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A Monthly Journal,

CONTAINING PLAIN TRUTHS OF ETERNAL IMPORTANCE, FOR "STREETS AND LANES," "HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES."

"Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

Wм. Yapp, 70, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE.]

No. 17.]

Registered for
Transmission abroad.

GRATUITOUS CIRCULATION.

y the donations received from several of our kind hristian friends, we have had the pleasure of dis-ibuting many copies of "THE EVANGELIST" in arious parts of the United Kingdom. As yet, how ver, we have been only able to meet, in a very small gree, the requests of Gospel Labourers, who feel e importance of thus scattering the truth among e poorer classes. Further donations will therefore e thankfully received for this object.

£. S.

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Ten years have passed away since then, but I have never forgotten, and I think never The writer is now shall forget those words. a minister of the Gospel, he remembers telling the anecdote soon afterwards to a dying girl, whom he hopes believed on the blessed Jesus as there presented, and he has several times quoted it in public ministration of the 0 20 the Word; and to day, dear reader, would he declare it to you. He (that is the blessed Jesus) is A MAGNIFICENT SAVIOUR. Oh, yes! He is- He is. If I would enter into details, I might speak of Him as the perfect All Communications, Donations, Books for Re-man, His nature, His ways, His motives, His ew, &c., should be forwarded, pre-paid, "To the ditor of the Evangelist," care of Mr. Yapp, 70, elbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, W.

rom M. M.

All orders should be addressed to the Pubshers, Mr. W. YAPP, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish quare, London, W.; or to Messrs. MORGAN & CHASE, ichborne Court, 280, High Holborn, London.

Our Contributors will oblige by sending their Papers as uthor's name and address.

words are all perfect. Truly with the Bride
(Sol. v.) may we examine all His parts, and
pronounce each beautiful, and then sum

rly in the month as possible, and accompanied with the up as the Bride does, "Yea, He is altogether

We do not undertake to return rejected articles.

It would facilitate our work, if some writers would care-
lly revise their Papers before sending them.
We thankfully accept Mr. B.'s remonstrance, and regret

thor means well, but we entreat him not to write again on
solemn a subject in such a light and irreverent style.

lovely." Yes, as man He was holy, harmless,
undefiled, the just, the blessed one. And

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found" in Jesus. Oh, precious Jesus! thou pearl without a blemish. I might go on to speak of his love, and say with the poet,

"But oh! his love what tongue can tell? Our Jesus has done all things well." His love is great and constant, He never leaves his own. I might tell of the glory He has procured for them, and to which He will most surely bring them, but I fear to enlarge further.

And now, dear reader, believe on Him, rest on Him, trust in Him; but when I say this, I don't mean that you are to make a Saviour of your faith, or depend upon your trusting; this would be to turn your eye from Jesus to yourself, as we want to be occupied with Jesus, and faith is then in exercise. Faith credits what God says about Jesus, sees His preciousness, His loveliness, trusts in Him, loves Him, and when faith overflows (for out of the

"Then will I tell to sinners round,
What a dear Saviour I have found;
I'll point to the atoning blood,
And cry, behold the way to God."

J. T. M. W.

Peace in Chastisement.

ving inserted the letter alluded to. We have no doubt the then too He was God, co-equal with the Fa-abundance of the heart the mouth will speak), ther, very God, and very man, in the person it cries out "He's a magnificent Saviour!" of the one Christ. On seeing He is so spot- and so He is, so may we preach, so may you He's a Magnificent Saviour. less, and so divine, is He not a Magnificent believe. Amen. ! was once my privilege to sit under the Saviour? And then look at his blessed work. inistry, have the counsel, and enjoy the "He died, the just for the unjust," to bring iendship of that beloved and honoured ser- poor sinners to God. His people are redeemed int of Christ, the late THOMAS MORTIMER. with the "precious blood of Christ." His onverted as he was when a youth, by the blood, shed once, did what the blood of thou>plication to his heart of those words, "He sands of bulls and goats could not do, put ved me and gave Himself for me,"-love to away sin. His death made the atonement, le Saviour characterised his life, and deeply made the reconcilation. God was perfectly THE Lord chastens those He loves, and I trust nbued his ministry. Ah! dear man! he did satisfied with the blood of His precious Son, I have received this affliction as a pledge of ve Jesus, and he loved Him, because he and raised Him from the dead because my adoption. Oh! how sweet to know we new his worth. After labouring more than His atoning work was perfect. Oh! dear have to do with one who has all power, and to quarter of a century in his Saviour's service, reader, it is not faith, nor tears, nor prayers, be able to call that same blessed all-powerful iring which time, perhaps, hundreds were led nor repentance, nor duties, nor alms-giving, one, "Our Father." Yes, I feel He is mine, Jesus through his instrumentality, he was that puts away sin, nor helps to put away for He has revealed his love unto me, and liged to leave London, broken down in sin. Sin was put away when He died, and by given me the witness that I am his, and who ealth, and remove to Weymouth, there to his dying, The chastisement of our peace shall tell me the contrary, or rob me of that st, though indeed his love to Jesus would was upon Him, and by his stripes we are "Perfect Peace" which I enjoy, and which t let him rest. Being in one of the Chan- healed." If we believe, we have the blessing. has been purchased by the blood of Jesus? l Islands, I determined to cross over once Precious, precious blood, "the blood of Jesus No power on earth is able to shake my ore to greet my most kind friend, and late Christ, God's Son, cleanseth us from all sin." hopes, for they are centred in Him, nor can inister. It was during one of the days that Then again there is righteousness-He, He, hell pull me down from that rock on which I spent with him, that, on my rising to leave is the righteousness of His people. God says, stand. How blessed is the meeting of His e house, with that politeness, and affection He is a precious corner - stone. God knows power, and my weakness, of His righteousr which he was so largely distinguished, his preciousness, and says, "to those who ness, and my vileness; what is there wanting Oh! rose to open the street door. The door believe He is precious," Christ's precious-in myself, that I fail to find in Him? st opened, I was about to depart, when ness is theirs, His righteousness theirs, His when I look at Him, I see every grace and ddenly, a precious thought of Jesus flashed comeliness theirs. Oh, what a standing "in beauty that I am deficient of. ross his mind, and with (if I mistake not) Christ Jesus," in this blessed one. lifted hands, He gazed intently heaven- Lord hath made Him to be sin for us who ard, and with an earnestness which bespoke knew no sin, (that is, He knew none) that we e utterance of his soul, he cried out, HE'S A might be made the righteousness of God in AGNIFICENT SAVIOUR, MY BOY." Dear Him." Well might Paul count his own an, he is with Jesus now.

66

"The

righteousness as "dung and dross" to "be

What a glorious, complete Saviour, and this Saviour mine! I am complete in Him. Is not this something to rejoice in? surely it is, and while I mourn over my cold, wandering heart, yet by the Spirit I am enabled to triumph in Christ.-Extract from a Diary.

to view.

of Christ FOR us.

persons

In the verses I have selected for our meditation, the glorious mystery of the of the Godhead, Father, Son, and Spirit, are severally brought before us; for who can the Interpreter be but God the Holy Ghost, who alone guides into all truth, and testifies of Christ? And who can it be but God the Father who receives the returning prodigal safe and sound, saying, "Deliver him from going down to the pit?" And where is the "ransom" found for the deliverance of a poor guilty sinner, but in the crucified Son of God? Oh, how blessed, while beholding Jesus as the Lamb slain, to find. also, the Father, and the Holy Ghost, each and all equally and effectually concerned in the deliverance of a sinner from going down into the awful pit of eternal destruction and despair!

But why an Interpreter? As long as persons can comprehend each other, an interpreter is not used; but when they do not understand each other's statements, then intercourse must be suspended until an interpreter be procured. Were any of us to go to China to have intercourse with the people of that country, we should need an interpreter, and, unless we had one, we should be unable to understand them, though they spoke

me?"

A

young man

This operation of the Spirit of God, in shewing the utterly unclean and depraved condition of the heart, is much more speedily accomplished in some instances than in others. Sometimes years, many years elapse, before the soul is so thoroughly instructed in the lesson of creature unworthiness and sin, as to look, out of self, simply to the finished work of Christ for peace. It is sometimes a long and humbling process before some learn experimentally that they cannot in any way he justified by law-that no works, duties, ordinances, or attainments of any kind can recommend them to God-that sin is such a principle of the human heart, that rebellion is always set up in it against the word of the Lord, Some persons seem to go on priding themselves in legal righteousness, they bolster themselves up in morality by comparing themselves with the lawless; but when the Spirit of God opens the ear and seals instruction, when they are taught something of the spiritual import of the law,that it exposes not only the outward actions, but condemns the inward desires of the heart, saying, "Thou shalt not covet"-the soul then becomes sensible of its weakness, vileness, and guilt, and after all its strugglings for self-justification, is so sensible of "drawing near unto the grave, his life to the destroyers," as to be compelled to cry out, "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

and

The work of the Spirit IN us, and the work He does not find his sinful pursuits half so plea- a new creature, old things have passed away, besurable, disappointment seems far more frequently hold, all things are become new. The change to cross his path, he never felt half so useless may be more distinct and remarkable in some "If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among before, and the excesses of many of his com persons than in others, but every true Christian a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going panions now surprise him. Can my way of must have realized that he has been humbled bedown to the pit: I have found a ransom." (Job xxxiii. going on be quite right? Suppose I should be fore God, and withdrawn from his purpose. Some 23, 24.) taken ill and die? Is there not an eternity of years ago, a friend of mine, after living long in WE are told in the book of Proverbs, that "it is the glory of God to conceal a matter," and I misery before me? are the questions floating in the pleasures of sin," and feeling determined his mind. His bosom friends have no suspicion to be yet more zealous in carnal gratification, am sure that some of us have often proved the of his inward misgivings and fears, but he feels decided on adding to his country residence a truth of it in discovering in the Holy Scriptures seriously for the first time, that he must, sooner large dining-room, of dimensions sufficiently comglorious truths, which lay concealed from the natural eye. When we first set out in the or later, have to do with God. The truth is, the modious to entertain large hunting parties. The Interpreter has opened his ear, and sealed in-room was built, and, if I remember aright, it Divine life, we were instructed that the Scrip-struction, and He will continue to work deeper was not quite furnished. before the Interpreter tures testified of Christ, and though we did not and deeper in his heart and conscience, and give opened his ear and sealed instruction. He was find the words Jesus Christ mentioned in the him to know full deliverance through the ransom-humbled and abased before God as a sinner Old Testament, yet we soon found to our joy work of Christ. against Him, and finding peace with God through and profit, by the gracious teaching of the Holy Ghost, that there was much there concerning One great principle of the work of the Spirit the blood of Jesus, he was soon withdrawn from His glorious person and His finished work; and in the soul is to "withdraw man from his pur-his purpose, and during the remainder of his life preached the gospel in that room, with the Lord's the further we proceeded in our acquaintance pose, and hide pride from man.” with the holy oracles, the more convinced were sets out in life, his prospects are as men call good, blessing, in the conversion of souls. we that the Scriptures did indeed testify of he promises himself that he will prosperously Christ; so that we long ago concluded, that we pursue a certain course without disturbance; but cannot be rightly instructed in the truth of God, the Interpreter opens his ear, and seals instrucunless we find Him in some way or other brought tion, and he soon finds that his purposes are wrong, and that he must retrace his steps with self-abasement before God. You remember Saul of Tarsus, that energetic, talented, accomplished young man. See his untiring zeal against Christ and His saints. Behold the clothes of the martyr Stephen lying at his feet. What success he promises himself in his ways of ignorance, blasphemy, and persecution. See him full of life and energy in binding God's people and thrusting them into prisons. At last he thinks of a more successful plan of operation. "I'll go," said he, "to the High Priest, and he will give me letters to the authorities at Damascus." The letters are granted, all is done that can be to further his plans, and away he goes. See with what ardour he sets out on his journey, trace his unwearied foot drawing nearer and nearer to the scene of his expected operations, when lo! at midday a light from heaven suddenly arrests him, he is struck down to the earth, and soon he finds himself at the feet of One transcendently glorious, who knows the thoughts and intents of his heart, and says, "Saul, Saul, why presecutest thou And he soon knows that this is Jesus Himself who thus addresses him. Saul's ear is opened, and instruction is sealed; for three days he neither eats nor drinks, his cherished plans possible terms. We are told, that when Jacob's pose, and humbled and abased before God, he soon sons went down into Egypt for corn, they preaches the faith which once he destroyed. the heart of self-love and creature-confidence to He is the Glorifier held conversation with Joseph by an interpreter; Under Divine teaching, he learned that his make room for the Saviour. The Interpreter shews and, in the present day, when foreigners meet, it fancied goodness, and creature-righteousness were and Testifier of Christ. is usual to hold intercourse by means of an in- all dung and dross, and that no flesh should glory us God's uprightness. Men compare themselves terpreter. Now, so foreign, and strange, and in God's presence, but if any man glory he should with each other, and in this way the natural conscience of the profligate and sensual are reunintelligible are the things of God to man, so glory only in the Lord. alienated and blind is man's heart, that we are Look at another instance. See how diligent proved by the chaste, moral ways of their neignbours. But when the Spirit of God works, He told in v. 14, that "God speaketh once, yea that Philippian jailor is. These gospel preachers, makes the soul feel what it is before God, He twice, yet man perceiveth it not." It is not said he, are bad people. Many stripes are inmerely that man says, "I hear and I will con- flicted. He puts them into the inner prison, and shews that we have come short of God's perfect sider," or, "I hear and I will obey." No, it is thinking that not enough, he makes their feet standard, and makes us feel guilty before Him. as if a voice called into the ear of a breathless fast in the stocks. He retires to rest, while his The Interpreter, I say, shews man God's uprightcorpse, or as if the deafening hurricane passed prisoners feel that their best repose at midnightness, He brings the conscience into exercise with over the massive rock, and it was not perceived is in singing praises to the God of their salvation. God, the Holy and omniscient Judge of all. He by either. Why is this? Why is man's eye Suddenly, however, an earthquake shakes the shews us that God is of "purer eyes than to bohol! so entirely dim to the glories of his Creator? foundations of the building, every door is thrown evil, and cannot look on iniquity," that He reWhy is his heart so unimpressible to the melo- open, and every prisoner's bonds are loosed. The quires holiness according to His own periect dious sound-the still voice of redeeming love? noise and confusion awake the jailor, a crowd of standard, for a false balance is abomination to God's eternal power and Godhead have once been alarming thoughts pass through his mind, and the Lord, but a just weight is His delight;" and everywhere proclaimed in the visible things of he is filled with fear and anguish at supposed under His teaching we are convicted of having come short of the glory of God." His creating hand, but man perceives it not-consequences. The best thing for himself, he "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." concludes, is suicide, and he draws out his sword Again, in Calvary's Cross, the wonders of redeem- to accomplish his awful purpose; but the Inter-all." Christ crucified is the light of the glory ing love cry intensely loud, but man perceiveth it preter opens his ear, and seals instruction. The of God. Light makes manifest. If we woul not; and why is this? I ask, but because he is very prisoner that he had dealt so hardly with know the exact qualities of any thing, we must "dead in trespasses and sins." "The natural cries out, "Do thyself no harm, we are all here." bring it to the light. It is by seeing God, as reman receiveth not the things of the Spirit of He is withdrawn from his purpose. His condition God; they are foolishness unto him; neither can before God now occupies his mind. A sense of he know them, because they are spiritually dis- sin fills his heart. Salvation is the one presscerned." For what man knoweth the things ing desire of his soul. He calls for a light, of a man, save the spirit of man which is in rushes into the presence of Paul and Silas, and, him? even so the things of God knoweth no with trembling, falls down before them, saying, man, but the Spirit of God." It is because you "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Surely, are dead in trespasses and sins, my friends, that when the Spirit of God works, He withdraws you hear the gospel preached, and go away as if man from his purpose, and hides pride from you heard it not. man. Yes, dear friends, when He works in the soul, it is to expose the conscience to the truth, that the carnal mind is enmity against God, that it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, and that all fleshly pretensions and creature resources are refuges of lies, and call for humiliation before God. Oh! depend upon it, that where there is true religion, there will be the new-birth; for if any man be in Christ he is

But the Spirit of God does not stop here. He leads the perishing prodigal, through the blood

according to their own language in the plainest are all frustrated, he is withdrawn from his pu of Christ, to the Father's bosom. He empties

1

Blessed be God, there is an Interpreter! The Holy Spirit opens the ear, and He seals instruction. He quickens the dead soul to life. A man is living in sin, zealously pursuing the same carnal, sensual path, that he has for many a long year, fulfilling the desires of his fleshly appetite; at last he feels a troubled conscience, an unhappiness of spirit that he never before experienced.

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vealed in the person and work of Christ, that we get into the light which makes manifest. Bere we see every thing exactly as it is. The work, man, sin, Satan, truth, error, are here discovered. God's attributes shine forth in the Cross of Christ.

The Spirit of God brings men here to shew them God's uprightness. He shows us that Gol is upright in saving the sinner that believes in Jesus, and that He is upright in condemning tɔ everlasting punishment those who believe not.

1. As to God being upright in srving a believer in Christ. God is infinitely holy and just; dow then can God, consistent with these attributes. save a sinner? We reply, by substitution; by imputing sin, hating sin, condemning sin, an putting it away judicially in a fit Surety. Bat where could one be found who was able to be a substitute-one who could stand in the sinner's

was made a curse for us.

your tongue; you do not wish to part with your
sinful pleasures, and love sin you will, until you
are brought to Calvary's Cross, and see sin there,
in its dreadful blackness, bringing down the just
vengeance and unsparing wrath of God upon His
beloved Son in our stead. God is then upright
in saving the believer, and upright in condemning
those who are in their sins.

Holy Ghost is, that the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin, and gives boldness and confidence to those who draw nigh to God. This is deliverance indeed! Perfect, happy freedom and blessing! The prodigal went from the swine trough in all his filthiness, and when he was a great way off, the father ran to meet him, saying, "Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom.' O ye people yet in your sins! see what a great salvation there is in Christ! for all is yours, the moment you take refuge in the blood of the Cross.

He is our life. A man told me once, when I

asked him how old he was, that he was four
years old, meaning he had been converted four
years. When Christ is in our hearts, we live,
and love, and serve, and worship, in all the
liberty of blood-bought, heaven-born sons and
daughters of the living God. The true believer,
conscious of being saved by grace, joyfully says-
"I dare not work, my soul to save,
That work my Lord has done;
But I will work like any slave,
From love to God's dear Son."

Praise.

stead, and drink up all that bitter cup of infinite wrath, and fiery indignation? No mere creature could accomplish this mighty work. All the hosts of angels together would fall under its awful weight. The whole universe would be insufficient to bear the intolerable load. There was One, and only One, who could undertake this stupendous work, and He lay in the bosom of the Father before the world was. He came forth When a soul has been taught by the Holy according to the eternal purpose; He was made Ghost God's uprightness-His infinite holiness flesh, born of a woman, and dwelt among us, God His stern, inflexible justice-His absolute will, and man in one glorious person. As perfect, demanding implicit obedience-how can crea spotless man, death had no claim on Him; ture confidence, and self-righteousness, be any I notice that the word "pit" is mentioned four He, therefore, could be a substitute for sinful longer relied upon? All their struggles to attain times in the space of a few verses. Ah, my man; and being "God over all, blessed for ever," anything in God's sight, by their own obedience, friends! it is a bottomless pit; those who go He was able to render full satisfaction to Divine must end in fearful disappointment. Every re- there, have no rest for their feet, they sink justice. He came forth from the Father to re-solve, and each renewed effort, only expose their lower and lower under the wrath of God in darkdeem all that the Father had given Him. "God weakness and sin. Such find that their holiest ness and anguish, where there is weeping, and laid on Him the iniquity of us all," and He endeavours are mixed with sin, their purest at-wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and how can any willingly died in our stead. God made Him to tempts accompanied with evil, their most earnest of you escape, if you neglect this great salvation? be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might endeavours continually falling short, so that their Lastly, what are the effects of deliverance be made the righteousness of God in Him. He mouths are stopped, guilt more and more fixes bare our sins in His own body on the tree, and itself upon the conscience, and, almost over in the chapter before us helps in that also: through the ransom-work of Christ? The figure come with feelings of despair, their cry is, "Q"His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; he On that Cross Jesus suffered death, the just for wretched man that I am!" till they happily find shall return to the days of his youth." Yes, the unjust, to bring us to God. There the wrath, that they are delivered from deserved eternal that man only is living who is in Christ. We yea, the fierce wrath of Jehovah, lay hard upon death and judgment, by the Cross of the Lord Him. His soul and body were made an offering Jesus Christ. Oh: how blessed are the rays of ly begin to live when first we receive Christ. for sin. He poured out his soul unto death. hope, when they first shine upon the disconsolate He endured the penalty due for our sin. He soul, when peace first takes possession of the drank up to the dregs all the cup of wrath that troubled conscience, when the weeping eye first we justly deserved. Ah! who can tell the depths reads in the Cross of Christ that God is love, of unutterable anguish Jesus endured, when He when the burdened heart first lays hold of the said, "I thirst?" or who can conceive the amaz-blessed truth, that God is Just, and the Justifier ing sorrow of His heart, when He exclaimed, of him that believeth in Jesus! "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken The Holy Ghost thus leads us to Christ, for me?" But what comfort to us there is contained He is our peaceHe hath made peace by the in His cry on the Cross, "It is finished!" when blood of His Cross. He is the Prince of Peace. He bowed His head and gave up the ghost. Yes, The Father's love in the blood of His dear Son He did finish the work that the Father gave Him speaks peace. Oh, beloved friends, do not look to do-After He had by Himself purged our sins, within for peace! Do not even look at the Spirit's He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on work for peace! Do not look at your frames high. Moreover, sin is not only put away, but or experiences for peace, but do look straight to righteousness is brought in. Jesus was obedient Christ crucified; yes, look wholly to the Cross KRUMMACHER says, "when God tuned the unto death, even the death of the Cross; and by of Christ for peace, for there you see that God life-harp in our hearts, He tuned it not to the His obedience many are made righteous, for Himself removed your sins from you, and put moaning of complaints, but to the cheerful Christ is made unto us righteousness. Yes, them away for ever. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to Oh, remember Christ's work is perfect. No- notes of praise." And this is exactly in acevery one that believeth. There is everlasting thing need be added to it. Nothing can be taken cordance with what David says in the 40th virtue in His blood, for the Child born was the from it. It is done. It is an already accom- Psalm, "He brought me up out of an horrimighty God, and there is also Divine and ever-plished work. It is finished. He is able to save ble pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet Listing worth in His righteousness; the right-them to the uttermost that come unto God by eousness of God is ours by faith. It is clear, Him. When the apostle enquires, "Who shall upon a Rock, and established my goings, and then, that God is upright in justifying and ac- lay anything to the charge of God's elect? He He hath put a new song in my mouth—even cepting the sinner that believes in Jesus, because does not say, look to the work of God IN us, most God's holy and just wrath, on account of his sins, blessed as it is, but look to the work of God praise unto our God." The result is, “Many has been borne by Jesus, thus removing his FOR us-"It is Charist that died, yea, rather that shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the transgressions from him as far as the east is is risen again, who is even at the right hand of Lord." But how few there are who sing this from the west; and Jesus his surety being raised God, who also maketh intercession for us." The from the dead, and crowned with glory, He now finished work of Christ then answers every new song, consequently not many see it or hear appears in the presence of God as his wisdom, charge, and is the only ground of peace with it; they seem to be employing their harp to righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. God. Moreover, our liberty of access into God's the moaning of their complaints alone. Oh, 2. Is God upright in punishing the unbeliever? | presence is by the blood of Christ. (Heb. x.) Assuredly He is. If you and I, dear friends, When Christ died upon the Cross, the veil of the believer in Jesus! it is you I am addressing; were shut up in the lake of fire for ever, what temple was rent in twain from the top to the consider how much you have to rejoice in, could we say, but that we have deserved it bottom. That veil did not refer to the Spirit's a thousand times over? How could God take work, but to the flesh of Christ; so that when think of the positiveness of your life in Christ, an uncleansed sinner into heaven? Would it that Sacrifice was offered, the veil was rent, to for it is life eternal to know Him; then Christ not spoil the joy of all to have sin there? And shew that there was now full liberty of coming known is forgiveness known, one goes with would the unpardoned sinner find rest there, in into God's presence. by the blood of Christ we the other, and it is this fact that you are called seeing all around him pure and happy, and himself come at once to the Father's bosom. I say having no part in it? But the decree is gone again, then, that, blessed, most blessed as it is to upon to believe, and in believing it, you canforth, that nothing that worketh abomination, or realize the Spirit's work in us, yet it is not not help rejoicing in it. Would you, my reader, maketh a lie, can enter there. No, dear friends, the the ground of our peace, but the Holy Spirit truth is, that man has broken God's holy laws, and ever leads us to the blood of the Cross for peace. not wish to be among those true worshippers, God is just and upright in condemning. When Our acceptance is in the Beloved. We have re whose rejoicing is in Christ Jesus, having no & person transgresses the laws of this country. demption through His blood; and the testimony confidence in the flesh? Think, then, again all agree that he deserves punishment; and is of God in the Scripture before us is that of deGod less just than man? The formal moralist liverance on the ground of "ransom:" Deliver of the veracity, the faithfulness of Him, who, says, "I have sinned so little, I have broken the him from going down to the pit; I have found by His own grace, calls sinners unto His laws of God so seldom!" But stop, I say; do you a ransom. O ye unconverted people! how you tell a thief, you have only stolen a few times, dread God's justice, when you think of it! You eternal glory by Christ Jesus. therefore the law cannot apprehend you? No, fear death, hell, and judgment, because you to have this new song put into your mouth, my friend; you say he has broken the law, and think that God is just. You like to banish from for you cannot truly know Jesus without havhe must bear the consequence. And the Scrip- your minds the thought of God's justice and ture says, concerning God's laws, that he who holiness; but the glorious attributes of God, which ing some measure of this blessed confidence; breaks one is guilty of all; "cursed is he that ye so much dread, give to the children of God and his positive, solemn declaration, that this continueth not in all things which are written the sweetest consolation, for they know that God knowledge is eternal life, affords ground amply in the book of the Law to do them." Surely, has found a ransom in the blood of Jesus, and then, God is upright in condemning the sinner He is faithful and just to forgive sins for Christ's sufficient on which any sinner may safely rest. for his sins; and above all, because Christ cruci- sake. And let me here say, dear friends, that it Oh, may you be brought, like the beloved fied is preached as the sinner's Saviour, and men is not what we think of the blood of Christ that John, to say, We have known and believed will not come unto Him that they might have is the ground of our peace, it is what God's estilife. Oh! who among us shall dwell with the mate of that blood is; and He judges the work the love that God hath to us;" thence devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with of Christ in redemption so infinitely meritorious, forward you will blend your harp's song with everlasting burnings? Oh! my friends, how can as to exalt Him to the highest pinnacle of heayou escape, if you go on in your sins? But, venly glory, and make angels, principalities, and the glad choir of victory. God grant it for alas! you love sin; it is a sweet morsel under powers subject unto Him. The testimony of the Christ's sake. Amen. M.

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Be not afraid

The Last Days of Miss P. ON Lord's Day, February 20th, when I called to see her, I found her weak, but very bright and happy. She repeated a verse from one of her favourite hymns:

"All my capacious powers can boast,

In thee do richly meet;

Nor to mine eyes is light so dear,
Nor friendship half so sweet."

"Ye palaces, sceptres, and crowns,

on this subject one day, she said, "Never mind though I walk through the valley of the
it, that is gone," and then repeated a verse shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou
from one of her favourite hymns-
art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they com-
fort me." She said also, "Dear aunt, if you
feel His presence, just raise your hand."
Never can we forget that expressive sigh. As
if with nature's failing powers she would try
once more to express the joy of her spirit, she
raised her arm quite high, and waved it twice.
It seemed to speak in striking accents: "He
is faithful that promised."

Your pride with disdain I survey;
Your pomps are but shadows and sounds,
And pass in a moment away.
The crown which my Saviour bestows,
Yon permanent sun shall outshine;

My joy everlastingly flows,

My God, my Redeemer is mine."

E

She said, "I want to sleep ;" and on had been expound- being told she would soon sleep in Jesus, she Dear aunt, immedi- immediately responded in a whisper,

I said, "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds." She responded, quoting different In the evening of Wednesday, dear E, portions of Scripture on the name of Jesus, who had just returned from a prayer-meeting, such as—“There is no other name under remarked that Mr. S heaven given among men, whereby we must ing the 8th Romans. be saved." "His name shall endure for ever." "His name shall be continued as long as the sun." "Blessed be His glorious name for ever," &c. Her mind continually dwelt on

ately took up the words: "There is now no
condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus." E said the hymn had been sung,
He lives, the great Redeemer lives." Dear

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They sleep in Jesus and are blest,

How soft their slumbers are!"

At about twenty minutes after three, she fell asleep, to wake no more until the morning

precious passages of God's Word. A Chris-aunt immediately responded, "What joy the of joy, when those who sleep in Jesus God will tian friend enquired, "Are you happy in the blest assurance gives." When Etook bring with Him. The conflict was over, the prospect before you?" "Oh, yes!" Are leave of her, she said, "The blessing of the victory won; after all the varied trials of the she had come off more than conqueror, you able to leave yourself in His hands?" Lord go with you, my dear, and bless way, She truly "Yes, my times are in his hands.' household; and bless the dear children com- through Him that loved her. finished her course with joy, and was gathered mitted to your care." That evening our beloved one seemed so full of joy, that she into the garner, as a shock of corn fully ripe, attempted to sing. E asked her the words of her song; she replied

'My times are in thy hands,

O God I wish them there;

A Father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.""

Then she repeated, in a low tone, a part of John xv., " Every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away," &c. To a friend, who asked what message she should convey to her sister, she said, "Give her my dear love, and say, Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life.""

6

On Tuesday afternoon, appearing much the same in body, and still very happy, she said, "That is a world of love, for God is love." Often would she repeat, “Whom have I in heaven but THEE, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside THEE." On asking her what message we should send for her to our beloved ones far away, she said, with much earnestness, "Give them my dearest, dearest love;" and being asked for a text of Scripture, she replied, "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in

Him."

After a pause

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Hope in Him; as the anchor to the ship, so is hope to the soul."

"Put thou thy trust in God,

In duty's path go on;

Fix on His word thy steadfast eye,
So shall thy work be done."

"Come, let us join our cheerful songs,
With angels round the throne;
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their joys are one."

Dear E― said, you remind me of our
dear papa, when very weak, repeating aloud
while asleep, "Crown Him, crown Him."
Dearest aunt replied,

"Soon we, with yonder sacred throng,
Low at His feet shall fall;
We'll join the everlasting song,

in her 77th year.

Be patient, be stedfast.

Christian.

.

BY JAMES SMITH, CHELTENHAM. MANY of the exhortations of the New Testament are founded upon, or enforced by, the prospect of the Lord's coming. This is the hope of the Church, and the stimulus of the To this our eye is frequently directed, and by this, practical holiness is enforced. Waiting for Jesus is a holy posture. Looking for God's Son from heaven is a blessed exercise. But especially in trials And crown Him Lord of all." and troubles, in sufferings and sorrows, should One night while sitting with our dear aunt, I we be directed to this subject, as the apostle thought she was asleep, when she said almost directed sufferers in his day: Be ye also in a whisper, "My sins are all forgiven." I patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming repeated the text, "He hath made Him to be of the Lord draweth nigh." (James v. 8.) HERE IS A FACT,ANNOUNCED. sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might The coming be made the righteousness of God." She of the Lord draweth nigh." The Lord Jesus immediately added, "IN HIM." On Friday is now absent, in the sense in which He was night, a kind aged friend, Dr. B-, called once present; He is personally in heaven, to see her, he said, "You will soon see Jesus!" seated at the right hand of the Father. There She answered, "I know it, I feel it." She much enjoyed a little hymn that was read, repeating the words with much emphasis.

On Saturday, it became evident that our beloved aunt was sinking; we watched by her couch for many hours, and dear Econtinued through the night.

On Wednesday afternoon, our beloved Aunt seemed a little revived, still very peaceful and happy, resting on the promises. She repeated the 23rd Psalm with great emphasis, finishing at the verse, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me," &c. At another time, as if meditating aloud, she said, "The silver and the gold are His." "Jeho- of rest. vah Jireh STILL." "My Father and your Father, my God and your God." Once she repeated

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He has taken His body, on which He bore our sins, and there, body and soul, He waits until His enemies are made His footstool. His absence causes grief to His espoused ones, for how can His bride be happy, while her bridegroom is away, seeing it is His presence, and His presence alone, that fills her On Sunday morning, February 27th, I with joy, peace, and satisfaction? His enehastened to her bedside, and found her look-mies take advantage of His absence, to insult ing much weaker, but very calm and peaceful. His people, and in many places to oppose and When reminded it was the Lord's day, she persecute them; so that His people must suf appeared pleased at the thought. On this fer, more or less, while He is away. But He day she was to commence her eternal Sabbath has promised to return-to return and receive We continued our watch by her us unto himself; and He will soon come now, side, the powers of nature were fast failing; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." but the lamp of life, that hidden life, appeared When He comes, He will make all straight, to burn brighter. That faithful Lord, whom for He will judge and punish His foes, and she had so long known, and loved, was very vindicate and reward His saints. Oh, what a near his aged servant, illuminating the dark glorious sight it will be, to behold Jesus devalley with beams of His own glory. At scend into the air, gather His saints together intervals we repeated portions of Scripture, unto Him, clothe them in His glory, and be It was striking to witness how beautifully and hymns, to which she feebly responded, but admired in them by all beholders! Well may she had learnt submission to her Father's will we could not catch the words. Once she was His people weary for His coming, well may in the loss of some things which once we heard to whisper, "Heavenly Father." E- His Church cry out, "Come, Lord Jesus, prized, and fondly called our own. Speaking repeated the words of Scripture: Yea, come quickly!"

"Christ shall the banquet spread
With His own royal hand,
And raise that favourite Servant's head,
High midst the angelic band."

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FACT.

HERE IS AN EXHORTATION BASED ON THE will judge His people." Is not this enough? "Be patient." They were oppressed Cannot you leave your cause with Jesus? and tried, and perhaps tempted to droop or Cannot you leave the correction of your brethrepine; therefore the apostle reminds them ren, or the punishment of your foes to Him? that Jesus will soon be here, and says, "Be Stablish your hearts against repining at your patient, the coming of the Lord draweth lot. It may not be the most pleasant to flesh nigh." So we also should exercise patience, and blood. It may not at present be prosin the prospect of that glorious event. Be perous. You may have much pain, and few patient in suffering wrong. Are you perse-pleasures-many losses, and few gains-much cuted, or slandered, or misrepresented? Be sickness, and little health. But, remember,

comes.

and work diligently. The time is short. The sun is going down. The night is far spent. Let us work for Jesus. Let us work for souls. Let us work as those who must give account to the Master when He cometh. Let us ever keep in mind, that Jesus has told us himself,

that He will come to take account of His servants, and ascertain what every one hath gained by trading. Does the coming of the Lord draw nigh? then let us warn his foes, and animate his friends. Let us warn all who there is no chance in all this. The whole is are opposed to Him, or are careless about arranged for you, by Him who loves you-by Him, that He is coming in flaming fire, to Him whose wisdom is infinite, and whose take vengeance on them that know not God, whole heart is set upon doing you good. and on them that obey not His gospel. Let Stablish your heart against idling away your us exhort them to seek Him, to be reconciled time. Time is precious. There is much to to Him, and to yield themselves up to be be done, much that we may do, much that saved by Him. And let us cheer and animate we ought to do. Let us not then lose too his friends, reminding them that at His commuch time in sleep, in recreation, or in plea-ing, Jesus will bring to light the hidden sure. But let us live for God, live to serve things of darkness, and then shall every man our generation according to His will, and live have praise of God. to gain the commendation at last, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

The Parable of the Ten Virgins;

OR, IMPORTANT LESSONS FOR ALL.

BY T. W. MEDHURST, KINGSTON ON THAMES.

"ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable;" hence all who destorms will grow, sorrows will flow, wars will light in the word of God should attentively rage, devils will tempt, and men will perse- and prayerfully consider the distinct instruccute and hate each other. But when Jesus tion imparted in each part of the Word. Incomes, instead of the thorn, shall come up the stead of this, how many are there, even fir tree; and instead of the briar, shall come among true Christians, who practically ignore up the myrtle tree: the cow and the bear and omit a great portion of Divine revelation. shall feed, their young ones shall lie down I allude at present more particularly to together; and the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Does the coming of Jesus draw nigh? then let us prepare and be ready for it. Let it not find us sleeping. Let not that day overtake us as a thief. But let us have our vessels filled with oil, our lamps bright and burning, our garments white and clean, and our loins girt with truth. Let us be quite

the prominence given in the Bible to the second coming of the Lord from heaven. The whole of the writers, both in the Old and New Testament, are continually referring to this event, as the all-important hope of the Church; notwithstanding which, most Christians seem either to forget the subject altogether, or else to imagine, that it is wrapped about with so much that is dark and myste

not vindictive, or revengeful, or even too anxious to clear yourself, if you know you are innocent. Commit the matter to the Lord, encourage a forgiving spirit, and leave your vindication to providence, or until Jesus Be patient in labouring for God. Success may not immediately crown your efforts. Like the husbandman, who has to wait for rain, wind, and proper seasons, so you may have to wait for the power of the Spirit, or the putting forth of the blessing of God, to render your work successful. But labour on-labour on in hope; labour on with patience. Remember, "they that sow in tears, shall reap in jɔy. He that goeth forth and Is Jesus coming? Does his coming draw weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubt-nigh? Then let us be glad and rejoice, for our less come again with rejoicing, bringing his redemption draweth nigh. Until Jesus comes, sheaves with him." Be patient in waiting for the reward. It is promised. It is certain. Every act of kindness, every deed of mercy, even the smallest benefit conferred on a believer, out of love to Jesus, and for His glory, shall be rewarded. You may meet with ingratitude from man, you may forget what you have done yourself, but Jesus will never forget. He is coming to give reward unto His servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear His name, small and great. Wait, therefore, patiently, for in due season you will reap, if you faint not. Be patient in waiting for the event. Do not get weary; do not fall asleep, as the virgins are represented as doing. Be watchful; be wary; be on the look out for Jesus. Soon, and perhaps sud-ready to hail the return of Jesus at any mo-rious, as to render its study of no real benefit. ment, in every place, however engaged. OI feel persuaded, that all who candidly to have the heart right, and the eye fixed, study the teachings of Holy Writ on this looking for His appearing. Does the coming point, will come to just the opposite concluof Jesus draw nigh? then let us expect and sion to all this, for they will soon discover, Stablish your hearts" for the truth of God, desire it. It should be the object of our hope. that the doctrine of Christ's second coming in expectation of the Lord's coming. By We should be looking for God's Son from is both practical and consoling in its results, faith in the promises, by fellowship with God, heaven. We should desire it, as the prisoner and that in an eminent manner. and by communion with saints, stablish your desires the day of liberation; as the encum- The parable of the "TEN VIRGINS" is pecuhearts. Let nothing move you; but be sted- bered Jew desired the Jubilee; and as the liarly solemn and awakening in its teachings. fast, immoveable, always abounding in the espoused bride, whose heart overflows with love on this subject. We there plainly discover work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know to her bridegroom, longs for her wedding day. the great fact, that when Christ comes the that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Let us look, and long, and hope for the ad- second time, without sin unto salvation, He will Stablish your hearts against error in doctrine. vent of Jesus, every day, and all day long. find His Church a MIXED body. The Church Every gospel doctrine is precious. It is a ray Does the coming of the Lord draw nigh? then is compared to virgins; all outwardly profrom the orb of truth, a stream from the river let us bear and endure our trials patiently. fessors of religion, and members of one body; which maketh glad the city of God. Errors They may be sharp-they must be short. They all apparently desirous of going forth to meet will abound. Error is often impregnated with are limited as to direction and degree. When the Bridegroom; but alas! all are not what power. Error is generally fascinating and Jesus comes, all our trials will be past; and each professes to be, for five of them are pleasing to the flesh. But error clouds God's then joy, gladness, and pleasant songs will be foolish. These have lamps, the external form glory, inore or less dishonours Jesus, and must our portion. Look not then, my poor tried of Christianity, but they have no oil in their injure the Christian's mind. Keep close, there- brother, my poor afflicted sister, look not fore, to the written word, reject tradition, yield much at your trials and afflictions. Bear up to no human authority; but let the word of under your trials a little longer, and you will God alone be your standard. Stablish your soon prove Paul's word to be true, "I reckon hearts against temptations to avenge yourself. that the sufferings of this present time are Let Jesus bear the sword, and Jesus alone. not worthy to be compared with the glory He says, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I that shall be revealed in us." Does the comwill repay, saith the Lord. And, again, the Lording of the Lord draw nigh? then let us work,

denly, you may hear the midnight cry, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry; be ye therefore patient.

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lamps, the internal life of the true believer. A lamp is useless without oil. Having a name to live is of no avail, if real life be absent; nothing will stand the test of that great, great day, wherein Jesus shall come, but real living faith, called by the Apostle, "Christ in you the hope of glory." I would not make too sweeping an assertion, but yet,

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