4 : 5 l 7 == 51 1 THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE MIRROR; OR, Different Classes 0f Christians, A SERIES OF LECTURES, BY REV. J. B. JETER, D.D., RICBMOID, VIRGINIA. WITH AN INTRODUCTION, KY REV. A. M. POINDEXTEK. NEW YORK: SHELDON, LAMPORT & BLAKEMAN, No 115 NASSAU STKEKT. 1855. Entered according to Act of Congress, in t!ic year 1855, by J . 13 . JETER, In the Clerk's Office of tho District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Virginia. 9 t3 U K V . Y> A N I K I , \V I T T , oo OF PIUNCK EI)WiD COCJiTV, VIRGINIA, .- ONE OF HIS OS CO 3 EARLIEST AND MOST DEVOTED FRIENDS, WHOSE LIFE HAS SO BEAUTIFULLY EXEMPLIFIED J_ THE SPIRIT AND PRECEPTS OF CM O CHRISTIANITY, IS TUB FOLLOWING WORK INSCRIBED, CJ A8 A SMALL TKSTIMONIAL OK THE IIKJH AXI) AFKKCTION ATR O ^ KEUAKl) IX WHICH HE IS I.'KI.J) HY THK J AUTHOR. < CONTENTS. PAGE Introduction, 7 LECTURE I. Living Christians, 21 LECTURE II. Growing Christians, 40 LECTURE III. Ubeful Christians, 67 LECTURE IV. Happy Christians 78 LECTURE V. Doubting Christians, 89 LECTURE VI. Timid Christians, 106 LECTURE VII. Indolent Christians 116 LECTURE VIII. Inconstant Christians 181 VI CONTENTS. PAQB LECTURE IX. Fashionable Christians, 141 LECTURE X. Frivolous Christians, 163 LECTURE XI. Sensitive Christians, 165 LECTURE XII. Censorious Christians, 174 LECTURE XIII. Obstinate Christians, 186 LECTURE XIV. Speculative Christians, 198 LECTURE XV. Covetous Christians 209 LECTURE XVI. Rum Drinking Christians, 220 LECTURE XVII. Inconsistent Christians, 235 PREFACE. SOME of the following Lectures were delivered a few years since, from brief notes, in the regular course of my pastoral ministrations. They were subse- quently written out, and published, with a few ad- ditional Lectures, in a periodical of very limited cir- culation. Several judicious friends have requested me to republish them, in an enduring form. Hoping that their more extensive circulation will contribute something to increase the piety and usefulness of Christians, I have concluded to comply with the re- quest. Some of the Lectures have been re-written, to others considerable additions have been made, the rest have been carefully ievised, and several entirely new have been added. The plan of the work is, so far as I know, unique. Its main object is the correction of prevalent faults among professing Christians. Some of these aro seemingly trivial, but they seriously mar the moral Vlll PREFACE. beauty, and impair the efficiency of those who are guilty of them ; and rarely, if ever, is an attempt made to correct them, in the usual course of pulpit instruction. The plan of these Lectures, partly di- dactic and partly narrative, afforded an opportunity, without violating the unity of the design, or giving offence, to aim at the correction of every species of bin and folly. The characters delineated in the Lectures are partly fictitious, but the incidents stated are substantially true. Most of them have occurred under my own ob- servation, some have been related to me by truthful witnesses, and a few have been gleaned in reading. These facts have been modified to suit my purposes, disguised to avoid giving offence, and so combined as to produce the best effects. In some cases, the facts are detailed with historical fidelity, in others, the sex is changed, and in others again, that is represented as having taken place with me which took place with others, or as having happened to others which hap- pened to me. In some delineations, I had a half dozen originals before my mind. I do not think that any person can find just cause of offence in the Lec- tures. But should any one surmise that I must have meant him, I can only say, that I have spoken in kind- PREFACE. IX ness and honesty, and sincerely hope that he may be profited by my words. To the lovers of fiction, I doubt not, my stories will seem insipid, if not disgusting; to the unbending ad- vocates of the orthodox plan of religious instruction, they may appear incompatible with the dignity of the pulpit ; but if they serve the purpose of correcting, in any measure, the evils which abound in Christian churches, the author will be abundantly compensated for the labor of preparing them for publication. J. B. JETER. RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, March 8, 1855. INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. THE design of this work is, by a practical exhibition of Christian character, in its excellencies and defects, to encourage the followers of Christ to cultivate those and to avoid these. This is a matter of great moment. And the method pursued by the author is well adapted to secure the object. Didactic instruction, however valuable and well expressed, does not so awaken at- tention as narrative. But there is danger when nar- rative alone is used, that the interest awakened will expend itself in fruitless sympathy. A just combi- nation of both methods may secure the advantages, and avoid the evils peculiar to each. Such a combi- nation the author attempts ; and ho has to a happy extent succeeded. In each Lecture is discussed and illustrated some one type of Christian character, and thus instruction is impressed upon the memory and upon the heart. The subjects treated are of the highest importance. The Gospel is a practical system. Its power, as such, is developed in the character of Christians. Not that in any one there is that moral beauty which perfect conformity to the Gospel would impart : nor that the state of the Christian profession is a fair and full ex- 12 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. position of its principles and tendencies. But the actual working of the system, as a poorer antagonizing all the forms of corruption, is exhibited in the fol- lowers, and the churches, of Christ. And the influ- ence of Christianity upon mankind, depends very ma- terially upon the piety of Christians. The Gospel is a sanctifying power. It purifies wherever it controls. It is a perfect mould, which, so far as the heart is brought into undisturbed contact with it, forms it into the image of the Holy One. The heart thus renewed will produce purity of life. " By their fruits ye shall know them." The actions of men are daguerreotypes of the " hidden man of the heart." There may be the assumption of character in order to deceive. And the hypocrite may, perchance, act his part with as much verisimilitude and success as Garrick ever attained upon the stage. This fact, however, de- monstrates, that, in the absence of such detestable fraud, the life is the heart revealed. Were it not for the confidence that men are what they seem to be, there would neither be the power nor the motive to de- ceive. It is vain to pretend to piety in the neglect of morality. Such a claim will not be credited. Nor should it be. Grace does not dissolve, but sanctify, the union which exists in nature between the heart and the life. " A good man, out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things : and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things." The heart is the fountain the life, the stream which flows from it. The Gospel infuses right principles, INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 13 imparts correct rules of conduct, and enforces these rules by holy and powerful motives. And then only has its influence been realized, when both the heart and the life are holy. Christianity affects the world mainly through the piety of Christians. The Bible may be read for the information it imparts ; admired for its simplicity, its purity, its beauty and sublimity ; it may modify the laws, and improve the morals of society ; it may, apart from example, occasionally prove the means of salvation ; but generally it will be an inoperative power when unaccompanied by Christian influence. The pulpit is a consecrated place. The Author of Salvation has ordained " by the foolishness of preach- ing to save them that believe." But, if the preacher be a wicked man, his utterances of the truth are more likely to draw upon him the scorn of his hearers, than to be " the power of God unto" their salvation. He is as " the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place" a sign of God's wrath, rather than a mensengcr of his mercy. The churches of Christ are the divinely appointed agencies for the conversion of the world. A pure and devoted church, animated by tin: Spirit, engaged in the service, and reflecting the glory of the Redeemer, exerts a saving influence of great prevalence and power. Happy the community where such a church exists, " for there the Lord commandcth the blessing, even life for ever more." But a church of ungodly or clinordcrly members, however Scriptural their creed, 14 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. however enthusiastic their devotions, however earnest their zeal, is a positive and serious injury. If they make proselytes, they are apt to become " two-fold more the children of hell" than they were hefore. Sober, reflecting men will say, " 0, my soul, come not thou into their secret ; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united." The piety of a church depends upon the piety of the members. As there is no greater numerical strength than the aggregate of the individual mem- bers, so there can be no more of piety than the con- stituents of the church possess. What is possessed by them is possessed by the church what is wanting in them is wanting in the church. And no one is a better man by being a church member unless he is a real Christian. On the contrary, such a connection, in the absence of a corresponding spirit and deport- ment, is decidedly injurious. It tends to lessen a sense of accountability, and to shield the conscience from the shafts of truth. And it is well, if, from the sin of professing a character to which he is not en- titled, the unworthy member does not advance to the perpetration of open crime. We fear that many persons deceive themselves at this point. They could illy bear to scrutinize their own char- acters. There is a conscious unholiness which causes them to turn, instinctively, from prayerful self-exami- nation. The only aspect in which they can, with any composure, contemplate themselves, is as members of a church. This relation imparts to them a fancied INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 15 sanctity. Association with the children of God, they regard as an evidence of their piety, and they care- fully avoid any inquiry into their right to belong to such a fellowship. The condition of such an one is well nigh hopeless. It is barely possible to awaken him to any adequate sense of his danger ; or to cause him to form any just conception of his guilt. His sin resembles that of Annanias and Saphira. Having covenanted to give himself, and all that he has to Christ, he has kept back not a part only, but tlie whole of the price. There are those who, though really converted, have entered but little into the spirit of the Gospel. They are Christians, but they are weak and sickly Chris- tians. The religious life with them is low, and its pulsations are feeble. They have enough vitality to preserve from putrefaction but not for vigorous action. Such claim our compassion. Usually, they are quite unhappy. Their conscientiousness interrupts worldly enjoyment, and they have few spiritual pleasures. Harrassed with doubts, their days are gloomy, &^u their nights are burdened with sighs. The influence which they exert is unfavorable to piety. They pre- sent religion in a repulsive form, especially to the young, the most hopeful subjects of Christian effort. The ardent and buoyant feelings of youth are shocked :md offended by a religion so unsatisfying and melan- choly. They arc unfitted, too, for efficient labor in the cause of Christ. Their attention is so concentra- 16 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. ted upon themselves, that it is difficult to interest them for the welfare of others. And if they do be- come interested, they are so timid and apprehensive as to cripple all their exertions. Others, again, have more of spiritual life, but are wanting in constancy. When, from peculiar circum- stances, they are excited, they manifest strong religious feeling, and much interest for the salvation of souls. But these feelings soon subside, and they sink into a state of indifference. Now it would be difficult to discover wherein they differ from the unconverted. They appear to be as entirely engrossed by worldly cares as those who make no pretensions to piety. Whatever time, or attention is yielded by them to re- ligious duties seems to be given with reluctance. Whatever sacrifice they may make, it is not the cheer- ful offering of a willing heart, but the enforced con- tribution of an upbraiding conscience. Such incon- sistency fatally obstructs the beneficial influence which they might exert. Besides the loss of their assistance during these periods of backsliding, the consistent friends of Christ have reason to deprecate their attempts to do good when they are actuated by their revived feelings. A suspicion of their sin- cerity is induced. And they are quite as likely to re- pel with disgust, as to succeed, when they attempt to bring sinners to repentance. " Physician, heal thy- self," may be expected to be, if not on every tongue, in every mind. And men are not willing to receive reproof from those in whose piety they do not confide. INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 17 An awakened sinner will distrust the counsel of one whose religion he doubts. But there are among the disciples of Christ, many who afford indubitable evidence of piety. Religion, with them, is not a name, or a form. It is a vital, active principle. Their lives clearly manifest the sanctifying power of the Gospel. They are, living " epistles ; known and read of all men." However humble, or exalted their position in society, whatever may be their vocation, they exert a salutary influence. Yet, not unfrequently the characters of those whose piety no one doubts, are greatly injured by some un- lovely temper, or unamiable habit, or repulsive ec- centricity. " He is a good man, but I cannot love him. He is so morose, or haughty, or overbearing. I should respect Mr. A. very highly, were it not for that disagreeable habit. I wonder that a Christian will so indulge. Mr. B. is a pious man. What a pity he is so eccentric." How often do we hear ex- pressions like these. In such cases " the fine gold has become dim." The attractive and assimilating power of Christian example is counteracted. Preju- dices are engendered which it may be impossible to re- move and occasion is afforded to the enemies of the Gospel to vilify Christian character. ID the church, such blemishes are likely to prove a sore evil. They tend to weaken the affections, and mar the enjoyments of the brotherhood. They are, by the nature of the relation, constantly obtruded upon their attention, and it demands unusual forbearance 2 18 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. to prevent them from producing coolness, if not aliena- tion. At best they must detract from the sweetness of fellowship. The communion of saints, demands, for its full enjoyment, the perfect likeness of Christ. Whatever want of this is seen in any participant, lessens the pleasures of the union. Although a for- bearing spirit, strengthened by a sense of personal un- worthiness, may enable Christians to overlook, or to tolerate many improprieties, it is at the expense of that oneness of feeling which is so precious to the child of God. We may love notwithstanding some evil, or unamiable characteristic ; but we cannot so love as we should in its absence. Church members sometimes complain that their brethren do not love them. Would it not be well for such to inquire, whether, in truth, they are not unlovely ? Christian affection naturally fixes upon those whose deportment is conformed to " whatsoever things are pure lovely and of good re- port." But if any will be unkind, or factious, or dic- tatorial, or morose if they will not take the pains to be lovely let them not complain if they are not be- loved. An affectionate, tender and earnest fellowship in a church is of the greatest importance. It most effec- tually commends the Q-ospel to the confidence of man- kind. Where all are united in one heart and one spirit, each sharing the sorrows and the joys of every one, seeking by every kind attention to promote the prosperity and happiness of all, and where all concur to maintain the purity, and advance the interests of INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 19 the church, a spectacle is exhibited upon which God looks with delight, and the world with admiration and awe. Such a church is indeed an Oasis in the desert; and many weary travelers will there rest, and refresh their tired spirits. That a Christian should interrupt such delightful harmony is most sad. Yet, how often do those whom we can but regard as converted men, by the want of circumspection, or self-restraint, cause bitterness and contention in the churches ! It may be doubted whether the larger proportion of strifes are not produced by such. Hypocrites and deluded persons are not likely so to gain the confidence of the godly as to enable them to work the mischiefs which a pious, but contentious man may effect. And surely it is less to be regretted when the wicked injure the cause of Christ. " If it were an enemy, then I could have borne it." To be wounded in the house of a friend, and by the hand of a friend, is a sore calamity. Whether, then, we contemplate the Christian as the exponent of the practical power of Christianity as the servant of Christ, sent forth to labor for the salva- tion of meu, or aa a member of a church organized for the conversion of the world, we see the importance of a living, transforming, earnest piety. It is an ab- solute necessity. The want of it unfits him for every duty, detracts from the practical influence of the Gos- pel, endangers souls, and dishonors the Redeemer ! The churches are beginning to act in the spirit of Christianity as an aggressive poorer. They are hoping, and laboring that " the whole earth (may) be filled 20 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. with (the) glory" of Messiah. The work before them is great. The struggle will be arduous and protracted. Every soldier of the cross is needed in the conflict. None should be irresolute, or inactive. Fully equipped in heavenly armour, the entire "sacramental host" should go forth, " conquering and to conquer." How needful, then, that from the pulpit, and the press, those truths be urged which are suited to correct the errors, and to increase the piety of Christians. God grant that this book may have such an influence ! We can wish no better for either ourselves, the author, or the readers, than that its faithful teachings may be inscribed upon our hearts, and embodied in our lives. LECTURE I. LIVING CHRISTIANS. THE name " Christians ,"' first given to the disci- ples of Jesus in the city of Antioch, was probably of divine origin.* It is appropriate, and very signifi- cant. The admirers and pupils of distinguished teachers were called after their names. The disci- ples of Plato were called Platonists those of Aristo- tle were called Aristotelians and those of Pythago- ras were called Pythagoreans. The disciples of Christ were early styled Christians. A Christian is a fol- lower of Christ one who receives the Word, trusts in the atonement, imbibes the Spirit, imitates the exam- ple, obeys the precepts, espouses the cause, and honors the name of Christ. Such is the scriptural import of the title. A Christian is the highest style of man the wisest, best, happiest, noblest of his race. " The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor."! To the super- ficial observer this superiority may not appear ; but it is manifest to Him that searches the heart, and es- timates human conduct by the principles from which it flows, and the motives by which it is governed. * Art* xi 28. f Prov. lU ?(V. 22 LIVING CHRISTIANS. All the splendor of royalty, all the achievements of warriors, all the fruits of science, and all the triumphs of genius, dwindle to insignificance in comparison with the moral attainments, and enduring immunities of the true Christian. A faithful delineation of Christian character its various excellences and defects cannot fail to interest and profit the attentive and serious hearer. To this object I propose to devote a few Lectures. I shall endeavor concisely to describe several classes of Chris- tians, be-ginning with the good, and closing with the defective. Under the first general class, we may place Living Christians, G-rowing Christians, Useful Christians, and Happy Christians. To draw the character of Living Christians is the aim of the present Lecture. All who are called Christians are not Living Chris- tians. Some have a name that they live, and are dead.* They are Christians in profession, but in spirit and practice they are heathen. They may, ik deed, have the form of Godliness, but they utterly deny its power. They wear the garb, but possess not the spirit of Christ. Profession, if any thing bet- ter than hypocrisy, succeeds regeneration. Without faith, love, and devotion, it is not merely vain, but offensive to God. It is the garnishing of the sepul- chre full of bones and putrefaction. It is offering to * Rev iii:l. LIVING CHRISTIANS. 23 God the halt, the maimed, and the blind in sacrifice. Such Christians are dead in the worst sense of the word " dead in trespasses and BIOS' - d:ad to God, and heaven. Their living bodies are the sopulchers of lifeless souls. But the true Christian f-.as life divine life eternal life. Holiness is to the soul, what life is to the body its beauty, enjoyment and glory. This invaluable endowment every believer possesses; for faith purifies the heart.* " I am crucified," he may say, " with Christ ; nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me ; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."f Living Christians are not such by natural birth. A man may be born a king, but not a Christian. He may inherit a vigorous constitution, beauty, genius, wealth, and an illustrious name, but not piety or grace. The sons of God are born " not of blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the will of man."J " That which is born of the flesh is flesh. " Descent from Abraham, what- ever advantages it secured under tbe Levitical econo- m} r , is a vain plea for admittance to Christian privi- leges. " Think not to say within yourselves," said the harbinger of Jesus, to the Pharisees and SadducccH, who came to his baptism, " We have Abraham to our father ; for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. r j| * Acts xv : 9. t Gal. ii : 20 t John \ : M.