break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.' 5. The friends of Presbyterian government should turn to better account the facilities which it affords for promoting the union of Churches. Even where Churches form separate denominations, they might have united action, of varied character and high importance, through their representative assemblies. But Churches denominationally separated should seek more than co-operation; they should aim at incorporation. Happily partition walls have been falling in Scotland. The United Presbyterian Church is composed of three denominations; and though they have been but a short time amalgamated, they seem to have already forgotten their differences, and to be exhibiting, through all the range of their fellowship, the good and pleasant spectacle of brethren dwelling together in unity. The Free Church, by its attractive force, has been also drawing smaller bodies into its communion. Would that the same career were pursued in England! A union of the English Evangelical Presbyterians would bring to them new life, new strength, a new footing in public estimation, and would rear a barrier, infinitely more effective than public meetings or indignant protestations, against the formidable encroachments of the power of Rome. I am happy to introduce hear a resolution passed by the Presbytery of which I am a member:'1851, March 9.-In regard to the overture 'for the formation of a Synod in England, to consist of the ministers and representative elders south of the Tweed," sent down by Synod for the consideration of presbyteries, it was agreed to report that the Presbytery do not deem it advisable that a separate Synod should in the meantime be formed; but believing that important ends may be served by our presbyteries in England meeting together and consulting on measures that affect the interests of Presbyterianism south of the Tweed, are of opinion that all facilities for this purpose should be afforded by the Synod, and that the Synod should favourably regard any movement towards closer union between the various bodies of evangelical Presbyterians in England. When the evangelical Presbyterians of England shall have become united, the next question may be, how far the principles of Owen furnish a basis for the union of Presbyterians and Independents. I will not extend further these suggestions. Whatever causes may, in the providence of God, conduce to the result, we have the most decisive warrant for expecting prosperity to the one Church of Christ: For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.' Happily our differences do not preclude us from unitedly imploring, even now, a fulfilment of these great and precious promises. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.'* CONFESSING CHRIST. THE true believer glorifies Christ in every thing. He carries, as it were, the image and stamp of his Master's character, in such a manner as that it may be seen and read of all men. The whole tenor of his life exhibits in it the heavenly beauty of holiness, like the brilliant radiance of the sun which tinges with a more resplendent colouring every object over which he passes. But as light, to continue the metaphor, though apparently simple and uncompounded, is yet a mixture of several different elements, so that external development of religious character, which is called confessing Christ before men, is formed by the combination of a variety of active principles. One of these is very obviously alluded to in the words' Whosoever will confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father who is in heaven.' We mean the promulgation of the gospel to all who are ignorant or heedless of its glad sound and saving power. It was a missionary charge our Lord was delivering. The injunction is addressed, however, not to his apostles merely, but to all his followers in every age of the world. Every Christian is bound to confess his Master, by making his way known on the earth. And God has been pleased to demonstrate the reality of this obligation in an almost miraculous way, by invariably granting his special blessing on those ages and portions of the church in which the duty here inculcated has been most fully recognised and accomplished. It is indeed lamentable to think of the practical errors that prevail on this subject. How many *The above extract is taken from a volume just published, by the Rev. Dr King, entitled 'An Exposition and Defence of the United Presbyterian Form of Church Government,' of which a review will appear in an early Number. are there who, we have reason to believe, are sincere Christians, and who yet scarcely ever trouble themselves about the spiritual condition, we do not say of far distant heathens, but of those dwelling around them? How many are there who, when they have heard the word of life and salvation, keep it in secret possession, while their immortal fellow-creatures on every side are perishing for lack of knowledge! How many are there who, while they know the ignorance, the spiritual destitution and misery which prevail, can look on in calm indifference, and rest satisfied as if all were well! How many professing Christians are there, who, while they can find abundant opportunities for trifling and frivolous occupations, have no time or no inclination to obey the imperative mandate for confessing the Redeemer before men, and making known his death for the remission of sins! If we stamp with infamy the character of the Levite in the parable, who passed unfeelingly by the plundered and wounded traveller; if we reprobate the culpable negligence which would allow the helpless blind man to stumble into a pitfall of destruction; if we are told that divine vengeance follows him who forbears to deliver the man that is drawn unto death, and him that is ready to be slain; then what an accumulated enormity of guilt must attach to that conduct, which would neglect to warn off the ignorant and the unweary from the impending horrors of eternal death? The command of our Saviour, on the one hand, and the momentous nature of the case on the other, demand an impulse and an exertion which is most feebly and imperfectly bestowed. To look no farther than home, is it not true that the gathering density of our population, the inroads of vice, the disproportionate smallness of the existing means of education and religious culture, afford, in reference to our own country alone, an extent of moral desolation in which the most active and laborious ministers, unless assisted by the efforts of a Christian people generally, never will be able to operate with full success? Why should the former be left singly to build up the waste places of Zion? Are not all the faithful, without any exception, described by the apostle as a royal priesthood? And in the Book of Revelation, are not all who are washed from their sins in Christ's blood, said also to be made kings and priests unto God his Father? In reference to the confessing of Christ before men, difference of station in the Church constitutes no difference of duty. And were all professing Christians to acknowledge the Saviour in the true sense of the words, what an increase would there be of spiritual vitality among them selves, what an augmented force would the truth exercise on the minds of others! Far The Christian must also confess his Master by leading a life of holy obedience, and by doing good whenever it is in his power. The disciples of the Pharisees and Sadducees studied to practise, in all things, the respective principles of their sects, and so well did they imitate them, that the most careless eye was able to distinguish to which any one belonged. These sectarians acknowledged their principles before men; and a proud and contemptuous spirit was most commonly the source of all their singularities. other motive and far other reward the Christian has for confessing his Master before men. His reward is the everlasting happiness of heaven; his motive, love and gratitude for the riches of salvation; and his confession is not the angry spirit of partizanship, nor the assumption of any conventional peculiarities. It is the recognition of substantial benefits which have been received, and an attestation to those who are ignorant of them, of their transcendent and incalculable value. It is a demonstration to the unbeliever, of the delight which is experienced in keeping the law of the Lord, and of the beneficial influence which that law exercises on the conduct and practice of its subjects. He who thus confesses Christ before men, by walking in all his commandments and ordinances blameless, and by neglecting no opportunity of doing good to his fellowcreatures, not only secures an interest in the all-powerful intercession of his Redeemer in heaven, but adorning as he does, in all things, the doctrine of the gospel, the persuasive eloquence of his good example touches even the wicked with admiration of the beauty of Goliness. This silent and imperceptible infiuence which a public profession of Christianity, joined to a faithful discharge of its duties. is fitted to exert, is almost impossible to be calculated. We read of a recreant princess who said she dreaded the preaching of the Apostle of our Reformation more than an army of 10,000 men; and she said justly. But how much more power would be called into action by a whole nation together confessing Christ, by the whole visible Church keeping his precepts, spreading his name, and thus fulfilling the whole law of love! name is excellent in all the earth, his glory dazzles in the heavens. The system of the universe proclaims his eternal power and divinity. The order of nature manifests his wisdom and goodness. So in the spiritual world, when the Holy Ghost has dispelled the chaotic darkness of its former state, and Christ the Sun of Righteousness has arisen on it, with heal God's important test of real discipleship, and then we confess him to be our help and Saviour, we attribute the honour that is due unto his name, and acknowledge the riches of his exceeding glory in the work of redemption; whereas, on the contrary, if we deny or be ashamed of him before men, we distinctly avow he is not our hope and confidence, we reject his righteousness, we spurn his merits, and he will in that case deny us before the angels of God. Since, in conclusion, the mystery of redemption is so glorious in its realization, that to feel its effects and celebrate the praise of its author, are inseparable, then O how unspeakably great must be the blessedness of him whose iniquity is forgiven, and whose sin is covered, of that man unto whom the Lord imputeth not transgression, and in whose spirit there is no guile ! ing in his wings, every creature that has experienced the freshening vigour of this renovation, becomes a monument of praise to the glory of Him who called it out of darkness into his marvellous light. In this manner the Christian is just to his Saviour what nature's works are to their Almighty Architect, a mirror wherein is reflected something of the goodness and perfection which gave them birth. And just as 'the heaven's declare God's glory, and the firmament showeth his handiwork,' does the believer confess Christ before men, and magnify the riches of redeeming love. Let ascetics and monks talk as they choose about secluding them-city-and it is thus he is offered to usselves from a corrupt world, and devoting their whole thoughts to the absorbing contemplation of a future state. Let them discipline their bodies and souls into all the austerities and mortifications of fanatical enthusiasm. This is not acknowledging Christ. This is not confessing him before men. This is not bearing that public testimony to his cause, which is enjoined in his Word. The monastic devotee is no confessor. He may sigh on account of human depravity, and seek to be delivered from its power. But his efforts and example tend nothing to repress it. How different the conduct of him who, undaunted by difficulty and danger, seeks to proclaim the gospel message to erring men-of him, who, with the divine commission in his hand, and the love of souls in his heart, goes forth to war against spiritual wickedness in high places of him, the stedfast sufferer for the truth, who, though exposed to torture and to death, flinches not from the bold declaration of the gospel, but, as the malice of persecution whets its keenness against him, and the flames of martyrdom kindle around him, and time and all its vanities vanishes away from him, pours out his latest breath in confessing Christ, and thus diffuses, among a thousand beholders, thoughts and impressions, which, sealed indelibly with a martyr's blood, and deepened into principle by heavenly influence, will issue in the glorious extension of the kingdom of grace. It should ever be borne in mind, that it is only him who makes such a confession that Christ will confess before his Father in heaven. The apostle Paul particularizes confession with the mouth, no less than believing with the heart, as necessary to salvation; and our Lord himself says, in the Gospel of Luke, 'Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.' From these passages it is clear that the confession of Christ is a most sure and THE CABINET. SUBMISSION TO GOD. I ABSOLUTELY surrender and resign myself to thee. Thy love constrains me henceforth no more to live to myself, but to thee, who diedst for me and didst rise again. And I subject and yield myself to thy blessed light and power. O Holy Spirit of grace! to be more and more illuminated, sanctified, and prepared for every good word and work in this world, and for an inheritance among them that are sanctified in the other! Sinner, never give thy soul leave to be at rest till thou find it brought to some such transaction with God (the Father, Son, and Spirit) as this; so as thou canst truly say, and dost feel thy heart is in it. Be not uneasy or impatient of waiting and striving, till thou canst say, this is now the very sense of the soul. Such things have been done in the world, (but O how seldom of latter days!) So God hath wrought with men to save them from going down to the pit, having found a ransom for them. And why may he not yet be expected to do so? He hath smitten, rocks ere now, and made the waters gush out; nor is his hand shortened, nor his ear heavy. Thy danger is not, sinner, that he will be inexorable, but lest thou shouldst. He will be entreated, if thou wouldst be prevailed with to entreat his favour with thy whole heart.—Rev. J. Howe. RESIGNATION. LORD, it belongs not to my care Whether I die or live; To love and serve Thee is my share, That I may long obey; If short, yet why should I be sad Christ leads me through no darker rooms Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet For if thy work on earth be sweet, Then shall I end my sad complaints, And weary sinful days; And join with the triumphant saints, That sing Jehovah's praise. My knowledge of that life is small, The eye of faith is dim; But 'tis enough that Christ knows all, And I shall be with him. R. Baxter. THE CHRISTIAN LOOKING TO THE CROSS. Christians, whilst they contemplate the goodness of God as displayed in the works of creation and providence, ought also to ascend and touch a higher key. It is to the cross that we may summon each of you, where you may refuse the tear of gratitude if you can. Transport is temper here.' Is Gabriel's heart cold while he stands before the throne of the Eternal ? Ah, no! they manage these things better in heaven, where the hallelujah of praise and the ardent devotions of the heart are in unison. Have these promises sounded on your heart? I have blotted out as a thick cloud your transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins: return unto me, for I have redeemed thee.' 'I will forgive thine iniquity, and I will remember thy sin no more. To men who have received pardon of their sins, all is mercy. Are afflictions measured out unto them? The trials of life, are they strewed thick in their path? Amid all these, peace has possession of the heart, the peace of God that passes all understanding, reigns within. There shall it continue, till death shall usher the weary traveller into a land of endless peace and rest. Have the enemies of the mind been brought low? Have envy and pride been broken, and all foul tempers been subdued? Is the mind recovered from her vassalage to sin, and the heart become purified? Then what peace and calm now pervade it! Such vassals 'were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.' Your lusts are not now on the throne, but where they should be, under your feet. Then we call on you to join in the song,-' To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.'-Rev. Dr Waugh. ANGELIC REST. OH! had I wings like yonder bird, I would not seek those fragrant bowers, I'd fly-but not to scenes below, Though ripe with every promis'd bliss; For what's the world?—a garnished showA decorated wilderness. Oh! I would fly and be at rest, Far, far beyond each glittering sphere That hangs upon the azure breast Of all we know of heaven here. HOW TO GOVERN THE TONGUE. AVOID all tedious and idle talk, from which seldom arises comfort, many times repentance; especially beware of rash answers, when the tongue outruns the mind. The word was thine whilst thou didst keep it in; it is another's as soon as it is out. O the shame when a man's own tongue shall be produced as a witness to the confusion of his own face! Let then thy words be few but advised; forethink whether that which thou art to speak, be fit to be spoken; affirm no more than what thou knowest to be true; and be rather silent, than speak to an ill, or to no purpose.-Bayly. THOMAS GRANT, PRINTER, EDINBURGH. THE PRIVILEGES OF COUNTRY CHRISTIANS. tion between town and country does not exist in it. It may be true still, indeed, that town Christians have many advantages not possessed by those living in the country, and even, on the whole, more valuable ones; but it is not less true, on the other hand, that country Christians have some advantages not enjoyed by those dwelling in cities, which they ought to use with care, and for which they should be thankful. ANCIENT Israel was almost entirely a rural population, and all the laws and arrangements of the Jewish state were adapted to preserve this characteristic, because, by doing so, the distinction of the tribes would be best maintained, the fulfilment of many prophecies, especially of those relating to the descent of the Messiah, could be more easily traced and more certainly proved, and there would not be such strong temptation to mingle with the heathen nations around as in the It is evident that Christians living in case of a commercial people, for whose the country have much better opportugoods a market needs to be found abroad. nities than their brethren in the city for As the Jews were thus destined to country studying the book of nature, that magnifilife and employments, under the peculiar cent revelation of the character of God. institutions of the Mosaic law, such a life The commonest objects in a town viewseems to have been best fitted to sustain the houses over the way, or the chaos of the flame of piety; for we find the severest chimneys behind rising above a labyrinth denunciations of the prophets launched of backyards with sickly grass and decayagainst the court, the priesthood, and the ing poplars do not tend, in a very high inhabitants of cities. The worth and the degree to elevate or ennoble the mind; happiness of the Israelitish nation were but dwellers in the country have everyto be sought in the country, where her where around them the grandeur and shepherds fed their flocks in the green beauty of nature, the objects from which pastures, and her yeomen were filled with the poets and orators of all time have the fat of kidneys of wheat, and did drink drawn their finest figures, and in the conthe pure blood of the grape.' Nor were templation of which every imagination matters much changed at the beginning of may be delighted, and the careful observer the new dispensation. John the Baptist may discover unending wonders. And preached in the wilderness, or rural part all the sights and scenes of rural life-the of Judea; and our Saviour himself, till he green meadows, the everlasting hills, the approached the close of his labours, seldom woods and streams, the progress of vegepreached in Jerusalem, where the influ- table life, the habits and instincts of the ence of the Pharisees was paramount, but animated creation-are all not merely well confined himself to the country and worthy of study in themselves, but are all villages of Judea and Galilee. But after- likewise proofs of the existence, and eviwards, when the apostles went forth to dences of the character of God. Cowper preach the gospel, knowing it to be their says, somewhat strongly, but in the main duty to take the readiest method of spread- truly, God made the country, and man ing it, they took up their head quarters in made the town.' In cities, at all events, the towns of the various regions that they we are environed by the works of man; visited, as there large audiences could be in the country, we behold everywhere collected more easily than in the country, around us the incomparable productions and the truth would pass more readily of Him who is great in counsel and from one to another. The consequence mighty in working, and therefore dwellers of this mode of procedure was, that as the in the country are inexcusable indeed if gospel extended throughout the Roman they forget his existence, or remain in Empire, the inhabitants of the towns were ignorance of his nature. Almost everyeverywhere much earlier converted than thing on which a townsman looks is those of the country. So much was this artificial. The streets, the houses, and the case, that the word 'pagan,' which the goods exhibited in the windows, are originally signified nothing more than framed by art and man's device,' but the country-man, came to be stamp of an Almighty maker and conequivalent to heathen;' for at the time triver is on country objects; corn-fields, when it contracted this meaning to say pastures, and animals, are they not all the that a man came from the country, and to work of his hands? Now this book of say that he was a worshipper of false nature, to which there is such ready access gods, were almost the same thing. Our in the country, contains a glorious revelaland, let us be thankful, has long been so tion of God's character, inferior in moral generally evangelized that such a distinc-grandeur indeed to that given in Scripture, No. IX.-NEW SERIES. 'rustic' or Vor.. I. |
