Elder Clark On Means

1804-1882

"Beloved Brethren.--It appears we have fallen upon perilous times, when almost every species of heresy is being introduced into the O. R. Baptist churches. Notwithstanding there are many periodicals started up amongst the Baptists, proposing reformation or a returning to the original landmarks: yet I find they are very slow in returning. I for my part go in for a radical and thorough reform. No partial work will suit the sincere inquirer after truth. The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, will neutralize those belligerent spirits; and work a perfect union amongst the brethren. I discover there is some one wishes to know "whether it is God, the Holy Spirit, that quickens, or makes alive dead sinners, independent of any means or instrumentalities?" I answer in the affirmative: that is one truth, but yet not the whole truth. Notwithstanding God worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, yet he has seen fit, in his infinite wisdom, to make use of means and instrumentalities in bringing about his purposes: and so far from God being dependent upon them, they are entirely dependant upon him for success. We readily acknowledge God alone has power to quicken or make alive dead sinners, or in other words to open the blind eyes, &c--But is it not as clearly revealed that God has his own way in doing this great work? We readily agree that God is the first cause of all causes; but does that nullify the idea of his making use of second causes to accomplish his purposes? I think not. Now for proof that God does make use of means, or second causes, in awakening dead sinners. "I have begotten you through the gospel" (I Cor. iv. 15). "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance" (1 Thes. 1:5). "Whereunto he calley you by OUR GOSPEL, to the obtaining the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thes. ii:14). "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers, by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man" (I Cor. 3:5) "To OPEN THEIR EYES, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God" &c. (Acts xxvi.18) "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth, the the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16) "Now when THEY HEARD THIS they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the Apostles, men and brethren what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37) "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me THROUGH THEIR WORD" (Acts xvii.20) "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the SAYING OF THE WOMAN, which testified, he told me all I ever did" (John iv.36). Of his own will begat he us WITH THE WORD OF TRUTH. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, BY THE WORD OF GOG, which liveth and abideth forever. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord WORKING WITH THEM and confirming the word with signs following. So shall MY WORD be that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall ACCOMPLISH that which I please, an it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I sent it (Isaiah lv.11) If the above named scriptures are not sufficient to convince any unprejudiced mind that God does make use of means and instrumentalities in awakening and making alive dead sinners, then the bible is of but little use; as well without as with it. The opposer says, "we CAN conceive how agencies and instrumentalities can be employed in administering to the living, but what place they can have in giving life we cannot so readily conceive." Brethren are not aware of the dilemma there (they?) are in by holding that position. If indeed the gospel is of no manner of use in quickening of dead sinners, why should it be of any use in keeping them alive when made alive? Is not the same power that makes them alive without the use of means able to keep them alive without the use of means? I see as much propriety in the one case as the other. But they say Christ says, Feed my sheep; he says also, preach the gospel to every creature; so nullify the gospel. But, my brethren, the true bible doctrine is most clear, that God has ordained the preaching of the gospel for some special purposes, and those purposes he will accomplish through the word preached. These very brethren who oppose God's making use of means in the awakening of dead sinners say they have no authority from the word of God, to believe that any are saved when the gospel is not preached. O consistency! what a jewel thou art!"