By William Huntington.
The Rule and the Riddle.
By William Huntington.
WILLIAM HUNTINGTON was born on February 2,1745, near Cranbrook, Kent, England. He died on July 1, 1813, in his sixty-ninth year.
Of Huntington’s description of his sweet blessed deliverance into gospel liberty, J. C. Philpot says: “We have read some of the finest productions of human eloquence, in both ancient and modern languages, and therefore we know what we assert when we declare that, in our judgment, the decryption . . .; apart from the experience there described, as a mere piece of eloquence, is one of the grandest and most beautiful pieces of writing that has ever come under our eye.” Well might our author say: “Oh happy year! happy day! blessed minute! Sacred spot! Yea, rather blessed be my Redeemer, who ‘delivered my soul from death, and mine eyes from bears, and my feet from falling.’ ”
“God raises up such men as John Bunyan and William Huntington but once in a century.” -William Romaine.
Dr. Henry Cole, translator of the Works of Luther and Calvin, after referring to Huntington as “that great and blessed servant of the Most High,” says, “I believe he bore and left in Britain the greatest and most glorious testimony to the power of God’s salvation that ever was borne or left therein.”
A. J. Baxter, editor of the Gospel Advocate, wrote: “There are hundreds who will both speak and write with respect of such men of God as Owen, Bunyan, Romaine, Barridge and Newton, who would recoil at the mention of the name of Huntington. And why? Because his conduct was less consistent than they? No, but because, in depth, closeness, and discrimination of vital realities he excelled them all; and was therefore the least comprehended, 1 Cor. 2:15. (Thomas Wright in Life of Huntington.) (-T. Rutt in Foreword to Kingdom of Heaven Taken by Prayer, by William Huntington)
About the Rule and the Riddle:
This book contains a letter, discussing theological and doctrinal matters. William Huntington engages with the recipient, referred to as “my sister,” addressing concerns related to the law, gospel, holiness, and the Christian life. The letter appears to emphasize contrasting perspectives on the role of the law in the Christian’s walk, with one side advocating for a legalistic approach and the other emphasizing the supremacy of grace and faith.
William Huntington urges the recipient to reconsider their adherence to the law as the sole rule of life and behavior, highlighting the potential pitfalls of legalism and the superiority of living by grace through faith. The letter touches on biblical themes, such as the distinction between the law and the gospel, the transformative power of grace, and the need for reliance on Christ rather than human works.
Throughout the text, there is a consistent effort to draw a distinction between living under the law, which is associated with bondage, and living under grace, which is portrayed as freedom and life. The author seems to caution against a legalistic mindset and encourages a reliance on the promises of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The passage also includes references to biblical figures and stories, such as Hagar, Sinai, and the Prodigal Son, to illustrate and reinforce the theological points being made. The tone of the letter is didactic, and the author seeks to persuade the recipient to adopt a particular theological perspective.
Overall, the letter serves as a theological discourse on the contrasting approaches to Christian living, drawing on biblical references and personal exhortations to make its points.