Do you While on the verge of life I stand, Her countenance brightened up with heavenly joy, as we spoke together about the "glory to be revealed." Asking her, if she would rather be in health and enjoying the world, or like she was then. She answered, "Oh! like this"-'Tis all of mercy." Thousands make a wretched choice, And rather starve than come. Whenever I visited her afterwards, she spoke much of God's love, and his promises, saying, “I cannot read them now, but I can meditate upon them"-"I am on the sure foundation"-"It will be but a little longer." The 26 verse of the 73 Psalm was a very precious portion to her soul. She had no doubts, no anxious fear. Satan sometimes did worry, but he could not devour "this little one of the flock;" she was secure in the hands of the Great Shepherd, and to the end of this wilderness, He led her safely by His strong hand. Her Heavenly Father called that blood-bought soul away from this evil world, and, falling asleep in Jesus, she was "absent from the body, and present with the Lord." "The Lord himself shall descend from hea ven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thess. iv. 16, 17.) which were in them: And they were judged "And whosoever was not found written in "The Lord sitteth upon the flood." And He is strong to save; He sitteth o'er the waterfloods, He wipes the weeping eyes; He sitteth o'er the waterfloods, As in the days of old, The waves and billows rolled; Then doubt and fear no more, The Lord's Work in Dublin. THE Lord's work is deepening and extending here. Every meeting the anxious face and weeping eye mark the opening heart; and when they find Jesus, their joy is most beautiful to behold. The Tuesday meeting, in the Metropolitan Hall, Dublin, is a wonderful scene; about three thousand people sometimes assemble. It is an open prayer-meeting, lasting from 12 till after 4, p.m., and even then the people will not go away, but linger about wishing to be spoken to. Again in the evening we assemble from 8 till 11 o'clock, and at that late hour the same unwillingness to depart, and eagerness to hear more of Jesus, makes us gratefully to wonder. All these dear souls, too, who for months have been coming to Jesus, are walking so sweetly, maintaining much communion with Him, and glorifying God thereby in their respective circles. You would be delighted to hear dear Mr. S preach Christ, so fully, so clearly, so lovingly. He has been greatly honoured. by his Master in being permitted to be an instrument for winning souls; yea, many souls. CORRESPONDENCE. DEAR S--I have lately spent some of the happiest seasons of my whole life. I was at on Sunday last, and enjoyed a delightful day; I went there for a brother in the Lord, who is away. I found the distance rather great, but the Lord is ever good, and His service is perfect freedom and perfect peace. I am looking forward to see you soon at -, and I shall be delighted to tell, like David, what the Lord hath done for my soul; Since He who passed through all the storms yes, a living work, wrought and completed, Will soon be moored in harbour calm, WIATELY. "Rejoice in the Lord alway." THOUGH our God requires the sacrifice of a broken heart, He delights not in the wailing of joyless self-reproach; in that there is neither bliss for His creature, nor glory for himself. He reveals himself, as freely, and abundantly forgiving all who come to Him through Christ; and such glorious mercy is not fitly owned when, unmindful of its balm, we persist in only bemoaning our sores. One clear view of Christ's redeeming love does more to disengage our feelings from the world, than ten thousand dissatisfied verdicts upon their actual condition. by which I have obtained peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; and have access by faith in Him, to draw near to my heavenly Father, as He has invited me. Oh, what a sweet privilege for a child to know his Father's will, and to do it; and the Father's pleasure is that in Christ should all fulness dwell. Being washed in His blood, I am fitted to be a partaker of His fulness, and to live now, by faith, in the enjoyment of my inheritance. Think of the privilege, to be truly a child of God, and an heir of glory. How it tranquilizes the mind, and how calm and satisfied the soul is, when the child is certain,, and knows the Father's will. The Father has given all things into Christ's hand, and Christ has given all to me; and what do I want more? Eternal life is mine, in Christ. Heaven is my home, glory is mine, and soon I shall have a glorious body like Himself. God gave me to Jesus, and Jesus has presented me to the Father, and now I have the Self-condemnation is just, and so far as it joys of heaven, as being blood-bought, and undoes all self-trust and self-glorying, in- redeemed; I am perfected in His love, for pervaluable; but if it fixes the thoughts upon fect love casteth out fear, yea, even in death. self, so as to divert them from Him that is If God so loved us, as to give His dear greater than we, it becomes another form Son for us; will He not with Him freely of self-importance, another feint of self-give us all things? righteousness; and you will never destroy self It is God that does all things for us. But the rest of the dead by scolding it, so long as you are chiefly has chosen, called, justified, and glorified us; lived not again until the thousand years were occupied about it; however occupied, it will yea, the Almighty God Himself. Oh, may finished. This is the first resurrection. survive. It dies only when the soul, seeing we let nothing come between our souls and Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the wondrous God become a Father, a Friend, Christ, that will rob Christ of His glory, in the first resurrection: on such the second and a bosom helper, is absorbed in the Saviour telling us poor saved sinners, that Christ is death hath no power, but they shall be priests it has found, loving, rejoicing, beholding, and not sufficient at once, and for ever to comof God and of Christ, and shall reign with plete His own work of redemption, in that Him a thousand years. Dear reader, the more you see of the un- He offered Himself once without spot to worthiness of self, the more may you be led God, and has obtained eternal redemption for to prize that redemption which is in Christ us.. And now there remaineth no more ofJesus from all of it, and beholding His wor-fering for sin, for He hath perfected for ever thiness as yours to stand in before God, and them that are sanctified. His thus becoming a fitting Saviour for all Now dear S-, I commend you to God, your need, you will be enabled to rejoice with and to the word of His grace, which alone joy unspeakable and full of glory. can build you up, and give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. "I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands: and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 66 were "And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead imitating, till the old man disappears. "O God! we see thee in the Lamb, To be our hope, our joy, our rest, I am, Yours very truly in Christ Jesus, He CHRISTIAN BOARDING HOUSE. THE CHRISTIAN WORLD UNMASKED. By JOHN BERRIDGE. A New Edition. Price is. ANY OF THE LORD'S CHILDREN requiring London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. W. BOARD AND RESIDENCE, either for a long or short period, may meet with a comfortable home, conducted on Christian Principles. 21, Bentinck Street, Manchester Square. W. Just Jublished, price 4s., BY MOONLIGHT MISSION; being an Just published, royal 32mo., WHICH WAY? or, Fetch them in, and tell them of Jesus. Royal 32mo. Price 2d. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. MY FIRE By the author of "The Loving Ones Re-united. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. L Account of Midnight Cruises in the Streets of Lindon THE DUTCHMAN'S FAMILY. A Poem. By during the last Thirteen Years. By Lieut. J. BLACKMORE, R.N. With a Brief Memoir of the Author. London: W. YAPP, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. In 5 vols. fcap 8vo., in extra red cloth, price 10s. 6d., post free, WILLIAM HENSON. 48. per 100. SHE LOOKED OUTSIDE HERSELF. Price per 100. THE LITTLE STRICKEN ONE. An authentic Narrative of the Lord's Dealings with a Little Girl in CRUMBS FOR THE LORDS LITTLE ONES. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. W Edited by H. H. S. Consisting of hundreds of original papers, on various Scriptural subjects, written for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Lord's people. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Just Published, price 4d. IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS "The Right- eousness of God." A Dialogue. By J. M. C. John Bateman, Paternoster Row. Just Published, crown 8vo. price 6d. post free; or six copies Just Published, price One Penny, HE PRIESTHOOD AND THE CROSS OF Also, by the same Author, WORSHIP, boahigher Once Purgel. ness to enter into the Holiest. Drawing near to God. The THE SCHOOL OF GOD. Royal 32mo., price 2d. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. ΤΗ Just Published, a new edition, royal 32mo., price 2d., Price ld. Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Royal 32mo. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Just Published, IS THERE NOT A CAUSE? A solemn Appeal to Christians on Dress, the pomps and vanities of this evil world, &c., &c., by a Disciple. Price One Penny. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Demy 4to., cloth boards. gold lettered, price 7s. 6d. THE TABERNACLE: ITS LITERAL USES AND SPIRITUAL APPLICATION. THE FIRE ESCAPE. Reprinted from "The Court. 4 The Brazen Altar and Laver. 5. The Golden Evangelist." 1. The Tabernacle at Rest 2. Plan of the Tabernacle in the midst of the Camp of Israel. 3. Plan of the Table and Altar. 6. The Ark of the Covenant. CONTENTSPART I. The Tabernacle in its Dispensational Aspect. PART II. Literal Uses of the Tabernacle. PART III. Spiritual Application of the Tabernacle. Israel in their separation in the wilderness-Outside the Camp-The Sin-offering and Ashes of the Red Heifer-The Gate of the Court-The Brazen Altar-The Laver-The Tabernacle-First Covering of Blue, Purple, Scarlet, and CONFESSION AND THE CONFESSIONAL; fine-twined Linen-Second Covering of Goat's Hair-Third the True Priest? By CATESBY PAGET. Price 6d., or 4s. 6d. for 12 copies for gratuitous distribution. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Just Published, 18mo., cloth, price 1s. 6d. LAW AND GRACE: being Notes of Lectures on the Epistle to the Galatians. By J. L. HARRIS, Author of "The School of God," "On Worship," "Heavenly-mindedness," &c. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Covering of Rams Skins dyed Red-Fourth Covering of The value of this Book for spiritual instruction and interpretation cannot be over-rated. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. W. PRAYER, the Arrow of the Lord's Deliverance. EMMANUEL. remarkable Narrative of the Conversion of six children by the grace of God, in answer to a mother's prayers. Cloth boards, Is. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Just published, price 4d. THE LAND OF CANAAN and the Restoration of Israel. Reprinted from "The Bible-Reader's Journal," London: Morgan and Chase, 280, Tichborne Court, Just Published, London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square.THE STROKE OF A STICK; and the Line PRECIOUS TRUTH, roy. 32mo., cloth, 1s. CON- Crossed. By the Author of "The Scarlet Line." 32mo., price ld. THE OPEN WINDOW. A Narrative addressed A Calling. Obedience. Whom say ye that I am? What is the Notes. "Truly this was the Son of God."-Matt. xxvii. 54. Truly this man was the Son of God."-Mark xv. 39, "Certainly this was a righteous man."-Luke xxiii. 47. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. W. ᎡᎬ Second Edition, Demy 18mo., cloth, 28. ECOLLECTIONS OF AN EVANGELIST: or Incidents connected with Village Ministry; to which are added some Extracts from his Diary. By Robert Gribble. CONTENTS-The First Step. The first fruits of the Gospel. The power of the Word of God. The Waggoner. The Shoemaker. The Midnight visit. Man's will and God's purpose. The Backslider. Gracey, the Schoolmistress. Retrospect. The Home Missionary Station. The Return. The Revel. The Missionary Tour. A new scene of service. The Little Farm. The Converted Publican. The Contrast. Harvest Time. The Baptism. The Chapel. The Consumptive. The Removal. A Second Harvest Season. A Cry for the Gospel. The Praying Wife. The Great Debtor. The Two Converted Husbands. The Converted Farmer. Master and Servant. Retrospect. A Depraved Village. The Converted Blind Boy. Dangerous Prosperity. Sudden Death. Conclusion. Diary. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. R. P. H. GOSSE is now publishing a New GOSSE, revised and corrected by himself; together with a The First Series, consisting of Twenty Narrative Tracts, is 1. The Railway Ticket. 2 The Sinking Ship. 3. John Clarke; or, the Ground of Confidence. 5. The Christian Soldier. Notes and Reflections on the 8. d. 10 0 70 Notes and Reflections on the 6 The Eleventh Hour. 4 6 3 6 COTTAGE BREAD-for Cottage Children. Fcap. limp cloth, 1s. 6d.; cloth boards, 2s. CONTENTS-Part 1. Feeding Lambs The Cottage Poor, &c. 2. The Child's Hand-book of Praise. 3. How to give pleasure. 4. Useful Callings, Boys-Useful Callings, GIRLSGood-for-nothings. 5. Rugged School Rhymes. 6. Photogruphs. 7. The Corn Field. 8. Nature's Picture-book. 9. Morning Walk, &c. 10. Useful Lessons. 11. Sunday Musings. 12. Prayer and Praise. 7. The Young Guardsman of the Alma. 8. The Reapers. 9. Tom Fowler, the Boatman. 10. The Two Maniacs. 11. "Oh! That Night!" 12. A Dollar's Worth. 13. The Fall of the Rossberg. 14. The Faithful Nurse. 15. The Portuguese Convert. 16. The Suicide. 17. The Consumptive Death Bed. 18. Is Christ Willing? 19. The Towing Net. 20. Dying by Proxy. A liberal allowance on quantities. for gratuitous distribution, DAVID AND JOHN-The sweet Psalmist of Holborn: Nisbet & Co. Berners Street: William Yapp. 70, Disciple whom Jesus loved. Price 3d. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. W. Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square; J. F. Shaw, Paternoster KINGDOM OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. One Shilling's worth and upwards of these Tracts sent free of Postage to any part of the Kingdom. The Second Advent and Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, Id. God's Eternal Purpose and Christ's Everlasting Kingdom, 2d. Popular Objections to the Premillennial Advent, 3d. ness. CONTENTS-What is the Hope of the Christian? What is the Hope of the Church? Approaching Judgments. The Coming Crisis and its Results. The Doom of Christendom. Christ and the Church. Same subject, concluded. Israel in the Past and Present. Israel's Future Restoration. Israel's Restoration Introductory to Millennial BlessrdThe Great Prophetic Question: Is the Millennium, or Christ's Second Advent, to be expected first? Further Pre millennial Evidence. Waiting for Christ. Ecclesias tical Corruption and Apostacy. The Last Days of Gentile Supremacy. Israel in the approaching Crisis. The Spared Remnant The Martyred Remnant: with Remarks on the Earthly Calling of Israel and the Heavenly Calling of the Church. Apocalyptic Interpretation. The First Resur rection Same subject, concluded. The Millennium. A Recapitulation: or, a general Outline of Prophetic Truth. Objections Answered. Further Answers to Objections. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. 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." GRATUITOUS CIRCULATION. By the donations received from several of our kind Christian friends, we have had the pleasure of distributing many copies of "THE EVANGELIST" in various parts of the United Kingdom. As yet, however, we have been only able to meet, in a very small degree, the requests of Gospel Labourers, who feel the importance of thus scattering the truth among the poorer classes. Further donations will therefore be thankfully received for this object. a blessed state. [PRICE 1d. for a little time, and then vanisheth dom, many bitter disappointments, and away." (James iv. 14.) Trifle not with severe soul exercises, to bring us to this. your soul's salvation. To meet death in But if brought here, and kept here, it is an uprepared state, how awful! Is there Absolute dependence is anything that this world has given, or a blessed state. shall give, which will prove a recompense Then we are safe, for we dare not look "Utterly helpless!" for the terrors that shall alarm you in to self, depend on self, or rest in any a dying hour, if you are not in Christ? outward observances; we must look to How terrible, too, the hereafter! The Jesus, cleave to Jesus, live on Jesus: prophet asks a most solemn question: the eye must be fixed on His precious All Communications, Donations, Books for Re-"Who among us shall dwell with the blood continually, and the heart must view, &c., should be forwarded, pre-paid, "To the devouring fire? who among us shall rest on His finished work alone. All Editor of the Evangelist," care of Mr. Yapp, 70, dwell with everlasting burnings?" (Isa. boasting is prevented, all confidence in All orders should be addressed to the Publishers, Mr. W. YAPP, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, W.; or to Messrs. MORGAN & CHASE, Tichborne Court, 280, High Holborn, London. Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, W. Man Goeth to his Long Home. xxxiii. 14.) My fellow-sinner, in this the flesh is destroyed; we must come the day of mercy, seek, and you shall to Christ for all we need, with all that AN aged Christian was returning from find mercy. Through the finished work troubles us, and through all that opposes Chapel on the Lord's-day morning (July of Jesus upon the Cross, every believing our progress. We must make Jesus 22), and had nearly reached her house, sinner hath eternal life, and "shall not our strength as well as our righteouswhen she was taken suddenly ill. A come into condemnation, but is passed ness, and look to Him as a fountain to neighbour, who was passing by, led her from death unto life." I pray God that supply us, as well as a foundation to supin doors. She asked for some water, the Holy Spirit may in this very hour port us. Our strength arises from a and said, "I am going home to Jesus." awaken your slumbering conscience, con- sense of our weakness, our safety from After lying in an insensible state for vince you "of sin, and of righteousness, a sense of our danger, and our wealth about two days, her spirit quitted the and of judgment." "This is a faithful from a sense of our poverty. Weak in earthly tenement and reached home. The Friday before, I called to see her, and we conversed and prayed together: on that day week I saw her body committed to the grave. "The storm is hush'd, and all is still, Her conflicts are for ever past, And now, beyond the reach of ill, She waits the trumpet's final blast. "The signal of our Lord's return, When all His saints shall rise again, The mark no more of human scorn, saying, and worthy of all acceptation, A home with God in heaven above, Utterly Helpless! BY JAMES SMITH, CHELTENHAM. E. P. self, we are strong in Christ. Exposed to danger in self, we are safe in Christ. Poor in self, we are wealthy in Christ. "Utterly helpless!" Then we cannot live without prayer, but must learn to cry to the STRONG ONE for strength. We must pray always, and pray every where. The life we live must be a life of simple, entire, and absolute dependence on the Son of God. And as we receive all from Jesus, so we must ascribe all to Jesus. But glorious like their Master then." "Utterly helpless!" Oh, how painful! The Preacher saith, "Man goeth to yes, to the proud, unhumbled heart. his long home." (Eccles. xii. 5.) Dear "Utterly helpless!" Oh, how humbling! reader, are you a believer in the Lord So wrote a godly young man, when de- yes, self must be abased and laid low. Jesus Christ? If so, it is your glorious scribing the state of his soul. "Utterly "Utterly helpless!" Oh, how blessed! privilege to rejoice whilst journeying helpless!" So all feel that are at all yes, to the soul that wishes to see grace home. Whether in health or sickness, deeply taught of God. "Not sufficient reign through righteousness unto eternal you know Christ as your Saviour, you of ourselves to think," said Paul; "utterly life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. "Utterly may truly say, "I am going home to helpless!" So we feel more and more as helpless!" Oh, how preserving! yes, Jesus." Yes, each moment brings the we grow in grace, and in the knowledge the feeble branch, it will be sustained child of God nearer to his Father's of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. and supplied by the parent stem, and home. May our gracious, loving Lord But it is with us, as it was with the like the helpless infant, it will be tended strengthen and bless your soul even unto Lord's worthies of old, of whom we read, with all the kindness and watchfulness. the end! It may be that you are an un-"Out of weakness were made strong;" of a mother's love. O my soul! be not believer. Is it so? Are you enjoying and as it was with the apostle, who said, afraid to feel thy weakness, thy utter natural life, but spiritually dead? I can-"When I am weak, then am I strong." helplessness! but cling to Jesus, lean not tell, God knoweth. "What is your But it requires much stripping and on Jesus, and His strength will be made life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth emptying, much baffling of our own wis- perfect in thy weakness! if like Iniquity Taken Away, and Sin Purged. THEN said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."ISAIAH vi. 5-8. ing the place of profoundest reverence, covering their faces with two of their wings. He saw also that each of them covered his feet, to shew that, while they had always walked obediently, they did not glory in their service, but with greatest humility gloried only in the Lord. He saw them also with outstretched wings, to signify their delight in doing God's will, and that the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who they held themselves in readiness to fly swiftly at His bidding. He heard also the words uttered before the throne; he listened to the converse of creatures Ir is very blessed to trace, in the Old Testament there, and found it was “ Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Scriptures, the gracious way in which God has ever of hosts;" and, "at the voice of him that cried, the been ready to meet man as a sinner, and to contem-posts of the door moved, and the house was filled with smoke." These things the prophet saw and plate that way which has always been through the heard. It was indeed an infinitely holy place. No sacrificial work of His beloved Son. When our first unclean word was heard there; nothing impure parents had garments presented to them to cover escaped the lips of any; no irreverent action was their nakedness, they were formed of coats of skins, seen; no presumptuous ways, no angry passions, no foolish actions, no indolent habits, no self-willed manto shew us that blessing could only flow from God ners, were beheld there; for God is holy, and nothing to man through sacrifice. When Abel obtained unclean can abide his presence. The prophet was witness that he was righteous, it was because of the in the light, for God is light. He was beside the excellency of the sacrifice which he offered. balance of the sanctuary, and all was love, and holiThe ness, and truth. whole ritual of the last dispensation teaches us that God can only be approached by man through the sacrifice of a life. Hence it is that there is so much in the ancient Scriptures about dealing with God through the blood of the sacrifice; all intended to shew forth that in due time God would provide an all-sufficient sacrifice for man as a sinner. But it is here that people so mistake; and Christ crucified is to many still a stumbling stone and rock of offence. Man's thought in general is, if he think of God at all, about his sacrificing for God; thus vainly hoping to appease God, and procure rest for his conscience by some works of self-denial; but God meets such a false thought at once, by saying, “I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." This entails the most perfect self-sacrifice, because it lays on man the absolute ne will of Him that sent Him, and finished His work; centre around Him, a Lamb as it had been slain, 2. THE EFFECT OF THE VISION. Deeply serious and personal reflections occupied the prophet's mind. Man never rightly learns what he is, except in God's In this way only we are taught by the Spirit that presence. It is a well-known fact among men, that we are lost and undone. Men may know that they if we would understand the true qualities of any are sinners by comparing themselves with others: thing, we must bring it to the light. So it is as thus the thief knows that he is a sinner, because he regards things spiritual. We may compare ourselves is surrounded by many who are honest; the unjust with our fellow men, and arrive at most erroneous knows that he is a sinner, because he is acquainted conclusions; thus, the temperate man, measuring with some who are upright, &c., &c. In this way himself with a drunkard, believes himself righteous; only can we account for so many persons who evince and the chaste flatter themselves with thoughts of no soul-distress, being so ready to say, "I know I am superiority over the licentious; while all may be a sinner." But when we are brought to think of ourequally guilty of covetousness, and other unclean-selves as in God's holy presence, then whatever have ness, in the sight of God. It is therefore not wise been our previous conceptions of our faucied goodto compare ourselves with our neighbours, but, ness, we are made to feel guilty before God, and coming into the light of God's holy presence, we exposed to His coming judgment and wrath. Then, shall be truly made manifest. When Isaiah con- I say, our cry is, Woe is me, for I am undone! sidered the peace, love, humility, holiness, purity, 3rd. Now let us consider THE ASSURANCE OF FORand truth that characterized all those who dwelt in GIVENESS THE prophet obtained, God in Christ is Jehovah's glorious presence, what could the prophet's a blessed refuge for a sin-troubled soul, for He will reflections be? How could he fail to ask himself be merciful to our unrighteousness, as was beautisuch questions as, "Am I truly humble before God? fully expressed by Elihu to Job: "God looketh upon Do I serve Him with reverence? Do I delight to do men, and if any say, I have sinned and perverted the will of God? Has my conversation been holi- that which is right, and it profited me not, He will ness to the Lord?" Surely the prophet felt the light deliver his soul from going down to the pit, and his of God's presence to be a heart-searching region! It life shall see the light." He will say, "Deliver him was enough to shew him that he was "unclean! from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom"! unclean!" that he had come short of God's stan- This seems to be the rule of the throne of grace, and dard. It was enough to make him feel that he stood was just what the prophet experienced; for while he "justly condemned" before God, and righteously ex-stood thus consciously before the King-the Lord posed to His judgment and wrath. Hence he cried of Hosts-in a repentant mind, confessing his unout, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a cleanness, groaning over his sin, condemning himman of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a self, acknowledging his undone state, we are immepeople of unclean lips." diately told, "Then (mark then!) flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips, and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged." This is very blessed. This shews us that God waiteth to be gracious. It is a fine instance of the mercy of God to sinful man, and shews us His readiness to pardon and accept those who take a right place before Him. The prophet had an unmistakeable warrant for the fullest assurance of his sins being put away, and of standing in the favour and blessing of God. cessity of setting self aside altogether, to confess the In considering this very instructive portion of the Holy Scripture, we shall notice, 1. The prophet's vision of glory. 2. The effect of it upon himself. 3. The assurance of forgiveness he obtained. 4. His willing obedience. 1. THE PROPHET'S VISION OF GLORY. "He saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple." There, in spirit, before God, the prophet took his place. There he saw the seraphims, the servants of the most High God, His ministers that do His pleasure. He beheld them tak This assurance was based on two things-the ap plication of the live coal from off the altar, and the Word of the Lord. By the altar we are to understand a place where the sacrifice was burnt and presented to God. The Cross of Christ is the But more than this, he felt he was unclean before only altar of New Testament days, and the various God-a man of unclean lips. Those lips which ought altars of the Old Testament were only types of it; to be, like the seraphim's, consecrated to His praises, and the coals of fire which consumed the sacrifices, had given utterance to the unclean thoughts and and caused their savour to ascend to God, were feelings of the heart, for "out of the abundance of figurative of that fierce wrath, which went over the heart the mouth speaketh." Like another Job, Jesus, when He was made sin and a curse for he could say, "I have heard of thee by the hearing us upon the Cross of Calvary. The application, of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee, wherefore therefore, of the "live coal" to the prophet's "unI abhor MYSELF, and repent in dust and ashes." clean lips," teaches us that God has in His grace The light of God's holy presence made his un- provided an all-cleansing remedy for sin; that that cleanness manifest, he felt its depths so great, its remedy is found only in the sufferings, blood-shedblackness so foul, its wounds so incurable, that he ding, and death of the Son of God; and that the condemned himself as undone, hopelessly and help-moment the sin - burdened conscience realizes the lessly unclean before God;-ungodly, unholy, with- virtue of that blood, the soul is at once at peace with out strength, without any help of recovery in himself. God. It is the blood of Christ which maketh atoneHaving thus learnt himself in God's presence, he ment. It is the blood of Christ which has made was then able to discern that the people by whom he peace between the sinner and God. It is the blood was surrounded were unclean also. of Christ which brings the far-off sinner to the bosom of God. It is the blood of Christ alone which cleanseth from all sin. It is only by the blood of Christ that any sinner has liberty and confidence in God's presence. Such were the lessons that the prophet was effectually taught in God's presence. And so, in measure, all learn now, who are under Divine teaching; for though we may not be favoured with such a vision of glory as the prophet had, yet the Holy Spirit makes ns feel that we have to do with God, and that every creature is manifest in His sight. Moreover, when we now think of the presence of God, we see by faith the risen, ascended, and glorified Man-Christ Jesus. We see there, besides the holy seraphims, one who was a Man of Sorrows in this world of sin, one who was exposed to Satan's temptations, man's deceivings, and the world's unholiness; but He always did the The prophet felt his uncleanness was purged by the application of the live coal from off the altar; and the sinner that believes in Christ feels also that he has peace through the blood of the Cross. But the prophet had also the word of the Lord to assure him of his pardon and acceptance: and, blessed be God, so have we. Some will try to persuade us that no one can know his sins are forgiven till after death, and therefore it is great presumption for any one to say so. to But I reply, Who says I am forgiven? God "Oh! how sweet to see the flowing But there are some who, though they do not deny the present knowledge of forgiveness of sins, yet greatly hesitate to confess that they are saved. They forget that the object of Christ's incarnation and death was to SAVE, that He came to SAVE the lost not to help, but to save-and that every one that believeth on Him. Hence He told the weeping woman at His feet, "Thy faith hath SAVED thee!" And when Zaccheus received Him joyfully, Jesus said, “This day is SALVATION come to this house." The work of Christ saves, and the word of Christ says you are saved by faith! On my first visit, I found him sitting up copying a print from a book on perspective, which his kind friend had lent him. He was more than ordinarily intelligent for his position in life--a foreman at a plasterer's. He often expressed his simple and entire trust in Him, as the one Mediator between God and man, and that he had "thrown his whole soul upon Him," and "that he did trust Him entirely." The day before his death, my wife came to my office at about twelve o'clock in a cab, to tell me that W had sent for me, as he felt that he was dying. He had never had his attention earnestly called to his lost state by nature, and his need of a Redeemer, and the few religious professors he had met with had evidently not recommended the Gospel to his heart; for he When I got to his room he was much spoke of them as inconsistent in their con- changed, yet able to whisper to me, "I trust duct, "professing one thing and practising in Him." Oh, I hope this babe in Christ another;" at length he had become sceptical, was also bringing forth fruit, for he said, "I and thought it a great liberty for any one to could only wish to live to speak of Jesus, and ask him about his religious state. My en- say what He has done for me, to tell of my condeavours in my first conversation to combat the version to others. I thank God, I have said a ordinary objections to the inspiration of the little, a little to my own family. His weeping Holy Scriptures, were impatiently received, wife told me, that he had spoken to several and I left him somewhat discouraged; but I relatives, especially his brother, a thoughtless lifted up my heart to the Lord for him, know-young man, as well as he could in his weak ing that nothing is too hard for Him. Between my first and second visits, the But shall I after all be in glory?" exclaim some dear sister in the Lord, who had spoken to of the ill-instructed and feeble-minded of the house-me about him, had seen him again, and her hold of faith. "Though I now rest in Christ, and am at peace with God, may I not after all be lost?" loving ministry had evidently made a deep No, no, dear child of God, for the blood of Christ impression upon him. that speaks before the throne on thy behalf now, will speak there for thee for ever; and Christ, who is thy righteousness now, will be thy righteousness for ever; and the Holy Spirit who dwells in thee now, though grieved and quenched, will dwell in thee for ever; and Christ, who pleads for thee in heaven now, will continually intercede for thee. Jesus hath thee securely, and will never let thee go, none shall pluck thee out of His hand; for thus saith the Word of the Lord, "He is able to save them to the uttermost (ie, right on to the end) that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Heb. vii. 25.) "The work which His goodness began, The arm of His strength shall complete; 4th. HIS WILLING OBEDIENCE. Some may say, you state. would talk to this brother after his death. I called again about five, he was still weaker, but desired to hear the Word, and shewed his deep enjoyment of prayer by waving his poor weak hand and moving his lips. I hardly expected to see him alive the next morning, but when I called a little after nine he was still conscious, and evidently knew me, though too weak to speak. During the preceding night, he had been, as his wife and a female relative said, gasping for breath; yet at times he uttered these words: "Jesus; all Jesus! He is with me, I have my feet on a rock, He is the rock, and the corner stone! I love Him, He is all in When next I saw him, he was more willing to listen to me. I greatly desired to pray with him, but I found, without directly asking him, that he had a great distaste to the idea, I therefore departed without doing so. Before I saw him again, I prayed the Lord to His Word, that give me some portion of might be profitable to his soul, and immediately John xiv. 1, came to my mind, and I opened it to him in this way: "You beHe passed away so gradually and so peacelieve in God, you cannot help acknowledg-fully, that we could hardly say at what moing a God of nature; but yet your heart is ment his spirit left him. troubled; the God of nature is no comfort to all!" Even in the midst of their grief, his wife and the two other women present, could not should preach Christian duty. So say I, only put it in you, but if you believe also in me (Jesus), help bursting out in wonder at his deep and its right place. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my then indeed your feet will be on a rock, and commandments;" for He loves the "willing heart," and the "cheerful giver." When we know peace with God, through the amazing sacrifice of His beloved Son, it constrains us to love and serve Him to whom in this spirit, for after he had received an unmistake able assurance of pardon and peace with God, he had a willing, grateful desire to addict himself to the Lord's service. He says, "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for ns? then, said 1, Here am I, send me." This surely is willing service, happy duty; it is like taking we owe so much. And we see the prophet was much you will have all fear and trouble taken away settled peace. When I thanked God for him, just before leaving, all were much affected, and ready to say, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." I reminded them that no one knew better than he who had just left us, how entirely "Ah! true," said he, "I find I have no hope that righteousness was Christ's, and how to rest upon in that dark hour." worthless we are without him. "Then, even with all your doubts and dif the yoke of Jesus, whose yoke is easy and whose ficulties, cast yourself upon Jesus, as the only name ever given among men whereby a sinner can be saved. burden is light. The love of Christ makes demands on us, it constrains us to love Him, who has so loved us; it calls upon us to praise and glorify Him, who has loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. "Are you not like a man who has been exulting in the good ship of youth and strength, and has suddenly fallen overboard, and found Dear reader! let me affectionately ask, if you have solemnly considered how matters stand between you himself struggling in a foaming sea; just as and God? Does He now behold you as at peace he is perishing he sees one rope, and this is with Him? Are you sure that God says of you as He did of His prophet, "Thine iniquity is taken all he sees except the sky above, and the away, and thy sin is purged"? This is peace with ocean in which he is sinking. Now in such a case as this, the man would grasp the rope, even though he knew not whether it was floating in the water or fastened to a boat, and Jesus will not cast you out; even in this way, come to him because you have no other hope, and you will soon find there is indeed help in Him, that He is mighty to save, and God-peace through the blood of Jesus-peace in the confidence that your sins were transferred to Jesus, and borne by Him, and that you are made the righteousness of God in Him. Oh! my friends, ye who feel the burden of your sins, and have not peace, come to Jesus at once, just as you are "Come, ye weary, heavy laden, The Consumptive. ABOUT two months ago, a Christian lady requested me to see an interesting young man in the last stage of consumption, who had most lamentably imbibed infidel opinions. that His blood cleanseth from all sin." This appeared to strike his attention, and on my next visit, to my great joy, he wished me to pray for him. After this he thirsted for the word, and I rejoiced to see that he was growing in grace, and in the knowledge of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thus happily died one who will always live deeming love can do, and who, two short in my memory as a monument of what remonths before was an utter unbeliever, without God and without hope in the world. But, dear reader, you say, I am not an unbeliever. I believe in my Bible, and in Jesus that you are utterly worthless, incurably sinChrist. Stay a little! Have you found out ful by nature? and have you fled to Jesus as your Saviour? What is the great object of existence? To serve God? If you live to serve yourself, you put self in God's place, and you are practically a sheer atheist; you uplift yourself to the pinnacle of Deity. Thus did Satan, and this is what he is ever tempting us to do, and no sin is greater than to attempt to dethrone God, and set up self in His place. If you have "passed from death unto life," you are "a new creature;" old things have passed away, and all things have become new." But, if you are still prefering your own will to His will, you are "dead in trespasses and sins," you have "not the Son, and the wrath of God abideth on you." Therefore, flee from the wrath to come," and go at once to Him, who never yet cast out any poor trembling sinner who came to Him as his only refuge. |