1823 JOHN GAMBLE 64pp Diary and Manuscript of Irish Presbyterian Divine. Very Rare.

A rare survivor, this 64pp manuscript diary and journal belonged to Rev. John Gamble [1777-1844], Presbyterian minister at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Ballygowan in County Down, Ireland. 

Begun in 1823, the document flows effortlessly between personal reflection, questions [for self-reflection or preaching] etc., 

August the 6th (1836)

What is a Presbyterian? I answer a true follower of the Saviour. When did the Presbyterians begin or from whom did they take their rise? I answer they began in the apostle's days; they took their rise from them. It was not from Luther nor Calvin nor any other person. No it was from Christ's apostles they took their rise. In the 13th, the 15th, and 16th chapters of the Acts of the Apostles you may read how the Apostles ordayned Elders to teach the word and also to preach. They were appointed to the ministry of the word which shows the rise of the Presbyterians from the Apostles days and with accordance to God's own word.

. . . 

My Father died December the 15th [1831] on Thursday morning about sun rising. Matty Ferguson took sick on Thursday night, the 11 of October and died on Wednesday the 24 of October [1832]. My brother Robert died September the 6th in Derry {1841}. . . God prepare us for eternity.

. . . 

O enable me to taste of thy grace, seeing that it is the wellspring of thy salvation that flows from underneath the throne of God and of the Lamb and how sweet it is to the Believer in Christ. O I pray that I may be a believer in Christ Jesus. Then I shall be enabled to taste of all his joys. O Lord, say to my soul thou art and thou shalt be saved. O precious God let me hear that Glorious word from the Eternal Godhead.

. . . 

Sunday, August the 5, 1821

Some remarks on Mr. Kyd's [Kidd's] sermon in the afternoon. His text was in the 15 chapter of St. John and the latter clause of the 5th verse (for without me you can do nothing). For as in Adam all died, so in Christ all be made alive. Christ is here represented as our Chief head, Adam and Christ are the two stocks from which Works and Grace do proceed. That of works proceeds from Adam. From him only and given to him by God for he was that Covenant head. And those who trust in works will find themselves mistaken for Adam, etc., 

. . .

Christ shed his blood at six sundry times. First in his circumcision. Second in the garden. Third when he was scourged. Fourth when he was crowned with thorns. Fifth when his hands and feet were nailed to the cross. Sixth when his side was pierced with a spear. Thus if you consider the real quantity of his Natural blood, it was much. But if you consider the supernatural efficacy and virtue of it, it was [little?]. 

. . . 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. But he is not to stop here until he has attained the adoption of a son. Till he obeys him out of love, which is the privilege of all the Children of God. The faith of a servant is to fear, but the faith of a son is to love. A servant must pass from faith to faith; from the faith of a servant to the faith of a son; from the spirit of bondage unto fear to the spirit of Childlike love and as St. Paul says, ye are the sons of God by faith; and because ye are the sons of God, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his son unto your hearts, crying Abba Father.