Back on Aug 8, I cited a tract penned by Andrew Fuller entitled, "The Downward Course of Sin." I did so in relation to a certain political figure whose "fall" had just become "news." I suggested that I might even devote a series of posts to this tract at some later date.
That "later date" has now arrived.
Who? How? And Why?
In case you're scratching your head, asking, "Andrew who?" Fuller was a British Baptist pastor/theologian (1754-1815). [See a good, brief biography of Fuller at http://www.siteone.com/religion/baptist/baptistpage/Portraits/fuller.htm.]
Fuller's publication, "The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation" (1785), played an influential role in the modern missionary movement and was especially used of God to help send the famous missionary, William Carey, to India. In fact, so outstanding was Fuller's thought that a certain other British preacher (with the initials C.H.S.) called him, "The greatest theologian of his century."
[By the way, if you're interested in reading Fuller for yourself, Banner of Truth (a publisher) has recently released a 1000+ page, hardback volume entitled, "The Works of Andrew Fuller." You can order a copy from the fine folks at www.cvbbs.com for $19.95 plus shipping. Trust me: You'll be hard-pressed to beat their price and service!]
"Okay, Greg. You've told us WHO Fuller was and HOW we can access his writings. But you haven't told us WHY. Why point us to this 'Downward Course of Sin' tract?"
Because, if the times cried out for it in Fuller's day (which they did), they're screaming for it today!
Never in the history of America has evil been so readily accessible, yet private (and acceptable!) for so many. The wickedness that even Christians can engage in and play with in their own homes (on the computer, on TV, etc., etc.) is truly shocking -- and terribly powerful, if it ever gets a grip. Read 1 Cor 10 to see why we should care about this!
I present Fuller's tract because, by the mercy of God, I believe it might still be used to bless God's people as they live in incredibly dangerous times (spiritually speaking). It might help a Christian who reads something here to say "no" to a present temptation. It might help another Christian decide to come out of the misery of "sinning in the dark," and get help for an addiction. Or it might help an unbeliever, traveling the road that leads to hell, to recognize his need and to flee into the loving arms of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
An Important Request
Between now and the first installment of Fuller's "Downward Course," will you ask God to show you something he wants you to see?
Next time
"What Happens the Longer We Stay in Sin"
Greg
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