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MOCHTAIN 8TBEET. 1853. t s-(> 13 i T % I I. \ I PREFACE Books abound, both great and small, learned and unlearned,— saving truths and soul-destroying errors are in extensive circulation.— and who is suffi- cient for these things ? Perhaps, some persons may be induced to read this little work when they hear, that it was written with a special reference to the inhabitants of Quebec. In days like the present, what multitudes of the ^ ignorant, and how many of the " wise above that which is written," are stumbling and falHng I while, it maybe, a "Babe in Christ" can say *«this is the way, walk ye in it." Now, it is to the former of these characters that these few remarks are particu- larly addressed. No pretension of argument with either the sceptic or the critic, will be found here. No new excitement to satisfy the " lust of the flesh or the pride of life,"— in short, no architectural fancies, nor heavy burdens which no man can bear will be found here:— But, what has been written in weakness is sent forth with the simple hope, that God, the Holy Spirit, in his infinite mercy, may " take of what is Christ's, and reveal, with power to the conscience, the individual admonition, *« Thou art the man." ■*%. I WHERE IS THE LIGHT 1 Bow long ludt yo boiwoon two opiaiouB ? if the IiOtA lie Ood, follow liiin : but if Baal, tbeu follow him " : 1 Sings 18, 21; It is generally found, that some prevailing feature characterizes the christian world at different periods ; while years succeed each other, and timo is rapidly bringing to a close our num- bered days, and thus reminding us of its end, when ** God shall bring every work into judg- ment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.*' Some of us may be well acquainted with church history, but many of us have but little knowledge of God's dealings with His people prior to our own days. There is, nevertheless, one grand, never-changing, and ever-manifest, proof of the immutability of the Lord's dealings with His people. From age to age, up to the present day, — fathers, young men, and little children, whose sins have been forgiven for his name's sake, can all alike testify by experience to this cheering truth, " that one and the self same spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will," was the mighty agent which f '' I ** opened thoiF eyes, and turned them from dark- ness to light and from the power of Satan unto God ": Acts 26. But what, then, constitutes the changing chciracteristics of the church of Christ ? We know that in former days christians were persecuted even unto the death, and that those who were allowed to live out their days, lived as ** seeing Him who is invisible," and daily experienced the fulfilment of their Master's warn- ing to those who follow Him—** Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests ; but the Son of man hath not where to lay fcis head ": Mat. 8. A natural question is often asked— why IS this ? what can the reason be that christians, at all times and in every age, are not called upon to prove the reality of their faith through scorn, persecution and suffering ? Such questions are generally prompted by the inexperienced and by those who possess lim'ited views of causes and effects. The persecuting enemies of the Cror- still entertain the same hatred against Christ and His humbling doctrines, and .^till exercise the same cruelty against His disciples which they ever did ; nor can it be otherwise ; for the source of all evil is not less erzY— -his agents (the spirits that now work in the children of disobedience) are not less wise and expert in doing their Master's work I Years of experience would not diminish their zeal and power, nor intimidate them from exercising all their machinations to keep alive a world of vanity and sin, and the * 'Vl rom dark- iatan unto titutes the of Christ ? tians were that those lys, lived and daily er*s warn- ►xcs have ests ; but is head ": j:ed — why :hristian5, tiled upon zh scorn, tions arc id and by uses and >or- still t and His the same bey ever source of le spirits 3ediencc) ng their i^ould not itimidate ations to and the work of destroying souls I There is no softening In the *' myster/ of iniquity I ** No change In the " roaring Lion who walketh about seeking whom he may devour ": 1 Pet. 5. If then the cause of all evil remains as it was from the begin- ning, viz. : the world, the Hesh and the devil, what other reason can be alleged for the professed followers of Christ enjoying comparatively so smooth a path ? so much ease and liberty ? in short, so light a cross, that they appear to car»y no cross at all ! In proportion as carnal ease is indulged — earthly tastes gratified- "'..d of singularity and the fear of man ^ * v to, and the love of the world in operatio nit^ —so will the cross-bearer cease to . ss- bearer I love will grow cold, and knowk ^^ and convictions refuse to do their office — for the het.rt is so full of self and the world, that there is little of it left for God — nor is there spiritual perception enough to fear those enemies, to overcome whom. God has prepared a whole armour for his people to fight in I " Strive (or agonize) to enter into the strait gate, for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in and shall not be able ": Luke 13, 24. The force of this exhortation lies in the remarkable distinction between the words " strive " (or agonize) and ** seek." Now, it is very evident, that few o^ us experimentally understand this exhortatiDn to "agonize,^' while multitudes are satisfied with even a partial and mistaken attention to the ivarning contained in *^ seek." Indeed, it is but too evident, that they (I ! i; 8 I icLf.S?«w''' .?'"■''' ?'"'*"'"« °f *»»!« solemn ff ::^ilf Z'l'l.-'jf H?-f-ff the exhorta. tion. while the ^nln,'f^;^^,^ 1^ ^ Ihe few who, through soveroiga invitation. aangerot their false position— wc would moot .oleranly and affectiona.Jy ask sueh, what are oflsraeU''' To/tl' ^^"^ ^> >^"1 7° die, house or isiaei I Let the "..ichangeab e word of God iTfe nn/n r/'"°"I l^ ^""'^ "-^'^ <^«-'^ "'well a, who r. 1 •!' fi '^•^'' '•'^ ^'""^1 doom of those who reject it, lead you to a decision. How often are we reminded ofBalaaml how n,any Bllaama f« »ff f '"the world, while the name of chrisS IS attached to them I how much of self can we Sh B i:/'r-'*^"l ''"^ P''^^''^"'"^ -"-"'^n n.l Au^"^ *"^^ *" ^'"^^« Go was, doubtless, the great obj'cct which he was in pursuit oi I So great is the blindness and deceit- tulnessofthe human heart ! am^ we find that instead ofobtaining the gratification of his lust he was just made use of to cany oui God's pur- poses, and so he pronounced a blassing in the place of a curse. A terrible warning and fearful example do we see in Balaam's character I We may regard the lusts and passions of our fallen nature, as standing in the position of the limbs of our bodj',— therefore, it -is easy to comprehend What IS taught us hy, " if thy foot offend thee, cut It off: It IS better for thee to enter halt into life, than haying two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall oe quenched : where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched ; and, if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out ; It IS better for thee to enter into the king- dom of God with one eye, than having two eyts to be cast into hell fire : where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched '': Mark 9 Ihese a.'e the words of liim who loved the Church, and gave Himself for it—therefore it ! I ii ^ 10 was love, not want of love, which made Him speak thus. No doubt, every christian knows, m pai-tor m who e, from actual experience, wha It IS to ' walK m darkness." There are two kinds of darkness :-,t may please God to with- draw sensible l.ght for a time, to accomplish some wise end ; this is truly a happy darkness in com- panson with that which is brought on by our own unfaithfulness-when we forget our high respon- sibility m naming the name of Christ, and have, perhaps, but little carefulness about departing from iniquity, or watching unto prayer, that there be no entering into temptation.'^ Surely we must, most of us, know that any thing is teuipta- hon which draws down our thoughts r.nd desires from things heavenly to things earthly, and thus brings damage to tlie heart and spirit of the christian and consequently leads him into fel- fowsh.p with those whom, if he w.re walking in Thii .^°" ? ''"';' P""^^ f°^ an-J grieve over. The sanctification or being set apart) which is ori r"^ P°/f°" , °^ ^'^^'•y ^^'''^-^-^ >« indeed forgotten, and deeply dishonored, when brought mio compamonship with the earthly minded who know of no other gratification than the lylj vamt.es and follies of this life. Let the chrisfian^ so circumstanced, ask himself, why that lighi ontlfe'r:''S^'l''^'^ '*"?"'^ reflect condemnS on the lives of those with whom he is enjoyinff which the believer at times is called upon to carry a cross of worldly conformlty-these cases h made Him ist'au knows, )enence, what lere are two Grod to with- omplish some ^ness in com- n by our own high respon- 5t, and have, )ut departing prayer, that . Surely we ig is tempta- ! cind desires ly, and thus spirit of the im into fel- i walking in grieve over, t) which is !r, is indeed ben brought linded, who the lying le christian, that light ndemnation is enjoying ns found in d upon to these cases 11 are generally knowii from the circumstances of the individual, and of course wherever duty calls, the christian is bound to obey— and to believe, that, " as his day, so will his strength be "; but, if we claim the promise, we must be faithful as to the duty, *' If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things'': 1 John 4, 20, We may understand from this Scripture, what a strict account is taken of all our ways, even to the secrets of the heart ! and how solemn is the thought, that, when our earthly pilgrimage is ended, with all its deceits and follies, many will be found whose outward garb passed as religion before the eyes of men, but who, when weighed in the balance of God's omniscience, shall be found wanting in those very essentials which constitute keal religion. Indeed, if the soul were more fully alive to divine things, and enjoyed a more experimental acquaintance with the deceit and desperate wickedness of the human heart, there would be more often a holy indignation at the inward suggestions to stifle conscience and "do as others do," rather than a compliance with things in which, though kwful in themselves, no profit is to be found. Giving heed to these childish persuasions, and thus doing and leaving undone exactly what ought to be reversed — continually brings the lukewarm follower of Christ under the lash of God's judgment ; for, we read — J' He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me : and he that loveth son or 12 daughter more than nie is not worthy of mo": Matt. 10. Blessed is he that condemneth not himselfmthat thing which he allowethrSS "Redeeming the time, beeanse the days are •Til :" Eph. 5. 16, prese^^1^^ '°^^ ^^'^ *° "^es gone by, to the Ef L'^ •• f^. ?' °"' "^'^ experience, we might wonder indeed (were we not fully coeniknt were pioduced from such abounding knowledao and experience as we have in the Jresenldal! and by which we ought to have benefittedTo world fh"7'".^ ^\^K^^' ""''^-i ^n-^rgies of the world, the flesh, and the devil, are ever dispIavZ Chri'st""^^'^' ^•'"'^ ^S*"""^' 'h« -^f^STf eac in/-> Tu '' *'?■ '■*"<'" condition, that Se V of^^H ^f *\'^«'-" for himself (irres £1.° H' ''^PP^"^'! in the world) before lie can say with one of old—" One thin? I know,^ that, whereas I was blind, now iS': Mighty foes harrass us within, and great are manifest, that our memories should act upon us as a gospel lever." Is it so ? Are we under a deep and solemn conviction, that, wh He believers are ^^s ing alone in the blood and'merits of Jesu Christ for salvation, and to " the word of God Drthy of me ": ondemneth not eth: Jiom.13. the days ate one by, to the xperlence, we ully cognizant better results ig knowledge present day, benefitted so ergies of the 'er displaying le church of >ndition, that imself (irres- I the world) ^ One thing I •iow I see" : nd great are nd indeed so act upon us re we under ile believers its of Jesus ^ord of God 13 ' which is perfect, converting the soul/' (Psa. 19) all others will come under the condemnation of those ** who shall add unto or take away from the words of the prophecy of God^s book ?" God shall add unto them the plagues that are written ki His book : Rev. 22» If we lived under a constant remembrance of these truths, the blessed position of the former, and the fearful state of the latter, how we would watch and pray, that whatsoever we do should be dore for the glory of God. How clear and how important would all the exhortations and warnings in the Pible appear to us to keep us on our guard. To whom does God look for light and truth to be manifested? •* Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit" : John 15. And now that miracles no longer outwardly testify to the power of the Spirit, to whom does God look for that spirit to testify of Christ, and to shew forth its fruits ? — " love, joy, peace," &c : Gal. 6* These fruits are evidently to characterize the household of faith ; (just as the reverse chj^racterize the world at large) ; what- ever tempts a christian to lower or to disregard this heavenly standard — which he has the privilege of maintaining — should be carefully shunned. The Holy Spirit is easily grieved ; and no one whose heart is a temple of the Holy Ghost, can indulge a. besetting infirmity, or allow any in- consistency to betray itself without Buffering and condemnation. For instance, the tongue is a little member^ and boasteth great things : no man M 14 m can tame the tongue— it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison ; and although we have this sad and humiliating caution given us in God's word yet, is It not a very common source of grief and condemnation ? it is, in some christians, the pre- vailing transgression ; of course, the cause of this IS easily traced when it exists in the christian VIZ., natural disposition and the force of old habits; but, like every other sinful disposition, It requires never-ceasing watching unto praver. est, even contrary to our most anxious desiVes the old " bitter water'' should run out with the sweet, not only to our own shame and sorrow but perhaps to the injury and pain of others We* are told, "Many are the afflictions of the right- eous --and, truly, these characteristic infirmities are afflictions of the keenest description ; but so long as there is a fountain opened for sin— a risen Saviour ever interceding for His people, and .ouched with the feeling of our infirmities—there can be nothing to justify the indulgence of a propenr'7 so hurtful and so inconsistent; the more 80, as everything is promised, unlimited grace for all the believer wants I and hy the power of this grace deep-rooted prejudices may be successfully eradicated, and sweet, only sweet water will then run out of that *^ well of water springing up Into everlasting life--thus proving before the world that whereas sin once abounded, grace does now much more abound." There is no s-n too hard for grace^no duty too difficult with grace sufficient. We are told to « yield ourselves unto '^wt 'uly evil, full of e have this sad in God's word, ce of grief and stians, the pre- t the cause of :ithe christian, 3 force of old ful disposition, g unto prayer, Qxious desires, n out with the le and sorrow, )f others. We IS of the right- 3tic infirmities iption ; but so 3r sin— a risen J people, and amities — there lulgence of a tent J the more lited grace for power of this ^ successfully ater \n\\ then 'iging up Jnto ore the world ,^ grace does is no s:n too It with grace urselves unto 15 God, as those that are alive from the dead, and our members as instruments of righteousness unto God" : Rom. 6. This would be telling sinful mortals to do an impossibility, were it not that Scripture explains Scripture — for we read again, " God is able to make all grace abound toward you ; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work : 2 Cor. 9. Many tastes, both vain and unprofitable, cling to certain characters ; but it behoves us to crucify them, so that the heart may follow the Lord fully. " The little foxes'^ spoil the vines, and eat up the tender grapes quite as effectually as an Achan, who hid all the silver and gold in his tent ; the peace of God will never abide so long as any reserve is made. He who has pre- sented his body a ** living sacrifice, holy, accept- able unto God," has no need to keep back ; it is bis high delight and privilege to be permitted to offer, first, himself, and then all he has, unto his Heavenly Father. Ko compromise can be entered into with a sovereign God whose written word is the christian's ride ; no agreemeni; to go so far and no farther— no weights and scales used which allow anything to be kept back, and thus strive to do what that word declares to be absolutely impossible-—** to serve God and mammon.'' All who are thus self deceived and blinded to this truth are acceptable friends of the world ; and to such we would just say — ** Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you'' : Luke 6. A low and dishonoaring state of religion on the part ■ 16 of professing christians, and a high profession on the part of the world, will agree well together, and there need be no surprise felt when friend- ships are formed between the two parties. ** Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners ; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep : let your laughter be turned to mourning, andyour joy to heaviness: James 4. There can be no reason why they should not walk together in fellowship : there is no great distinction in practice, though there may be in heart. This seems to be evidenced by themselves ; for it is not uncommon to hear christians disputing about, the lawfulness or unlawfulness ct certain questionable pleasures and employments, &c. Now, the very fact of contending for or wishing to reconcile such conflicting materials, (to say the least of it) bespeaks a most unworthy appreciation of the high privilege involved in being called upon to forsake aZ^and follow Christ ; for, to enlist under his banner comprehends not only willingly to give up, but to fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil, and thus to keep off every intruder- like a sentry at his post, who, never sleeping, watches all around, lest some enemy should ap- proach. Is not such conduct as this on the part of the christian approaching very nearly to that of another class to whom Christ refers ?— •<* Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name done many wonderful works ? And then will I profess 17 jh profession on well together, It when friend- arties. ** Draw r nigh to you. md purify your afflicted, and hter be turned iness: James 4, they should not ere is no great lere may be in by themselves; stians disputing Iness ot certain loyments, &c. or or wishing to lis, (to say the hy appreciation ing called upon to enlist under nllingly to give , the flesh, and jry intruder — ever sleeping, my should ap- his on the part nearly to that ers ? — <* Many Lord, havo we thy name doae iwiUIprofeM unto them, I never knew you ; depart from me ye that work iniquity" : and yet he knoweth all things, even to the thoughts and intents of the heart, but He never knev them as His people, nor recognized them as such, though manifesting many of their outward characteristics ; just as the tares and wheat growing together cannot be distinguished except by the Lord of the harvest ; but their hearts were not right with God ; they saw not Him who is indeed invisible to the eye of sense, but manifest to the eye of faith, which experiences that blessed assurance — ** The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show (hem His covenant." In vain do we hiear that religion is the fashion \ it is really to be feared many believe it. This odium on religion is one of the strongest proofs that such a religion cannot claim Christ as its standard or its author. The Cross of Christ has never yet been fashion- able, nor even tolerated, excepting by those who are fashioned liJce unto Him! and are thus made partakers of His divine nature. The more subtle any temptation is, the more plausible are the arguments used to advocate it, especially when wielded by the enemy of all righteousness, who can even transform himself into an angel of light. Let us ever keep this in mind — (indeed it is very needful to do so) — that anything, no matter what it is, will be presented (and joyfully accepted by the world) in the place of Jesus Christ. The 80i3l«destroyer cares not where your reliance is placed, or what devotion you give to anything, B I 18 . ♦ provided it affords but a name to live while thp ^w'^'J^^'^dpthesightofGod. Itislmatt 1-ow con radictory ,t may be to the word of God so that he keep you as the strong man armed whose goods are in peace : Luke 2. There is an undeniable fact, which perhaps tests truth even more successfully than any other feature which may come withm our observation : this is a total want of that love without which the most exalted Zfl ^' and virtues are but as " sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal" : 1 Cor. 13. "The devils believe and tremble," but thev cannot love ; and so it must be with every sinner m his natura state. It matters not how much he may devote hiraself to systematic forms, or lead what the world calls a good life. He may bestow all his goods to feed the poor-in short, he may be a devotee to whatever doctrines and practices he may choose; still, so long as these are not derived from that " faith which worfceth by love (Gal. 5,) and the heart be not regenerated, the life can only be a course of sin in the estima- tion of a holy God. This love passeth knowledge ! and IS the mam spring of all the life, prayer and praise, peace and joy, experienced by every believer, and the want of it constitutes the eternal separation between those « who have the toon and those who « have not the Son," The former love God hecause he first loved them-the latter receive not the truth in the love of It, and therefore there cannot be any love for divine objects or things. ' to live while the It is no matter he word of God, ong man armed 2. There is an tests truth even r feature which 1 : this is a total the most exalted ; as " sounding Cor. 13. nble," but they 'ith every sinner ot how much he e forms, or lead He may bestow short, ho may JS and practices s these are not h worketh by ot regenerated, t in the estima- 3 th knowledge! tife, prayer and ced by every constitutes the * who have the le Son." The ved them— the love of it, and >ve for divine 10 " My son, give me thine heart,'' is often read but too little understood ; a request on God's part involving love and mercy worthy only of divine perfections. Wonderful indeed it is that the infinitely holy and almighty creator of all things should so love sinners as to make them His "jewels"— "chosen"— *' the beloved of the Lord"— through the gift of His only begotten Son, who loved them and gave himself for them. *' Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God :" 1 Cor. 2. "My son, give me thine heart"! and what response does this meet with? God asks for the heart that he may make it capable of appreciating his love, and trusting in him at all times ; possessing all things while having nothing; always rejoicing while yet sorrowing here below. Yes I all things are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's. These blessed ones— these heaven-born souls, are nothing more than poor, miserable sinners, just as others, in themselves, but through sovereign grace they are "called, justified, and glorified," having been " chosen before the foundation of the world" : Rom. 8 & Eph. 1. ;g> ■ f I 20 "Cod Is love J and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him" : 1 John 4. This seems to give us some faint idea of the . teniporal and eternal blessedness of the children ^t Orod. Should they then shrink from the Cross m whatever form it may bo sent to them ? they know that as branches of the true vine they mu/t h J' W *''"' u'y ri ^""8 f°^''« «"°re fruit, that God may be glorified, and they may be ...an.fested as Christ's disciples. But, perhaps there ,s no part of a christian's experiel.ee whTch .le needs more frequently to be reminded of than that trmls and afflictions await him ; insLd o" expecting to meet with them, howevei', how often does he seem to think that some strange th ng hath happened unto him I And who^ can bf exempt, whilst in a body of sin and death, and therefore exposed to the same trials and infirmi- ties as the unbeliever? and living in a world where the devil exerts his fiendish powev, ZZ pnnce of the power of the air, morl part cularly against the child of God, whom he is cor.^ jinually assaulting, even as he did the Son of God himself. The servant is not above his Master, and therefore ought to expect to suffer with and to rejoice in his sufterinr, knowing that he is E »!• u°!'T'°^ *' "^ f^™ *•><> hath oved him ; but there is a Vk distinction between the believer and unbeliever; the one suffers alone w.tl. no confidence in a deliverer j and the . './ welleth in love lim" : 1 John 4. ► faint idea of the 5S of the children ik from the Cross it to them ? they e vine they must forth more fruit, i they may be But, perhaps, xperience which eminded of than hira ; instead of vever, how often 5 strange thing id who can be and death, and als and infirmi- vlng in a world h power, as the ore particularly '^ he is con- id the Son of >ove his Master, suffer with and 'ing that he is lilt) who hath notion between be one suflfers y^VQT ; and the 21 other suffers with Christ, in him the hope of glory. We may be assured of one thing ; j' I in propor- tion as wo are living near to God and enjoying IHs favor, afflictions will be light, and we shall admire all His dispensations, whether joyous or grievous. We are api to judge falsely as regards the chastening of the Lord. Some christians suppose they are suffering indirectly acco^'ding to God's general disposal of events, when all the time their sufferings are the direct consequence . of their unfaithfulness. A higher standard for our walk of faith would more often be a light unto our path to shew us where we stumble. For instance, we each have our appointed position in life to fill, and it is no uncommon temptation for every one to think his or her own lot unusually difficult and painful. This is far from being the case. <* No temptation hath taken you but such ^s is common to man'* : 1 Cor. 10. The heart knoweth its own bitterness, but it knows not the greater bitterness which, perhaps, its neighbour endures. Infinite power and justice guide the maker of the universe, and all creation is so filled with His omniscience that a sparrow cannot fall without Him I and while all His attributes are engaged in the exhibition of justifying the ungodly, we may know that infinite love and mercy are equally in force to dispense, direct, and over- rule all events concerning His people, working all things together for their good. David knew something of this when he said—" The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear 22 Him, and delivcreth them" : Psa. 34. What a solemn, and yet what a comforting ccnsidcration is this for the christian, especially if he is * set as a solitary one in a family'-— an^3 his faith and patience are thus continually tested ; but it is too often to be deplored that his faith declines, and he becomes weary in well doing under this trying discipline; consequently unf\ithfulness creeps over the soul and paralyzes every christian ener- gy ; natural afFe tion for, and the influences of, those near and dear ensnare, and presently silence takes the p^ice of setting the Lord before their eyes ! Conscience may continue to tell of the darkness and loss of confidence and peace ; but, under these circumstances, unless sovereign grace is put forth, who can tell of the years, perhaps, of anguish and confusion the f^oxxl may ha . e to pass through, before he realizes the promise—" Sin shall not have domii.. j.^ over you" ? Rom. 6. Is there anything £i ^ ^'d ; or nuher, what is not lost by this unfaithfulness, this intimidation before man ? The only gain is when godly sor ^w working repentance is given, so that the soul, deeply numbled under a sense of sin, is exercised in like manner with that of others of whom we read ; " Ye sorrowed after a godly sort • ^ what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, clearing of yourselves, yea, indignation, yea, fear, yea, ve- hement desire, yea, zeal, yea, revenge" ! 2 Cor. 7. It is not in the power of man to say what a soul loses while it lives at a distance from the source of all that is good But it is written, " He [. What a onsidcration le is ' set as is faith and but it is too eclines, and r this trying ncsa creeps ristian cner- nfluences of, sently silence before their tell of the peace ; but, rereign grace 5, pprhaps, of ha.e to pass ►mise — ** Sin Rom. 6. Is , what is not dation before ;odly sor. ^w lat the soul, , is exercised of whom we sort I what I, clearing of fear, yea, ve- ige'' ! 2 Cor. ;o say what a nee from the vritten, " He 28 that is not with me is against me ; and ho that gathercth not with me scatteretl) r.broad" : Matt. 12. " He that rcceivcth the seed into stony pla- ces, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with jov rcceivcth it : yet hath he not rort in himself, but durcth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariscth because of the word, by and by he is oflfended" ; Matt. 13. Therefore, what guarantee is there of our adoption through grace, while there are no evidences mani- fested to prove it, and no testimony of the spirit within ? But, let us lock at the opposite case. It is not in the power of man to say what a soul gains by following the Lord wholly/. Now, let us return to the case of this solitary one ; you may be a father, or a mother, or child ; and whether the one or the other, cannot you trust in that God who is now become your reconciled father through the faith bestowed upon you in Christ Jesus ? " Although my house be not so with God ; yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure : for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, al- though He make it not to grow *' : 2 Sam. 23. Afflictions are designed to press us on naore and more toward the prize of our high calling ; we need some remembrances, always in f^xercise, to keep us continually on the watch ; we are toe deceitful to be left alone. If we are unfaithful in the midst of every thing reminding us of the vanity and sin of human nature, how is it to be expected, that, if we were delivered from these id^ 'pM f ^ 1 24 chastenings, which are tokens of God's love, we should be more faithful to the cause of our Lord ! The greater responsibility in all such cases un- doubtedly rests upon the christian, for he pos- aessesnhe light ; but, is there no responsibility on the part of others, although they are not children of light ? Let the words of Christ him- self answer : "This is the condemnation, that light IS come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil " : John 3, Living under this condemnation every hour, every day, the soul must be delivered from it :a time, or the wrath of God must abide upon that soul throughout all eternity I Let the members of a whole family try to realize what they will one day experience —their position before the judgment seat of Christ I Has the unconverted one (whether father or mother), no cause now for remorse and anguish ? Has he never led the way to the end ? Fas he never obliged a wife or child to do or not to do, accord- ing to the course of this world, irrespective of their souls and eternity ? Has he never accom- panied them to places where the sound of Christ was never heard ? To the society of the foolish ones, and united with them in what are called " the innocent amusements of life, &c. " ? (Short- lived and fearful " innocence " ! " Alas I their glory is in their shame, they mind earthh/ things " : Phil. 3.) He may be proud of those whom he naturally loves, he may take every 25 trouble and even deny self to advance them in this world I All this may and does exist in the most amiable and upright characters, and not unfrequently is accompanied with extreme at- tention to all the outward and publie means of grace, (which of course work together to strength- en that Pharisaical spirit which is usually found in characters of this description), while as yet he knows not the plague of his own heart, nor the spirituality of God's law. " The law is spiritual ; but lam carnal, sold under sin ": Rom* 7. And what appearance does this dread world present to him now f Can his former companions help him now f Do their society and friendship amuse and gratify him now f Are their accom- plishments, property, or high positions sought after and valued now f In short, would he not give thousands of swc/i i(;orZc?5, if he could now seek pardon for all the past, through a crucified and risen Saviour, and once again hear the Gospel invitation to receive the truth in the love of it f But his appointed w^ork is ended— his eternity has begun ! What is the position of the converted one — the despised on earth ? What is now the mani- fest blessedness of his singularity ? He is ** on the right side,'' with all his sins blotted out ; sunk into the depths of the sea; with "his robes washed white in the blood of the lamb ;" through much tribulation and weakness he carried the cross ; he did all things through Christ strength- ening him. To such the Lord thus speaks in His I" .'!ll<'M ' 2G word—** I have loved thee with an everlasting love ; therefore, with loving-kindness have I drawn thee": Jer. 31. How various are the devices v/hich Satan exercises over human char- acters to keep up a life of self-deception ! It is no uncommon occurrence (in these days of abused knowledge) to see persons persisting in a course, from year to year, which every experienced christian can plainly discern to be the broad way that leadeth to destruction, whilst they imagine themselves to be in the narrow path which leadeth unto life eternal I There is a vacillating excitement and much talking, and (wJien not inconvenient) an attendance on some means of grace-^this is. no sooner over than equal or increased excitement is called forth —and what is the subject of it ? Some worldly amusement is anxiously occupying the mind-1 arrangements and re -arrangements are well dis- cussed, and so, that time-^which is always con- vement-~pB.sses away, till, without any unwilling, ness the looked for amusement is attended and enjoyed I A variety of topics for conversation connected with the by-gone amusement, still occupy the mind, and such conversation is often tar from being profitable or sincere—" Wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself • ^^^^^^^^ t^at judgest doest the same things"': The society of christians may perhaps be the next thing sought, and that of the vain ones of the world afterwards, and so it continues I while 27 everlasting ess have I )ug are the iman char- ion I It is ^s of abused in a course, sxperienced broad way ey imagine ach leadeth and much attendance sooner over called forth tne worldly he mind — J well dis* ilways cori' unwilling- tended and aversation, nent, still on is often * Wherein 3t thyself ; things " : laps be the lin ones of es I while I they sometimes accuse or excuse tbemselves on the plea of the wishes of others ; and the difficulty of knowing their path of duty, &c. How un- questionably these cases betray their relationship to their first parents, who vainly hoped to screen their own sin by throwing the responsibility on another ! How much better it would be if more time were given to the eternal interests of the poor sinners around them, upon whom their inconsistencies are often reflected I But, so long as sincerity/ of purpose is wanting, there can be no example for others to take knowledge of their fidelity to Jesus ; and, so long as deceiving and being deceived continues, there can be no con- fidence placed in them. They are " ever learn- ing, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth " : 2 Tim, 3, Nor are they crucified unto the world, because the world is not crucified unto them. — " Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not ')een emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity : therefore his taste re- mained in him^ and his scent is not changed *' ; Jer. 48. They may have knowledge enough to spoil some earthly pleasure, but not grace enough to feel any of the joys of faith. These characters of admixture will benefit nothing more by their knowledge (but less) than the most ignorant — for " where much is given, much is required." If our sons and our daughters are brought up to shine (to find their lives) in this world, we know not how we can expect them to be ^* plants t fjf'lr If 11'^ m i>ifi 28 grown up In their yonth, and polished corners of a rajaee I Young people are often much to be pitied, for It IS difficult for them at all times to fcnow right from wrong— they may be well in- structed at stated periods and particular seasons : but on other occasions, fhey are led into, and allowed to practice, direct opposition to ali the good instruction they have received, and are still to receive again when the day returns for it. We grant, and are quite willing to allow, that this religion is and may very conectly be called '•fashonabU " I for it is found to be so conve- nent and so easy that there is little wonder at seein:. Us advocates increasing ! What a cruel thing it 13, and how sinful to substitute such contusion; such soul-destroying work, in the place of the unfashionable but soul-saving religion of the cross ! How natural it is that young people should so gladly embrace what suits both their taste and their conscience, not knowing their present or eternal danger I All the time attending means of grace, where perhaps the light IS shining and the truth taught ; but their dark- ness comprehends it not. for they carry with them tlie pomps and vanities of this wicked world and • many of them openly manifest the painful fact that they arc not yet « willing to be made whole." A sinful nature binds them to earth, because thev M?f "o'hing yet more satisfactory. ^.<.r,^J^ ^7^ ^^^ gratitude Ciabbath-School teachers and all Bible teachers would feel if thev could see mora seriousness and attention and sel{ t\ : ■ I } comers of much to be a]l times to be well in- 2r seasons ; t into, and to all the md are still 'or it. We I that this be called so conve- wonder at at a cruel itute such rk, in the ng religion tiat young suits both t knowing the time ps the light heir dark- with them world and ' inful fact le whole." 3ause they th- School jel if they 1 and self S9 applicatioii on tbe part of those who profess that they come to learn ! would that the solemn truths of God's word, which they heard from Sabbath to Sabbath, were written and engraven upon their affections, ** not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God ; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart " : 2 Cor. 3. Then every day would be the day for reading and studying the Bible ; ^:\)ery day would be accountable for all we think, and sneak, and do ! and Mew, and not till then, will our Sabbath Schools and places of worship present an altered appearance. It is a most solemn and painful consideration to one who looks at every thing in reference to eternity, to witness so much cause for that sad- ness which the world complains of in the christian ; but this sadness is often especially felt on account of those very persons who complain of it, — and, at those very times, when the realities of sin are manifested in pride and ignorance, and indif- ference to it and unwillingness to hear of it, or to listen to those glad tidings which proclaim pardon and eternal life through a Crucified Saviour. ** How can I sing the Lord's song in a strange land *' ? is often the exclamation of those who love to praise the Lord, and who would rejoice to do so even with those who are yet only wondering at, or ridiculing them for their " sin- gularity " and " uncharitable judgments.'* Now, let us assure such, that if they could but feel any 30 » thing of the truth of their real position as lost sinners, the cause of their wonder would then be just the opposite ! Thev would wonder, that any one spiritually alive to such awful realities, could cease warning them day and night with tears ; they would wonder how such a on*^ could ever be silent on the subject ; but they would cease to wonder, that these few (wc grant singu- lar ones) should be so solemn, importunate, and anxious to tell them the truth, while they hope and pray that God, in His infinite mercy, may bless the means used to the conversion of some of their souls. We should none of us call that triend uncharitable and singular, who seeing us walking on blindfold with an open pit before us. should call out to us again and again to stop I Let us remember, that every teacher of truth in a babbath School or else vvhere, is calling out to his blind-tolded fellow-sinners to stop before they tali into that bottomless pit, from whence they can never be delivered! Children as well as adults, all ye who hear the truth of God's word, see that you fall not into that pit, while you are perhaps, Sabbath after Sabbath, seen in your class with that book in your hand, which shall at the last day condemn all who received it not ia the love of it Never forget, that there are but two classes of persons-^-children of light and children of darkness«~and, although compre- hended under various appearances, let not ap- pearance, or any outward distinction tempt you to judge contrary to the word of God ; " except )ition as lost i^ould then be ivonder, that iul realities, night with I a ono could they would grant singu- Ttunate, and le they hope mercy, may sion of some us call that seeing us it before us, lain to stop ! of truth in ailing out to > before they hence they as well as rod's word, lile you are, sn in your vhich shall veditnotia ere are but light and ;h compre- et not ap- tempt you ; "except 81 a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" : John 3. Come, then, to your Sabbath School, and pray that you may come for good. Watch against the influence of those who repre^.' scut the fowls spoken of in the parable as devouring the seed sown by the way side— watch against those who would tempt you to make light of this responsible privilege. Think of the work you are engaged In : how solemn I how important to your soul I When the next Sabbath returns your seat may be empty—you may be ill— your sickness may be unto death ;—what review will you then be able to take of your past Sabbath J^chool instruction ? Have you to thank God for blessmgs received? or have you to bemoan your neglected opportunities ? Again we say, come to your class and give your attention, your serious attention, to the instruction given. Forget not that your Teacher watches for your souls, and bemg constrained by the love of Christ, perse- veres in the momentous work, "whether you will hear or whether you will forbear." The time is approaching when both Teacher and Scholar will appear before the judgment-seat to^ give an account of their stewardships. There will be but two classes found to exist in that day when the secrets of all hearts will be made known! "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"; and "Depart, ye cursed, into ever- lasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels*' : Matt. 25. 32 I ;,! Faith, or no faith, severally constitutes these classes. «* He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life ; and he that believeth not the .Son shall not see life*' : John 3, Surely, surely, then, the^ most valuable gift we can possess is saying faith; and as no one can possess saving faith without knowing \U author and finisher, it would be strange, indeed, if the recipients of such were not capable of teaching others, having themselves been taught of God, and telling them of Him who is " the Way, the Truth, and the Life.*' Nothing cpn justify any christian manor woman for concealing this gift (above all other gifts) under any false pretences or misguided notions as to whether they are or are not the *| lawfully qualified" for such sacred responsibili- ties, &c I nor can others be excused from going forward in their Master's cause through a mistaken judgment regarding their insufficiency, weakness, &c., &c. We believe that all such excuses for not exercisin,2: our gifts and graces In our Master's cause are false, and will be over- come when the value of immortal souls and the love of Christ are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down ima- gmations, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" : 2 Cor. 10, St. Paul writes thus—" Help those women who laboured with me in the Gospel", (Phil 4 3.) and it is worthy of notice, that the two Marys were the first messengers sent to tell the good news that Christ was risen from the dead— while 33 the keepers {men) for fear of him became as dead men : Matt. 28. Women indeed seem to have been the most devoted and faithful ministers to our Lord whilst on earth ; may we not, then, feel fully assured that, now he is in heaven, their services in making known his dying love for sinners must be acceptable in his sight? Is it not manifest in the Scriptures that the Apostle Paul, with all his jealousy for God's glory and for Christ's kingdom, never forbad or limited any christian from holding forth the word of life— quite the contrary. Neither do we find him on any occasion, or from any plea whatever condemning or liscountenancing ani/ teacher of trutL "One in Christ", was enough for St. Paul. His brethren in the bonds of the Gospel embraced all who loved the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity— according to his Divine Master wlien he emphatically enquired, "Who is my mother ? and who are my brethren ? And he stretched forth His hand toward His disciples and said, Behold my mother and my brethren : for whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, my sister and mother" : Matt. 12. » ^ i In what way does this divine example of Christ's love bear upon us ? does it find us cor- dially assenting to the Lord's judgment in this matter, while our hearts can testify before the scrutiny of Omniscience that we love one another with pure hearts, fervently ? Are we cultivating this heavenly principle as a positive christian doty — and how is this love manifested? Arc wc so jealous of one another's character that wo cover a multitude of sins through the fervency of oar love ? If one member suffer, do all the others suffer with it ? Do we, as the body of Christ, constrain the world to cry out, " See how these christians love one another^' ? ** By this shall ail men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" : John 13. This is a beautiful picture, and would that it were painted with the finger of God upon all our hearts ! but we must be faithful and reverse the case. Many of us do not love one another. Neither are we careful to cover one another's infirmities and sins. We are too selfish to suffer with them that suffer, or to rejoice with them that do rejoice ; therefore it is a cause of deep humiliation that we do not impress the v/orld Vfith the idea of our fellowship and union as members of one body. "Rut let not the worldly exult at this ; let them not imagine that they have any argument against the principles of Christ's religion, because Christians are not faithful ! neither let them suppose for a moment that because the truths of the Gospel are not made manifest as we could desire, that the slightest impeachment is thereby cast upon the scriptures of God. Indeed it is quite on the contrary ; truth is all the more established. Let any of us exercise our observation and honesty, and find out, for the confirmation of truth, and for our own satisfaction, why is it thus ? We shall find that the kei/ to 35 ? Arc that wo vency of le others .f Christ, ow these Lt ye are nother" : id would rod upon iful and love one over one )o selfish Dice with cause of he world mion as I worldly hey have Christ's faithful ! t because manifest iachraent of God. is all the rcise our t, for the isfaction, le key to unde; -tand these apparent discrepancies will be discovered on the very face of the Holy Scriptures — the word of an unchanging God. There can be no bond of peace and love witdout the unity of the Spirit. No raanifesi; membership, one of another, without holding the head as the Alpha and Omega. No walking together in confidence unless we be agreed in sincerity and truth. No overcoming the sins which do most easily beset us, unless we fight the good fight of faith. Any departure from God's way — any unholy partial separation of what God has seen fit to unite in His word, can only produce " wood, hay, Btubble," confusion, and every evil work, " A corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit ; wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them." ** For the time will como when they will not endure sound doctrine ; but, after their own lusts, shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears ; and they shall turn away their ears from the truths and shall be turned unto fables'* : 2 Tim. 4. Unless it pleases God to pour out the Holy Spirit upon ministers and people, they will only be " blind leaders of the* blind, both sh^ll fall into the ditch" : Matt. 15. While many are trusting to lying vanities, which cannot profit, here or hereafter, — others are resting their never-dying souls on what must inevitably deceive them-—" Because they sought it not by faith " : Rom. 9. Let us each one ask himself, what am I trusting to ? am I sufficiently acquainted with the perfec- 36 I tion of Goa^s attributes to seethe impossibility of sinful man (who is " altogether become abomin- able/') doing the slightest thing towards his own salvation ? and do I understand that nothing short of perfect God and perfect man united in one to make a perfect man, can redeem me from the curse of the law ? can give me a new nature —make me holy unto the Lord—and fit me for His kingdom by clothing me in the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom God " hath made to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him " ? 2 Corinth, v. 21. If such is my experience, and if I believe that my sins, which are many, are forgiven, I am sure I shall love, or desire to lovc, much • and I am also sure, that this love will constrain me to deny myself, take up the cross, and fol- low Christ with far more willingness and gratitude than all the meritorious acts, self-righteous forms and ceremonies of man's devising, can possibly produce in any poor sinners who are not totally blmded to their helplessness and sin ; taking things for granted which are not ; thinking that good IS received when it is not; and thus going on from day to day, till sooner or later sudden destruction cometh upon them, while they are saymg " peace, peace " I No discoveries of their ruin, or horror at their past indifference to the truth,^ will then avail ! amazement at the madness of their folly for believing man more than God, will then avail ! For we read—" I will laugh at 3ibility of ) abomin- 3 his own nothing inited in me from iW nature ; me for e perfect it, whom knew no usness of ^ believe given, I I much ; constrain and fol- ^ratitude •us forms possibly t totally ; taking ^ing that s going ' sudden hey are } of their to the madness an God, lugh at 37 your calamity; I will mock when your fear Cometh ; when your fear cometh as desolation and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind • when distress and anguish cometh upon you ; then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer • they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me : for they hated knowledge, and did not chcose the fear of the Lord " : Prov. 1. For there shall arise faloe Christa and false Prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect " : Mat. Deceive the very elect I ^Yqs, and we be- Jieve that we are living in the very days allr-' ^d to. False doctrines abound on every side and so specious are bcme of them that, were it not for that wisdom which the Lord imparts to His own people, they would be deceived, even as others, borne of these errors are propagated by those trom^ whom we might hope better things ; such, /or instance, as that of apostolical succession, held, of course, by the Church of Rome ♦ but alas I by very many also of the Clergy of the tvhurch of England. A doctrine fraught with evil consequences, leading, as it does, directly or indirectly, to many other errors* Now, if there IS any truth at all in such an assertion, : ( I « Mi 38 why do not those who hold it, come forth boldly, and with all plainness of speech, in public as well as private, trace and explain this doctrine from the word of God, and shew to the world that they have sufficient evidence to bear them out in that Jofty assumption—that they alone are the true mmisters of the gospel, and that those of other denominations who exercise the privilege of preaching Christ to poor perishing sinners, are usurping an office to which they have no right or title whatever ? But, we would ask, to what are the advocates of apostolical succession driven to prove it ? Are they not obliged to trace the succession through the Church of Rome ? We believe they are, and we certainly do not envy them m their passage through such a slough of iniquity. Do they not, by such a procedure, affirm that they have no objection to acknowledge that apostacy as the Church of God, and thereby, indirectly at least, falsify the wordo/(7o^, which stamps her as the woman upon whose ** forehead was a name written. Mystery, Babylon the trRE.T, THE MoTHER OF HarLOTS AND ABOMI- NATIONS OP THE Earth? and I.^^w the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus : and when I saw her I wondered with great admiration" : Rev 17. It may be asked, why is this notion of apostolical succession so dangerous ? Many rea- sons might be given, but we will content ourselves with one or two. In the first place, those clergymen of the Church of England who hold it b boldly, ? as well ne from hat they t in that ihe true 3f other ilege of ers, are right or what i driven :'ace the ? We t envy ►ugh of }, affirm Ige that hereby, , which )rehead N THE ^BOMI- woman d with vhen I : Rev. ion of \y rea- 'selves those iold it 39 claim for themselves something, yea, a good deal of the position assumed by the priests of the Church of Rome, that they alone are the authorized interpreters of the word of God, to this extent at least, that, though they do not deny the won' of God to the laity, to read for themselves, they do deny them the right of using that word for the conversion of sinners and edification of saints. They would prevent the laity from going from house to house, to make known through the Scriptures Him of whom they testify. In the second place, these clergymen are so puflfed up with the idea of their own exclusive position as the direct successors of the Apostles— (would that they had the spirit of Paul when he said, " not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy : for by faith ye stand" 1 2 Cor. 1.)— -and, in consequence, so unduly exalt the church to which they belong, that they do not hesitate to assert, that there is no salvation out of the Church of England; thus branding all other denominations as heretical, it R ay be, with the exception of the Church of Rome. Oa this latter point we cannot speak positively, but we strongly suspect that these clergymen have far greater hope of those belonging to the Church of Rome, than of those comprised within the range of dissent. We do not wonder that many holding such views have realized our worst fears, and have thrown themselves into the arms of that Mother of Harlots ; finding in her the complete development of that false principle I ! r 40 which induced them to deviate from the pure word of God. " But I fear, lest by any means, as the ser- pent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ'' : 2 Cor. 11. No doubt we are all aware that the most successful mode of shut- ting out the truth is by shutting up the Bible, and woe be to those upon whom such iniquity rests I It behoves us, then, to look well to our Bibles, to try the doctrines, as well as the spirits, whether they be of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. The Apostle Paul gives us no mysterious, indefinite sound on this momentous subject ; he authorizes every one to receive or not to receive statements made by ministers, just according as the Bible does or does not substantiate them : " but though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than thaw which we have preached, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed'': Gal. 1. Although the unqualaed condemnation of the Apostle is against those who preached error instead of truth, yet this is the true and the safe ground to take in reference to assertions such as we have been considering. When ministers put forth doctrines or devices of any kind which cannot be attested by the word of God, it gives us all full liberty to regard them, as we find them, mortal we/i—poor, weak, and 41 often deceived men. Who can .calculate on the amount oferror and perplexity, and even damage, which would accrue to the souls of inexperienced christians, if they were tempted to believe, that •* there is no salvation out of the Church of England *' I but, it might occur, that some of the individuals viho hear of this newly discovered fact, have themselves received ** the truth in the love of it "; either in the Wesleyan Church—or, it may be, in the Free Church of Scotland,-~or, perhaps, in the Baptist Chapel ! Therefore, w^ need have no apprehension on their account. Even should they hear some one assert, that their salvation would be null and vo'd unless they believed in apostolical succession ! for we read, " Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou Shalt be saved *' ! it is a very awful considera- tion to think of the real position and working of this subjectj—it is right and useful to remembev, that so long as any one holds " no salvation out of the Church of England," he is usurping God's prerogative, and pronouncing not only a temporal condemnation, but an eternal judgment— ever- lasting destruction on every immortal soul who does not worship with him in that Church ! How deplorable it is to think of any one (but more especially those who have the care of souls) holding such views of a religion, which is, pro- fessedly, the religion of Jesus Christ, that the whole of their principles and feelings are involved necessarVy in this peculiar line marked out by themselves ; all others who differ fr ova them, on u 42 this ground, are met and regarded with silent sus^^icion, whether mere formalists or known followers of Christ ; all, but those who have the badge of the Church of England, are looked upon in the same light, and thus, there is manifested a sad destitution of any thing approaching christian fellowship, or love. No doubt, every one taught by the spirit of God can discern that spirit and hold intercourse with it when he finds it in another—telling of that blessed oneness and communion of saints which is the only principle of true union to be found on earth. This principle badge, is the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, and soon discovers itself, md. joyfully acknowledges a brother or sister in the faith, whether in high or low life ; whether rich or poor ; whether a worshipper of their one Lord and Saviour in Church or Chapel j'—^^e/r union is begun in time to endure throughout eternity, when all others will have come to naught I It is also to be deplored, that views should be held by any professing the religion of Christ, which could in any way underrate or undermine any of the true children of light, who visit and are grate- fully received hy the enquiring ignorant, for the express purpose of reading and explaining the word of God, so far as the spirit may have taught them, and who thus endeavour to obey the command of the Lord Jesus—" Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in m 43 heaven" : Mat 5. Can those who hold that there is no salvation out of the Church of England, recon- cile such an assertion with the undeniable fact, that as great a number of spiritual worshippers is to be found elsewhere as within her pale ? if they can, they must be capable of believing any thing ! Akin to this uangerous error of apostolical succession is anotaer, more fatal, perhaps, in its consequences » mean Baptismal Regeneration held by all th ^ir jcatcs of the former delusion. If this doctrine ue true, then all the inhabitants of Christendom are regenerated or born of the spirit, and therefore, ought to shew, at least, Bome of the fruits of the spirit — "Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, &c/*' : Gal, 5.,— but, do they manifest these fruits ? Alas, no, but rather an abundance of the works of the fles'—" Adultery, fornication, idolatry, hatred, variance, wrath, seditions, heresies, mur- ders, drunkenness, &c," : Gal. 5, And we know that there is no event more common than baptized persons (even those baptized in the Church alluded to) living all their days in nature's darkness, and dying ignorant of their lost and einful condition I Of what advantage then, is this sort of regeneration, if it comprehends no more than that it is a matter of perfect indifference whether it takes place or not at Baptism ? Of none ; for it leaves man just as it found him ! But the regeneration necessary to salvation has from all eternity for its commencement, and to all eternity for its duration I ill I 44 He also jusdfied • ' 7 , ""^"S ^?' '"'^^'^< them He also'' glorified ". p''°\^' J"^''fi«''. "'«"« Lord, I chanl not • tt°%' ^- " ^<"' ^ «« the Gospl IrSeV nr^ '7; ,^-'- of the that'all who botst 0^ b Lrin^fh 'j'.' ,''' ''^''«^^' representatives of tL a ^.i . ' 1"°'^ "^""^ are spirit ? Can they a ke fc '? ^"'''""^^ ^"^^ Apostles' grace LddevoTednets Trf-f ^« the salvation of sinnerr? 1 n° '^''"^t »" in this well doing —for, although you are to them as a parable now, still " nothing is impossible with God," and the Lord, whose example you are to follow, knows you in a better a^ more encouraging way j fbr you can read in His word—" Blessed are your eyes, for they see • and your ears, for tHy hear " : Mat. 13. ' 51 " And tlio spirit ami the brido say, eoinc And let him that heareth say, come. And ht him that IS athirst come. And whosoever will let hull take 'io water of life freely" : J{ev 2"' " Jicloved, -ink it not mange coiicernin"' stiangc hing happened unto you : but rejoice inasmuch as ye arc partakers of Christ's sufFer- ings ; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye ".ay be glad also with exceeding joy " : 1 Peer ■i. • (;rod IS able to make all grace abound toward you, even " in troublesome times," when nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom"; and tlioy shall lay their hands on you and persecute you, and bring you before lungs fo ; my name's sake. It shall turn to you for a testimony-for I will give you a niouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist— not a hair of your head shall perish " : Luke 21. " While men's hearts are failing them for Mr -" we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains bo carried into the m.dst of the sea. There is a river, the- streams whereof shall make glad the city of God' 5j,Vh'°'^pP'r? ^^ '}'' ^^bernaeles of the Most lligh. trod is in the midst of her, sho shall not " Awat , awake ; put on thy strenr... tT 'JJ'u r '•''/ ^^r^^"^ garments, Jerusa- lem, the holy city : for henceforth, there shall «: 52 no more come into tbee the uncircumcised, and the unclean " : Isa. 52. ^' Arise, shine ; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people : but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and liis glory shall be seen upon thee '' : Isa. 60. Young men and fathers, lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh, liejoice that ye are not in darkness, lest that day should take you as a thief. Stand in Christ's stead, beseech- ing sinners to be reconciled unto God. Endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Let your light shine, o that men may take know- ledge of you that you hare been with Jesus. The conflict will soon be ended— the battle will soon be won ? The trials and sorrows of the church militant will soon be exchanged for the blessedness and glory of the church triumphant ! " The time of your departure is at hand," and then, in the bright prospect of this victory you will be privi!3ged with the Apostle to exclaim, ~ '* I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there IS laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing " ; 2 Tim. 4. FINIS.