[228] This pamphlet is written with more care than the first, and in a sweeter spirit. The Neighbor is made to ask all the important questions touching the great issues then before the community, and the Minister sets himself to answer methodically every inquiry. In his preface, he says:--
I have cast the discourse into this dialogistical mould to render it more agreeable to the lower ranks of men, for whose benefit it is chiefly designed.It defines what is a true work of God's grace, and what are the proofs of it, and then contrasts these with the counterfeit exhibitions. Speaking of the mental agonies of some persons under conviction, he says: “Distraction, or a deprivation of reason, is far from being serviceable to religion.” Of the spiritual manifestations of those days, he speaks under the heads of dreams, visions, and impulses; and he says:--
I have shown my dislike of them, because all such things evidently lead us from the word of God, the only rule by which we can judge of this work or of our own state. I see no reason why we should look for such things under the present dispensation. I have ever taught you that the Bible is a perfect rule of faith and manners,--a more sure word of prophecy. We are safe while we adhere to it; but we know not into whose hands we fall when we give heed to fancies and impressions.He also speaks of sudden screamings and raptures, and says:--
Some of the first screamings in these parts on the sabbath were under my preaching, and they have been repeated; but, Mr. Henry says, Satan gets possession by the senses and passions, Christ by the understanding.He writes with warmth against itinerant preachers going, unasked, to hold meetings in other ministers' parishes. Against the public preaching of women he quotes those emphatic texts of St. Paul; and against “hymns of human composition” is very severe. He does not speak ill of our poet-laureate of the church, Dr. Watts; but thinks that “mere human composures” may introduce heresy. He ends thus:--
Be not offended at these things, or prejudiced against the genuine work of God, from disorders and irregularities that arise among us: be sure to put in for a share of the spiritual blessings
