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It is impossible that a son of so many prayers should perish. So may I say of grace,-It is impossible a child of so many, such fervent, such powerful intercessions in all circumstances, can ever, either totally, or finally, perish.Charnock.

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THE SPIRIT AND THE CHURCH.

WHAT is the church of God when the Spirit is withdrawn and gone? What are they that call themselves of it more than other men? If the Spirit gone, what is it but an Aceldama? a Golgotha? a place of skulls, a place of carcases? Do we think that the divine glory shall only serve to adorn sepulchres? That the more glorious and pleasing aspects of providence shall only serve for that? You cannot long sever and keep off from death internal rottenness and corruption. And surely it is very unlikely, that God should take pleasure to discover himself and to display his glory among such, in the more remarkable works of his favourable pro

vidence. And to what purpose would it be, if he should? What should we be the better for a state of external tranquility and peace, if the Spirit be withheld? Surely you will think religion to be necessary, at least to the church; otherwise, what distinguishes that from another community of men? But what a sad frame of religion must there be, if the Spirit of God be not in it! We cannot call that state prosperous to the church wherein the Spirit breathes not, unless sensuality will be the felicity of the church; unless we think ourselves warranted to abandon all care of the soul, and the belief of immortality and of a world to come, as if these were only mistakes and delusions. For great external prosperity to the church without the Spirit accompanying it, commonly issues in irreligion. That alone deserves to be esteemed a good state of things for the church of God, wherein the people of God everywhere are working and framing for a blessed eternity, and that they will never be without much of the divine Spirit.—Howe.

Choice Sayings of Good Men.

THE YEAR IN PROSPECT.

We may consider the year before us as a desk containing three hundred and sixty-five letters, addressed to us, one for every day, announcing its trials and prescribing its employment, with an order to open no letter, but the letter for the day. Now we may be strongly tempted to unseal beforehand some of the remainder. This, however, would serve only to embarrass us, while we should violate the rule which our Owner and Master has laid down for us; "Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought of the things for itself.-Jay.

MARRIAGE.

When a believer marries an unbe

liever, what is it but reviving the old cruel punishment of tying the living and the dead together?-Toplady.

AFFLICTION.

scatters our path with sand, and ashes and gravel, in order to keep our feet from sliding.--Idem.

MINISTERIAL FAITHFULNESS.

The best clock in the world will be the hand backwards and forwards, and spoiled if you are perpetually moving altering it, in order to make it keep time with a variety of other clocks; it will hardly ever go regularly and well. So a minister who shapes and accommodates his sentiments and discourses to the tastes, and humours, and opinions of other people, will never be happy, respectable, and useful.-Idem.

CHRISTIAN BOLDNESS.

Happy are they who dare venture out into the open streets with the name of when so many are ashamed of him, and Christ upon their foreheads, at a time hide him (as it were) under their cloaks, as if he were a stolen Saviour.-Ruther

The world is a sea of glass. Affliction | foord.

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Death ends not the life of Christians, shall all return. His voice shall be the it only ends their sins.

CHRIST AND PROPHECY.

His name was the first which prophecy had uttered; as often as it spoke,

only sound to which his church shall listen, his glory, the only object on which her eye shall fasten,-his grace, matchless and untold, the only theme that shall engage her tongue.-Idem.

Correspondence.

ETERNAL PUNISHMENT.

SIRS,-It may appear somewhat out of date to offer any remarks now on an article which appeared in your number for July last; but my attention has been called to it, on looking over the number again. I refer to the article headed "Eternity of Future Punishments," and signed "Dr. Jamieson."

I am not a Universalist; but of one class of Universalists I know sufficient to assert that they are not guilty of the folly and presumption with which the Doctor charges them, and I think the tone of the article altogether too dogmatical, and the language used, unworthy of the cause of truth. The subject of the eternal misery of millions of our race, is one of overwhelming and fearful interest, and if there are persons who doubt, and even deny the doctrine, and allege that they have Scriptural authority for so doing, their arguments are worthy of most careful examination, rather than to be spoken of as "pretence," "absurdity," "blasphemy," as in the article referred to.

Dr. Jamieson's first charge is, that the opponents of eternal torments offer an insult to the divine perfections. In answer to this, I would reply, that the doctrine, as I have heard it explained, rather exalts them, by showing divine justice as eternally satisfied, and the divine law magnified in the obedience

and death of Christ, as the second Adam, for the whole of the race of Adam the first, receiving, as the foundation for this doctrine, the Scriptures (inter alia.) "The Lord hath laid upon him the iniquities of us all." "He gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." "He is the Saviour of all men, especially of them that believe." "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, to destroy the works of the devil," (sin being one of the works of the devil,) and, in perfect consistency with these passages, the whole of the doctrines relating to the present and eternal salvation of an elect people, to whom the Lord will manifest himself in time, are held.

I cannot see, in this view, any insult or violence offered to the divine attributes. His love and mercy are shown to be without limit; his justice satisfied upon the cross, and his holiness vindicated, in the eternal destruction and extinction of sin from the universe.

I will only now allude to one other objection of Dr. Jamieson's to this doctrine, which is, that it has a tendency to encourage men in sin. This being merely an opinion of his own, unsupported by any Scripture or fact, I might content myself with expressing my own opinion to be contrary; but I will do more. I assert that the fact of man sinning with a high hand and stretchedout arm, in all ages, notwithstanding

as the result, is a powerful argument against the Doctor's reasoning. Man, in his natural state, requires no encouragement to sin; it is his nature and inclination to sin, and he can do nothing else; and if he were not restrained by the unseen hand of God, and by the laws and customs of civil society, a more fearful hell than this world would be, could not be conceived of.

his professed belief in eternal torments and priests, either at home or in the colonies, may at once and for ever cease? A woe shall fall on those nations that give their power to the beast. Money is power. Shall we any longer risk that woe? It is rather too much to expect that the hard working, heavily taxed Protestants of this kingdom will continue quietly to see their money voted away, year after year, to uphold a system which they conscientiously believe to be both anti-christian and soul-destructive. Yours in the faith of the gospel, W. HOLMES,

Salvation is of God alone, and is absolute and unconditional, either for an elect church alone, or for all sinners, without exception, with a present manifestation to the chosen people of God.

11, Bowling-green-buildings,
Marylebone.

[We think it would be desirable to petition Parliament that all grants of money to Romish and other churches may at once and for ever cease-in short, that the state may cease at all to interfere in church matters.

With a firm belief in this view of salvation, I am, I trust, with reverence and godly fear, seeking to know the will of God, looking to his revealed Word, in dependance upon the enlightening influence of the Holy Spirit, who is pro--EDS.] mised to lead his people into all truth.

I request that in fairness and Christian candour, the above remarks may be allowed a place in your Magazine. Yours truly,

A BAPTIST.

Liverpool, Nov. 25th, 1850. [We insert the foregoing, because we wish to afford a fair field, and no favour." Perhaps next month our correspondents or ourselves may furnish some reply.-EDS.]

CHURCH AND STATE.

DEAR MESSRS. EDITORS.-Would it not be desirable, under the existing circumstances in which, as a nation, we are placed by the recent acts of the "man of sin," for all Nonconformist churches to prepare petitions, and to get them as numerously signed as possible, to present at the next session of parliament, praying, that all grants of public money for the endowment of Romish colleges,

JEWISH PROSELYTE BAPTISM.

DEAR SIRS,-There is no doubt that Jewish proselyte baptism is a figment of the Rabbins, but I should like to know whether it is still preached by the Jews. Perhaps you, or one of your correspondents will inform me on this subject.

ORDINATION OF PASTORS.

L.

We do not wish it to be thought that silence gives consent to brother Lister's view upon the subject mentioned above. His animadversions of last month upon our address at a late meeting of the London Strict Baptist Association, shall receive serious attention, at the earliest opportunity; and the more so, as he appeals directly "to the law and to the testimony." Illness prevented us from being responsible for the general correctness of the Report inserted in the November number.-Eds.

Columns for Enquirers.

DEAR SIRS,-Will you through the medium you have so kindly opened in your magazine, be so good as to explain

1. Jer. xii. 5; "If thou hast run with footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace

wherein thou trustedst, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"

2. Mat. xi., 11; "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is LEAST in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

3. Prov. xxvi. 4, 5; "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit."

4. Can we have too much religion? for Solomon tells us not to be "righteous overmuch."

5. Is it possible to obtain a good memory? If so, what are some of the means to be used in cultivating it?

ELISHUA.

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1. In verses 1-4, Jeremiah talks with God of his judgments. He had been subject to persecution for righteousness' sake. God answers his servant's complaint in the passage mentioned by our Correspondent, "If thou hast run, &c., thus intimating that the prophet might expect greater sufferings than those he had hitherto endured. He had been running only with footmen, but a severer trial of strength awaited him, he must run with horses; his course had been over a "land of peace," or a land presenting few obstructions, but it would be ere long through "the swellings of Jordan." Young Christians must not ex

pect freedom from temptation and persecution, but they may expect grace to endure, and grace to conquer.

ness.

2. Our Lord had been describing John as a prophet, as even "more than a prophet," because to him, as the forerunner of Messiah, the prophets had borne witAmong men, therefore, divinely appointed to teach their brethren, John was the greatest. He had the nearest view of Messiah, and opportunity for personal intercourse with him. Yet was the least among the apostles, who were called to be teachers in the "kingdom" of grace, and to whom brighter manifestations of gospel glory would yet be vouchsafed, greater than he.

3. Folly must be answered according to wisdom; but wisdom sometimes takes the fool's weapon, and condemns him out of his own mouth. Dr. Conquest renders the fifth verse, 66 Answer a fool as he deserveth, lest he be wise in his own conceit."

4. We cannot have too much real religion, but it is possible unnecessarily to court persecution, or to endanger health and life in the pursuit of what is esteemed to be righteous. For example, a word intemperately spoken, even in a good cause, under the influence of a zeal not according to knowledge, may do more harm than good; but a word fitly spoken, is like apples of gold in baskets of silver.

5. A bad memory is often another name for a good memory unexercised.

Poetry.

THE RESTING PLACE.

Tell me, ye winged winds,
That round my pathway roar,

Do ye not know some spot

Where mortals weep no more?

Some lone and pleasant dell,
Some valley in the west,

Where, free from toil and pain,
The weary soul may rest?

The loud wind softened to a whisper low,
And sighed for pity, as it answered-"No!"

Tell me, thou mighty deep,

Whose billows round me play,
Know'st thou some favoured spot,
Some island far away,

Where weary man may find
The bliss for which he sighs,

Where sorrow never lives,

And friendship never dies?

The loud wave rolling in perpetual flow,

Stopped for a while, and sighed to answer-"No!"

And thou, serenest moon,
That with such holy face
Dost look upon the earth,
Asleep in night's embrace,
Tell me, in all thy round

Hast thou not seen some spot,

Where miserable man

Might find a happier lot?

Behind a cloud the moon withdrew in woe,

And a voice sweet, but sad, responded-" No!"

Tell me, my secret soul,

Oh! tell me, hope and faith,

Is there no resting place

From sorrow, sin, and death;

Is there no happy spot,

Where mortals may be blessed, Where grief may find a balm,

And weariness a rest?

Faith, hope, and love-best boons to mortals given, Waved their bright wings, and whispered-" Yes! in heaven!"

Ascribed to Charles Mackay.

Reviews.

The Working Classes of Great Britain. (Prize Essay.) By S. G. GREEN, A. B. London: John Snow, Paternoster-row.

the chief of which are under the following heads: Employers and Employed,―The School,-The Church,-The Press,-and Hints to the Working Classes.

We have read this essay with much satis- Mr. Green is a strong advocate for the faction. The subject-matter is of the utmost voluntary principle, not merely in religion, importance. Great Britain, above every but in education; and this spirit of indecountry in the world, is indebted to its pendence runs through the whole of his working classes for its greatness and prospe- essay. We would recommend to the attenrity. They form among us the basis of the tion of our readers a consideration of the social pyramid. If they are left in a state writer's views contained in the chapter of destitution or ignorance, the whole of so- entitled "The Church." It is bold and ciety must necessarily suffer. startling, and includes ideas more in conformity with primitive times, than with the sensitive and refined Christianity which characterizes the present age.

Wise and prudent men have always viewed this subject with the thoughtfulness which it demands. They have observed of late a growing alienation between the industrious and the middle classes, and have striven, both by precept and example, to remove suspicion on the one hand, and hauteur on the other. By a gentleman who felt interested for the welfare of society, and especially the happiness of the working millions, the prize which our essayist has obtained, was offered.

Forty-eight essays were transmitted in competition, and although many of them were excellent, that before us was regarded by the adjudicators as the most elaborate and complete.

Those who decided on the merits of the essay, did not pledge themselves to all the sentiments and opinions of the author.

Indeed, the subject is so extensive, the means for the elevation and improvement of the masses are so multitudinous, and the interests of the working classes are so complicated, that one mind can scarcely be capable of fully embracing it. The social condition of mankind must be improved by the advancing civilization of the age in the aggregate, rather than by the isolated efforts of individuals or mere classes of men. Efforts such as the present, however, are not without their use. They suggest, if they do not fully explain, the means of advancement, and lend their aid to the great work of social progress.

We do not know that the writer aims at originality in his scheme for the amelioration of the condition of the working classes. Most of the plans which he suggests have already been before the public, though with regard to some of them, we are free to confess that they are put in a more striking light than we have ever previously seen

them.

The essay is divided into nine chapters,

VOL. VIII.-NO. LXXXV.

We quote the following as a specimen upon the pecuniary exigencies of the church: "The pecuniary exigencies of the church, together with the multiplication of societies, managed, of course, by their subscribersto do the church's own work, have greatly contributed to bring about this state of things. It is altogether deplorable. Far better that the church were content to be poor than for it to make haste to be rich in the way we so often see. If there is one thing more than another asserted by the voluntary principle, it is that every gift to the cause of God should be willing. And if there is any meaning at all in the Saviour's command, "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth," it is that neither the riches nor the munificence of any among his disciples should be blazoned abroad, or suffered to exalt them above the rest. How different often is the fact! The poor man who attends a place of worship without subscribing is treated only as half welcome, and thrust away into the free seats. He may be an unbeliever, a reprobate,-no matter; if he is to sit in a pew we must have his money; if he will not pay, he may stay there on a form without a back, in the draught of the door, or anywhere. Now it is a certain duty of the Christian church to proclaim the good tidings without money and without price. "Taking nothing of the Gentiles." Words cannot be clearer. The giving of money for the dissemination of the gospel is enjoined as a Christian duty, and solely on Christian grounds. Truly, if even an unbeliever chooses to become "a cheerful giver," there can be no objection to accept his donation. But he should never be urged. No difference ought to be made in his treatment by the Church or its officers if he cannot, or even will not, contribute. The seats in our

C

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