James Fraser of Brea

Years ago I read a work of Alexander Whyte on the life of James Fraser of Brea. Fraser’s classic “Memoirs” has long been a source of profit of many down through the years. Sadly, this is long out of print and extremely difficult to find. Whyte’s description of the life of JF and his struggle with the work of sanctification so related to my own, that I knew I must lay my hands on this book as well, which I did several years later. At once I consumed it… underlining and making a few notes in the margin. But all too soon, I was once again in the battle we all face of making what I had read, reality. I suppose if I were to calculate how many books in my library were bought in hopes as to becoming the cure for sin; the sum would be quite scary.

I’m in Scotland now working away at church planting again. While here, I am in the process of re-reading this wonderful classic. It is so far out of print… you would consider yourself fortunate to run across anything upon the subject of James Fraser of Brea. Good luck with Google / Amazon!

JF was a man of numbers… he knew how to count! Throughout his memoirs he is constantly enumerating: the 3 steps to this, the 4 observations of that, the 5 ways to the other, the 6 secrets for… He could have been the “Series King” if he had lived in the 21^st century.

Here begins our story: “The Memoirs of James Fraser of Brea”

The following piece is found in the author’s own dedication to a Mr. Thomas Ross, Minister at Kincardine.

“I have thought the disregarding of the Lord’s providences to be one common great sin, not only among open enemies, but among professed friends of Christ. All God’s ways being wisdom and goodness, are worthy of observation; and those providences that concern our spiritual estate most of all.”

“I have in nothing been more refreshed, quickened and edified, than by hearing and reading of the spiritual experiences of others of the Lord’s people; and in nothing more comforted and sanctified than by a serious recalling to mind of the Lord’s dealings with me.”

Here comes the first of many…

“Three ways doth the Lord reveal Himself:

• by His word
• by His works of creation
• by His works in providence.

These three are the several glasses through which the invisible God is seen.”

Psalms 66:16 “Come, and I will tell you what the Lord hath done for my soul.”

And with many other words the author begins to give a brief justification for the writing of his memoirs.

• His word is forever settled in heaven… and cannot be altered without curse.
• His work of creation continues to reproduce itself… having not really altered since creation.
• His work of providence has more of a direct impact upon our daily lives.

How shall we define the “works of providence” in our lives? The manner in which God has led us this far? The dealings of God in our life? I understand the word, providence, comes from the Latin “provideo”, meaning to see a thing before… in layman’s terms, God knowing and seeing a thing before it happens making provision for our lives; whether that be an escape, a helping hand, a job or career change.

• Few of us would debate the eternal value the word of God has been to each of us.
• Few of us would consider making light of the beautiful, mysterious and vast nature of creation.
• Few of us would stop and consider, recount to themselves the beautiful, mysterious and equally intricate manner in which the Lord has guided us through this life thus far.

When I look back upon my 47 years, I can hardly begin to enumerate the many ways in which God has preserved me, provided for me, protected me…. put up with me!

I suppose the direction I am going with this is one of consideration, contemplation and thanksgiving.

Years ago we would sing a hymn, “Count your blessings, name then one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Now, no music required, just a good memory… get to work and be blessed.

By the way, if you would like to read Whyte’s article, it’s available on the web.

www.newble.co.uk/hall/fraser/biography