One other stratagem may be mentioned, which, for the subtlety of its nature, and the frequency of its use, requires especial notice. Satan will often transform himself into an angel of light, and by means of some popular minister, or talkative professor, promise a speedy growth in divine life, but, in reality, will divert from all proper thoughts of God, and of themselves. He will draw the young convert into some matter of doubtful disputation, either of doctrine or discipline in the church. He will either explode some important truth, or carry it into an improper extreme, turning spirituality into mysticism, or liberty into licentiousness. Having thus entangled the inexperienced in some labyrinth of error, Satan cares not, if, under a profession of religion he can but lead away from the simplicity that is in Christ; and substitute for the spirit of the gospel a spirit of pride, and of discord, in which all the angry passions find their element, and the souls of men are lost for ever, amidst furious contentions about religion. "Where-fore, take unto you the whole armour of God." Seeing you are placed in circumstances that will require the faithful use of every part of it, see that nothing be wanting to your steadfastness.
The armour is chiefly of the defensive kind, by which we may maintain our standing in the Christian warfare.
There is an "helmet" for the head, a "breastplate" for the heart, "shoes" (or greaves) for the feet, a "girdle" for the loins, a "shield" that may be moved for the defence of every part that may require it, and a "sword" by which deadly wounds may be inflicted on the enemy. Of these we cannot now speak particu larly, but shall hereafter, if God permit.
We close with three observations:—1. There is no preparation for the back: hence we are to understand that we are to face the foe; and should any think to flee for safety, they expose the unprotected part to the enemy, and become an easy prey. 2. No direction is given for those who shall use this armour aright, and yet be vanquished: from which we infer that such a case cannot occur. This is an armour of proof, which never has failed, and, if used in the strength of the Lord, is sure to be effectual. Let the Christian army know that Satan, with all his power and subtlety, shall never finally prevail against them. Thus armed, their head shall be preserved from error, their heart from iniquity, and their feet from falling. 3. This is expressly God's armour, and we can receive it at the hands of no one but the Captain of our salvation. As, when God decreed the destruction of Babylon, we are told that "the Lord opened his armoury, and brought forth the weapons of his indignation;" so, when Christians are called to fight the good fight, to resist Satan, and overcome the world, a suitable armour is provided, and we are directed to put it on, that we may war a good warfare,—
"Till, crowned with victory, at his feet
We lay our laurels down."
J. E.
Clapham.
THE REV. J. BERRIDGE.
To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine.
In your last month's magazine I was not a little pleased to meet once more the signature of my late excellent friend, John Sutcliff, of Olney. The story, also, related by him concerning the pious Mr. Berridge, delighted me much; to see such zeal and firmness in his great Master's cause, persevered in, even to the end; and to perceive how wonderfully the Lord protected and delivered him, amidst the most inveterate enemies. Is not here a striking display of a good Master, and a faithful servant?
On reading this pleasing and interesting anecdote, it immediately occurred to my mind, that a long time since I paid a visit to this excellent man, of a most pleasant kind; it was in the summer of 1777, when on a journey from Yorkshire to London, through St. Neot's, where I stopped to supply the congregation of Independents two Sabbaths. Everton being but a short distance from thence, I felt a strong inclination to take that opportunity of paying a visit to this good old man, who I had several times heard preach at the Tabernacle in London, and for whom I felt no small degree of respect. Consequently I rode over to Everton, and was kindly invited by the old gentleman to dine with him; on this occasion, I well remember requesting him to inform me of his adventures as an itinerant preacher, for I knew he was employed in such services. The following case Mr. Berridge narrated to me: "I had been preaching in a village near Cambridge, at a time when there was a strong opposition in that neighbourhood to preaching out of doors. Having fixed upon the place, and being furnished with a little table for my pulpit, while I was engaged, I thought I felt something moving under me, but was not so much incommoded as to interrupt or hinder me in my work. Having concluded the service, I retired, safely, from the crowd, into the cottage of a poor woman. I had not been there long, before some person came to the door, who wished to see me; but the poor woman was so alarmed, that she dared not at first open the door, for fear I should be ill-treated. I desired her immediately to open the door, and not be afraid. Soon after a man came in, trembling, and most earnestly and humbly begged my pardon, for he fully intended to throw me down, but felt himself powerfully restrained from doing so." Mr. Berridge was not a little affected by his confession, and said to me, I had him under my table as my prisoner, for he dared not stir to hurt me: and he hoped this might be followed by happy results to this convicted culprit.