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BOOK 4, CH. 8, SUPPLEMENT OF ILLUSTRATIVE PASSAGES FROM DR. CLARKE’S CORRESPONDENCE PREVIOUS CHAPTER - NEXT CHAPTER >> - HELP - GR VIDEOS - GR YOUTUBE - TWITTER - SD1 YOUTUBE 
CHAPTER 8 SUPPLEMENT OF ILLUSTRATIVE PASSAGES FROM DR. CLARKE’S CORRESPONDENCE The passages, seven in number, marked with the asterisk, have been already printed: the rest I believe, are now for the first time given to the light. DATE OF DR. CLARKE’S BIRTH — FAMILY DESCENT Dublin, 1825. — I am at Mr. Adam Boyd’s His brother John was my godfather I have got from Adam the following information: “My brother John was sent from Dublin to Castle-Dawson to do some important work. He returned the next year, 1761. In the interim he stood godfather for you. You were, therefore, born in 1760 or 1761.” This is certainly bringing the question into a narrow compass. Tell John that he proves positively that his aunt, my grandmother Clarke, was an immediate descendant of the earls of Kilmaronock, whose family-name was Boyd. His own grandfather was always called Kilmaronock, as standing close to the earldom. RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE Letter to Mr. Wesley, from Norwich, 1784 — Since I was justified, I have expected and prayed for the inestimable blessing of a heart in all things devoted to God; which, soon after I received pardon, I found to be indispensably necessary. But, meeting with little encouragement, I obtained it not; and so spent that time in offering a maimed sacrifice. I continued in this state, or at most advancing slowly, till I came to this kingdom, when you ordered me into the Bradford Circuit. Here the good Lord was pleased to give me a sight of the unspeakable depravity of my heart, and in such a measure that the distress I felt was as painful in sustaining as it would be difficult in describing. I suppose, at that time, had there not been a sea between me and my native country, and a want of money to carry me thither, it is probable I should have made a speedy departure from the work in which I was engaged. I regarded nothing, not even life itself, in comparison with having my heart cleansed from all sin; and began t o seek it with full purpose of soul. Thus I continued till December, 1782, when I opened my mind to a local preacher, who, I had heard, was a partaker of this precious privilege. From him I received some encouragement and direction; and I set out afresh, endeavoring to believe in the willingness of my God to accomplish this great work. Soon after, while wrestling in prayer, and endeavoring, self-desperately, to believe, I found a change wrought in my soul which I endeavored through grace to maintain, amidst grievous temptations and accusations of the subtle foe, who seemed now determined either to spoil me of my confidence, or to render me as miserable, through reiterated temptations, as I was before when mourning the inbeing of his infernal offspring. But my indulgent Saviour continued to support and encourage me, and enabled me with all my power to preach the glad tidings to others: so that I soon saw more of the effects of the travail of my Redeemer’s soul than I had seen before But to this day I am i n doubt respecting the work in my own soul, not being able with propriety either to affirm that it is (fully) done, or to deny it as undone. I am in a strait betwixt two; a fear of denying, lest thereby I should forfeit what I have received, or grieve the blessed Spirit; and again, a fear of affirming that it is done, lest I should deceive myself. When you consider this, dear sir, you can easily perceive how much I stand in need of your advice and direction. GOTO NEXT CHAPTER - CLARKE INDEX & SEARCH
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