The Substance of a Sermon Delivered by DAVID SANDS, at a Public Meeting in Macclesfield, Cheshire, 1804, taken in Short Hand by Thomas Mollineaux.
Journal of the Life and Gospel Labors of David Sands: With Extracts From His Correspondence. London: Charles Gilpin, 1848, pages 275-286.
This is The Quaker Homiletics Online Anthology, Part 2: The 18th Century.
They may also be led into unprofitable paths, and directed to wrong stages; and this may lead
them into unprofitable company, whose communications may have so much weight with them,,
especially if they take them for friends; as to stop their progress, and induce them to take up with
a false rest; I was going to say, to stop at a half-way house. We read of a people that had been in
captivity, and whilst in that state they became mixed; they lost the pure language of the true
Israelite, and spoke a mixed language that was part Jew and part Ashdod; they were not wholly
either the one or the other, and when presented in order to be examined before the Judges of
Israel, they could not stand in judgment; they were not approved, but driven away, as such as
would defile the priesthood and the sanctuary.
It appears also that there was something like this in the days of the Apostles; for we read there
were those that had begun well, and had run well for a season; that they had begun in the Spirit,
under the influence of the Spirit, and had no doubt felt something of its power; but, from some
cause or other, had fallen away. And we also find that some bad guides had got in amongst them;
that as there were false Prophets amongst the people of Israel, so were there false teachers, even
amongst the primitive Christians. They were false, because they taught false doctrine, and
undertook to do what they were not qualified for; and thus imposed on the people whom they
undertook to guide; and instead of leading them in those Paths in which the faithful had advanced
forward, they turned them from the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to visible fleshly things; so that
they became so altered in their views as to imagine they were able to become perfect by carnal
notions and bodily exercises.
These things are recalled for our learning; so that even in this generation we may remember our
Lord's caution, "Take heed how ye hear;" and not only so, but what and whom ye hear--whom we
receive as our guides. We read that the time would come when many would cry, "Lo, here is
Christ, or Lo, there is Christ," but, said our Lord Jesus Christ, "Go ye not after them, for the
kingdom of heaven is within you." As though he had said," Do not look abroad, with an
expectation of finding that which ye must find at home." This seems to be implied by our Lord's
exhortation also, when he revived that passage in the Prophet Isaiah, "All thy children shall be
taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shall they be
established." This is what t believe to be the privilege of the children of God in the present day;
they have a Teacher and an Instructor that will never lead them astray. This pure guide teacheth
them to profit; and leadeth them in the way that they should go.
But now to return to my own experience. I was deeply engaged with earnest desires that I might
come to a state of certainty, and be settled upon a foundation that would stand sure; and I found
by experience that in this was involved a work that required a great deal of inward labor, for, as
our Lord said, speaking of the hearers of his :word, he distinguished between the mere
negligent-hearers and the truly obedient disciple. The latter he compares to a wise man; who
digged down and laid the foundation of his house upon a rock. My earnest desire was to find this
Rock, and to know what it was. This digging seems to me to be digging through our own works
and wills, and getting deeper than our own thoughts and reasonings; in a word, it is coming to a
state of strippedness, to be of the poor in spirit. This is the state those are in who have no will of
their own, no righteousness of their own; nor do they wish to have any thoughts of their own, as
it were; but that all the powers of their minds should be brought into an entire subjection to the
will of God; and into that course which is consistent with his will concerning them. They know, as
said the Apostle, they of themselves cannot think a good thought or do a good action without the
Lord's help. This state of inward poverty and strippedness is blessed: being stripped, they are
empty also; and: being empty, they become partakers of the promise; for "blessed are they that
hunger and thirst after~ righteousness, for they shall be filled:" they that hunger and thirst after the
true knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. The language of their minds seems to be
this: "Oh Lord, give me thyself; nothing short of thyself can satisfy my soul. I want to be settled in
a land of certainty, that at all times I may be able to address thee as "Our Father which art in
Heaven." These are true seekers, and the promise is, that they shall find. They do not ask things of
God to consume them on their lusts; or to make themselves appear respectable, as did the Scribes
and Pharisees of old, "to be seen of men;" but they ask those things because they feel the real
want of them.
Now God knows thy heart, and he is not guided by words, or the sound of the voice; but he
answers mankind according to the sincerity of their hearts; for God loves a sincere and upright
heart; and the prayers of these he answers, sooner or later; he fills them with the very things that
they need. I hope, my dear brethren and sisters, that many of you know what it is to be filled with
things suitable to your respective states. The Lord fills his own children with good things; he
loads them with benefits. Those that are poor, humble, and that are brought, as it were, out of
themselves, he causes them to say, as did a female on sacred record, "My soul doth magnify tho
Lord, my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." Oh, ye that are poor, ye need not he uneasy, for
he filleth the poor with good things. But the rich thought they had plenty, and at the same time
were really "poor, wretched, and miserable, and blind, and naked.'' Instead of being rich, they
were blind they did not see their nakedness; they did not wish to see themselves in the glass; they
could not say in sincerity, "Lord, search me, try me, know my ways; and if there is iniquity in me,
Oh Lord~ do thou take it away. Let not thine hand spare, nor thine eye pity, until thou makes me
meet for thy holy kingdom." But the rich and self-righteous do not want to see; they would rather
have an outside garment than an inside holiness. If they can but pass along and be esteemed of
men, they care little about any thing further. Thus they bring blindness upon themselves, and
hardness of heart: for a blind hypocrite is always hard-hearted; and being hard-hearted, you may
observe how they could handle our dear Redeemer, He who went about doing good; healing the
bodily diseases of poor mankind. And whilst doing those gracious acts, He comforted the
widows; often speaking a word of instruction and comfort for their poor souls. All that came to
Him in faith, He was willing to help: and when of the ten that came, only one was right-minded,
yet He healed them all. When I touch upon the character of our Redeemer, all the powers of my
soul seem to be immersed in the spirit of my dear Redeemer. My heart at times has melted when I
considered the steps that he took: weary and fatigued, whilst thus doing good. The birds of the air
had nests, the foxes had holes; but the Son of Man had not whereon to lay his head. The
unbelieving Jews knew and examined his works; they were constrained to acknowledge his
notable miracles; that mail never spake like this man. His works, like his garment, could not be
picked to pieces. They sifted the poor parents of the man that was born blind, whether was their
son. We find they confessed that he was; but by what means he was restored to sight they said
they could not tell. This shows how the fear of man operates, in those who give way to it. They
said, he is of age, ask him. Thus they avoided confessing to the power of Christ. But the poor but
grateful spoke as every true Christian should do: "I know that whereas I was blind, now I see;" as
though had said, "I was a poor benighted creature, but Jesus met with me, I have found him; Jesus
of Nazareth. I wanted to know him for years past; and whereas once I was blind, now I see."
Well, my dear brethren and sisters, I have come to you in a large measure of gospel love. Some of
you can say we do know, and can certify that Jesus is tho Son of God, because he has given to
you of his spirit. I hope it is under the influence of the Lord's good Spirit, that I feel free to make
this remark--to call upon you--to inquire of you, whether you can say as much,--" This I know,
that whereas I was blind, now I see."
But I am not merely concerned for the little flock of Christ; I love them, I own them as brethren;
but I am sometimes concerned for those who are still at a distance; and I like when I am favored
with strength to call upon these, to consider their own situations. You may be good neighbors,
good fathers and mothers, at the same time you cannot say, "This I know, that whereas I was
blind, now I see." Even your associates amongst professing Christians may not be such as will
help you to heaven, but rather lead you from the strait gate. Remember the foolish virgins in the
parable. The time will come when it will be in vain for you to beg of the wise. Therefore now put
away the evil of thy doings: turn from all thy wickedness: look to Him who is able to pardon thy
sins.
But perhaps the Lord's servants have stretched out their hands to bother thee in vain; "will ye also
be his disciples?" It is not the mere talkers about religion; yet we may talk on suitable occasions.
Come taste and see how good the Lord is. Come hearken, and I will declare what God hath done
for my soul. This love wants all mankind to be happy. To come to the feast of fat things in the
Lord's holy mountain. Lord, visit the nations; not only to convince and convict them, but let thy
power go forth to convert them! This is the language of a Christian; I learned it from my Master. I
did not spring from a religious family; I was called out alone, and had none to look to but God.
He set my feet upon a Rock; not a shadow of a great rock in a weary land only, but a Rock from
which I might drink in the wilderness. This Rock was higher than myself. He established my
goings. In the sufficiency of faith I have stood: I have not been shaken by the winds; my
foundation has stood firm and sure.
Yet even this reverend trust and confidence was nothing too much, in my early days, when I had
to appear in the character of a preacher. But under the constraining power of Gospel love, if,
through my labors, I might but witness the drunkard becoming a sober man, and the rich weaned
from putting their confidence in uncertain riches, my soul would joy sometimes; and it will this
night. I feel as if the Lord was near to comfort; and I hope you will comforted. May the Lord's
comfort make your like a watered garden; that you and I may unite in offering to him
thanksgiving and praise; not merely from our mouths, but with our hearts. It has been a valley of
tears to many of you, but will he not put your tears in his bottle, and give you to see an end all
your trials. Blessed are they that follow Christ. Come, ye fathers and mothers; come, ye widows
orphan children; come, ye mourners and heavy-hearted: "you have had your seasons of bitterness
in this world. He can clothe you with the garment without spot or wrinkle, and lead you to where
none can steal from you. "Come, ye blessed of my Father."
I want you to be comforted, dear young people; such of you as have been in the school of
affliction and that are yet struggling to overcome. Be good soldiers; do not be afraid; stand firm;
for the Creator of heaven and earth is your friend, your father, your God, your king, and he will
save you with a present and with an everlasting salvation. Come boldly; it is for you, ye poor; you
who can say, "I have left all to follow thee. Thou art my morning song and evening praise."
Now I find freedom to tell you that the "Spirit and the Bride say, come; and let him that heareth
say, come; and let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him come, and take of the
waters of freely." .Come, ye rich, come, ye poor, that lean the staff; come, these blessings are
offered to you; even for them that lie on the dunghill: I invite to come. May you all flock as doves
to the windows, this evening. Come to Christ; may you go home with your souls satiated with the
things of God's kingdom.
I had no more view of what I should say when I came here than any one in this company; it was
from a sense of' duty. Five words spoken from the heart and to the heart is, in my view, better
than five thousand from the head only. I was not brought up to the ministry; and though what I
say may be very broken and incoherent, yet it matters not, if it may but help you to heaven.
I hope, my friends, there are none here that would choose Barabbas instead of Jesus; none that
would crucify afresh the Lord of glory. The Jews of old added cruelty to their sin; they did it in a
rough manner. The nominal outside Christian is still a crucifier, He is slain in the streets of their
minds: Sodom, spiritually understood, is within us; till the heart is changed, it is prone to
wickedness and deceit. There the devil's works are carried on. But, my friends, I feel a hope that
there are none here who cherish-such a disposition, but that your desire is to die the death of the
righteous. I do not offer myself as your best teacher and instructor; no, I wish to direct your
minds to the light, and spirit, and grace of God. This is the true guide of the church. "I will not
leave you comfortless," said our blessed Lord; no, "I will send you another Comforter ;" a teacher
suited to your states. He shall guide you into all saving truth; necessary truths; into every duty,
whether heads of families, masters or servants. This is the true guide. They who follow him are
the sons of God; and he owns them. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of
God."
What an astonishing thought is this! What a situation for worms, sinners, to be brought into; to be
covered with the wings of a dove! He lights all believers. This is the rock laid in Zion; the inward
Zion of the heart; the purified temple of Spirit of God. This is the true hope of salvation; Christ in
you, by a living faith. The changed heart becomes the house of God. Such are prepared,
eventually, to join with Moses in singing, "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God
Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of Saints." Methinks, my friends, the very thought
of it cheers me. Therefore dig through your own wills: throw away every thing but one thing; the
good part. Here is the candle (the light of God s Spirit) by which you may read the book of
conscience; that by attending thereto, you may have your conversation in heaven; and the blood
of the Lord Jesus Christ will cleanse from all sin.
I was brought up amongst a people who preached that revelation is ceased. One said, this is the
way; another, that is it: but I wanted to know the true way to heaven; therefore made little ado
about a name. I could read well. I had read my Bible, but it seemed to be a sealed book. I was
confused, until it pleased God to put the right clue into my hand. This brought me to see my
vileness; "into the horrible pit," where I beheld clearly my deplorable condition.
His Spirit witnessing with our spirits is the best evidence: thus I came to see a little clearer. "Ye
are washed,'' saith the Apostle. Thieves, liars, drunkards, unclean persons do not go to heaven as
they are; heaven is too clean a place for them. There must be a change of mind. "Ye are washed,
sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus." These go to the "fountain for sin and for
uncleanness." From a sense of their wants, they ask for it, and they obtain cleansing by it. These
are secret things. I found that people must have eyes before they can see. So I set off, left my
father's house, and became a stranger. I saw the propriety of attending to the things belonging to
my peace. Now I took joyfully the spoiling of my goods, and rejoiced that I was worthy to suffer
for Christ's sake.
Many go truckling and limping, and get on poorly, for want of the obedience of faith. Things are
beautiful in their season, and in their uses. The Bible is a noble book, and I wish it was more read;
but Christ is our Redeemer. God is over all.
Consider the deplorable end of the wicked; when brought to their senses, you may find them
cursing their vanity. "Oh my enemy"--" Oh fashion"--" Oh the world, you have brought me down
to the grave full of tears." "I don't mind lying, but I fear that Judge whose laws I have
transgressed. I have said, I have a visit to pay--I do not like to be singular--I will be better
by-and-by." But God says, "Now is the day of salvation." We must work when the wind blows.
We must mind the breathings of God's Spirit upon us. We must work when God is working in us;
for "where the word of a king is, there is power."
I saw the Scriptures were all beautiful from end to end. When sitting alone and feeling calm, I
could read the Scriptures. There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth im
understanding. They who mind this, are on their way to Zion. Christ is the Lord from heaven, a
quickening spirit. There is one body or church, and one spirit, even as ye are called in the one
hope of your calling. There is but one true foundation, and no other can be laid, and happy are
they that build upon it.
The true temple is not made with human hands; you carry a house with you that God has built;
you will carry your alter, and you will worship God in spirit and in truth. Thus you will overcome
the world, and be able to say, "Oh Lord, I have leaped over the walls of opposition." "Bless the
Lord, Oh my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name."
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.