Page:A Beacon to the Society of Friends.djvu/103

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SER. V.
MEANS OF REDEMPTION.
99

Holy Writ does the Spirit teach Quietism, as the means of our redemption? Is there one single word from Christ or his Apostles, that supports the doctrine?

What did the disciples do while "tarrying at Jerusalem?" Did they labour to get their bodies and minds quiet, &c.? The Scripture informs us that they "continued with one accord in prayer and supplication," but it says nothing about their silence and stillness.

Will not unprofitable thoughts be best excluded, and the desire fulfilled, "My soul, wait thou upon God only, for my expectation is from him," when the heart is drawing near unto God, through faith in Christ Jesus?

"Mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me, my wounds stink, and are corrupt, because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.—I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.—In thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God." Ps. xxxviii. 4-6, 8, 9, 15.

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness;—Wash

me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin: For I acknowledge my transgression; and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight." Ps. li. 1-4.

"He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and save them." Ps. cxlv. 19.

"He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it he will answer thee." Isa. xxx. 19.

"Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I