Gleanings of the Vintage, or Letters to the Spiritual Edification of the Church of Christ (Volume 6-9) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1813. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... soul's good; troubles keep the faith in exercise, and the soul in motion; prayer is at work, and this empties the vessel of its unhallowed burthen, till the devil comes with a fresh cargo. How nearly allied are the devil and man's carnal mind; and if a man knows and adores his Saviour, who is the saint's rock and the sinner's Stumbling block, what thousands of engines will satan employ to make the cross heavy. I am surrounded with the most bitter enemies in the ministry, and in profession, besides the treachery and deceitfulness of pretended friends, who quench the spirit of love, and wriggle themselves out of all concern and prayer for them that are near to me; and yet in the midst of all this I have uncommon success, beyond all that I have ever seen; this is some comfort, though they are increased that trouble me: yet they do not pass altogether unnoticed of God who fill their sermons with invectives against me. And this I have long observed, that those who set themselves against ruling powers, are in the general enemies to the godhead of him by whom they rule. But there is an end of all this, and the expectation of hope shall not be cut off, and I must lay at anchor. Farewell. W. H. LETTER XI. God still blesses the antinomian, and many rage, storm, and curse the more. Oppression exercised upon the household of faith, fills the measure apace, and when that is full go they must; but all these secret things will be made known and come abroad, and our eyes will see their works and their rewards. Both God and conscience, wise virgins and foolish, churchmen and dissenters, articles and homilies; the examinations of the clergy, and the subscriptions of dissenting teachers; yea, law and gospel, all, all with one voice approve and acquit, justify and admire, sanctify ...