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A Monthly Journal,

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

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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

LONDON, OCTOBER 1, 1860.

"THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS

the poorer classes. Further donations will therefore (A SAVIOUR), FOR HE SHALL SAVE Hrs

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Lay hold of this rope. Rest in His "No more of the World for me."
finished, accepted, blessed work, and "I HAVE served the world these fifty
you are SAVED-saved at once-saved for years, and been a fool, and know it,” said
ever. Precious Saviour!
a gentleman the other day, who had been
lately brought to a knowledge of JESUS,
as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.
"Yes," he continued, "I have found out
my folly, and now I mean to serve
Christ; no more of the world for me!
I have proved it is empty,-worthless;
and now, God helping me, I will live to
Him alone!"

PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS."

Almost, but not Altogether. "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian Acts xxvi. 28.

Oh! what a countless host there are that stand
Among the aimost Christian, halting band,
Whose knowledge of the way of life seems clear,
And yet no fruits of righteousness appear.
That cold assent which rests but in the head
Tis with the heart the child of God believes,
No living influence can ever shed;
The Gospel tidings gladly he receives.
His faith its heavenly origin can prove,

"Let go your Oars. Lay hold of It triumphs o'er the world, and works by love,

the Rope."

THERE are rapid waters in America, to come in contact with which is swift destruction. Once, as a man was rowing, he discovered he was getting too near these rapid streams. Alive to his danger, he pulled hard in the opposite direction. In vain he strove-the waters were drawing the boat nearer and nearer-and in a little while, spite of all his efforts, he must have perished.

At this juncture, some who perceived his danger threw a rope-crying, "Let go your oars, Lay hold of the rope, and we'll draw you in." This was a trial of faith: but if he for a moment hesitated, he soon yielded-he did "Let go the oars"-he "Laid hold of the rope" -he was drawn in-he was saved.

Profession's empty lamp will not avail,
When the great Bridegroom comes His saints to hail.
Those foolish souls that have not loved Him here

Will not amid that favour'd band appear,
Who grace the triumph of their Lord's return:
In vain will they intreat the wise in heart,
They have no oil-Ah, whither shall they turn!
No portion of their oil can they impart;
Their lamps were kindled first by power divine,
And fed by grace will never cease to shine.
Alas! eternal darkness and disgrace,
Await those souls that lack the oil of grace!

It is a happy thing to live to some purpose.

We

may apologize to our consciences now for our luke warmness, and conformity to the world, but cannot do so on a death bed, or when our Master comes to ask us what use we have made of our talents.

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CHORUS.

You'll see the Lightning flashing, in that great day.

CHORUS.

CHORUS.

You'll see the dead arising, in that great day.
CHORUS.

You'll see the Books all opened, in that great day.

CHORUS.

You'll hear that dreadful sentence, in that great day.

CHORUS.

Depart from ME, ye cursed-I know you not.
CHORUS.

You'll hear that blessed sentence, in that great day.
CHORUS.

Reader, does this illustrate your case? Aroused to a sense of danger, you fear-You'll see the Graves all opening, in that great day. not the rapid waters, but "the wrath of God;" which, as a sinner, you feel you deserve, and seek to escape. Unlike the careless, you are all anxiety, striving to appease God, and win His favour. Now it is just here I would meet you. I lift up my voice like a trumpet; and to you, and to all such would cry, "Let go your oars-Lay hold of the rope." Your efforts are worse than useless; but God has provided salvation. With reverence, but with confidence, do I affirm, the Lord Jesus Christ is God's rope. He has died, and has risen again, because His blessed work is done. Oh flee-flee indeed from the wrath to come! but flee TO HIM.

Come unto ME, ye blessed-I know you all.

CHORUS.

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Dear friends do ponder these words. This gentleman had all that this world could give health, riches, comfort, friends, a happy house, and all around to make him satisfied; and yet he said he had been a fool! Ah, yes; he had neglected Christ, lived to himself, and trifled with his soul! But now he sees the folly of his course, the Word of God has reached his heart; he sees there is one only way of life; that JESUS came to save the lost, the guilty, and undone; and those who trust in Him have life and pardon through His name.

In times gone by, he had attended church, conducted family prayer, and all such outward forms; but now, he sees that in those days his soul was dead, he had not come to Christ, he did not see the value of His precious blood, nor understand that that alone can cleanse

from sin; and therefore, though upright and moral in his ways, he still was but a lost and ruined man. But now! O, what a change! Jesus is precious to his soul; he feels his need of Him; he sees Him as the Lamb of God, and knows that He alone has power to save! He has believed His loving, gracious words, received Him into his heart, and so found joy and peace!

Now he can cast the world aside! ah, yes; he has obtained a better part, he is a child of God, his sins are all forgiven, he has eternal life; and so, with joy and gratitude, he can delight in serving Him, who has redeemed his soul from hell. Dear friends! do ask yourselves if you know ought of this? if not, rise up this very day, and do not rest until you too can say, your sins are blotted out.

SPEAK TO THE ROCK.

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and

gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy

brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes;

and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.' NUM. XX. 7-9.

THE story of the smitten rock is first presented to us in the book of Exodus. It took place before the law was given, and is a fine example of grace the grace of God to ungodly, sinful man. The people were in the deepest necessity; they had no water to drink. Day after day their thirst increased. There were no wells at hand.

fought the battles of the Lord, after we may
have drank for months and years the water of
life, and enjoyed the presence of the Lord, yet
we shall feel barren and thirsty, if we cease to
live upon Christ; if we turn from Him and lose
the taste and comfort of His love.

In pursuing our meditation, we shall make a
few remarks, 1st, on the state of the Lord's
people, when not living upon Christ; 2nd, on
failure in the service of God; 3rd, consider what
is the Christian's true path, and 4th, glance at
the blessings connected with it.

exclamations.

do so in God's way; instead, therefore, of its being acceptable service, it was so displeasing to the Lord, that he was not allowed to go into the land on account of it. It was zeal not according to knowledge. God told Moses to take the rod, but did not tell him to use it as he did. He was also told to speak to the rock, but instead of that he smote it. God used no rebuke in speaking to His servant about the assembly, but Moses called them "rebels." All these things shew that Moses was not serving in the temper and spirit of the Lord. To seek to satisfy God's thirsty people was well, but he did not act in it for the glory of God. But it is important to notice that, notwithstanding Moses' failure, God acted then, as He often does now-He brought blessing to the people, though he chastened His servant for his The failure was very inconsistent conduct.

great, not only in its not being obedience to the Lord's plain command, but in spoiling the type, which was doubtless intended to teach us that again, but would give forth refreshing streams the rock once smitten, need never be smitten at the cry of the word of faith, as we now know Christ.

We are told that this dead rod "budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds, and was laid up before the testimony...... and the Lord said thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not." Thus we see shadowed forth the resurrection and priesthood of Christ, and also His church in Him, and presented by Him, before the Lord, as the fruit of His death. It can, therefore, easily be seen how consistent with the truth it would be, for Moses to hold forth this beautiful rod beside the rock gushing with his waters at his word, and how contrary to the typical meaning it was to smite the rock, especially with such a rod. How blessed now to know Jesus in resurrectionglory as the rock once smitten to save his people from death, but now the rod presenting His church as His own flesh and bone before the Lord; and that we have only to contemplate Him to be filled with adoring gratitude, only to speak to Him, and His blessings flow with abundant refreshment.

1. THE STATE OF THE LORD'S PEOPLE WHEN NOT LIVING UPON CHRIST. So long as we abide They might make the most diligent search, and in Jesus, dwell on His love, live in His presence, put all their energies into exercise, in digging it at Ilis feet, rest on His promises, feed on His deep in all directions, still it was a barren and word, love His ways, pour out our hearts to Him, thirsty land wherein was no water. Weak, parch- and draw out of His fulness, our peace flows ed and prostrate, they had no power whatever as a river; we overcome in conflict, escape out of of meeting their necessity. They were perishing temptation, bear our sufferings with fortitude, with thirst, and had no water to drink. But fight the good fight of faith, and rejoice in hope more than this. They were sinners-they mur-heart forget Christ, when we cease to know Him of the glory of God. But when the eye and mured; they tempted God, and were ready to as the smitten Rock, the fountain of life and stone His servant. Thus they were unworthy as well as needy. God might justly have allowed love, then the barrenness and sorrows of the The rod here was evidently not the rod of them to perish, for they merited His wrath and wilderness press heavily upon us, and disappointdispleasure; but He took occasion to deal in grace fruits of unbelief easily manifest themselves. Moses took with him on the top of the hill, after ment, rebellion, murmuring, and other bitter Moses, wherewith he smote the rock; that rod instead of judgment. His pitying eye beheld their need; His loving heart compassionated Perhaps no people act more foolishly, are more the rock in Horeb was smitten, and we never them; His infinite wisdom and mercy devised miserable, or more exhibit the unlovely tempers hear of it afterwards. Moses' rod there did its a way of deliverance; and His almighty arm forget the Lord Jesus, and draw not refreshment and for ever had its claims answered, on behalf and evils of the flesh, than those Christians who work, and the type teaches us that the law once speedily carried it out. The question was, could God, would God, give this thirsty, sinful perish- and blessing out of is fulness. The enemy, of God's people, in the wounds, bruises, and ing people water to drink? Yes, He could and finding such off their guard, easily overcomes death of the Son of God. The rod ordered to be would do so, consistent with His own holy attri- them with his fiery darts, acts upon the pride taken in this scene at Meribah was the rod which butes, and that too in a way that should be to and Justs of the flesh, until, instead of the tri- was before the Lord (v. 9), which was Aaron's rod the praise of His glory. By smiting another umphant song of Worthy is the Lamb," their (see ch. xvii.), and teaches us not about smiting, instead of them, His justice would be satisfied, lips give utterance to desponding and complaining but about the resurrection and priesthood of Christ. and His mercy freely flow. This is the way of It has been said by another that, "the blood grace to sinful, helpless man, in the Cross of Christ, and was shewed forth in the type of the of Christ both strengthens our inner man, and smitten rock. "The Lord said unto Moses, Be-keeps down the weeds of the flesh," and so it is; hold I will stand before thee there upon the for, in the exercise of faith, we draw from Christ, rock in Horeb; and thou shalt SMITE THE and are so spiritually strengthened that we are ROCK, and there shall come water out of it, able to keep under carnal lusts; but, though we that the people may drink. And Moses did so in are true disciples of Jesus, severed from Him the sight of the elders of Israel." Thus, in the we grow weak spiritually, and fleshly desires and ways easily spring up, and are sometimes way of grace, the needy sinful people had an abundant supply of water to satisfy their thirst. Painfully manifested. Accordingly, this chapter I say, this is a fine example of grace, and is shews us, that when the people had no water important because we are told in the New Tes- from the rock, they thirsted; they gathered tament that we are saved by grace. "By grace themselves together against the servants of God; are ye saved, through faith." But, perhaps, few they chode with Moses, complained of the harrenness of the wilderness, and concluded that things are so little understood as grace. It is said by some that grace means that God will do they would die, and never see the land of His part, if we will do ours; but this entirely promise. Their experience was that of darkness, destroys the thought of grace. Others say, that barrenness, and misery; because they got away it means unmerited love; but it means more than from the only fountain of light, and life, and this, for it brings favour and blessing to those love. And so it is with God's own people now, who only deserve punishment and destruction; Oh! how many complaining children of God it brings eternal life and glory to such as have may trace their present sadness of soul, not as merited eternal death and banishment; and flows they suppose to the circumstances that have freely to us through the smitten Son of God, crossed their path, but to the two evils of forwho was wounded for our transgressions and saking the fountain of living waters, and hewing bruised for our iniquities. It is the cross of Christ, out to themselves broken cisterns that can hold then, that is here typified by the water gushing Him who is our life and salvation? How can no water. How can we be happy apart from from the smitten rock. There the stripes that we merited were laid upon Him, and thence the we be making melody in our hearts, so long as the spring of all our joys ceases to be water of life flows freely; viewed by us as the river of life to our souls! "From all His wounds new blessings flow, Those who cleave to Jesus, and walk in His A sea of joy without a shore." ways, may assuredly count upon the comfort Grace then is only for sinners, it springs from of the Holy Ghost as their portion; and, of soul, and failure in service generally go tothe eternal God, is manifested in the cross of while they will not be without the trials of gether, as we see in Peter, who first followed the Christ, and satisfies the thirsty souls of those the wilderness, they will realize the present help Lord "afar off," and then, in mistaken zeal, who there taste and see that the Lord is good; and mercy of God in trouble, and in God's own "cut off the servant's ear." The Christian's true and as it was only water from the smitten rock good time deliverance from trouble. Thus abid- path is communion with God, and obedience to that quenched the thirst of the perishing Ising in Jesus, we shall be happy and fruitful, but His word; and the backsliding and failing Chrisraelites, so it is only the blood of the cross that severed from Him we shall be barren and un-tian must return thence, if he would be happy gives peace to a sin-sick soul. For a thirsty, fruitful; and, as the apostle Peter saith, such and glorify God. The believer's calling is unto perishing Israelite to have turned his back upon will be blind, unable to see afar off, and will for-« fellowship with the Father, and with His Son the waters gushing out so abundantly from the get that they were purged from their old sins. Jesus Christ:" to walk with God, feeling that all smitten rock, instead of drinking thereof, would How important, then, that the Christian should his springs are in Him. Christ, the true rock be judged to be the height of madness; how not feed on ashes, or seek in any measure satis- that was smitten, is his all-satisfying portion. much more so is it now to turn away from the faction at the worldling's swine-trough, but, He has to do with the Lord Jesus who was erubleeding Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin knowing that Christ is all, live upon Christ,cified, who said "It is finished!" and bowed His His person, work, fitness, fulness, and offices; head, and gave up the ghost. He knows that hide in His wounds, drink deeply into His gracious words and ways, treasure up His promises, eat His flesh, dwell on His unutterable and unchanging love, seek more and more His unsearchable riches; so that the constant language of our souls may be, "His mouth is most sweet, yea, He is altogether lovely. This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend."

of the world!

Having said thus much on the smiting of the rock, let us now turn more immediately to the subject before us; and, first of all we may notice that, after the people of Israel drank the water from the rock, they lived and fought the battles of the Lord; but, after a while, though the rock never left them, they thirsted again, as we find in this chapter. This is a remarkable type, and serves to shew us, that, after we have come to Jesus, after we have obtained pardon and life through faith in His blood, after we may have

2. FAILURE IN SERVICE is also recorded in this affecting narrative. Moses desired to serve the Lord, and to serve His people, but he did not

How much religious service in the present day, we fear, is not acceptable to God! How much there may be, that God's eye detects as being chiefly the busy energy of the flesh, and not accordance with the commands of God! How spiritual! not in the obedience of faith! not in important that we should not only be addicting ourselves to the Lord's work, but that we should carry it out in God's way, and for His glory! But this leads us to consider,

3. THE CHRISTIAN'S TRUE PATH. Declension

that one finished work of eternal redemption is perfect, and that by it He hath perfected for ever all those who truly believe in Him; so that there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. He, therefore, looks to Jesus risen and glorified, the slain Lamb on the right hand of God, as the one that hath all power in heaven and in earth; His business, then, in every trial is, "to speak to the Rock," and to prove that living water continually flows from Him.

The Christian has, generally, much joy at first,

because his thirst is satisfied by simply drinking of the waters of the smitten rock, and Christ is all to him. He knows little of the deceitfulness of his own heart, the trials of the wilderness, or of the seductions of Satan. After a while, however, when unexpected difficulties and necessities cross his path, he often unconsciously loses sight of Christ, by being taken up with the sorrow, and thirsts for refreshment and comfort. But

where will he find it? Surely he will find it flow only from that same rock which at first quenched his thirst, in holding intercourse with the Lamb that was slain, now in the midst of the throne. This, then, is the Christian's true course: looking unto Jesus, abiding in Jesus, drawing from Jesus, learning of Jesus, whose ways are ways of pleasantness, and all His paths are peace; or as the apostle expresses it, "Be careful for nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God." Speak to the Rock; every need should lead us to the fulness of Jesus; every temptation to the sympathy and power of Jesus, every blessing with thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus, every sorrow should lead us to contemplate the sorrows of Jesus, every act of service should be done in dependance on Jesus; yea, concerning every thing we should speak to Jesus. Those who thus set the Lord always before them, will experience that He is at their right hand, and they cannot be moved.

He

"Happy they who trust in Jesus,

Sweet their portion is and sure."

Oh! ye dear children of God! are you cast down by reason of the trials of the way? are you oppressed, and fainting under a sense of your many needs, many sorrows, many achings of heart? Oh! speak to the Rock! Go, and tell Jesus all your sorrows, and all your perplexities; yea, tell Him all-pour out your heart before Him. He will refresh your spirit, lift up your hands that hang down, sustain your confidence, give you wisdom, and shew you that He careth for you. He bids you trust in Him at all timesnot some times, but all times-therefore speak to Him this time. You may have proved it a blessed thing to speak to Him in times past: oh! speak to Him now! Cast all your care on Him, for says, He careth for you. Cast every burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you. You need not fear any sorrow, if it only lead you to Jesus, and every felt need will be a blessing, if it only be a fresh errand to the mercy-seat. FellowChristians! the Rock still gives forth His water, and refreshing streams still flow freely to us from Jesus. It is vain to look elsewhere. Princes cannot help us. Creatures are broken cisterns, and it is written, "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help;" and, "Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." Without Christ we can do nothing but there is no uncertainty in calling upon the Lord Jesus. "Speak to the Rock, and it shall give forth His waters." Such is the way of hiessing, for it written, "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." "Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." In this way only will true Christians be happy, and thus be fitted for the Lord's work, for "the joy of the Lord is our strength."

It is only by the written word, unfolded to us by the Spirit, that we know how to serve God acceptably. "If

ROCK.

CON

after the flesh; and it reminds us of the fact, that

blessing and the people's joy and gladness. How out, in the presence of his wife, and ex-
important then that we should beware of the traditions claimed, "Oh, if I could see Him with
of men, and heed and obey the written word of God!
4. Let us now glance at THE BLESSINGS these mortal eyes! If we could see Him
NECTED WITH DRINKING OF THE WATER FROM THE come now, to take us up to be with Him
The people's thirst was quenched, their for ever." On the day of his death, he
murmurings ceased, their spirits were refreshed,
was much in prayer, and to a friend who
and their hearts were cheered. But the sequel
shews us two things more: first, they acted gra- called to see him, he said, “You don't
ciously, and secondly, they fought against the enemies know what I see and feel of the trans-
of the Lord valiantly. In reference to the first cendant loveliness of my adorable Re-
point, we are told that they sent kind messages to
deemer. Oh, to think of His stooping
the king of Edom, and when the Edomites repeatedly
refused to let Israel pass through their land on any from His throne of glory, to save a
terms, they went another way. This was carrying sinner-AN ATOM!! AN ATOM LIKE ME!!!
out the mind of God, for Edom was Israel's brother Oh, sir, I know Him;" and, laying his
hand on his heart, he said, "The love of
Jesus! The love of Jesus! It has been
here these years and years; but, oh, sir,
you cannot comprehend it! Not but that
I have had my valley of the shadow of
death at times, but all the past tells of
the love of Jesus!" Afterward he cried
out, 'Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!
prisoners, they went forth in the strength of the Do not delay another night, if it is thy
Lord, and fought valiantly and successfully against will!" And, again placing his hand on
the enemy, and utterly destroyed both them and his heart, he added, "here He is fixed."
their cities. They fought for their fallen brethren, And, so saying, he fell asleep. The body
and against the enemies of the Lord. Is it possible
that these very people were so recently chiding with slept, but the soul awoke to see Jesus,
Moses, and setting themselves against him and and enjoy his glory and beauty, in a
Aaron? Yes, but they had drank of the water from brighter and a better state.
the rock; they had been restored in their minds to

those who taste and enjoy most of the grace of God
will be kind, yielding, and gracious to others. Who
would have thought, a short time before, that those
rebellious Israelites would be so soon seen acting in
such a gracious temper; but they had drank of the
water of the rock-they had seen and believed the
goodness of the Lord, and this had made the

difference.

With regard to the second point, when the Canaan ites attacked them, and took some of their brethren

a consciousness that God was for them, and not
against them, and this had made the difference.
Do not such considerations so endear the cross of
Christ to our souls, that we cheerfully sing
"The more, through grace, ourselves we know,
The more rejoiced are we to bow,

In faith beneath thy cross;
To trust in thine atoning blood,
And look to thee for every good,

And count all else but loss."

Soon, beloved, the Lord Jesus will come again, and
our pilgrimage days will have for ever passed away;

we shall then no longer know the sorrows and
drought of a barren wilderness; but, while ever re-
membering the smitten rock-the Lamb slain-and
the river of life, which there met us when dead in tres
passes and sins, we shall realize that the Lamb which
is in the midst of the throne doth feed us, and lead
us unto fountains of living waters, and that God
wipes away all tears from our eyes. Now it is our
highest privilege to "speak to the rock;" to hold
intercourse with our blessed Jesus, whom having not
seen we love-then we shall see Him face to face,

and admiring His eternal beanties and excellencies,
with unmingled and unchanging joy and gratitude

we shall be for ever with the Lord.

The Mouth Opened.

BY JAMES SMITH, CHELTENHAM.

a man love Me, he will keep My words" said Jesus. A CHRISTIAN man, who sometimes atten

the rock" that Moses should smite it, but it dis

honoured God. God's word is to be heeded by us,

from the

pen

of his wife I have received

66

in you.

Reader, are you reserved? Oh, speak for Jesus-speak of Jesus-He desires it, and He deserves it at your hands. Yes, He is worthy, for whom you should do this. Do not indulge in a nervous timidity. It will hinder your usefulness. It will deprive the Lord's people of comfort and edification. Speak of what Jesus is to you, of what Jesus has done for you, and of what Jesus has wrought It will be for your own benefit, as well as for the benefit of others; for, in believing our testimony, God blesses us, and makes us a blessing. Never shall we regret that we have spoken of Jesus, but we may regret that we have not. Is not His love a wonderful love? Is He not transcendently lovely in himself? And then, to think of His leaving His throne-toiling, suffering, and dying on His footstool, to save a sinner, an atom, like you, like me! Oh, it is wonderful! Well may the apostle say, "It passeth knowledge." We cannot comprehend it.

To

It seemed a little thing when God said "Speak to ded my ministry, died the other day, and Its heights, depths, lengths, and breadths, are beyond our powers of conception, What a privelege to know Him! and obeyed; and drinking of the water from the rock his dying testimony. I love to collect possess Him! To enjoy Him! To have and honouring His word, we shall render acceptable the dying testimonies of good men. In Him in the heart, the hope of glory! service. The importance of simply obeying God's life he had been very reserved in reword is again taught us in 1 Sam. xv. God manded Saul to slay all the Amalekites, but Saul out oference to his own personal experience, only slew some. This was disobedience, and God told but his life was a speaking life. So him, that "to obey is better than sacrifice and to nervous was he, that he never ventured, hearken than the fat of rams." We see another to engage in prayer in public, nor even example in the days of David. God had ordered that none were to carry the ark of God but the in his own family. This was his inLevites, but David ordered it otherwise; the con- firmity; but, when the end came, his sequence was that disappointment, chastisement, and reserve left him. His confidence failure accompanied the service; (see 1 Chron. xiii. 10:) but afterwards when the king acted strong. His testimony was decided. according to the word of the Lord, and rendered The day before he died, musing on God's acceptable service, it was connected with the Lord's word, and thinking of Jesus, he broke

was

and then, to depart and be with Him,
for ever with Him! O Jesus, manifest
thyself to me more clearly, more fre-
invaluable blessings from thee; and often
quently, and let me joy in these divine
experience a desire to depart and be for
ever with thee. I do desire to love thee
supremely, serve thee incessantly, glorify
thee greatly, and then ascend to see thee,
and be with thee eternally. Sinner,
come to Jesus-come to Jesus. He calls
He will

you. He will welcome you.
instantly save you.

The Great Fire at St. Martin's
Hall.

worn

and weary,

"I can see it now."

turn to Jesus: how many longing for rest, and yet holding back, THE entrance of thy words giveth light; Ox Saturday night, August 25th, there secretly thinking they must make them- it giveth understanding unto the simple. was a meeting in St. Martin's Hall: the selves worthy: then again, others scoff- (Ps. cxix. 130.) Similar confession to this voice of prayer was heard, God's won-ing, others hardened, unconcerned. is made by every sinner who is born of drous love was told, hymns of praise. But, dear friends! will not God's word the Spirit. But, dear friends! was not come true? Has He not said that day as a thief in the the eye of God upon that place? Did will come unawares not each heart lie bare before Him? night? Yes! yes! it will come, and find Could He not see the careless, thought- these all alike unprepared. The sinner, the scoffer, the anxious, the almost re

were sung.

-

Some little time since, a christian called at the house of a poor woman, and offered her a tract, which was willingly accepted; he then asked whether she would like to hear God's word read. To

less ones? Did He not know how many solved, all alike, without Christ, all dead this enquiry she gave a most cordial con

there were who listlessly took part in
what was going on? Who could escape
His searching gaze, or hide away from
Him?
Did He not read the secret
thoughts, the varied feelings of every
one? Did He not know how many there
were listening with eager ears? and yet,
sad to say some perhaps thinking to
themselves, "There will be time enough!
we can come in here any day we please,
and hear these things again."

No! no! dear friends, this cannot

be! these glad tidings of great joy will never again resound within those walls. A fire, a frightful fire, burst forth before the morning dawned. O what an awful scene! to watch those flames, to see them

think what would take place within so short a space. "I was there last night," said one young man, "and now I am told

that the Hall has been burnt down."

in sin.

Martin's Hall.

sent, by welcoming the stranger into her Now think of those who met in St. dwelling. The room was very small, Who was there that there were scarcely any articles of furni thought this is the last time-henceforth ture, and even those few things seemed these doors will be closed? Who thought to tell a silent tale of great poverty. He a fire would break forth, and that preach- put a few plain questions concerning her ing, and prayer, would be heard there no spiritual condition, and had some little more? Had not arrangements been made conversation about temporal matters: she for Richard Weaver to be there for seve- appeared unhappy, but it was not her ral successive Sundays? How many needy circumstances which made her so; were looking forward, saying, "I will go the cause of sorrow was from within. there and hear him"? But the next She admitted having felt convictions of day, as the news spread that St. Martin's sin at former times, and said, "I try to Numbers would not believe, till with their better." Hall was burnt down, what surprise! pray for a new heart, but do not get any own eyes they had seen what fearful ravages the fire had made.

Her soul seemed moved with thoughts of dying in her present state. She spoke of sudden death, and named that solemn declaration of scripture concerning the ungodly after death: "The wicked shall

O think of that place, which night after working, working; this-that destroyed night has been thronged; that place, -gone-to be seen no more. Little did where so many have been brought to those who met there the night before know Jesus! to look to Him as their be turned into hell, and all the nations Saviour! now in ruins. Dear friends, that forget God." (Ps. ix. 17.) Of God's again I would say, "Take warning!" love to guilty, lost sinners, she appeared Christ will come suddenly, unexpectedly. to know but little: and of the gospel plan Are you prepared? Can you truthfully of salvation, she was very ignorant. His Dear friends! this is a warning voice say, "I am His?" See, how He stretches mind was directed to the seventh chapter to you. Yes! Now God speaks, HE out His hand! how tenderly! how gra- of St. Luke's gospel, and whilst reading loudly says to all, "Beware!" Some day ciously He calls! Does He not entreat from 36th verse to the end, she listened (who knows how soon?) you for the last you to cast yourself on Him? Is He with the most earnest attention to that time will hear the message of His love, not the way to heaven? Has He not interesting portion, also to some other for the last time the glorious news of God power to save sinners-the very chief? glorious truths which this simple preachreconciled to man! the way to heaven Will you die in your sins, when IIis pre- er endeavoured to explain. He sought thrown open! a welcome into the familycious blood has been shed for sinners? to set before her, the utter ruin of the of God, through the precious blood of when the door stands wide open, and God sinner, God's great love in giving His Jesus, will sound in your ears. Sud-Himself bids you "Come in," trusting in Son; and "the redemption which is in denly, (unexpected by all who do not what Jesus has done, and committing Christ Jesus," especially the completed believe on Him) the Lord Jesus Himself yourself to His care? work of the Saviour, whose precious

will come! His own dear people, who Are you lingering, when everything is blood was shed "to put away sin;" also, rest on His finished work, who trust in done? when Jesus is near, ready to re- "the righteousness of God, which is by Him alone, He will call away to dwell ceive you just as you are? Think of faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all with Him. To them what intense delight your sins being all washed away! of a them that believe." (Rom. iii. 22.) While to be with Jesus! who has plucked them home being given you at the right hand the Lord was thus using his servant to out of Satan's hand and claimed them for of God! Oh what peace! what joy! for say a few words about Jesus, the speaker His own! to be with Jesus! who has cast your poor restless soul: what relief to saw his broken-hearted hearer attempt their sins behind their back, and made take God at His word, to believe in His again and again to dry up her many tears, them white and clean! What joy! what Son, and through Him obtain life ever- which at last were cleared away, and sorgladness will be theirs! what songs of lasting. row gave place to a happy expression of praise will fill their hearts! But remember the last preaching will countenance. He asked what had given But look again-see this poor guilty, come. Yes! for the last time, God, her such present joy. She replied, "I wretched world! O what weeping! O through his servants, will speak to you never knew what I had to believe! I never what anguish thousands who a few of Jesus! will point you to Him as the knew what I was to believe in. I can see hours before were gathered in rooms and only one who can save. Oh, turn to Him it now!" halls when Jesus was lifted up as one now, for that day, that hour, no one able, one willing to save-how many with knows: turn to Him now, while He waits deep interest listening, almost resolved to to be gracious, before the door is closed.

Dear reader! Do you believe what the scriptures declare concerning Jesus Christ, God's dear Son? It is only those

Have you been born again?

who are resting by faith upon the word of "If I live longer, He will dwell with certain, absolutely certain; for no one God, that know their sins to be forgiven, me." Yes, God and His people cannot ever did, no one ever can, no one ever "for His name's sake." To such, and be parted. They are one in Christ. shall perish, looking unto Jesus. such alone, the Holy Spirit breathes the They love each other, and delight in heart-soothing words of Jesus, "Thy each other's society. God will not be faith hath saved thee: go in peace." in heaven without His people, and the The restless tossings of every troubled people shall not be on earth without soul are calmed, and peaceful joy abounds, their God. "I will come unto you," are when the sinner only believes what God His own sweet words. "I will never rious promise He has given them. They leave thee, nor forsake thee," is the gloinvite Him to their hearts and homes,

has said.

Precious indeed are the words of Jesus to every sinner who looks to Him for

salvation:

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John iii. 14, 15.)

E. P.

A Happy State to be in.

BY JAMES SMITH, CHELTENHAM.

"A FEW days ago," writes a good man,

and He comes and makes His abode

BY T. W. MEDHURST, OF COLERAINE, NORTH OF
IRELAND.

DEAR Reader, Jesus says, before you can
enter heaven, you must be born again. Allow
me, with all affection to ask, Have you ex-
tification is something done for us, and
perienced this change? Have you passed from
death unto life? Are you regenerated? Jus-
without us, by the Lord Jesus Christ, in his

resurrection from the dead. The new birth is

with them. They live in His society; something done within us, and known by us,
they enjoy His fellowship, and they are through the operation of the Holy Ghost;
delighted with His love. They can say both these are necessary, ere we can live in
with John, "Truly our fellowship is with happiness, or die in peace. How important
the Father, and with His Son Jesus then is the question, Am I born from above?
Christ." The Lord will be with me.
God made man in His own image, and pro-
Yes, let me be where I may, in any part nounced him "very good." Naturally, man
of the world, or let me be what I may,
was created immortal; death being unknown
till the entrance of sin. Politically, man was
poor or rich-let me be as I may, in

"I said to a sick friend, 'I think it is prosperity or adversity-the Lord will constituted the governor of the world; all

dwell with me. May this comfort me in
sorrow, cheer me in solitude, strengthen
me in weakness, and nerve me for the
constant fight.

likely your affliction will end in death.'
She replied, Well, it is no matter; if I
die, I shall dwell with my God, and if I
live, He will dwell with me." What an
enviable state of mind to be in; yet, it is Reader, know ye anything of the pre-
just that state of mind in which every sence of God? Can you look at life and
Christian should be. But am I in that death as the poor invalid did? Are you
state? Is it my habitual experience? comparatively indifferent whether you live
It ought to be, and but for unbelief, or or die, knowing that if you die, you will
listening to Satan, or judging from ap-go to dwell with God, and that while you
pearances it would be. Let me look at live, He will dwell with you? If you
the sentence a little.

a

created things were subject to him. No enbeast of the forest, till man transgressed. mity existed between man and the mighty Morally, man was fashioned in the image of His maker. Is God love? Man was loving. Is God purity? Man's actions were pure? Is God just? Man performed all his deeds justly. But man has made himself vile, he has stamped out the image of his Creator, and engraved on his heart the likeness of Satan. Man was formed with ability to stand, yet liable to fall; he fell, and by falling has dragged all his portrait with him into the pit of sin, a state of death; and here, dear

reader, you and I must ever lie; unless we are enabled to fly to Jesus, who alone has power to recover us from our lost condition.

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have not attained to this state, settle it “If I die, I shall dwell with my God." in your mind, that it is attainable, and What a blessed assurance! This is hea- then set your heart on attaining it. Seek ven, to dwell with God: to dwell with it by faith; seek it in fellowship with God in the house not made with hands, God; seek it in a deep and abiding sense The nature of that great change, which we eternal in the heavens. A visit from God, of your union to Jesus, and you will find call, being born again, cannot be minutely how blessed! To have a glimpse of His it. You must be pardoned of God, and explained, but must be personally felt. Our glory, a taste of His love, and a sense of know it-you must be accepted of God, ears must be opened to enable us to listen to His favour, how sweet! But what will and enjoy it; you must walk in fellow- the sweet invitations of the gospel, such as, it be to be for ever with the Lord? for ship with God, and maintain it—or you Whosoever will, let him take the water of ever with the Lord, where there are no cannot thus live. Rest not, then, without life FREELY." Our eyes must be opened clouds to veil His glory, no thorns to sense of pardon, without a knowledge that we may gaze on Jesus, as He hung on wound our feet, no sorrows to pierce our of your acceptance, without daily fellow-Calvary's cross, dying for rebellious man, that we may hearts, no tempter to endeavour to lead ship with God; if you do, you will not look on Him whom we have pierced, us astray, no sin to wound our con- be very holy, very useful, or very happy opened, enabling us to cry with the publican, and mourn, and live. Our mouths must be sciences, or dishonour our God. With Should an invalid read these lines, who God be merciful to me a sinner;" or with God! What can we want or wish for is altogether a stranger to these things, drowning Peter, "Lord, save or 1 perish." more? With God! What can our God to such an one, I would say; my dear Our understandings must be enlightened, that confer on us better than this? Nothing fellow-sufferer, look to Jesus-look to we may behold sin's demerit, and the value of would satisfy us without this, and with Jesus as the one great Saviour; look to a Saviour's merit. Our lives must be changed, this we could part with every thing. Him for immediate salvation. He can for without holiness no man can enter hea“My God!" what does not this compre- save you, and if you look to Him He ven: and none but Jesus can make us holy. hend? “My God!" what does not this will. Your salvation is in His power, All this, and much more is comprised in the insure? "My God!" then my Friend, but it is not in your own. Entrust your new birth, and all this shall be experienced by my Father, and my portion for ever. "I soul to Him, and you are safe; but there all who call on the name of Jesus for salvation. shall dwell with my God." Yes, He has is no safety for you in any other way. We can never be really happy, unless we said the word, He has prepared the There is no pardon for sinners, but are made perfectly holy; we cannot make kingdom, and Jesus is gone to prepare through His blood; nor justification, ourselves holy, but Jesus can, and will if we the place. O believe! look not at death, but through His righteousness; nor shall be saved with an eternal salvation; they ask Him. All who pass through this change but look beyond it, and anticipate with sanctification, but through His Spirit; shall never come into condemnation, neither pleasure and delight the glorious pros-nor heaven, but through His merits. shall sin ever be laid to their charge, for the pect-the prospect of dwelling for ever Your salvation is quite possible, if you work of Jesus by the Holy Ghost is perfect with thy God. look to Jesus. Possible! did I say,-it is and everlasting.

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