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The New Curate :

OR, EFFECTS RESULTING FROM THE INTRO-
DUCTION OF THE GOSPEL INTO A DARK
COUNTRY VILLAGE.

A LITTLE tract, shewing 'how clergy-
men make dissenters,' has recently been
written and sent into the world by
Charles Robinson, Minister of Borough
Green, Kent, with an introductory pre-
face by George Wyard, Minister of Soho
Chapel, London.

We have read the tract not only with pleasure; but with some soul profit: in fact we had a real soul-melting and weeping time, in going through some parts of it, and we feel persuaded no christian can read it without feelings of gratitude to God for his boundless mercy

to poor sinners.

The tract is written in an allegorical style; the person called Mr. Fear-God is the new curate; he is, by the providence of God, brought to preach in a country church where parson and people have hitherto been sunk in heathen darkness. The following brief extracts declare the opposition he met with, as well as the use which the Lord was pleased to make of him.—

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own soul was filled with the comfort of those

pointed remarks he shewed them that all men, by nature, are in a state of darkness and error by reason of sin; and then expatiated on the love of God in sending his dear Son into the world, 'a light to lighten Israel. He divided his text by saying, I the Gentiles, and the glory of his people will first notice to you, my fellow-sinners, what is truth. Secondly, Why the Lord has appointed his truth to be preached. thirdly, The way in which every minister is bound to preach it, that is, in love. It was very evident to the good man, from the circumstances of his hearers, that all this sounded strange to them, having been accustomed to the dry harangue of the late Mr. Larkish. But he was not at all daunted by their looks, for it would appear that he had no sooner entered upon his subject than his truths which he was desirous the Lord might impress on the minds of his auditory; and his tongue became as the pen of a ready while his heart was inditing a good matter, writer. Dwelling on that part of his subject, in which he set forth our Lord Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life; he became so animated in his manner, that some of the congregation, especially those who had descended from Simon the Pharisee, thought that much learning had made him mad. He then went on to observe, in the most melting strains, that Christ, by his precious blood, had sealed, and made all the promises of the gospel eternally sure to all who have fled for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before them in the gospel. Next, he set forth the design of God in having his truth preached. It is, said he, that the apostate favorite with the rector: while others as sons of Adam might have life; and that he positively affirmed that Mr. Jovial, of the might gather together in Christ a remnant town of Rattledown, had received the ap- and that the poor, the blind, the destitute, of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people; pointment; but none of these knew that Mr. Fear-God was in the town; however, and the miserable, may obtain the salvation in order to satisfy their curiosity, they all which is in Christ Jesus, with exceeding joy. began to prepare themselves, with their These good tidings, continued he, we preach Sunday suit, to repair to the Church; and, to you in love: in love to him who has died it is supposed, that it had not been so well to deliver our own souls from the power of filled for many a year. the At the proper time, grave; and in love to the Father who has Mr. Fear-God, in a solemn manner, com- that whosoever believeth in him, might not sent his only-begotten Son into the world, menced the service by reading the prayers perish, but have everlasting life. He comand lessons appointed for the day, which he mitted the people into the hands of his God, went through, I believe, to the satisfaction by a few words in prayer, entreating the Lord of all present. But, during the time of to bless the seed now sown.' The congre singing, there was a good deal of whisper-gation dispersed. But before Mrs. Heal'em ing in order to know his name, and where he came from, which very few were acquainted with. Mr. Fear-God having now ascended the pulpit, offered up a short extempore prayer, in which he besought the Lord for his presence and his blessing: and then, taking a small bible from his pocket, gave out his text from Eph. iv. 15, But speaking the truth in love.' In a few short and

"The bells in the parish steeple announced to the inhabitants the return of the Sabbath, and the enquiry went from one to another to know whom Mr. Weaver had engaged as the Curate. Some said, Mr. Owl's eyes, of the village of Darkness, was the man, as they knew him to be a great

left her pew, she addressed her husband by saying, Things are now come to a pretty pass I think, as we are all to be put upon a level with Turks and Jews: but it's just what I expected, from what I heard last night. While Miss Prim drew up the train of her dress, and said, If this is your new Curate, he may preach to the pews for me, for he shall not have my ears again, I can promise

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* One said, he is a beautiful reader. Another declared, I'll venture my life that he is some Methodist. Farmer Tattle then came up, and addressing the last speaker, said, you are pretty near the mark, for though, as I am told, he was brought up to the clergy, yet he has turned round since, at least, if his name is Fear-God, he is the same man that Jim Skinner, the butcher, was talking about at Broadway-fair last week; for he told us that Rector Hatelight had just turned away his Curate for preaching some new doctrine, and driving the people all wild; and they tell me that somehow or other he has got a way of getting over you by sleight of hand work; and you can't stand before him, but you are sure to be caught in his net. You know Tom Driver, the coachman, he was as good a fellow as ever used a whip; but as he was employed one day to drive some old lady to church, and was there waiting, he thought he would just step into the porch, to see if they were not coming out; well, just at that moment Mr. Fear-God said something that quite turned poor Tom round, and stuck to him like bird-lime, and he has never been himself since: and there he is singing and praying all the day long; and as to getting him to a bull-bait, you might just as well try to jump over the moon."

told her that some time ago he had a strange dream about seeing the Son of God, and the day of judgment, and the wicked turned into hell, with several things more of that sort; and they have so affected him that he is worn almost to a skeleton.'

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The curate and the surgeon having arrived at the house of young Anxiety, the following scene occurs: Mr. Heal'em said to the mother of the young man, " Mr. Fear-God has taken a walk with me this morning, and he would like to have a little conversation with your son: Upon which, the old lady dropped a low curtsey to Mr. F., and said,My poor dear boy, sir, has been one of the best of lads from his childhood, even before his dear father died; so that as he used to say, he is too good for this world. But you must know, sir, that just before harvest, he had a dream, and a very strange dream it certainly was, which has so affected him that he has never been well since. He does nothing but cry and say, What will become of my poor soul? And although we have had all his young friends to see him, and tried to comfort his mind with cheerful company, and such like, yet it is all to no purpose, as he tells us that it is not what he wants. Mr. Fear-God then observed I should judge, from what you have related of your son's case, that it must be something very different from what you have prescribed that can give him comfort. But, if you will allow me, I should like to have a little conversation with him.' Mrs. Anxiety immediately rose, and led them up stairs into her son's room. He was sitting, with his elbow leaning on the table, and his head resting on his hand. Well, Mr. James.' said Mr. Heal'em, 'how do you find yourself to day ?' 'Not any better, sir, *but worse and worse,' was the reply; and Mr. H. said, after some conversation, 'I the tears began to flow down his cheeks. have to request a favour of you, if it will Come, come,' said Mr. H., ' don't desnot be taking you from your devotions. pair; I have brought Mr. Fear-God to Will you accompany me to Mount Plea-see you, and perhaps, a little talk with sant Farm to see young Mr. Anxiety, who has been ill for several weeks? His complaint I have been unable to discover, only that it is on his mind; and nothing which I have sent him, seems to reach his case. Yesterday, when I was there, his mother informed me that she had used all her influence with him to ascertain if it was a love affair, which he assured her was not the case; but he

The person called Mr. Heal'em, was the surgeon of the parish; and was ultimately called to a knowledge of the truth, and died in the faith. This Mr. Heal'em had a patient named Anxiety; and the account given of Mr. Fear-God's visit to him is exceedingly interesting. We here give a portion of it. Mr. Heal'em (the surgeon,) calls on Mr. Fear-God, the curate,) When he called on Mr. Fear-God, he found him reading his Bible, and thus familiarly addressed him, 'What, at it so early in the week, my good sir? a little relaxation would be beneficial to your health.' Mr. F. replied, Through infinite mercy, I am quite well in body, and refreshed in mind by what I have been reading.

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him will relieve your mind; for, as I have always said, if you can get comfort there, you will soon be as well as ever.' James answered, 'But how can I hope for comfort, who have been such a great sinner before God?' At this sentence Mr. Fear-God asked him, How long is it, my dear young friend, that you have felt concerned about your state as a sinner ?' James replied,' Only just before harvest,

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sir. Up to that time I was living in the | James still objected, exclaiming, 'I feel pursuit of the pleasures of this evil world my load of sin to be so great that I am and spent my days and nights in sinning afraid to pray to him: and when I have against God.' What was the circum- groaned out, Lord, pardon a wretch constance,' inquired Mr. F. which led you demned to die! it seemed to me as if it to think upon the evil of your ways?' would make that Holy Being more James then said, 'On the night after I angry; so that my punishment would be was at Rattledown races I had a dream, greater at last.' This,' said Mr. F., 'is which I have already related to my the work of the enemy of souls, to keep mother, and so deep was the impression you from the throne of grace, for there made upon my mind that I could never is nothing the devil hates more than to get rid of it; and I have no doubt it see sinners crying for mercy. But if was sent to inform me that in a very you are willing, let us all kneel before little time, perhaps in a few short hours the most High God, and supplicate his I must be cast into that place which forgiving favour.' Mrs. Anxiety here burneth with fire and brimstome.' Then, asked, Shall my daughter fetch you the wringing his hands, he exclaimed, Who prayer book, sir?' Mr. F. replied, It is can dwell with everlasting burnings?' not on all occasions needful to use a book, Mr. F. again inquired, 'Do you remem- for the Spirit will make intercession for ber ever reading any thing like a descrip- us.' Then Mr. F. in the most solemn tion of your dream in the Bible?' To and affectionate manner, besought the which James answered, 'Alas! sir, the Lord for mercy upon his young friend; contents of that holy book I am a and blessed God that he had opened stranger to. Mr. F. then took a Bible his eyes to see his danger and ruin; from his pocket and turning to the twen- expressing his hope and confidence that tieth chapter of Revelations, read from as he had thus wounded him, he would the eleventh verse to the end, which set also heal him; and prayed for his anxiforth the whole of the dream. At the ous parent and sister, that they also hearing of the same, James appeared might be brought to know him, whom to like one upon whom the judge was pass-know is life eternal. Now when Mr. F. ing the sentence of death: and cried rose from his knees, he perceived that out, 'Yes, that's it, that is just as I saw the feelings of all present were much in my dream! But,' said Mr. F., do wrought upon: Mrs. Anxiety, and Miss you not perceive that there is a revela- Patty wept aloud: while Mr. Heal'em tion of mercy, as well as justice in the walked across the room and wiped away account? For while the wicked are justly the tears which started from his eyes. condemned to everlasting punishment, James exclaimed, 'I feel at this moment yet mention is made of a book of life, more comfortable than I have been for and those whose names are written many weeks: and who can tell but I therein, shall surely inherit everlasting may yet be saved?' 'There is NO doubt glory.' 'Do tell me, then, sir,' replied of it, my dear friend,' said Mr. F. 'for James, 'how I may know that my worth- when God could swear by no greater, less name stands there recorded. Mr.F. he swore by himself, that we might have said, 'we can only know this as we are strong consolation who have fled for made partakers of the Spirit of life, by refuge to lay hold of the hope set bewhom we are raised from a death in sin, fore us in the gospel.' But I will now to life and union in Christ, and led to leave you, and if agreeable, visit you cry to God in the language of the publi- again on Wednesday.' Pray do sir,' can, 'God be merciful to me a sinner!' exclaimed James, pressing the hand of This, sir,' said James, has been my Mr. Fear-God, who bade him for the cry for many days and nights; but I fear present, farewell.' there is no hope for me, as I have been so awfully wicked.' 'Notwithstanding all this,' said Mr. F., you may venture to approach, for the Lord will cast out none who come unto him; though your sins be as scarlet, yet he will make them whiter than snow; and the apostle John tells us the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth from all sin.' * But

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"On the following Wednesday morning, his visit to Mount Pleasant Farm, and being Mr. F., according to his promise, repeated introduced into the parlour, was informed by Mrs. Anxiety, that he would find a wonderful change in her son, at which,' said she 'I can but feel glad; still, I have my fears that it will prove too much for his head.' Mr. F. said, 'You will allow me to go up stairs and

see him.' 'Certainly sir,' replied Mrs. A., calling Miss Patty to conduct Mr. F. to her brother's room, which he had no sooner entered, than James rose from his seat, and taking him by the hand, exclaimed, 'O my dear sir, I have found all that you said the other day to be true; there is indeed forgiveness with our God that he may be feared: and I have found from experience, that he saves to the uttermost all who come to God by Jesus Christ.' Mr. F. then said to him, 'I felt persuaded that it would be so, for Jesus is a merciful and faithful High Priest, and knoweth how to have compassion on the ignorant, and those who are out of the way. But how was the change brought about?' James replied, after you left me on Monday, I was musing on what you had told me, and I felt thereby encouraged to pour out my soul before God. There was one word you mentioned, which helped me greatly, and I pleaded it before the Lord, I should think, a hundred times over; it was this, 'the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth us from all sin;' so I kept on till just after three o'clock, the next morning, when it was as if an angel spoke to me these words, I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me, for I have redeemed thee.' (Isa. xlv. 21); and then in an instant, all my sins, and guilt, and misery, vanished from me, and it was as though I could see the precious Jesus hanging upon the cross, and dying for my sake; whilst all grace, and mercy, and truth, and even heaven itself was in him for me: so that I am as sure of life now, and that my name stands recorded in his book, as I was before of my ruined and undone condition! And as to my poor body, it is already so much better, that I have no doubt, with God's blessing, but I shall be able to go to Church next Sunday, and hear you tell us something more about these holy things, for my sister Patty tells me that you gave them a wonderful sermon to begin with, such a one as she never heard before in all her life.' Mr. F. observed I am not in the least surprised that you feel your bodily strength increase, now your soul is comforted, for as the royal Psalmist declares, God is the health of our countenance.' And as to your being with us in the sanctuary next Sabbath, I shall be most happy to see you there, and pray God that you may find there the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. Mr. F. then went on to speak of the distinguishing grace of God in gathering sinners to himself, and the joy which is felt in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 'And I trust (said the good man,) a very similar feeling, at this moment glows within my own breast. Then, after spending a few minutes in prayer, or rather

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"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world worketh death." 2 Cor. vii, 10. SIN is the cause, not only of suffering, but of shame; but it is a grief when sin enters into the christian society, and it must be reproved. Sin entered the church of Corinth, and the apostle Paul wrote to that church with considerable sharpness; and if you would know the language the apostle wrote, I would refer you to the fifth chapter. And this letter was seen by various characters, and there was one feeling that was predominant, and he wrote- God who comforted those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; without were fightings, and within were fears; and then there was good tidings conveyed to the apostle Paul; and I can truly remember in the course of my short ministry, the times when within were fears, and just at this time the Lord was pleased to set some poor sinner at liberty. Now it was Titus brought them, and that gave them the comfort, and not his person; and now the apostle said, 'I rejoice that ye sorrwoed with a godly sorrow unto repentance.' In the first place, evangelical repentance. 'Godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of." First, I am to speak to the church. This is set before us by the apostle, and denominated godly sorrow,' or, as it reads in the margin, 'the sorrow of God;' and this in God's people, is a heart-felt sorrow that enters the vitals, and enters the very soul. When God works he works effectual, and this is called 'godly sorrow;' it is not a repentance that is produced by the effect of the preacher; but God is its author; and there is no repentance worth a rush but what God works in the soul by the invincible operation of the Holy Spirit. It is not preaching the_terrors of the law, When Peter went to Cornelius the people said then unto the Gentiles, hath God granted repentance to them also? Then you will observe that godly sorrow is an heart-felt sorrow for sin; it is for sin felt

I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord.' And this godly sorrow is manifested in his humility Oh, my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, O, my God, for our iniquities are increased over our heads.'

within; as one of old, said-I will be sorry, for my sin with my heart. Some of the first objects discovered by a quickened soul is a feeling sense of sin, and that they truly are sinners, and over sin they mourn. And then observe that this godly sorrow is not confined to mourning for individual sin; for Here you see godly sorrow worketh rehe looks abroad into the world, and then pentance in humiliation, 'I said I will take into the church, and he observes incon- heed to my ways, I will keep my tongue sistency in that member and in others; and with a bridle, lest I sin with my mouth :' he cannot behold these things which are this is the cry of the poor penitent. And contrary to the Word of God, with his eye, again, godly sorrow worketh salvation; now and his heart not be affected. Observe what this is contrary to the sinner's thoughts; for was said by the man who went through the the sinner thinks God is angry with him, city of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon as Manoah did. them who sighed for the abominations thereof. O, my brethren, if you could see the convinced sinner, when he is alone, and is impressed that no human being can see him, and he is telling God what he feels, pouring out his whole heart before God, and God is present with him in his closet; you would then see that the sinner is possessed of such a repentance as you never thought of. O, my brethren, look at Job! and see how he was mourning for a faith's view.

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Secondly, we notice its tendency: Godly sorrow worketh repentance.' Observe! it produces repentance; and there is no true repentance, which is not produced by that sorrow which is called godly sorrow.' Godly sorrow does this, by leading a sinner to the law, and how few there are who know anything about a law-work, whereby they can only become acquainted with their own character, and there they are brought to see that their acts have been acts of disobedience against God; and the sinner then sees he himself hath no good in him; and the Lord the Spirit brings him there, and keeps him there for awhile, and this is to shew him that he is under the curse of the law. I am now speaking to the sinner who is the subject of godly sorrow, and this repentance is working most sharply, and he trembles, and is filled with horror. Let but the Spirit work this godly sorrow, and then he will bring him to Calvary; and there it is that the sinner finds peace; this tends to deepen the work of repentance in the soul; here it is that repentance is worked, I will,' said God, pour upon the house of David, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplication. How overwhelming is sin! it is Christ who must suffer for his sin; and how deeply is the effect by the grace that is therein displayed! And again, godly sorrow keeps penitential feelings in exercise within the quickened sinner's heart; and godly sorrow works godly repentance: every day we want more of this work of repentance. I would just notice how it manifests itselfThe man will be found confessing his sins before God; this was the case with the Psalmist 'I acknowledge my sins,' he said

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Now just look how this godly sorrow worked in the case of David; there was the confession made; and the Prophet said, The Lord hath put away thy sin.' And look at Peter how godly sorrow worked repentance in him, " And he went out and wept bitterly; and his was a repentance to salvation. Is there a poor sinner here? Are these the feelings you are the subject of? If they are, they are produced by the Spirit of God; and here is salvation from the punishment dreaded by the poor sinner. The very feeling of godly sorrow is to work out manifestively your salvation. Here you are led to the consideration of him whose name is Jesus, 'Because he shall save his people from their sins. Now there must be a deliverance from sin, or the penitent will never be satisfied: well might Paul say 'It is a repentance not to be repented of ' and they will never have to say, their repentance has been too much; through eternal ages they will have to be thankful to God that ever they were made sorry after a godly sort. Oh, never was a saint heard to say that he was sorry he had been sorry to repentance. Godly sorrow will preserve a man from that. But worldly sorrow will sink a man into despair. The sorrow of the world worketh death.' Now this is a very solemn consideration, 'A cheerful heart maketh it glad, but the sorrowful heart maketh it heavy," and leads to self-destruction. I read of a man who did the crime he ought not to have done, which was Judas; who said he repented in that he had sold innocent blood, but not one trace of soul-sorrow for his deed, which indeed was the blackest of all deeds, and might well in the vilest heart draw forth natural remorse, which indeed we find often displayed by the very profligate ; but in his heart was found no place for godly sorrow; it was natural, only in the head, and on the tongue, which vast numbers have, or else they, and this awful man Judas, would not do the acts they do against God: and take his sovereign prerogative into their own hands, or arraign as they do at their bar.

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This subject speaks a solemn admonition

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