was very none strong all night, and very changeable; it did not a brother in the Lord, and a partner with Mr. the maladies that 'flesh is heir to,' and blow from one point for many minutes together. H in business. John Hand wife came that which entaileth and worketh eternal The pilot and crew up all night working very in the afternoon to see us. Mr. M. hard. About 6 o'clock they cast anchor for the attentive. Also, the next day, Miss H- for-death, is directed by the blessed Spirit, first time since we left, waiting the return of the merly of Bristol, and Miss Elizabeth T- to Him who once died on the Cross for tide. It has been my prayer since I left not to came to see us, but I was in bed. I knocked be anxious about the future; now my thoughts the skin off my leg whilst on board, now it is sinners, and is now risen to intercede are about my next step, but am comforted, be- much inflamed, and has laid me up for a fort- in heaven for them that believe; and lieving that the Lord's children are helping me night. Bowinanville is a growing town, but I by their prayers. Yea, the faithful High Priest could get no employment there, as no man car- though there enthroned in highest bliss, is touched with the feeling of my infirmities. ried on business in my way; but an excellent His own glory, and His Father's glory, O Lord, give me thy peace! The dear baby has opening for any one that could commence for himgot the measles-two young men also. The self. As soon as I was able, I went to Toronto; is to plead for guilty sinners that predoctor told me we should be detained at the but could get nothing to do, as trade was very cious blood, that flowed so free, so rich, hospital. dull; then, to St. Catherine's and Hamilton. Tuesday, 26th. We anchored at the hospital. I might have had work at St. Catherine's, but from Calvary's tree. From thence its The officials from the island came on board at the wages were so low. From there I wrote to voice of love and mercy flies to the ends 9 o'clock. All on board ordered on shore; my Mr. D- and waited his reply; and as he dear wife and Rhoda taken to the hospital. I offered me more, I thought it right to return as of the earth, to cleanse sinners from all went on shore with them in the captain's boat, soon as possible. I returned to Montreal, but their sins, to save unto the uttermost all where a carriage was waiting to take them to my family remained at Bowmanville. The first that come unto God by Him, to seek the hospital. A steamer from Quebec took all day I went to work a large tool fell on my foot, the passengers on shore at the island. It was which laid me aside again. Just as I was able out the lost, the undone, the cast out almost dark when we arrived. We had to take to work again, I received the contents of a all the things that were used on board. Some of pistol on my cheek bone. The Orange Men held one, and the one ready to perish the passengers assisted us in bringing our beds, their meeting that day, which exasperated the can come too filthy, too vile-and snatch &c., from the edge of the water to the house Catholics, and a disturbance ensued. I heard which was appointed for us to sleep in. The the noise, and looked out of the window. These them from hell, and put them into His children were by this time overcome with fatigue. things led me to ask the Lord whether I was bosom of love. God so loved the world, I was obliged to attend to them. John made where He would have me to be. A short time himself especially useful. After putting them after I called on Mr. B—, because I heard that that He gave His only begotten Son, to bed, I thanked the Lord for the mercies of the he broke bread in his own house. I told him I that sinners might not perish, but have day, and retired to rest. thought we ought to walk in a more public way, everlasting life. See here, then, poor sinWednesday, 27th. Rose early; took our break-which he also desired. We met at first in a room fast. I prepared dinner, and then employed a that a brother preaches in afternoons and even-ner, love's Almighty cure for the serpentwoman to wash our clothes. All the passengers ings; but now we meet in the Lecture Room of bite of sin. Look here for life and peace. were busy washing, the weather being fine. I the Natural History Society. Many come to our took the children to the cemetery, thinking to meetings, truly spiritual brethren, who are not find something to mark the relations of Jane; happy in the present state of the church. About but could not; but saw a monument with this a month after I had been at Montreal, my wife inscription: "In this secluded spot lie the mortal and children came.........I think this is my place remains of 5421 persons, who, flying from pesti- at last. lence and famine in Ireland, in the year 1847, found in America but a grave.' Four medical men died at the same time of typhus fever, contracted in the faithful discharge of their duty towards the sick. This is a beautiful island, and if we had been here under other circumstances, we should have enjoyed it much. A vessel, called Gipsy Queen, anchored. She left Plymouth be fore us some days. The captain and doctor came on shore, and told me that fourteen had died of Both the Old and the New Testament scarlet fever while at sea; two were grown persons. There had also been three births. Two form one blessed Gospel-one full, rich, persons also died before. The next morning, at perpetual stream of mercy to fallen man, 4 o'clock, I saw my wife and child at the hospital; thankful to find the baby better. The which shall never cease to flow while one hospital is large, capable of accommodating 500 prodigal remains to be gathered into sick, with every necessary comfort and attend THE SERPENT OF BRASS. even so must the Son be lifted up." Millions have looked here—have obtained both-and are gone to glory. Just Published, 18mo., cloth, price ls. 6d. Z. LAW AND GRACE: being Notes of Lectures on the Epistle to the Galatians. By J. L. HARRIS, Author of "The School of God," &c. London: W. Yapp. 4, Old Cavendish Street, In 5 vols. fcap. 8vo, in extra red cloth, price 10s. 6d., post free, Edited by H. H. S. Consisting of hundreds of YRUMBS FOR THE LORD'S LITTLE ONES. original papers, on various Scriptural subjects, writ ten for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Lord's people. London: William Yapp, 4, Old Cavendish Street, Published Monthly, in feap. 4to., price 4d.. ance. Emigrants have reason to be thankful for heaven. See it here, poor sinner; look of Scripture Exposition, Christian Intercomsuch a place. Thursday, 28th. We were all ordered on board this morning. My dear wife and child were brought again to the water's edge in a carriage. After we were all on board we sailed for Quebec. We cast anchor at Quebec at 9 p.m. We have been 42 days, 5 hours at sea. O my God! we thank thee not only that we are arrived in safety. but for shielding us from the many trials that others have been called to pass through. M munication, and Biblical Research. Communications for the Editor, and Books for Review, to be a idressed to 72, Hatton Garden, London. Chase, 72, Hatton Garden; Sold by Wm. Yapp, Old Cavendish Street, Oxford Street, and all Booksellers. A London: Printed and Published by Morgan and Just published, price 1s. 6d. per packet, assorted, Large Type, earnestly recommended for general distribution. 1. The Fallen House. 7. Liberty; or, the Captive 10. How can I approach God? once more; for, may be, you once looked, and saw no beauty in the Word, felt no concern about it, and are now a wanderer far from your Father's house by reason of wicked works. If so, may you now have faith to look up to Him-Him, the glorious Son of His Father's bosom; Friday, 29th. The doctor came on board, and passed us all. I then went to the Post-office in Him, whom His Father spared not, but hope of a letter, but there was none. I wrote a gave Him up to die the accursed death few lines to Miss W, which I hope was reon the Cross, that poor sinners might 6. Christ my Glory. ceived, to say that we arrived in safety. P— and myself were appointed by the pas not perish, but in Him and by Him sengers to buy something for the Captain, for his kindness and attention during the voyage. We have everlasting life. In the midst of bought a gold pencil-case, with this inscription, mercies Israel sinned, and God's right"Captain C—, from the passengers of the ship Eliza, as a mark of esteem, May 29th, 1857" eous anger against her sin was revealed Dr. V- of H————, was presented with a gold in a sore visitation-He sent fiery serring, for his unremitting attention. pents to bite them. But His mercy also Saturday, 30th. We did not leave the ship until about 2 p.m. As the officer had not es provided a remedy for the deadly sting, amined our boxes, we were taken in a steamer that none might die thereof. The divine to the station. We found refreshments very expensive. At 5 p.m., we left by special train, command was obeyed; the serpent of and arrived at Montreal about 5 a.m. Mr. John brass, fixed upon a pole, was erected in 1) came to see me, and offered me employ their midst; and it was ment; but I thought it right to go to Hamilton -look thereon, first. About eight the train again started; we and live. God directed the eye of the passed from place to place, and arrived at Bowimanville about 9 p.m. By this time we were dying Israelite to it, and that look very much fatigued. My dear wife and I have brought the cure. So the sinner, born had but little rest for three nights past. slept at a tavern that night. In the morning in sin, afflicted with that deadliest of Mr. H got lodgings for us at Mr. R's, maladies, that universal parent of all We - 11. The Blood for a Token (Exodus xii. 13). 12. Self-righteous Lost, and 13. Be ye Reconciled. 19. Why will ye Die? 20. The one Resting-place. London: William Yapp, 4, Old Cavendish Street, Second Edition, Demy 18mo., cloth, 28. ECOLLECTIONS OF EVANGELIST: Incidents connected with Village Ministry; to Robert Gribble. CONTENTS-The First Step. The first fruits of the Gospel. maker. The Midnight visit. Man's will and God's purpose. 3 Monthly Journal, CONTAINING PLAIN TRUTHS OF ETERNAL IMPORTANCE, FOR "STREETS AND LANES," HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES." LONDON: WILLIAM YAPP,] No. 4.] "Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Registered for BOOK POST. The Publisher will forward parcels of The Evangelist to any part of the United Kingdom, post free, on the undermentioned terms: 4 copies for 4d. or for one year, 48. 8 12 8d. 88. 12s. 16 ls. 4d. 168. The following circumstance which occurred a few weeks ago, may illustrate this. I had occasion to call on one whose conduct as a wife and mother is most exemplary, and who has for several years swered, her fears were gone, and she was All orders should be addressed to the regularly attended puplic worship anxi-enabled to cast herself on the mercy of A single copy will be sent to any British Colony or 12 months for 2s., paid in advance. Publisher, Mr. W. YAPP, 4, Old Cavendish Street, All Communications, Subscriptions, Books for Review, &c., should be forwarded, pre-paid, "To the Editor of the Evangelist," 4, Old Cavendish Street, "Nothing to Pay." Luke vii. 42. Him who came to seek and save the lost. Her sorrow was turned into joy, and she was constrained to lean her head that she might kneel down and pour out the had done such great things for her. She has since been quite happy in the knowledge that her sins which are many are all forgiven, and the change in her whole conduct has been so manifest as greatly to affect the mind of her relations. Her aged mother, who has heretofore been ously desiring to realize peace with God, but hitherto in vain. The secret of her disappointment is perhaps that she does not fully understand the words "Nothing to pay," like many others who have not thanksgivings of her heart to Him who learned the desperate wickedness of their own hearts, and their utterly lost and ruined condition as sinners before God. It is much to be feared that the very She has been seeking something in herfreeness with which the blessings of the self on which to build her hope, instead gospel are offered to all, "without money of the complete and perfect work of the and without price," is to many a hin- Lord Jesus, "who of God is made unto quite opposed to the truth, and did not drance to their reception. The pride of us wisdom, and righteousness, and sancti- for many years attend any place of pubnature rejects the thought that there is fication, and redemption; that, according lic worship, is now deeply sensible of her "nothing to pay." Naaman would gladly as it is written, he that glorieth, let him lost condition and embraces every ophave “done some great thing" to get rid glory in the Lord.” (1 Cor. i. 30, 31.) portunity of hearing the gospel, so that A few days after this interview, when there is much reason to hope that the of his leprosy, yet he "went away in a rage" when he was simply told to "wash returning from our prayer-meeting, I Lord has commenced a work of grace in in Jordan seven times." (2 Kings v. 10.) overtook two of the hearers, who were her soul. How truly may it be said to But he was obliged to humble himself, or engaged in earnest conversation. One of any who, like the Pharisees of old, are he would never have been cleansed from them was an aged Christian on the verge trusting to the works of the law, "The his filthy disease. All his wealth could of fourscore, the other a young woman publicans and the harlots go into the not avail him, nor the favour of the king of very disreputable character, who had kingdom of God before you." his master; he must wash in Jordan. lately been awakened and convinced of How plainly do we here discern as in a sin. She was complaining of the hardglass the way of salvation. The sinner, ness of her heart, and expressing her whether rich like Naaman, or poor as fear that she was too vile to be saved. CHRIST ONLY. R. G. "Ir is not what we observe, or suppose that we observe of fruits, and effects, which become the foundation of hope; but what CHRIST is, as our Head and Representative in God's esteem. Experiences are very well in their way; but they are never well, nor ever properly in the way, when we put them in CHRIST's way, and in the place of CHRIST. And whoever sends men to form a judgment of their state, as they call the gracious disposition of their own they stand before God, by consulting what ignorance of this, many anxious souls now beginning to break, and she ex- hearts, instead of sending them to the enjoypressed her hope that she might be ment of God's perfect approbation of the Lazarus who sat at the rich man's gate, It was perhaps in reference to her expeis alike tainted with the leprosy of sin. rience that I was led the next week evenThe blood of Christ is the only remedy, ing service to make some remarks on and faith in that precious blood brings "the woman that was a sinner" (Luke vii. healing and cure to those who are con- 37); and on my way home I again passed tent to receive it as debtors to free, her on the road conversing with two others. The dark cloud of unbelief was sovereign, and unmerited grace. Through are kept in bondage, while others, who pardoned; but, being such a great sinner, Church in CHRIST, is sending them to the feel they are utterly ruined and undone, she could not expect to be forgiven yet. shadow instead of the substance; so that, gladly embrace the welcome tidings, that This was the early dawn of the Spirit's when at any time an intervention takes place "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from work on her hitherto dark mind, which to the substance, the shadow is instantly lost." all sin," and like the woman who simply was soon to be followed by the marvel- Dr. Hawker. WE read in the Gospel by John that "the law God's holy verdict long ago went forth, that "by the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified; for by the law is the knowledge of sin." The law made demands on fallen, sinful man such as he was unable to fulfil it demanded righteousness from man to God in the way of works-it therefore proved all to be guilty, and under condemnation. The question, therefore, with a soul truly sensible of his guilt is, Can man be accounted righteous by God in any other way? Can a sinner have any real ground of assurance in any other way? The answer is, Yes; God has come down to man, as a ruined, helpless sinner, in Christ, and brought a perfect and everlasting righteousness to him in the way of faith. This, as I have said, has been always God's way. He made coats of skins, and clothed Adam and his wife. Abel obtained witness that he was righteous by faith. Noah became heir of the righteousness which is by faith: God said to him, "Thee have I seen righteous before me." "Abram also believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." All these are examples of righteousness in the way of faith, before the law was given. But did the law alter this ground of assurance and confidence in God? No; for David, who lived under the law, describes the blessedness of the man unto whom the Lord imputeth righteousness without works, saying, "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man unto whom the Lord will not impute sin." And Paul's fervent language, when coming to the close of an unparalleled life of devotedness to his Master, was, that I may be "found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith." justified by the blood of Christ. In the Cross, experience, or duties, or the like? No; He 66 Our souls through many changes go, 1. SELF-RENUNCIATION.It is wonderful how thoughts of creature-righteousness cleave to us. It is hard indeed habitually to take the place of no confidence in the flesh," that "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," that in our flesh His love no change can ever know." dwells no good thing, and that no measure of deBut all believers have not this happy assurance. votedness can make the promise of God in Christ Some, because they do not know the blessed truth more secure. But these things the Spirit of God that the righteousness of God is unto all, and upon teaches. He convinces of sin, and testifies of all them that believe. Others, because careless-Christ; and God's declaration must be carried ness of walk grieves the Spirit, and dims the eyes out, that "no flesh shall glory in His presence." of their understanding and faith. There are va- It is often a very humbling process to learn by rious degrees of faith. We read of "little faith," the Spirit's teaching, that regeneration does not 'great faith," and "the full assurance of faith;" improve the flesh; that there is no similarity in but the weakest in the faith is not less justified, "the flesh" and "the Spirit" that the flesh not less accounted righteous, than the strongest always remains the same, only that it is kept in the faith. We do not get pardoned at one under by the Spirit. "That which is born of the time, justified at another, sanctified at another. flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit No; receiving Christ crucified for salvation, we is Spirit." Do we not gather from the fact, receive all things at once. We are pardoned that while Abram was before the sacrifice, "an through His blood, justified by His blood, sancti horror of great darkness fell upon him;" that fied by His blood. "All things are yours," said he was taught by God himself the humbling the apostle, "for ye are Christ's." The Father lessons of self-loathing and unworthiness, that "hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in he might be the more thoroughly convinced that heavenly things in Christ." This, I say, is the he could inherit the land only on the ground of present portion of the most feeble-minded be- God's free grace? And when the Holy Spirit liever in Christ; but the personal enjoyment of opens up to us our history before God, and this wondrous grace will be just as we, by faith, discloses to us the real character of the thoughts abide in Christ. and intents of our hearts, the iniquity in our There are some believers who are so weak in most holy things, the pride in our humblest dofaith, and so uninstructed in divine things, (per-ings, the self-love and unbelief that are associated haps because they do not daily read, and prayerfully meditate on the Scriptures,) that they stagger at being told that they have everlasting righteousness in Christ; while they trust in the blood of the Cross for pardon, they shrink from crediting the glorious reality, that God has made Christ to be unto them "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." Such, however, lose much joy, as well as strength for service and conflict, and are often filled with gloomy and distressing thoughts; they doubt and fear, and brood over self and circumstances, because they do not look away from every other object straight to Christ at God's right hand, and believe God's infallible word, which assures them of their completeness and security in the glorified Saviour of sinners. In some respects they are like Abram was in the Scripture before us; for although God had told him that He had brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give him the land to inherit it, he seemed to doubt whether God really meant what He said-whether He would keep His word, and fulfil His promise. Abram was righteous by faith, yet had doubt and mistrust, like many in the present day. God told him that He brought him from Ur to give him the land. This should have been enough to have warranted assurance and confidence, but it was not; he therefore said, "Lord God, whereby shall with our most devoted hours, do we not know something too of a horror of darkness? We often need, as well as Abram, humbling exercises, that we may lean wholly upon God, and know how to ground all our expectations of good from a source entirely outside ourselves. And where shall we learn these lessons so effectually as before the Cross of Christ? So long as thoughts of creature-merit or sufficiency are allowed by us, doubts and fears will distress the soul, because the eye will look within, instead of wholly to God in Christ; and if thoughts of our own doing be mixed up with our standing before God, we shall slide away from grace, get under law, and lack assurance; or if we set up some standard of experience, or walk as evidences, so long as we come up to our imagined measure will there be self-complacency and quiet; but when we come short, our evidences will be gone, and gloom, and fear, and perhaps despair follow. There must be the sense of our total ruin and vileness in the flesh, to look wholly to God, through Christ, with quietness and assurance. I will refer to an anecdote which remarkably illustrates this point. "An Indian and a white man being at worship together, were both brought under conviction by the same sermon. The Indian was soon brought to rejoice in pardoning mercy, the white man was a long time under distress of mind, and at times was almost ready to despair; but at length he was also brought to experience forgiving love. Some time after, meeting his red brother, he thus addressed him: How is it that I should be so long under conviction, when you found comfort so soon?' 'Oh! brother,' replied the Indian, me tell you. There come along a rich prince, he purpose to give you a new coat; you look at shewn us His work in Christ, and revealed him- your coat and say, I don't know, my coat pretty self as the faithful and unchangeable Jehovah, good, I believe it do little longer. He then offer He tells us that "He so loved the world, that He ne a new coat; I look on my old blanket; I say, gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever be- this good for nothing-I say, this good for nothing; To return to the chapter before us, we find that lieveth in Him should not perish, but have ever-I fling it right away, and accept the new coat. Abram "believed in the Lord, and He counted it lasting life." This should be enough; but, alas! to him for righteousness." And so now, every it often is not. It is an awful thing to doubt broken-hearted sinner that believes in the Lord God's word; and yet this is the chief reason why Jesus Christ for salvation is justified before God. many believers have not the full assurance of He may have seasons of conflict and temptation, faith. Abram was mistrusting God about the yet is he justified. "By Him, all that believe are justified from all things, from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses." They are I know that I shall inherit it?" But some may ask, Why by faith? Is not faith an act of creature-merit? We reply, No; This leads us more particularly to the subject faith is not a work of the flesh, but a fruit of of assurance. What is it? Is it spiritual attainthe Spirit. Faith is the gift of God. Faith is ment? or is it equally the portion of the babe in always self-renouncing; it brings a broken, Christ, who simply takes God at His word? We empty heart to receive and welcome God's reply, it is the ability, as a sinner, to rest in God's gracious gifts. Faith, therefore, gives all the promise in Christ-this many babes in Christ glory to God. As another has said, "Believing enjoy. God has given His word of promise, in Christ, we come to Him for all, employ Him in all, trust Him through all, look to Him under all, hope in Him to do all, and to Him ascribe the glory of all." land when he said, "Whereby shall I know that Just so, brother, you keep your righteousness for some time, you loathe to give it up; but I, poor Indian, had none, therefore, I glad at once to receive the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ."" 2. THE APPREHENSION OF GOD'S THOUGHTS oF CHRIST AND HIS WORK.-Let none suppose that they will have full assurance of faith, if the contemplation of Christ and His Cross be ne APRIL 1, 1859.] glected. The Scriptures testify of Him. The "Without one thought that's good to plead, Oh what could shield me from despair But this though I am vile indeed, The Lord my righteousness is there." Where is your heart? with them. You indulged in sin. Your conscience "Midst all thy fears, and sin, and woe, His love will never let thee go." on the earth." ONE day when Alcibiades was boasting of his wealth, and the great estates he had in possession, which generally feed the pride of young people of higher rank, Return, then, to Him at once; acknowledge your iniquity; confess your sins; tell Him all your Socrates conducted him to a geographisad course, and He will restore thee; He will cal map, and asked him to find Attica. pardon, He will heal your backslidings, and love you freely. "If we confess our sins, He is faith- It could scarcely be perceived upon the ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse draught: he found it, however, though us from all unrighteousness." But perhaps my reader is not trusting in Christ with much difficulty; but upon being defor salvation. You have heard the gospel, but you sired to point out his own estate there, believe not. If it be so, you have from the Scrip- "It is too small," said he, "to be distinture, not the assurance of salvation, but the assurance of eternal damnation—"He that believeth guished in so little a space. "See then," not shall be damned." God has declared it shall be, and it must be, for God cannot deny himself replied the philosopher, "how much you His word must be fulfilled. You refuse mercy, are affected by an imperceptible point of and must have judgment. You live to disobey land." God, and He must punish. You reject His salvation, therefore you must have eternal destruction. Oh, unhappy man! This world is your heaven, this life is your best, and at the end of will "The harvest is past, your career you say, the summer is ended, and I am not saved!" "Not saved! Be astonished, ye angels, that men reject this great salvation! and be assured, my reader, that you are in the broad road to destruction. Every day you draw nearer to the pit of torment, every hour your pleasures of sin become less, every moment you hasten onward to your eternal doom. Is it not so? Can there be a doubt of it, if you remain Christless? Has He not said, Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise .... Life and Death. Let us now seek to apply these truths. When-perish! Except a man be born again, he cannot ever, dear Christian reader, your soul is assailed see the kingdom of God! Except ye be converted with doubts and fears, look at once straight to . ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaJesus-the Lamb as it had been slain, now in the ven! Except your righteousness shall exceed the midst of the throne. Beware of looking within righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye for righteousness, for "their righteousness is of shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heame, saith the Lord." Beware of looking at the ven! Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, Spirit's work in you as a ground of justification; and drink His blood, ye have no life in you! for we are justified by the blood of Christ. Beware of comparing yourselves with others as a proof of your acceptance, for Christ only is the way to the Father. Beware of looking at your frames or experiences as evidences; for we often change, and our hearts are very deceitful, but the love of Christ changeth not. Oh, like Abram, look at God's sacrifice! Contemplate the perfections, spotlessness, the eternal beauty, and worth of Jesus! His fitness, His fulness, His love, His offices! Consider His ways, His say. ings, His sufferings, agonies, blood-shedding and death! Behold the Holy One made sin for us, and let the burning lamp, the light of God's glory, shine upon the scene! Hearken to God's testimony! Listen to His judgment of the value O say! will you be won by mercy's voice? WHILE here on earth the Gospel bids men choose of the Cross! See sin put away, and righteous- Shall the bright realms of bliss secure your choice? Christ. "Jesus bruised and put to shame, "In His spotless soul's distress, Blest Saviour! Sun of Righteousness divine! In thine effulgence on lost sinners shine; Perhaps my reader is a backslider. You have While they upon thy matchless glories gaze, lost the assurance of your interest in Christ. You were once happy in the Lord, and happy with May cries for mercy change to songs of praise. His people. You took sweet counsel together, Oh! strike the shackles from sin's erring slaves, and found His ways to be ways of pleasantness Bid those who're dead while living leave their and peace. But you grew careless; you neglected graves, secret prayer, you discontinued the daily reading And haste the morn when thy redeemed shall rise, of the Scriptures, you little and little gave up the public and private society of God's children. And in thy likeness meet thee in the skies. You became intimate with worldlings, and walked G. W. A. "O source of glory, light, and love! I look with pity and disdain On all the pomp of kings. With rapture fill my breast; The Conversion of John Matthews. JOHN MATTHEWS, after living 27 years in the service of Satan, was brought by divine grace to serve the living God, and to rejoice in Christ Jesus. When first awakened to a sense of his guilt and danger, J. M. thought he must do something in order to be saved; but after trying for several months to fit himself for Christ, he gave up in despair, confessing himself the most miserable man on earth. At length, however, he was led to hear a few simple words of gospel truth, from which he learned that God did not hate him, as he had thought, but that He loved him, and had given His only begotten Son to die for him, and that Jesus, in His own grace, had taken all his sins and had left them buried out of sight. These were to him the words of life; he believed, and entered at once into the liberty of God's dear children. Terror, dread, and remorse were now cast out, and love, joy, and peace filled his soul. All his evil practices were now given up. Having ceased to work for life, and being already accepted, he had leisure from himself to work for God. He lived 12 years after his conversion, and was the means of bringing many souls to Christ for life and pardon. He now sleeps in Jesus, and will one day appear with Him in glory. Dear reader, do you know Jesus? If you do, then you have life, and that life no man can take from you, for it is hid with Christ in God. Your faith has linked you to Christ, and now His life is your life, and you are safe for ever. Well may you glory in such a Saviour. But it may be, dear reader, that you know nothing of Jesus, or of His power to save, that you are without hope and without God in the world, a child of wrath, speeding your course to the grave, and to the abyss of despair. Flee, O flee at once from the wrath to come, to Jesus the ever living Saviour! He who saved J. M. and made him a means of so much blessing to others, can and will save you, if you come to Him. He was never known to cast one out that came to Him for life and salvation. His own gracious words are, "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." God is Love. BY JAMES SMITH, CHELTENHAM. with God in Christ. Let me worship Christ or the World? Which do God in Christ. I will admire nature, you choose ? I will observe providence; but I will "DON'T trouble me," you say; "don't THIS is a truth that cannot be learned learn to know God in His beloved Son. trouble me; I am happy enough, and from nature. For though there we see Here is no terror to make me afraid; by and bye I will think about my soul." the bright, the beautiful, and the benevo- here are no judgments to fill me with What! my friend, are these your words; lent; we see also the dark, the dreary, alarm. In Jesus I see the Most High when JESUS sends to tell you of His and the terrible. If we see the smiles of God, as the God of peace, speaking peace wondrous grace, and bids you come and infancy, we see also the wrinkles of age; to coming sinners-as the God of pa- taste His pardoning love? How can you if we hear the laugh of mirth, we hear tience, exercising patience, toward erring say you do not want it yet! What an also the groans of suffering. Walk saints-as the God of all comfort, com- insulting, daring act! enough to rouse through a large hospital, stand on the forting those who are cast down-and as the wrath of Him who holds your breath, shore and witness a dreadful shipwreck, the God of all grace, giving grace and and bring down instant judgment on your or read the horrible details of the ra- glory to all who apply in the name of head! one word from Him and you are vages of plague and famine, and who Jesus. O sweet and blessed representa- dead, yet you dare to treat His offer would from these conclude that God is tion of Jehovah! How can I fear a God thus! Oh what impiety! You stand love? Neither creature nor providence, of love? How can I be justified in com- upon the brink of hell, you have no without the Bible, would teach us this plaining of any of His dealings? All power to help yourself; and when in truth. It is God in Christ that is love. His thoughts are loving thoughts; all His amazing love, He stretches forth Here He can speak the most loving words, His words are loving words; and all His hand to save, you thrust Him from and wear the most loving smiles. Here His works are loving works. In giving you, and say, "I do not want forgiveHe is pure, unmixed, and infinite love; or withholding, He manifests His love. ness yet. I will stay where I am a little because in Christ His justice has re- In afflicting or restoring, He alike dis- longer." ceived satisfaction for man's sin, and plays His love. Every pain and every Stay where you are! what can you His law has been magnified and made pleasure is from love. Every storm and mean? Remain a slave of that cruel honourable. In Christ, God has to ask every sunbeam is from love. The fruitful tyrant Satan, fast bound with sin you nothing of man, except that he yield to shower, and the destroying hurricane, cannot leave, condemned to perish everHim his heart, for He has received all are ruled and overruled by love, for more! Is this your choice? Stay where that, as the moral Governor and Judge the good of the believer in Jesus. O you are, and vainly endeavour to wile of all, He could require. In Christ, He my soul, never indulge a bad thought away the weary hours, and find some asks us to be friends, beseeches us to be of God. Never listen to Satan's in- object which could satisfy your heart; reconciled, offers us the richest, choicest sinuations against God. Never judge living in sin and pleasure, and proving blessings, and rejoices to do us good. of the Lord's ways by thy feelings, or all is vanity, all vexation; yea, disapLook at God in nature, and you see by sense; but believe the testimony of pointed every where you turn! O why something of His greatness, goodness, His word, and rejoice in the well-proved so foolish! Why will you die, when Jesus and power; look at Him in providence, fact, that "GOD IS LOVE." Holy Spirit, calls with voice of love, and promises to and you see something of His benefi- give me clearer views of God in Christ; give you everlasting life? cence, wisdom, and justice; but look at help me so to believe, as always to reaHim in Jesus, and you see all His glori- lize, let whatever will happen, or let my ous perfections, and all His divine attri- circumstances be what they may, that butes; but especially you see Him LOVE." GOD IS LOVE!" Love to sinners shines above every other perfection of His nature, and sheds a glorious lustre on them all. Love sent A YOUNG man, celebrated for his knowforth Christ. Love prompted Him to ac- ledge of mathematics, settled in a village cept Christ as the sinner's substitute and where a godly minister resided. The will you sport upon the brink of hell? sacrifice. Love sends us the invitation clergyman met him in one of his morn-Will you pause awhile, and listen to that to come, be pardoned, justified, sanctified, ing walks, and after some conversation, precious One who tells you He has power and saved. Love makes the promises of as they were about to part, addressed to save? He can cleanse your sins, and, peace, provision, and eternal life. Love him as follows: "I have heard you are countless though they be, forgive them calls to us as children to return and en- celebrated for your mathematical skill. all, and blot them out for ever; still joy a Father's favour, receive a Father's I have a problem which I wish you to more, He can subdue those sins, and if blessing, and be made happy in our solve." "What is it?" eagerly asked you turn to Him, He'll make you love to Father's presence. All that God does the youth. The clergyman answered with do His will. Yes, His salvation is so for us, as a God in Christ, is in love, all a solemn tone of voice, "What shall it full, a rich provision made for every need; He withholds from us, is in love, and all profit a man, if he shall gain the whole and when He once forgives, He takes He requires of us, is in love. The pre-world, and lose his own soul?" The possession of that heart, He claims it for cept is from love, as much as the pro- youth returned home, and endeavoured His own, and undertakes to fit it for His mise; the warning is as much from love to shake off the impression made upon glorious home, and make it like Himself. as the invitation; and the prohibition is What wondrous love! what grace is this! as much from love as the permission. and will you still refuse this tender, Love uses the rod, as well as gives the mighty Saviour? kiss. Love withholds, as well as gives. All, all is in love. The Problem Solved. him by the problem, but in vain. In the giddy round of pleasure, in his business, and in his studies, the question still forcibly returned to him, What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul? It finally resulted in "GOD IS LOVE." That is, in Christ his conversion, and he became an able Let me, therefore, always advocate and preacher of that gospel he He is so. look to God in Christ. Let me deal once rejected. "I know I am foolish," you reply; but I love my sins so much, I cannot give them up." Love them, my friend; ah, yes! 'tis true; but think again. These sins are Satan's subtle chains, with which he binds you fast; their end is death, eternal death, the lake of fire and brimstone; and do you love destruction, and You shake your head, you still draw back, and say it would be gloomy. Gloomy! my friend; ah no! but pleasures ever fresh would flow into your soul, and as you journeyed heavenwards |