Cont Pam rixx\o ffoon No. 43. THE CHRISTIAN OFFICER It is a most awakening truth, and one which must be received on the authority of the sacred volume, that in whatever state, morally and spiritually considered, we leave this world, in that very condition we shall remain forever. The man whom the liour of death finds in the possession, through Divine ^race, of real lioliness, will be lioly for ever; while he who closes this life as he speni It, rejecting God, and slighting tlie offers of sal- vation, will continue hardened and impenitent through all eternity. In the former case, never-ceasing happi- ness will be the consequence; in the latter, misery without an end. Let us connect these considerations with another, which scripture and daily observation combine to press upon our attention — the uncertainty of liuman liie, and the possibility that at any mon)ent, and without any notice, we may be called into this fixed and changeless state of existence; and it would appear impossible not at once to arrive at a proper conclusion as to our own habitual duty as dying creatures, yet pos- ^'^essed of immortal souls. Surely, it must follow that no course of conduct can be safe or right which will not bear the test of eternity applied to it, and of which we cannot feel satisfied that, were eternity to break upon us while actually pursuing it, it would be consistent with that holiness of character which alone will be fol- lowed with the happiness of heaven. We should thus continually employ tlie immediate prospect of eternity as a test by which to ascertain the propriety or the impropriety of all we do, and think, and say ; by which to judge of the correctness or erroneousness of "any doctrine we may be disposed to embrace, and the worth or insufficiency of any of the principles we adopt as our own. It is by applying tliis rule to the gospel, as contain- ing the principles of genuine Christianity, that we learn its real value and intrinsic excellence. The doctrines to which it invites attention, and the precepts which it enforces, reduced to practice, necessarily lead the man who is enabled by Divine grace to yield himself to their influence, into a state in which he may not only regard 55 THE CHRISTIAN OFFICER. eternity in near pr^ spect with composure, but await its approach with joy; because it will confirm him in holi- ness for ever, and secure to him, through the merits of Jesus Christ, an uninterrupted enjoyment of the Divine presence and love. Nowhere do we meet with attesta- tions so strong in favor of scriptural Christianity as those which have been given at the moment when this world has appeared as nothing, and the soul has been absorbed in tlie future. Then it has been discovered that, however much its truths are questioned by mul- titudes, and however much the preference denied to these may have given to other systems, nothing — no, nothing — but the religion of Jesus can lead the soul into that slate for which death has no terrors, and eter- nity no alarm. It was with a view to give such a testimony that a young officer, who fell in the siege of Algiers, sat down on the evening before the engagement, and^ in the antici- pation of death, wrote three letters, ihe expressions in which, as far as regarded religion, he wished should be considered by the three individuals to whom they were addressed, as coming from that eternal world into which he had a presentiment he should soon enter. Extracts from two of these letters are subjoined. They were written at a season when a man was not likely to dis- semble; when hypocrisy would not guide his pen nor influence his heart. He was just at that age when the world looks attractive, when hope is lively, and the im- agination is busy in picturing to itself scenes of future delight. He was young, and his natural disposition was far from gloomy; but, under the influence of real religion, he cheerfully resigned the fancied pleasures which arise from the gaities of this world for those which afe alone to be discovered in the heartfelt service of God. There was a time, indeed, when on these points he thought and acted differently. He had ardently engaged in the pursuit of his professional studies — but had neglected the all-important interests of his soul — until, in the providence of God, he became acquainted with a pious medical officer in the navy. His friend resolved, in the opportunities of conversation, to bring the great truths of vital religion before his mind, and, if possible, to excite ^attention to them. THE CHRISTIAN OFFICER. 3 Thry first conversed on llie state of man, as an accountable and a fallen being — on his inability to ren- der satisfaction to the Divine law, and his consequent exposure to eternal punishment; from hence they were led to co^itcmplate the aionement of the Lord" Jesus Chiist — the wonderful and glorious plan of redemption, and the way of a sinner's pardon, justification, and acceptance with God. Various intervals of leisure were improved for the purpose of religious conference until, under the influence of Divine teaching, the youth beofan to perceive the excellency of the gospel, and to be afive to his own state as a sinner, and by his humble inqui- ries, and the eagerness with which he sought informa- tion, to prove hi-mself sincerely desirous of an interest in those blessings to which he had hitlierto been a stranger. He attended with earnestness to the expla- nation of saving faith, and of the necessity, nature and evidences of the Holy Spirit's regenerating work in the heart; in prayer, and the means afTorded by God for spiritual improvement, he took delight; the Divine prccej^ts he readily received as the rule of a believer's life, and now he experienced the joy of communion with God. As the consefjuence of this alteration in his views in favor of personal religion, he manifested a lively solici- tude for the spiritual welfare of others. Many letters attest the depth of tin's anxiety, but there is one senti- ment pervading them all — which cannot be better expressed than in his own language, in a letter to a friend: — "Remember, we shall all be lost unless Christ be with us, who says, * Ye must be born agfrin.' We must remember that God is just, as well as merciful, and that his mercy has only one channel, which is through his Son." But the time arrived when his principles should be put to the test; when he should feel more deeply than he had ever felt, the value of that Saviour whom the gospel reveals, and His power to sustain in circum- stances when the spirit needs more than ordinary support. On the evening previous to llie arrival of the fleet ofT Algiers, he gained a ({iw moments for retirement, and as the sun went down upon him for the last time, he took up his pen and wrote the following letter to a friend : THE CHRISTIAN OFFICER. ETERNITY. My dear I must date my letter from Eternity, as this will never reach you, unless I am killed in the ensuing fight with the Algerines. But I thank m^' Creator, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that the terrors of death are takea away by his blessed redemption of poor ruined sinners. Since I left England, having been without the converse of any Christian friend on board, I have been suffering doubts and fears; which, together with some persecution, have brought me very low. Oh, how I lono;- to talk to a dear friend, of " Christ and him crucified !" but, as the apostle has said, "When I am weak, then am I strong." I pray to be, in the strength of my blessed Redeemer, resigned to what he shall think fit to appoint. If it pleaseth him to take me to himself, I hope to say with Paul, "For me to live is Christ, arfd to die is gain !" I am by this time far re- moved from the world and all its giddy scenes ; my last wish is, that you would love the brethren, whether of high or low estate; here it is I notice some of the oldest Christians to fail. Remember, that to be a Christian is the highest honor man can possess, and " by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another." Oh, what a blessed, indescribable joy, do I feel now in my Justifier before an offended God ! Now, in a mo- ment when the worldly boaster trembles, I can stand unappalled, and point with faith to my Redeemer. I wish to manifest my love for all who are servants of Christ. *I have left the fashionable, vain world, and, therefore, speak without its ceremonies. I speak, as it were, from that place where '' neither moth nor rust doth corrupt." I have this day been reading the book which gave you so much comfort: " The Life of Colonel Gardiner." It requires all my prayers to keep me spiritually minded, amidst blasphemy and sin, and to be looking to Christ for the peace which he alone can give his saints. The H — s is in the fleet; I went on board of her when we called at Gibraltar, and refreshed myself with the conversation of our Lord's servants.. Think well of the privileges you enjoy of being amongst them, and conversing with them. I wish all THE CHRISTIAN OFFICER. 5 Christians would love one anollier; but worldly pride draws tlie mind from these celestial delights. May the Saviour of mankind send his Floly Spirit on you all! I am, with sincerest prayers for tlie welfare of your dear family, Yours, in Christ. The next letter is addressed to his mollier — a son's last, affectionate farewell. Sons wiil read it as their own language: mothers will feel it addressed to them. The words of a child to a beloved parent are likely to be t])e utterance of undisguised affection. It is no easy thing for one whose mind is susceptible of every tender emotion, to sit down and tell a mother, " It is probable I shall never see you more." Under such a feeling, the sentiments expressed have a stamp of sincerity. The letter evidently discovers a hurried state of mind — a rapid transition from one subject to another — a hovering of thought between self and the beloved object before the imagination. He utters in this the same expres- sions of lively confidence as in the preceding letter, with a constant reference to the same truths as the ground of his support; sudden glances at the littleness of this world, and the g^randeur of another; at the pains of tliis life, and the glories of a better. But its principal fea- ture is a tender anxiety, an ardent concern about the eternal interests of his mother and of others dear to him; the pleading eloquence of the heart that strives to prevail, but seems embarrassed by the importance of its subject. He alludes to every truth, and uses every consideration to make them bear on the great object of salvation by Christ alone ; while he strives, if possible, to heal the wound and dry the tear which were to be a mother's lot, when he had passed far beyond the bound- aries which enclose sorrow and sighing, pain and death. By the side of such a scene, the cold, unsatisfied indifference of the dying infidel looks inconceivably pitiful — the blasphemy of a dying profligate, indescrib- ably wretched. Contemplating such a spectacle, the believer should be encouraged, remembering that he who imparted to this young officer strength equal to his day, is able to make all grace abound toward him, and enable him to say, as he did, "I die trusting." THE CHRISTIAN OFFICER. — ETERNITY. My dear mother : 1 arrived with the fleet in the Mediterranean, and anchored at Gibraltar; bat findin^^ no conveyance to Malta, where Captain resides at present, I re- mained on board this ship. We are off Algiers, and shall attack it immediately. If I do not live to see you any more, you will receive this, as I leave it in my desk for you. It is expected that this will be a most tremen- dous fight; and the Albion, from her situation, will receive more fire than any other in the squadron. I am stationed on the forecastle, having a gun there under my charge. As this letter will not reach you until t am launched into eternity, know, my dear, dear mother, that I have hope in my Redeemer's sufferings, to be justified before tlie face of my God. While writing this, I pray that my fall may have the effect of pointing you to Him who only can save; and this He can do to the very uttermost. I should indeed dread to die; but 1 trust that if I do, I am only sent to sing the sooner the praises of that Redeemer who has sent his grace into my heart. I have left the things of this for those of another world, where I hope my Saviour will receive me as one of his blessed — blessed with having his precious grace. May He send this grace into all your hearts, and draw you to himself! Remember that this world is of little consequence to me at this moment. " All is vanity !" Oh, deceive not yourselves, but look to the. Redeemer's sufferings for you ! If you ask for his grace while on this earth, you shall iiave it. God coming on this earth to die for such worms! I survey this plan of redemp- tion with wonder, and love Him w^ho died for me. Re- member, O, mother, that my last wish is, that you pray earne^stly for the Holy Spirit, and for the saving grace of Christ, which alone can make me happy at this time. By the time you receive this, I shall long have been gone, I hope, to heaven Don't grieve for me, for by that time I shall be witli the Redeemer; but be con- cerned for your own souls, which are liable to be re- quired of you each day, each moment. Look that you be ready, if they be required of you, I feel quite re- THE CHRISTIAV OFFICER. signed to all that can happen to me, as I know I am under the direction of a Joving Father. MyJast prayer IS, that you may all know Christ, and him crucified. Learn to think yourself a sinner by nature, and that all your chanties are as dust before God, unless you have and fee. a love to Christ surpassing all other love. If you have not this love, pray earnestly that vou may feel It, and that immediately; for see how I am cut off m the prime o[ youth. If I knew that you had ob- tained by faiih an interest in Clu-ist, I could depart into another world with delight. Oh, embrace Christ, who alone can >ave ! Let these words strike on your hearts with treble force. Read, especially, the iNew Testa- ment the Epistle to the Romans, and Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. Know that ihe^e things are now what I rest on. Silver and gold are of no consequence to me now: Christ is the only nfucre trom the wrath to come. Remember, that if' by the time you receive this 1 am in heaven, it is not by mine own works, but through Christ, who was the only one that ever kept the law. He is our justification before Ihe pure throne of heaven. The God that dwells there IS of purer eyes than to behold iniquity;" therefore He will not behold us e.xcept through a blessed Media- tor, Christ; to whom we must pray for His blessed Spirit to help us, seeing that our state is by nature sin- ful. " Except ye be born again" of Christ's Holy Spirit, " ye cannot enter into the kinodom of heaven V Let this shock make you fly to Christ; if 'so, I wil- lingly die; for I shall soon see you, if you fro to H m in another and a better world. I die trustin^'cr. I com- mend you all again into His hands, who°can bless you until I see you in heaven. We shall meet arrain perhaps, very soon. ° ' The view of a fellow-creature in the immediate ant.cipation of a change of worlds, ought to produce senousriess. It is solemn to gaze on the countenance which thoughts of eternity have marked with awe, and over which death is drawing its paleness. It is equally interesting to watch the mind, and see how the moral features are affected by the contemplation of immortal- ity; how they change at the sight of a world of happi- 8 THE CHRISTIAN OFFICER. ness or a world of mist^ry, p.nd at the approach of the messenger who will inevitably introduce the departing spirit to one or other of these states to dwell for ever there. In reference to the subject of this brief narrative, it need not be inquired whence this calm, tliis happy state of mind, this bright prospect of eternity; nothing said about the fears of danger, the pain of death ; no want of courage to face suffering, but»all pleasure in the soul. All is the legitimate result of a well-grounded reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ. We need not ask why this eager solicitude for the welfare of others — this strono; anxiety that they might know and love the truths of the gospel. They had been precious to him, and he wished his friends to know their value. Christ was the foundation of his own hopes; and he knew that there was " none other name given under heaven among men whereby they must be saved." The sequel of his history may be told in few words. He had but just concluded the letter to his mother, sealed it, and placed it in his desk, w^hen active prepara- tions for the coming conflict commenced. His presenti- ments were verified. During the action, his head was struck by a ball from the batteries of the Algerines, and he was laid low in an instant. He was carried below: the surgeons examined him, but the vital spark was ex- tinct. He had exchanged the roar of battle for the songs of heaven : he had forgotten the tumult of warfare in those peaceful regions where they learn the art of war no more. Learn, then, dear reader, that eternity has no terrors for the soul that is in Christ. Consider how great and innumerable are the blessings connected with real reli- gion ; how it fills the soul with satisfaction and joy, to feel that sin is pardoned, and that all is safe for another world; and how it cheers life when, on good grounds, a man can apply to himself the blessings to which the Scripture invites, and say, ^'iMy maker is my friend ; he will never leave me, nor forsake me : he has promised to bless me here, and will at last receive me to himself." PUBLISHED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA TRACT SOCIETY. Printed by Evans & Cogswell, No. 3 Broad street, Ciiaiieston, S. C. Hollinger Corp. pH8.5