Nov. 7. Entering into conversation with one person, on the immediate state of happiness of those who die in the Lord; he replied, that no person can enter heaven, without being purged from their sins in purgatory. I asked him, Did he not think that the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ was sufficient to cleanse him? He replied, He was confident it was, but we must also suffer for some time in this place. I read to him different passages of Scripture, to prove to him that the blood of the Lord Jesus cleanseth us from all sin, such as Isaiah i. 18, 1 John i. 7, Prov. vii. 13, 14, 15, Heb. i. 3, &c.. After reading this passage, the man took the book out of my hand, to see if the words were expressly the same as I read them; after seeing they were, from his conversation after, he seemed very much to doubt this doctrine. I read at intervals to the Major’s workmen, himself being in a delicate state of health, which renders him at different times unable to do it. He had been very ill this day or two past, but is now getting better. Sir, I remain yours,
Samuel Cross.
To Rev. J. Bates.
Temple House, Nov. 14, 1834.
Rev. Sir.—I feel happy to state to you that since my last I have been permitted to read the word of life for vast numbers of Roman Catholics and others who were ignorant of those precious truths which are revealed in it; and indeed many of them have heard the word with remarkable attention, and seemed to receive instruction.
Oct. 20. In the house of widow Sweeny, where there were assembled about fifty Roman Catholics, the man of the house having got a sudden death; whilst I sat amongst them one of them said, “Let us pray for the soul of the departed.” Then they all took off their hats and prayed; this they did every half hour, and in the interval talked of consecrated ground, &c., and of the benefits of being interred in consecrated ground. I was indeed much grieved on seeing and hearing such ignorance and superstition; and, addressing myself to one of the most respectable and well informed among them, I asked, “What reason have we to believe that either consecrated burial-ground or prayers for the dead, or any other office, can help the state of the departed soul?” Two of them answered and spoke alternately. One said that no devil or evil spirit could come near consecrated ground; the other told me that they believed in the doctrine of purgatory, and that the prayers of the faithful are necessary for the relief of the souls in purgatory. I told them that it is written in the word of God, that “blessed are the dead which die in the Lord,” for they rest from their labours; that those who believe in Jesus Christ, “his blood cleanseth them from all sin,” and that consequently they need no other purgatory. I referred to the words of the Saviour in the 3rd of John, “He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life, but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” One of the men above mentioned said, that he read in the Scriptures that we are purged by fire. I showed, from 1 Peter iv., the fiery trial spoken of means persecutions and sufferings for Christ’s sake to be endured in this life. I also showed, from Acts viii. that on the death of Stephen there was not a word about consecrated burial-ground or prayer for the dead. All this time the people heard with most eager attention. I showed them from many parts of Scripture that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour, and that all who believe in him are justified from all things, &c.
On the 26th, went to the house of J. Foley, where many were assembled visiting a sick person. While they talked of the uncertainty of life, and the necessity of being prepared for eternity, I endeavoured to show the need we have of a Saviour, and the blessings of being interested in him. I proposed to read for the sick person, and was permitted; I read very many of the most suitable parts of Scripture, showing that the Saviour is a sure foundation to build our hopes on for salvation, and that there is no other. The people present were nearly all Roman Catholics; and seeing them so attentive, I continued nearly an hour reading. The sick person seemed to receive comfort from the Word, and the people of the family were extremely thankful. On the following Sabbath I again visited the same house. They told me they were rejoiced to see me enter their door. I read Acts iii. 4, showing that Peter, to whom they are in the habit of praying, directed the people to the Saviour, telling them that there is not salvation in any other, and that there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.
Robert Beaty.