I think most people who know a little bit about Wilberforce know that he stressed the "peculiar doctrines" of Christianity. Prior to reading the book, I wasn't exactly sure which particular peculiar doctrines he is referring to. This quote from page 176 is, I think, the best summary for what he is thinking:
"But the grand radical defect in the practical system of the nominal Christians, is their forgetfulness of all the peculiar doctrines of the Religion which they profess - the corruption of human nature - the atonement of the Savior - and the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit."Chapter Two is called Corruption of Human Nature and in this chapter he says that the depravity of man "is eminently the basis and groundwork of Christianity" Page 13. This theme he hits over and over and this is one of the main things I took away from the book. I may post some additional thoughts about this later.
The quotes which follow below are another main theme of the book and I think it can be described as an exhortation to be in the world but not of it. Again, I was amazed at how relevant and really how little things have changed.
Speaking on the erroneous notion that prevails in the church, that instead of Religion governing all areas of life, it is fenced to a small portion and in the rest we can do, it is believed, as we like. What a powerful phrase is decent selfishness.
"The instructive admonitions, "give an account of thy stewardship" Luk_16:2, - "Occupy till I come" Luk_19:13; are forgotten. ...The next quote I know all too well. My mind is alive in the morning but by evening I am dead; dead physically and all too often dead spiritually. Lord Jesus may our rest ever be taken in you.
Accordingly, we find in fact, that the generality of mankind among the higher order, in the formation of their schemes, in the selection of their studies, in the choice of their place of residence, in the employment and distribution of their time, in their thoughts, conversation and amusements, are considered as being at liberty, if there be no actual vice, to consult in the main their own gratification.
Thus the generous and wakeful spirit of Christian benevolence, seeking and finding, every where occasions for its exercise, is exploded, and a system of decent selfishness is avowedly established in its stead; a system scarcely more to be abjured for its impiety, than to be abhorred for its cold insensibility to the opportunities of diffusing happiness. ...
Yet thus life rolls away with too many of us in a course of "shapeless idleness." Its recreations constitute its chief business. Watering places - the sports of the field - cards! never failing cards! - the assembly - the theatre - all contribute their aid - amusements are multiplied, and combined and varied, "to fill the void of a listless and languid life;" and by the judicious use of these different resources, there is often a kind of sober settled plan of domestic dissipation, in which with all imaginable decency year after year wears away in unprofitable vacancy. Even old age often finds us pacing in the same round of amusements which our early youth had tracked out. Meanwhile, being conscious that we are not giving into any flagrant vice, perhaps that we are guilty of no irregularity, and it may be that we are not neglecting the offices of Religion, we persuade ourselves that we need not be uneasy. In the main we do not fall below the general standard of morals, of the class and station to which we belong, we may therefore allow ourselves to glide down the stream without apprehension of consequences." Pages 97-99
"The seducing considerations of diligence in our callings, of success in our profession, of making handsome provisions for our children, beguile our better judgments. 'We rise early, and late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness.' In our few intervals of leisure, our exhausted spirits require refreshment; the serious concerns of our immortal souls, are matters of speculation too grave and gloomy to answer the purpose, and we fly to something that may better deserve the name of relaxation, til we are again summoned to the daily labors of our employment." Page 101The next two quotes are an encouragement to me as I think upon being in the world but not of it.
"The Christian's path is beset with dangers - On the one hand, he justly dreads an inactive and unprofitable life; on the other, he no less justly trembles for the loss of spiritual-mindedness. ...Lastly, this gem on marriage. It took several years for Wilberforce to write this book. It was finally published in 1797 the same year he married Barbara. That's a neat little nugget to consider as you read this.
But to resume my subject, let us when engaged in this important scrutiny, impartially examine ourselves whether the worldly objects which engross us, are all of them such as properly belonged to our profession, or station, or circumstances in life; which therefore we could not neglect with a good conscience. If they be, let us consider whether they do not consume a larger share of our time than they really require; and whether, by not trifling over our work, by deducting somewhat which might be spared from our hearts of relaxation, or by some other little management, we might not fully satisfied their just claims, and yet have an increased over plus of leisure, to be devoted to the offices of Religion.
But if we deliberately and honestly conclude that we ought not to give these worldly objects less of our time, let us endeavor at least to give them less of our hearts; striving that the settled frame of our desires and actions may be more spiritual, and that in the motley intercourses of life, we may constantly retain a more lively sense of the Divine presence, and a stronger impression of the reality of unseen things; thus corresponding with Scripture description of true Christians, "walking by faith and not by sight" 2Co_5:7, and "having our conversation in Heaven" Phi_3:20." Page 155
"In the case even of those objects, which may more justly claim the attention of reasonable and immortal beings, in our family arrangements, in our plans of life, in our schemes of business, we become, without relinquishing the path of duty, more moderate in pursuit and more indifferent about the issue." Page 185-186
"Doubtless, this more favorable disposition to Religion in the female sex, was graciously designed also to make women doubly valuable in the wedded state; and it seems to afford to the married man the means of rendering an active share in the business of life more compatible than it would otherwise be with the liveliest devotional feelings: that when the husband should return to his family, worn and harassed by worldy cares or professional labors, the wife, habitually preserving a warmer and more unimpaired spirit of devotion, than is perhaps consistent with being immersed in the bustle of life, might revive his languid piety, and that the religious impressions of both might derive new force and tenderness from the animating sympathies of conjugal affection. Can a more pleasing image be presented to a considerate mind, than that of a couple, happy in each other and in the pledges of their mutual love, uniting in an act of grateful adoration to the Author of all their mercies: recommending each other, and the objects of their common care, to the divine protection; and repressing the solicitude of conjugal and parental tenderness by a confiding hope, that, through all the changes of this uncertain life, the Disposer of all things will assuredly cause all to work together for good of them that love and put their trust in Him; and that, after this uncertain state shall have passed away, they shall be admitted to a joint participation of never-ending happiness. It is surely no mean or ignoble office which we would allot to the female sex, when we would thus commit to them the charge of maintaining in lively exercise whatever emotions most dignify and adorn human nature; when we would make them as it were the medium of our intercourse with the heavenly world, the faithful repositories of the religious principle, for the benefit both of the present and of the rising generation." Page 247I really most highly recommend the reading of this book. It isn't easy going but it is very beneficial.
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