in  our 
individual  and  collective  capacity,  may  always 
have  to  say,  "  For  us  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die 
is  gain,"  is  the  earnest  and  constant  prayer  of 
Your  truly  affectionate  pastor, 

Rich.  Davis, 
Tabernacle  House,  Bristol,  Feb.  17,  1816. 


256       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

XIV. 

To  the  Church  of  Christ  meeting  in  the   Square, 

Dock.* 
My  beloved  brethren  and  sisters  in  the  Lord, 

Although  in  the  course  of  Divine  providence 
I  am  again  absent  from  you  for  a  season,  there 
are  but  few  of  my  waking  hours  pass  wherein  I  am 
not  present  with  you  in  spirit ;  when  "  my  heart's 
desire  and  prayer  to  God"  for  you  is,  that  "  great 
grace  may  he  upon  you  all.'''  I  feel  such  a  growing 
conviction  that  this  is  essential  to  our  personal 
and  mutual  prosperity,  as  pastor,  deacons,  and 
members  of  a  church  of  the  living  God,  that  I 
desire  to  make  our  enjoyment  of  it  the  supreme 
object  of  all  my  prayers  and  labours;  and  most 
affectionately  request  that  it  may  be  the  ultimate 
object  of  desire  with  you  in  all  your  applications 
to  "the  throne  of  grace"  in  your  own,  and  in  my 
behalf.  This  will  produce  the  most  desirable  and 
happy  effects  in  our  experience,  and  in  all  our 
enjoyments. 

We  shall,  for  instance,  thereby  have  a  more  deep 
and  intimate  acquaintance  with  "  the  truth  as  it  is 
in  Jesus."  This  is  a  matter  of  the  first  import- 
ance.    For  the  truth  of  the  Gospel  is  the  daily 

*  A  second  pastoral  letter. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  257 

food  of  all  who  are  "  born  of  God,"  whereby  they 
are  nourished  up  unto  eternal  life.  But  in  order 
to  its  being  enjoyed  it  must  be  rightly  understood  ; 
and  the  degree  of  our  spiritual  knowledge  will 
always  be  the  measure  both  of  our  holiness  and 
happiness.  For  these  reasons  all  the  prayers,  the 
promises,  and  precepts  of  inspiration  are  suited  to 
promote  our  "  gTowth  in  grace,  and  in  the  know- 
ledge of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ." 

A  large  supply  of  Divine  grace  will  a;«"wa^e«f5  a/so 
to  a  prompt  and  cheerful  obedience  to  Divine  com- 
mands.    All  divinely  instituted  worship,  whether 
secret  or  social,  the  public  preaching  of  the  Word, 
Baptism,  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  together  with  the 
communion  of  saints  in  all  its  branches,  are  re- 
spectively designed,   and  admirably  suited  to  ex- 
hibit the  truths  which  are  believed,  and  to  impart 
the  blessings  which  are  enjoyed  by  the  true  dis- 
ciples of  Jesus  Christ.     Now  the  grace  of  God, 
in  proportion  as  it  is  enjoyed,  and  is  in  exercise, 
inclines  the  hearts  of  all  who  possess  it  "  to  ob- 
serve all  things  which  he  hath  commanded  them." 
Thus  they  manifest  their  unfeigned  faith  in  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  their  sincere  love  to  him  ;  while 
every  branch  of  evangelical  obedience  is  considered 
as  an  invaluable  privilege  as  well  as  an  indispen- 
sable duty.     This  was  remarkably  verified  in  the 
primitive  Christians ;  of  whom  it  is  recorded,  that 


258       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

"  they  continued  stedfastly  in  the  apostles'  doc- 
trine, and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread, 
and  in  prayers,"  May  "the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ"  be  so  exceeding  abundant  towards 
you,  my  beloved  people,  and  towards  me  also,  that 
we  may  very  closely  imitate  them  as  they  were 
followers  of  our  ever  blessed  God  and  Saviour. 

Another  of  the  happy  effects  which  will  follow 
from  great  grace  being  enjoyed  by  us  is,  we  shall 
enjoy  the  utmost  union  and  cordialitij  of  soul. 
Being  "  gathered  together  in  one,"  even  "  in  Christ 
Jesus,"  the  nearer  we  approach  to  him  the  more 
spirituality  will  pervade  the  whole  body,  and  the 
more  closely  we  shall  be  united  to  each  other — 
we  shall  love  each  other  more  fervently  "  for  the 
truth's  sake  which  dwelleth  in  us" — being  ani- 
mated by  the  same  spirit,  our  interests  and  our 
aims  will  more  than  ever  become  one — and  in  an 
increasing  degree  we  shall  live  in  the  mutual  ex- 
change of  good  will  and  kind  offices,  with  a  view  to 
promote  our  individual  and  general  prosperity. 
How  tenderly  and  affectionately  is  all  this  enjoined, 
and  how  powerfully  is  it  enforced  on  the  churches 
of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  language  of  inspiration  !  "  I, 
therefore,  the  prisoner  of  the  Lord,  beseech  you 
that  ye  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  ye 
are  called,  with  all  lowliness  and  meekness,  with 
long-suffering,   forbearing   one   another  in   love  ; 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  259 

endeavouring  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in 
the  bond  of  peace.     There  is  one  body,  and  one 
Spirit,  even  as  ye  are  called  in  one  hope  of  your 
calling;  07ie  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism,  one  God 
and  Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all,  and  through 
all,  and  in  you  all." — "  If  there  be  therefore  any 
consolation  in  Christ,  if  any  comfort  of  love,  if  any 
fellowship  of  the  Spirit,  if  any  bowels  and  mercies, 
fulfil  ye  my  joy,  that  ye  be  like  minded,  having  the 
same  love,  being  of  one  accord,  of  one  mind."   The 
churches  to  whom  these  exhortations  were  immedi- 
ately addressed  were  in  a  prosperous  state ;  and 
yet  the  apostle  was  desirous  that  they  might  "  in- 
crease with  all  the  increase  of  God."     We  also 
have  abundant  reason  to  be  thankful  for  manifold 
mercies  conferred  on  us  as  a  church.     In  every 
respect  a  gracious  God  hath  done  for  us  "  above 
all   that  we   asked  or  thought   of."     There   are, 
however,  sufficient  reasons,  and  the  greatest  en- 
couragements to  seek  larger  supplies  from  the  ful- 
ness of  Christ,  whereby  there    may  be  such   an 
"  increase  of  the  body"  as  effectually  to  promote 
"the  edifying  of  itself  in  love."     In  proportion  as 
this  is  the  case  we  shall  cordially  co-operate  in  any 
means  which  come  within  the  compass  of  our  ability 
to  promote  the  cause  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of 
immortal  souls,  and  we  shall  have  the  unspeakable 
happiness  of  being  blessed  and  made  blessings. 


260       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

For  these,  and  for  many  other  reasons  which 
might  be  enumerated,  it  is  above  all  things  desir- 
able that  "  great  grace  should  be  upon  us  all." 
This,  and  this  only,  will  produce  these  blessed 
fruits  in  our  hearts  and  lives ;  whereby  we  shall 
"  glorify  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven,"  and  know 
of  a  certainty  that  we  are  the  disciples  of  Christ. 
The  inexhaustible  fulness  and  absolute  freeness 
of  Divine  supplies,  afford  the  utmost  encourage- 
ment to  ask  and  to  expect  the  richest  communica- 
tions. We  are  not  straitened  in  our  God ;  but  if 
we  are  so  it  is  in  ourselves. 

That  he  may  greatly  enlarge  our  hearts,  and  all 
our  spiritual  enjoyments — that  he  may  bring  me 
back  to  you  *'in  the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of 
his  Gospel" — and  that  my  life  and  labours  may 
be  more  effectually  devoted  to  his  glory,  and  to 
the  promotion  of  your  present  and  eternal  welfare 
than  heretofore,  is  the  sincere,  the  supreme  desire 
and  daily  prayer  of. 

My  beloved  brethren  and  sisters  in  Christ, 
Your  affectionate  pastor, 

Richard  Davis. 
London,  Aug.  15,  1816. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  261 


XV. 

To  his  son  J.  when  an  apprentice. 

My  dear  J. 
I  have  put  a  Bible  in  your  box,  which  I  hope 
you  will  make  conscience  of  reading  and  praying 
over,  that  thereby  you  may  be  "  made  wise  unto 
salvation  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 
Read  more  particularly  the  Book  of  Proverbs, 
which  contains  so  many  excellent  directions  to 
youth,  as  well  as  to  every  class  of  society,  for  the 
wise  government  of  our  conduct.  Our  daily 
prayer  for  you  is,  that  you  may  in  every  sense  be 
"  a  wise  son  ;"  whereby  you  will  gladden  your 
parents,  be  honourable  to  yourself,  and  be  accept- 
able to  your  master,  to  your  mistress,  and  to  all 
with  whom  you  are  directly  or  more  remotely  con- 
nected. 


Walworth,  April  20,  1822. 


262       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

XVI. 

To  the  same. 
«  *  *  * 

Walworth,  May  17,  1822. 

.  I  SEND  you  three  of  the  Proverbs  of  Solomon. 
•  One  for  myself: — "  A  wise  son  maketh  a  glad 
father:"  Pro  v.  x.  1. 

One  for  your  mother : — "  My  son,  if  thine  heart 
be  wise,  my  heart  shall  rejoice,  even  mine  :"  Prov. 
xxiii.  15. 

One  for  7/0 urself : — "  If  thou  be  wise,  thou  shalt 
be  wise  for  thyself:"  Prov.  ix.  12. 


XVII. 

To  the  same  at  Bradford  Academy. 

^  ^  "Sp  ■Tp 

We  read  your  essay  with  great  pleasure  .... 
As  to  the  spirit  which  was  manifested  by  some  of 
your  fellow-students,  make  this  use  of  it, — do  not 
retaliate  by  any  means,  even  where  you  may  have 
a  fair  opportunity  to  do  so.  Let  them  see  that  you 
are  above  that ;  but  show  to  them  and  their  pro- 
ductions all  the  candour  and  kindness  of  which, 

consistently  with  truth,  they  will  admit. 

*  *  *  * 

Walworth,  Dec.  27,  1827. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  263 

XVIII. 

To  his  sons  J.  and  J.  at  same. 

*  jf  *  j^ 

Dec.  27,   1827. 

Tempus  fugit.  There  is  a  bit  of  Latin  for  you. 
Catch  time,  and  improve  it  as  it  flies.  There  is  a 
piece  of  advice  for  you,  from  one  who  wishes  you 
to  be  every  thing  in  time  that  will  to  yourselves 
and  many  others  turn  to  the  best  account  in 
eternity. 

XIX. 

To  his  son  J.  at  same. 

Walworth,  Feb:  27,  1829. 
My  dear  J. 

We  were  very  glad  to  find  by  your  last  that  you 

were  well,  and  thankful  to  hear  of  you  .  .  .  that 

you  are  going  on  well ;  and  hope  this  is  the  case 

with  you  in  your  soul  as  well  as  in  your  studies. 

For   the   labours    of  the   student,    minister,   and 

pastor,  will  be  cheerless  and  unprofitable  indeed, 

at  least  to  ourselves,  unless  they  are  performed 

under  the  influence  of  genuine  Christian  principles; 

and  this  will  never  be  the  case  if  the  soul  is  not  in 

a  healthy  and  prosperous  state.     We  wish  above 

all  things,  therefore,  that  your  soul  mai/  be  truly 


264       SELECTIONS  FKOM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

in  a  spiritual  and  prosperous  state.  Nothing 
would  afford  us  such  a  high  gratification  as  to  see 
you  as  holy  and  devoted  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ 
as  was  dear  Pearce  of  Birmingham,  wliatever  may 
be  your  literary  attainments,  or  the  order  and  ac- 
ceptableness  of  your  ministerial  talents.  Your 
gifts,  whether  natural,  acquired,  or  spiritual,  are 
but  of  minor  consequence ;  your  spiritual  graces 
are  of  supreme  and  infinite  importance.  That 
these  may  be  eminent  in  their  degree,  and  vigorous 
in  their  exercise,  may  "  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  be  with  thy  spirit." 


XX. 

To  the  same. 


Jan.  26,  1830. 


While  we  are  pleased  to  hear  of  your  fellow- 
students  our  minds  are  much  more  interested  in 
what  relates  to  yourself;  and  especially  to  find, 
from  your  future  communications,  that,  amidst 
your  various  studies  and  engagements,  you  are 
enjoying  and  exemplifying  much  spirituality  of 
mind,  and  cultivating  a  close  and  a  constant  walk 
with  God.  As  the  senior  student  in  the  institu- 
tion it  will  afford  you  great  pleasure  in  reflecting 


OF    THE    REV.   RICHARD   DAVIS.  26o 

that  you  set  before  your  junior  brethren  an  emi- 
nent example  of  vital,  godliness,  and  that  on  your 
removal  you  left  behind  you  "  a  sweet  savour  of 
Christ."  Thus  you  will  be  **  blessed,  and  made 
a  blessing;"  and  there  is  nothing  but  the  enjoy- 
ment of  much  personal  religion  will  produce  these 
happy  effects  during  any  period  of  your  life.  "  Our 
heart's  desire  and  prayer''  for  you  therefore  is, 
above  all  things,  that  your  soul  may  be  in  health 
and  prosper. 


XXI. 


To  Mrs.  H.,  Liverpool* 

Walworth,  Aug.  6,  1829. 
My  dear  Madam, 

I  AVAIL  myself  of  the  return  of  my  friend, 
Mrs.  C.  to  address  to  you  a  few  lines.  Since  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  a  short  interview  with  you  on 
the  30th  of  May,  1822,  we  have  been  called  to 
pass  through  many  changes.  Those  which  have 
attended  the  course  of  you  and  yours,  it  is  true, 
have  been  of  a  more  affecting  and  afflicting  de- 
scription than  those  which  have  been  experienced 
by  me  and  mine.     Under  ?/ow;'5,  however,  I  doubt 

*  Addressed  to  lier  sliortly  after  the  death  of  Mr.  H. 


266       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

not  but  1/ou  have  found  your  God  and  Saviour  an 
unchanging  and  all-sufficient  Friend  and  Helper ; 
and  our  lighter  exercises  would  have  been  too 
much  for  us,  if  it  had  not  been  for  wisdom  and 
grace  derived  from  him  for  our  direction  and  sup- 
port. And  it  should  seem,  that  one  of  the  prin- 
cipal designs  of  the  various  vicissitudes  of  the 
present  state  is,  to  give  us  to  see  and  feel,  in  a  con- 
stantly increasing  measure,  the  infinite  value  of 
the  God  of  grace,  the  Word  of  grace,  the  Spirit  of 
grace,  and  "  the  throne  of  grace."  When  the 
chequered  scenes  of  life  are  so  accompanied  with 
Divine  teaching  and  influence  as  to  produce  these 
happy  effects,  we  may  well  say, 

"  My  soul  through  various  changes  goes, 
His  love  no  variation  knows." 

It  is  to  this  unvarying  source  of  felicity  we  must 
be  constantly  looking,  and  on  it  we  must  be  per- 
petually living,  in  order  to  our  enjoyment  of  any 
thing  that  deserves  the  name  of  happiness.  In 
my  advancing  years  I  feel  also  more  and  more  the 
value  of  the  manifestations  of  that  love  as  they  are 
given  in  the  glorious  person  and  mediatorial  work 
of  Christ  Jesus  ;  for  as  it  is  thus  displayed,  I  have 
a  constant  and  complete  warrant  to  apply  to  him 
for  all  the  blessings  of  salvation,  merely  as  a  sinner 
ready  to  perish,  with  the  fullest  assurance  that 
whosoever    thus   applies,    and    whensoever    they 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  267 

apply,  they  shall  never  be  rejected.  An  inspired 
apostle  speaks  of  this  application  as  perpetual ;  for 
he  says  of  believers  in  him,  "  To  whom  coming,  as 
unto  a  living  stone."  It  is  not  therefore  a  ques- 
tion of  so  much  importance.  Did  I  truly  come  to 
Christ  so  many  years  ago,  or  at  any  past  time  ?  as 
Aju  I  coming  to  him  noiv  ?  And  if  I  am  consci- 
ous, so  far  as  I  know  my  own  heart,  that  this  is 
indeed  its  language, — 

"  A  guilty,  weak,  and  helpless  worm, 

On  thy  kind  arms  1  fall ; 
Be  thou  my  strength  and  righteousness, 

Mj Jesus,  and  myall;"  — 

I  have  the  word  and  oath  of  a  faithful  God,  that 
I  "  shall  never  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life." 

If  it  was  not  for  this  view  of  the  Gospel,  and  of 
the  means  of  obtaining  its  blessings,  I  should  have 
scarcely  any  hope  or  peace.  For  such  is  the  feel- 
ing sense  that  I  have  of  the  evil  and  power  of  in- 
dwelling sin,  that  if  I  was  not  welcome  to  come 
merely  as  a  sinner  to  Christ,  as  an  able,  a  vvilhng, 
and  an  unchanging  Saviour,  I  dare  not  apply  to 
him  at  all.  But  with  such  a  warrant  I  desire 
daily  to 

"  Venture  on  him,  venture  wholly, 

Let  no  other  trust  intrude  ; 
None  but  Jesus,  none  but  Jesus, 

Can  do  helpless  sinners  good.'" 

In  this  way,  and  in  this  way  alone,  I  hope  to  es- 


268       SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

cape  the  hell  that  I  richly  deserve,  and  to  obtain 
the  heaven  I  am  every  moment  of  my  life  forfeit- 
ing. Believing  also  that  your  views  and  experi- 
ence correspond  with  my  own  is  my  apology  for 
having  written  in  this  strain. 

In  the  former  part  of  my  letter  I  have  spoken  of 
our  exercises.  But  while  as  a  family  we  have  had 
to  sing  both  of  judgment  and  mercy,  the  latter  has 
greatly  preponderated.  Indeed  we  have  reason  to 
hope  that  all  the  dealings  of  our  heavenly  Father 
towards  us  are  in  mercy. 

+  jf  *  + 

I  hope  you  have  the  unspeakable  happiness  of 
seeing  all  your  beloved  and  estimable  family 
"  walking  in  the  truth,''  and  the  animating  pros- 
pect of  having  at  last  to  say,  "  Behold,  Lord,  here 
1  am,  with  all  the  children  thou  didst  graciously 
give  me." 

Mrs.  Davis  and  my  family  unite  in  very  sincere 
and  grateful  remembrance  of  yourself,  and  in  fer- 
vent wishes,  that  the  ever-blessed  Being  who  has 
been  the  guide  and  God  of  your  youth  and  riper 
years,  may  be  richly  enjoyed  by  you  as  the  stay 
and  comfort  of  your  declining  days,  with 
My  dear  Madam, 

Yours  very  truly,  in  Christ  Jesus, 

R.  Davis. 


OF    THE  llEV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  269 

XXII. 

2o  Mrs.  Davis. 

Wakuorth,  Aug.  24,  1826. 
*  *  #  # 

I  AM  fully  aware  that  this*  will  be  a  very  painful 
stroke  to  you.  I  trust,  however,  that  you  will  find, 
as  you  ever  have  done  hitherto,  that  "  the  grace 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ"  will  be  "  sufficient  for 
you  ;"  and  that  under  all  the  workings  of  your 
mind  you  will  feel  it  stayed  on  this  consideration, 
as  it  relates  to  this  afflicting  event,  that  ''  Jehovah 
is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his 
works."  And  although  in  many  instances  we  have 
but  little  hopes  concerning  those  who  are  removed 
by  death,  yet  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  say  what 
may  pass  between  God  and  their  souls  in  a  way  of 
mercy  which  they  may  have  no  opportunity  to 
discover.  On  this  solemn  event  therefore,  all  that 
we  can  say  on  the  one  hand  is,  *'  Shall  not  the 
Judge  of  all  the  earth  do  rioht  ?"  and  on  the  other, 
that  the  mercies  as  well  as  the  judgments  of  God 
are  "  a  great  deep,"  and  "  past  finding  out."f 

-71*  ^7?  -A"  "TT 

*  The  deatli  of  a  near  relative. 

t  ''  I  see ,  (tliougb  be  was  a  learned  man,  and  some- 
times wrote  like  a  wise  one)  labouring  under  inviucible  prejudices 


270      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

XXIII. 

To  the  same.* 

Maidstone,  March  12,  1832. 
Through  Divine  goodness  I  have  to  inform  my 
beloved  wife  and  family,  that  I  arrived  here  in  per- 
fect safety  on  Saturday  evening,  soon  after  seven 

against  the  trutli  and  its  professors,  heterodox  in  his  opinions 
upon  some  religious  subjects,  and  reasoning  most  weakly  in  sup- 
port of  them.  How  has  he  toiled  to  prove  that  the  perdition  of 
the  wicked  is  not  eternal,  that  there  may  be  repentance  in  hell, 
and  that  the  devils  may  be  saved  at  last  j  thus  establishing,  as  far  as 
in  him  lies,  the  belief  of  a  purgatory,  and  approaching  nearer  to 
the  church  of  Rome  than  ever  any  Methodist  did,  though  papal- 
izing  is  the  crime  with  which  he  charges  all  of  that  denomination. 
When  I  think  of  him,  I  think  too  of  some  who  shall  say  hereafter, 
'  Have  we  not  prophesied  in  thy  name,  and  in  thy  name  done 
many  wonderful  works  1  Then  shall  he  say  unto  them,  Depart 
from  me  ;  for  I  never  knew  you.'  But  perhaps  he  might  be  en- 
lightened in  his  last  moments,  and  saved  in  the  very  article  of 
dissolution.  It  is  much  to  be  wished,  and  indeed  hoped  that  he 
was.  Such  a  man  reprobated  in  the  great  day  would  be  the  most 
melancholy  spectacle  of  all  that  shall  stand  at  tlie  left  hand  here- 
after. ...  An  operation  is  often  performed  within  the  curtains 
of  a  dying  bed,  in  behalf  of  such  men,  that  the  nurse  and  the  doc- 
tor (I  mean  the  doctor  and  the  nurse,)  have  no  suspicion  of.  The 
soul  makes  but  one  step  out  of  darkness  into  light,  and  makes 
tliat  step  without  a  witness.  My  brother's  case  has  made  me 
very  charitable  in  my  opinion  about  the  future  state  of  such  men." 
— Cowper's  Private  Carresjiondence,  pubhshed  by  his  kinsman,  John 
Johnson,  LL.  D. 

*  Almost  mv  father's  last  letter,   written  about  tliree  montlis 
t 
before  his  death. 


OF  THE  REV,   RICHARD  DAVIS.  271 

o'clock.  From  London  to  Chatham  I  had  a  very 
pleasant  ride,  as  we  had  the  clear  shining  of  the 
sun,  without  a  single  cloud,  the  whole  of  the  way. 
Wliat  a  world  that  must  be  where,  in  the  highest 
and  best  of  senses,  this  is  eternally  the  case  !  God 
grant  that  we  and  all  his  people  may  be  more 
favoured  with  it  than  we  have  hitherto  been,  even 
in  this  waste  howling-  wilderness." 

*  *  *  * 


272         SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MAMUSCRIPTS 
SELECT    SENTENCES,* 

It  has  been  my  general  maxim  through  hfe  to 
incur  no  avoidable  expenses,  and  then  to  cherish  a 
hope  that  an  indulgent  Providence  would  furnish 
me  with  means  to  meet  those  which  were  unavoid- 
able ;  in  which  hope,  through  Divine  goodness, 
I  have  not  been  disappointed. 

Talent,  or  wealth,  where  it  is  possessed,  or  any 
thing  else  that  is  highly  valued  among  men,  is 
nothing  to  an  evangelical  dissenting  minister,  or  a 
candidate  for  that  office,  compared  with  his  repu- 
tation. 

I  have  lived  long  enough  to  see,  that  one  enemy 
can  do  me  more  harm  than  many  friends  can  do 
me  good.  It  is  therefore  an  unspeakable  satisfac- 
tion to  know,  when  we  are  suffering  from  the  un- 
kindness  of  any,  that  it  is  unmerited ;  for  "  when  a 
man's  ways  please  the  Lord  he  maketh  even  his 
enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  him." 

They  and  they  only  are  safe  whom  God  keeps ; 
and  we  ought  each  of  us  to  hear  a  voice,  in  such  a 
melancholy  case,f  saying,  "  I  also  have  kept  thee 
from  evil." 

*  Extracted  from  various  letters, 
t  A  case  of  scandal  upon  a  religious  profession. 


OF    THE    REV.    RICHARD    DAVIS.  273 

Life,  health,  and  every  thing  with  which  we  are 
favoured,  are  real  blessings  wlien  we  enjoy  and 
glorify  the  infinitely  blessed  Giver  in  the  use  which 
we  make  of  them,  and  then  only.  Our  daily 
prayer,  for  ourselves,  and  all  our  beloved  children, 
is,  that  we  may  indeed  glorify  our  God  here,  and 
enjoy  him  together  for  ever  hereafter. 

"  I  have  no  hope  in  people,  much  in  God,"  need 
ahiiost  to  be  a  minister's  constant  motto. 

It  is  our  province  not  to  force  Providence,  but  to 
follow  it,  and  to  say  to  our  heavenly  Father, 
"  Thou  shalt  choose  our  inheritance  for  us." 

We  are  such  short-sighted  worms  of  the  earth, 
and  the  Great  Head  of  the  church  so  perfectly  sees 
"  the  end  from  the  beginning,"  that  it  is  an  un- 
speakably valuable  immunity,  as  well  as  an  indis- 
pensable obligation,  to  refer  all  our  concerns  to 
him,  saying,  "  Thou  shalt  choose  our  inheritance 
for  us." 

Those  who  are  truly  prepared  for  a  safe  and 
peaceful  death  are  the  only  persons  fitted  to  live  a 
happy  and  useful  life. 

We  know  that  every  thing  upon  earth  is  uncer- 
tain, and  therefore  wish  ever  to  feel,  that  the 
brightest  scene  may  soon  become  cloudy,  and  im- 
penetrably dark. 


574      SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  MANUSCRIPTS 

'  Disappointments  in  various  ways  are  a  part  of 
the  common  lot  of  man  in  the  present  state. 
Through  intinite  goodness  the  believer  in  Christ 
suffers  none  in  any  way  in  him.  He  does  for  all 
those  who  are  truly  one  with  him  "  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  they  can  ask  or  think." 


THE    END. 


I 


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