PracticalTruths

byArchibaldAlexander

TABLEOFCONTENTS

"ThePoorhavetheGospelpreacheduntothem"

Distributionofbooksnonewthing

Valueofagoodbook

Tennents'ViewsofRevivals

TheFaithfulElder

Elder'seldestSon

Agreattruth—Eveofgreatevents

Walkingbyfaith

EvilsofWar

WilliamWirtandtheBlindPreacher

WhywillyeDie?

Christianityinitsnatureaggressive

TheAlmostChristian

PrayeraPrivilege

AGoodTree

TheGodlyandtheUngodly

"ThouFool"

LookinguntoJesus

TheKingofTerrors

Heaven

TheJudgment

ADistantviewofNewYork

WhattheDisciplessaw

DeceitfulnessofSin

WellsofSalvation

ChristtheBeliever'sLife

AnswertoPrayerlongdeferred

WhyHaltbetweenTwoOpinions?

PreparationforDeath

TheCross

TheGospelnoFailure

ChristStandingandKnockingattheDoor

FixednessofPurpose

LoveoftheTruth

ThePeaceofGod

UnsearchableRichesofChrist

WhatIDesire

FastingandPrayer

ADisciple

AWordtotheYoung

TheImportanceofSalvation

AnAmiableYouthFallingShortofHeaven

TheDayofJudgment

TheMiseryoftheLost

JustificationbyFaith

SinnersWelcometoCometoJesusChrist

FuturePunishment;OR,TheUniversalistRefuted

ThePoorMan'sGuideandFriend

TheNewSettlement-ADialogue

TheColporteurandCottage-ADialogue

TheColporteurandFarmer-ADialogue

TheColporterandtheAgedMan-ADislogue

TheColporterandRoman-Catholic-InDialogues

COUNSELS, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND AID IN THEWORK OF THEAMERICANTRACTSOCIETY

DEATHOFDR.ALEXANDER

"THEPOORHAVETHEGOSPELPREACHEDUNTOTHEM"

THISmust have been a new thing, or it would not have been given toJohn the Baptist as a proof that Jesus was theMessiah. In our publicsystem of religious instruction in cities and villages, the poor are toomuchoverlooked.TheycannotpayahighrentforaplaceinthehouseofGod. They cannot appear in costly apparel, and they do not love to bestaredatonaccountofthecoarsenessoftheirclothes.

Go into the churches of any Protestant denomination, and you willprobablyfindalarge,respectableaudienceofwell-dressedpeoplequietlyoccupying their ownpews, and listeningwithmore or less attention tothe instructions of the pastor; but where are the miserable poor? Insociety they form a large proportion of the people, but here we seeperhapsafewoldwomen,thebeneficiariesofthechurch.

Theremustbesomemoreeffectivemeasuresforconveyingthegospeltothedestitutepoorthanoursplendidchurchesfurnish.Thesystemoftractdistribution by pious men and women, who, as far as they haveopportunity,conversewiththepeopleonreligioussubjects, isexcellent.Thissystem,inNewYork,hasbeentheinstrumentofmuchgoodtothepoor. But cannot a plan be contrived and carried into effect, by whichtheycanbebroughtwithinthesoundofthegospel?Ithinktherecan.Leteveryrichchurchbuildameeting-house,plainbutcommodious,andletthem, under the direction of their pastors, employ some zealous, self-denyingyoungministertogoaboutandcollectasmanyofthepoorashecan, and preach to them in a plain, familiar, affectionate style. At firstperhapsfewwouldcome,butbydegreesthenumberwouldincrease.Thepreachermustbeassistedandencouragedbytheoccasionalpresenceofthepastorandotherofficersormembers.

IneveryChristianchurchtherearemenandwomenwhowishtodogood,but theyknownothowtogoabout it.Leteachof thesegoout into the

lanes and dark alleys of the city, and persuade at least one to go withthemto thehouseofprayer:all suchexertionsareuseful to thepersonhimself,whatevermaybetheeffectonothers.Letthemeeting-housebeseated with benches, and every seat be in common; so that the firstperson who comes shall have the right to occupy it. And let themissionary to thesepeople speakkindly to them,and inquire into theirwants and afflictions, and make known cases of extreme suffering tothosewhoseofficeitistorelievedistress.

In the villages and country places there are often found many poor,miserablefamilies,whoareneverseeninthechurchforwantofaplacetosit, forwantofdecentclothing,orforwantofdisposition.Letfiveorsixpersonsagree to visit these families in turn, and let themprovide aroomforeveningmeetings,andletthepastor,asoftenashecan,preachtothem;orletsomelaymanreadtothematractorshortsermon.Timeisshort.Try,trywhatcanbedone.

DISTRIBUTIONOFBOOKSNONEWTHING

"Anotherfurtheranceofmywork,"saysBaxter,"wasthe'writings'whichIwroteandgaveamongthem[hispeople.]SomesmallbooksIgaveeachfamily,oneofwhichwenttoabouteighthundred;andofthebiggerIgavefewer.AndeveryfamilythatwaspoorandhadnotaBible,IgaveaBibleto.And I had foundmyself thebenefit of reading to be so great, that Icouldnotbutthinkitwouldbeprofitabletoothers.

"ManychildrendidGodworkupon,atfourteen,fifteen,orsixteenyearsofage.Andthisdidmarvellouslyreconcilethemindsoftheparentsandelderpersonstogodliness.Theythatwouldnothearme,wouldheartheirown children. They that before would have talked against godliness,wouldnothearitspokenagainstwhenitwastheirchildren'scase.Manythat would not be brought to it themselves, were proud that they hadunderstanding,religiouschildren.Wehadsomeoldpersons,neareightyyearsofage,whoare,Ihope,inheaven;andtheconversionoftheirownchildren was the chief means to overcome their prejudice and oldcustomsandconceits.

"WhenthegrievousplaguevisitedLondon,Iprintedahalf-sheet,tostickon awall, for the use of the ignorant andungodlywhowere sick or indanger of the sickness. And I rather did it becausemany well-mindedpeople that are about the sick, that are ignorant and unprepared, andknow not what to say to them, may see there in what method suchpersons should be dealt with in such a case of extremity; and theythemselvesmayenlargeastheyseecause.

"Mr.NathanielLanewrotetometoentreatmetowriteonesheetortwofor theuseofpoor familieswhowillnot readorbuyanybiggerbooks.Although I knew that brevitywould unavoidably causeme to leave outmuchnecessarymatter,orelsetowriteinastylesoconciseandcloseaswillbelittlemovingtoanybutclose,judiciousreaders,yetIyieldedtohispersuasion, and thought itmight be better thannothing, andmight bereadbymany thatwould readno larger; and so Iwrote two sheets forpoor families. The first containing 'The Method and Motives for theConversionoftheUngodly;'thesecond,'TheDescriptionorCharacterofthe True Christian, or theNecessary Part of a Christian'sDuty, for theDirectionofBeginnersinaGodlyLife.'"

SelectedbyA.A.fromBaxter'sLife,etc.

VALUEOFAGOODBOOK

WhenweconsiderhowmuchgoodhasbeendonebythepublishedworksofsuchmenasBaxter,Owen,Doddridge,Alleine,Boston,Edwards,etc.,we wonder that men gifted with a talent for writing attractively andpowerfully,donotdevotemoreof their timeto thepreparationofgoodbooks.Butalthough,intheory,weacknowledgetheall-pervadingpowerofthepress,yettheimportanceofthesubjectisnotpracticallyfeltinallitsmomentous consequences. Themanwho is enabled towrite a trulyevangelicalandusefulbook,orevenasingletractoffirst-rateexcellence,may convey the saving truth of the gospel to a thousand times morepersons than the living preacher can ever instruct by his voice. Andhundredsofyearsafterthedeathofthewriter,theproductionofhispenmay be but just commencing its career of usefulness, only to beterminated with the end of the world. Those men, therefore, who are

blessedwiththeabilityofproducingoneworkofevangelicalexcellence,maybeconsideredamongthemosthighlyfavoredofourrace,andmustenjoyarichrewardhereafter.

Theplanoffirstpublishingimportantviewsofevangelicaltruthfromthepulpit,andthenfromthepress,withsuchchangesasmayservetorenderthem more popular, is a wise economy of time; and considering theincalculable power of the press, more of our learned and eloquentpreachersshouldavailthemselvesofthismethodofbenefitingthepublic,bydiffusingabroadtheprecioustruthsofthegospel.

A.A.inBib.Repertory.

THETENNENTS'VIEWSOFREVIVALS

The following passages give us the views entertained by the Tennents,Rev. William Tennent and his three sons, Gilbert, William, and John,who in the time ofWhitefield andEdwards, about the year 1740,weregreatlyinstrumentalintherevivaloftruereligion.ItisextractedfromalateinterestingworkbyRev.Dr.Alexander,entitled,"TheLogCollege,"which was a school founded byWilliam Tennent, senior, in which histhreesonsandRev.Dr.Finley,PresidentDavies,andafewotherleadingmeninthegreatrevival,pursuedtheirtheologicalstudies.

"It isshockingto thinkthatanyshoulddaretoopposeaworkattendedwith such commanding evidence as has been among us. We wouldbeseechallsuchsolemnlytoanswerthefollowingparagraphoftheRev.Mr.Robe,ministerofthegospelinKilsyth,Scotland,inhisprefacetohis'NARRATIVE,'whichisasfollows:

" 'I seriouslybegofanywhoareprejudicedagainst thisdispensationofGod'sextraordinarygrace,andlookuponitasadelusion, thattheywillshowthemselvessocharitableas todirectmeandotherministerswhatwe shall answer distressed persons of all ages, who come to us cryingbitterlythattheyareundone,becauseofunbeliefandothersins—'Whatshallwedotobesaved?'Andasayounggirlabouttwelve,whohadbeenindistressforsometime,calleduponmeinthehousewhereIwas,and

askedmewithgreat sedateness, 'What shall Ido togetCHRIST?'ShallwetellthemthattheyarenotChristless,andarenotunconverted,whenweevidentlyseemanyofthemtobesuch?Shallwetell themthattheirfears of the wrath of God is all but delusion, and that it is no suchdreadful thing that they need to be much afraid of it? Shall we tellpersons lamenting their cursing and swearing, Sabbath-breaking, andother immoralities, that it is the devil that nowmakes them see theseevils tobeoffensive toGodanddestructive to their souls?Shallwe tellthemwho,underthegreatestuneasiness,inquireofuswhattheyshalldotogetan interestand faith inChrist, thatSatan isdeluding themwhenthey have or show any concern this way? In fine, shall we pray, andrecommendthemtopraytoGod,todeliverthemfromsuchdelusions?Itwould be worse than devilish to treat the Lord's sighing and groaningprisonersatthisrate.'"

"A few minutes before the Rev. John Tennent expired, holding hisbrotherWilliamby the hand, he broke out into the following raptures:'Farewell,mybrethren;farewell,fatherandmother;farewell,worldwithall thy vain delights. Welcome, God and Father; welcome, sweet LordJesus!Welcomedeath;welcomeeternity.Amen!'Thenwithalowvoice,hesaid, 'LordJesus, come,LordJesus!'Andsohe fell asleep inChrist,andobtainedanabundantentrance into theeverlastingkingdomofhisGodandSaviour."

THEFAITHFULELDER

Thefollowingsketchisfrommemory,andrelatestothelastcentury.

J. L—was the son of pious parents in humble circumstances. He wasbroughtuptolaboronthefarm,andwasrestrainedfromopenvicebyhisreligiouseducation,andbya regard to theauthorityand feelingsofhisparents.OnacertainSabbath,therebeingnopreachingintheimmediateneighborhood of his father's residence, he had formed the purpose toattend a great meeting at the distance of twelve or fifteen miles. Heownedayounghorseonwhichhe intended to ride to theplace,buton

going to thepasture in themorning tobridle the colt,heeludedallhisattemptstocatchhim,andhewasobligedtoreturntothehousefoiled,disappointed,andmuchchagrined.Howtospendthewearisomedayheknewnot.

At length the thought struckhim thathewould takeabookandgooutinto the woods and amuse himself with reading. He stepped to thebookcaseandseizedthefirstbookwhichcametohand,whichhappenedto be "Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul." It beingsummer, he sought a cool, shady, and sequestered spot, where he laydown and began at the beginning of his author, and there is reason tobelieve that theHolySpiritaccompaniedevery truthwhichengagedhisthoughts with a divine influence, for, as he assured the writer, he wasdeeplyconvincedofsinonreadingthefirstchapters,andwhenhecametotheexpiationofChristandthemethodofsalvation,thewholeplanwasopenedtohisbelievingmind,andhedeliberatelyembracedtheSaviouras offered in the gospel, and was filled with peace and joy. Thus, thisyoungmanwentout into thewoods inanunconvertedandcondemnedstate,andinafewhoursreturnedarenewedman,freelyjustifiedbythegracewhichisinChristJesus.Induetimeheenteredthecommunionofthechurch,andbecameanactive,zealousprofessor,atatimewhengreatlukewarmness had taken possession of the church. He married anintelligent woman, who by the force of his example and instructionsembracedreligion,andbecameaszealousandmorecommunicativethanherhusband.They livedhappily, andwereblessedwith three sons andtwodaughters.

Aboutmiddleagehewaselectedarulingelderinthechurchtowhichhebelonged,and in thisofficehe receivedgrace tobe faithful.Heheldupthe hands of his minister, and defended his character from calumniesattempted to be heaped upon him. He visited the poor, and contrivedmethods of relief; wherever there was sickness, J. L—was to be foundsympathizingwith the sufferers, andofferingup ferventprayers for therecovery of the sick, and for a blessing on the rod of affliction. By thismeans prayer was introduced into families where the voice ofsupplicationhadneverbeforebeenheard.

Thewriterwhenaboyhadanawfuldreadofthisman,andshunnedhim

forfearhewouldspeaktohimaboutreligion,butalittlesisterbeingverysick, he was pleased to see this faithful man come to the house. Hesympathized and advised with the parents, and spent the night inwatchingwiththesickchild;butwhataffectedallmost,washisprayer,sofervent, so affectionate, so appropriate. Itwas felt as if surely theLordwouldhearandanswersuchaprayer.

Whenfewprofessorskeptthemselvesunspottedfromtheworld,thismanand his wife stood firm in their adherence to truth and duty.Worldlyamusements were introduced by some influential professors; strictreligionwasscornedandtheliberalprofessorwaslauded;butoureldercouldnotbemovedtofavordancingandcards.Hesethisfaceresolutelyagainst all such practices as inimical to the spirit of true religion. Hefaithfully warned professors against the deadening influence of theseinnocentamusements,astheywerecalled;andwhenprivateexhortationandremonstrancefailed,hehadthefidelitytopresentthecasesofsuchprofessors to the session to be dealt with as acting inconsistently withtheirChristianprofession.Thisexposedhimtoaloadofobloquy;andhewas clamored against as an enemy of all cheerfulness and enjoyment.Some ministers also took sides against him, and their opinions andexamplewerepublishedbymultitudeswhoneverrememberedanyofhispioussayings.J.L—,however,wentonhiscourseunmoved;andthoughhatedanddreadedby thewicked,wheneveranyonebecameserioushewasimmediatelysoughtout,andhiscounselandsympathyandprayerswerealwayscheerfullybestowed.Thestateofreligioninthelandseemedto grow worse and worse just after the close of the revolutionary war,untilheandhiswifeandafewothersseemedtobeleftalone.Buteveninthistime,thepresenceofthistallgray-headedelderwouldstrikeanaweintothemindsofthemostcareless.Onedayhehadbusinesswithamanwhowasatadancingpartyinaprivatehouse,andwhenheapproachedthehouseconsternationseizedthecompany,andatoncethefiddlinganddancing ceased.He,however, administeredno reproof to the company,buttransactedhisbusinessanddeparted.

It pleased a gracious God, about the year 1789, to revive religion withextraordinarypowerinallthecountryaroundwherehelived.Itwaswhathehadprayed for night andday, but scarcely hoped to see, for hehad

neverbeforewitnessedwhatiscalledarevival.Almosthiswholetimewasnowspentinconversingwiththenewconverts.Ihaveknownhimoftentoridesixorsevenmilestoseepersonsunderreligiousimpressions.Andhewould laborwith themin themostearnestandaffectionatemanner,andwouldbringtothemsuitablebooks,forhewasmuchconversantwiththemostspiritualandexperimentalauthors.Manyweredeeplyindebtedtohisfaithfullabors,andnonemorethantheauthorofthisarticle.

Senex.

THEELDER'SELDESTSON

Perhapsthereneverexistedsincethefall,afamilyinwhichtherewaslessto corrupt youth, than in that of the faithful elder noticed in a formernumberoftheMessenger.

In this family therewerenoservants,but theelder'swifeperformedalltheworkofthehouse,exceptthat,whensickorunwell,somewomanofgood character from among the neighbors assisted her; and the elderhimselfdidthewholeworkofthefarm,exceptinthemorebusyseasons,when amanwas hired for a fewdays. In this house purity, peace, andorderprevailed.Assoonasthechildrenwerecapable,theiraidwasusedboth in the house and out of doors. The oldest child was a son, a finehealthyboy,largeandhandsome.Thisboywascarefullyinstructedintheprinciples of religion both by his mother and father, and he appearedremarkablydocile,andlearnedsowellthathisparentsfeltastrongdesiretodevotehimtoGodintheworkoftheholyministry,ifitshouldpleaseGod to make him early a subject of his grace, for which blessing theyceasednottopraydaily.

Whentheboyhadarrivedattheageofsixteenorseventeenyears,itwasthought advisable to send him to an academy at no great distance, tocommence a course of liberal education under an approved teacher, aman of piety as well as learning. And it was hoped the young man'smorals would be safe, as hewould board in the house of an auntwho

livedneartheacademy.

The youthhad scarcely ever lodgedout of his father's house inhis life,andhadneverbeenexposedtoanytemptationsfrombadcompany,andwasperhapsasinnocentasanyofAdam'schildreninanaturalstate.Hehad,however,muchnatural susceptibilityof impressions fromwithout,andasociabledisposition.

Atthistimethereweresomeyoungmenintheacademywhobelongedtowealthy irreligious families, and from their parents and the companywhich frequented their houses, theyhad imbibed a spirit of hostility toreligion,andhadpickedupsomeobjectionstotheBible,andlearnedtomakeajestofsacredthings.Theseyoungmen,assoonastheelder'ssonenteredtheschool,determinedtodowhattheycouldtoseducehimfromthe path ofmorality and innocence. They began by throwing out hintsandinnuendoesagainstrevealedreligion,andexpressingpityforsuchaswereheldundertherestraintsofreligion,orwereconscience-bound,astheyexpressedit.

These ideas were entirely new to the elder's son, and he drank in thepoison greedily; for he had a strong inclination to sinful indulgences,which was only restrained by his religious education. These scepticalopinionswereexceedinglyagreeabletohiscorruptnature,buthewantedmore conviction that these objections to Christianity had a solidfoundation.Hethereforesoughtforbookswhichwouldhavetheeffectofconfirming him in his infidelity, and theworks ofHume,Voltaire, andothers,wereobtainedbymeansoftheyoungmenbeforementioned.Andbeingnowinagreatmeasurefreedfromtherestraintswhichhadbeenonhim, he rushed forth into a course of dissipation and licentiousness, inemulationofhisnewcomrades. Indeed, itwasnot longbeforehewentbeyondanyoftheminboldnessinsinning.Thosewhobecomeviciousinopposition to the restraints of a religious education, commonly run togreater lengths than others in transgression, because the strength ofpassionnecessary tooverleap thisbarrier is sufficient todrive themonfarinthepathsofiniquity.

For some time he was careful to conceal his irregularities from hisparents, but ere long this was impracticable, and he began to appear

boldly in the ranks of the greatest transgressors. He was a leader andcorrupterofothers,andseemedtohavelostallsenseofreligion,andtobe confirmed in his infidelity. It is impossible to describe thedisappointmentandanguishofhispiousparents.Theycoulddonothingforhimbutweepandprayinsecret.Theyoungmanhadgoneoninthisway forseveralyears,growingworseandworse,untilhischaracterwasruined,andalldecentpeopleshunnedhiscompany.

About this time a youngman, a cousin of his, came in from the west,wherehehadlivedforsometime,andhadrecentlyexperiencedagreatchange.Hehadalsobeenverywild,andhavingbeensomewhatsuddenlyconverted,hewasfullofzeal,andspokefreelytohisoldacquaintancesofthenecessityofreligion,anddidnotneglecttheelder'sson,towhomheaddressedhimselfinaveryearnest,butaffectionatemanner;anditwasapparent that his example and solemn exhortation produced someimpression.Ashewasnowonhiswaytocollege,heaskedtheelder'ssontoaccompanyhimandbringbackhishorse.Indeed,theplanwassecretlyagreeduponbetweenhiscousinandhisfathertogethimtogo,foratthattimeapowerful revivalwas inprogress in the college andvicinity; andthefatherbeingacquaintedwiththepresidentofthecollege,wrotehimafullaccountofhisson'sunhappystateofmind,andentreatedhimtotryto bring him off from his infidelity. This letter he did not put into thehandofhisson,butofhiscousin,witharequestthathewouldnotlethissonknowthathehadwritten.TheRev.Presidentonreceivingthisletterinvitedboththeyoungmentohishouse;andaftersomegeneralremarks,he commenced a conversation on the subject of the causes of theprevailing infidelity, and took up in order the arguments of deisticalwriters: he refuted them with a clearness and force which overset thesystemwhichtheelder'ssonhadlongbeenbuildingup.Heneverhintedthathehadanysuspicionthattheyoungmanbelongedtothisunhappyclass,andindeeddirectedhisdiscoursemainlytohiscousin.Thedeviceansweredthepurposeintended.Theyoungmannotonlyrenouncedhisinfidelity,butfellunderdeepconvictionbeforehereturnedhome.Whatacomfort to his pious parents! His mother had always entertained aconfident hope of his conversion, and her prayers were about to beanswered.

Itwassometimebeforetheyoungmancouldbepersuadedtoentertainanyhope thathis sinscouldbepardoned.Heevidently felt thathewasthe chief of sinners. Never was a change more manifest in outwardappearance.Henowbecamedeeply serious at all times, andunder theimpressionofhisexceedingwickedness,heseemed littledisposedtogointocompanyofanykind.

Aftermuchprayeranddeliberation,hefeltconstrainedtothinkitadutyto enter the holy ministry. But before he commenced the study oftheology, he undertook to teach a classical school for a year. He hadscarcelycommencedhisschoolwhenhewasseizedwithaviolentbiliousfever. His case from the first was considered dangerous. His parentsmade haste to see him, though he lay at a considerable distance fromtheirresidence.Whiletheissuehungindoubt,thefather,amanofstrongmindandsoberprinciples,sufferedoneofthosehallucinationstowhichpious persons are sometimes subject. Having been earnestly pleadingwithGodforthelifeofhisson,thetextofScripture,"thissicknessisnotunto death," was impressed so forcibly on his mind that he was fullypersuaded that this was an answer to his prayer, and rejoiced in theprospectofreceivinghisfirst-bornfromthevergeofthegrave.Butalas,the youngman in themidst of his dayswas cut down.Thus, again thehopesof thesegoodpeopleweresadlydisappointed;but therewasnowcomfortmingledwiththeirsorrow,fortheyhadhopeinhisdeath.

Senex.

AGREATTRUTH—EVEOFGREATEVENTS

"In vain do we seek to awaken in our churches zeal for missions as aseparatething.Tobegenuine,itmustflowfromlovetoChrist.Itiswhenasenseofpersonalcommunionwith theSonofGod ishighest, thatweshallbemostfitformissionarywork,eithertogoourselvesortostirupothers.Ifweallowittobecomeabusinessofdollarsandcents,weshallsee no results. 'Find preachers of David Brainerd's spirit,' said JohnWesley, 'andnothing can standbefore them;butwithout thiswhat cangoldorsilverdo?'LetgushingaffectiontotheLordJesusChristbecomethe rulingpassion, and it communicates the thrill of evangelical zeal to

everymemberof theelectricchain.Achurchof suchministers,of suchmembers,wouldbeanapostolic,aheavenlychurch."

"Theimpressionisgeneralthatweareontheeveofgreatevents.Acloudimpends—perhapsofmingledevilandgood.Itisanexpectationwhichissolemnandemboldening.Itleadsamantosay,'Awaywithtrifles;Imustabandonall that is frivolous.Life is short.Agreatwork isbeforeme. Imustgirdmyself.Imustpraymore.'Itmustaffectmenintheirrelationsasassociated.'Weareontheeveofgreatthings;thereforeletusbesober,letusbevigilant,letusbeactive,letusbeatpeace,letusliveforChrist.'"

WALKINGBYFAITH,NOTBYSIGHT

SelectedfromBaxterbyA.A.

"Even in worldly matters you will venture upon 'the greatest cost andpains for the things that you seenot andnever saw.Themerchantwillsail a thousand miles for a commodity that he never saw. Must thehusbandmanseehisharvestbeforeheploughhislandandsowhisseed?Mustthesickmanfeelthathehashealthbeforeheusethemeanstogetit?Must the soldier see thathehath the victorybeforehe fights?HathGodmademanforanyend?Noreasoncanexpectthatheshouldseehisendbeforehebegintotraveltowardsit.Whenchildrenfirstgotoschool,theydonotseeorenjoythewisdomandlearningwhichbytimeandlabortheymustattain.Tolookthatsight,whichisfruition,shouldgobeforeaholy life, is to expect the end before we will use the necessarymeans.Shallnomanberestrained fromfelonyormurder,buthe that sees theassizesorthegallows?Itisenoughthatheforeseesthem,asmadeknownbythelaws.

"Tillthelightappeartoyourdarkenedsouls,youcannotseethereasonsofaholy,heavenlylife;andthereforeyouthinkitpride,hypocrisy,fancy,orimagination,orthefoolishnessofcrack-brained,self-conceitedmen.Ifyou saw a man do reverence to a prince, and the prince himself wereinvisibletoyou,wouldyounottakehimforamadman,andsaythathecringedtothechairs,orbowedtoapost,orcomplimentedhisshadow?Ifyousawaman'sactionsineatinganddrinking,andsawnotthemeatand

drink,wouldyounotthinkhimmad?Ifyouheardmenlaugh,andhearnotsomuchasthevoiceofhimthatgivesthejest,wouldyounotimaginethemtobebrain-sick?Ifyouseemendance,andhearnotthemusic; ifyou seea laborer threshing,or reaping,ormowing, and seeno cornorgrass before him; if you see a soldier fighting for his life, and see noenemythathespendshisstrokesupon,willyounottakealltheseformendistracted?Why,thisisthecasebetweenyouandthetruebeliever.

"Doyou fetchyour joys fromearth,orheaven?Fromthingsunseen,orseen?Thingsfuture,orpresent?Thingshopedfor,orthingspossessed?Whatgardenyieldethyouyoursweetestflowers?Whenceisthefoodthatyourhopesandcomfortsliveupon?Whencearethecordialsthatreviveyou,whenafrowningworlddothcastyouintoaswoon?Whereisitthatyou repose your soul for rest, when sin or sufferings have made youweary?Dealtruly;isitinheavenorearth?Whichworlddoyoutakeforyourpilgrimage,andwhichforyourhome?Idonotaskwhereyouare,butwhere you dwell?Notwhere are your persons, butwhere are yourhearts? In aword, are you in good earnestwhen you say youbelieve aheavenandhell?Anddoyouspeakandthink,andprayandlive,asthosethatdoindeedbelievethesethings?Doyouspendyourtime,andchooseyourconditionoflife,anddisposeofyouraffairs,asamanthatisseriousinhisbelief?Speakout:doyoulivethelifeoffaithonthingsunseen,orthelifeofsenseonthethingsyoubehold?Dealtruly,foryourendlessjoyor sorrow doth much depend upon it. The life of faith is the certainpassage to the life of glory; the life of sense on thingshere seen, is thecertainwaytoendlessmisery.

"Canyouforgetthatdeathisreadytoundressyou,andtellyouthatyoursportandmirtharedone,andthatnowyouhavehadalltheworldcandofor themthat secure itand take it for theirportion?Howquicklycanafever, oroneof ahundredmessengersofdeath,bereaveyouof all thatearthaffordedyou,andturnyoursweetestpleasuresintogall,andturnalordintoalumpofclay?Itisbutasawink,aninchoftime,tillyoumustquitthestage,andspeakandbreathe,andseethefaceofmannomore.Ifyouforeseethis,Oliveasonethatdoesforeseeit.

"Ineverheardofanythatstolehiswinding-sheet,orfoughtforacoffin,orwenttolawforagrave.Andifyoudidbutseehownearyourhonors

andwealthandpleasuresdostandtoeternity,aswellasyourcoffinandwinding-sheet, youwould then desire and value them as you do these.Oh, what a fading flower is your strength! How will all your gallantryshrinkintotheshell!'Ifthesethingsareyours,'saithBernard,'takethemwith you.' It is awful for persons of renown and honor to change theirpalaces for graves, and turn to noisome rottenness and dirt; to changetheir power and authority for impotency, unable to rebuke the poorestwormthatfeedethontheirheartsorfaces.

"Princes andnobles, youarenot the rulersof the immovablekingdom,butofaboatthatisinarapidstream,orashipundersail,thatwillspeedbothpilotandpassengerstotheshore.'Iamaworm,andnoman,'saidagreatking.Youare thegreaterworms, andwe the littleworms,butwemustallsaywithJob,'Thegraveisourhouse.'

"Thegreaterareyouradvantages,thewiserandbettershouldyoube,andtherefore shouldbetterperceive thedifferencebetween things temporalandeternal.Itisalwaysdarkwheretheseglowwormsshine,andwherearottenpostdothseemafire.

"Writeuponyourpalacesandyourgoodsthatsentence,'Seeingallthesethingsmustbedissolved,whatmannerofpersonsoughtwetobe inallholyconversationandgodliness,lookingforandhastinguntothecomingofthedayofGod?'"

EVILSOFWAR

Nomaninhissensescanbelievethatitisarightthingformentodestroyeachothers'lives.Foramantoshedthebloodofhisbrother,ismurder:to shed the blood of hundreds, ismurder on a large scale. There is noexcuseforwarbutdirenecessity.Aslongaspossible,everynationshouldavoidwar;butastateofwarfaremaybeforcedonanation.Self-defenceisthefirstlawofournature,andisaduty.Onthecontraryprinciple,thelawlessandviolentwouldhaveevery thing in theirownhands,and thevirtuousandpeaceablewouldbethepreyofthewicked.Butstill,itisan

evident truth, that every case inwhich human life is taken inwar, is acaseofmurder;somepersonsmustbeaccountableforthesheddingofallthe blood which is spilled. And if this be so, then that nation which,without sufficient reason, commences awar, orprovokes awar,has anawfulresponsibilityrestingonit;andsoalso,whenawarisinprogress,that nation which refuses to make peace, or insist on unreasonableconditions,isguiltyofallthebloodwhichmaybeshed,andallthemiseryproduced.Disguiseitaswemay,abattle-fieldexhibitsashockingscenetothemoralfeelings.Supposethereneverhadbeenanyaccountofwarinthehistoryofnations,whatwouldbeourfeelingsinreadinganaccountofabloodybattle?

Butthelossofhumanlifeisnottheonlyevilconsequenceofwar:manyfamilies are left destitute of the support and guidance of their naturalheads,andarethrownuponanunpityingworldinastateofhelplessness.See thewidowedmotherofa familyofyoungchildren.Wereshealone,shemightmake out to struggle through theworld; butwhen she looksuponherdearbabes,herheartsinks,andsheisreadytogiveherselfupto despair.Military glory is a poor compensation for her loss; and thehonors bestowed on the dead a poor solace for a broken heart. Theseremarksrelatetoallwars;theyareahorribleevil,wherevertheguiltmaylie.

The moral effects of war are also most deplorable. Men employed assoldiers commonly become exceedingly profane, and reckless of theirconduct.

The writer is old enough to remember the evils brought into a retiredvillage,bythereturnofanumberofdisbandedsoldiers,afterthewarofthe Revolution. These men, having been habituated to a soldier's life,wereaversetolabor,andaslongastheyhadanythingtospend,theymetin companies to drink and swear and fight, to the annoyance of theneighborhood.And even the return of the officerswas not favorable tothe cause of sobriety and purity. They now wished for scenes offashionableamusement,suchastheyhadenjoyedinthearmy.Cardsanddancingwereintroducedintoasocietywheresuchamusementshadbeenalmostentirelyunknown.Teachersofdancingwerenowindemand,andthe attention of the young was much occupied with this fascinating

amusement. Domestic order was frequently interrupted, and familyreligion renderedodious to the young.Piousparents couldnot restraintheirownchildren,andmanyprofessorswere ledastrayby theopinionthat these social meetings were harmless, and tended to rub off therusticity of the young, and to give a polish to their manners. Oneconsequenceofthesethingswas,thatthechurchwasbroughtintoacoldandlanguishingstate.Theyoungmanifestedagreataversiontoreligion,and for years none of them applied for admission to the communion.Disciplinewasexercised,butpublicopinionbeingstronglyagainst it, itfailed in most instances of effecting the desired end. Had mattersremainedinthisvillageinthestateintowhichtheyhadbeenbroughtbythemeansmentioned, religion would soon have become extinct, for itseemedtobeconfinedtoafewagedpersons.ButitpleasedGodafterafewyearstorevivereligioninthatplace,andmanywereconvertedfromtheerroroftheirways,andwereaddedtothechurch.

The writer expresses no opinion respecting the necessity of the war inwhichour country is engaged, (1847.)He isnopolitician, anddoesnotpretendtounderstandthereasonsonwhichourgovernmentactsinthepresent contest; but of one thing he is fully persuaded, that war is afearfulcalamityandaheavyjudgmentfromGodonanynation,whetheritbeenteredon for sufficientor insufficient reasons.Andas it ismucheasier todraw the sword than to return it to its scabbard,wemay findmuchtroubleandinconveniencebeforewecanbringthiscontesttoasafeand honorable conclusion. As far as we know, our government aresolicitous toobtainpeace,butourenemiesseemnot likely toconcur inthesepacificviews.

Inthesecircumstances,theChristianpeopleofthislandshoulduniteinearnestprayerthatGodwouldremovefromourcountrythepressureofthisheavy judgment.Godmayhave seen thatweneeded chastisement,and therefore permitted this fierce contest to take place, by which somanypreciousliveshavebeenlosttotheircountryandtotheirfamilies.As in some churches days of prayer have been appointed, let all whoknow how to pray, and believe in the efficacy of prayer, join insupplicating the throne of grace formercy, and for the removal of thisheavy judgment. Let them cry, "Spare thy people,OLord," and restore

peace to our country, which has already expended somuch blood andtreasure.

Rednax.

WILLIAMWIRTANDTHEBLINDPREACHER

The power of religion, in promoting happiness in this life and indisarming death of its terror, has seldom been more beautifullyillustratedthan in theexampleofWilliamWirt,Attorney-generalof theUnited States. When a young man, just commencing his professionalcareer,hewasdistinguishedforhisgenius,hiseloquence,hisfascinatingpowers of conversation, and his polished manners. In every circle hissociety was courted. Fond of pleasure, and the centre of attraction ofeveryconvivialparty,hewaslivingforthejoysofthisshortlife,andwasingreatdangerofbeingingulfedinthatvortexofworldlinessandfashionwheresomanythousandshaveperished.

While thus living, as he was on one of his professional circuits as alawyer, he passed a Sabbath where the celebrated blind preacher ofVirginia,Rev.JamesWaddell,was topreach.Mr.Wirthavingnootherway to pass the Sabbath, entered the humble church with thecongregation.Hehashimselfdescribed,inhisownforciblelanguage,thescene which ensued. The primitive simplicity of the preaocher, thesubduedpathosofhistones,hisunaffectedpietyandfervideloquence,allcombined,throughtheinfluencesoftheHolySpirit,totouchtheheartofWirt.Hefelt theemptinessofhisownjoys,andtheunprofitablenessofhisownlife.Hereflectedandweptandprayed."Godbemercifultomeasinner"became,formanydaysandnights,theanxioussupplicationofhissoul.Forsakinghisthoughtlesscompanionsandhisdangeroushabitsofgayety, he commenced a new life of Christian usefulness. True peacevisitedhisheart,andhisbenignantcountenanceproclaimedthathehadsoughthappinessandfoundit,wherealonehappinesscanbefound.He

beeame the advocate of Christian missions, and to every object/ ofphilanthropyheconsecratedtheenergiesofhisnoblemind.

Thoughnecessarilycalledtomoveinthehighestcirclesofopulenceandintellect, and to encounter the temptationswithwhich those circles areeverfilled,hehumbly,yetfearlesslysustainedhischaracterasadiscipleof Jesus Christ, and gave his commanding influence, unreservedly andconstantly, for the promotion of piety.Revered by the community, andlovedalmosttodevotionbyawidecircleoffriends,hespenthisdaysindoinggood.Andwhenthedyinghourcame,hopeandjoybeamedfromhiseye,brilliantwithalmostcelestialvision,asthegloriesofhisheavenlyhomewereunfoldedtohisview.Hisbodyhaslongagomingledwiththedust,andhisspirithaslongdwelt,wetrust,withtheGodwhogaveit.

Such are the effects of religion. Infidelity can show no such triumphs.Whowillnotuttertheprayer,"Letmediethedeathofrighteous,andletmylastendbelikehis?"

WHYWILLYEDIE?

Thisquestionseemsstrange,as"itisappointeduntomentodie,"and"inthiswarfarethereisnodischarge."Buttherearedifferentkindsofdeath.There is what is called the SECOND DEATH; and though we cannotescape that natural dissolution of the body, wemay escape that whichconsistsinastateofeverlastingsinandmisery.

Misery no one ever loved; it is abhorrent to every sentient being. Sin,however, may be loved—is loved by many. They who love sin, maytherefore be said to choose death; for sin is the cause of misery. Howstrange the delusion, that men should cleave to sin for the sake ofhappiness; for noman ever chose sin for its own sake; there is alwayssomelureheldouttoenticethesinner.Ourfirstmothersinnedbecausethefruitofthetreeofknowledgeappearedtohertobe"goodforfood,"andtobedesiredtomakeonewise.Someprospectofgoodorpleasure,orrelief frompresentmisery, isuniformlythemotivetosinning.But in

everycasethisisadelusion.

Thisearnestexpostulationwithsinnersimplies,thatthereisnonecessityforthemtodie;yea,thattheycannotdie,unlesstheychoosetheroadtodeath. Life and death are set before everyman; and if any one perisheternally, itwill be his own fault—his own perverse choice.Oh,what apitiable case to see so many men turning their backs on heaven, andrushingoninthewaythatleadsinevitablyuntodeath!

Butdotheyknowtheirdanger?havetheybeenfaithfullywarned?Manyhavebeen,andyetneglect to turn from iniquity.Theydonot intend todie; they thinkof doing all that isnecessary to escape from the seconddeath at some more convenient season. Alas, such a season, to mostneglectersofthegreatsalvation,nevercomes.Timebearsthemalongitsnoiseless, rapid stream; habits of sinning, instead of becomingweaker,become every day stronger by indulgence. And yet the delusion of afutureescapeischerished.

O sinner, stop! Pause in your downward course.God calls you to turn.God asks you, why you will die. He solemnly declares that he "has nopleasure in thedeathof thesinner."Repentance,oracomplete turningfromsin,andacceptingthemercyofGodasofferedinthegospel,istheonlywayofescapefromtheseconddeath.Omitthisa little longer,andyourcasewillbehopeless.Godcommandethallmennoweverywheretorepent. "Now is theaccepted time,andnow is thedayof salvation." "Othatyouwerewise,thatyouwouldconsideryourlatterend,"andspeedilyfleefromthewrathtocome.

Rednax.

CHRISTIANITYINITSNATUREAGGRESSIVE

In the charter which Christ gave to his disciples, who formed the firstchurch under the new dispensation, the first command is one which

requiresaction. "Go,"sayshe.EveryChristianmustbeon thealert.Hehas marching orders from the Captain of his salvation. He cannot sitdownineaseandidleness,andyetbeaChristian.Asthefathersaidtohisson in the parable, "Go, work inmy vineyard," so Christ says to everydisciple; and it will not answer to say, "I go, sir," and yet refuseobedience.Wemustbedoersoftheword,andnotmerehearers.Wemustbedoersof theword, andnotmereprofessors.The commandgivenbytherisenSaviourisstillinforce,andasitwasobligatoryonallwhohearditatfirst,soitisbindingonallwhohearitnow."Go."

But what are we to do? "Proselyte." Make disciples. Convert toChristianity. The very word "proselyte" will frighten some people. Noheresy in their view is so great as sectarism. But Christianity is sointolerant,thatitwillbearnootherreligion;itseekstooverthroweveryother system. If itwouldhaveadmitted the claimsof other religions, itwouldhaveescapedpersecution.Butno;itdenouncedeveryothersystemandmodeofworshipashatefultoGod,anddestructivetothesoul.Anditmade every disciple a proselyter. And every one now,whethermale orfemale, bond or free, Jew or Greek, who professes Christianity, takesuponhimselforherselftheobligationtoconvertotherstoChristianity.

Considertheextentofthefieldinwhichwearecalledtolabor."Gointoall the world." "Go, teach," make disciples of, "all nations." And whenconverted,letthenewproselytesnotbeashamedtoavowtheirallegiancetotheKingofZion,byassuminghisbadge.Letthembebaptizedintothenameof theHOLYTRINITY.Nowtheyare in theschoolofChrist,andmustbecarefullytaughtallhiscommandments.

Here is a great work, requiring the coöperation of all who are alreadyinitiated.Thegreatestcharityintheworldisthecommunicationofdivinetruthtothe ignorant.Mustallpreachtheword?Yes, inacertainsense,and according to their ability, and in observance of due order.Allmayteach. All Christians are bound to teach—the parent his children, themasterhis servants, the schoolmasterhis scholars, the citizenhismoreignorantneighbors,thecolporteurthefamilieswhichhevisitswithbooksandtracts,thepastorhisflock,andthemissionarytheunconvertedJewand heathen. Here is work enough for all, and all may labor in theirappropriate sphere;but allmust labor: theduty is incumbenton them,

andtheobligationcannotbeevaded.

ThetimeseemstobecomingpredictedbyDaniel,when"manyshallruntoandfro,andknowledgeshallbeincreased."Whatachangewithinthelasthalfcentury!ThentherewerenoBiblesocieties,notractsocieties,noSunday-schools, no colporteurs, no Protestant missionaries. There is,indeed, another timepredicted,when there shall benoneed forone tosaytohisneighbor,"KnowtheLord;forallshallknowhimfromtheleastto the greatest." Then the work will be completed; but O, how muchteaching must there be before the hundreds of millions of souls nowignorant,shallbesoinstructedasthatnoneshallneedfartherteaching.But perhaps the prophecy does notmean that none shall need fartherinstruction, but farther admonition—not that all shall have learnedenough,butallwillbefullydisposedtolearn.Blessedtime!teachingwillbethenaneasyaswellasadelightfulbusiness.

A.A.

THEALMOSTCHRISTIAN

ThealmostChristianmayhaveaspeculativeknowledgeofalltheleadingtruths of Christianity, and may be able to defend them. The almostChristian entertains a great respect for religion and its professors andinstitutions. The almost Christian feels a strong desire to enjoy thebenefits of the gospel, andmay often have his affectionsmuchmoved,and may form many good resolutions; he may indeed possess acounterfeitofexperimentalreligion,so likethat itmaydeceivenotonlythemanhimself,butthemostjudiciousministers.ThealmostChristianmay be exceedingly conscientious and exact in attending on all theexternaldutiesofreligion;astouchingthese,hemaybe"blameless;"andin regard to zeal, hemay be ardent, so as to put to the blush the realbeliever.

Hemay also be liberal, and contribute liberally for the support of thegospel,andto feedthepoor.Hemaybecomeapopularpreacherof the

gospel,andbethemeansoftheconversionofothers.Hemayevengotoforeign lands, to bear the glad tidings of salvation to the heathen. Hemay,inshort,doeverythingwhichtherealChristiandoes,andfeeleverythingwhichtherealChristianfeels—butone.Hefailsinonesinglepoint,but that is an essential point.Henever has givenhis heart toGod.Heloves the world better than he loves Christ. Thatmost excellent gift ofcharity has never been poured into his heart. His religion may be alltraced to the mere love of happiness, and the operations of a naturalconscience,enlightenedandawakenedbythedoctrinalknowledgeofthetruth.

TheapostlePaulteaches,thatifamanwithoutCHARITY,thatis,lovetoGod andman, should possess angelic eloquence, prophetic knowledge,and the power ofworking the greatestmiracles; yea, if he should havezealstrongenoughtomakehimamartyr,andliberalitygreatenoughtoinducehimtogiveawayallhisgoods,itwould"profithimnothing."Suchaonewould,afterall,beonlyanalmostChristian.

Thedeceitfulheartofmanwillturnitselfintoeveryconceivableformandshape but that of true holiness; of this itmay assume the shadow, butneverthereality.

A.A.

PRAYERAPRIVILEGE

Although God is everywhere present, yet he is invisible. He is an all-pervadingSpirit, yet isperceivedbynoneof our senses.Webeholdhisgloriousworksintheheavensandintheearth,andmaylearnsomething,bycarefulobservation,ofthegenerallawsbywhichthematerialuniverseisgoverned;butstillthegreatArchitectisconcealed.Asfarasreasoncanleadus,weseemtobeshutoutfromallintercoursewithourMaker;andwhetherprayerispermittedwouldremainforeverdoubtful,wereitnotfor divine revelation.We are not surprised, therefore, that some deistshavedeniedthatprayerisaduty,orthatitcanbeavailabletotheDeity.

Indeed, consideringman as a sinner, it would seem presumptuous forsuch a creature to obtrude himself into the presence of a holy God.Naturalreligion,asitiscalled,isnotatallsuitedtothewantsofsinners,butdivinerevelationteachesusthatGodmaybeacceptablyapproachedbysinnersonlythroughthemediationofhisSon.

PrayeriseverywhereintheBiblerecognizedasproper,andinculcatedasaduty.Butitisalsoamostpreciousprivilege,oneoftherichestblessingsconferredonman.ItopensamethodofintercourseandcommunionwithourFatherinheaven;itfurnishesarefugeforthesouloppressedwithsinandsorrow;itaffordsanopportunitytotheheartoverwhelmedwithanintolerableweightofmiserytounburdenitself,topouritsgriefsintotheearofonewhocanpityandhelp.

Themoraleffectofprayerisimportant.Ithumblesthesoul,andexcitesveneration for theaugustandholycharacterofGod.But thoughprayerbringsintoexercisethenoblestactsandemotionsofwhichournatureiscapable,yetitwouldbeagrandmistaketoconfinetheefficacyofprayertotheirmoraleffects.Prayer,whenofferedinfaith,forthingsagreeabletothewillofGod,actuallyobtainsforthepetitionertheblessingswhichheneeds. Ithas anefficacy toobtain forgivenessof sins, thegift of theHolySpirit,anddeliverancefromathousandevils.Prayerentersintotheears of the Lord of sabaoth; the prayer of faith is themightiest engineuponearth.TheLordofheavenhasgivenhiswordtoanswerprayer.Hewillbeinquiredofbyhispeople,thathemayblessthem.

Godcanmakeanymeanseffectual;andamongtheinstitutedmeansforthe government of the world, and the preservation and comfort of hispeople,prayerholdsahighplace.TheobjectionthatGodis immutable,and knows what we need, has no more force against prayer than anyother means—no more force than if urged against the necessity ofcultivating the ground in order to obtain a crop, or receiving food tonourish the body. The Christian life is sustained by prayer. By it everygraceisexercised,everyblessingisobtained.Withoutthesinceredesiresoftheheart,prayerisnothing;itisworse—itisamockery.HeisthebestChristianwhopraysmost.AsGodiseverneartous,"forinhimwelive,andmove,andhaveourbeing,"wearepermittedtoholdintercoursewithhimatall times,andinallplaces.Wearecommandedto"praywithout

ceasing"—to"be instant inprayer"—to"prayeverywhere, liftingupholyhands."

InprayerthereisnotonlyanoutgoingofthesoultoGod,inactsoffaith,love,andconfidence,butthereisanactualcommunicationfromGodtothe soul. Prayer is a holy converse—a fellowship with God. One hourspentinprayer,willaccomplishmoregoodthanmanyemployedinstudyorlabor.Surely,then,itisgoodtodrawnightoGod.

A.A.

AGOODTREE

Treesarebeautifulobjects.Ifwehadneverseenthispartofthecreation,weshouldbefilledwithadmirationatthesight.Astatelyoakorcedarisreallyamajesticobject.Itstandsfirmlybyitsownstrength.Itraisesitshead towards theheavens, and spreadsout its armsonevery side; andwhenverdant,affordsacanopyandgratefulshadetothewearytraveller,andasecurehabitationforthebirdsoftheair.Treesarethehandsomestornaments of gardens andpleasure-grounds.Eden itself,without trees,wouldhavebeenshornofitsglory.

Butatreeladenwithnutritiousfruitisanobjectstillmorebeautifulandinteresting than the trees of the forest.What spectacle is suited to givemorepleasuretothecontemplativemindthanatreebendingundertheweightofpreciousfruit?

Betweennaturalandspiritualobjectsthereisastrikinganalogy.Ofthisthesacredwritersoftenavailthemselves,togivealivelyrepresentationofimportant truths.ThediscoursesofourLordareenrichedandadornedby the employment of striking emblems. His figures are almost allderivedfromnaturalobjects.

Among fruit-trees, the VINE is often mentioned in the Scriptures,becauseeverywhere tobe seen;andwhen loadedwith fine clusters like

thoseofEshcol,thesightismostpleasing.Torepresentthevitalunionofbelievers tohimself,ourLordemploys theunionof thebranches to thevine.Heisthevine,theyarethebranches;andtheeffectofthisunionisfruitfulness.Asabranchseveredfromthevinecannotbearfruit,neithercan believerswithout Christ. And the cogentmotive to induce them tobearmuchfruitis,thattheirFatherinheavenmaybeglorified.

"Make the treegood, andhis fruit good." "By their fruits shall yeknowthem."Noman,bymerelylookingatatree,cantellwhetheritwillbearfruit, or whether the fruit will be good or bad. When we see personsmaking a good profession in the church, we cannot tell whether theirreligionisgenuineorspurious,untilwehaveanopportunityofseeingthefruits.WhenJohntheBaptistcalledmentorepentance,herequiredthem"tobringforthfruitsmeetforrepentance."Agoodlifeisthebestevidenceofsincerityinreligion.HowbeautifulisaconsistentChristiancharacter.Suchaone"doesjustice, lovesmercy,andwalkshumblywithhisGod."Tohisprayershejoinsalms,andheaboundsineverygoodwork.Ashemakeshiswaythroughthissinfulworld,hisbrightexampleshedsalighton all around, and others seeing his good works are led to glorify hisFather inheaven.Hemakesnoostentatiousdisplayofhis religion;andyet his good deeds cannot be hid; they are like the ointment whichbetrayethitself.HeisnotashamedofChristandhisgospel,butgloriesinthe cross, and esteems all things but loss for the excellency of theknowledgeofChrist.

As the trueChristianadvances inyears,his fruitsbecomemoremellowandmature; and he goes on to bring forth fruit, even in old age. Andfinally,likeafruitfullyripe,hedropsintothegrave;buthisworksfollowhim, and he is blessed in death, as the voice from heaven declared,"BlessedarethedeadwhodieintheLord."

A.A.

THEGODLYANDTHEUNGODLY

"Thegodlymanisonethat,beingformerly inastateofsinandmisery,bothstrangeandbackwardtoGodandheavenandaholylife,andpronetoearthly,fleshlypleasures,isnow,bythepowerfulworkofthewordandSpirit of God, converted to unfeigned faith and repentance; broken-hearted forhis former sinandmisery, flying toChrist as theonlyhopeandphysicianofhissoul,andsoismadeanewcreature,havinghisheartsetuponGodandeverlastinglife,andcontemningallthepleasuresoftheflesh and the things of thisworld, in comparisonof his hopes of glory;hatingallknownsin,andnotwilfullylivinginany,andlovingthehighestdegreeofholiness,andwillingtousethemeansthatGodhathappointedtodestroytheremnantsofsin,andbringhimnearertoperfection.Thisisatrulygodlyman.

"Andhewhoisnotsuchisungodly.Hethatyetremainethinhisnatural,depravedstate,andisunacquaintedwiththisgreatandholychange;thathathanysinthathehadratherkeepthanleave,andanythathewilfullylivethin;andwilfullyneglectethKnownduties,asonethathadratherbefree fromthemthanperformthem,andhadrather livea fleshly thanaspiritual and holy life, and ismore in lovewith the creature thanwithGod—withhislifeonearthinfleshandsin,thanalifewithGodandhissaintsinperfectholiness—thismanisundoubtedlyawickedandungodlyman,howcivillyorreligiouslysoeverheseemtoliveintheworld."

A.A.fromBaxter'sLife,etc.

"THOUFOOL"

"Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee." What harshlanguage, some will be ready to say. But it is true; and the occasionrequiresallearnestness.Ifyouseeyourneighbor'shouseonfire,whileheissoundasleepinhisbed,youdonothesitatetoalarmhimwiththemostpenetratingcrythatyoucanutter.Thereasoninbothcasesisofthesamenature, butmuch stronger in the latter, because the loss of the soul isinfinitelygreaterthanthatofthebody;thefiresofhellaremuchmoretobedreadedthananymaterialfire,whichcanonlydestroyproperty,orat

most,shortenlife.

Butwhyisthismancalledafool?Surelyhewasnotsuchintheworld'sestimation.He evidently possessed thewisdom of thisworld.He knewhow to manage his farm successfully. If there was any defect in thisrespect, it was in not building his barns large enough at first. Oftenenterprising, industrious men run far before their own anticipations.Wealthflowsinuponthem,sothattheyhavemorethanheartcouldwish.Thisman,nodoubt,hadlaboredhard,butnowthinksoftakinghisrest,andenteringontheenjoymentofhisrichpossessions.Hesaidtohissoul,"Takethineease,eat,drink,andbemerry."Nocloudappearedinallhishorizontodarkenhisprospects.Hisexpectationwas,notonlyrestfromlabor, and ease from trouble, but actual enjoyment in feasting, andunceasingmirth.Thecourseof this farmerandhissuccessare theveryobjectsatwhich thousandsareconstantlyaiming.They looknohigher;theyasknomorethanhepossessed.Howthenwasheafool?Willnottheepithetapplyas truly tomore thanonehalf thepeople in theworld? Ifthiswereouronlystateofexistence,itwouldbehardtoprovethefollyofsuchacourseandsuchsentiments.Thenmenmightwithsomeshowofreasonsay,"Letuseatanddrink,forto-morrowwedie."Butifthiswereallofman,anddeaththeendofexistence,thescenewillsosoonbeover,andalljoysandsorrowssosoonburiedineternaloblivion,thatitwouldstillbeunreasonabletobesolicitousaboutourcondition.Iftherewerenohereafter, of what account would it now be, whether the thousands ofmillions who have inhabited this globe were sad or merry while theylived?

Thearrantfollyofthisworldling,andofthousandslikehim,consistedinthis, that being the creature of a supreme Being, he neglected to servehim, and took no pains to secure his favor, or to arrest hiswrath. Thefolly of this hemust have felt whenGod spoke to him and said, "Thisnightthysoulshallberequiredofthee."Oh,whatasuddeninterruptiontohisplansoffuturepleasure.What,musthegiveupallhispossessions—his fields loadedwith ripeharvests, the fruit of his anxious toil? In amoment his fond dream of feasting andmirth is terminated. God, hisMaker, calls for him, and none can resist his command. "And whoknoweth the power of his anger?" His soul is required. His account,

whetherpreparedorunprepared,mustberendered."Giveanaccountofthy stewardship." Show inwhatmanner youhave improved the talentscommittedtoyou.Whatgoodusehaveyoumadeoftherichesconferredonyou?

Poor,wretchedman;whatcanhesayforhimself?WhatjustificationcanheofferforalifeofdisobedienceandforgetfulnessofGod?Whithernowcanheturn;whitherfleeforrefugefromhisangryJudge?Alas,thereisnoescape.Hisrichescannotprofithimnow.Thewholeworldcouldnotredeemhissoulfromdestruction;andwhilehisheirsarestrivingabouthis great wealth, his soul is writhing in interminable anguish. Carelessreader, take heed lest this be thy case. Thou art in the samecondemnation.

A.A.

LOOKINGUNTOJESUS

1.Alookofinquiry.WhoisthisJesus?Iseethatheisaman,forIbeholdhimababeinBethlehem.Iseehimclothedwithabodylikeothermen,and growing inwisdom and stature.He has flesh and bones, and eats,drinks,andsleeps.Yes, I seehisbodywoundedandbleeding, laceratedwiththescourge,crownedwiththorns,nailedtothecross.See,hebowshisheadanddies!

Butishenomorethanman?Inthischilddowenotseeraysofdivinityencirclinghissacredhead,andindicatingthatinunionwiththischildisthemightyGod?Divineglorybeamsforthfromhisface.ThisistheonlybegottenSonofGod—Godmanifestintheflesh,possessedofthepowerandknowledgeoftheMostHigh.Igazeuponthismystery.Angelscandonomore.Iamlostinwonder—soarethey.ThisunionoftheinfiniteandfiniteIcannotcomprehend;butIcanadoretheincarnateGod.

Butmy anxious spirit still inquires farther,Why such condescension—suchhumiliation—suchunparalleledsufferings?I learnthatall thiswas

toqualifyhimtobemediatorbetweenajustGodandthesinner.Beingadaysman,hemustlayhishandonboth,andthereforehemustpartakeofthe nature of both. Butmy inquiry farther is,Whatwork, asmediator,does he perform?What offices does he execute? The ancient prophets,fromMosesdownwards,haveforetoldhimasaprophet—apriest—aking.Such offices the sinner needs: he is ignorant, and must have a divineTeacher;heisguiltyandcondemned,andneedsaSaviour—asubstitute—agreatHigh-priest,toofferanatoningsacrificesufficienttosatisfydivinejustice.Itwasthiswhichrequiredhisincarnation,andhisaccurseddeathonthecross.AndtheredeemedsinnerneedsaKingtodeliverhimfromthepowerofhisenemies,andbringhimtoglory.

2.Thelookofinquiryleadsthesoultothelookofconfidence.Thesoul,burdenedwithitsguilt,andwiththefearfulexpectationofcomingwrath,findsnorestnorpeace,untilitgetsaglimpseofthecross;beholdingtheLamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world, it is assured ofpardonandsalvation.Nothingiswantingtoitspeace:justiceissatisfied,the law is fulfilled,precept andpenalty are satisfied,God is reconciled,and conscience can demand no more. "There is peace and joy inbelieving."

3.Alookofdependence.Thepoorbeggarlookstohisbenefactorforreliefand help, because he is benevolent, and especially because he haspromisedhimallneededsupplies.Thebelievingsoul,sensibleofitsownweakness,lookstoJesusforallneededhelpandstrength.Itreliessimplyon his word of promise, knowing that what he hath said he will mostcertainlyperform.

4. "Looking unto Jesus." This is also a longing look—a look of intensedesireafterconformitytohisgloriousandperfectcharacter.Asthechildlooksatthecopy-platewhenheislearningtowrite,sotheChristianlooksuntoChristashisperfectmodel.Itisalookofimitation—copyinghisfairexample.Hislanguageis,"Beyeholy,forIamholy."

5. It is a lookofhope and joyful expectation.Christ is absent fromoursight;butwehavethepromisethathewillcomeagain.Saintsarelookingforhissecondappearance.Thisoftenfillstheirthoughts.They"lovehisappearing," "looking for and hasting to the coming of the day ofGod."

Thisisthelookofconstantwatchfulness,thattheymaybefoundofhimwiththeirloinsgirdedandtheirlampslighted.AllChristiansshouldbeinthe attitude ofwatchers, for they knownot the day nor the hourwhentheirLordcometh.

A.A.

THEKINGOFTERRORS

Hisdominioniswideastheworld;hissubjects,allmenexcepttwo.Histyranny is inexorable.Bynoart,byno flight,bynoconcealment,bynoresistance,canweescape.Deathisthedoomofeveryman.Andwhateverwe do, wherever we be, his approach is unretarded. Every momentlessensthenarrowspanbetweenusanddeath.Itisinvainthatweshutour eyes to the reality of his nearness; this only serves to make thesurprisemoreterriblewhenhe,atanunexpectedhour,pouncesonus.

Death is terrible, because he cuts us off from all our possessions.However painfully and unjustly wealth has been accumulated, andhowevercautiouslythesoulclingstoitstreasure,deathforcesitaway.As"nakedwecameintotheworld,sonakedwemustgoout."Deathseversthestrongest,tenderestbandsofnature;ittakesawaythebelovedwifeatastroke,orthekindhusband;snatcheschildren,tenderlybeloved,fromthe affectionate embrace of their parents—even the only son is notspared; thebondof friendship is rudely sundered,and theaffectionsoftheheartare tornand leftbleedingwithhopelesssorrow.Allplansandprojects are in a moment frustrated, and anticipated pleasures andhonorsareleftbehind.

Death isa terror tomen,because itdrives themintoaworldunknown.We look into the grave and inquire anxiously,What is the conditionofourdepartedfriend;ordoeshestillexistinaconsciousstate?Weseenosignoflife;hegivesnotokenbywhichwecanlearnanythingrespectinghim. We consult the oracle of reason, but there is no satisfactoryresponse;shemutterssomeambiguousanduncertainanswer,butcasts

nolightonthedarknessofthegrave.Oh,howawful,tobeobligedtogodown into a world of darkness, not knowing whither we are going, orwhatisourdestiny!

Thisobscurityisnotallthatterrifies;thereissomethingfarworse.Thisking of terrors comes armed with a tremendous sting. Consciousinnocence would inspire us with courage; but guilt, a sense of sin, afeeling of deserved punishment, above all other things, renders deathterrible. In the gayety and bustle of life, menmay drown the voice ofconscience; or by repeated violations of its dictates, men may enjoytemporary ease; but when death comes near, the voice of the monitorwithinsoundsanalarm.Theguiltysoulwouldgiveworldstobedeliveredfromthestingsofconscience.NothingsocorrodesthesoulwithanguishindescribableasREMORSE.

Acelebratedstatesmanandoratorofourowncountry,whenarrestedbythis king of terrors, wrote on a card this awful word, REMORSE, andnothingmore,andthendied.THESTINGOFDEATHISSIN.Thetimeofdeath is commonly an honest hour. When a man is about to appearbeforehisJudge,whatneedisthereofanyconcealment?Yetsometimestheprideofcharacteranddreadofdisgraceleadmentodissembleevenatthehourofdeath.

Whatatransition,fromtimetoeternity—fromignoranceandunbelief,totherealitiesofthejudgment!

Thus far, there isnothing indeathbut terrors.Hashenootheraspect?Doesnoanimatinglightfromanyquartershineuponthedarknessofthetomb? Yes; I see One rising from the sepulchre with the air of aconqueror. Ihearhimproclaiming,"Iamtheresurrection,andthe life;andwhosoeverliveth,andbelievethinme,shallneverdie."Ihearavoicefromheaven, saying, "Blessedare thedeadwhodie in theLord." I see,throughthenarrowvistaofthegrave,ashininglight.Itbringstoviewthegatesofthecelestialcity.Byfaith,Ibeholdmanyofthedeadenteringin,clothed in robes of light. I hear them singing a songof gratulation andtriumph to their greatKing,whohasbyhis owndeath redeemed themfromthepowerofthegrave.Deathisthennomore"thekingofterrors."Henowappearswiththefaceofanangel.Welcomedeath!Welcomethe

hour of complete deliverance from sin and sorrow, and all the evils towhich fallenman is heir. COME, LORD JESUS, COMEQUICKLY, andreceiveasoulransomedbythybloodintothybosom.

"ThereshallIbathemywearysoul

Inseasofheavenlyrest,

Andnotawaveoftroubleroll

Acrossmypeacefulbreast."

A.A.

HEAVEN

Heaven is a reality, not seen by eyes of flesh, but made known byrevelation, and received by faith. Heaven is a rest from toil, trouble,temptation,andsin.Sucharestisverydesirable,if itwereonlyasweetsleep;butheavenismore.

It is a state of delightful activity. Every faculty and every affectionwillfindappropriateexercise;andprobably latentpowers,notneededhere,will therebewaked intoactivity—powerssuitedto thenewcondition inwhichthesoulexists.

Heavenisfulloflight;alldarknessanddoubtareabsent.Knowledgewilltherebeclear,andwillpossessatransformingefficacy;still,knowledgeinheaven will be progressive; the pleasure will partly consist in everlearningsomethingunknownbefore.

Heaven is a regionofperfect love; all theheart andmindand strengthwillbeexertedinlove;andifthepoweroflovingshould,intheprogressof the immortal soul, be increased a thousand-fold, all this increasedabilitywillbekeptconstantlyinfullstretchbythelovelinessandgloryofthe objects of affection. CHRIST is the centre of attraction in heaven.

From him radiate the rays of divine glory which enliven, attract, andbeautifyalltheinnumerablehostofworshippers.Loveinheavenispure,perfect,andreciprocal.Hewholoves,cannotbesatisfiedwithoutareturnof affection. And the more exalted and excellent the character of thepersonbeloved,thesweeterthesenseofhisfavor.Heavenlyjoyconsistsinlovingwithalltheheart,andinbeingbeloved.Asheavenisasociety,themembersarehappynotonlyinlovingtheirKing,butinmutuallove.There will exist no envy, nor jealousy, nor apathy; every soul will betransparent to every other, and all will see that nothing but pure loveexistsineveryheart.

Heavenisaplaceofpeace—sweetpeaceanduninterruptedharmony;alldisturbingelementswillbeleftbehind.InthesymbolicalheavensoftheRevelation,we readofwars;but in theheavenwhere saintsandangelsdwellandworship,warcanhavenoplace.Theatmosphereofheavenisexemptfromallmalaria;itispurityitself;allsinandimpurityaredeniedadmissionintothatholyplace.

Heavenisaplaceofsong:highaffectionsareexpressedincelestialmusic.Ohowelevating,howdelightful themelodies!Heavenisanunchangingstate; or all change is advancement in knowledge, in dignity, inhappiness.

A.A.

THEJUDGMENT

Andis itcertainthatImustappearat the judgment?Yes."Wemustallappear before the judgment-seat of Christ." And must I there give anaccountofmyactions?Undoubtedly;everyonewillbejudged"accordingtothathehathdone,whetheritbegoodorbad."Andwillmymostsecret

iniquities be revealed in the light of that day? Theywill. "ForGodwillbring everywork into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it begood,orwhetheritbeevil."

Must I render anaccountofmywords aswell asmyactions?Even so."ButIsayuntoyou,thateveryidlewordthatmenshallspeak,theyshallgiveaccountthereof,inthedayofjudgment."Willanyaccountbetakenofourthoughts,andofthedesiresandimaginationsoftheheart,onthatday?Mostcertainly;fortheheartisthesourceofallwickedness,andGodknowsandrememberseveryevilthoughtwhicheverpassedthroughtheminds ofmen: these come under the class of "secret things;" and it iswritten, "God will judge the secrets of men," in that day, "by JesusChrist."Perhapsthisrelatestosecretactions.Notalone;foritiswritten,"Thereforejudgenothingbeforethetime,untiltheLordcome,whobothwillbringtolightthehiddenthingsofdarkness,andwillmakemanifestthecounselsofthehearts."

Will all sinners fare alike on that day? All impenitent sinners will becondemned to everlasting misery; but there will be a wide differencebetween the punishment of those who sinned in ignorance, and thosewho sinned in the midst of light and against light. It will be moretolerable forSodomandGomorrah than forBethsaidaandCapernaum."ThatservantthatknewhisMaster'swill,andcommittedthingsworthyofstripes,shallbebeatenwithmanystripes;whilehethatknewnothisMaster's will, and committed things worthy of stripes, shall be beatenwithfewstripes."Everymanshallreceiveaccordingtohiswork."Thisisthe condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men chosedarknessratherthanlight,becausetheirdeedswereevil."

Is the judgmentdaydetermined?Yes. "Forhehathappointedaday, inwhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbythatmanwhomhehathordained." Is there reason to think that that day is near at hand? It isnearernowthaneverbefore.Itcomesonapace;butofthatdayandthathourknowethnoman,northeangelsinheaven.

Will anyman be able to stand in the judgment?None but such as areclothedintherighteousnessofChrist: theseshallnotonlybeacquitted,but their imperfect works of faith and labors of love shall be richly

rewarded. All others shall be condemned. No man's morality or goodworkscanstandthescrutinyofthatday.AllnotinterestedinChristwillbecastintoouterdarkness;theywillheartheJudge'ssentence,"Depart,accursed,intoeverlastingfire."

A.A.

ADISTANTVIEWOFNEWYORK

Within that small space nearly half amillion of souls are congregated.There are the rich and luxurious, living in splendid palaces, and faringsumptuously every day; and there are the wretched, suffering poor,crowded together in dark alleys, and lying sick in garrets and obscurecorners,destituteofeverycomfort.Andyettheseandalltheintermediateclassesareofoneblood,andareallhasteningtoasimilarend.

Ifwecouldbring intooneviewthecountlessvarietyof feelingwhichatthismomentagitates thebreastsof thisgreatmultitude,whatastrangespectaclewouldbeexhibited.Whilesomearerejoicinginscenesofmirthand revelry, others are groaning under the pressure of excruciatingdisease.Whiletherichandgayareindulginginthehighestexhilaration,forgetfulofthefuture,afargreaternumberareoppressedwithwant,andbowed down with incurable disease, or with the burden of increasingyears.

As the contrast, on such a view, would be great between the joys andsorrows of the inhabitants of a large city, the difference of moralcharacterisnolessmarked.Howmanyareemployedinworksofshame,which shun the light of day. How many minds teem with schemes ofwickedness, a large part of which they are never able to execute.Providence often places a barrier in the way of those who enterpriseschemesofvillainyandmurder.Howshouldwerejoice,andbethankful,thatinthisemporiumofAmerica,wherethepractisersofenormousvicesoabound,Godhasprovidedaconservativebody,bywhoseinfluencethewickednessof themultitudeofevil-doers isrestrained.Wespeaknotof

the efforts of the magistracy, and the watchfulness and energy of thenumerouspolice,thebenefitsofwhich,however,areinestimable;butourreference is to a class of men and women, found in every Christiandenomination, who are not conspicuous in society, but who laborincessantly to check the progress of abounding iniquity. These truefriends of man are found operating with inextinguishable zeal andindefatigableindustryindisseminatinggospeltruth,inadmonishingandexhortingtransgressors,andinunceasingsupplicationstotheGodofallgrace, to send down, in copious effusions, the influences of the HolySpirit,fortheconvictionandconversionofsinners.

Those tall spires, which first meet the traveller's eye, and attract hisattention in approaching the city, furnish interesting associations. Asthesepointtoheaven,theygiveusthedelightfulassurancethatthefearof God is not banished from the place. There is here a worshippingpeople. Numerous assemblies flow into the spacious churches, whosedoorsareopentoallontheChristianSabbath.Inthesehallowedtemplesthe preacher of the gospel dispenses "the word of life;" thousands andtens of thousands drink in the precious truth, and are enlightened,strengthened, and encouraged to go forward in their contest with thepowersofdarkness.ThepulpitisGod'sdeviceforthedestructionoftheworks of the devil; no wonder, then, that Satan's greatest malice isdirected against the pulpit. The influence of a sound, able, evangelicalministryonsuchacityisunspeakablygreat,notonlyinthepositivegoodaccomplished, but in the unknown evils which are prevented by thepowerofthetruthontheconsciencesofmen.Itisonlybythepreachingofthegospelthatahealthytoneofmoralsispreserved.Bymeansofthesentiments often advanced in the public periodical prints, and by theinfluence of the theatre, and even of legislative and judicial bodies, thestandardofChristianmoralsislowered.Theconservativepoweragainstthis tendency is the gospel. Take this away, and the deterioration ofmoralswouldbeappalling.

We cannot omit also those obscure, but truly benevolent and usefulpersons,whoare seenpenetrating into thedarkest recessesof vice andinfamy, bearing in their hands precious tracts, andwhose lips are everready to pour forth from a benevolent heart words of exhortation,

admonition, and encouragement. The Lord prosper the self-denyingcompany of tract distributers; they are more efficient, and no lessnecessarythanthecitywatch.

A.A.

WHATTHEDISCIPLESSAW

"Blessedaretheeyeswhichseethethingsthatyesee,"saidourSaviour;"for I tell you thatmany prophets and kings have desired to see thosethingswhich ye see, and have not seen them, and to hear those thingswhichyehear,andhavenotheardthem."

What things did the disciples see and hear which prophets and kingsdesiredtoseeandwerenotgratified?TheysawtheSEEDofthewoman,predicted in paradise to bruise the old serpent's head. They saw thepersonwhowas todescend fromAbraham, inwhomall the familiesoftheearthshouldbeblessed.TheysawtheLambofGod,whomIsaacsostrikinglytypified,whenhewaslaiduponthealtartobesacrificed.Goddidnotsuffer thestroke to falluponIsaac,buthedidnotwithhold theswordofjusticewhenhisownSonstoodintheroomofsinners;butsaid,"Awake, O sword, against the man that is my fellow—smite theshepherd."

TheysawSHILOH,towhomwastobethegatheringofthepeople.Theysaw Messiah, the prophet whom God promised to raise up, like untoMoses—theKingMessiah,whomGodpromisedtosituponhisholyhillofpower. They saw the Priest whom God sware that he would raise, notaftertheorderofAaron,butaftertheorderofMelchizedek.

TheysawIMMANUEL,thewonderfulchild,whohadthegovernmentonhis shoulders. The branch from the root of Jesse and stem of David,whosekingdomwastobeeverlasting.Theysawthe"Wordmadeflesh.""Godmanifestintheflesh."TheeternalSonofGod,thebrightnessofhisglory, and express image of his person. They saw the stupendous and

beneficent miracles wrought by Jesus, in the healing of all manner ofdiseasesbyawordoratouch,andevenatadistance.Theysawhimgivesight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and life to the dead. Theywerewitnessesofhispowerovertheelementsincommandingthewindsandtheseatobestill,andtheseboisterouselementsobeyedhim.Alsowhenhemultipliedafewloavesandfishes,soastofeedthousandsofhungrypeople, they were the dispensers of his bounty to the multitude, andgatheredupoffragments,afterthefeastwasover,vastlymorebreadthanwasoriginallypossessed.

Theysawthe"Manofsorrows,"whosevisagewasmarredmorethananyman, and his formmore than the sons of men. They saw the Lord ofglory,towhombelongedtheworldandthefulnessthereof,sopoor,thatwhilethefoxeshadholes,andthebirdsoftheairnests,hehadnowhereto lay his head. And soon after thesewordswere spoken, they saw thePrinceof lifedyingbetween two thieves,as thoughhehadbeenachiefmalefactor.Yes,theysawtheauthoroflifeexpireindeath,andlaidinthegraveapaleandlifelesscorpse.Butsoontheysawthattombempty,andwerepermittedtoseetheSaviourrisentolife,intheselfsamebody.Theyinspectedthewoundsinhishands,his feet,andhisside.Theysawhimtransformed, so that he ascended to heaven before their eyes, in likemanner as he will be seen when he makes his second appearance. Alltheseweresightswhichprophetsandkingsdesiredtosee,butsawthemnot.

Andtheirearswerealsoblessed.TheearisanorganexpresslyblessedofGod,for"faithcomethbyhearing."ThewordofGodcommonlygoesintotheheartthroughtheear,ratherthanthroughtheeye.TheapostlesheardJesus preach,who spoke as neverman spoke. They heard the graciouswordswhichproceeded fromhismouth.Theyheard thesermonon themount.Theyheardallhisstrikingandbeautifulparables,andtheirlucidexplanation.Theyheardhiskindinculcationsandgraciouspromises,hisprayers and his predictions. They heard what made their hearts burnwithinthem.

Butmenmay be blessedwhohave not seen, but have believed.As ourLord said to Thomas, "Thomas, because thou hast seenme, thou hastbelieved:blessedaretheythathavenotseen,andyethavebelieved."

A.A..

DECEITFULNESSOFSIN

All sin takes its origin from false viewsof things.Our first parentshadnever sinned,had theynotbeendeceivedby the tempter.Eve saw thatthe forbidden fruitwas beautiful, and shewas persuaded also good forfood,that is,pleasanttothetasteandnutritious.Herewasadeception.Thisfruitwasneverintendedfornourishment,whatevermighthavebeenits flavor. It was intended for trial, and not for food. But the greatestdeceptionpractisedonourfirstmotherbythearchbeguilerwas,thattheeatingofthisfoodwouldmakeherwisetoknowgoodandevil,evenasitis known to God. The deceitful words of the tempter wrought thisunfoundedpersuasioninhermind.Thedesireofknowledgeisnatural,apartofman'soriginal constitution, aswell as the appetite for food;butthese natural propensities are not to be indulged by everymeans, andgratified on all occasions, but should be kept under the government ofreasonandconscience.Thebrutesweremadetobegovernedbyappetiteand instinct; butman is the subject of law, and he cannot but feel thebinding obligation of law. He is a moral agent, and may properly besubjectedtoatrialwhetherhewillobeythelawofhisCreator.

Howwidelydifferentdoessinappearafter it iscommittedfromwhat itdidbefore.Passionorcravingappetitecreatesa falsemediumbywhichthe unwary soul is deceived, and led into transgression. After our firstparents sinned, "their eyes were opened." A sense of guilt unknownbeforenow seized them, and thiswas like a new vision—not of beauty,butodiousdeformity.Innocencewaslost.Shameandconfusiontaketheplace of peace and purity. Unhappy change! The guilty pair are nowsensible of their great mistake, of their guilty act, of their disgracefulcondition, of their ruined state. TheirWhole race is ruined.What willthey do when their Creator shall make his usual visit—heretofore sodelightful and instructive? Hark, he comes—his voice is heard in thegarden.Thewretched culprits are seizedwith terror and consternation.

Guilt causes them to flee from the presence of the best and kindest offathers.Theytrytohidethemselves.Theyrunintothedensestthicketsofthetreesofthegarden.ButtheycannotconcealthemselvesfromtheeyeofOmniscience.TheycannotescapefromthearmoftheAlmighty,muchlessresisthispower.

Behold, the Creator not finding his creature man in his proper place,sendsforthavoice,whichmusthavebeenlikethemostterriblethunder,when the awful sound penetrated his ear, and resounded through hiswhole soul: "Adam, where art thou?" Trembling, the guilty pair comeforth tomeet the frownsof adispleasedand righteousJudge.Weneedpursuetheinterestinghistorynofartheratpresent.

Fromthisfirsttransgression,bywhichsinenteredintotheworld,wemayformsomeideaofitsdeceitfulnature.Thisfirstsinisasortofexemplarofallothersins.Astheyflowfromthisasstreamsfromafountain,theyall partake of the poison of their origin. In all sin there is some bait—some apparent good—some expectation of pleasure or profit fromunlawful indulgence. In all sin themind is under a delusive influence.Rightthoughtsandmotivesareforthemomentforgottenoroverborne;the attention, like the eye of a fascinatedbird, is fixedon apoint fromwhich it cannot be withdrawn. The enticement prevails, and guilt iscontracted.

A.A.

WELLSOFSALVATION

"Withjoy,"saysIsaiah,"shallyedrawwateroutofthewellsofsalvation."Pure water is often employed by the sacred writers as the emblem ofgrace. The figure is used in several different senses. Water representspurity;andthewashingwithwater,thepurificationofthesoul."Inthatday," says Zechariah, "shall a fountain be opened for sin anduncleanness." "Wash ye,make you clean," says Isaiah; and in theNewTestament,we readof "thewashingof regeneration," of being "bornof

water," and of having our "bodies washed with pure water." Theordinanceofbaptismevidentlyimplies,amongotherthings,this,aswassaidbyAnaniastoPaul,"Arise,andbebaptized,andwashawaythysins."

Butaswaterisnecessarytothecomfortoflife,yea,toitsveryexistence,we find it oftenused as an emblemof life and refreshment. "Ho, everyonethatthirsteth,comeyetothewaters.""Onthelast, thegreatdayofthefeast,Jesusstoodandcried,Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntomeand drink." And Christ said to the Samaritanwomanwhom hemet atJacob'swell,"IfthouknewestthegiftofGod,andwhoitisthatsaith,giveme todrink, thouwouldsthaveaskedofhim,andhewouldhavegiventhee livingwater." And again, "Whosoever drinketh of thewater that Ishallgivehim,shallneverthirst;butthewaterthatIshallgivehim,shallbe inhimawellofwater springingup intoeverlasting life."And in thebook of Revelation we have one of the sweetest, richest texts on thissubject: "The Spirit and the bride say, Come.And let him that hearethsay,Come.Andlethimthatisathirstcome.Andwhosoeverwill,lethimtakethewateroflifefreely."

Another use of certain waters among men is, for healing diseases.Medicinalspringsaresoughtafterandresortedtoallovertheworld;butIdonot find that, except in caseofmiraculoushealing, anymention ismade of water as medicinal in the Bible. The pool of Bethesda wasfamous,inthetimeofourSaviour,forthehealingvirtueofitswaters;butthis,wearetold,wasowingtoamiraculouscause:"Anangeldescendedintothepool,atcertainseasons,andtroubledthewater;andwhosoeverfirst, after the troubling of the water, stepped in, was made whole ofwhatsoeverdiseasehehad."So,also,wereadintheOldTestament,thatNaamantheSyrian,bythedirectionofElisha,washealedofaninveterateleprosybydippinghimselfseventimesintheriverJordan.AndtheblindmanwhomourSaviourhealedbyplacingclayonhiseyes,wasdirectedtogoandwashinthepoolofSiloam;and"hewent,andwashed,andcameseeing."

If there should be a miraculous fountain opened in some part of theworld,whichhadthevirtueofcuringallsortsofbodilydiseases,whatanamazing rushwould there be to reach it by the rich and the poor. Theways leading to itwouldbe constantly crowdedwithpilgrimsseekinga

cureof theirvariousdiseases.Thesickanddecrepid,aswhenourLordwasonearth,wouldbebornebytheirfriendsandbathedinthefountainoflife.Thesuperstitiousheathentravelhundredsandthousandsofmilestovisitsomefountainsupposedtopossessahealingvirtue;andinsomepopish countries, sacred wells are visited at certain seasons by a poordeluded people, who expect healing from waters which possess nohealingqualitybutwhatimaginationgivesthem.

ButwhenitisannouncedthataWELLOFSALVATIONisopenedforthehealingofthemaladiesofthesoul,verylittleinterestisfeltbymostinthetidings.Menarenotsensibleoftheirspiritualdiseases,andthereforedonotseekacure.Yea,theyareundersuchadirefuldelusion,thattheyareunwillingtobehealed:theyfondlycherishtheirmortalmaladies,andareoftenoffendedwhenurgedtocometothewellsofsalvationtobehealed.

Afew,however,arethirstingforsalvation,andtheyrejoicetohearthatafountain is actually springing up in this wilderness, to which they arefreelyinvited.Suchcomewithjoytothewellsofsalvation.AndOh,howsweetaretherepeateddraughtsofthewateroflifewhichtheydrinkin!Othersaredeeplyaffectedwiththeconvictionoftheirmoraldefilement.Theyardentlydesirecleansing.Toallsuchwebringgladtidings,whenweannouncethat"afountainisopenedforsinanduncleanness."Doyouaskwhere?Inthegospel—inCHRIST,whoisthecentreandsubstanceofthegospel.

A.A.

CHRISTTHEBELIEVER'SLIFE

He is thebeliever's life, becausehehas redeemedhim fromdeath.Thesentence of death, eternal death, has gone forth against every sinner."Thewagesofsinisdeath.""Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthings written in the book of the law to do them." From this curse allbelievers are delivered by Christ, who endured the curse for them. Tosuch"thereisnocondemnation;"andtheyareadoptedintothefamilyofGod, andmade heirs of eternal life. They stand completely justified onaccountoftheperfectrighteousnessoftheirSurety.Thisexemptionfromdeath,andtitletolife,couldinnootherwaybeobtainedthanbyChrist'smaking a sacrifice of his own precious life. Christ is held forth as aRedeemer, andhis greatwork as a redemption. The persons redeemedarecondemnedcriminals,whocanbereleased innootherway thanbythe payment of a ransom. This Christ has paid, satisfying, by his"obedienceuntodeath,"both lawandjustice.Thusthebelieverhas life,not by virtue of his ownobedience, but only throughChrist.His unionwithChristgiveshimatitletothelifewhichhehasprocured.

Again,Christ is the sourceof spiritual life to thebeliever.Bynatureallmenaredead intrespassesandsins.Spiritual lifewas lost to thewholehumanracebythetransgressionofAdam.If therewereonlyasparkoflife in thehumansoul, itmightbecherished,andbyassiduousculture,might grow tomaturity.But inman's corrupt nature there dwellethnogoodthing.Allthethoughtsandimaginationsofhisheartare"onlyevilcontinually."To introduce life into thedepravedsoul, asmuchrequirestheexertionofomnipotenceas to createmanat first.God,whocausedlight to shine out of darkness, must shine into the heart. By theindwellingoftheHolySpirit,whichChristsendsforth,thesoulisunitedtoChrist,andfromhimderiveslife.Justasthebranchderivesnutrimentfromthevine,sothebelieverreceivesfromChrist,hisspiritualhead,vitalinfluences, by which he lives. This communication of life is calledregeneration,or thenewbirth.Personswhoexperience this changeare"bornoftheSpirit,""bornfromabove."

AndasChrististheauthorofthislifeinitscommencement,soheisthe

cause of its preservation and growth. Every kind of life requiresnourishment;andthisspiritualprinciple,calledbytheapostle"thenewman,"must be fed. Christians are compared to "new-born babes,"whonaturallythirstforthepuremilkoftheword,thattheymaygrowthereby.Their growth depends very much on their increase in knowledge; thewordofGod,therefore,isthemeansofthebeliever'sadvancementinthedivinelife.BytheSpiritofChristthewordismadeeffectual;andChristhimselfisthesumandsubstanceoftheword.Thewordtestifiesofhim.ThewordexhibitsChristas"theonlybegottenoftheFather,fullofgraceandtruth."Asthebodyissupportedandmadetogrowbybread,whichiscalled "the staff of life," so Christ is "the bread that came down fromheaven." The believer eats his flesh and drinks his blood, "not after acorporealandcarnalmanner,butbyfaith.""Thefleshprofitethnothing."Christ guards against any gross interpretation of his words by saying,"The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."Spirituallifecannotbenourishedbyflesh.

Another respect in which Christ is the life of the believer, is theresurrectionofthebody."Iam,"sayshe,"theresurrectionandthelife.""He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; andwhosoever liveth and believeth inme shall never die." "As inAdam alldie,evensoinChristshallallbemadealive."Thebodiesofbelieversareunited toChrist aswell as their souls.The saintsdo thereforewait andhope for "the redemption of the body," and they shall not bedisappointed. Forwe "look for the Saviour, the Lord JesusChrist,whoshallchangeourvilebody,thatitmaybefashionedlikeuntohisgloriousbody, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue allthingsuntohimself."

Finally, Christ will be the source of the believer's life through eternity.TheunionbetweenChristandhismembersshallneverbedissolved.Hewill foreverbethefountainfromwhichtheirhappinessflows."Hethathath the Son, hath life." "The gift of God is eternal life through JesusChrist our Lord." "And this is the record, that God hath given to useternallife,andthislifeisinhisSon."Howemphaticallymayitthenbesaid, thatCHRIST ISTHEBELIEVER'SLIFE.He is indeed "all in all."And theywhohave received the Lord Jesus, possess every thingwhich

theycanreallyneed.Theyarecomplete inhim;for"ofGod,heismadeunto them wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, andredemption.""Allthingsaretheirs,whetherPaul,orApollos,orCephas,orlife,ordeath,orthingspresent,orthingstocome;allaretheirs:andtheyareChrist's,andChristisGod's."

A.A.

ANSWERTOPRAYERLONGDEFERRED

Half a century past, the writer was accustomed to frequent places ofworshipwherethehousesweresituatedinagrove,orratherinthemidstof the trees of a dense forest, and far from any human habitation.Although themeeting-houses, as theywere thencalled,were frequentlyunfurnished—amereshellwithoutceiling—yet therewasasolemnity intheseplacesofworshipwhichwasbetter adapted topromotedevotion,thanallthemostsplendidachievementsofarchitecture.Nosombrelightlet in through paintedwindows ever affectedmymind like the solemnshadeandstillnessofthenaturalgrowthoftheforest.

On a certain occasion, when the Lord's supper was about to besolemnized inoneof thesehumble churches, Iwent early, that Imightavoidtheconversationanddustofthemultitudeontheroad,andmighthave an opportunity of solitary meditation under the venerable treeswhichencompassedthehouseofprayer.IthoughtsurelythatIshouldbefirstontheground;butIwasmistaken.Isawanelderlygentleman,whohadjustsecuredhishorsetoaboughofatree,comingtowardsthehousetomeetme;anduponhisnearingme,Irecognizedanoldacquaintance,atwhosehouseIhadlodgedinmyjourneyingsmorethanonce.Hehadformerly been an elder in a Presbyterian church of somenote, but hadremoved into a neighborhood where there were then scarcely anyPresbyterians.Travellingministers,however,oftencalleduponhimandpreachedinhishouse,oratsomeplaceinhisvicinity.AsIbelievedhimto be a very piousman,well informed and zealous for the truth, Iwaspleasedtomeetwithhimandholdcommunionwithhim.

After some general remarks, we got upon the subject of the efficacy ofprayer;andasIwasyoung,andhewasagedandexperienced,Iwasgladtothrowtheburdenoftheconversationonhim,andhewasnotunwillingtospeakonasubjectwhichseemedtolienearhisheart.Inthecourseofconversation,herelatedtomeapieceofhisownexperience.Hesaidthathisoldestson,whowasalawyerofsomeeminence,hadasunblemishedamoral character as anyman in the land; and yet, though respectful toreligion, he never had manifested any serious concern about his ownsalvation. "But," said he, "I have had such nearness to God, and suchliberty in prayer for his conversion, that I believe those prayerswill beansweredinduetime,whetherIlivetoseeitornot.Indeed"saidhe,"onone occasion I am persuaded that God gaveme an assurance that myprayerinhisbehalfwouldbeanswered."

This,Iconfess,appearedtomesomewhatlikeenthusiasm,butImadenoreply;andsoonourconversationwasterminatedbythegatheringofthepeople.Ithought,however,thatIwouldrememberthismatter,andfromtimetotimemakeinquiryrespectingthepersonwhoseconversionwassoconfidently expected by his father. Soon after this, the old elder wasgatheredtohisfathers,anddiedinfaithandpeace.Butresidingfarfromhis abode, I know not the particular exercises of his mind as heapproached thebordersof theotherworld.For someyears I forgot theconversation,andmadenoinquiry;butsomepersonwhowasacquaintedwith the family, informedme that after his father's death, this son fellinto habits of intemperance; that, in fact, he became a mere sot,remaining at home and stupefying himself with alcoholic drinks everyday.Suchacaseappearedtomenearlyhopeless.Ihadseldomknownamanthusbroughtunderthepowerofstrongdrinktorecoverhimself.Inow thought that the good old father had been deluded by a livelyimagination.Andformanyyearseveryreportrespectingthesonseemedtorenderthecasemorehopeless.

But behold the truth and faithfulness of a prayer-hearing God. See anexample of the efficacy of fervent and importunate prayer, though theanswer was long deferred. This man, after continuing in intemperatehabits until the age of seventy or more, has recently been completelyreclaimed,andnotonlydeliveredfromthatvice,butsoundlyconverted

toGod.Henotonlygivesevidenceofachange,butappearstobeeminentinthepracticeofpiety.Ifnowliving,andIhavenotheardofhisdecease,hemustbeabouteightyyearsofage.HowwonderfularethewaysofGod.His faithfulness never faileth; it reacheth unto the clouds. "Thyfaithfulness isuntoallgenerations.""Othatmenwouldpraise theLordfor his goodness, and for hiswonderfulworks to the children ofmen.""Forthevisionisyetforanappointedtime;butattheenditshallspeak,andnotlie:thoughittarry,waitforit,becauseitwillsurelycome,itwillnottarry."Hab.2:3.

Letpiousparents learnnevertogiveoverprayingfortheirunconvertedchildren, however hopeless the case may seem to be, for God will infaithfulnessheartheirsupplications,andanswerthemsoonerorlaterinonewayoranother.

A.A.

WHYHALTBETWEENTWOOPINIONS?

Betweentruthanderror,lightanddarkness,thereisaperpetualconflict.Everyhumansoulexperiencessomethingof this.Evidence isalwaysonthesideof truth;butby themindblindedbyprejudiceandpassion theevidenceoftruthisnotseen,ornotperceivedwithsufficientclearnesstogive it efficacy. Amind under the influence of depraved dispositions isincapableofjudgingimpartiallyofthenatureandevidenceoftruth;itisstrongly biassed by inclination to sinful indulgence; and by a fixedaversion to every thing which tends to restrain the evil desires of thecorruptheart.Yet someraysof lightwillat timesdart intosuchasoul,andawakenseriousreflection;andconsciencecannotbeeasywhen theobligationofdutyisfelt,andthecoursepursuedisseentobeaseriesoftrangressionsofGod'sholylaw.ConscienceassertstherightfulauthorityofGod,andtestifiesagainstknownsin.

Thesinner isbrought toapause.Thethoughtsofdeath, judgment,andeternity,areawful.Hebeginstothinkofareformation,thenecessityof

whichhecannotdoubt;butsomedarlinglustputsinitspleaandsolicitsindulgence. The deceitful heart promises, that if now indulged, it willconsent to forsake the beloved sin at some future time—perhaps itpromisesnevertosolicitforindulgenceagain."Thisonceonly"hasbeenthepleawhichhasoftendecidedtheeternaldestinyofanimmortalsoul.

Whenthetruthisheardfromthepulpit,thesinnerisoftenbroughttoastand. He is convinced that his course of life is wrong, and that ifpersisted in, it must end in ruin. For a moment he hesitates—haltsbetween two opinions—between truth and error, between duty andtransgression,betweenthechoiceoflifeordeath;buttoooftenthepauseismomentary, the hesitation which is painful is brought abruptly to aclose.

The young man just entering on the path of sinful indulgence, whoseconscience isnotyetseared,andwhohassomeknowledgeof thetruth,hastopassthroughmanyatremendousstrugglewithhisownconsciencebeforehecangoon inhis sinful coursewithoutopposition.Often ishebroughttohaltbetweentwoopinions.Oftendoesheresolvetobreakthechains of iniquity which begin to entwine around him; but theseresolutionsarelikethecordsonSamson'sarms—underthepowerofthenext temptation, they are like tow before the fire. Repeated effortsprovingineffectual,thevanquishedsoulgivesitselfupawillingcaptivetoSatan.Allseriousoppositionceases.Andnowthesinnerbeginstojustifyhis courseby error and infidelity.Hebecomes ingenious in findingoutarguments in favor of his licentious course.Hereafter there is nomorehaltingbetweentwoopinions;heiscarrieddownthestrongcurrent,untilheplungesintotheabyssofperdition.

TheprophetaddressedtheidolatrousIsraeliteswiththequestion,"Howlonghaltyebetweentwoopinions?IftheLordbeGod,followhim;butifBaal, then follow him." The object of Elijah was to bring them to adecision, one way or the other. Nothing is more unreasonable thanhesitation inamatter so important, andwhere thedutyand interestofthoseaddressedweresomanifest.Butstilltheyarelefttochoose.IftheyarewillingtoserveGod,well;ifnot,choosewhomyewillserve.Onlyhaltnolonger.Godhatesthisperpetualvacillation."Iwouldthouwertcoldorhot,"saysChrist."Sothen,becausethouartlukewarm,andneithercold

norhot,Iwillspuetheeoutofmymouth."

Sinner,make up yourmind. You are left at perfect liberty. There is noconstraint, no coercion. God will have none but willing servants. Butknow, that if you make a wrong choice, if your mind adopt a wrongpurpose,anddeterminetofollowanevilcourse,youwillhavenoonetoblamebutyourself.

A.A.

PREPARATIONFORDEATH

You are placed in solemn circumstances. Eternity rolls its boundlesswaves just before you.Every year, everymonth, everyweek, every day,everyhourlessensthedistancebetweenyouandtheunchangeablestatetowhich you are hastening. The precisemoment of your entrance intothisuntried,unknownworldishiddenfromyou.Deathoftencomesandknocks at thedoor at a timewhen least expected.At a timewhenmenthink not they receive the awful summons. And often they are hurriedaway, little time being allowed for preparation.Many,while they knowtheymust die at some time, never in their lives think seriously of thematter.Whenthesummonsreachesthem,theyaretakenbysurprise.Itis practically a new subject; they are alarmed, and filled withconsternation.They cling tohopeas longas there is a rayofhope thatthey may be spared a little longer. But when it is announced to theunhappysuffererthatthereisnohopeofrecovery—thatthephysicianhasgiven him up, O what a poignant anguish pierces the soul! Who candescribethehorrorbywhichtheguiltysinnerisoverwhelmed?

Areyoupreparedfordeath?Someoneisperhapsreadytosay,"Iamnoworse thanmyneighbors. Ihaveneverdoneany thingverybad. Ihavetriedtoliveagoodlife;IhopethatIshallfindfavoroftheLordwhenIcometodie."Andisthisallthegroundofhopeyouhave?Areyouwillingto appear before the judgment-seat with no better righteousness thanthis?Thoughyoumayhavelivedadecentmorallife,yetyouhavefailed

toloveGodwithallyourheart.Hisserviceyouhavehabituallyneglected.The offers of mercymade in the gospel you have rejected. Unless youobtainabetterpreparation,yoursoulwillbelost,andyourmiserywillbegreat.Andthoughyoumaybeinnoworseaconditionthanmanyofyourneighbors,yetitwillbesmallalleviation,whenenduringthetormentsofthedamned,thatmanyothersareinthesamecondemnation.Nodoubttheythatperishwillhavecompanyenough,butthiswillbenoalleviation,butperhapsanaggravationoftheirmisery."Wideisthegateandbroadisthe way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go inthereat."TheJudgeisatthedoor.Beyethereforeready.

A.A.

THECROSS

Whencecamethetreefromwhichthecrosswasmade?Whathasbecomeoftheparticlesofwhichitwascomposed?Whathandswereemployedinpreparingthisinstrumentofacrueldeath?Tosuchquestionsnoanswercan be given, and none is needed. The cross was a common mode ofpunishmentamongseveralnations,andamongtheRomanswasreservedfor the punishment of slaves and the vilest malefactors. It was nevermadeuseofbytheJews.If theyhadhadthepowerof lifeanddeathintheirhandswhenChristsuffered,thepunishmentfortheoffenceallegedagainst him would have been stoning. But by the ordering of divineProvidence,ourLordwasput todeath in thatwaywhichwasaccursed,accordingtotheJewishlaw;foritwaswritten,"Cursediseveryonethathangethonatree."

ThedeathofChristonthecrossmaywellbereckonedmysterious,foritwasat thesametimeacursedandablesseddeath.Christwas"madeacurseforus,"thathemightdeliverusfromthecurseofthelaw.AndyetChrist'sdeathonthecrossisthemostblessedeventwhicheveroccurredintheworld;foronthecrossthepriceofourredemptionwaspaid.Christ"bore our sins in his own body on the tree."He died, "the just for theunjust," to bring us untoGod. This led Paul to say, "God forbid that I

shouldglory, save in thecrossofourLordJesusChrist."Thecross isacentre in which many lines of truth meet. The cross is anincomprehensiblemystery.ThatGodshouldbemanifest in the flesh, isthe great "mystery of godliness." That the Prince of life should becrucified, was an event which caused the angels to stoop from theircelestial thrones, that they might gaze upon it. The prophets whopredicted these events were perplexed at their own prophecies,"searchingwhat,orwhatmanneroftime,theSpiritofChristwhichwasinthemdidsignify,whenittestifiedbeforehandthesufferingsofChrist."

The truths which are exhibited in a clear and strong light by thecrucifixionofChrist,aresuchasthese:

1. The infinite evil of sin,which in order to its pardon required such asacrifice.

2. The holiness and justice of God, whichwould not suffer sin to passwithout full evidence of the divine disapprobation, and his inflexiblepurposetovisititwithcondignpunishment.

3.ThewisdomofGod, incontrivingamethodofsalvationbywhichhisownglorywouldbepromoted in the eternal salvationof hell-deservingsinners;andthiswisdomischieflymanifestintheincarnationoftheSonofGod,bywhichthedivineandhumannaturesareunitedinoneperson.

4.ButthemostwonderfulexhibitionofthecrossisthemercyofGod,theloveofGodtosinners—suchloveasnevercouldhavebeenconceivedof,had it not beenmanifest by the gift of his ownSon: "God so loved theworld, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth inhim,shouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife."

A.A.

THEGOSPELNOFAILURE

The first sermon preached after the institution of the Christian churchwas the means of converting three thousand souls, and some of thesestainedwiththecrimsonguiltofhavingparticipatedinthecrucifixionofChrist. Surely therewasno failurehere. Soon afterwards five thousandmorewereaddedtothechurchinJerusalem.Andnotlongafterwardsalargenumberofthepriestsbecameobedienttothefaith.

ThepowerofthegospelwasmanifestintheconversionofthepeopleofSamaria,under thepreachingofPhilip theevangelist.AndatAntiochagloriousworkofgracewaswroughtthroughthepreachingofthegospel.SoalsoatCorinth,atEphesus,atPhilippi,atThessalonica,andevenatRome. Glorious indeed was the success of the gospel when firstpromulgated. It was to the world as "life from the dead." It shed amarvellous light over those who had all their lives been walking indarkness,anddwellingintheregionandshadowofdeath.

Webehold the triumphof thegospel in theconversionof themanwhowas its most bitter and determined opposer. Saul of Tarsus, who hadwastedthechurchbyacruelpersecution,draggingbothmenandwomento prison and death, and whose burning zeal led him to extend thepersecutiontoaforeigncity,wasarrestedbythepersecutedSaviour,andmadeachosenvesseltopreachtheunsearchablerichesofChristtomanyheathen nations, and was the honored instrument of founding manyfamouschurches.Hedidnotfindthegospelafailure.No;hefoundittobethepowerofGoduntosalvationtobothJewsandGentiles.Andinhisdaysthejoyfulsoundhadgoneoutthroughalltheworld.

Some good people are dreaming of a new dispensation, as though thepresent were ineffectual for the conversion of the world. To such wewould say, Do you expect another gospel to be revealed? Can youconceiveofanybettermeansfortheconvictionandconversionofsinnersthan the truths which we already have in the gospel? And can youconceiveofamorepowerfulefficiencythanthatoftheHOLYSPIRIT?Ifnot, thendiscouragenot the hearts and thehopes ofGod's people, butpreach the gospel to every creature, and pray incessantly for theoutpouringoftheHolySpirit.

A.A.

CHRISTSTANDINGANDKNOCKINGATTHEDOOR

Weaddawell-knownsignaturetothisbeautifulandstrikingtestimony.—EDS.

An aged professorwas gratified to see that the American Tract SocietyhadresolvedtobringoutfromtheirpressanotherofthepreciousworksofdearMr.Flavel.Thevolumesofthisexcellentauthoralreadypublishedare a rich treasure in many houses; they are replete with evangelicaldoctrineandspiritual instruction.Butthewriterhasspecialreasonsforesteemingtheworknowpublished.

When a youngman, he resided for some time in a part of the countrywherethegospelwasseldompreached,andweweredoomedforthemostparttosilentSabbaths.Onceamonth, it istrue,therewaspreachingatthe distance of five miles; but the minister, though zealous, was veryilliterate, and very little benefit we thought could be derived from hisranting vociferation; therefore we seldom attended. Indeed the family,with one exception, were little sensible of their need of religion. Thewriter confesses, to his shame, that he was ignorant of the nature ofreligion, and consequently did not feel its necessity. He thought thatreligion consisted in becoming good; and this, he was persuaded, hecould do whenever he should so determine. And he therefore felt noconcernaboutthematter.

But there was an old, infirm lady who, though she had once lived inaffluence,wasnow,throughtheprofligacyofabadhusband,reducedtopovertyanddependence,andoccupiedthesituationofasuperintendentof thenursery in the family inwhich thewriterwasa teacher.Thisoldladypossessedalargefolio,containingallthepublishedworksofFlavel,andgreatlydelighted inreadinghiswritings;buthavingweakeyes,shewas able to read but little at a time, and would often request othermembersofthefamilytoreadtoher.Sometimesthisfavorwasaskedof

thewriter,who throughcourtesycomplied, though thesubjectswere innowisecongenialtohistaste.

OneofthesevacantSabbaths,whenwewereatalosshowtodisposeofthelingeringhours,shebroughtherbookintotheparlor,andrequestedmetoreadtothefamily,andpointedoutthepartwhichshewishedread.Itwasapartofthediscourseonthetext,"Behold,Istandatthedoorandknock,"etc.Itookthebookwithreluctance,andreaduntilIcametotheword"stand,"onwhich theauthorexpatiateson the long-sufferingandpatience of Christ in waiting so long on sinners, while they pay noattentiontohiscalls.Thisdiscourse impressedmymind inamanner itnever had been before; and Iwas so affectedwith the truth that Iwasunabletoproceed,butmakinganapology,closedthebookandsoughtaplace of retirement, where I wept profusely. And this was thecommencementof impressionswhichwereneverentirelyeffaced.Fromthistimesecretprayer,beforeneglected,wasfrequentlyengagedin;andalthoughIhadnoideathatIwasconverteduntilmonthsafterthesefirstimpressions, yet from this time my views in regard to religion wereentirelychanged. Inowfoundapleasure inreadingoutofFlavel to thegoodoldlady,andevenborrowedthebooktoperuseitalone;sothatmyfirstpracticalknowledgeofthenatureandevidencesoftruereligionwerederived from this excellent author. This pious woman, who had a fineunderstanding,andhadreceivedagoodeducation,oftenspoketomeonthe subject, and related her own experience, yet I never disclosed anythingofmyfeelingstoher.Butbeforeshedied,shehadtheopportunityof learning that I hadmade a public profession of religion, in which Iunderstoodshegreatlyrejoiced.

Youmaywellsuppose,therefore,Messrs.Editors,thatIwasgratifiedinobservingthatyouhadpublishedabookfromwhichIreceivedmyfirstreligious impressions,whichhavecontinued forno less than threescoreyears.Nodoubtthisattachmenttoanauthor,andesteemforhiswritings,may be accounted for without the supposition of any extraordinaryintrinsic excellence; but now, when I impartially judge of Flavel'swritings,IcannothelpcomingtotheconclusionthattheyareamongtheverybestofthemanyvaluablewritingsofthePuritans.

A.A.

FIXEDNESSOFPURPOSE

"Myheartisfixed,OGod,myheartisfixed."Menareoftenthesubjectofstrong impressions, andhave their feelings strongly excited,when theyare far from a fixed and deliberate purpose to devote themselvesunreservedly to theserviceofGod.Whatevervicissitudesof feelingandfluctuationofhopetherealChristianmayexperience,hispurposeneverwavers. He may be strongly tempted, and carnal desires may pleadagainsthiscourse,andhisself-denialmaybepainful,likepluckingoutarighteye,orcuttingoffarighthand;butstillhisdetermination is fixedthathewillservetheLord.Yea,whenbysomepowerfultemptationheisovercome, and is betrayed into sin, though he may for a season be indespair,yethispurposeis,thatifheperish,hewillperishseekingmercyand trying to serve the Lord. Fixedness of purpose is a much betterevidenceofgenuinepietythanthemostelevatedfeelingsofjoy;andthisis an evidence which the Christian possesses in his darkest hours ofdiscouragement.Oursensiblefeelingsaremuchmoreconnectedwiththestateofthenervoussystemthaniscommonlysupposed;butthesteady,fixed purpose of the will is a good evidence that the heart has beenrenewed.Ourpurposemaybestrongeratonetimethananother,butitisalwaysfixed.

The following case occurs to the writer. A careless and profane youngmanwasawakened,andprofessedtobeconverted.Hiszealwasardent,andhis confidence strong.He relinquished a lucrativebusiness thathemight commence a course of education for the holy ministry. After awhilehiszealbegantocool,andhisprospectofsuccessinpreparingfortheministry being somewhatuncertain, hebegan to regret thathehadcommencedsuchacourse.Andworsethanthis,hebegantorepentthathehadlefttheworld,andhadrelinquishedaprofitablebusinessforthesake of religion. In a conversation which the writer had with him, heacknowledgedthatheoftenhesitatedwhetherheshouldcontinuetoseekGod, or go back to the world. This confession struck the writer withsurprise, as he had before entertained a very favorable opinion of this

man,andhecouldnotreconcilesuchwaveringwithsincerity.Aftersometime, the young man suddenly relinquished his studies, gave up hisreligiousprofession,andplungedintomorethanhisformerdissipation.Hebecameopenlyprofane,anditisbelievedavowedhisdisbeliefintherealityofreligion.Thechangeinhiscourseaffectedthepiouswithgrief,andfurnishedoccasionof triumphtotheenemiesofvitalpiety.Buthiscoursewasshort.Thoughpossessedofastrongandhealthyconstitution,hewasseizedwithaninflammatoryfever,anddiedinhorroranddespair.

A.A.

LOVEOFTHETRUTH

I think it is JohnNewtonwhosomewhere says thatheneverknewanypersonwhoappeared tobeactuatedbyasincere loveof the truth,whodid not come right after awhile, however far off hemight bewhen hebegantofeelthismotiveoperating.ThecaseoftheRev.ThomasScottisaremarkable illustration of this remark. When he commenced hiscorrespondencewithMr.Newton,hewasaSocinian,andwassolicitoustoengagehiscorrespondentinacontroversyonthepointsofdifference.Mr.Newton,however,whileheavoidedcontroversy,stillentertainedandexpressedthehopethatMr.Scottwouldcometoarightbelief,becausehethoughtheperceivedinhimasinceredesiretoknowthetruth.

Itseemstomethatthis isoneofthefirst lessonswhichtheylearnwhoare taughtofGod.TheHolySpirit,whenhewould leadanyone to thesaving knowledge of the truth, produces in him a spirit of humbledocility.ThesoulledbytheSpiritthirstsfortheknowledgeofthetruth.This is a very different thing from ardent attachment to particularopinions which have been imbibed from education, or from theconnection with a particular sect. Such attachment cleaves to error astenaciously as to truth. A man may be willing to lay down his life indefenceofhisopinions,andyetmaybedestituteoftheloveoftruth.Thegenuine loveof truthmakes itspossessorwilling to relinquishhismostcherishedopinionsassoonasitshallbesatisfactorilydemonstratedthat

theyarenottrue.Theloveofthetruthrendersamannotonlyearnestinthe pursuit of the beloved object, but impartial in his judgment ofevidence. He fears deception, and admits new opinions only after theevidencehasbeenthoroughlysiftedandweighed.

This disposition is commonly accompanied with a deep sense of ourignoranceand liableness toerror.The loverof truthcannotbe satisfiedwithmereplausibleappearances,hemusthavesolidgroundtorestupon;hethereforedigsdeepuntilhecomestoarock.AndastheHolyBibleisthe treasureofdivine truth,hesearches theScripturesdaily to findoutwhatGodhas revealed.But conscious of his liableness to bemisled byignoranceorprejudiceininterpretingtheoraclesofGod,heisincessantinhisprayersfordivineillumination.Suchaonetrustslittletohisownreasonorhumanauthority; hewants tohearwhat saith theLord.Andtheywho search for truthas forhid treasure shallnotbedisappointed.Thereisagraciouspromisethatifweseek,weshall find."Ifanyofyoulack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, andupbraidethnot,anditshallbegivenhim."

A.A.

THEPEACEOFGOD

Thereare threewords,pregnantwithpreciousand importantmeaning,commonly used by the apostles in their salutations and benedictions,GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE. These words include every thing whichman needs or can desire. Peace is the legacy which Christ gave to hisdisciples:"PeaceIleavewithyou,mypeaceIgiveuntoyou."Andafterhisresurrection, the first time he met with his disciples when assembledtogether,hesaid,"Peacebeuntoyou."

Hegivespeacenotastheworldgiveth.HeisthePRINCEOFPEACE,andhisgospelisthe"gospelofpeace."Itiscalled"thepeaceofGod,"becausehe is its author. It is a sweet and gentle stream which flows from thefountain of life beneath his throne. Happy is he who has received this

heavenly gift; it will, in the midst of external storms and troubles,preserve his mind in a tranquil state. It is independent of externalcircumstances. It is most exquisitely enjoyed in times of affliction andpersecution."Intheworldyeshallhavetribulation;butthesethingshaveI spokenunto you, that inme yemighthavepeace." It is a fruit of theSpirit: "love, joy, peace." It includes reconciliation with God. "Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist."

PeaceofconscienceisafruitofreconciliationwithGod.Thebloodwhichreconciles, when sprinkled on the conscience, produces a sweet peacewhich can be obtained in no other way. If the atonement of Christsatisfies the law which condemned us, and we are assured that thisatonement is accepted for us, conscience, which before condemned, asbeingtheechoofthelaw,isnowpacified.ThepeaceofGodalsoincludesfreedom from jarring, discordant passions of the mind. The wicked,however prosperous externally, can have no true peace within. Theirambitionandprideandavarice,andloveofeaseandcarnalindulgence,canneverbeharmonized.Onemaybethemaster-passion,buttheotherswillariseandcreatedisturbanceandturmoilwithin.

Theonlypassionwhicheffectuallyharmonizesthediscordantpassionsofhumannature,istheloveofGod.Whereverthisisintroduced,itwillnotonlybepredominant,butbringallotherdesires intowillingsubjection.ThepeaceofGodisnotamerenegativeblessing,consistinginexemptionfrom the misery of discord; it is a positive enjoyment of the purest,sweetestkind.Itisaforetasteoftheblissofheaven.Nothingonearthissodelightful. It is therefore said to "passunderstanding."Noonecouldhavethoughtman'smiserablesoulcouldpossesssuchenjoymentinthisworld. But why is so little known of it in the experience of professingChristians?Ileaveeveryonetoanswerforhimself.

A.A.

UNSEARCHABLERICHESOFCHRIST

Ephesians3:8

It is recorded of Christ, that "though hewas rich, yet for our sakes hebecame poor." But this poverty related only to external condition andearthly goods.Hewas indeed poor in the riches of this world.Hewasborn in themost abject poverty.He livedpoor; for he said to onewhoexpressed a desire to be his follower, probably from a hope of worldlybenefit,"Thefoxeshaveholes,andthebirdsoftheairhavenests,buttheSonofmanhathnotwhere to layhishead."Hehadneitherhousenorhome;andsometimeswasahungeredforwantoffood,whilelaboringinJerusalem, from morning to night. No one in that city seems to haveinvited him to a night's lodging; for when he had spent the day inpreachinginthetemple,andhealingthesickwhoresortedtohim,itwashis custom in the evening to retire to the mount of Olives. And whenjourneying—which was always on foot—he was sometimes refused theprivilegeof lodginginavillagebytheway.Whenaprophecyrespectinghim as king was to be fulfilled by his riding on the foal of an ass, theanimalmust be borrowed; andwhen tributewas demanded of him, hewasnot inpossessionofsomuchmoneyashalfashekel,andthereforesentPetertotheseatocatchafish,whichheknewhadthesumnecessaryfor the two in itsmouth. Indeed, theownerofheavenandearth, inhisvoluntary humiliation, was content to live upon the charitablecontributions of the pious womenwho accompanied him fromGalilee.And when dying, he had nothing to leave for the sustenance of hisbereavedmother,butcommittedher to thecareofhisbeloveddisciple,whodidpossess a home, towhichhe immediately tookher.Andwhendead,hehadnosepulchreofhisownwherehisbodymightrest,buthislifeless corpse was laid in the tomb of another—a rich man, whograciously gave up for its use a new tomb prepared for himself. Butthoughpoorinthisworld'sgoods,hewaseventhenrich—richindivinepower, for whenever it was necessary, he could provide food forthousandsofhungrypeople.Hewasrichinthepossessionofeverydivineperfection, for the fulness of the Godhead "dwelt in him bodily;" hisriches,asbeinginfinite,wereindeedunsearchable.

But theRICHESOFCHRISTwhichPaulpreachedamong theGentiles,weretheRICHESOFGRACE.Whocanfathomthedepthof the loveof

Christ? Surely it "passeth knowledge;" it hath a depth, andheight, andlength,andbreadth,whichanangel'smindcannotcompass.Ifwewouldtracethisstreamtoitssource,wemustgobackbeforethefoundationofthe world. This fountain of divine mercy is hidden in the depths ofeternity; yea,more, in the unsearchable depths of the infinitemind ofGod. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge ofGod;howunsearchablearehisjudgments,andhiswayspastfindingout."

Christ is not only rich in his divine attributes and love, but in hismediatorialcharacterandpossessions.Therichestcreatureeverformedwas the human nature of Christ, which he has assumed into intimatepersonal union with his divine nature. This human nature is enrichedwith knowledge and sublime properties, which, though finite, as everycreature must be, yet far surpass all the richest endowments of thehighestangelorarchangelwhostandsintheimmediatepresenceofGod.Here is an object to call forth the wonder and adoration of theinnumerablehostswhoencirclethethroneofthegreatIAM.

This divine mediatorial Person is the foundation of the whole plan ofredemption.AsGOD-MAN,hewasborn,andlived,andtaught,anddied,and rose again; and now "ever liveth tomake intercession" for allwhohavebyfaithcommittedtheirsoulsintohishands.Andinthischaracterof Mediator he has become heir to a glorious inheritance; and of thisinestimable riches he hasmade every true believer a co-heir, "heirs ofGod,and joint-heirswithChrist."Thereareunsearchable riches for theGentiles, and also for the Jew; for hemakes no difference.All genuinediscipleswillhave theirallotment in thecelestialCanaan."It isabroadlandofwealthunknown."Andtheseinestimable,inexhaustiblerichesarefreelyofferedtoall.OwhowillconsenttomakeknownthesegladtidingstothehundredsofmillionsofGentilesnowontheearth,andspendtheirlivesinpreachingtothemtheunsearchablerichesofChrist?

A.A.

WHATIDESIRE

Spiritual knowledge, that view of divine truth which arises from theillumination of theHoly Spirit.With this, a lively exercise of faith, notmerelyinthewayofassentingtothetruth,butconfidinginthepromises;a holy susceptibility of heart, so that every thought of Christmay be awarm emotion of love and delight; godly fear—a profound veneration,yea,adorationofthedivinemajesty;deephumility,notonlyafeelingoflittlenessandweaknessandignorance,butofunworthinessandilldesert,togetherwithcontritionofspirit,agodlysorrowthatworksrepentance;adevotionalspirit,aconstantbreathingafterGod,thelivingGod;ferventejaculationsinthemidstofbusinessandcompany;good-willtoallmen;brotherlylove;tendercompassionfortheafflicted,and"charity,whichisthe bond of perfectness;" inward peace—peace with God, peace ofconscience,tranquillityofmind,apeaceabletemper;courageinopposingspiritual foes, and inaggressiveassaultson thekingdomofdarkness; aspirit of wise enterprise in doing good; promptitude in seizing onopportunitiesofbeinguseful;constancyandperseveranceinwell-doing—bringing forthmuch fruit, and continuing tobear fruit even inoldage;assuranceofpardonandacceptance,withagoodhope,enteringintothatwithin the veil; patience under suffering, and the salutary benefits ofsanctifiedaffliction;agratefultemper,everdisposedtogivethanks,andtopraise theFatherof lights, fromwhomcomethdowneverygoodandperfect gift; contentmentwith an obscure and humble condition in theworld,withoutenvyoftherichandgreat.

Let these things be in me and abound, and I ask no more. Let theworldlingshavetheworld,andmakethemostofit.Iwillneverenvytheirprosperity,foritisbutforamoment,andthen,likeapassingsceneinadrama, disappears for ever. Their feet stand on slippery places, and induetimetheirstepswillslide,andalltheirmusic,theirmirth,andtheirwinewillceaseforever.Andwhentheysink,theywillrisenomore.Theyplungeintoahorribleabyss,wherenorayofhopeeverenters.Oh,theirend,theirdreadfulend!

Givememyplaceandportionwiththehumblepoor;liftuponme,OGod,thelightofthyreconciledface,andscatterthedismalgloomwithwhichguiltandunbeliefenvelopsthesoul.Speaktomytroubledconsciencetheword "peace," and darkness shall be light, the weeping of the night

convertedintothejoyofthemorning.

Lightsandshadesalternateduringourearthlypilgrimage.Butoftenthenights are long andwintry; we long for the genial, reviving warmth ofspring.Ourspiritsseektoberegaledbythesweetodorsof the fragrantflowers,andwiththejoyfulsingingofbirds.Ohforaserene,uncloudedsky.Butseethatdark,deepvalley.Seehowmanydescendintothesidesofthepit,butnoneeverreturn.Mostaredrivenaway—theyaresuddenlycastdown.Theywerenotawareoftheirnearnesstothebrink—theywerenotpreparedforthissudden,awfulchange.Otheblindnessofman!Howdeephissleepofcarnalsecurity!Willnothingawakenhim?

My desire is to meditate on my latter end until I become wise untosalvation;tostandreadywithmylamptrimmedandmyloinsgirded,andthus to wait for the coming of my Lord. Soon I shall need earthlyblessings, and evenmeans of grace, nomore. Owhat scenes will soonburstonmyastonishedvision!LordJesus,comequickly.

A.A.

ASHORTCONVERSATIONONFASTINGANDPRAYER

Yesterday a pious young minister of the Baptist denomination calledupon me, and said he wished I would write a short article for theMessengeronthedutyoffasting.Heobserved,thatamongChristiansofourdayhefearedthisdutywasmuchneglected.

IreferredhimtoavaluablediscourseofthelatevenerableDoctorMilleron that subject, published some years since in the National Preacher,which he said he had not seen. I told him that I was not in favor ofperiodicalfastsonceaweekoronceamonth;thatthereweretimeswhenweoughtnottofast:asourblessedSavioursaidtothedisciplesofJohn,inanswer to theirquestion, "Whydoweand thePharisees fastoft,butthy disciples fast not? Can the children of the bridechambermourn as

longas thebridegroom iswith them?But thedayswill comewhen theBridegroomshallbetakenawayfromthem,thenshalltheyfast."

To this my young friend assented, and observed, that soon after hisconversionhedeterminedtofastonedayintheweek;butafterpractisingthis for some time, he found that it was degenerating into a formalobservance,andhegaveupthepractice.HeremarkedthatitwasevidentfromonedeclarationofourLord,thattherewerecasesofobstinateevilsfromwhichdeliverancewasnotobtainedwithout adding fasting toourprayers.ThereferencewastoMatt.17:21:"Howbeit,thiskindgoethnotoutbutbyprayerandfasting."

Fasting has made a part of all religions, true and false, and is muchpractised among the heathen, the Jews, the Mohammedans, theRomanists, and the oriental Christians. And because the practice hasbeen turned to superstition, Protestants have too much neglected thisduty. But eminently devout men in all ages have found fasting anauxiliarytodevotionandtothemortificationofsin.

Someprofessorsneglect italtogether,under the falsenotion that literalfastingisnotenjoined,butonlypenitenceandabstainingfromsin.Thereare,however,degreesof fasting,bothas to the timeofabstinence fromfood,andwhethertheabstinencebetotalorpartial.TheNinevites,whenbrought to repentance by the preaching of Jonah, tasted neither breadnorwaterforthreewholedays.Thiswasaseverefast.Daniel fastedforthreefullweeks;butthiswasnotatotalabstinence,forhesays,"Iatenopleasantbread,neither came fleshnorwine inmymouth."AndPeter'sfast, when he saw the vision of the sheet let down, was only until theninthhour,thatis,threeo'clockofourday.

External fasting, without corresponding internal penitence andhumiliation, is hypocrisy, and such fasting is severely reproved by theprophet. See Isaiah 63. And God says, "Therefore also now, saith theLord,turnyeeventomewithallyourheart,andwithfasting,andwithweeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart, and not yourgarments." And our Lord warns us against ostentation in our fasting:"Moreover,whenyefast,benotasthehypocrites,ofasadcountenance;for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.

Verily, I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thoufastest, anoint thy head, andwash thy face; that thou appear not untomen to fast, but unto thyFatherwho is in secret; and thyFather,whoseethinsecret,shallrewardtheeopenly."

One special occasiononwhich the apostles and their companionswereaccustomed to fast, was whenministers were to be ordained and sentforth. Thus we read in Acts 13:2, "As theyministered to the Lord andfasted,theHolyGhostsaid,SeparatemeBarnabasandSaulfortheworkwhereuntoIhavecalledthem.Andwhentheyhadfastedandprayed,andlaidtheirhandsonthem,theysentthemaway."Andagain,chap.14:23,"And when they had ordained elders in every church, and had prayedwith fasting, they commended them to the Lord." Is this practice nowfollowedbythosewhoordain?As fastingrenderssomepersonssick,sothat ithinders theirdevotion, such shouldadoptpartial abstinence; fortheLordwill havemercy, andnot sacrifice.But its causingpain is oneendoffasting,thatwemay"afflictoursouls."

A.A.

ADISCIPLE

Adisciple is a learner, but a learner supposes a teacher. The church isproperlyauniversalschool,whereChrististhegreatteacher.ThewordofGod contains all the lessonswhich are inculcated in this school.But asChrist is thesumandsubstanceof theword,he isnotonly theteacher,butthesubjectofthelessontaught;accordingtothatsayingofhis,"Thisis eternal life, toknow thee theonly trueGod, andJesusChrist,whomthouhastsent."OrthatofPaul,"YehavenotsolearnedChrist,ifsobeyehaveheardhim,andhavebeentaughtbyhim,asthetruthis inJesus."Do you ask howwe can gain access to Christ, to become his disciples?"Say not in thy heart, who shall ascend into heaven? that is, to bringChristfromabove.Orwhoshalldescendintothedeep?thatis,tobringupChristagainfromthedead.Butwhatsaithit?Thewordisnighthee,eveninthymouth,andinthyheart; that is, thewordof faithwhichwe

preach."

A genuinedisciple is not only taught out of theword, but by theSpiritalso. External teaching, however correct, is not sufficient; man needsinternal illumination by the Spirit. "If any man have not the Spirit ofChrist,heisnoneofhis."Notthatthisdivineinstructorteachesanythingdifferentfromtheword.No;HetakesofthethingsofChristandshowsthemuntous.HeistheSpiritoftruth,andwillguidethedisciplesintoalltruth.He"reprovestheworldofsin,ofrighteousness,andofjudgment."

Butwhataresomeofthelessonslearnedbythediscipleinthisschool?1.Theworthofhis soul,and thevalueof time.2.Veneration for theholyScriptures as the infallible rule to guide our faith and practice. 3. Ourruinedandcondemnedstate—"childrenofwrath,evenasothers,""deadintrespassesandsins,""withouthopeandwithoutGodintheworld."4.Heconvincesthehumanheart,orrather,givesthesoulaglimpseoftheindwellingsin,bywhichitisconvincedoftotaldepravity.Oh,whatahostof evils; what a fountain of impurity; what a mass of corruption! Theheart is found to be deceitful above all things, and desperatelywicked.Thereisfoundnothinginittrulygood.

Whatcanbedone?Whereshallthesinnerflyforrelief?Whither,buttothe house of mercy—to the city of refuge? There stands One withwounded hands widely extended, who invites the perishing sinner tocome to him for safety. The guilty soul hesitates—fears this invitationcannotbeforonesounworthy.Butnootherdoorisopen,andthekind,entreatingvoiceisstillheard,Come—"andhimthatcometh,Iwillinnowise cast out." It ventures—trembling, it advances—it throws itself intothe arms of divine mercy, and is graciously received, without merit,withoutupbraiding;becomesasonordaughterbyadoption,andifason,thenanheirofGodandajoint-heirwithChrist.ItlearnstoprizeChristabove all persons and above all treasures. "To you who believe, he isprecious."Itvalueshimaboveallpriceasateacherandasaruler,aswellas an atoning priest. It learns to roll all its burdens on the Lord, andlearns to liveoutof itself,bydesiringvital supplies fromChrist,daybyday,assaysadisciple,"IamcrucifiedwithChrist,neverthelessIlive;yetnotI,butChristlivethinme,andthelifewhichInowlive,IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme."

Again, the disciple is taught the BEAUTY OF HOLINESS. Moral orspiritual beauty is the glory of heaven. External glory is nothing; butmoral,divineexcellence is theGLORYOFGOD, comprehendingallhisdivineperfections.Toviewthisexcellence,isthebeatificvisioninwhichthehappinessofheavenconsists.Oh,gloriousstate!Oh,blessedabode!

Finally, the disciple learns to know the reality and sweetness ofcommunion with God. While many are contented to worship in theoutwardcourt,hedesires topenetrate into theholyofholies,wherehecanhear thewordsof thedivineoracle,andsee theresplendent faceofImmanuel. The apostle teaches that the most holy place is a type ofheaven; and surely nothing on earth ismore like heaven than intimatecommunionwithGod.

A.A.

AWORDTOTHEYOUNG

TheravagesofdeathintheremovaloftheveneratedRev.Dr.ArchibaldAlexander,asnoticedinanothercolumn,makeitproperthatweshouldsaythatthespiritualarticleswiththesignature"A.A.,"andsomeothers,whichforsomeyearshaveadornedthecolumnsoftheMessenger,werefromhispen.HeknewtheMessengervisitsnearlytwohundredthousandfamilies, andalmost everymonthhe sent those familieshismessageoflove in reference to their salvation.We have amelancholy pleasure innow inserting the last appealwritten by him for our columns. It is theaffectionate counsel of a Christian of fourscore years to those enteringuponlife.

Eds.

Belovedyouth,whenI,whoamold, lookuponyourcondition,Icannotbutpityyou.Idonotenvyyourgayetyandpleasure.Thecupwhichyouholdinyourhandisinebriating,itispoisoned.Thepleasureswhichyou

are seeking are "the pleasures of sin," which are short-lived,unsatisfactory, and leave a sting behind. Many are cut down like theflowerofthefieldinthemidstoftheirearthlycareer.Ohhowmanyarehurried away in anunprepared state.Manyothers,when the seasonofyouthful gayety and thoughtlessness is past, are visited with soreafflictions, in the suffering of which all their former pleasures areforgotten, and often imbittered by the reflection that they were sinfulpleasures, orweremixedwith sin. Remorse for the sins of youth is anunwelcome visitant, but one which cannot easily be shaken off. Whenafflictionsaresanctifiedtheybecomerealblessings.Butmanysufferwho,insteadofbeingmadebetter,aremadeworsebyalltheirsufferings.Theybecome impatient, and murmur at the dispensations of God towardsthem,asthoughtheywerepunishedmorethantheirsinsdeserved.

Oh,youngman,permitmetocallyourattentiontoyoursoul'ssalvation.Thisyoucannotbutknowisyourgreat,yourhighestinterest.Andwhydoyouneglectit?Whydoyouputfarofftheevilday?Yourcontinuanceonearth isaltogetheruncertain.Prepare,Ibeseechyou,tomeetyourGod."Behold,nowistheacceptedtime,nowisthedayofsalvation."Youwilllose nothing, but be great gainers, by giving your hearts to God in thedaysofyouryouth."Wisdom'swaysarewaysofpleasantness,andallherpathsarepeace."

A good conscience, and a lively hope of everlasting life, are the purestsourcesofjoyuponearth.Whenafflictionfallsonthepious—andtheyarenotexempt—thereisagraciouspromisethatitwillbefortheirgood;yea,thatitwillworkoutfortheman"exceedingandeternalweightofglory."Letthesummonsofdeathcomewhenitwill,theyareready.Thedayofdeathtosuchisfarbetterthanthedayoftheirbirth.

Youngman,asyouhavebutoneshortlifetoliveuponearth,haveyounodesire that it shouldbeoccupied indoinggood?Areyouwilling,at thelast account, which allmust give, to be in the class of thosewho havelivedtonogoodpurpose,whohavedonenothingforthebenefitoftheirrace?Yousaythatyouintendtobereligioushereafter.Whatadelusion!Evilhabitswillgrowwithyourage,sinfuldesireswillnotbelessenedbutincreasedbyindulgence.Oldage,ifyouarepermittedtoreachit,willfindyou a hardened sinner; your conscience seared, and all your habits of

iniquity confirmed. Oh, could you hear the wailings of a multitude ofsouls now in hell, methinks their lamentation would be that theyprocrastinatedattentiontothesalvationoftheirsouls.Whywillyourunthedangerousrisk?Considerthateternallifeandeternaldeatharenowsetbeforeyou;andGodcallsonyoutochoosewhichyouwillhave.

A.A.

THEIMPORTANCEOFSALVATION

INcomparisonwithsalvation,allothersubjectsaretrivial.Towastetimein the pursuit ofwealth, or in the chase of sensual pleasure,while oursalvation is not secure, ismore than folly—it ismadness.What, wouldyouagreetodwell inthedarkdungeonofdespairforeverandever, forthesakeof livinga fewyearsuponearth inasumptuoushouse?Wouldyou consent to endure the sting of the never-dying worm, and thetorment of unquenchable fire, to all eternity, for the sake of gratifyingyour appetites and senses for a moment? No man would deliberatelymakesuchadetermination;yetsuch is the languagewhichmanyspeakbytheirconduct.Theworldispursueddaily,attheriskofsalvation.

Theresolutionofattendingtotheconcernsofthesoulhereafter,answersno other purpose than to lull the conscience asleep. Where have weknown a person, by virtue of these flattering resolutions, change hisconduct?Thenextdayisliketheonethatprecededit.Everysucceedingyear passes by like those that went before. No convenient time forrepentanceandreformationevercomes.Youthsoonrunsoutinthegiddycircle of pleasure and amusement. Middle age is completely occupiedwith cares and business; and old age, if it ever arrives, finds the hearthardened, the habits fixed, and the conscience seared.Death overtakesthe unfortunate wretch. He dies as he lived, either goaded by guilt, orbenumbedwithstupidity.Hedies,andsinkstohell,wheretherearenoamusementstoentertain,nobusinesstoengage,noerrortobecloudthemind.To fall into thehandsof the livingGod,asanavengingJudge, isdreadful beyond conception: to be eternallymiserable, overwhelms thethoughts,andweturnawayfromitwithinstinctivehorror.

Can you reconcile yourself to such sufferings? Can you dwell witheverlastingburnings?Onlytrythetormentoffireforamoment,andyouwillsoonbeconvincedthatthepainsofhellarenottobesupportedwithpatience,iftheyarecomparabletofire;buttheyareworse.Remorseanddespair are worse than Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, heated seven times.No flames are equal to the raging of unrepented sin; no strokes of anyenemy like the taunts of infernal spirits. If you had to endure this

punishmentonly fora limited time, thehopeofdeliverancemighthelpyoutobearupunderthedreadfulweightofsorrow;butalthoughmanysupport themselves by such a hope here, themiserable in hell have nosuch alleviation. The darkness which surrounds them is thick andhorrible. No ray of light ever penetrates it. No gleam of hope evermitigatestheraginganguishofthelostsoul.Consideralso,thatalthoughyoursinsmaynotbeopenlyflagrant,yet,asyouhaveheardthegospel,and enjoyed many calls and warnings, and also many strivings of theSpirit, thesewillexceedinglyaggravateyourmisery,andmakeyourhellhotter than that of themiserable inhabitants of SodomandGomorrah.Themore comfortableyouare inyourworldly circumstances, themoremiserablewillyourconditionbe.Tobecastoutfromamongaffectionatefriends, tokeepcompanywithmonstersofdepravity: fromfinehouses,pleasantgardens,fertilefarms,anddownybeds,tobecastintoalakeoffire! fromwell-furnished tables,andgenerouswinesandcordials, tobeeternallyfamishedwithburningthirst,andnogratificationeverobtained—no, not so much as a drop of water to cool the tongue; this is hellindeed!Supposeyouweredoomedtosufferthetormentwhichasinnerinhellmusteternallyendure, foronehour in thisworld,wouldnot theprospect of this doleful hour mar all your pleasures? In the midst ofmirth,woulditnotmakeyourheartsad;andwoulditnotbeeverpresentinyourthoughts?Youwouldbeunabletocomposeyourselftosleep,ortobetakeyourselftoyournecessarybusiness.Youwouldconsideryourselfas an unfortunatewretch, andwould perhaps regret that you had everbeen born. Your friends would sympathize with you, and all aroundwouldlookuponyouwithcompassion.

Butif,fromanhour,thetermofyourpunishmentshouldbeenlargedtoayear,whatwouldyoudo;howwouldyoufeel?Supposeyoucouldendurethe pain of a fiery furnace for a year without dying or losing yoursensibility,andyouknewthatthiswasyourcertaindoom,couldyoubeatease; could you contain yourself?Would you not disregard all pursuitsandenjoymentswhichtheworldcouldpropose;andwouldyounottakeupacontinuallamentationoveryourunhappycase?Wouldyounotcalluponall topity you, as themostmiserablewretch that everwasborn?Andwouldyouconsiderthewealthofaprince,thehonorofaconqueror,or the pleasure of an epicure, any compensation for such dreadful

sufferings?Wouldyounotdespiseallthesethings,andsay,"ThemoreIenjoy these earthly delights, and themore I forget themiserywhich iscoming upon me, the more intolerable will be my anguish when itarrives?"Shouldwebethusaffectedwithanhour'soryear'scontinuationofsuchsufferingsasmustbeenduredinhell,andshallwebeindifferenttothesesametormentswhentheirdurationwillbeWITHOUTEND?OGod,whatkindofinfatuatedbeingsarewe?Surelyman,ofallcreatures,isthemoststupidinthosethingswhichrelatetohissalvation.ETERNALPUNISHMENT! ETERNAL FIRE! EVERLASTING DESTRUCTION!Whatawfulsoundsarethese!Whocanfullyunderstandtheirimport?

I extendmy views forward to the day of judgment; but this great day,instead of bringing these sufferings to an end, is the date of theirbeginninginalltheirterror.Whatshallbeenduredbefore,isnothingtowhat comes after. The fire will then be kindled around both soul andbody, which will never cease to burn. The sufferings of the soul in aseparatestate,willbeliketheanticipationsofacriminalwhoisconsciousofguilt,whileconfinedinaprisonbeforethedayoftrial.Theyshallthengoawayintoeverlastingpunishment.Onlyputyourselfforamomentinthe place of one of thosewho are commanded by the Judge to depart,under the vengeance of an everlasting curse. The feeling mind recoilsfrom such suppositions with such repulsive violence, that it is almostimpossibletoinducementofixtheirthoughtssteadilyonsuchsubjects.Buttry,foronce,theexperiment.Overcomeyournaturalreluctance,andimagine yourself to be in the company that will be driven off, by thecommand of the Judge, from the awful tribunal, into outer darkness,wherethereisweepingandgnashingofteeth.MayIventuretosuggestafew reflections which would probably arise in your mind in such asituation.

"Well,thesceneisended—Inowknow,Ifeelthemiseryofmysituation!Hope,mylastcomforter,iseternallyfled.Despairhasfullpossession;allis lost, eternally lost! All that I now have is a miserable, accursedexistence!OthatIcouldsinkintonothing,andthusescapethewrathofmyavengingenemy!ButIwishinvain;existImust.Hellismyportion!Ialready feel its overwhelming horrors! I am torturedwith agonies, andrent with pangs which no words can describe. All passions assist in

increasing my misery. I see others glorious and happy, but the sightgreatlyenhancesmywoe.Ifeelmyenvyandmaliceragingagainstthem,andagainst theirGodandSaviour;butmywrath is impotent; it recoilsuponmyself,andinflictsnewwoundsonmytormentedsoul.WasthisthepriceatwhichIpurchasedtheworldanditspleasures?Owretchandfoolthat Iwas!We are commanded to go away. Ah,whither canwe go? Isthere any secure or even obscure retreat for us? No, no. We sink inflames.Wegointoeverlastingmisery!Wegotobecompanionsofdevils!Weplungeintothedarkabyss,nevertoriseagain!Andthesebodies,ourold companions in sin,must be also tormented. They aremade strongandincorruptible,tobeartheirpartintheunquenchablefire!"

Butwecannotdescribetheanguishanddespairofalostsinner.Themerepossibilityoffallingintosuchastateofindescribableanguishoughttofilluswith trembling; and so itwould,werenot ourmindsblindedby thegod of this world. Now, reader, do you feel no concern about yoursalvation; or have you some method of easing your mind under thesethoughts?Ibeseechyoutoconsiderwellwhatthenatureofthatresourceis.

Thefirstthoughtwhichoccurs,bywayofrelieftoyourmind,is,perhaps,thatthesethingscannotbeso—thatsuchtormentswillneverbeinflictedbyagoodandmercifulGod.Thisgroundappearstomanyveryplausible,and they rest upon it with the greater confidence, because it has theappearance of honoring the character of God, at the same time that itpromises safety to themselves. But before you lean on this prop, lookwell,Ibeseechyou,toitsfoundation.Consider,thatbeforeyoucanderiveany rational comfort from this consideration, you must be able todemonstrate that the tremendous denunciations of God's word againstsinnersarefalse,orthathewillforfeithisveracity,andneverexecutehisownthreatenings.Wretchedindeedisthatsubterfuge,thesafetyofwhichdependsonprovingtheGodoftruthaliar.No,sinner,Godwillnotdenyhimselfforthesakeofyourease;hewillnotsufferhiswordtofalltothegroundtoenableyoutorealizeyourvainandimpioushopes."Hewillbynomeanscleartheguilty.Surely,OGod,thouwiltslaythewicked.Thewickedshallbeturnedintohell,andallthenationsthatforgetGod.Uponthe wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone; this shall be the

portionoftheircup."

Ifyouhaveimbibedtheperniciousheresyofthosefalseteacherswhotellyou that there is no future punishment for transgressors, even if theyshoulddieinthecommissionofthemostatrociouscrimes;ifyoubelievethesemenwhodarecontradicttheplaindeclarationsofGod'sword,yourdelusionwill afford you only a temporary relief. Itwill be like shuttingyour eyes when borne by an irresistible torrent towards a frightfulcataract. Your own conscience, if it has not lost all sensibility, willintimate to you, too plainly to be misunderstood, that there ispunishmentreservedforthewickedintheworldtocome.Leannot,then,Ibeseechyou,onthisbrokenreed,whichwillnotonlyfailtosupportyou,butwillpierceyoutotheheart.

Butitismoreprobablethatyouseekrelieffromtheapprehensionofthewrathtocome,inavaguehopeofthemercyofGod,ofwhichsomuchissaid inScripture.ThemercyofGod is indeedasure refuge forsinners,butitisneverextendedtotheimpenitent,whorefusetoforsaketheirevilways. If youwill repentandbelieve thegospel, thenwill theLordmostgraciouslyandfreelyforgiveallyoursins;butifyoudependonthemercyofGodtosaveyoufromhell,withoutbeingsavedfromsin,youtrusttothatwhichhasnoexistence.Godwillnotshowmercytoobstinaterebels.Thewholetenorofhiswordassuresusofthecertaintyofthistruth.

But perhaps you expect and intend to turn from your sinful wayshereafter,andthusbringyourselfwithintheinfluenceofGod'spardoningmercy.Well,ifyoushouldbecomeatruepenitent,andhumblebelieverinJesus, youwillbe saved;butbeforeyoucrypeace toyourself from thisexpectation, I beg you to consider that your continuance on earth isuncertain.Whatisyourlife?Itisavapor.Wehaveoculardemonstrationthatdeathcomesuponmanyveryunexpectedly;andalthoughtheyhadentertainedthesamehopeoffuturerepentance,wehaveawfulreasontofearthatitwasneverrealized.Theydiedastheylived,andwenttomeettheirJudgewiththeguiltofalltheirheinoussinsupontheirheads.Andveryoftenmenaretakensuddenlyaway,andhavenotamomentallowedfor that last hope of the sinner, a death-bed repentance. And in othercases, reason is bewildered, and the feelings are stupefied; so that theperson who lived carelessly has no bands in his death. And when it is

otherwise,andalarmseizestheguiltyperson,nohelporcomfortcanbeobtained,andhediesinfearfulhorroranddespair.

Butifyoushouldliveforscoresofyears,youwillneverseethedaywhentherewillnotbeasmanyobstructionstoyourturningtoGodastherearenow,andasmanyinducementstocleavetothepresentworld.Doyouseemen commonly forsaking the courses to which they have long beenhabituated?Ordoyouobserve thatdisinclination topietybecomes lessby increase of years? Youmay live to be old and gray-headed, and yetremain unconverted, and go down to hell with a double curse on yourhead.Thereisnogreaternormoredangerousdelusionamongmen,thantheprocrastinationoftheirconversion.Whilethousandslosetheirsoulsinconsequenceofit,notoneeverputshisresolutionintopractice,unlesssome other influence than his own former purposes operates on him.Reader, awake! Eternity is just before you; heaven or hell will soon beyour abode. For the first, you know you are not prepared. If you wereadmitted to that holy place, the exercises and employments of theinhabitantswouldbenowayinaccordancewiththestateofyourheart.YoulovenottheserviceandworshipofGodhere,anddeathwillmakenoreformation in the sinner's heart. Then you must be excluded fromheavenbythenecessityofthecase,unlessyouacquirenewprinciplesandanewtaste."Exceptamanbebornagain,hecannotseethekingdomofGod.""WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord."

Whatyou intend todo,doquickly, for the time is short.While youarehalting between two opinions, the door ofmercymay be shut for ever.Seize thepresentmoment;breakoff your sinsby repentance; renounceallconfidenceinyourowngooddeedsorrighteousness,andtrustaloneintheatoningsacrificeofChrist."Whosoeverbelieveth inhimshallnotbeashamed."Crymightily tohim formercy, and for theHolySpirit tosanctifyyouandaidyouineveryduty.

Search theScripturesdaily.Attendon thepreachingof theword.Makeone among the company who surround the throne of grace in socialprayer.Avoidensnaringcompanyanddissipatingamusements.Forsakeallknownsin,andseethatyouperformthoseexternaldutieswhichhavehitherto been neglected. If you have wronged or injured any, makerestitution, or give satisfaction, as far as is in your power.Abandon all

quarrels and strife with your neighbors, and promote piety and goodorder in your own house, by reading the Scriptures, and calling uponGod, and requiring all within your gates to observewith reverence theLord'sday.

But never think that external duties, or attendance on means andordinances,howeverexact, isanevidencethatyoursoulissaved.Neverrestsatisfiedwithyourspiritualstate,untilyouhaveevidenceinaheart-feltsenseoftheburdenofyoursins,thatyouhaveintruthfledforrefugeto the hope set before you in the gospel. The Lord Jesus Christ,apprehendedandreceivedby faith, is theonlysafesanctuary forasoulpursuedbythedemandsofabrokenlaw.

O man, flee to this dear refuge, before the storm, which is black andlowering,overtakeyou."LAYHOLDONETERNALLIFE.""NOWISTHEACCEPTEDTIME;BEHOLD,NOWISTHEDAYOFSALVATION."See,thedoorof reconciliation isopen. Jesus invites you to come tohim forrest,andpromisesthathewillnotcastyouout;yea,complainsthatyouwillnotcomeuntohim,thatyoumayhavelife.Othersareenteringinatthestraitgate—whydoyoudelay?Insteadoflosingbythechange,eveninthisworld,youwillgainahundred-fold.Godlinesswithcontentmentisgreatgain.

ANAMIABLEYOUTHFALLINGSHORTOFHEAVEN

"Onethingthoulackest."Mark10:21.

THEhistoryofthisyoungmanisgivenbythreeoftheevangelists,Matt.

19,Mark10,Luke18,innearlythesamewords.Itisthereforedoubtlessworthyofourmarkedattention.

Thisyouthpossessedmanythings,andyetwasdeficientinone.Hewasrich; he was possessed of power, for Luke calls him "a ruler;" he wasremarkable forhismorality.Fewyoungmen inourday could comparewithhiminthisrespect.WhenourSaviour,totryhim,mentionedseveralof the commandments of the second table, in which our duty to ourfellow-menisenjoined,thisyoungmanwasabletosay,"AllthesehaveIkept from my youth up." And our Lord did not deny the truth of hisassertion;yea,headmittedit,forMarksays,"ThenJesusbeholdinghim,loved him." He was pleased with the purity and blamelessness of hisexternalconduct.

Yetthisyouthhadnoproperknowledgeofthestateofhisownheart.Hisobedience was only like that of Paul when a Pharisee, "touching therighteousnesswhichisinthelaw,blameless."

Thisyoungruler,however,wasnotashamedtoaccostChristinthemostrespectfulmanner. He came, regardless of the sneers of his compeers,andkneeling,said,"GoodMaster."Hecametohimasaseriousinquirer.Thequestionwhichheaskedwasthemostimportantthathecouldask,orthatanymaneverasked:"WhatmustIdotoinheriteternallife?"Hewasconvincedthatsomethingwasstillneedful,butheknewnotwhat.HehadheardoftheteachingsofChrist,andhewasimpelledbytheseriousimpressionsonhismindtobreakthrougheverydifficulty,andtoinquireof theMaster,believingthathecould tellhimwhat todotosecure thisobjectofinfinitevalue.

Andevidently,hewasconfidentthathewaswillingtodowhatevershouldbeprescribed.Oh,deceitfulheart;howlittledidheknowofitstruestate!But Jesus knew, and in amoment brought him to a fair test.He knewthat, notwithstanding all his fair professions, amiable character, andcourteous demeanor, he was an idolater in his heart, and worshippedmammonwithsupremeaffection.Hethereforesaid,Go,sellallthatthouhast, and distribute to the poor; and come, followme; and thou shalthavetreasureinheaven.

Owhat a test for a lover of riches! See, the youngman's countenancechanges;he remains silent.Hisheart isundergoinganevident conflict.Heavenandearth,withalltheircharms,arebeforehim.Foramoment,perhaps,hehesitates;forhesincerelywishestopossesseternallife—but,O hard condition! to give away all his riches, to which his heart waswedded!No,no;hecannotdoit.

See, he turns his back on the Saviour; he turns his back on all thetreasures of heaven.He goes away sorrowful indeed, very sorrowful tolose the opportunity of securing eternal happiness, but deliberatelyresolvednottorelinquishhisholdof thisworld.Hewillhavehis"goodthings" in this life,whatevermaybecomeofhim in thenext.Here is apicture of the true state of thousands—of thousands of well-instructed,moral,andamiableyouth.

Butwasnotthisahardtest?Wasitnotmorethanisrequiredofothers?Notatall.Allmaynot,infact,beputtothistest;buteverytruedisciplehasalreadypassedthisordeal,andhasrenouncedtheworldasaportion—as an object of supreme affection. And every true Christian, howevermuch of thisworld hemay possess,would instantly resign it all at thecommandofChrist.Itisthecharacteristicofeverygenuinedisciple,that,forthesakeofChrist,hehasbeenmadewillingtoforsakefather,mother,wifeandchildren,houseandlands,yea,lifeitself.

It is true, this test, ifmade practical in our churches,would detect thehypocrisyofamultitudeofprofessors;orrather, theirwantofsupremelovetoChristisalreadybuttooevident,fromtheardorwithwhichtheypursuetheworld,andfromtheirunwillingnesstopartwithevenasmallportionoftheirwealthtopromotethecauseofChrist.

Thisyoungmanpossessedmanyexcellentqualitiesandadvantages,andlacked but ONE THING; yet that was the main thing—the one thingneedful: a heart to love God supremely—a heart to prefer heavenlytreasures to earthly riches. Though his character and conduct were socorrectandamiable,yethisheartwasnot right in thesightofGod.Hewentawaysorrowful.

Butdidheevercomebackwithabettermind?Wedonot read thathe

everdid.Hissorrowwasnotthatoftruerepentance,repentanceuntolife,but "the sorrow of the world, which worketh death;" a sorrow whichprobablyhehasbitterlyfeltforeighteencenturies,andwhichwillnevercease.

Whatgoodcanhisrichesdohimnow?Theyonlyfurnishfueltotheflameinwhichhe is tormented.Let youngmen lookat this.Let the loversofricheslookatthis.

Althoughneitherthefuturecourseofthisrichyoungmaninthisworld,nor his final destiny, is given in the Scriptures, the probability is, thathaving turnedhisbackontheSaviourandontheheavenly inheritance,he relinquished all thought about his salvation from this time, andabandonedhimselftotheenjoymentofhisidolizedriches.Menwhohaveforatimebeenunderseriousconcernaboutthesalvationoftheirsouls,and afterwards turn back to the world, because they find the terms ofsalvation too difficult, commonly become more careless and morehardenedthanothers."Theirlaststateisworsethanthefirst."

Butthoughwehavenorecordoftheendofthisrichyoungman,wehave,from the lips of the Saviour himself, an affecting account of the end ofanother rich man, who lived in splendor and pleasure on earth, butneglectedpietyandcharity.Thetransition,inhiscase,fromasumptuoustable,andfrombeingclothedinpurpleandfinelinen,tothetormentsofhell, is as great as the imagination can conceive. When he began toexperience thekeenanguishof futuremisery,Ohowbitterwashiscry!"Send Lazarus to dip his finger inwater and coolmy tongue, for I amtormentedinthisflame."Butitwastoolatetopray.Hehadenjoyedhisgoodthingshere,andtormentawaitedhimintheworldofwoe.

THEDAYOFJUDGMENT

THATajustGodwillrendertoeverymanaccordingtohischaracterandworks, is a dictate of reason. Conscience also intimates to every man,whenhesins,thathedeservestobepunished;andwhenweseeorhearofgreatcrimescommittedbyothers,suchasmurders,perjuries,robbery,or treachery, we feel somethingwithin us demanding that such shouldreceivecondignpunishment.Butwesee that thewickedarenotalwayspunishedinthisworldaccordingtotheirevildeeds;itseemsreasonable,therefore,toexpectthattherewillbeajudgmentafterdeath.

Wearenot left,however, tothemeredictatesofreasononthissubject:God,inhisword,hasrevealedintheclearestmannerthattherewillbeadayofreckoningattheendoftheworld.Thisdayisappointed,andwillcertainly come. It is not so certain that we shall ever see the sun riseagain,asitisthatweshallseethedayofjudgment.TheLordJesusChristisalsoappointedtoactasJudgeonthatday:"becausehehathappointeda day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness, by thatmanwhomhehathordained."Acts17:31."Forwemustallappearbeforethejudgment-seatofChrist;thateveryonemayreceivethethingsdoneinhisbody,accordingtothathehathdone,whetheritbegoodorbad."2Cor.5:10.

Whenthisawfuldaywillarriveisaprofoundsecret,notrevealedtoanycreature in the universe. But we know that it will come suddenly andunexpectedly on thosewho shall thenbe on the earth.As itwas in thedaysofNoahandofLot,sowillitbeinthedayofjudgment.Menwillbepursuing their common worldly business and amusements, withoutapprehensionofdanger,whenthesoundofthelasttrumpshallbeheard—forthetrumpetshallsound—andtheSonofmanshallbeseencominginthecloudsofheaven.

The race of man shall not cease from the earth until that day comes.There will then be a generation of living inhabitants, probably verynumerous,intheworld.Thesewillneverdieasothermen,buttheywillundergoachangeequivalenttodeathandaresurrection;inamoment,inthe twinkling of an eye, they shall be changed. But all they that are in

theirgravesshallhearthevoiceofGod,andshallcomeforth,greatandsmall. No sooner shall the trumpet sound, than the scattered dust ofunnumbered millions shall resume its proper place in every man. Nomatterwhereitlies,orhowwidelyitmayhavebeenscattered,onewordof theAlmightyGod is sufficient tobring it to itsplace, andanimate itwithnewlife.Themultitudewhichwill thenstartupintolifecannotbeconceived,itwillbesogreat.TherewillstandAdamandallhisposterity;there will stand those who lived before the flood, and those who havelived since; there will be seen the ancient patriarchs, Noah, Abraham,Isaac, and Jacob, and the inspired prophets and apostles; there willappear kings, emperors, nobles, and their subjects; the learnedphilosopher and the ignorant multitude; ministers and theircongregations, parents and their children,masters and their servants—all,allcomingforwardtothegrandtribunal.Notoneofourwholeracewill be absent from this great assembly. There, reader, shall you and Istand,tremblingorrejoicing.

Itisuselesstoinquirewhereroomcanbefoundforsogreatamultitudetostand,forthiswillbeadayofmiracles.Allthewonderseverexhibitedbefore will be nothing to the wonders of that day. Indeed, all that isnaturalwillendonthatday,andeverythingwillbemiraculous.Thesunwill no longer rise and set, themoon no longer give her light, and thestarsshallnolongerappearinthefirmament.Heavenwillappeartohavecome down to earth, for the King of kings and Lord of heaven will bevisibletoall,withallhisowngloryandthatofhisFather.Andalltheholyangels will appear in attendance, standing round his throne, ready toexecutehisorders,whetherofjusticeorofmercy.

Whenallthingsareprepared—whentheJudgehastakenhisseatonthetribunal, and all men are brought before him, the judicial process willbegin;"andthebookswillbeopened."Whatbookstheseare,exceptone,whichis"thebookoflife,"wearenotinformed;butwemaybesurethatone is thebookofGod's law, andanother the recordofhumanactionswhich is in the "book of" God's "remembrance." It is not necessary tothinkofmore.Thesecontainallthatisnecessaryforconductingthetrialofeveryman.Theonecontainsthelaw,andtheotherthetestimony.Butevery thingwill be conductedwith themost perfect equity. Everyman

willbejudgedforhisowndeeds,andaccordingtothatknowledgeofthelawwhichhehadopportunityofacquiring.TheomniscienceoftheJudgewillenablehimtoestimatewithperfectexactnessallthecircumstancesofevery action; every thingwhich aggravates guilt, and every thingwhichpalliates it, will have due consideration. They who lived under thepatriarchal dispensation, will be judged according to the light andadvantages then enjoyed; they who lived under theMosaical economy,willbejudgedbythelawofMoses;andtheywhoenjoyedtheclearlightof the gospel, will be dealt with in a manner accordant to theiradvantages;whiletheywhoenjoyednoexternalrevelation,willbejudgedbythatlawwrittenontheheartsofallmen.

The things which shall be brought under the eye of the Judge, andexhibited to the viewof the universe, are, all deeds done in the body—whatsoever amanhathdone,whether goodor bad.Every secret thing."ForGodshallbringeverywork into judgment,witheverysecret thing,whetheritbegood,orwhetheritbeevil."Eccl.12:14.Everyidleword."Isayuntoyou, that every idleword thatmenshall speak, they shall giveaccountthereofinthedayofjudgment."Matt.12:36.Thethoughtsoftheheart shall also be made manifest. Every unholy desire; every proud,envious, or malicious thought; every secret purpose of iniquity; everyunhallowed temper; every rebellious and discontented and ungratefulfeelingtowardsGodandhisgovernment,willbebroughtintojudgment.

Andtheinquirywillextendnotonlytopositiveacts,butalsotoomissionsofduty.Greatasisthenumberoftheactsofwickedness,thecatalogueofomissionswillbegreater,andnotlesscriminal.Thefirstsinofthissortwhich will claim the attention of the Judge, will be the omission toentertain and cherish right sentiments towards God. No more heavychargewill be brought against any individual on that day, than that heneglectedtolovetheLordhisGodwithallhisheart,andsoul,andmind,andstrength.Thisisthetotalviolationofthefirstandgreatestcommand,andthefountainofallotheriniquities.TheneglecttobelieveontheLordJesusChristwhenhewasofferedtousacompleteSaviourinthegospel,will,totheunfruitfulhearersoftheword,beanaccusationofthehighestkind. The heinousness and enormity of unbelief which now affects theconsciencesofmensolittle,willonthatdayappearinaglaringlight.It

will not be strange if it should call forth reproaches upon the unhappyculprit,fromdevilswhoneverhadaSaviourprovided,andfromheathenwhoneverhadaSaviourofferedtothem.InthataccountwhichourLordhas givenof theprocess of the judgment, in the twenty-fifth chapter ofMatthew, the neglect of kindness to the saints, by visiting, comforting,andaidingthem,istheonlythingmentioned.Whateverelse,then,maybenoticed,wearesurethiswillnotbeforgotten.Thewholepassageissosolemnandinteresting,thatitdeservesourdeepestattention:"WhentheSonofmanshallcomeinhisglory,andalltheholyangelswithhim,thenshallhesituponthethroneofhisglory:andbeforehimshallbegatheredallnations;andheshallseparatethemonefromanother,asashepherddividethhissheepfromthegoats:andheshallsetthesheeponhisrighthand,butthegoatsontheleft.ThenshalltheKingsayuntothemonhisrighthand,Come,yeblessedofmyFather,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthe foundationof theworld.ForIwasahungered,andyegavememeat;Iwasthirsty,andyegavemedrink;Iwasastranger,andyetookmein;naked,andyeclothedme;Iwassick,andyevisitedme;Iwas in prison, and ye came untome. Then shall the righteous answerhim,saying,Lord,whensawwetheeahungered,andfedthee?orthirsty,andgavetheedrink?Whensawwetheeastranger,andtooktheein?ornaked, and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, andcameuntothee?AndtheKingshallanswerandsayuntothem,Verily,Isayuntoyou,inasmuchasyehavedoneituntooneoftheleastofthesemybrethren,yehavedoneituntome.Thenshallhesayalsountothemon the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels.ForIwasahungered,andyegavemenomeat;Iwasthirsty,andyegavemenodrink:Iwasastranger,andyetookmenotin;naked,andyeclothedmenot;sick,andinprison,andyevisitedmenot.Then shall theyalsoanswerhim, saying,Lord,whensawwetheeahungered,orathirst,orastranger,ornaked,orsick,orinprison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them,saying,Verily,Isayuntoyou,inasmuchasyediditnottooneoftheleastof these, ye did it not tome. And these shall go away into everlastingpunishment;buttherighteousintolifeeternal."Matt.25:31–46.

Andletitbewellconsidered,thatmostofthesinswhicharementionedin the discourses of Christ as the ground of condemnation, are sins of

omission.The slothful servant,whopreparesnothimself, is thewickedservant,whowillbecastintoouterdarkness.Themanwhowrappedhistalentinanapkinandburiedit,iscondemnedoutofhisownmouth.For"tohimthatknowethtodogood,"ofanykind,"anddoethitnot,tohimitissin."James4:17.

Many who prided themselves in their inoffensive lives and harmlessbehavior,willfind,whenthebooksareopened,acatalogueofomissionswhichwillstartlethemwithhorror,andoverwhelmthemwithconfusion.AndasactionsexternallygoodwillthenbeexaminedbyOnewhohasafull viewof themotives fromwhich theyproceeded,and theendwhichthe agent had in view, is it not certain thatmany religious actionswillthenappeartohavebeenmerehypocrisy?thatmanyactions,apparentlyjustandbenevolent,weremereeffortsofprideandselfishness?andthata life civil and blameless in the eyes of men, was a mere cloak whichcoveredaheartfullofuncleanlusts?Ourmostintimatefriendsherewillbe astonished when they see our secret iniquities and wicked motivesexposedtoview.Crimesthemostdetestablewillbefoundintheskirtsofthose who passed through life without suspicion. O how many secretmurders, perjuries, thefts, blasphemies, and adulteries, will then bebrought to light!Howmuch injustice, fraud, cruelty, oppression, pride,malice, revenge! The cries of the injured, the widow, and the orphan,alwaysenterintotheearsoftheLord,andhenowcomestoavengethem.CruelpersecutorsofGod'schurchandpeople,thoughclothedinpurple,and almost adored when living in the world, will now be brought to asevereaccount.Thebloodofthemartyredsaintsfrombeneaththealtarhasbeenlongcryingout,"Howlong,OLord,holyandtrue,dostthounotjudgeandavengeourbloodonthemthatdwellontheearth?"Rev.6:10.Andnowthedayofretributionhasarrived.

Whatwillbethelengthoftimeoccupiedwiththejudgmentweknownot.Itiscalledaday,butitwilldifferexceedinglyfromallotherdays;andinits duration, probably, as well as in other respects. Our wisdom is toattend towhat is revealed, and to repress a vain curiosity in regard toothermatters.Wemayrestassuredthatthewholeprocesswillbewiselyconducted, and that complete justicewill bedone.TheJudgeof all theearthwilldoright.Hewillnotcondemntheinnocent,norcleartheguilty.

Andhis judgmentwillbemost impartial.Therewillbenorespectingofpersons.Thekingandthebeggarwillstanduponequalground,andwillbe judged by the same rule. Thosewho in this worldwere reviled andslandered, and had no opportunity of clearing up their character, willthenbevindicated,andliesandreproacheswillhaveeffectnomore.

Buthereaseriousdifficultyoccurs.Itmaybesaid,"IfthelawofGodisthe rule of judgment, and if all sins are brought into judgment, thencertainly every human beingmust be condemned; 'for all have sinned,andcomeshortofthegloryofGod.'Accordingtothisview,nonecanbesaved."Toremovethisdifficulty, let itberemembered, thatbesides thebook of the law, there is another book which will be produced there,written fromthe foundationof theworld.This iscalledTHEBOOKOFLIFE.This contains thenames—and they shallneverbeblottedout—ofallthosewhohavewashedtheirrobesandmadethemwhiteinthebloodoftheLamb.ThesehehasundertakentopresenttoGodwithoutspotorwrinkle,oranysuchthing.Theywillappearonthatdayclothedwiththerighteousness of the Redeemer. The Judge on the throne is theircovenantedSurety.Heanswers toeveryaccusationmadeagainst them.Butnotwithstanding"thereisnocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus;"notwithstandingnone can "lay any thing to the chargeofGod'select;"yettheyalsoshallbebroughtintojudgment.Whenallthingsareprepared,andthewholeassemblyiscollectedbeforetheaugusttribunal,a separationwill bemade of the great congregation into twoparts, therighteous,andthewicked.Theformerwillbeplacedontherighthandofthe Judge, andwith themhewill commence. But no sooner shall theirnumerous sins be brought to view, than itwill bemade to appear thatthey are pardoned through the blood of Christ. When the books areopened,alongaccountwillappearagainstthem;butontheotherhand,itwillbeseenthatthewholeisfreelyforgiventhroughtherichesofgraceinChrist Jesus. But a most exact account will be taken of all their goodworks; and they will be mentioned to their honor, and rewarded asthough no imperfection had cleaved to them. The least act of kindnessdone to any of Christ's followers will bemagnified and rewarded as ifdonetoChristhimself.Eventhegivingacupofcoldwatertoadisciple,inthe name of a disciple, shall not lose its reward. Persons in the loweststate,servantsandslaves,whoperformedtheirdutyfaithfully,shallnot

beforgotteninthatday,for"whatsoevergoodthinganymandoeth,thesameshallhereceiveoftheLord,whetherhebebondorfree."Eph.6:8.Buttheywhosufferedpersecutionanddeathforrighteousness'sake,willbemosthighlydistinguished,andmostsignallyrewarded."Blessedareyewhenmenshallrevileyou,andpersecuteyou,andshallsayallmannerofevilagainstyoufalsely, formysake.Rejoice,andbeexceedingglad; forgreat is your reward in heaven." Matt. 5:11, 12. They also who havelabored much in promoting the Redeemer's kingdom, will receive arewardproportionedtotheirworksoffaithandlaborsoflove.Butnonewho have done good shall fail of their reward. Every one shall receiveaccording towhathehathdone;andeveryonewillbesatisfied; for thelowest place in glory is a situation too dazzling for our presentconceptions, and the whole is a matter of pure grace. These works,consideredinthemselves,deservenoreward.ButitisthewillofGodthateveryholydesire,everygoodwordandwork,inthemembersofChrist'sbody,shouldreceiveamarkofhis favor, to thehonorandgloryofhimwhoistheirHead,andwhodiedfortheirsalvation.

When the gracious sentence, "Come, ye blessed, inherit the kingdomprepared foryou fromthe foundationof theworld," ispronounced, therighteousshallbecaughtuptotheLord,andshallbeseatedbyhisside,andbeunitedwithhimintheremainingtransactionsof thatgreatday;foritiswritten,"Thesaintsshalljudgetheworld,"and,"Knowyenotthatyeshalljudgeangels?"

The case of the righteous being disposed of, then will come the awfultransaction of pronouncing sentence on the wicked. They will, indeed,have anticipated the sentence.By this time theywill be certain of theirdoom; but the scene itself will far exceed all apprehensions beforeentertained.Tobeholdthefaceofinflexiblejusticeturnedtowardsthem—to hear the irreversible sentence of condemnation, and that too fromthemouthof thebenevolentSonofGod—to feel in the inmost soul thejusticeofthesentence—tobeascertainofeverlastingdamnationastheyareofexistence—arethingsconcerningwhichwecanspeaknow,butofwhich we can form but very feeble conceptions, compared with thedreadfulreality.Inallhisexistencetherewillprobablybenomomentinwhichthesinner'sanguishwillbesopoignantasinthis,whentheJudge

shall say, "DEPART, YE CURSED, INTO EVERLASTING FIRE,PREPARED FOR THEDEVIL ANDHIS ANGELS."Matt. 25:41. Everyword in this tremendousdenunciationwillpierce throughthesoulwithmore insufferable pain than ten thousand daggers. It is reasonable tothink that every person against whom it is pronounced, will endure asmuchmiseryatthatmomentasinthenatureofthingsispossible.Andifthis were all, the prospect would be appalling; but to be doomed toendlessmisery in fire,with thedevilandhisangels!—whocanbear thethoughtwithouthorroranddismay?Yet,assureasGodistrue,willthissentencebe executedon every impenitent sinner.Menmay reason andcavilnow,buttheneverymouthshallbestopped.Thatthecryofdespairandhorrorwillbeheardthroughthegreatmultitude, iscertain—suchagreat and bitter cry as was never heard before. But it is all in vain;repentancecomestoo late.Thedayofgrace is foreverpast.Thegospeldispensationisended.Thisistheconsummationofallthings.Nochangein condition can ever be expected. They that are saved, have theirsalvationsecuredbytheoathandpromiseofGod;andtheywhoarelost,have their damnation sealed for ever and ever by a judicial sentencewhichcanneverberevoked.Andfromthissentencethere isnoappeal.There is no higher tribunal to which the cause may be transferred.Neithercananyresistancebemadetotheexecutionofthesentence.Theywhoarenowboldanddaringintheirblasphemiesandrebellion,willthenfindthattheyareinthehandsofasin-avengingGod.Itwillbelongtotheholy angels, who are mighty in power, to execute the sentence of theJudge."Soshallitbe,"saidourblessedSaviour,"attheendoftheworld:theangels shall come forth, and sever thewicked fromamong the just,and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall bewailing andgnashingofteeth."Matt.13:49,50.Anditwillbeasimpossibletoescapeas to resist.Therocksandmountainswillnotcover them.Theycannotceasetoexist.Gowheretheywill,Godistheretoexecutedeservedwrathupon them. Theywill therefore be obliged "to go away into everlastingpunishment."Matt.25:46.

The devil and his angels will also be judged on that day; but of theparticular nature of the trialwe are not informed.All thatwe know is,that "the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their ownhabitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto

thejudgmentofthegreatday."Jude,ver.6.Theyarenowmiserable,buttheircup isnot full; therefore theycriedoutwhen theysawJesus, "Artthoucometotormentusbeforethetime?"Matt.8:29,Atthebreakingupofthisgreatassembly,thepresentsystemoftheworldwillbedestroyed.For "the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the sameword arekept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment andperditionofungodlymen."2Pet.3:7.

Reader, deeply fix in your mind the certainty and importance of thetransactionsofthislast,greatday.Meditateuponitasarealityinwhichyouhaveamomentousinterest.Leteveryotherday,asitpasses,putyouinmindof this inwhichallotherswill end.Consideralso that itdrawsnear.Everymomentbearsusontowardsthegreattribunal.Mockersmaysay,Where is thepromiseofhis coming? "But thedayof theLordwillcomeasathiefinthenight;inthewhichtheheavensshallpassawaywitha great noise, and the elements shallmelt with fervent heat; the earthalso,andtheworkstherein,shallbeburnedup."2Pet.3:10.

Oreader,whoeverthouart, letmeentreatyoutoinquirewithoutdelay,whetheryouareprepared for thescrutinyand judgmentof thiscomingday.HaveyoumadeyourpeacewithGod?Haveyourepentedofallyoursins?AreyouinunionwithChristbyfaith?Haveyouanyclearscripturalevidence that your sins are pardoned? What says conscience to theseinquiries? Be assured, if your own heart condemns you, God, who isgreater than your heart, and knoweth all things, will much morecondemn you.But your situation is not like that of themwhose day ofgraceisended.Youareyetintheplaceofreconciliation.Youhaveyetalittle timebeforeyou—Godonlyknowshowmuch.Now, then,hear thevoiceofwarning—hearthevoiceofmercy.Now"strivetoenterinatthestrait gate". Now forsake your sins, and live. Accept the offered grace—"layholdoneternallife."

Let no consideration induce you to delay your conversion. Theimportanceofsalvation—theuncertaintyoflife—thedangerofprovokingthe Holy Spirit to abandon you—the example of thousands who haveperishedbyprocrastination—shouldurgeyoutolosenotime,buttofallinwiththegracious invitationof thegospel.But ifyouwillrefuse, thenpreparetomeetanangryGod.Hardenyourselfagainsttheterrorsofthe

Almighty; summon all your fortitude to hear your dreadful doom fromthe Judge of quick and dead. But I forbear—there is no fortitude orpatienceinhell.

Reader, art thou advanced in years? Let thy gray hairs and pains andwrinklesadmonishtheethatthouartneartojudgment;forwhatifdeathintervene, yet after death all preparation is impossible. Just as deathfinds us, sowill judgment. "In the placewhere the tree falleth, there itshall be." Eccl. 11:3. Consider also that the number of your sins is inproportion to the number of your days. Long lifewill prove a dreadfulcursetothosewhodieintheirsins.

Butifthouart inyouth,orinthevigorofmanhood,rememberthatthylifeisavapor;thatmostmendonotliveouthalftheirdays;andthatofthosewhoshallappearbeforethejudgment-seat,comparativelyfewwillhave finished theircourseof threescoreyearsandten. "Remembernowthy Creator in the days of thy youth." Eccl. 12:1. "Behold, the Judgestandethbefore thedoor."James5:9.Othershavebeensuddenly takenawayfromyourside.Theyalsointendedtomakepreparationhereafter;butwhiletheywerepleasingthemselveswiththeprospectofmanyyears,andweresaying,"Soul,takethineease,thouhastmuchgoodslaidupformanyyears,"Godsaid,"Thoufool,thisnightthysoulshallberequiredofthee.Beyethereforereadyalso,foratsuchanhourasyethinknot,theSonofmancometh.""Behold,theaxeislaidattherootofthetree"andnow perhaps thou art spared, on account of the prayer of some kindintercessor, forone year.This, for aught thouknowest,maybe thy lastyear.Ifso,itbehoovesyoutomakegooduseofyourtimeandprivileges.Let the ideaof the judgmentbeeverbeforeyourmind.Thereyoumustappear—there you must stand and render up your account—there youmustbefilledwithoverwhelmingshameandterror—thereyoumustheartheawfulfinalsentence,whichwillfixyourdoomirreversibly,unlessbyaspeedyrepentance,andbyfaithinJesusChrist,youfleefromthewrathtocome.

MayGod,ofhis infinitemercy,causethetruthswhichyouhavereadinthistracttosinkdeeplyintoyourmind;andbythelightofhisHolySpiritlead.youtojustviewsofyourowncondition,andtosavingviewsoftheLordJesusChrist,theonlyRedeemeroflostsinners.Amen.

THEMISERYOFTHELOST

THEsoulofmanissusceptibleofanintensedegreeofunhappiness.Eveninthisworldmuchmiseryisendured;butintheworldtocome,hopeisastranger,andtherearenoalleviatingcircumstances.

Themiseryof thedamnedhasby theologiansbeendivided into thatoflossandthatofsense:theoneproducedbythelossofgoodpossessedoronce attainable, the other arising from the positive infliction ofpunishment.Butthoughthisdistinctionhasafoundationasitrelatestothecauseofthesinner'smisery,yet,asitregardsthefeelingitself,thereisnoreasonformakinganydistinction.Allmiseryisfeltaccordingtoitsnature and intensity, and therefore is pain of sense, or sensible pain,whatevermaybe its cause.So thequestionwhether the fireofhell is amaterial fire, is of no importance; for if I feel a pang ofmisery at anymoment, it matters nothing whether it is produced by a material orimmaterial,byaprivativeorpositivecause.

Under the general name of misery, many species of suffering areincluded;all,however,agreeinginthis,thatthesensationispainful.Thefeelingof fear isaverypainfulemotion,but in itsnatureverydifferentfromremorse.Excessivepain, inourpresent state,maybeexperiencedthroughthenervesofsensation;butevenherethesesufferingsdiffer,notonly indegree,but inkind.Theheadache, toothache,and lumbago,areallseverepains,buttheyarenotthesame;andthesebodilypainsdifferexceedinglyfromthefeelingsofremorse,ordespair.

Our capacity of pain seems to bear an exact proportion to our

susceptibilityofpleasure.Indeed,thesamefacultiesandaffectionswhichare the sources of our happiness when the objects suited to them arepossessed, become the causes of our misery when deprived of thoseobjects.Bythesamefacultyweperceivethebeautiesandthedeformitiesof objects; the samemoral sense is the instrument of themost exaltedandsoul-satisfyingpleasure,andofthemostintolerableanguishofwhichthe soul is capable. Every affection and appetite affords pleasurewhendulyexercisedonitsproperobject;butdeprivedofthis,becomesasourceofintensepain.

Thoughthenatureof futuremisery toall lostsouls is thesame,yet thedegreemaydiffertoanextentwhichnomancanestimate.Somedivineshavemaintainedthatthefuturehappinessoftherighteouswillbeequal,aseternal life is the freegiftofGod;butnone,Ibelieve,haveeverheldthatthepunishmentofthelostwillbeequal.TheScripturesabundantlyteach thateverymanwillbe judgedaccording to thedeedsdone in thebody;andasthesinsofdifferent individualsareimmenselydifferent inguilt, justicedemands that theirpunishment shouldbeproportioned tothe demerit of the sinner. Our Saviour most explicitly teaches thisdoctrine when he says, "That servant who knew his master's will, andpreparednothimself,shallbebeatenwithmanystripes;buthewhoknewnothismaster'swill,andyetcommittedthingsworthyofstripes,shallbebeatenwithfewstripes."

Theguiltofsinisnotmeasuredmerelyorprincipallybytheexternalact,but by the light and advantages enjoyed by some above others. Thedifference between sins against light and sins of ignorance, is amatterconcerning which common-sense gives a judgment consonant with therule laiddownbyourLord.ItdoesnotappearthatthecitiesofGalilee,whereChristspentmostofhis time,andwherehewroughtmostofhisbeneficentmiracles,wereremarkableforexternalactsofimmorality;andyet their sins were greater than those of cities proverbial for theirwickedness, and consequently their punishment would be greater. Hiswords should never be forgotten: "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe untothee,Bethsaida!forifthemightyworkswhichhavebeendoneintheehadbeen done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago insackclothandashes.Andthou,Capernaum,whichartexaltedtoheaven,

shallbethrustdowntohell;forifthemightyworkswhichhadbeendoneinthee,hadbeendoneinSodom,itwouldhaveremaineduntothisday:thereforeIsayuntothee,itshallbemoretolerableforSodominthedayofjudgmentthanforthiscity."

Thesearewordsof awful import, andare as applicable toneglectersofthegospelandimpenitentsinnersnow,astothosedevotedcities.Many,becausetheirexternalconductisdecentandmoral,persuadethemselvesthattheirpunishmentwillbelight;butinviewofthewordscitedabove,itwillbefarmoretolerableforthevilestoftheheathenthanforthem,ifthey continue in their impenitence and neglect of the great salvation.Certainly gospel-neglecters, however decent in their external behavior,willsinkverydeepintotheabyssofmisery.Amongthese,however,therewill be a great difference. Some, alas, who sinned malignantly againstlight,willsinktothelowestgulfinhell.

Todescribetheextrememiseryoflostsoulsispainful,bothtothewriterand the reader. If we should give way to our sympathies andcompassionate feelings, we should not only exclude this awful subjectfrom our discourses, but from our creed. Indeed, it must beacknowledged that it occasions a conflict to reconcile our reason to therealityofsuchintenseandinterminablesufferingsasaredescribedintheword of God; and plausible arguments, derived from the goodness ofGod,mightbeconstructedagainstthedoctrineofsogreatfuturemisery;butallsuchargumentswouldoperateequallyagainsttheexistenceofsinand misery in this world, which, alas, are known too well to be factswhichnonecandeny,andofwhicheveryindividualisawitness.

WhenGod speaks, reason and feeling shouldbe silent.Heknowswhatjusticedemands,andwhatcanbedoneconsistentlywithhisattributes;butman isofyesterday,andknowsnothing.Supposeachild fiveorsixyearsoldshouldundertaketositinjudgmentontheactsofgovernment,and to decide whether its penal lawswere just or unjust, andwhethercapitalpunishmentsoughttobeinflictedonmurderers,orwhetherawarwas just and necessary, whowould expect a correct judgment from aninfant? But such a child is better qualified to decide on the mostcomplicatedschemesofhumanpolicy,thanmantojudgeoftheproprietyofthedivineadministration.

Impenitent men are apt to harden themselves against the awfuldenunciations of divine wrath contained in the Bible, and to cherishunkind feelings towards the ministers who bring out plainly andauthoritativelythedoctrineoftheNewTestamentonthissubject.Anditcannot be denied, that somepreachers denounce the terrors of the lawagainst transgressors in a style and manner adapted rather to irritatethan to convince. They speak almost as if they took pleasure in theseawfulthreatenings,andasiftheyhadnothingtofearforthemselves.Nodoubtmanyazealouspreacherhaspassedsentenceonhimself,andhasactuallysufferedthosetormentswhichhedenouncedagainstothers.

I am therefore disposed to present this subject in a lightwhich cannotgive offence. Instead of representing the danger to which others areexposed,Iwillmakethecasemyown.Itbehoovesmeto"trembleatthewordoftheLord,"asmuchasothers;andasIamasinner,andthereforenaturallysubjecttothepenaltyofthelaw,andliabletobemisledbythedeceitfulnessofmyhearttocherishfalsehopes,IwillendeavortorealizetomyselfthefeelingswhichIshallexperience,ifitshouldbemyunhappylottodieoutofthefavorofGod.

ItwouldseemthatTHEFIRSTMOMENTAFTERDEATHmustbeoneofunparalleledmisery.Myfirstreflectionwouldbe,

"I am lost for ever—all hope of happiness or relief is gone from mymiserablesoul.Theblacknessofdarkness is roundaboutme;norayoflight dawns onmywretched soul. Despair, fell despair has now seizeduponme, andmustblacken everyprospect to all eternity.While in theworld, Icouldcontrive to turnawaymythoughts fromthedisagreeablesubject;butnow,mymisery, likeaheavyburden,pressesonme,andiseverpresent—gowhereIwill,dowhatIwill.

"Whileinthebody,andengagedinsecularpursuits,Ientertainedasecrethopethattheremightbesomemistakerespectingtheextrememiseryofthe damned, or that there might possibly be some way of escape notrevealed;butnowalltheseidlenotionshavefledlikeadreamwhenoneawakes. I find hell to be no fable, but an awful reality. I find that thepreachers, so far from exaggerating the misery of the lost, had no

adequateconceptionofthewretchednessofasoulcastofffromGodforever,anddoomedtodwellineverlastingburnings.Ohhorrible,horrible!Iamthenundone—foreverundone!Inall formerdistressesIcouldcryformercy;butnowIhavepassedbeyondthereachofmercy!

"For the sake of momentary enjoyments, and worthless riches andhonors,Ihavebarteredawaymysoul.Accursedfolly!WhatbenefitcanInowderivefromthoseearthlypleasuresandpossessions?theyonlyserveasfueltotheflameswhichconsumeme.Oforonedropofwatertocoolmytongue.ButforthisIbeginvain.Thetimeforprayerandformercyhasgoneby,andmysoul is lost, lost, lost!and througheternity Imustexpectnodeliverance,no relief,noreven theslightestmitigationofmymisery.Woe,woe,woeisme!Ithadbeeninfinitelybetterformenevertohavebeenborn!

"IfIhadnotenjoyedtheoffersofthegospel,ifpardonandreconciliationhad not been withinmy reach, and often urged uponme,my anguishwouldnotbe soexcruciating.But this it iswhichwringsmyheartwithunspeakableanguish,thatImighthaveescapedallthismisery.Haditnotbeen for my own sin and folly, I might ere now have been in heaven.Otherswhoheard the samesermons,andbelonged to the same family,arenowinAbraham'sbosom,whileIamtormentedinthisflame.OhthatIcouldceasetobe;buttoflyfromexistenceisimpossible.

"Here I am surrounded by wretches as miserable as myself, but theircompany rather aggravates than mitigates my soul's anguish. I amreproachedandcursedbyallwhowereeverledbymycounselorexampleintothewaysofiniquity.Theydreadfullyscowluponme.

"Andthefiendsofthepit,whoweremyseducers,nowcombinetotauntmewithmy folly. They never had the offers ofmercy. Themerits of adying Saviour were never offered to them. They seem to entertain amalignant pleasure—if pleasure it can be called—in witnessing myextrememisery.Owretchedman,whithercanIflee?Istherenopossibleescapefromthisprisonofdespair?Cannooneeverpassthegulfwhichseparatesthisdismalabodefromtheregionsoftheblessed?None—none!

"Oh, if there could be a suicide of the soul, how happy should I be to

escapefromexistence,andtoplungeintothegulfofannihilation,whichonceseemedhorribletomyapprehension,butnowdesirable.Thiswouldbeanoblivionofallmymisery.But invaindoIseektodie.Deathfliesfromme.Andhere I see thosedeludedsoulswho,bydoingviolence totheirownlives,vainlydreamedthattheywereescapingfrommisery;butalas,fromaburdenwhichwithfaithandpatiencemighthavebeenborne,they have leaped into a fiery furnace. They are now convinced of thedreadfulsinandfollyofsuicide,buttheycannotrepeattheacthere.

"MayIhopethattimewilllessenthehorrorsandanguishofmywretchedsoul?Willmyheart,sosusceptibleoftheemotionsofbitteranguish,bydegreesbecomelesssensibletothesepiercingpains,andbemoreabletobear up under this overwhelming weight of misery? This question canonlybesolvedbyexperience:letmeasksomeonewhohasbeensufferingforthousandsofyears.

"HerecomesCainthefirstmurderer,whoisknownstillbyhavinguponhim the stain of a brother's blood. Suppose I speak to him. Tell me,fellow-prisoner,whohastlongenduredthepainsofthisinfernalprison,whetherbylongcontinuancethesemiseriesbecomemoretolerable?Butwhy do I ask? the wretched fratricide is evidently writhing in keenestanguish.Heistoomiserabletospeak,andtoofullofmalignitytogratifyanyone.Hisguiltystain—theblood-spot—hasnotbeenburntoutbythefiercestfiresofhell.No;see,hedefiestheAlmighty.HeblasphemestheGod of heaven. He asks for nomitigation of his punishment now. Hismalignant,fieryspiritfeedsondespair,andchallengeshisAvengertodohisworst.

"Oh,then,Iseethereisaprogressioninwickednesseveninhell.Thisisthe most appalling prospect of all—an endless progression in sin, andconsequentlyanincrease,insteadofadiminutionofmisery,throughtheendlessagesofeternity."

Anotherawfulpointintheexistenceofthedamned,willbeTHEDAYOFJUDGMENT.Greatas is themiseryofa lost soulwhenseparated fromthe body, this is probably small when compared with the exceedingweightofmiserywhichshallovertake it at thedayof judgment. ImustthenendeavortoimaginewhatwillbemyfeelingsifIshouldbefoundon

thelefthandonthatdreadfulday.

As here a large portion of our pleasures and pains are experiencedthroughthebody,Iknownoreasonwhyitshouldnotbesointhefutureworld.Certainlythedisembodiedspiritiscapableofnoneofthesepainsorpleasures.Itseemsreasonabletoconclude,therefore,thatthebodiesofthedamnedwillbesoconstructedastobeinletstoexcruciatingpains,as the bodies of the saints will be instruments of refined, celestialpleasures.Thepersonofthemanisnotcompletewithoutthebody,andthereforethefinalsentenceofcondemnationwillnotbedenounceduntilthebody—theselfsamebody—israisedfromthedead,andreunitedtothesoul;thathavingbeenpartnersintransgression,theymaybeassociatedinenduringthecondignpunishmentofthedeedsdoneinthebody.

Thestateofthelostsoulbeforethejudgment,maybecomparedtothatofa criminal confined inprisonwaiting forhis trial.Letme then imaginemyselftohavediedunreconciledandimpenitent.Atanunexpectedtimethesoundofthelasttrumpetwillbeheard;andasitisthelasttrumpet,soitwillbetheloudest.Thedepartedspiritsconfinedinprisonshallhearit, and their bodies, long crumbled to dust, shall hear it; and I shallcertainly hear that awful, deeply penetrating sound, and I shall comeforth, coerced by an irresistible power, I shall again be clothed with abody;butO,whatsortofabody!

AmongmillionsofmillionsIamforcedtoappear.Owhatterriblemajestyin the Judge, now coming with all his holy angels—now seated on hisgreatwhitethrone.Awfulmoment!Thebooksareopened.Thereallmycrimesofthought,word,anddeed,arerecorded—sinsofomissionaswellascommission.Oforahiding-placeundertherocksorcaves!Butno;Imust appear—I must hear my sentence of condemnation andbanishment. Themisery of an age seems condensed into thismoment.The tremendous sentence comes forth, "Depart, ye cursed, intoeverlastingfire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels."Imaginationfails—Icanwritenomore;experiencemustteachtherest.

Themisery of the eternally lost cannot be adequately conceived,muchlessexpressed.Itcannotbeexaggeratedbyanydescription;andthiswillbemanifestifweconsiderWHATTHEYKNOWTHEYHAVELOST.

Allthegoodthingswhichtheyenjoyedinthislifetheymustleavebehind.All their riches,honors,andsensualpleasuresare leftatdeath;and forthese therewillbeno substitute in eternity.Thevicious cravingsof theimmortal soul will continue, but therewill be no longer any objects togratify them; for want of which, like some venomous creatures whenwounded,theywillturnandpreyuponthemselves.

Asoulwithitsactivepowersandpassions,mustbemiserableifdeprivedofallobjectssuitedto itsgratification.Weknowscarcelyanymiseryonearthmoreintolerablethanahumanbeingperishingforlackofbreadorwater.Hunger and thirst, if not seasonably gratified, are the sourcesofmost excruciating pain. Now the soul can never lose its desire ofhappiness; howmiserable, then,must it be when this insatiable desiremeetswithnothingtogratifyit.ItisstronglyrepresentedbyourSaviourinthecaseoftherichmaninhell,whocriedforonedropofwater,andsaid,"Iamtormentedinthisflame."Thesoulofthesinnerwillbeitsownchieftormentor.Itispossiblethatallthetormentexperiencedinhellwillbethenaturalconsequenceofsin.

Malignantpassionsareintheirverynatureattendedwithmisery;forasbenevolentaffectionsarebeatific,somalevolentfeelingsareaccompaniedwithmisery.Herethesemalignantpassionsareheldunderrestraint;andwhilewe are in the body, there are instinctive natural affectionswhichcounteractthemalevolentfeelingswhichexistinthedepravedheart;butineternityallrestraintwillberemoved,andthenativewickednessoftheheartwillact itselfout: therearenonaturalaffectionsthere—allwillbeunmixedmalice,envy,andwickedness.Letanymoralagentwhoistotallydepravedbeabandoned tohimself, andhemustbemiserable.Hisownpassionswill becomehis everlasting tormentors.Hewill carry ahell inhisownbosom.

But of all feelings of misery, none is so intolerable as remorse. Theconscience,ormoralfaculty,asitistheprincipalsourceofthemostpureandsublimeenjoymenttotherighteous;soitis,tothelost,thescorpionwhich will for ever sting the soul with inexpressible anguish. Theconsciousnessofhavingdonewrong,ofhavingsinnedagainstGod,andofbeingthecauseofourowndestruction,isakindofhellasdreadfulasany of which we can conceive. The lost soul will for ever have the

convictionclearlyimpressedthatitisitsowndestroyer,andthatheavenwithallitsjoyshasbeenlostbyitsownsinfulfollyandneglect.

Andthebitterest ingredientofall inthecupofmisery isdespair—blackdespair.Oh,iftherewasthemostdistanthopeofreleaseatsomefutureperiod,itwouldmitigatetheanguishofthesufferingsinner.Butdespairadmitsofnoalleviation.

Men may here dream of a deliverance from hell after a long time ofsuffering,butthedelusionwillvanishassoonastheyentereternity.TheywillthenfindthatthewordofGod,whichdenouncedeternaldestructiononimpenitentsinners,wasnotavainthreat;thatGodwillnotsparetheguilty,butwillpunishthemwitheverlastingdestruction.

Omysoul,considernowhowyouwillbeabletoenduresuchmiseryasmustbeexperiencedbyallthelost,butespeciallybythosewhoenjoyedthe lightof thegospel.Canstthoufortifythyselfagainstall thismisery?Wiltthoubeabletoendureitwithpatience?Onlyimagineyourconditionmillionsofageshence.Stillwrithinginanguish—stillbelchingouthorridblasphemies—stillcoveredwiththeblacknessofdarkness—stillwithoutarayofhope.Notamoment'seaseduringthislongperiod.Omysoul,willyounotmakeonevigorousefforttoescapesogreatmisery?Willyounotstrivetofleefromthewrathtocome?Life,eternallife,isstillwithinyourreach.Layholdontheprize.Pressontothekingdom.Takerefugeinthecross,andyouwillbesafe.

JUSTIFICATIONBYFAITH

WITH A SUMMARY VIEW OF THE DOCTRINE, AND ITS

MOMENTOUSIMPORT

IT shallbeour endeavor to setbeforeour readersaplainexpositionofthis great Christian doctrine as taught in the holy Scriptures, and asgenerallyheldbysoundProtestants.

Wecommencewithsomeremarksonthescripturalmeaningoftheword"justification," as a mistake here may spread darkness over the wholediscussion.

Thecommonacceptationoftheword"tojustify,"intheBible,is,toacquitfromallcharge,todeclarethepersontostandrightintheeyeofthelaw.It is theveryoppositeof"condemnation."Andinthissense is thewordcommonly used among us. To "justify" is not, therefore, to infuse aprincipleofjusticeintothesoul.Itdoesnotproduceaninherentchangeofmoralcharacter.Theimportofthiswordisentirelydistinctfromthatof"sanctification;"andthisdistinctionmustbecarefullykeptinview,ifwewouldavoiderrorandconfusionintheinvestigationofthesubject.

That theword iscommonlyused in thisdeclarativeor forensicsense inthe holy Scriptures, might be evinced by an induction of numerouspassages;letafew,however,suffice.Godissaidtobe"justified"whenhespeaks;thatis,heappearstobejust.Christisdeclaredtobe"justifiedintheSpirit;"histruecharacterwasmanifestedandvindicated."Iftherebea controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that thejudges may judge them, then they shall justify the righteous, andcondemn thewicked."Deut. 25:1.Herewe have the true import of theword as a forensic term, and standing in direct opposition tocondemnation.And inExodus23:7, it is said, "For Iwillnot justify thewicked;" that is, I will not pronounce the wicked to be just. And inProverbs 17:15, "He that justifieth thewicked, andhe that condemneththe just, even they both are abomination to the Lord." But to render awickedmaninherentlyrighteous,issofarfrombeinganabominationtotheLord,thateventobetheinstrumentofsuchachangeisfollowedbyagreatreward.

Inthesamesenseisthewordemployed,Isaiah5:23,wheretransgressorsarecharacterizedasthosewho"justifythewickedforreward."Solomon,

inhisdedicatoryprayer,1Kings.8:32,says,"Thenhearthouinheaven,anddo,andjudgethyservants,condemningthewicked,tobringhiswayuponhishead;andjustifyingtherighteous,togivehimaccordingtohisrighteousness."Thusalso is thewordusedbyPaul: "Who shall lay anythingtothechargeofGod'select?ItisGodthatjustifieth;whoishethatcondemneth?""By thedeedsof the lawshallno fleshbe justified inhissight.""Beingjustifiedbyfaith—freelybyhisgrace."AndinRomans4:5,Godissaidto"justifytheungodly."

Letitbedistinctlyborneinmind,thatastateof justificationistheveryopposite of a state of condemnation, and there can be no materialmistakerespectingthetrueimportoftheword.Hewhoiscondemnedisconsideredas a transgressorof the law,whose sins are still imputed tohim;hewhoisjustifiedisviewedashaving,thoughnotofhisown,thatwhichsatisfiesthelaw—hehastheblessednessofthemantowhomtheLord imputethnotsin,but towhomhe"imputes righteousnesswithoutworks."

The only method of obtaining the favor of God which reason andconscience dictate, is doing the will of God. Moral agents, put onprobation,iftheypersevereinobedienceduringtheperiodoftheirtrial,are"justified,"andconfirmedinastateofintegrityandhappiness.

Whenanaccountablecreature,oraraceofaccountablecreatures,failsinobedience, the penalty of the law,whatever itmay be, is incurred, andmust be endured. Both justice and truth require the infliction of thepunishmentdeserved,andthreatenedto transgressors.The justificationofasinnerappears, therefore,at firstsight, tobea thing impossible, inconsistencewiththedivineattributes.Todeviseaplanbywhichsinnersmaybe saved, and yet the lawbemaintained and justice satisfied,wasbeyond the wisdom of any creature; but what finite wisdom could notaccomplish,thewisdomofGodhasfoundout;andtorevealthisplanofsalvation,andthetermsonwhichthecondemnedcreaturemaybemadea partaker of it, is the great design of divine revelation. This is themysteryintowhichangelsdesiretolook.Itisthe"goodnews"whichthegospelannounces.Itwillbea themeofadorationandgratefulpraise inheaven through eternal ages; andallwho shall arrive atheavenby thismethodofsalvation,willsingasongpeculiartothemselves,inwhichno

others of the heavenly host can join, "Unto Him that loved us, andwashedusfromoursinsinhisownblood."

To understand how God can be just, and justify the ungodly, let uscontemplate theacknowledgedcircumstancesof thecase.God isaholybeing,andhislawislikehimself,"holy,just,andgood."Thislawcannotbe set aside or changed, in mercy to the offender, without reflectingdishonorontheLawgiver.Bettertherewerenolaw,thanthatitsclaimsshouldbedisregarded.Betterthatallcreaturesshouldceasetoexist,thanthat any dishonor should be cast on the truth or justice of God. If theinflictionofthepenaltyincurredwasnotarighteousact,suchapenaltyneverwouldhavebeenannexedtothelaw.Allhopeofescapefoundedonthe idea that the law ofGodmay be set aside, or its demands relaxed,mustbevain;andallsuchhopesareimpious,astheyarefoundedonthesupposition that God will "deny himself." Does not every transgressor,then,appeartobeshutuptodeath?

Somemaybereadytoreply,thatGodismercifulaswellasjust,andthesinnermayhopeinhismercy;andthattoinsistupontherigidexecutionoflawinallcases,wouldexpungemercyfromthedivineattributes.Itwillalsobe alleged, that to represent the supremeRuler as inflexible inhisjustice, and requiring the utmost farthing ofwhat is due from his frailcreatures,istoexhibithiminanunamiablelight.

Thisviewof thesubjectseemsplausible,and falls inwith theprevalentopinionsandfeelingsofmen.Butitoughttobeconsidered,thatifmercybe so essential to God that he cannot but exercise it unless he showhimselfsevereandunamiable,thenthereisanendofjustice.Therecanbenoplace for it inthedispensationsofamercifulGod.But"aGodallmercyisaGodunjust."

And let it be considered again, thatupon theseprinciples therewasnoneedofaMediator toexpiateoursins,andpropitiateanoffendedGod.To the sinner God may indeed appear lovely, as divested of hisrighteousness, and equally good to the transgressor and the obedientsubject; just as the criminal condemned by human laws would esteemthatjudgeamiablewhopardonedhiscrimes,whileuprightcitizensmightviewittobeinconsistentwithhischaracterasarighteousjudge.Butthe

inquiry shouldbe,howwould thedivine character appear to intelligentandimpartialspectators,ifsinshouldgounpunished;howwouldthisbeviewed by the "holy angels?" And surely, with the word of God in ourhands,wecannothesitatetobelievethatGodisjustandholy,andthathe"willbynomeanscleartheguilty."

ButdonottheScripturesrepresentGodasamercifulbeing;andarenotall invited to take refuge under the wings of his mercy? Yes; this isundoubtedly true. No attribute is more frequently and emphaticallyascribed toGod thanmercy, and by no other is his infinite and divineperfection more gloriously manifested. Throughout the holy Scriptureswe have set before us a God both just and merciful. Those attributes,therefore,astheyexistinGod,mustbeharmonious,andtheexerciseofthe one must somehow be consistent with that of the other. Let us,therefore, endeavor to discover how theymay be harmonized, how thegreatCreatorcanbeatthesametimeboth"ajustGodandaSaviour."

One remark, before we proceed farther, seems necessary to preventmistakes.Thereexistsnotthesamenecessityfortheexerciseofmercyasofjustice.Godisobligedbytherectitudeofhisnaturetobealwaysandinallcasesjust;butheisnotboundinallcaseswheretherearemiserablesinners to exercisemercy. The example of the fallen angels settles thisquestion.Suchanideaofmercywoulddestroyeveryideaofjustice.Therecouldremainnoplaceforitsexercise.Mercy,fromitsverynature,isfree.Tosupposeanybindingobligationtoshowmercydestroys itsnature; itwould then be confoundedwith justice. The true ground of distinctionbetweenjusticeandmercyis,thatwhilethefirstisobligatory,thelastisfree, and may be bestowed or withheld at the pleasure of him whoexercisesit.

Thetrueprincipleonwhichjusticeandmercymaybereconciledis,thatthe claims of justice must be satisfied in order to make way for theexercise of mercy. If no plan could have been devised by which thedemandsof the law—whichare thesameas theclaimsof justice—couldbe satisfied, then had the exercise of mercy been impossible in thegovernment of a righteous God. But herein has the infinite wisdom ofGod been gloriously displayed by the plan of redemption: "Mercy andtruth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each

other." According to this glorious plan, justice and mercy are bothmanifested in themost conspicuousmanner in the obedience of Christuntodeath.Inthecross thesedivineattributesnotonlyharmonize,butshineforthwithbrighterraysthananywhereelse.Letitnotbeforgotten,thatthedifficultyinthewayoftheexerciseofmercytosinnersrequiredtobeovercome,wasnothingelsethanthedemandsofinflexiblejustice,andthetruthofGodpledgedinannexingthepenaltyofdeathtothelaw.Noplanofreconciliationor justificationwhichdoesnotprovide for theremovalofthisdifficultyisadmissibleorpossible.Iwishthispointtobeclearlyunderstood,and indelibly fixed in thememoryof thereader, forotherwisehewillbeindangerofbeingmisledbyfalsetheories.

LetusthentakeanaccuratesurveyofTHECONDITIONOFASINFULMANundertherighteousgovernmentofGod.Wetake forgrantedthatthedemandsofthelawofGodareneitherannihilatednordiminishedinconsequenceofhistransgression.FallenmanisasmuchunderobligationtoloveGodwithalltheheart,mind,andstrength,asinnocentman.Itisadictate of reason, that the obligation of no law is removed bytransgressingit.Neitherdoesthefactthatthesinnerhasfallenunderthecondemnation of the law, free him from the obligation to obey it.Althoughsomehaveheldthisopiniontopropuparottensystem,nothingcanbeconceivedmoreabsurd.Thissupposestheenduringthepenaltyofthelawtobeafullequivalentforperfectobedience.Accordingtothis,themanwhohadstoodinthepilloryforperjuryaslongasthepenaltyofthelawrequired,wouldbeasdeservingofesteemandofarewardasthemanwho had completely obeyed the laws of his country. Then let it bedistinctly kept in mind, that on a transgressor the law has a doubledemand:first,theoriginalrequisitionofperfectobedience;andsecondly,a demand that the penalty, according to the demerit of the offence, beendured.Andbeforehecanbejustifiedaccordingtothislaw,boththesedemandsmustbemetandsatisfied.

Amistakeonthispointhasledmanyastrayinregardtothenatureofasinner's justification. They have maintained that nothing else wasnecessary but that the Surety endure the penalty of the law, or makeatonementforsin;andthatnothingmoreisincludedinjustificationthantheforgivenessofoursins.But if thiswereall, justificationwould leave

the person in the same relation to the law inwhich Adam stoodwhencreated;thatis,hewouldbefreefromthepenalty,butwouldhavenotitletotherewardofarighteousperson.Buttheveryword"justify"expressesmuchmore.Strictlyspeaking,andexcludingthemeritsofChrist,pardonand justification are incompatible; for the first supposes the person tohave been a transgressor, the last that he has a righteousness fullyansweringthedemandsofthelaw;butwhenasinnerisjustifiedbyfaithin Christ, while he receives remission of sins through his blood, he isaccountedrighteousbyreasonoftheperfectobedienceuntodeathofhisSuretyrenderedinhisbehalf.

Those who deny the necessity of the active obedience of Christ asincludedinthemeritoriousgroundofasinner's justification,aredrivento the necessity of maintaining that the personmust acquire a title toeternal lifebyhisownobedience;andtheysupposethatthisdoctrineisinculcated in all those texts which speak of believers being rewarded"according to their works;" whereas, if eternal life was granted only inconsequenceofChrist'sobedience,theyallegeallwouldsharealike,andtherewouldnotbedifferentdegreesofgloryamongthesaintsinheaven.But this is to confound the title to eternal life with the degree ofhappiness to be enjoyed. As to the title, all do stand upon a perfectequality.Heavenisassuretotheweakestbelieverastothestrongest;tothe man who lived only to perform one good work, as to him thataboundedingoodworksthroughalonglife.Butitdoesnotfollowfromthisthatthehappinessandgloryofallbelieversshallbeequal.All, it isreasonable to believe, will not have the same capacity of heavenlyhappiness;andit ismeetthattheywhohavelaboredmostandsufferedmost,shouldenjoymosthereafter.Thisfurnishesagoodreasonforwhatwe find clearly taught by our Lord and his apostles, that in the day ofjudgment the good works of the righteous will be brought into publicview,aswellthattheymayfurnishameasureoftheirrespectiverewards,as that they may furnish conclusive evidence of the sincerity of theirprofession.

Although the active obedience of Christ, as well as his sufferings anddeath,arenecessarytoajustifyingrighteousness,yetthereisnonecessitynor propriety in curiously endeavoring to separate the parts of our

Saviour's finished work. As has been well remarked by a profoundtheologian, "In his sufferings he obeyed, and in his obedience hesuffered." His mediatorial work, like his robe, cannot be divided intoseparateparts.Still,wecanconceiveofadistinctionbetweenthatwhichwas necessary to satisfy the precept, and that which was required tosatisfythepenaltyofthelaw.Andiftherewereanyuncertaintywhetherall theactsofChrist's obediencewere strictly vicarious, yet itwouldbeoursafecoursetoexcludenothingwhichGodhasnotexcluded.Whentheapostle says, "by his OBEDIENCEmany are constituted righteous," noman has a right to limit the word, which is left in the holy Scriptureswithoutlimitation.

Havingseen that inorder toa sinner's justification, the lawdemandsarighteousnesswhichshallanswerbothitspreceptanditspenalty, letusnextinquire,HASJESUSCHRISTTHEMEDIATORPROVIDEDSUCHARIGHTEOUSNESS?Andhereitiscomfortabletotheconvincedsinnertolearnthat"Heistheendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth."That"HeofGodismadeuntousrighteousness,"andiscalled"THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." And that "there is nocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus."That"Hewhoknewnosin,wasmadesinforus,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim."

Butwhymaynotasinnerbejustifiedbyhisownrighteousness?Forthebestreasonintheworld:becausehehasnonewhichwillanswerthelaw'sdemand.Allwilladmitthattheexternalobedienceofanunrenewedman,whethertothemoralorceremoniallaw,cannotbearighteousnessthataholy God can accept as the ground of his justification. Such arighteousness is indeed well described by the prophet as "filthy rags."Thatwhichhasnoparticleofrealholinessinitsurelycannotanswerthedemandsofthatholylawwhichrequires"truthintheinwardparts,"andperfect rectitude in every thought anddesire. It is thereforeuniversallyagreedamongProtestantsthat"deadworks,"ormereexternalobedience,canjustifynoone.

Stillitiscontendedbysomethatthe"newobedience"ofasanctifiedsoulmay,byagraciousGod,bereceivedasajustifyingrighteousness.Others,to be more conformable to the language of Scripture, ascribe our

justificationtothesinglegraceoffaithoractofbelieving.Butwewillnowshowthatnoworksofours,noranyholinesswroughtinus,isthegroundofourjustification.

The arguments fromwhich it is evident that our justification is not onaccount of inherent holiness, or goodworks proceeding from faith, arethese:

Justification is a sentence according to law; but the law demands aperfect righteousness: the imperfect, though sincere obedience of thebeliever, is not a ground on which God, as a righteous Judge, canpronounce the sinner justified. Even if the believer could attain toperfectioninthislife—whichnoneeverdid—thiswouldnotanswerforaperfectrighteousness;forwhenamanstandsinjudgmentbeforeGod,hemustanswer for thewholeofhis life, andnotapartonly.Thebelievercannotbejustifiedbyhisevangelicalobedience,becausethisfollowshisacceptancewithGod,andcannotthereforebeitscause.TheungodlyarethepersonswhomGodjustifies;thereforetheyarenotjustifiedbytheirown obedience, for they remain ungodly up to the verymoment whentheyarejustified.

The justification of the sinner, according to the apostle Paul, excludesboasting;butifamanisjustifiedbyhisownworks,ofwhateverkind,hehas a ground of glorying; therefore justification is not by "works ofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone."

Again, justification is entirely gratuitous, and thereforenotbyworksofanykind. "Being justified freely byhis grace."Nowbetweenworks andgracethereis,accordingtoPaul,anirreconcilableoppositionasitrelatestothegroundofasinner'sacceptance."Andifbygrace,itisthennomoreofworks;otherwisegraceisnomoregrace.Butifitbeofworks,thenitisnomoregrace;otherwiseworkisnomorework."

ItdetractsfromthehonorofChristandthemeritofhismediatorialworktoascribejustification,inwholeorinpart,toman'sobedience.Ifithadbeen consistent with God's perfections to accept of an imperfectobedience fromthecreature,wherewas theneedofadivineMediator?Did Christ the Son of God come into the world and die on the cross

merelytorendertheimperfectobedienceofthesinneracceptable?Thissupposition is not honorable to the divine Redeemer, neither is it inaccordance with holy Scripture. There all is ascribed to Christ'sredemption—tohisblood—tohisrighteousness—tohisobedience.Christisthefoundation—thecorner-stone—theway,thetruth,andthelife—thealpha and omega—the beginning and end of our salvation. He thatglories,mustgloryintheLord.Theeverlastingsongoftheredeemedwillbe,"Notuntous,butuntoHimthatlovedusandwashedusfromoursinsinhisownblood."

AndwhatsaystheexperienceofthechildrenofGod?Aretheywillingtotrustforsalvationtosuchabrokenreedastheirownobedience;andaretheydisposedtodetractanythingfromthegloryoftheRedeemerintheirsalvation?Isthereoneamongthemwhowouldwishtoputinaclaimforanypartofthehonorofthiswork?

But what need is there to argue a point which is so explicitly andpositivelydecidedby thepenof inspiration?"Therefore,"saysPaul, "bythedeedsofthelaw,thereshallnofleshbejustifiedinhissight."Andasif tocutoffallpretence thathemeant theceremonial lawofMoses,heimmediatelyadds,"forbythelawistheknowledgeofsin."NowPaultellsus in another place what law produced in him the knowledge of sin,namely, the law contained in the ten commandments; "for," sayshe, "Ihadnotknownsin,unless the lawhadsaid,Thoushaltnotcovet."Andthisisgivenasareasonbytheapostlewhytherecouldbenojustificationby the law; for if amanwas only convicted of one sin by the law, it isevidentthatjustificationtohimbythatlawisasimpossibleasifhehadviolated every precept. As justification and condemnation are oppositestatesinrelationtothelaw,hewhoiscondemned,ifitwereonlyforonesin,andthatthesmallest,nevercanbejustifiedbyabrokenlaw.Foronesin incurs the penalty; as it is written, "Cursed is every one thatcontinuethnotinallthingswritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."

Somedreamofanewandmilderlawunderthegospelbywhichbelieversare justified; but there is none such—there can be none such. TheScriptures never mention any other moral law than the law requiringperfect love, and which is summarily comprehended in the tencommandments. To this our Saviour continually appeals as universally

binding—asintendedoriginallytogivelifetothosewhoobeyedit,andasthe perfect rulewhich all should follow. The apostles refer to no otherlaw, as might be proved by numerous testimonies. Indeed, the verysuppositionofachangeinthemorallawismonstrous;itwouldimplyachangeintheLawgiver,whichisnothinglessthanblasphemy.

Goddoes, it is true, accept fromhis people an obediencemingledwithdefectsandimperfections,butnotastheir justifyingrighteousness; it isforChrist'ssake,andbecausetheyarealready"acceptedintheBeloved.""Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is inChristJesus," theyareadopted into thenumberofsonsanddaughters;and having his righteousness imputed to them, or set down to theiraccount, there isnocondemnationtothem."Whoshall layanythingtothe charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; who is he thatcondemneth?" It is said of believers, that "they are passed from deathuntolife,andshallnevercomeintocondemnation."

But we are said to be JUSTIFIED BY FAITH: how is this to beunderstood?ThisdoctrinestandsoutprominentlyintheNewTestament,and theReformersconsidered it thecardinalpoint,or thecentreof theChristianreligion.Luther,asfarasdoctrinewasconcerned,commencedtheReformationbyrestoringthisdoctrinetoitsproperplace;andalltruereformerseversincehaveplacedjustificationbyfaithatthefoundationoftheirsystem,andmadeittheburdenoftheirpreaching;andtheneglectofthisdoctrine,oradispositiontoexplainitaway,ornottomaintainitinitssimpleandobviousmeaning,isanevidenceofacorruptsystemoftheology,andmarksadeviationfromthetruthinotherparticulars.Thisdoctrine is as essential in the system of divine truth, as the centre ofgravityinbodies;inbothcasesthesepointsmustbefirmlysupported,orthesystemfalls.

Butwereturntotheimportantquestion,Howdoesfaithjustifyasinner?Certainly not on account of any merit in the act of faith. They whomaintain this, fall into no less an error than substituting an act of ourmindsforChristandhisrighteousness.Faithmay,inacertainsense,becalled awork;but it isnot as awork that it justifies, or itwouldneverhavebeen,asitis,placedinstrongcontrastwithworks.Thoughfaithbeanact of obedience to the lawofGod, it is not as such that it justifies.

HearwhatPaulteachesonthispoint:"Thereforeweconclude,thatamanis justified by faith without the deeds of the law." "Now to him thatworkethistherewardnotreckonedofgrace,butofdebt.Buttohimthatworkethnot,butbelievethonHimthatjustifieththeungodly,hisfaithiscounted for righteousness."To interpret this lastphraseas thoughPaulintendedtoteachthattheactofbelievingwastherighteousnessbywhichtheungodlyarejustified,wouldbetomakehimmostpalpablycontradicthimself; for that constructionwould not onlymake faith awork in theaffair of justification, but a substitute for all other works; whereas theapostle,inthispassage,says,"Buttohimthatworkethnot,butbelievethonHimthatjustifieththeungodly;"thatis,whoperformsnoworksasarighteousness by which he expects to obtain the favor of God; but inregardtoworks,isconsidered,whenjustified,asanungodlyperson—onewhohasnogoodnessofhisowntoplead,"butbelieveth."Herefaithmustbe considered as a mere instrument, or organ, by which Christ isreceived.

Butwhyisitsaidtobe"countedforrighteousness?"FornootherreasonbutbecauseitisthatactofthesoulbywhichChrist,whoisTHELORDOURRIGHTEOUSNESS,isapprehended,appreciated,andappropriated.A reprieve is obtained by a great price from the king; the benevolentpersonwhoprocureditoffersittothecondemnedcriminal,whoeagerlystretches out his hand to receive it. If his acceptance were made theconditionofhisdeliverance, thecasewouldbeastrikingparallel to theoffer of pardon and the divine favor to a sinner. The blessings of thegospelaresuspendedontheactofbelieving.This is, infact, thecordialreceptionof theblessing.Butwhowouldthinkofascribingmerit tothemereactofreceivingapardonbyacondemnedcriminal?Aslittlereasonis there for considering the act of faith by which we receive Christ'srighteousness as either meritorious, or as standing in the place of aperfect righteousness, andaccepted as such, thoughmanifestly very farshortofbeingallthatthelawdemands.

But how can the righteousness of the Redeemer be available to thejustification of the sinner? To this I reply, that from eternity Christundertook,inthecovenantofredemption,tosatisfylawandjusticeforallwhowere given to him by the Father in that covenant—allwho should

believeonhim.Whenincarnate,heboretheirsins,andforthemfulfilledall righteousness—didall thatwas requiredas a satisfaction to lawandjustice."Asbythedisobedienceofonemanyweremadesinners,sobytheobedienceofOne shallmanybemade," constituted, "righteous." "He istheendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth."Nowiftheunion,bycovenantbetweenthefirstAdamandhisposterity,wassoclose thatbyhis fatal transgressiontheyalldied,whymaytherenotbeformed a union as intimate betweenChrist and his people? This is theveryprincipleonwhichtheapostlearguesinthefifthofRomans.ButthechildrenofGodare,"bynature,childrenofwrath,evenasothers."They,intheirnaturalcondition,areunderthecurseofthelaw;forwereadthat"Christwasmadeacurseforus,toredeemusfromthecurseofthelaw."They continue aliens from the commonwealth of Israel until, by thegracious intercessionof theirRedeemer, theHolySpirit issent tobringthemtoChrist.Ontheirpart,faithistheactbywhichtheyreceiveChrist.This consummates the spiritual union between him as the head, andthem as the members. This union is of such a nature that, in law,whatever the Surety has done or suffered, can be set down to theiraccount; or, as the apostle's phrase is, "righteousness is imputed tothem."Byhaving this perfect righteousness reckoned to them, they areinstantlyandcompletelyjustified.Godisnowreconciledtothemthroughthe death of his Son. All their sins are freely pardoned, and they areadoptedas sons, and immediatelymadeheirsof eternal life.Here thenweseehowfaithjustifiesasaninstrumentofunionandreception,andinwhatsenseitis"countedforrighteousness."Wealsoseehowacontrastcanbesetupbetweenfaithandworks—betweengraceanddebt.

Butalthough faithalone justifies, and justifiesnotasawork,yet it is aworkingfaithwhichjustifies.It is thefruitfulprincipleofsanctification,andofallevangelicalobedienceorgoodworks.Andasthereisa"dead"aswellasalivingfaith,andmanyhavebeendeceivedbygloryingintheformer,whiletheyweredestituteofthelatter,weshouldguardthispointwithespecialcare.Thedoctrineofjustificationbyfaithwithoutworks,isveryliabletobepervertedandabusedbycarnalmen,whovainlydreamof being saved in, not from their sins. This corrupt leaven began tofermentinthechurchinthedaysoftheapostles.Jameswrotehisepistlewithaviewtodetectandexposethisdangerouserror.Heseems,atfirst

view, expressly to contradict what the apostle Paul had taught; for hesays,"Yeseethen,howthatbyworksamanisjustified,andnotbyfaithonly."Butwhenthecontextisimpartiallyconsidered,theappearanceofcontradictionvanishes,andwefindhisdoctrineharmoniouswiththatofPaul;forheisspeakingofamerenominal"deadfaith,"whichmanifesteditselfbynogoodworks.Nomanwaseverjustifiedbysuchafaith.Heisnot speaking of that justificationwhich takes placewhen a sinner firstbelieves—theonly foundationofwhich is themerit ofChrist—buthe isspeaking of that justification arising from the evangelical works ofbelievers, by which their faith is proved to be genuine, and theirprofession is evidenced tobe sincere;andwithwhichactsofobedienceGod is also well pleased, for he will not "forget the works of faith andlabors of love" of his own dear children. The instanceswhich he gives,especiallythatofAbraham,showhismeaningplainlyenough."WasnotAbrahamourfatherjustifiedbyworks,whenhehadofferedIsaachissonuponthealtar?"ButAbrahamwas incovenantwithGod,andofcoursejustified, a long time before he performed this act; but this proved hissincerity and the strength of his faith. By that extraordinary act ofobedienceinwhichAbraham,withouthesitationorreluctance,offereduphis only and well-beloved son at the command of God, he met theapprobationofhisMaker;andthisapprobationwaspubliclyexpressed,which expression of divine favor is, by James,withoutmuchdeparturefromtheusualsignificationoftheword,termed"justification,"andisofthe same kind with that public approbation of the good works of therighteous which will take place at the day of judgment, which is alsocalledjustificationbyourLord."For,"sayshe,"bythywordsthoushaltbejustified."Matt.12:37.Many,however,inreconcilingJameswithPaul,choose to interpret the word justify, as used by James, to signify themanifestation of the sincerity of our profession of faith in the sight ofmen; to which I make no objection, as this interpretation doubtlessaccords with truth, but I consider what I before stated as the precisemeaningofthisapostle.

As theword justification isborrowed from theproceedingsof courtsofjustice, and is therefore said to be a forensic term, I will, by way ofillustrationandpracticalapplicationofthesubject,supposethecaseofaconvincedsinnerarraignedbeforethetribunalofGod,tobetriedforthe

actionsofhiswholelife.TheJudgebeingomniscientandinfinitelyjust,canneither be deceivednor biassed. The rule of judgmentmust be hisownperfectlaw:nootherstandardofrightcanbeadmittedorconceivedof in thiscourt.Thedemandsof this lawareperfectobedience inheartandlife:alldeviationsfromthelaw,eveninthoughtanddesire,aswellasinwordanddeed,aremarkedassins.Ifanymanhaduniformlydoneallthatthelawrequired,hemightbeadjudgedtothepossessionofeternallifeonaccountofhisownobedience;thatis,hewouldbejustifiedbyhisownworks.Thelanguageofthelawis,"Hethatdoeththesethings,shallliveinthem.""Thisdo,andthoushaltlive.""Thelawwasgivenuntolife."

But thepersonarraigned is conscious thathe isa sinner,and thereforecannot possibly be justified in thisway.While his conviction is partial,and his knowledge of sin indistinct, he very naturally makes efforts atamendmentandreformation.Hisignoranceoftheextentandspiritualityof the law leads him to hope that he canmake, by future obedience, acompensationforthepast.Butincreasinglightconvinceshimthatthesehopes are utterly fallacious, for he finds that no future obedience,however perfect, would have any effect to cancel the debt alreadycontracted;andhenowfinds,bysadexperience,thathecannotkeepthelawperfectlyforonemoment.

Under this conviction we suppose him to stand arraigned before theheart-searchingJudge,andwhenconfrontedwiththelawandalistofhissins—of omission as well as commission—of thought, word, and deed,withall theiraggravations—whatpleacanheoffer,whatdefencecanhemake?Alas,heattemptsnothingof thekind.Hismouth isstopped.Hestands speechless before his Judge. Or rather, he acknowledges everything. He admits every charge to be true. He joins in his owncondemnation,andjustifiesGodforthesentencewhichhe isconvincedthatjusticerequireshimtopronounce.Heseesnowayofescape,forallhis vain refuges inwhich he once trusted are now swept away.Andheexpects nothing else but that he shall be sent away into everlastingpunishment. But under this awful conviction he brings no complaintagainstthelawwhichcondemnshim,noragainsthisrighteousJudge.Hetakes all the blame and guilt to himself, and fully "accepts thepunishment of his sins," as a just award. His language is like that of

David,"Against thee, theeonly,haveIsinned,anddonethisevil in thysight; that thoumightest be justifiedwhen thou speakest, and be clearwhenthoujudgest."

Hehas,indeed,heardofaproclamationofmercy;butthoughitexcitesavague, trembling hope that relief is possible, yet he sees not how it ispossibleforhimtoescapefromthegraspofinflexiblejusticeinwhichheisheld,fornowhedaresnotevenaskthatthelawwhichcondemnshimshouldbeeithersetaside,suspended,orrelaxed.Anythingofthiskindhis enlightened conscience correctly judges to be altogether out of thequestion.Nodoubtthisisanawfulmomentintheexistenceofthesinner,andheisreadytogivehimselfupforlost.

Butbehold,ANADVOCATErisesinthecourt,andofferstoundertakehiscause.Andit isONEwhohastheearof theJudge,andwhoappears inthesinner'sownnature. It is the incarnateSonofGod,whosays to theconvictedsinner,"Commityourcausetomewithconfidence,andIwillbring you off victorious. However deep your guilt, however multipliedyourtransgressions,afullandfreepardonwillbesurethemomentyoutrustyourself intomyhands."Andthen, toencourageconfidence inhisability,heshowsthathehasrenderedaninfinitelymeritoriousobedienceto this very law, and has in his own body endured the curse which itdenounces upon transgressors; and that he has acquired the right toobtaintheredemptionofalltowhomthisrighteousnessshallbeapplied.

Theconvincedsinnersees,withjoyandastonishment,thatthereisawayinwhichallhisgrievoussinscanbepardoned,andheberestoredtothefavorofajustlyoffendedGod.Nowhebelieveswithallhisheart.NowheacceptsthekindofferoftheSaviourtobehisadvocate.Nowhecommitshimself,andallhissoul'sconcerns,intothehandsofafaithfulRedeemer.Nowhisburdenofgriefisremoved,andherejoicesintherichesofgraceinChristJesus;andhisheart,hithertosoinsensible,meltsintoloveandgratitude.Andnow,thoughhemayhaveconfidencethathissinsareallblotted out, and shall never rise in remembrance against him, yet hisheartbreakswithingenuousrelentings,andgodlysorrowgushesoutinaflood.

HecannowlookupwithhumbleconfidencetohisJudge,andpleadthe

perfectrighteousnessofhisSURETY.HeseesthatGodispropitiatedbythe meritorious sacrifice of his own Son, and feels that a blessedreconciliationhastakenplacebetweenhimandhisGod.For,onthepartofGod,hisangerisappeased.HeiswellpleasedwithhisowndearSon,andwithallwhostandrobedinhisperfectrighteousness:andastohisownenmityagainstGodandhisgovernment,hefindsthatitisslainbyaviewof thecross;andalreadyhebegins toexperiencesomethingof thesweetspiritofadoption,andthehopewhichmakethnotashamedspringsup inhisbreastnevermore to leavehim,but tobe, in all temptations,troubles, and storms, as "an anchor to his soul, sure and steadfast,enteringintothatwithintheveil."

ThusisthesinneractuallyJUSTIFIEDBYFAITHinChristJesus.Thereisnolongeranylegalcondemnationtohim,forthoughhesin—andthereis no man that liveth, and sinneth not—his ADVOCATE ever lives tointercedeforhim,andtoplead,forhispardon,thecompleteatonementwhichhehasmade.Andasouloncejustifiednevercanfallagainunderthecondemnationofthelaw,unlessChristshouldceasetointercede,orshould no longer apply to his benefit his own perfect righteousness.Cloudsanddarknessmayoftenobscurehisevidencesofsonship,andhiscomfortmaybegreatlyinterruptedthroughhisownremainingunbelief,andthetemptationsoftheadversary;butnoneshallbeabletopluckhimoutofthehandsofhisheavenlyFather,noroutofthehandsofhisever-faithfulShepherd.

After this account of the gospel method of a sinner's gratuitousjustification,will any still bring forward the old stale objection, that bythis plan we are overthrowing the obligation of the moral law, andunderminingthefoundationsofmoralityandgoodworks?Iftherebeanysuchobjectors,letPaulanswerthem:"Dowemakevoidthelawthroughfaith?God forbid;nay,weestablish the law." "Shallwecontinue insin,thatgracemayabound?God forbid;howshallwe, thataredead tosin,live any longer therein?" Some did, indeed, slanderously report of theapostleandhisfellow-teachers,thattheysaid,"Letusdoevil,thatgoodmaycome."Concerningallwhowouldsaythis,Pauldeclaresthat"theirdamnationisjust."

Andwhatdoesuniformexperiencetestify inregardtothe livesof those

who maintain this doctrine? Are they more loose in their lives thanothers?Havetheynot,inallages,ratherbeenthehumble,selfdenying,faithfulimitatorsofChrist?Sofararetheyfrompleadinganyexemptionfromthelawasaruleoflife,ortakingoccasiontoindulgeinsinbecausegraceabounds,thatthey"delightinthelawofGodaftertheinnerman"—hunger and thirst after righteousness—and feel the remainder of sindwellinginthemtobetheirgreatestburdenandsorestaffliction,whichcausesthemtogroan,andtoexclaimwithPaul,"OwretchedmanthatIam!whoshalldelivermefromthisbodyofdeath?"Justifyingfaithworksby love, and love is the very spring and essence of all holy obedience.Gratitudeimpelsthereconciledsinnertobezealousforgoodworks."Thelove of Christ canstraineth him." He feels that being "bought with aprice,"heis"nothisown,"andshould"glorifyGodinhisbodyandspirit,whichareGod's."

SUMMARYOFTHEDOCTRINEOFJUSTIFICATION

TheScripturedoctrineof justificationmaybebrieflysummedup in thefollowingparticulars.

1.ItisGodthatjustifies.

2.Justificationiswhollygratuitous,withoutmeritandwithoutanyworksofourownasitsground.

3. The merit of Christ, as Mediator, expressed in Scripture by hisrighteousness,hisobedience,hisblood,hisdeath,hislife,hissacrifice,isthe true and only meritorious ground of a sinner's pardon andacceptance.

4. The justification of the ungodly includes the remission of sins, bywhich often it is expressed in Scripture; but it also includes theiracceptance as righteous, for the sake of Christ's perfect righteousnessreckonedtotheiraccount.

5.Justificationisbyfaith,asthe instrumentofuniontoChrist,andthereceptionofhisrighteousness.

6.Thefaithwhichjustifiesisalwaysaliving,operative,fruitfulfaith.Nooneisjustifiedbyafaithwhichisalone,orunattendedwithgoodworks.

7. Justification and sanctification, though inseparably connected, andequallynecessary to salvation, areneverthelessdistinct blessingsof thenewcovenant;andthelatteristheonlycertainevidenceofthepossessionoftheformer.

8.Justificationtakesplaceatthemomentofbelieving,andisasperfectatonceasitcaneverbe,andtherecanbenoplaceforasecondjustificationinthesightofGod,andinrelationtohislaw;butthereisamanifestationof the genuineness of our faith and sincerity of our profession, both inthis world and at the day of judgment, which is also sometimes calledjustification.

9.Noplanofjustificationwhichdoesnotmakeacompleteprovisionforthesatisfactionofallthedemandsoflawandjustice,ishonorabletoGodoragreeabletoScripture.Bythissingletestmayallerroneoustheoriesofjustificationbetriedandcondemned.

The importanceof thedoctrineof a sinner's justificationbeforeGod, isnot exceeded by that of any other in the whole circle of divine truth.Without justificationit isevidentthatnomancanbesaved.It isthenavital subject. Eternal life is involved in it. For let it be considered, thatthere isherenomiddleground.He that isnot inastateof justificationmustbeinastateofcondemnation;andifhecontinuesinthatstate,hemustperishforever.Oneunpardonedsinwillsinkthesoultohell.Whatthenmust be the condition of sinners who are pressed down with theguiltofinnumerabletransgressions?

Oreader,letmeentreatyoutoapplythistruthtoyourowncase.Youare,atthismoment,eitherinastateofcondemnationorjustification.YouarenoweitherreconciledtoGod,andhisadoptedchild,orhiswrathabidethonyou.Ifthelatter,howcanyoubeatease?Howcanyousleepquietlyinyourbed?Howcanyoupartake,withanypleasure, of yourdaily food?Alas,yourconditionisfarmoredangerous,farmoredeplorable,thananywordsarecapableofdescribing.Andnow,whilethemomentspass,youareapproachingnearerandnearertothelakeoffire.

Andareyoudeterminedtotakenowarning,tolistentonoadvice?Willyoushutyoureyesagainstadangersoimminentandsodreadful?Howwillyouregretthiscarelessness,whenperhapsthedayofmercyisended.ThosewordsofourSaviourtoJerusalemaremosttouching:"Othatthouhadstknown,eventhou,inthisthyday,thethingswhichbelonguntothypeace;butnowtheyarehidfromthineeyes."Inalittletimeyoureternaldestinywillbeimmutablyfixed.ThereisalimitbeyondwhichthecallofmercyandthestrivingsoftheSpiritdonotreach.Whenoncethesinnerhaspassedthatawfulboundary,hissouliscompletelylost;hishopesareextinguished;theblacknessofdarknessforeverliesbeforehim.Hissinswill cluster round him like so many ghosts, to torment him. The firewhichcanneverbequenchedalreadyisenkindled,andthewormwhichnever dies begins to gnaw his vitals. O wretched creature! how dearlydidstthoubuyalittlemirthandeaseintheworld;howlittleprofithastthounowinallthyworldlyrichesandhonors!Theycannotpurchasefortheeonemoment'srelief,onedropofwaterforthyscorchedtongue.

"KnowingtheterrorsoftheLord,wewouldpersuademen."Ifyouwerenow actually beyond the reach of mercy, it would be no kindness todisturbyou;butwhilethereis life,thereishope.Thesoundofmercyisstillheard,thedoorofhopeisopen,salvationisyetattainable.Butthereisnotimetobelost.Theleastdelaymayberuinous.Escapeforyourlife.Fleefromthecomingwrath;seeksafetyinthehouseofrefuge;pressintotheark;fleetothealtar,andseizeonitsblood-sprinkledhorns.Thisverydaymaybetheacceptedtime,andthedayofyoursalvation.

SINNERSWELCOMETOCOMETOJESUSCHRIST

OURblessedLordknewhowproneconvincedsinnersaretounbeliefasitregards thereceptionwhichhe isdisposedtogive themif theycometohim, and therefore he graciously uttered, and has left on record thisprecious encouragement, "HIMTHATCOMETHUNTOME IWILL INNOWISE CAST OUT." No, though your sins are very great, the kindRedeemer will not cast you out; even if that were true which yousometimes think, that you are the greatest sinnerwho ever lived uponearth,hewillnotcastyouout."Hisbloodcleansethfromallsin."Itisaseasy for him to save a great as a small sinner. No one was ever savedbecausehissinsweresmall;noonewaseverrejectedonaccountof thegreatness of his sins. Where sin abounded, grace shall much moreabound.Ifyourguiltisveryenormous,thegreaterhonorwillredoundtothatDelivererwhopluckssuchabrandfromtheburning."Thoughyoursins be as scarlet, they shall bewhite as snow; though they be red likecrimson,theyshallbeaswool."

Butistherenotonesinwhichneverhaspardon,neitherinthisworldnorinthatwhichistocome?Thereis;butnoonewhohascommittedthatsinever desires to come to Christ; and even that sin would not beunpardonable,ifthesinnerwhoisburdenedwithitsguiltshouldcometohim.ItisnotunpardonablebecausethebloodofChristhasnotadequateefficacytoremoveit,butbecausethemiserableblasphemerisabandonedby theSpiritofGodtohisownmalignity,and thereforeneverdoesnorcandesiretobelieveonChrist.

ChristwillnotcastyouoffbecauseyouhavelongcontinuedtosinagainstGod,thoughitbeeventograyhairsandthedecrepitudeofoldage.ItisindeedawickedthingtocontinueonedayinrebellionagainsttheKingofheaven;andnoonecancalculatethedebtofguiltincurredbyspendingalong life in continued acts of transgression. But however long youmayhavecontinuedinrebellion,andhoweverblackandlongthecatalogueofyour sins, yet if youwill now turn toGodby a sincere repentance, andbelieveintheLordJesusChrist,youshallnotbecastout.Hethatcannotliehathdeclared,"HimthatcomethuntomeIwillinnowisecastout."IheardapreacherdeclarefromthepulpitthattherewasnoexampleintheBible of any one being converted in old age; but he was undoubtedlyunderamistake.WasnotManasseh,oneofthewickedestmenwhoever

lived,brought torepentance inoldage?Theagesof thoseconvertedonthedayofPentecostandatothertimesarenotgiven.ItisenoughforustoknowthattheagednomorethantheyoungareexcludedfromthefreeinvitationsoftheblessedSaviour.Heinvitesallthelaboringandheavy-laden, and of course those who are burdened with the infirmities ofdecliningyearsaswellasofunnumberedsins.

Agedsinner,youarenotexcludedfrommercybyanywordofGodinthewhole book of divine revelation. God has set before you an open doorwhichnomanhasarightorpowertoshut.Ifyoushouldbeshutout,itwill be by your own unbelief, and not for want of a warrant to come.Enter, then, without delay or hesitation. None can less afford to delaythantheagedsinner.Nowisthetime.Nowornever.Youhave,asitwere,onefootalreadyinthegrave.Youropportunitieswillsoonbeover.Strive,then,Ientreatyou,toenterinatthestraitgate.

Butdoyouaskwhetheramanmaynotoutlivehisdayofgrace,andbegivenovertojudicialblindnessbeforelifeisended?Undoubtedlyhemay;butasIsaidbefore,suchaone,Ibelieve,isneverfoundinquiringwhathemustdotobesaved.Thedeviloftentemptsagedsinners,andotherstoo,tobelievethatitisnowtoolateforthemtorepent;thatthetimeoftheirvisitationisgoneby,andthatthereisnohopeforthem.Andmanymiserablesoulsarelongheldentangledinthissnare.HemayevenquoteScripturetoprovethatthereisaboundarywhich,whenpassed,allhopeof salvation is tobe relinquished.Butas longasweare in thebodywehave the overtures of mercy made to us by the authority of God, andwhetherwebeyoungorold,"hethatcometh,"Christhasdeclared,shallnotbecastout.Takehimathisword.Ventureonhim.Ifyoustayawayyoumust perish, and you can but perish if you go.But see, the goldensceptreisheldout.Thisaffordsfullassurancethatifyoudrawnearandtouchityoushalllive.

Some are convinced that there is salvation in no other but Christ theLord,yettheyhesitatetocomebecausetheyfeelthemselvestobesovileandunworthy.Theycannotbepersuadedthatsogreatandholyabeingas the Son of God will look with favor on creatures so abominablypollutedandstainedwith iniquity.Such feelingsas theseverynaturallyarise in theminds of personsmade sensible of the sinful defilement of

theirnature;buttheyaremostunreasonablewhenwetakeintoviewthecharacter of Jesus Christ, and the errand on which he came into theworld.Ifhehadbecomeincarnateandhaddiedonthecrossonlyforthebenefitofthepureandrighteous,thenthisexcusefornotcomingtohimwouldhavesomevalidity;butwhenweknowthathebearsthecharacterofaSaviourofsinners,andthathisnamewascalledJESUSbytheangelwhoannouncedhisbirth,becausehe should savehispeople from theirsins;whenweconsiderhisrepeateddeclaration,thathecametoseekandsave the lost—not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, andthatheexhibitshimselfas thePhysician,notof thewhole,but thesick,wemustpronouncethisobjectionmostunreasonable.

Ifyouwerenota sinful,polluted,helpless,andmiserablecreature, thisSaviourwouldnotbesuitedtoyou,andyouwouldnotbecomprehendedinhisgraciousinvitationstothechildrenofmen.Butthedeeperyouaresunk in sin andmisery, the greater reason youhave for coming to onewhoisabletosavetotheuttermostallthatcomeuntoGodbyhim.Ifyouwerecoveredwithleprosy,andafountainwasopenedforwashingawayevery sort of uncleanness, would you stay away because you were sopolluted?Or ifdeadly sick,wouldyou refuse toapply to thephysician?Theawakened,convincedsinneristheveryonetowhomJesusespeciallydirects his attention. And it is a preposterous thing for such to delaycoming, under the delusive hope of making themselves fit. This theynevercando,andiftheycouldtheywouldnotneedaSaviour.What,willyouwashyourselvesinamuddypooltoprepareforbeingcleansedinapurefountain?

But some onemay be ready to say, "All admit that none ever come toChristuntiltheyexperienceconvictionofsin,butIhavenoconviction,ornoneworthmentioning.MymindissoblindthatIcanperceivenothingclearly,andmyheartissohardthatwhatIdoseetobetrueIcannotfeel.OifIcouldexperiencesometenderrelenting—ifIcouldgetthisadamantheartbroken intocontrition—ifIcouldevenfeelpungentpainoralarmonaccountofmysins,mycasewouldnotappear sohopeless.ButhowcanIcometoChristwiththisblindandstupidheart?"

Now,myfriend,Ibegyoutoconsiderthatthisblindnessandunyieldinghardness is theverycoreofyour iniquity,andtobeconvincedthatyou

are thus blind and stupid is true conviction of sin. If you had thosefeelings which you so much covet, they would not answer the end ofconviction,whichis,toshowyouhowsinfulandhelplessyourconditionis.But ifyoufeltasyouwishto feel,youwouldnot thinkyourheartsowickedas younowsee it tobe.And the truth is, that youarenow inabetter situation to come to Christ than you would be if you had lessconviction of the hardness and stubbornness of your heart. The use ofconviction is to show your need of a Saviour, and to set clearly beforeyourmindyourutterlyhelplessandhopelesscondition inyourself,andthat a holy God would be perfectly just in leaving you to your ownfruitlessefforts,andinpunishingyouforeverforyoursins.

"Letnotconsciencemakeyoulinger,

Noroffitnessfondlydream;

Allthefitnessherequireth

Istofeelyourneedofhim."

Takewords,therefore,andgoimmediatelyandfalldownbeforehim,andsay,"Againstthee,theeonlyhaveIsinnedanddonethisevilinthysight,that thoumightest be justifiedwhen thou speakest, and be clearwhenthoujudgest."Confesstherighteousnessofthesentencewhichcondemnsyou,andacceptthepunishmentofyoursinsasjust.CrywithPeter,whensinkinginthesea,"Lord,save;Iperish."Orwiththeblindman,"OthouSon of David, havemercy onme!" Or with the Syrophenician woman,"Lord,helpme."Orwiththepenitentpublican,"Godbemercifultomeasinner."Say,liketheroyalpenitent,

"Mylipswithshamemysinsconfess

Againstthylaw,againstthygrace.

Lord,shouldthyjudgmentgrowsevere,

Iamcondemned,butthouartclear.

Yetsaveatremblingsinner,Lord,

Whosehope,stillhoveringroundthyword,

Wouldlightonsomesweetpromisethere,

Somesuresupportagainstdespair."

Buthereisanotherpoorsoul,moreboweddownthananywhichwehaveconsidered.Itisanawakenedbackslider.Thismanverilythoughtthathewasa trueChristian,andunder that impressionapplied foradmittanceintothechurch,andwasreceived,andforaseasonseemedtorunwell;butbythesnaresandbaitsoftheworld,andthedeceitfulnessofriches,and insidious lusts of the flesh, and the pride of life, was by degreesseduced fromthepathsofpiety.Afterawhile theprofessionofreligionwaslaidasideasaninconvenientthing;sincewhichtime,untillately,hehasbeensinkingdeeperanddeeperintothespiritoftheworldwhichliesin wickedness. But recently, by a sore visitation of affliction, hisconsciencehasbeenawakenedtoaconsiderationofhiswofulstate,andheinquireswiththemostearnestsolicitudewhetherthereisanygroundof hope for such a backslider, who has sinnedmuchmore egregiouslysincehemade a profession of religion thanhe ever did before.Now tosuchaoneIfeelauthorizedtosay,Christinvitesevenbacksliderslikeyoutocomeandbesaved.Ifindnoclauseexcludingthereturningbackslider,guiltyasheisinthesightofGod.Hesaysinregardtothismanaswellasothers,"HimthatcomethuntomeIwillinnowisecastout."

ThereisindeedmentionmadeinScriptureofsomebacksliderswhoturnback unto perdition, andnever can be renewed again unto repentance;these never come to Christ, and never truly desire to come. For themnothing remains "but a fearful looking for of judgment and fieryindignationtodevourtheadversaries."

ButwereadinJeremiahoftheLordcallinguponhisbackslidingIsraeltoreturn,Jer.3:12;andinHosea,Godsays,"Iwillhealtheirbacksliding,Iwilllovethemfreely."Hos.14:4.Thisisamostgraciousandencouragingpromise,andwefindinfactthatGodhasreceivedgreatbackslidersupontheirrepentance,andhasfreelypardonedtheirenormoussins.IbelievethatthedeplorablebackslidingsofDavid,andhissubsequentpardonandrestoration, were left on record that convinced backsliders might not

despair of mercy. And our Lord intimates that Peter, when recoveredfrom his shameful fall, should make it his business "to strengthen hisbrethren."SomeofthisclassmayperhapsallegethattheyareafraidthattheyneverweretrulyofthenumberoftheIsraelofGod.Thatperhapsisaquestionwhichyouwillneverbeabletosolveinthislife.Butastothepointinhanditmattersnot; ifyouwillnowcometoChrist,youwillbereceived.Come,andhewillinnowisecastyouout.

It is commonly said that men are forward to believe whatever isconnectedwiththeirowninterest.Thisincommoncasesistrue;butitisalso true, that when some very great and unexpected good news isbroughttous,wefinditverydifficulttocreditit.Itseemstoogoodtobetrue.WhenJacob'ssonsreturnedtotheir fatherafterJosephhadmadehimselfknowntothem,andinformedhimthathissonJosephwasaliveandgovernorofallEgypt,theoldmancouldnotbelievethereportuntilhelifteduphiseyesandsawthewagonswhichhadbeensenttoconveyhimtoEgypt.Sotheconvincedsinnerfindsitveryhardtobelievethatafreeandfullsalvation isofferedtohim,andthatChriststandsreadytoreceivehim,andnotonlytopardonallhissins,butgivehimasuretitleto theheavenly inheritance. It seemsa thingalmost impossible thatheshould be thus highly favored, and therefore, when he should withhumble confidence lay hold on eternal life, he stands parleying,hesitating,anddemurring.Heispronetothinkthattheremustbesomemistakeinthebusiness,andthatthisgoodnewscannotbetrue,atleastinrelationtohimself.Butwhenthetruthstandsoutclearlyrevealed,hebeginstounderstandwhatheneverdidbefore,theabsoluteandperfectfreenessofsalvation,andhowitisthatChristreceivesthecomingsinnerjust as he is, in all his guilt and vileness. Then, indeed, he cannot butrejoice and wonder at the suitableness of the plan of salvation to hischaracter and necessities; that it comes down to his wretched andhelplesscircumstances,andtakeshimoutofthehorriblepitandthemiryclay, and setshis feetona rock, establisheshisgoings, andputsanewsongintohismouth,evenpraiseuntoGod.

Sinceawakened,convictedsinnersaresopronetounbeliefonthispoint,itwillnotbeasuperfluous labor toofferSOMECOGENTREASONStoconvincesuchthatChristwillnotcastoffanywhocometohim,whatever

mayhavebeentheirformercharacterorsins.

And Iwould firstmention, that allwho comearedrawnby theFather."Noman,"saysChrist,"cancomeuntomeexcepttheFatherwhichsentmedrawhim."ThosewhodotrulycomearesuchasweregiventohimbytheFather. "All that theFather givethme shall come tome."Now thisdrawingof theFather is the fruit ofhis everlasting love. "We lovehim,becausehefirstlovedus."AndsurelyChristwillnotcastoutthosewhomtheFatherhaslovedandgiventohim,andeffectuallydrawnbyhisgrace.

But you may. be ready to reply, "How shall I know that I am of thenumbergivenbytheFathertotheSon?"Ianswer,thatyouneednootherorbetterevidenceofitthanyourbeingwillingtocome.Surelyyouknowthatyoudidnotmakeyourselfwilling.IfyouhavecometoChrist,orarewillingtocome,IamsurethatyouwillascribeitentirelytothegraceofGod.Others,asgoodbynatureandpracticeasyou,remaininlovewiththeworld andunder the power of sin.Why is this?Youmust saywithPaul,"BythegraceofGodIamwhatIam."Thechoicedidnotcommencewithyou,butwithhim."Yehavenotchosenme,butIhavechosenyou."AndasChristconcurswiththeFatherinthisdrawing,forhesays,"AndI,ifIbeliftedup,willdrawallmenuntome,"hesurelywillnotcastoutthepoorpenitentwhomhehasdrawntohis feet.No,no;never. "Himthatcomethhewillinnowisecastout."

Again,Christredeemed,bythesheddingofhispreciousblood,everysoulthatcomestohim,andtheimpellingmotivewhichinducedhimtodieforsinnerswaslove,unspeakable love:"wholovedus,andgavehimself forus."CananyonethenthinkorsuspectthatwhenChristseesthetravailofhissoulcomingtohim,hewillcastthemout?Itwouldbelikeblasphemyto say that he would. No; he delights to see the fruit of his painfulsufferings even unto death. It was predicted, in connection with theimpressivedescriptionofhissufferingsanddeath,thatheshould"seethetravailofhissoul,andbesatisfied."

Again,theHolySpiritistheagentinconvincingmenofsinandbringingthem to Christ; and this Holy Spirit is sent by the Son as well as theFathertoaccomplishthiswork;andwhenitiseffected,whenthesoulismadewillingtobowhisnecktotheeasyyokeofChrist,willhecasthim

out?Impossible.

ButthehonorandgloryoftheRedeemerisconcernedinthismatter.Godis not glorified in any transaction upon earth so much as in theconversionof a sinner.There is joy inheaven at the repentance of onesinner, more than over ninety and nine just persons who need norepentance. And every redeemed and renewed soul is a jewel in themediatorialcrown.

WemaylearnthewillingnessofJesusChristtoreceivesinners,notonlybyhisfrequentgraciousdeclarations,butbyhisconductinregardtosuchasappliedtohim.Christ'spersonalministrywasconfinedtothepeopleof Israel, andwhenhe sent out the twelve, andafterwards the seventy,their commission was restricted within the same limits. Yet when awomanofCanaancametoimplorehisaid,hedidnotrejecther,thoughshewasdescendedfromanaccursedrace.Atfirst,indeed,heseemedtogiveherarepulse,butitwasintendedonlytobringmoreclearlytoviewthe strength of her faith. And his address to her in the end is trulyremarkable: "Owoman,great is thy faith;be itunto theeas thouwilt."Andwhenthecenturion,anotherpagan,appliedtohimtocomeandhealhischild,hedidnotrejecthissuitbecausehewasaheathen,butsaidofhim,"Verily,Ihavenotfoundsogreatfaith,no,notinIsrael."

Whenthevilestsinners,aspublicansandharlots,camepenitentlytohisfeet, he rejected none of them, although his gracious attention to suchgreatlyinjuredhisreputationintheviewofthescribesandPharisees.Hiscondescending behavior towards that woman who was notorious as asinner,isinthehighestdegreetouching.HewasdininginthehouseofaPharisee,andthisinfamousbutpenitentwoman,urgedbythestrengthofherfeelings,foundherwayintothehouse,andwhilehewasrecliningonacouchatdinner,shecameupbehindhimandweptsuchafloodoftearsonhis feet, that she is said tohavewashedhis feetwithher tears, andwipedthemwiththehairsofherhead.ThisledthePhariseetoentertainasuspicionthatChristcouldnotbeateachersentfromGod,orhewouldhave known the infamous character of this woman. Jesus knowing histhoughts, uttered the beautiful parable of the two debtors, and thenmaking the application to the case of the penitent woman, said,"WhereforeIsayuntoyou,hersins,whicharemany,areforgiven."

WhenourblessedLordwashangingon thecross,hewasapplied tobyoneofthemalefactorscrucifiedwithhim.ThismanbeingoneofthetwoselectedfromalltheprisonersinJerusalemforpublicexecutiononthisoccasion,wasnodoubtdeeplystainedwiththeguiltofenormouscrimes;butwashissuitdenied?Ono;theresponsewasfullofmercy:"Thisdayshalt thou be withme in paradise."Who can fathom the freeness andrichesofthegraceofChrist?Itisindeed"unsearchableriches."

Paul may with propriety be here introduced. According to his ownacknowledgment,hewasamurdererandablasphemer,butheobtainedmercy,andwasmadeanapostle,achiefinstrumentinpropagatingthatgospelwhichheonceattemptedtodestroy,amongtheGentiles.Manyofthefirstconvertsfromamongtheheathenwerenotoriousforthefoulestand vilest crimes, for the apostle in writing to the Corinthians, aftergiving a black list of crimes which exclude the persons guilty of themfromthekingdomofheaven, says, "Andsuchweresomeofyou;butyearewashed,butyearesanctified,butyearejustifiedinthenameoftheLordJesus,andbytheSpiritofourGod."

Butperhapsnoexampleof theextentofdivinemercyand itssovereignfreedom can equal the pardon extended to the very persons who hadimbrued their hands inChrist's ownblood. The bloodwhich they shedprocured their salvation. And Christ seems to have had specialcompassion for the bloody city of Jerusalem. Before his death heweptover itand lamented itsdoom;andafterhis resurrection,whenhemethisdisciplesinabody,hegavedirectionthat"repentanceandremissionofsinsshouldbepreached inhisnameamongallnations,beginningatJerusalem."Accordingly,onthedayofPentecost,Peterchargesthesinofcrucifying the Lord Jesus upon the consciences of those whom headdressed,saying,"Therefore letall thehouseofIsraelknowassuredly,thatGodhathmadethatsameJesuswhomyehavecrucified,bothLordandChrist.Nowwhen theyheard this theywerepricked in theirheart,andsaiduntoPeterandtherestoftheapostles,Menandbrethren,whatshall we do?" Did Peter tell them that as they had committed thisenormouscrime,Christwouldnotpardonthem?Bynomeans.Hecallsuponthemtorepentandbebaptizedfortheremissionofsins.Andthesegreatest of sinners were that very day received into the church, and

continued steadfast in their attachment to Christ and profession of hisname.

Innumerableinstancessincethatdayhaveoccurredoftherepentanceofthegreatestsinners,andnotruepenitenthaseverbeenrejected.IfoneinstancecouldbeproducedofanysinnerbeingrejectedwhoevercametoChrist,thismightcreatesomedoubtinthesoulagonizedwithasenseofguilt.Butasthereisnosuchexample,thetremblingsinner,feelingthathe is justlyexposed to thewrathofGod,neednothesitatenordelay tocomeatoncetoChrist,withtheassurancethathowevervileandguiltyhemaybe,heshallmeetawelcomereception.Osinner,youarewelcometocometoJesusChrist.

AlldifficultyastoChrist'swillingnesstoreceivereturningsinnersbeing,asitishoped,removed,theonlythingwhichremainstobeconsideredis,WHATISTOBEUNDERSTOODBYCOMINGTOCHRIST,andwhatarethestepswhich thesinnermust take tocome. It is tooobvious toneedanyremark,thatamerebodilyapproachisnotthethingintended.ManyofChrist'sbitterestenemieswereoftennearhisperson,asJudaswhenhebetrayedhimwith a kiss, the soldiers that boundhim, that smotehim,thatscourgedhim,thatnailedhimtothecross;butthiskindofapproachtoChristdidthosewhocamenearhimnogood.ThecomingtoChristofwhichwehavebeentreating,istheactoftheanxiousmindwhichseekssalvationfromtheburdenofsin,andapprehendingthatChrististheonlyRedeemer,TRUSTSINHIM.ChristisexhibitedinthegospelastheonlyMediatorbywhomwecanbereconciledtoGod,andofferstodoforthesinnerwhatever is requisite to savehim from the curseof the law, andfromtheblindnessandpollutionof sin itself;andcoming tohim is thesame as receiving him in that character, or as sustaining those officeswhichrelatetosalvation.

Thereisbutonesteptobetaken,strictlyspeaking, incomingtoChrist,and that is believing in himwith all the heart.We are not required torepentanddogoodworksbeforewecome,buttocometohimtogiveusrepentanceuntolife,andtocreateusanewtogoodworks.Butthoughtheact of coming is a single act, yet there are some things which areexperiencedbeforethisactcanberationallyperformed.Nounawakened,careless sinner, remaining in that state,will come; for the "wholeneed

notaphysician,buttheythataresick."ThesinnerwhoknowsnothingofChrist as he is revealed in the Scriptures, cannot come until he isinstructedinregardtothecharacterofChrist.Faiththereforecomesbyhearingtheword.Asoulpervertedbyerroneousopinionsrespectingthefundamentaldoctrinesofreligion,cannotcomeuntilheisdeliveredfromtheseerrors.ThatmanwhobelievesChristtobethepromisedMessiah,but thinks that he is nomore than a goodman and a prophet, cannotcome to Christ until this fundamental error be removed. The soul thattrulycomestoChristmustbepersuadedthatheisindeedtheSonofGod,andpossessedofdivineperfections.

ThesoulconvincedofitssinsfirstseeksChristasheisanatoningPriest.That which it wants is the pardon of sin, and reconciliation with anoffendedGod.Christ,asthegreatHigh-priest,hasoffereduphimselfasanatoningsacrifice forsin;andasapriesthehasentered intotheholyplacemade without hands, there to sprinkle, as it were, his life-givingblood, and to intercede for all who come unto him. When in thischaracterheisapprehendedbytheseekingsinner,confidenceinhimisproduced.ItisseennowhowGodcanbejust,andyetthejustifieroftheungodly who believes in Christ. It is seen that God having acceptedChrist's atoning sacrifice, can receive the guilty sinner into favor andadopttherebelasachild.Theseviews,accompaniedbythistrustintheLordJesusashavingmadeacompleteatonementforoursins,istheactofcomingtoChrist.Butasthesoulthatisregeneratedfeelssinitselftobeaburden,itlookstoChristforadeliverancefromallthedisordersofthe depravedmind.He is therefore received and trusted, to deliver thesoulfromthedeepstainsofiniquity,andbythelightofhistruthtoguideitintherightway.

LetitberememberedthatthiscomingtoChristisnotasolitaryactofthebelievingsoul;itisonewhichmustbecontinuallyrepeated.ThejustifiedsinneriseverymomentdependentonhisSaviour,withoutwhomhecandonothing.Asheisatfirstjustifiedbyfaith,sohelivesbyfaith,walksbyfaith,andbyfaithovercomesallhisenemies,andbringsforththefruitsofholinessandpeace.

Butsomewillbereadytosay,"ThereisnocomingtoChristunlesswearedrawn,andwhythenareweblamedfornotcoming?"

This is not the language of the truly convinced sinner, for he sees andfeelsthatheisguiltyofthedamningsinofunbelief,andthathedeservestobepunishedforthissinaboveallothers;forit isthiswhichsealstheguilt of all others upon his soul. Dead in sin, it is certain that he willperformnoholyaction,buthe is still a rationalandaccountablebeing.ThelawofGoddoesnotloseitsauthoritytocommandbecausewehavebecome sinful. It will never do to plead sin as an excuse for sin, or toattempttojustifysinfulactsbypleadingthatwehaveanevilheart.Thisinsteadofbeingavalidapology,istheverygroundofourcondemnation.Ifyoufeelthatyourheartisthusblindedanddepraved,thisconvictionofyourmiserable, sinful state should humble you deeply in the dust, andinduceyoutocrymoreearnestlytoGodforhis life-givingSpirit.Often,however, when Christ sends forth his gracious invitation to believe, heenablesthesoulbytheenergyofhisSpiritaccompanyingthecalltocomeand receive his grace. He accompanies his word with a quickeningefficacy, and "thedeadhear the voice of the SonofGod and live."OurwholedependenceisontheinfluenceoftheHolySpirit."PaulmayplantandApolloswater,butGodgiveththeincrease."

Letusnowreviewthetruthswhichhavebeeninculcated.

1.ChristisanableandwillingSaviour,whowill innowisecastoutanysoulthatcomestohim.

2.ThegraceofGod,throughChrist,isperfectlyfree;thatis,herequiresnoqualificationormeritinthosewhocome.Theyareinvitedtoapplytohiminalltheirguiltandpollution,thattheymayfromhisgracioushandsreceivepardonandrenovation.

3.Thereisnoobstacleinthewayofanysinner'scomingbutwhatexistsin himself. The door ofmercy cannot be set wider open than it is; theinvitationsofChristcouldnotbemorekindandfull.

4. Thewhole blameof the sinner's ruinwho refuses to come toChrist,will lie at his owndoor. The only obstacle is his ownperverseness andunwillingness. Christ was willing to give life to his greatest enemies iftheywould come tohim; forhe complains, "Yewillnot comeuntome,

thatyemayhavelife."

5. The conversion of a single soul is the work of God only. The samepowerwhichcaused light to shineoutofdarkness,must shine intoourhearts.Creation isaworkproper toGodonly,butconversion isa "newcreation,"andrequirespowerasreallydivineasthatbywhichtheworldswereformed.

6.Godhasdirectedthegospel tobepreachedtoeverycreaturewithoutdiscrimination;andeveryonewhohearsithasadivinewarranttoreceiveit; and if he does, he has the faithfulness of God pledged for hiseverlastingsalvation.

7.AstheefficacyoftheworddependsontheenergyoftheHolySpirit,allChristiansshouldbeincessantandferventintheirsupplicationsforthisSpiritofgracetobepouredout,thatsinnersmaybeconverted.

8.Wehaveencouragementtohopethatthetimeiscoming,andperhapsdrawing near, when conversions will be multiplied far beyond theexperienceofformerages;whentheJewsshall,asanation,obtainmercyof theLord, andwhen all the kingdomsof thisworld shall become thekingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. "EVEN SO, COME, LORDJESUS."Amen.

FUTUREPUNISHMENT;OR,THEUNIVERSALISTREFUTED

Nobenevolentbeingdelightsinthesufferingofothers,foritsownsake;but it isoneof theclearestdictatesofreason, thatsinshouldbevisitedwithpunishment.Menmaydifferwidelyinopinionastowhatsinis, inregardtomanyparticulars,buteveryoneseesandfeelstheproprietyof

punishing crimes, which he acknowledges to be such, in proportion totheir evil. Indeed, itwould be difficult to give a definition of sinwhichdoesnotinvolvethisidea;andabetterdefinitionofmoralevilcouldnoteasilybegiven,thanthatitisthatwhichdeservespunishment.Nonearefound, therefore, who, while they acknowledge a difference betweenvirtue and vice, deny that the latter deserves punishment. And as allsinfulactsarenotofequalmalignityorturpitude,itwillbeagreedbyall,that, in justice, every one ought to receive according to his deeds; andthathewhosesinsareless,shouldnotsufferequallywithhimwhosesinsaregreater.

Whether the end of punishment is always the good of the sufferer, isdisputed. On this point it may here be observed, that that intuitiveperception,whichexistsineverymind,oftheconnectionbetweensinandpunishment, has no respect whatever to the good of the guilty person.Punishment,accordingtotheclearestandsimplest ideaof itsnature, issomepainorlosstothepersonwhoenduresit.Sufferingwhichbringsnoinjurytothesufferer,canscarcelybecalledpunishmentinastrictsense.In our intuitive, original judgment of the connection between sin andpunishment,weregardnothingbutthenatureofthecrime,thedemeritoftheact.Nomanneedstoknowmore,orthinkofmore,indeterminingthatpunishmentisdeserved,thanthatacrimehasbeencommitted.Wemay conclude, or rather conjecture, that the reason why we are soconstitutedas tobeunder thenecessityof forming sucha judgment, isbecausesinobstructsthegeneralgood,orisinjurioustoothers,asweseethatthisisitstendency;butthisentersnotintoouroriginalconception.It is a clear dictate of the humanmind, that if there be a crime, somepunishment is due to it; and when the sin contemplated is atrocious,thereisnotmerelyadispassionatejudgmentthatitoughttobepunished,butanearnestdemand,anindignantfeeling,avehementdesirethattheguiltyperpetratoroftheactshouldsuffercondignpunishment.Thesearethegenuine feelingsofnature, experiencedby allmen, in all countries,andinallages;andnooneisconsciousthatwhentheyriseinhisbreast,theyareexcitedbyaregardtothewelfareoftheguiltyperson.Thetruthis,hiswelfareissofarfrombeingregarded,thatasfarasheisconsideredas deserving of punishment, we do not consult his felicity; but on thecontrary, our judgment is, that his happiness ought to be lessened, or

takenaway,totheextentofhisguilt.

Althoughwearesoconstitutedas toperceiveandfeel thatsindeservespunishmentaccordingtoitsevil,yetwehavenoprecisestandardofthedegree of punishment which any sin deserves. Reason cannot tell howmuchpain isdue toanyparticularoffence: its clearperceptiongoesnofurther than to the general proposition that it ought to be punishedaccording to its desert, whatever that may be. Yet it has appearedexceedingly evident to most men, that although some degree ofpunishmentfollowssinfulactionsinthis life,mendonotreceivehereafull retribution for theircrimes;sinceveryoftengreat transgressorsareprosperous, and someof themdie in the commissionof atrocious sins.Thishas furnished the strongestof all theargumentswhich reason candiscover, for a future state of existence. Indeed, admitting the fact thatmen are not rewarded and punished here according to their respectivedeserts,theconclusionisinevitable,ifGodbejust.Butsomemoraldeistswhocouldnotdenythedifferencebetweenvirtueandvice,andthattheformeroughttoberewardedandthelatterpunished,heldthatvirtueisitsownreward,andvice itsownpunishment:that is, thatgoodmen, inthe performance of good actions, and in the consequences whichnaturally follow them, have their reward; and that wickedmen, in theremorsewhichattendsthecommissionofsinandinitseffects,sufferallthepunishmentwhichtheydeserve.Thereforetheymaintainedthatthereis no future existence to be expected or feared. This theory, howevergratefulitmaybetothewishesofwickedmen,asfreeingthemfromallapprehension of a future judgment, has found but few abettors. Thereasonis,thattheevidenceagainstitstruthisobvious.Allmenmustseethatcrimesarenotpunishedinthislifeaccordingtotheirdemerit.

Butinourtimesandinourcountry,anewphenomenonhasappearedinthe religious world. A sect has risen up calling themselvesUNIVERSALISTS,whoprofess to receive theBibleas thewordofGod,andyetutterlydenyallfuturepunishment.Fromearlytimestherehavebeen a few persons, among whom were some men of learning, whoentertained the opinion that the punishment of the wicked in a futureworldwouldnotbestrictlyeternal,orwithoutend;buttheyallheldthatthe impenitent would certainly suffer condign punishment after death.

This scheme was defended on various principles, by different persons;and the arguments of the same personswere not commonly consistentwithoneanother.Atonetime,theyassertedthatitwouldbeunjustintheRuler of the universe to make his creatures eternally miserable onaccountofthesinscommittedhereinthecourseofashortlife.Butagain,notsatisfiedwiththisground,theyresortedtothemercyandgoodnessofGodasrevealedinthegospel,andendeavoredtoprovethatasGodlovedallhiscreaturesequally,andthatasChristdiedequallyforall,allwouldcertainlybesaved—ifnothere,yet,withoutdoubt,hereafter.Thesetopicsof argumentwere popular, andmanywould have been the converts tothissystem,haditnotbeenforanumberofplainandstubborntextsofScripture, which these men, with all their critical efforts, found to beratherintractable.Mostpeople,too,fearedtotrusttheireternalsalvationon the criticisms of falliblemen. They did not know but that at last itmight be found, that the words everlasting and eternal might meanendlesspunishment.Moreover,itwasdemonstratedbythedefendersoftheorthodoxdoctrine,thatthetwograndtopicsofargumentusedbytheUniversalists,wereperfectly incompatiblewitheachother; for if, in thenatureof things, itwasunjusttopunishmenwitheternalmisery, therewasnoneedforaSaviourtocomeintotheworldanddietopreventtheAlmighty from doing an act of flagrant injustice. Upon this principle,universal salvation would have occurred in due time as a matter ofcourse;andthereforethedeathofChristwasunnecessary,andtherewasnooccasionformercyorpardon.ButiftheybuilttheirargumentontheprincipleofGod'smercyandChrist'sdeath,andascribethesalvationofallmentofreegrace,thenitwasmanifestthathadnotthismediatorialscheme intervened, men must have, perished for ever; for there is nomercy or grace in redeeming from misery to which men were neverexposed.Thistherefore,whichwastheprincipalargument,couldnotbeemployedwithoutrecognizingthejusticeofcondemningmentoendlesspunishmentfortheirsins.Butifthatwasthepunishmenttowhichmenwerecondemnedbythelaw,noreasoncouldbeassignedwhyrejectersofthegospelmightnotbelefttosufferwhatwasbeforeduetothem.Uponthis ground, there was no presumption against the plain, literalinterpretationofthosetextswhichseemtorepresentfuturepunishmentto be eternal. And thatwhich perplexed the subject stillmore,was thefactthatnopunishmentmentionedintheScriptureswassogreatasthat

threatened against those who refused to believe the gospel; whereas,according to this theory, the penalty of the law ought to be endlesspunishment, and themisery actually inflicted on those redeemed fromthecurseofthelawoughttobesomethingverydifferent.Indeed,itwasdifficult to explain why they should suffer in the future world at all, ifChrist died for them so as to free them from the curse of the law;especially,itwasalmostincrediblethattheyshouldsuffersolongasthephrasesusedinScripture,limitthemastheywould,mustimport.Itwasalsoaperplexingpointtodeterminewhetherthoseseveresufferingsforages of ages, were penal, expiatory, or merely castigatory. If theymaintained the first, how could they reconcile it with their cardinalposition,thatChristredeemedallmenfromthecurseofthelaw?If,afterall,sinnersmightbelefttosufferpartofthepenalty,whynotall?Butifthe sufferings of thewicked in a futureworld are held to be expiatory,then theyare saved independentlyofChrist, or their expiationmustbeadded tohis;bothofwhich suppositionsarederogatory to theSaviour,and inconsistent with the radical principle of their system, that all aresaved by grace, through the merit of Christ. And finally, if thepunishmentwhichsinnersendureinhellismerelycastigatory,whyisitso long and so tremendously severe? This idea, however, is manifestlyrepugnant to the whole tenor of Scripture, which uniformly representsthesufferingsofthedamnedasdestructive,andneverassalutary.

But even on the supposition that the punishment due to each sin waslimited, and as short as any one might choose to make it; yet thepunishmentof thesinnermightbe justlywithoutend,because,beingamoralagentstill,andunderobligationstoobeyhisCreator,fromwhichhenevercanbereleased,hemaybecontinuallycontractingnewguilt;sothat if one should suppose that the punishment of one sin wasmomentary, yet if the sinner in hell is everymoment committing freshsin, itdoesnotappearhowhecaneverbereleased.There isnowaybywhich this conclusion can be evaded but by supposing that men anddevilsinhellareincapableofsinning,orthatthesinswhichtheycommitthere do not incur any additional punishment. But neither of thesepositionscanbemaintained.Thatmenwhosenature issinful,andwhobylongcustomhaveformedinveteratehabitsofsinning,whenremovedto another world should cease to commit sin, is an unreasonable

supposition;andtosupposethatsin,inafuturestate,doesnotincurthecurseofthelaw,orthedispleasureofGod,isequallyunreasonable.God,fromtheholinessofhisnature,musthatesinwhereveritappears,andhealwaysactsagreeablytohisnature.Tosupposemeninhelltobedivestedof theirmoralagency,wouldbetosupposetheminsuchaconditionasscarcely to be capable of suffering for their sins. No doubt the devilsinned when he tempted our first parents, and in all his othertemptations; otherwise he could not be called a murderer from thebeginning,andaliar,andthefatheroflies.Indeed,noonewhobelievesthat there isadevil,doubts thathe is continually sinningand rebellingagainst God; and I think it can scarcely be doubted that he will sufferpunishment for these sins. Thenwhat reason can be assignedwhy thereprobatefromamongmenwillnotcontinuetosininanotherworld,andtoheapupfreshwrathupontheirguiltysouls?

Other formidable difficulties encumber this scheme of universalsalvation. Itwasnoteasy tounderstandhow the inmatesof thisprisonweretobereleased:whetherbyaduecourseoflawtheyshouldcomeoutafterhavingsufferedthefulldemandofjustice,andafterhavingpaidthelastfarthing,astheScripturesspeak;orwhethertheoffersofthegospelshould follow them there, and they should not be delivered until theycordially embrace the terms of salvation. Each of these plans has itspeculiar difficulties. According to the first, Christ and his merits arecompletely set aside, and the sinner gets to heaven upon the strictprinciplesofretributivejustice;justas,amongus,theconvictcomesoutofthepenitentiaryandenjoyshislibertyandtherightsofacitizenwhenhehasservedouthistime,inpursuanceofthesentenceofthelaw.Butifthesinnercomesoutofhellbybelievingthegospel,thenthegospelmustbepreachedinhell—butbywhomdoesnotappear.AnditsefficacytheremustdependontheHolySpirit,oronthefreewillofthecreature.Iftheformer,theHolySpirit—Itrembletowriteit—mustbepouredoutinhell—if the latter, it remains to be shown that severe pain will makemenwillingtobelieve.Butifitdependonourfreewill,andthismayresistforagesofages,whynotforever?Itmayhappenthen,afterall,accordingtothis theory, that some sinners, by their obstinacy, will never be saved.Andifefficaciousgracerescuesthem,whatreasoncanbeassignedwhythatgracedidnotoperateeffectuallyinthisworldtopreventthemfrom

goingtothatinfernalprison.

But the difficulties do not end here. Suppose the prison doors thrownopen, and the law to make no further demands, how is the miserablesinnertobefittedforthepureandblessedsocietyofheaven?Whateverhellmaybeinotherrespects,surelyitisnoschoolofvirtue—noplacetoacquire holy habits, and relish for the praises of the heavenly hosts;unlessagesofblasphemyshouldbe thought topreparea sinner for theexalted hallelujahs of heaven, or the society of devils to qualify for thesocietyofangelsandthespiritsofjustmenmadeperfect;sinceitistruefor ever, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord, and it isdemonstrable that there can be no enjoyment in that pure and blessedplaceforthosewhosemindsarefullofmalignantpassions.Universalistsmustthereforemakeitapartoftheirsystemtohavethesoulpurifiedbyregeneration and sanctification by the Holy Spirit. Or will they castindignityontheofficeandworkoftheHolySpirit,asbeforeonthatoftheRedeemer,bymaintainingthathispeculiarworkcanbeperformedbythefire of hell? It is very remarkable that the holy Scriptures shed a clearlightonthepathwhich leads to futuremisery,butnotasolitaryrayonthewayofescapefromthatdismalplace.Yet,ifthisisadoctrineoftheScriptures, it ismarvellous that they have nevermentioned the case ofanyonesavedfromhell,norleftusasinglehintrespectingthemethodofpassingthewidegulfwhichseparatesthetwoplaces.Whentherichmanin torment beggedAbraham for a drop ofwater,we surelymight haveexpected some word of encouragement to the poor sufferer, if thatvenerable patriarch had known any thing of a passage from hell toheaven.Butno;heseemstoprecludeallhopeof thekind. "Betweenusandyou,"sayshe,"thereisagreatgulffixed:sothattheywhowouldpassfromhencetoyou,cannot;neithercantheypasstousthatwouldcomefrom thence."Call thisdiscourseaparable, orwhat youwill, itmattersnot:nowordisspokenrespectingawayofescapefromtorment.Noristhere,fromthebeginningtotheendoftheBible,onewordtoinformusof themethodofbeingdelivered fromhellandprepared forheaven forthosewhooncegoawayintoeverlastingpunishment.

Therewasstillanotherdefectinthisschemewhich,Idoubtnot,hashadpractically more efficacy in exploding it than all the rest. It cannot be

concealed,andperhapswillnotbedenied,thattheprimarymotivewhichhasledmentoUniversalism,isthedesireofremovingfromthemindsofworldlyandwickedmenthedreadfulapprehensionofendlesstorments.Isay worldly andwickedmen, for the true Christian does not need thisdoctrineforhisconsolation.Heissafewithoutit.Thereforethehumbleand devoted Christian is not commonly, if ever, the advocate of thissystem. It was a doctrine invented for the lawless and disobedient—adoctrine to bring comfort, not to penitent believers, but to impenitentsinners,whoarenotwillingtoforsaketheirsins.Now,itismanifestthatthe old scheme of Universalism, which admitted not only of futurepunishment, but of a duration of punishment which might, in somesense, be called everlasting, did but half answer the purposecontemplated.Whentheabandonedprofligate,themurderer,therobber,the debauchee, the defrauder of the orphan and widow, and everydescription of ungodly men, saw eternity approaching, supposing thatthey firmly believed their own tenets, the prospect before them wasappalling.What,tolieforagesofagesinfire;orintormentcomparabletofire!Thethoughtwasintolerable.Thissubjectbringstorecollectionafact which occurredmore than thirty years ago. A popular preacher ofuniversalsalvationthoughtitnecessarytoguardhisdoctrineagainstthecommon objection that its tendency was to encourage wicked men tocontinueinsin,whereuponheundertooktorepresenttohishearershowlongfuturepunishmentmightpossiblylast.Andhetooktheillustrationsooftenusedbypreacherswhowishtogivesomefaintideaofeternity,ofabirdtakingonegrainofsandfromtheeartheverythousandormillionyears until the whole was taken away, and bringing it back, grain bygrain, after the same intervals: "so long," saidhe, "may someatrociousand obstinate sinners have to suffer in hell." A young man who hadbecome a convert to this flesh-pleasing doctrine, upon hearing thisrepresentation,wasstruckwithhorror.Noideaofadurationsolonghadever before entered his mind, and he began to be seriously concernedhowheshouldescapefromsufferingssotremendous.Anditissaidthathisconvictionofdangerwasonlyremovedbyabelievingapplicationtothe Lord Jesus Christ. But, asmight be expected, hewas no longer anadvocateforthesalvationofimpenitentsinners.

Thereader,Ithink,willnowbeabletounderstandwhyUniversalistsin

thiscountry—orat leastsomeof them—have forsakentheiroldground,and arenowendeavoring tobuild on an entirelynew foundation.Theycertainly avoid the last-mentioneddifficulty of their predecessors.Theynowhavemadetheirdoctrinepalatableenoughto theworstofsinners.There is no danger that the new doctrine, by its terrors, will drive anypoor sinner to seek refuge in a crucified Saviour. They preach noappallingdoctrineofburningtormentsinhellforagesofages.Accordingtothenewtheory,ALLTHATTHEMOSTENORMOUSSINNERHASTOFEARORSUFFERISCONFINEDTOTHISWORLD.Evenifheshoulddie blaspheming; by his own hand, as Judas; or in the act of givingcommandtocommitcomplicatedmurder,asHerod,itmattersnot,allissafe: there isno judgmentafterdeath,nocastingof soulandbody intohell,exceptwhattakesplacehere;forastohellitself,whatisit,theyask,when critically explained, but the valley of Hinnom, outside ofJerusalem? Sinners, if this doctrine be true, may dismiss all theirforebodingapprehensions.Theymay,indeed,"eat,drink,andbemerry;"andiftheywillonlymakeuptheirmindstobeartheinconveniencewhichsin may bring upon them here—and few are restrained from theindulgenceofrevenge,ambition,avarice,andlustbythisconsideration—they may give full swing to their corrupt inclinations, and be just aswicked as theyplease.And indeed, if there beno future reckoning, theprincipal source of uneasiness to the sinner here will be removed,namely,thefearofjudgmenttocome.Thisisindeedagloriousdoctrinefor impenitent sinners. Theymay even set theirMaker at defiance, fortheyhavenothingtofearfromhimafterthislife.Nothingwhichtheycandowilleitherretardorhindertheireternalhappiness.

Iwasperhapswrongincallingthisanewdoctrine.Itisasoldasthefallof man, and was distinctly preached in the garden of Eden, when thetempter said to thewoman,Thoushaltnot surelydie; and ithashadawilling reception in the minds of many abandoned profligates andhardened apostates from the truth; but I do suppose they neveranticipatedthetimewhenitshouldbegravelypreachedtothemfromtheBible, as theveryessenceof thegospel. In this respect, then, itmaybecallednew;forsurelynosectbeforeourtimes,whoprofessedtoreceivethe Scripture in whole or in part, whether in the church or amongheretics,everheldandtaughtsuchadoctrineasthis.

What I propose further in this tract is, to show that THISDOCTRINEHASNOTTHESHADOWOFEVIDENCEFROMTHEWORDOFGODTOSUPPORTIT.

Buthere,Iconfess, I feeladifficulty in theverycommencement.What,am I calledupon toprove thatdoctrine false,whichmaintains that theNewTestamentteaches that the impenitentsinnerwillnotbepunishedforhiscrimesafterdeath?Why, itwouldbealmostasreasonable toberequiredtorefutetheassertionthattherewereneitherwordsnorlettersintheBible,ortodemonstratethathespokefalselywhoshoulddeclarethat therewasno suchbook in existence.Some thingsare somanifest,that itwouldbe ridiculous to attempt theirproofby reasoning. In fact,reasoningandargumentarenotintendedfortruthssoplainthathethatrunsmayreadthem.Whowouldundertaketorefutethefoolwhoshouldinsist upon it that the sundidnot shine atnoonday?Much like this, itseemstome,isthetaskIhavetakenuponmyself.WhenIfirstheardofmenwhoprofessedtobelievetheScriptures,andatthesametimedeniedallfuturepunishment,Iknewnothowtobelieveit.ButsincethattimeIhave had evidence enough of their existence, and have had thehumiliationtobeconvincedthatmanyfollowtheirperniciousways.Butitmaybeasked,WhydothesedeceiversconnecttheirdoctrinewiththeBIBLE?Would itnotbemucheasier to take thegroundof infidelity atonce,anddependuponreasonforsupport,insteadofScripture?Itwouldseem so at first view, but this ground has been heretofore occupiedwithout success. Infidelity is out of fashion, and asmost people have avenerationfortheBible,theywishtoavailthemselvesofthesecommonsentimentsinfavoroftheScriptures;andbythismeanstheygetahandleforworkingonthecredulityandprejudiceofunstablesouls,whoareevergapingafter somethingnewandstrange in religion; "ever learning,andneverable tocometo theknowledgeof the truth."By theperversionofthe sacredScriptures, also, they are able topromise their followersnotonlyexemptionfromfuturemisery,butpositivefelicityinheaven,whichtheycouldnotdoontheprinciplesofinfidelity.

Let us see, then, in what way the advocates of the complete andunconditional salvation of impenitent sinners attempt to defend theirdoctrine.Thetextsreliedonaresuchasthese:

1."AlltheendsoftheearthshallrememberandturnuntotheLord;andallthekindredsofthenationsshallcomeandworshipbeforehim"—"allnations whom he hath made shall come and worship before him, andglorifyhisname."Now,thistexthasnothingtodowiththesubject,moreorless.Itisobviouslyaprophecyoftheuniversalspreadofthegospelinthemillennium, or glorious latter days of the church. This is a kind ofuniversalism in which we rejoice to believe; for it is predicted byHimwhocannotlie,thattheearthshallinthoselatterdaysbefullofthegloryofGod.Then,indeed,shall"theendsoftheearthturnuntotheLord,andallthekindredsofthenationscomeandworshipbeforehim."ButIask,What has this to do with the future salvation of those who never turnunto the Lord, nor render him any worship, but die in their sins?Whether the language of this prophecy is to be taken in its mostunlimited signification, is a matter of no consequence. If not oneunconverted sinner should, in those blessed times of gospel grace, befounduponearth,thatwillhavenoeffectontheconditionofthosewhocontinueintheirobstinaterebellionuntildeath.Thetextassertsnothingrespecting past times, nor any times that may intervene before theblessederaofuniversalgraceshallcommence.

2. "The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more thewickedandthesinner."This,Ifind,isafavoritetextwiththeadvocatesofthe doctrine under consideration. They have caught at the wordsrecompensed in the earth, as if they furnished a proof that the sinnerreceivedinthisworldafullretributionforhiscrimes.Buttheymustbeveryshort-sightedcritics,ormustbeconfidentthattheirfollowershavenodiscernmentatall,ortheywouldneverhaveselectedthispassageofScripture as the corner-stone of their fabric. The plainmeaning of thewise man in this text is, that in the righteous dispensations of divineProvidence, the righteous man shall receive some recompense for hisgood deeds, andmuchmorewill thewicked and the sinner be visited,even here, more or less, with divine judgments, by which a holy Godtestifieshis displeasure against their evilways.Butdoes the text assertthattheirwholerecompenseshallbereceivedinthisworld?Itdoesnot.Andif itdid,itwouldcontradictthewholetenorofScripture.Butthesepretendedcritics, intheirhastetoprovethatthewickedsinnersreceivetheirwholerecompenseintheearth, forgettonoticethatthewordsare

spoken primarily of the righteous, and therefore if the bare use of theword recompense proves that the wicked receive all their punishmenthere,thentherighteous,astheyreceivetheirfullrecompensehere,mustexpectnofelicityhereafter.Andsowehavegotroundtotheconclusionoftheatheistormoraldeist,thatthereisneithergoodnorevilbeyondthegrave.And let themescape from this conclusion if they can.But this isnot all. Their interpretation of this text utterly sets aside the gospel ofJesusChrist.There is,according to this,nomannerofneed thatChristshoulddietoatoneforsin,orrescuethesinnerfromitspunishment,forhebearsthewholehimselfintheearth.Hehashisfullrecompense,andwhatneedofaSaviourtointerfereinhisbehalf?

3.Athirdtextallegedinproofofthenon-existenceoffuturepunishmentis, "The Lord is good unto all, and his tender mercies are over all hisworks."Nowit isplain, if thistext furnishesconclusiveproofthattherewillbenopunishmentofsininthefutureworld,itisequallyasstrongtoprove that there is no punishment of sin in this world; and so itoverthrowstheirfundamentalprinciple,thatsinisrecompensedhere.Ifsindeservespunishment, it isnohowinconsistentwithGod'sgoodnesstoinflict it;andit isas little incompatiblewiththisamiableattributetoinflictdeservedpunishmentinthefutureworldasinthepresent.Allthatitisrequisitetobeassuredofis,thatthepaininflictedisjust.Manifestly,then,nothingcanbe inferred fromthisandsimilar textsunlesswewilldrawconclusionsindirectoppositiontoplainfacts,andalsotoprinciplesacknowledgedby thosewhouse theargument.Declamationconcerningthegoodnessand tendermercyofGodmaybeguile thesimple,butwillhavenoeffectonthosewhoknowthatthenameofJehovah,asgivenbyhimself, is, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, slow toanger,andabundant ingoodnessandtruth—butwillbynomeanscleartheguilty."Exod.34:6,7.

4. Another text adduced in favor of the salvation of all without futurepunishmentis,thatChrist"mustreigntillhehathputallenemiesunderhis feet; the last enemy that shall bedestroyed is death."Butwhathasthis to do with the question, whether the impenitent sinner shall bepunishedinafuturestate?Andwhobeforeeverthoughtthatinordertosubdueanenemy,andputhimunderone'sfeet,itwasrequisitethathe

mustbemadecompletelyandeverlastinglyhappy?TheapostlePaul, inthis chapter, is treatingof the resurrectionof thebodies of believers toimmortality and glory, and says nothing of the unbelieving andimpenitent. But even if we should admit that by the all made alive inChristthewholeofmankindshouldbeunderstood,theonlyconsequencethat can legitimatelybederived from thewords is, that allmenwill beraisedfromthedeadbythepowerofChrist;adoctrineclearlytaughtinother parts of Scripture. But because all men shall be raised from thedead,thattheymaybejudgedaccordingtothedeedsdoneinthebody,itdoesbynomeans follow that theyshallallbe received intoheaven; forsome will rise, as our Saviour declares, unto the resurrection ofdamnation.

5.TheonlyothertextwhichIshallnowconsider,is,that"allthingsshallbereconciledtoGod."TherearemanytextsintheBibleinwhichgeneralexpressionsof thissortareused;but it isveryevidentthattheyarenotalwaysintendedtoembraceeveryindividualofthehumanfamily.Ifweshould interpretthemwithout limitationorqualification,wherevertheyare found, we should inevitably be involved in contradictions andabsurdities.Accordingtothismodeofinterpretation,itmightbeprovedas easily that allmenwill be lost, as that allwill be saved. Every goodinterpreter of the Bible feels the necessity of comparing ScripturewithScripture,anddeducingsuchameaning fromeachpassageasshallnotberepugnanttotheplaindictatesoftheSpiritinotherplaces.Becauseitissaidthatthewholeworldliethinwickedness,wedonotsounderstandtheapostleasifhemeanttoteachthateverymanintheworldwaslyinginwickedness,andthattherewasnoChristiansanctifiedinpart;butthisisspokenofthegreaternumberofmen,orrather,oftheheathennations,whoarecommonlycalledtheworldintheNewTestament.

But we will now adduce TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE SUFFICIENT TOCONVINCE ALL CANDID INQUIRERS, THAT THE DOCTRINE OFUNIVERSALISTSISINUTTERCONTRADICTIONTOTHEWORDOFGOD.

1.OurblessedSavioursays,"Fearnotthemthatkillthebody,butarenotabletokillthesoul;butratherfearhimwhichisabletodestroybothsoulandbody inhell."Thesameawful truth isrepeated inLuke:"ButIwill

forewarn youwhomye shall fear: fearhim,which, afterhehathkilled,hath power to cast into hell."Matt. 10:28; Luke 12:5.Here the castinginto hell comes after the death of the body, and must therefore meanfuturepunishmentbeyondthegrave.Thetruthissoplain,thatargumentor comment seems to be superfluous: it cannot bemademore evident.Feeling, however, a curiosity to know what gloss these deniers of allfuturepunishmentcouldputonatextsoplain,weturnedtoapamphletwrittenbyoneoftheirmostpopularpreachers,andfoundthatbybeingcast intohell,heunderstands,being thrown into thevalleyofHinnom,near Jerusalem. The body, indeed, after being killed, might have beencastintothisvalley,buthowthesoulcouldbepunishedinthisvalleyhehas not explained; nor has he assigned any reasonwhy being cast intothisvalley is somuchmore fearful thanhaving thebodykilledbymen.Suchaninterpretationistooabsurdtorequirerefutation.

2."Thehouriscoming,inthewhichallthatareinthegravesshallcomeforth:theythathavedonegood,totheresurrectionoflife;andtheythathavedoneevil, to theresurrectionofdamnation."John5:29.ThesearealsothewordsofHimwhoisTRUTHitself,andtheyteachasclearlyaswordscanteach,thatafterthebodiesofthewickedhavelainforatimeinthegrave,theywillcomeforthuntotheresurrectionofdamnation.Isnotthis future punishment?What evasion can themost perverse ingenuityfind here? They tell us that by graves we are not to understand literalgraves,andthatthedeathherespokenofisamoral,notanaturaldeath.Well, then, what is the import of the passage?What, according to thisinterpretation,isthemeaningoftheresurrectiontodamnation?

3."Come,yeblessedofmyFather,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufrom the foundation of theworld." "Depart, ye cursed, into everlastingfire, prepared for the devil and his angels." "These shall go away intoeverlastingpunishment,andtherighteousintolifeeternal."Matt.,chap.25. Is there no reference to future punishment in these solemndeclarationsofourLord?Ifnot,thenthereisnoreferencetothefutureblessednessoftherighteous.IftenthousandpersonsweresettoreadthisportionofScripture,andeachtodeclarewhathebelievedtobetheplainimport of the words, can it be believed that there would be found oneindividual who would doubt whether or not future punishment was

threatenedhere?Certainlynot,unlesshehadbeenpervertedbythefalseglosses of Universalist teachers. One of them, whose words are nowbeforeme, calls this aparable: "It is supposed," sayshe, "to furnishanargument in favorof endlesshappinesson theonehand, and ceaselessperditionon theother.But is thereany thing said in theparableabouteither endless happiness or ceaseless misery? No; there is not." Whatunblushingassurancemustthemanpossess,whocouldallowhimselftoutterandprintsuchadeclaration.Withsuchallreasoningisuseless;andif Scripture testimony of the clearest andmost solemn kind can be setaside by a positive denial of the plain, commonmeaning of thewords,surely it is vain to cite Scripture in proof of any position. But theseopposersofthetruth,whenatextistooevidentlyagainsttheirdoctrine,andwhentheyarenotsatisfiedwiththeirownattemptsatpervertingitsmeaning, do not scruple to call its authenticity in question. Thus, inregardtothistext,thewriteralreadyreferredto,afterdenominatingthewhole passage a parable, and denying that it contains the doctrine ofendlesshappinessandceaselessmisery,apparentlydissatisfiedwithhisown exposition, says, "If Mark, Luke, and John believed that Christtaught the awful doctrine of endlesswoe andmisery to any part of thehumanrace,whydidnoneof themrecord theparable?Butneither theparableofthetares,noranypartofthe30thchapterofMatthewistobefound in either of the other evangelists. If they had known any thingabouttheseparables,andbelievedthattheycontainedproofofsoawfuladoctrineasthatofceaselessperdition,wouldtheyhavepassedthemoverinsilence?"HerethedisregardtotheauthorityofScriptureismanifest.Isnot the clear testimony of one inspired apostle sufficient to establish adoctrine? A great part of what is read in the gospel of John is notrecorded by any of the other evangelists; must it on this account berejected? And if the passage does not teach the doctrine of futurepunishment,whyaretheysosolicitoustogetridofit?

4. Our Lord, in the explanation of the parable of the tares, says, "Asthereforethetaresaregatheredandburnedinthefire,soshallitbeintheendof theworld.TheSonofman shall send forthhis angels, and theyshallgatheroutofhiskingdomallthingsthatoffend,andthemwhichdoiniquity,andshallcastthemintoafurnaceoffire;thereshallbewailingandgnashingofteeth."Matt.13:40–43.Andintheparableofthenetcast

intothesea, inthesamechapter,ourLord, intheapplication,says,"Soshallitbeattheendoftheworld:theangelsshallcomeforth,andseverthewickedfromamongthejust,andshallcastthemintothefurnaceoffire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." Matt. 13:47–50. Inthese passages the punishment threatened is to be inflicted by theministryofangelsattheendoftheworld,andmust,ofcourse,befuturepunishment. And as this tremendous punishment of being cast into afurnaceoffireisthreatenedtoallworkersofiniquity,itmustbeenduredaftertheresurrection.Thereisherenoneedofexposition.Everywordisas plain as it is terrible. There is no room for plausible evasion. TheUniversalistmay say, as in the former case, that there is no account ofthis in the other evangelists. If that was an argument of any force, wemightaswelllayasidetheBible;butone"thussaiththeLord"isenough:thetestimonyofoneinspiredapostlewillsatisfyeveryonewhobelievesin the inspiration of the sacredScriptures.But although these parablesare not repeated by the other evangelists, the same doctrine of futurepunishmentisinculcatedwithequalclearnessbythemall,aswillappearbythefollowingtestimonies.

5.Mark,chapter9, recordsadiscourseofChrist, inwhich thecertaintyandperpetuityoffuturepunishmentaretaughtasexplicitlyandstronglyastheycanbeinwords."Andifthyhandoffendthee,cutitoff:itisbetterfortheetoenterintolifemaimed,thanhavingtwohandstogointohell,intothefirethatnevershallbequenched;wherethewormdiethnot,andthefireisnotquenched."Andtogiveemphasistothisawfuldeclaration,ourLordrepeatsitthreeseveraltimes.Surelyitbecomesustotrembleatthe word of the Lord, and to obey his voice, by denying ourselves andrepentingofoursins,rather thanto inventsuchglossesaswouldmakehimspeakinawaytotallyunworthyofadivineteacher.

6. Our next testimony for future punishment shall be taken from thegospelofLuke,chapter16:19–31.Herewehavesetbeforeusthedifferentconditionsofmeninthestateafterdeath,inthecaseoftwopersons—therich man and Lazarus. It matters not whether this be considered thehistory of real personages, or a parable; the doctrine inculcated is thesame.Iftheplainestwordscanteachanything,weareheretaughtthattosome the state after death is a state of misery—hopeless, excruciating

misery.Themanherespokenofisexpresslysaidtobedeadandburied;and what our Lord testifies that he suffered, was after his death andburial."Therichmanalsodied,andwasburied;andinhellhelifteduphis eyes, being in torments." The dreadful nature of his suffering isstronglydescribedinthewordswhichheisrepresentedasemployinginhis address to Abraham: "Send Lazarus, that hemay dip the tip of hisfinger inwater,andcoolmy tongue; for Iamtormented in this flame."And the hopelessness of his miserable condition may be learned fromAbraham'sanswer:"Besidesallthis,betweenusandyouthereisagreatgulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you, cannot;neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence." If thisdiscourse of ourLorddoesnot teach that there ismisery to somemenafterdeath,thenwemaygiveupallhopeoflearninganythingfromhisplainestandmostpointeddiscourses.

7.TheevangelistJohnalsorecordsclearandfrequenttestimoniesofthisdoctrine. We have already cited one testimony from him. We giveanother:"HethatbelievethontheSon,hatheverlastinglife;andhethatbelievethnottheSon,shallnotseelife,butthewrathofGodabidethonhim."John3:36.Herethereisnoroomforanydoubtonaccountoftheimportofparticularterms.Thatthelifeherespokenofislifeinafuturestate,cannotbedenied,foritisexpresslycalledeverlastinglife;anditisexpressly asserted thatunbelievers shallnotpartakeof this life.Now ifthey are deprived of life in the future world, they are deprived ofhappiness; there is nomedium between life and death, happiness andmisery.Unbelieversmustthereforebemiserableinthefutureworld.Andthis seems to be asserted strongly in the last words quoted: "And thewrathofGodabidethonhim."Thesewordsdonotmerelysignifythatthefinal unbeliever is under wrath while in this world, but that this is anabidingstate.Itisthecontrasttothepossessionofeternallife.Whilethewickedareinthisworld,theyareindeedunderasentenceofwrath,butthe execution of this wrath is reserved for a future state. The greatestsinners andmost obstinate unbelievers live in ease and pleasure here,anddonotsuffer thewrathunderthesentenceofwhichthey lie.But itwillabideuponthem,andthevialsofthisdivinewrathwillbepouredoutuponthemtoalleternity.

8. "I said, therefore, that ye shalldie inyour sins; andwhither I go, yecannot come." John 8:21. With this may be connected several othertestimonies inwhich it is clearly implied that thewickedcannotescapefuturepunishment: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate; formany shallseek to enter in, and shall not be able." "How shall we escape, if weneglect so great salvation?" "Forwhat is aman profited, if he gain thewholeworld,andlosehisownsoul?"Luke13:24;Heb.2:3;Matt.16:26.

9."ButtheblasphemyagainsttheHolyGhostshallnotbeforgivenuntomen.WhosoeverspeakethagainsttheHolyGhost,itshallnotbeforgivenhim,neitherinthisworld,neitherintheworldtocome.""Thereisasinuntodeath:Idonotsaythatheshallprayforit."Matt.12:31,32;1John.5:16.Butifthereisnofuturepunishment,thenthissinmustbeforgiven;orforgivenessisofnoconsequencetoobtainfuturehappiness.

10."ButwoeuntothatmanbywhomtheSonofmanisbetrayed;ithadbeengoodforthatmanifhehadnotbeenborn."Matt.26:24.Butiftherewillbenofuturepunishment,Judaswillfareaswellasthegreatestsaint.Indeed, his casewasmore eligible than that of any of the apostles; forthey lived in themidst of persecution, while hewas enjoying pleasure.How, then, could it have been good for him never to have been born?According to Universalists, he has an eternity of bliss before him, andtherefore, if he had suffered a thousand ages of years, it would be aninfinitebenefittobeborn.

11.LetusnowattendtoafewtestimoniesfromtheapostlePaul."Forthewages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through JesusChristourLord."Rom.6:23.Herethejustrulesofinterpretationrequireustoconsiderdeath,asitstandsincontrastwitheternallife,tobeeternaldeath.

"Formanywalk, ofwhomIhave told youoften, andnow tell youevenweeping, that they are the enemiesof the crossofChrist;whose end isdestruction."Phil.3:18,19.Thisdestruction,whichcomesat theendofthesinner'scourse,cannotbenaturaldeath;fortothisallaresubject,thefriends aswell as the enemies of the cross. It is certainly a destructionwhich is peculiar to the wicked, and as it is their end, must be futurepunishment,ortheseconddeath.

"Andthinkestthouthis,Oman,thatjudgestthemwhichdosuchthings,thatthoushaltescapethejudgmentofGod?Ordespisestthoutherichesof his goodness, and forbearance, and long suffering; not knowing thatthegoodnessofGod leadeth thee to repentance?butafter thyhardnessand impenitentheart, treasurestupwrathagainst thedayofwrathandrevelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to everymanaccordingtohisdeeds:tothemwho,bypatientcontinuanceinwell-doing,seek forglory,andhonor,and immortality,eternal life;butuntothem that are contentious, and obey not the truth, but obeyunrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, uponeverysoulofmanthatdoethevil;oftheJewfirst,andalsooftheGentile:butglory,honor,andpeacetoeverymanthatworkethgood,totheJewfirst,andalsototheGreek;forthereisnorespectofpersonswithGod.For asmanyashave sinnedwithout law, shall alsoperishwithout law;andasmanyashavesinnedinthelaw,shallbejudgedbythelaw."Rom.2:3–12.Theapostleisherelayingdowntheprinciplesonwhichthewholeworldwillbejudgedatthelastday;andcantherebeadoubtinanymindthatthewickedareherethreatenedwithfuturepunishment?"WhentheLordshallberevealedfromheavenwithhismightyangels,inflamingfiretakingvengeanceonthemthatknownotGod,andobeynotthegospelofourLordJesusChrist;whoshallbepunishedwitheverlastingdestructionfromthepresenceoftheLord,andfromthegloryofhispower,whenheshallcometobeglorifiedinhissaints."2Thess.1:7–10.Thepunishmentherethreatenedisofthenatureofvengeance—takingvengeance:itistobeinflictedonallwhoobeynotthegospelwhentheLordshallcome;thatis,atthedayofjudgment.Thedurationofthepunishmentiseverlasting.In whatever sense this word is understood, the argument is equallyconclusive in favor of future punishment. No testimony can be mademoredirectandexplicittoprovefuturepunishmentthanthesewordsofPaul.We should be at a loss, if required to frame a declaration whichshouldfullyexpressthedoctrineofthefuturepunishmentofthewicked,toinventonemoreclearandpositive.

"For ifwe sinwilfully after thatwehave received theknowledgeof thetruth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearfullooking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour theadversaries.ForweknowHimthathathsaid,Vengeancebelongethunto

me,Iwillrecompense,saiththeLord.Itisafearfulthingtofallintothehands of the living God." Heb. 10:26, 27, 30, 31. Perhaps we haveadducedmore texts thanarenecessary; for ifonewere to rise fromthedeadandtestifythattherewasadreadfulhell,theseUniversalistswouldnotbelievehim.TheywillnotbelieveMosesandtheprophets;yea,theyrefusetogivecredittotherepeateddeclarationsofChristhimselfandhisinspiredapostles.ItistobefearedthatsomeofthemareofthenumberwhomGodhathgivenup"tobelievealie"injustjudgment,becausetheywere unwilling to obey the truth. In regard to such our labor will bealtogetherinvain;buttherearemanyotherswhohavebeeninducedtolend a favorable ear to this flesh-pleasing doctrine,who have yet somerespectfortheholyScriptures,andwhoseconsciencesarenotyetsearedaswithahot iron.Topluck someof theseasbrands from theburning,maybepracticable.Butourchiefhopeistosecurethosefromfallingintothesnareofthedevilwhoareexposedtothissoul-destroyingheresy.

THE LEGITIMATE AND PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES OF THISDOCTRINEareofsuchanappallingnature,thatifthepropagatorsofitwerenotrecklessofconsequences,theywouldpauseintheircourse,andhesitate about casting around them firebrands, arrows, and death.Greatermischief cannotbedone tomen, thanbydisseminatingamongthemsucherroneousopinionsasremovefromtheirmindsthosesalutaryrestraintswhichpreservethemfromgivingindulgencetosin,orsuchaslullthemintoafalsesecurity,andpersuadethemtoneglectattentiontothatpreparationwhichisnecessarytofit themfordeathandjudgment.Andifanyopinionisdangerousaboveallotherstothebest interestsofmen,itistheonewhichIhaverefutedinthistract.AmongthemanyevilconsequencesofthisdoctrineIwouldmentionthefollowing.

1. It does violence to the holy Scriptures, and perverts the plain andobvious meaning of numerous passages which speak of the futurepunishment of impenitent sinners. And if in one casewemay thus setasidetheexpressandrepeateddeclarationsofGod,toaccommodatethedoctrinetoourownreasonandinclinations,thevolumeofinspirationisdishonoredandrendereduseless;forupontheseprincipleswemayrejecteveryfundamentaltruthoftheBible.IfthedoctrineoffuturepunishmentisnottaughtintheBible,neitheristhedoctrineoffuturehappiness;for

they are commonly inculcated in the same passages, and in similarlanguage.

2.Ifitbetruethatsinisnotpunishedinthefutureworld,thenitwouldfollowthatGodexercisesnomoralgovernmentovertheworld;forinthepresent life thewicked often live at ease and are prosperous,while thevirtuous are afflicted. This doctrine goes far to annihilate all differencebetween virtue and vice, for we must judge of these according to thetreatmentwhichtheyrespectivelyreceivefromthesupremeRuler;butiftherebenofuturepunishment,thereisnostrongmarkofdisapprobationsetonvice.Adoctrinewhichinvolvessuchaconsequenceasthis,mustbefalseanddangerous.

3.Ifthisdoctrineshouldbecomegeneral,humansocietycouldnotexist.Likeatheism,towhichitisnearakin,itsmalignanttendencyisnotfullyseenwhilesocietyatlargeisundertheinfluenceofacontrarybelief.Buttakeaway fromthemindsofallmenthe fearof judgmentandeternity,andthisworldbecomesasceneofviolence—anaceldama.Allconfidenceamongmenwouldbedestroyed; all thebondsof civil societywouldbesevered.Do not say that vicemight be coerced by the civil law—a vainhope.Wherethewholemassiscorrupt,lawsareuseless.Whatmeansofascertaining the truth in courts of justice will remain, without whichjustice cannot be administered, if no man fears the consequences ofperjury? Suppose aman who has no fear of judgment, to be solemnlycalled upon to declare the truth in a case where his own honor andinterest,orthatofsomefriend,isatstake;whatistheretopreventhimfrom perjuring himself? Or if he can gratify secret malice by swearingagainstthelifeofanenemy,whatshallrestrainhim?Hemayreasonwithhimselfthus:"Iknowthisisawickedact,butitwillservemypurpose,itwill enableme to gratifymy revenge; I have nothing to fear.Detectionhereisimpossible,andhereafterIamsureofheaven,doasIwill."Whatsecurityshouldwehavethatourfoodandmedicinewouldnotbemingledwithpoisonineveryhouse?Themenwhopropagatesuchdoctrines,aremanifestlypursuingacoursedestructivetothepeaceandgoodorderofsociety.Iwouldfullyassoonhaveanatheisttobearwitnessagainstmeon oath, or to sit in judgment as a juror, as one of these new-fangledUniversalists.

4.If there isnofuturepunishment, thewicked,whoaredrivenaway intheir wickedness, are happier than the righteous who are preserved tosuffer.Thewickedantediluvianswhoperishedintheflood,hadabetterportionandaricherrewardthanNoah;fortheyallescapedthetroublesof lifeandwenttoheaven,whileNoahandhisfamilyweresubjectedtoinnumerable hardships for some hundreds of years. The inhabitants ofSodomandGomorrahwerebetteroff,thoughtheyweredestroyedbyfirefromheaven,thanrighteousLot,whoescaped;fortheywerereleasedatoncefromallpainandsorrow,buthisafflictionsweremany.ThewickedCanaanitesweretoobadtoliveuponearth,andthereforeGodenjoineditonJoshua toextirpate them;butnot toobad tobeadmittedatonce toheavenwithoutanyrepentanceorsanctification!Theirlotwas,therefore,greatlypreferable to that of the Israelites,whoenduredmany toils andsufferings.Uponthistheory,JudaswasratherbenefitedthaninjuredbyhisbaseandungratefulcrimeofbetrayinghisLord,andbyhissuicide.Indeed, if therebeno futurepunishment, and thenextworldbebetterthanthis,notonlywillsuicidebeinnocentandbeneficial,buttherecanbenogreatharminmurder.Itonlyushersafellow-creatureintosuperiorblissalittleearlierthanifhewerelefttodieanaturaldeath.

5.Uponthesuppositionthatthisdoctrineistrue,repentanceisuseless;neither is there anyneedof sanctification.Heaven is the sinner's right,without any conditionorpreparation.How theungodlywill bepleasedwiththeplaceanditsexercises, isanotherquestion.Whetherdyingwilltake away their disrelish for devotional exercises, is not explained. Butthereisnoneedofundergoingthesorrowsofrepentanceforsin.ThistheUniversalist acknowledges. A writer before referred to declares, that"thereisnottheleastoccasionforsolicitudeaboutsalvation,neitherisitinourpowertopromoteorhinderit."Wedidsupposethattheadvocatesofthisdoctrinewouldhavepleadedforrepentance,whichisnothingelsebutaturningfromsintoGod,asusefultopreventevilinthislife;butwefind that in this we mistook their views, for the same writer asserts,concerningtheevilswhichsinproducehere,that"theseconsequencesareinevitable,andcannotbeescaped,evenbyrepentance."Whatthesemencanpreach,orwhytheyshouldpreachatall,wedonotsee.

6.Uponthistheorythereisnoneedofreligionofanykind;noconnection

exists between religion and salvation—between themanwho loves andservesGod,andhimwhohateshimanddespiseshisservice.Atheismisasgoodaspiety;idolatryandheresyassafeasawaytoheavenastruthand righteousness. The one thing needful is, to be fully persuaded thatnothingisneedful.Ifmenareonlyinformedthattherewillbenofuturereckoning,no condemnationof thewicked,no futurepunishment, theyneedknownothingelse;andwhethertheybelieveitornot,allareinthesafe way to heaven! We presume that the principal preaching ofUniversalistsisonthesinglepoint,thatthewickedhavenothingtofearonaccountoftheirsins;forwhyshouldtheydisturbtheirhearersaboutbelievingordoingotherthings?Butthebenefitsofthissystemwill,inthefutureworld,beasfullyenjoyedbythosewhoopposethedoctrine,asbythosewhobelieveandpreachit.

7.Thisdoctrineencouragesmentocontinueinsin,byremovingallfearoffuturejudgmentandpunishment.Inthisrespectitstendencyisasbadas atheism itself, for themost impious denial of a divine Being cannotpromisemoretoitsfoolishvotariesthanexemptionfromjudgmentandfuturepunishment.ThisspeciesofUniversalismisfraughtwiththeveryworstpoisonofatheism.Ittellsthesinner,that,lethimactaswickedlyashewill,orashecan,thereisnofearoffuturemisery.Indeed,itisinsomerespects worse than atheism, for it not only promises exemption frompunishment, but the reward of eternal happiness to the impenitentsinner. It says to the atrociousmurderer and cruel assassin, "Youneedfear no evil hereafter; though you should die in the commission of thefoulestdeeds,heaven,withall its gloryandhappiness, is yours." Isnotthis shocking to every honest mind? And what must the effect be onprofane,cruel,andabandonedprofligates?Howperniciousits influenceinthehouroftemptation!Supposeaninexperiencedyouthinaplaceoftrusttohaveimbibedthisdoctrine.Anopportunityoccursofdefraudinghis employer of a vast sum of money, with the prospect of escapingdetection.Well,whatshallhinderhimfromenrichinghimselfatonce?Ifthebeliefofafuturejudgmentwerenowtoriseinhismind,hewouldbeready, likeJoseph,tosay,"HowcanIdothisgreatevil,andsinagainstGod?"Buthavingnoapprehensionofanyjudgmenttocome,andsureofheaven,lethimdowhathewill,heisledintotemptation,andisdeprivedof every considerationwhichwould leadhim to resist it.Even the faint

hopethatthereisnofuturepunishment,hasapowerfuleffectinleadingcorruptmentocommitatrociouscrimes,althoughthishopeiscontrarytoallthattheyhaveeverbeentaught;butwhocancalculatetheinfluenceofapersuasionthatthereisnofuturepunishmentforthegreatestcrimes,derivedfrommenwhopretendtobepreachersofthegospel?Doubtlessalargeportionofthemostabominablecrimesthateverwereperpetrated,owe their existence to a secret belief or hope of the truth of the verydoctrinewhichUniversalistspreach.

8.Itisahorribleconsequenceofthisdoctrine,thatitputsitinthepowerofthesinnertosetGodhimselfatdefiancewithimpunity.Themalignant,ungratefulwretch,insteadofpraising,mayblasphemethegreatJehovaheverydayofhislife,andmaydiewithhorridblasphemiesonhislips,andyet he shall be rewardedwith everlasting happiness! Indeed, as all thepunishmentofsin issupposedtobe inthis life,whenasinnercommitssomehorriblecrimeinthelastmomentsofhislife,asinalatecasewhereaman first shotan innocentperson,and thenblewouthisownbrains,whereorhowwill he receivehisduepunishment?Hisdeath isbut thepangofamoment,andif therebenoretributionforsuchcrimes inthegovernment of God, it cannot be believed that he is a righteousmoralGovernor.

9. But how are sinners prepared for the enjoyment of the pure andelevated pleasures of heaven? The Scriptures everywhere teach thenecessityofa changeofheart,before sinners canenjoy thekingdomofGod;andthisisnotanarbitraryappointment,butarisesfromthenatureof the case. Reason and experience assure us that there must be acongruitybetweenthestateofthemindandthoseobjectsfromwhichitderivesitspleasure.Wherenosuchsuitablenessexists,thereisanaturalincapacityforthatparticularspeciesofpleasure.Thisisafactsoevidentand so well understood, that it stands in no need of illustration. Howthen,weask, canmenofdepravedhabits, allwhosemoral sensibilitieshave been blunted by a long course of sinning, relish the pure andsublime joysofheavenwithouta change?Suchmencannotendure themention,muchlesstheparticipationofholyexerciseswhilehere;nothingissomuchtheobjectoftheirdetestationasspiritualreligion.Andthereisnogroundfortheopinion,thatdeathcanmakeanyradicalchangeinthe

moral character and feelings. The wicked, therefore, who die inimpenitence,nevercangotoheaven;andifadmitted,theycouldhavenoreal enjoyment themselves, while they would disturb the harmony andinterruptthefelicityofthathighandholyplace.

10. This doctrine renders totally unnecessary the mediation andatonementofJesusChrist.Forifthesinnerbefullyrecompensedforhissinhere,whatneedofaSaviourtodieforthosesins,thepunishmentofwhichhehimselfenduresinthisworld?

But if theUniversalist shouldchoose toresthisdoctrineon thegroundthat sinnerswould have suffered hereafter if Christ had not atoned fortheir sins, Iwouldaskhow long theywouldhave suffered?Or inotherwords,what is theoriginalpenaltyof the lawofGod?Now, if it canbeshownthatanyfuturepunishmentintheScripturesisthreatened,itwillbe easy to show that the rejecters of the gospel, or impenitent sinners,willsufferthatpunishment;forwhatcanbeplainerthanthattheheaviestpenalties,andthosemostclearlyandrepeatedlyexpressedinthewordofGod,are thosedenouncedbyChrist against themwho refuse tobelievehisdoctrine?If,then,menwereexposedtoanyfuturepunishmentbeforeChristcame,itismostevidentthattheimpenitentarestillexposedtothesame,andgreater.ThereforetheUniversalistdoctrinecannotrestonthisground.Anditisclearasanythingcanbe,that,accordingtothissystem,therewasnoneedofaSaviour.Christcamewithoutanerrand,andshedhisbloodfornopurpose,whichisblasphemy.

Inconclusion,Iwouldsolemnlywarnallwhomaycasttheireyesonthesepages,tobewareofthisperniciousdoctrine,andnottoencouragethosewho go about the country preaching this soul-destroying error. Onlysuppose for a moment that their doctrine is false, and in what adeplorable condition are their disciples! How dreadful their mistake!ThesedeceiversendeavortoseducemenfromthedoctrineofChristbyagreat show of philanthropy and benevolence. They call the doctrine ofendless punishment cruel and unmerciful, and rail against pious andorthodoxministerswhoholditandpreachit,asmonstersofcruelty.Thisisacheapwayofshowingbenevolence.Itisjustthatsortofphilanthropywhichanunfaithfulwatchmanwouldexhibit,whoshouldpertinaciouslyinsistthattherewasnodangernear,evenwhentheenemywasinsight,

andboastofhiskindnessbecausehewouldnotsufferthecitizenstobeawakenedfromtheirsleep.Thebeliefthatmanymillionsofourraceareliving inmisery, and that all of the hundreds ofmillions now on earthwill, in a short time, be cut off by death, is no evidence of a want ofphilanthropy.Benevolencedoesnotconsistinholdingandteachingthatmen are liable to little or no misery, but in active exertions to relievethemfromthatevilwhichtheysuffer,andtoarousethemtofleefromthemiserywhich impends.Which then, I ask, are the friends ofmen; theywhoendeavortolullthemintoafatalsecurityinregardtothefuture,orthosewhofaithfullywarnthemoftheirdanger?Aretheytobereckonedthetrulybenevolent,whosedoctrinetendstoencouragemeninsin,andtoinducethemtothinkthatrepentanceandreformationareuseless;orthey who labor to bring their fellow-creatures to forsake sin, and livepiouslyandjustly?Supposethelattereventobemistaken,theirerrorisonthesafeside,andwillhurtnobody;butiftheUniversalistshouldbeinerror, what imagination can conceive the dreadful consequences of hismistake?Theysaythatthedoctrineofendlesspunishmentis"cruelandunmerciful;"butthisisnottrue,unlessitisunjust—andthistheycannotprove. It is customary with them to appeal to the tender feelings andsympathiesof theirhearers, and to conclude that if aparentwouldnotinflict such a punishment on his children, much less will God on hiscreatures. But this is a false method of reasoning. An amiable childshuddersatseeingacriminalsufferthe justpunishmentof the law,butthisisnoargumentagainstthepunishmentoftheguilty.

Itwouldbeeasytopersuadeasetofconvictedfelonsthatthelawwhichcondemned them was cruel and unmerciful, because they are deeplyinterestedpersons,anddonottakeintoconsiderationtheimportantendstobeansweredtothepublicbytheirpunishment.Thuswickedmenareeasilybrought tobelieve that thepenalties threatened in theScripturesarccruelandunmerciful;butsuchopinionsoughttohavenoweightwiththe candid and impartial inquirer after truth. All comparisons on thissubject fail; forneitherparentsnor civil rulers,noranyotherbeings intheuniverse,exceptthesupremeRuler,areunderobligationstopunishsin according to its merit. "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith theLord."Noother iscapableofestimatingtheevilofsin,andof inflictingpunishment in exact proportion to its evil. If reasoning from the

sympathies of our nature, and especially from the tender feelings ofparents, were of real force, it would be as conclusive against thejudgments of God on individuals and communities in this world, asagainstfuturepunishment.Forwhatbenevolentparentwouldsubjecthischildren to the innumerable forms of evil and suffering which areeverywherewitnessedinourworld?Howmanyperishbyshipwreck,bypestilence, by earthquakes, by oppression, by war, and by persecution!But because a kind earthly father could not endure to see his childrensuffersuchthings,mustweconcludethatitisanunrighteousthingintheGovernoroftheuniversetorecompensethewickedbysuchjudgments?Orwill thesemendeny thatGodhas any thing to do in bringing theseevilsuponmen?

Howisitpossiblethatreasonablemen,withtheBibleintheirhands,canbelieve in thedoctrineofUniversalists? If theywouldonly listen to thedictates of conscience, they never could think that therewas no futurepunishmentforsinnersofthedeepestdye.Theveryheathen,asmanyofthemasbelieveinafuturestate,holdthedoctrineoffuturepunishmentforthecrimesofawickedlife.Thereneverbeforewasasectofhereticswho altogether denied the doctrine of future punishment. Even theMohammedans maintain the doctrine of eternal punishment MostUnitarians, however they may hesitate about everlasting punishment,teachthedoctrineof futurepunishment.Themaintenanceofa tenetsoabsurdanddangerousseemstohavebeenreservedforthese last times,andisevennowalmostentirelyconfinedtotheseUnitedStates.Itseemstobethemostdesperateeffortofthefatheroflies.Aswesaidbefore,thisdoctrinehad its origin inparadise, andwas the verydoctrinebywhichthegrandadversarymurderedourwholerace;butnever,untilrecently,couldanynumberofmenbefoundofsufficienthardihoodtoavowitasthemainarticleoftheircreed.Itcontainswithinitselfthevirulentpoisonofallothererrorsandheresies;yea,itleavesinthedistanceeveryformofinfidelity.Atheism,blackandblasphemousasitis,isnotsodangerousasthisdoctrine;foritascompletelyremovesallrestraintfromthesinnerasatheism, assuring the vilest sinners that they have nothing to fearhereafter;andnotonlyso,butpromisingthemtherichrewardofeternallife. The prevalence of this soul-destroying error, in some parts of ourland,istrulyalarming.Everypatriot,aswellaseveryChristian,isbound

tousehisbestendeavorstochecktheprogressofanerrorfraughtwithsomanydreadfulconsequences.

THEPOORMAN'SGUIDEANDFRIEND

WRITTENFORASERIESOFTRACTSINLARGETYPEANDSIMPLESTYLE

MYlittlebookImakeforthepoorratherthantherich,first,becauseourLordandSaviourJesusChristpreachedthegospelespeciallytothepoor.Matt. 11:5. Secondly, because God commonly chooses his people fromamongthepoorofthisworld,toberichinfaithandheirsofthekingdom.James2:5.Andthirdly,becausethepoorhavelesstimeandopportunitytolearnthosethingswhichbelongtotheirpeacethanothers.

Insomepartsofthecountry,thepeoplehavepastorstowatchoverthemandvisitthem;andiftheirteachersarefaithful,theywill,asoftenastheycan,cometothedwellingsofthepoorwithsuchlessonsofinstructionastheyneed.But thereareotherplaces, inwhich thepeopleareas sheepwithout a shepherd. They have no one to guide them in religion, andperhaps seldomhave the opportunity ofhearing a gospel sermon.Nowfor the sake of such I write, especially for the poor. Let no man beashamedofhonestpoverty.OurblessedLord,thoughhewasrich,yetforour sakes became poor.None are poorer in thisworld's goods than hewas; for he was born in a stable, and had a manger or trough for hiscradle.Andwhengrownup tobeaman,hecouldsay, "The foxeshaveholes, and thebirdsof the airhavenests, but theSonofmanhathnotwheretolayhishead."

WhenIsaythatthislittlebookisforthepoorman,Idonotmeantopassbythewoman:no;IconsiderherasperhapsmorelikelytoprofitbywhatI may write than the other sex. "In Christ there is neither male norfemale." All partake of the same sinful nature, and all are children ofwrath.AllneedtheatoningbloodofChrist,andnootherfoundationcanbelaidthanthatwhichislaid,whichisChristJesustheLord.

Let, Iprayyou, this littlebookcome intoyourhouse,andbe read,andtakencareof.Letitbeconsideredafriend,forthefeelingsofthewriter,beassured,areofafriendlykind;andthoughhecannotgowithhisbook,hewill accompany itwithhisprayers.Andhewishes to speak to everyoneintowhosehandsitmayfall,asifhewerepresent.Bythishedesirestoconversewiththereader.Andifitshouldhappentofallintothehandsofsomewhocannotread,letthemgettheaidoftheirneighborstoreadittothem.JoinmeinthisshortprayerfortheblessingofGodonthetruthitcontains.

APRAYER

OLord,ourAlmightyCreator,kindPreserver,bountifulBenefactor,andmerciful Redeemer, be graciously pleased to send light into our darkminds by the reading of this little book. So far as it contains a correctstatementoftruth,mayitbemadethemeansofleadingourpoorsoulsinthewayofdutyandofsalvation,whichwehumblyask,notonaccountofanyworthiness inourselves,butonlyforthesakeofChrist, thybelovedSonandourMediator.Amen.

FIRSTVISIT

Friends, I perceive that you are poor, and have many troubles anddifficultiestodistressanddisturbyou.Whileothershavemorethanheartcanwish,andspendtheirdaysineaseandpleasure,yourlotistolaborhard,andtoeatyourbreadwiththesweatofyourbrow.Andoften,withallyourtoil,youarescarcelyabletoobtainfoodandraiment.Inthedayof calamity, when sickness comes upon you, or on themother of yourchildren, youarebrought intogreat trouble.Thechildrencry forbreadwhen,alas,thereisnoneinthehouse,andnomoneytobuyasingleloaf.At the same time, the very dogs of your rich neighbor havemore food

than they candevour. The thought of your poverty, and the aboundingwealthofothers,isapttostirupafeelingofdiscontentandenvyinyourhearts.Butthisiswrong.Godgivestowhomhewill,andwithholdsfromwhomhewill.Besides, though the richmanhashisgood things in thisworld, he is in great danger of having nothing but evil in theworld tocome. I assure you, the richman is not to be envied. He also has hisvexatious caresand troubles in this life, aswell as thepoor; yea,often,while the laboring poor enjoy robust health, he is pining with disease.Andwhile thepoorman'ssleep issweetafterhis labor, therichman ispreventedfromsleepingbycareandanxietyforfearoflosinghiswealth.Whilethepoormanhasakeenrelishforhiscoarseandhomelyfare,therichmanturnsawayindisgustfromatableloadedwithdainties;sothattherichmanhasnotsomuchtheadvantageofthepoormanasheseemsto have. And the poor man has this in his favor, that there are fewerhinderancesinhiswaytoheaventhanstandinthepathoftherichman.OurLordhastoldusthatrichessostopthewaytoheaven,tothosewhopossess them, that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of aneedle, than for a richman to enter into the kingdomofheaven."Thissingleconsiderationshouldmakeyoucontentedwithyourcondition.Notthat it is amatter of course for a poorman to get to heaven.Alas, no;"straitisthegate,andnarrowisthewaywhichleadethuntolife,andfewtherebe that find it;"but "wide is thegateandbroad is thewaywhichleadethtodestruction,andmanytherebethatgointhereat."

I have not found amore alarming text than this within the lids of theBible.Thosewords,FEWTHEREBETHATFINDIT,shouldcontinuetosoundinourearsuntilwehavecleanescapedfromthe"wrathtocome,"andhavefoundrefugeinthehouseofGod'smercy.Thepoormancannomoreenterheaven,withoutbecominganewcreature,thantherich.OurLord's words are, "Except a man be born again he cannot see thekingdom of heaven." Some poor people who are great sufferers in thisworld,thinkthattheirmanytroublesherewillsomehowbeanatonementfor the sins which they have committed, so that they hope to escapepunishmentintheworldtocome.

WhenIwasitineratinginthemountainsofVirginia,Ispentafewdaysatthehouseofanagedwidow.Shewasnotpoor,butsheseemedtohave

moretroublethanthepoorestpeopleImetwith.Frommorningtonightshe was bustling and running hither and thither, and calling to theservants, and scolding at such a rate that I wondered that she did notwearyherselftodeath.Andthiswasnotthecourseofonedayonly,butofevery day. But let me say to her credit that I was never treated morekindly by any body, and she was particularly kind to ministers of thegospel.

I took the libertyonedayof saying tohermildly, "Whydoyou troubleyourselfsomuchaboutthethingsofthisworld?Youarenowaged,andmustverysoonleavealltheseconcerns;betterturnyourattentiontothenecessarypreparationforanotherworld."

Sheburstoutacrying,andsaid,"Icannothelpit.Iamalonewidow,andnomanontheplacetotakethemanagement;andifIdidnotscuffleasyouseemedoing,everythingwouldsoongotowreckandruin."

"Madam," said I, "I approve of your industry and energy inmanagingyour affairs; but I think that some portion of your time and attentionshouldbegiven to theconcernsofyoursoul,which isundoubtedly 'theonethingneedful.'"

Uponthisherfeelingsbecamemoreviolent,andinacryingtoneshesaid,"I do not think that any poor creature ever sufferedmore than I havedone.Myhusbanddied,andleftmetotakecareofsevenyoungchildren;and ever since I havebeen toiling and striving to keep things together,andtobringupmyfamilyinaChristianway;butIhavehadonetroubleafteranother,sothatmypoorhearthasoftenbeenalmostbroke.AndIhope,"saidshe,"thatmyMakerwillconsiderwhatIhavesufferedinthisworld, and that hewill not be so hard as tomakememiserable in theworldtocome.IamsureIhavesufferedenoughalready."

"Dearmadam,"saidI,"yourworldlysorrowswillneveratoneforoneofyoursins.TheBibleteachesthatgodlysorrowworkethrepentanceuntolife,butthesorrowoftheworldworkethdeath."Shenowbecamemorecomposed, and listened with apparent seriousness to what I judged itpropertosay.

This brings to my recollection a scene which I witnessed a few daysafterwards, inthemostout-of-the-wayplaceIeverwasin.Itwasatthefoot of the Blue Ridge, on the head of Smith's river, a branch of theRoanoke. This settlement is completely shut out from the rest of theworld by high and steep mountains, and there was only one road bywhichahorseorwagon could go inor comeout.Thewomen rarely ornevercomeout,andretainallthefashionsofdresswhichwerecustomaryin the time of their grandmothers. Here I found aman who had beeneighteenyearsanelderinthePresbyterianchurch,buthadneverhadanytruereligionuntilwithinafewmonthsofthetimeIvisitedtheplace.Twozealousministershadfoundtheirwayintothiscove,andspentaweekinpreaching to the people. Among other fruits of their labors was theconversionofthiselder,nownearlythreescoreyearsofage;andIdonotknow that I evermetwitha young convertwho seemed tohave suchaflow of tender feeling. He could not speak of his own wonderfulconversion, afterhavingbeenaprofessor in the church fornearly fortyyears,andanelderforeighteenyears,withoutafloodoftears.Hewentaboutfromhousetohouse,andwarnedthepeopleof theirdanger;andheseemedtofeelthatitwasespeciallyhisdutytogotoprofessors,manyofwhomhefearedwereasleepintheirsins,shieldedfromconvictionbytheprofessionwhichtheyhadmade.

Buttocometothepoint.Thisoldman,butyoungChristian,hadgotholdofaTract,whichinthosedayswasararething inthatcountry.Havingread ithimself,hecouldnot restuntilallhisneighborshadheard it. Itwas, I think, on Saturday afternoon, a number of persons, by hisinvitation,assembled in the log-house inwhichhedwelt.ThoughIwaspresent,hedidnotaskmetoreadtheTract,butchosetodothishimself.And seldom have I anywhere seen so many tears shed by the samenumberofpersons.Whenhecametoanythingofanaffectingnature,hewould stop toweep, and in themidst of his tearswould give a ferventexhortation to the young people present. And what do you think thisTractwas?Why,"Gregory'sLegacytoaDaughter,"whichthousandshavereadwithoutatear.

Ihaverelatedtheforegoinganecdotefortworeasons.First,toshowtheimportance of faithful ministers occasionally leaving their flocks and

going into the dark corners, where the gospel is seldom heard. I couldrelate many facts to prove the benefit of such a course. In a singlefortnight they may domore good than in the whole year besides. Theother reason is, to show the value of Tracts in the distant and darksettlements of our country. Because those little messengers are oftenundervalued near great cities and in old settlements, we must notsupposethattheywillnotbevaluedwherebooksarescarce,andwherethegospelisseldomheard.

Andnow,myfriends,itistimethatyouandIshouldrestforawhile.Letthispassformyfirstvisit.YouseethatIamaplain-spokenman,anddonotstickveryclosetoanyonesubject.Putthelittlebookontheshelftillanotheropportunity,whichIhopewillbesoon.

SECONDVISIT

Isee,friends,thatyouhavehardworktomakeouttoliveintheworld.Thishasbeenahardwinter,andyourchildrenhavesufferedforwantofgoodshoesandwarmclothing.Butnowthespringcomesonapace,andthe grass begins to spring, and the early flowers to peep out of theground.Nowthesunriseshighintheheavens,thedaysbeginsensiblytolengthen,andthewarmbreezestoblow.

Ialwaysrejoiceinthereturnofspring,onaccountofthepoor;forthoughitisatimeoflabor,totheindustriouspooritisatimeofenjoyment.Theploughman relisheshishomely fare,when in the eveninghe returns tohiscottage;andthesleepofthelaboringmanissweet.Inthemorningheriseswith the first appearance of dawn, and is soon seen following hisplough,orsowinghisgrain,orclearinguphisnewground.Ifpeaceandtemperance are guests there, the cottager has asmuch contentment astherich:herelisheshisfoodaswell,heenjoyshissleepassweetly,andexperiences as much pleasure from the cheerfulness and affection andinnocent prattle of his little ones. The rich man often is obliged, onaccountofdiseases contractedby idlenessand luxury, to liveonbrownbread and lie on a hard bed; his physician forbids him the use of thedaintieswithwhichhis table is loaded, andhemustundergovoluntarylabor to exercise his diseased frame; while the poor man, who isindustrious, enjoys robust health, and has no experience of those

miserable feelings which arise from a diseased stomach and derangednerves.Hescarcelyeverreflectsthathehasastomach,exceptwhenheishungry; and as to nerves, he is happily innocent of any knowledge ofthosesensitivechords.

The great curse of poverty is vice. Brutal anger and rudeness, sullendiscontent,andranklingenvyandhatred,aresufficient tobringmiseryinto a paradise. And when you add to bad passions, which naturallyspring up in the humanbosom, the complicated evils of intemperance,youhavesomeideaoftherealmiserieswhicharefoundinmanycottagesof the poor. Filth, disorder, andwant, render them the seats of almostuninterruptedwretchedness.Andsoondiseasewillfollowinthetrainofthe evilsmentioned—often chronic disease, painful and loathsome, andremediless.Thewholemasshasbecomecorrupt;andthemaladyisoftenaggravatedinsteadofbeingcuredbyquackmedicines.

Thepoeticalideaofacottagecanseldomberealized;yetsometimesthereisanapproximationtoit.

When settled first as a pastor, I observed coming regularly to church atall, neat, but plainly dressed young woman, whose manners wereexceedinglyretiringandreserved.Sheseemedtoshuneveryopportunityofacquaintance;forassoonastheservicewasovershewouldbeoff,andonherwayhome.I learned,however,fromafemalefriendofhers,thatshewasagirlofuncommonintelligence,andveryconsiderablereading,andaboveall,thatshewasinrealitywhatsheappearedtobe,eminentlypious.

Iwastoldthatonereasonofhershynesswascontinualmortificationonaccount of the foolish and eccentric conduct of her father, who was atalkative and opinionated old man. In early life he had appeared veryzealous in religion, andbegan studywithhispastor,with a view to theministry;buthehadnotsteadiness topersevere,andhavinggota littlesmatteringoflearning,hebecameexceedinglyvainandboastful.Hehad,indeed, an extraordinary memory for words, and would repeat wholechapters of the Bible verbatim. But he was not contented with thecommoncreed,andadoptedmanystrangenotions,whichhebroughtoutanddefendedonalloccasions.Sometimes,indeed,hewouldholdforthin

public, and professed to have a divine call to make known the truthswhichhe saidhadbeenmadeknown tohim; and theonly thingwhichprevented him fromoften speaking in publicwas, that he could get noaudiencetoremaintohearhim.Besidesthisamiableandaccomplisheddaughter, he had one son, who, though industrious in cultivating thefarm,hadmuchofhis father'svain-gloriousdisposition. Inall religiousexcitements this young man became very conspicuous, and by hisostentatiousdisplayproduceddisgustinalmosteverymind.Themotherofthisyoungwomanwasalsostillliving,butbeinginfirmandsomewhatmelancholy,sheseldomleftthehouseeventoattendchurch.

On account of these circumstances, Eusebia generally appeared alone,and seldomwas any one invited to thehouse,which stood in a reclusespot.

It was evident, however, that disease was secretly undermining herconstitution,andafterawhileshewasnolongerabletocometochurch;herseatbecamevacant.Asthepastorofthechurch,Ifeltittobemydutytovisither;butknowingtheextremesensibilityofherfeelings,Ithoughtit prudent to use themediation of her female friendbeforementioned.Afteraconsiderablestruggle,sheconsentedtoseeme incompanywithherfriend.

I was struck, on entering the cottage, with the perfect neatness andcleanlinessofeveryarticleoffurniture.Everycurtainandbed-coverwaspurelywhite,andwoveandspunwithherownhands.Shewasunabletositup,but lay reclinedona lowbed ina small roomadjoining theonewhichwefirstentered.Thoughdistantalwaysbefore,shenowexpressedstrong satisfaction in seeingme, and said she had often derivedmuchcomfort from my preaching, but could never, until now, summonconfidenceenoughtospeaktome.

"Ihave,"saidshe,"beenkeptbackbyfoolishfeelingsofdiffidence,withwhichInowfindmuchpridehasbeenmingled.ButIampersuadedthatI am soon to leave the world. I am desirous of availing myself of theinstructionandadviceofonewhoisinvestedwiththeofficeofateacher."

Iaskedherrespectingherspiritualcondition,andherviewsofdeathand

eternity.

Shesaid,that"duringthefewyearswhichshehadbeenamemberofthechurch, darkness and doubt had hung over her mind in an almostperpetual cloud; that she had been looking for something in her ownheartwhichshecouldneverfind.SheheardothersspeakoftheirardentlovetoChrist,andoftheiroverflowingjoys;butherheartremainedcoldand insensible. At some rare times," said she, "I experienced a littlereviving,andfeltadegreeoftenderness,beingabletoweepfreely,whichgaveme some relief. But on cool reflection, I attributed thosemeltingframesto thepeculiarstateofmybody; foronexaminationIcouldnotfindthatmyviewsofdivinetruthwereatallbrighterthanbefore.And,"said she, "thus I continued until I heard you preach from the text, 'Bygraceareyesaved,'etc.,whenyoutoldus,ifwewantedsolidcomfort,wemust look out of ourselves, and away fromourselves, toChrist andhisperfectwork.

"AtthatmomentIseemedfirstfullytoapprehendthefreenessofdivinegrace.Mycrushedheartwasencouragedandcomforted.Christappearedtomeinanewlight;andthoughsomedarkcloudshavepassedovermymind since, and some doubts have occasionally risen, they have beentransient.Andthroughtheblessingofdivinegrace,Iremainfromdaytoday in a state of sweet composure. My sense of unworthiness andsinfulness isasgreatasbefore,butIhave learnedno longer to look forcomfort toany thing inmyself,butonly toChrist. I seea sufficiency inhimforeverywant,andIamenabledtoconfideinhim.Heismyallandinall;myProphet,Priest,andKing.HeofGodismadeuntomewisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption;andwhatmoredoIwant?

"Considering how naturally timid I am, I feel astonished at my ownconfidenceandcomposureofmind. Ihope,mydearpastor, there isnomistakeinthismatter;IhopethatIamnotembracingadelusionfortherealityofGod'sfaithfulnessinhispromises."

ItoldherthattherecouldbenomistakeintrustingeverythingintothehandsofChrist; thatthestrongerourconfidence inhimthebetter,andthelessdangerofdeception.

Though her frame was emaciated, there was a heavenly calmness andsweetserenityinhercountenance.Nothavingbeenaccustomedtosuchscenes,my own feelingswere unusual. I could think of little elsewhenabsent from her, than the sweet and heavenly appearance of hercountenance;andbeingurgedtocomeoften,Ididnotfailtoavailmyselfof the privilege of sitting by her bedside and receiving edification fromthegraciouswordswhichproceededfromherlips.OftenhaveIwished,whilebeholdinghercountenancelightedupwithpureandspiritualhopeandjoy,andbeamingwiththefeelingsofbenevolence,thatsomeinfidelswhomIknowcouldhavewitnessedthisscene;itwouldhavebeenmoreeffectual to convince them of the blessed reality of religion than athousandlogicalarguments.

Shecontinuedinthesamecalmandcomfortablestateuntoherdeath.Afew days before her end, I visited her, and on my taking leave,anticipatingherdeparture,sheclaspedmyhandinhersandsaid,

"Mydearpastor,beforeIseeyouagain,Ishallbegonefromthisworldofsorrow and sin. I thank you for all your kind attention to an unworthycreature. I go tomeetmy Saviour—my best friend—Himwho shed hisbloodformysalvation—Igotodwellwithsaintsandangelsinheavenforever.Farewell—Ishallseeyourfacenomoreinthisworld."

Beingayoungpastor, thescenemadeadeepandlasting impressiononmymind.

As I expected, the next tidings which I heard from Eusebia was asummons to attend her funeral. "Oh let me die the death of therighteous,"fortheyhavehopeintheirend.Theyareblessed,"andtheirworksdofollowthem."

Theforegoingnarrativewillfurnishuswithsomeprofitablereflections.

1. We see that no situation in life is exempt from trouble. Piety in acottage,withalmostperfectseclusionfromtheworld,withbooks,afewselectfriends,andaccesstothemeansofgrace,wouldseemtofurnishascomplete an idea of happiness as we can readily conceive. All theseadvantageswerefullyenjoyedbythispiousfemale,butstill therewasa

wormgnawingat theroot.Everyrosehas its thorn.Herafflictionarosefrom a too exquisite sensibility, and too anxious a solicitude for thereputationofaparent.Acorrodingfeelingofmortificationdepressedherspiritsandunderminedherhealth,andbroughthertoanuntimelygrave.

2.Someof themostperfectspecimensofgenuinepietyare tobe foundfarfromtheviewofthegayandbusyworld,andoftenlittlenoticedevenby themajority of themembers of the church. It flourishes and bringsforthitspreciousfruitintheshadeofretirement,observedonlybyafewselectfriends,andbythataugustBeingwho,thoughhisthronebeintheheavens, and eternity his dwelling-place, yet looks down withcomplacencyoneveryhumble,contritespirit;yea,condescendstodwellwiththem.

"Thehumblespiritandcontrite,

Isanabodeofhisdelight:

Thehumblesoulsmywordsrevive,

Ibidthemourningsinnerlive."

3.Welearnfromthefactsrelatedabovethesuperlativeexcellenceoftruereligion. What else could produce such a dying scene as this? Thedeathbed was undoubtedly rendered the happiest on which this piouswomaneverlay.Therewasherenosting,noterror,nopain;allwaspeaceand joyful hope, and sweet and heavenly serenity. Could a fiction, acunninglydevisedfable,producesucheffects?Whocanbelieveit?

If the mere prospect of heaven can afford such happiness, what mustheavenitselfbe?Ifonedrop,amereforetaste,cansodisarmpain,andfillthesoulwithdivineconsolations,whocanconceiveoftheviewsofnever-endingblisswhichflowfromthethroneofGod?

Andtowhomdoweowethesehighhopesandbrilliantprospects?Nottoourselves,nottoman,nottoanycreature;buttotheeternalSonofGod,tothebelovedRedeemer,toJesus,whoknowsbyexperiencethemiseriesofdeathasacurse.Heborethecurse,thathispeoplemightbeexempt—

the sting pierced his inmost soul, and henceforth lost its venom. Hedrank thebitter cupwhich sinhadmingled, that itmight for everpassfromus.

"Jesuscanmakeadyingbed

Feelsoftasdownypillowsare,

WhileonhisbreastIleanmyhead,

Andbreathemylifeoutsweetlythere."

THENEWSETTLEMENT

ATRUESTORY

ABOUTahundredyearsago,fouryoungmarriedmenleftPennsylvaniatoseektheirfortuneinNewVirginia,thenthemostdistantfrontier,andstillexposedtotheinvasionofthesavages.Butthecountrywasinviting,the land fertile and well watered. They took up land in the sameneighborhood. They did not consider the evil of bringing up familieswheretherewasnogospelpreached,nopublicworshipontheSabbath,andnoschoolfortheirchildren.

Indeed,thereissomereasontothinkthatoneofthem,atleast,soughtadwelling in the wilderness to get far away from the sound of faithfulpreaching; for the great revival which occurred a little before, hadprevailed in that part of Pennsylvaniawhere he lived, and probably hehadforawhilebeenunderseriousimpressions,buthadshakenthemalloff.Thismancherishedahatredtovitalpiety,whichisseldomfoundsostrong in any as in thosewhohave oncebeen somewhat concerned fortheirsalvation.Thelaststateofapostatesisworsethanthefirst.

One day a shoemaker came directly from this agedman's house tomyfather's tomakewintershoes for thechildren; for in thosedays,and inthatnewcountry,bothshoemakersandtailorswereitinerant.Thismanwaspiouslydisposed,andveryfondofreadingpiousbooksandsermons,and commonly had some in his wallet with his tools, which he wasaccustomedtoreadtothefamilywherehewasatwork.Oncomingintothe house he appeared somewhat agitated, and immediately told whathadoccurredatthehouseofthisagedman.Beingwellacquainted,ashewas passing through his yard, he stepped in to say "how do ye" to thefamily,andtowarmhimself;andwhilesittingbythefirehesaidtotheoldgentleman, "Ihavewithmeoneof themostdelightfulbooks I eversaw." The old gentleman, who was fond of reading, asked himwhat itwas. He answered, "Whitefield's Sermons," which had been recentlypublished.Inamomentthewrathofthemasterofthehousewaskindledto fury.Hiseyes flashed,andhiscountenancewas inflamed.Heroseto

his feet, andwith a threatening gesture said, "You're a liar, so you are;you're a liar." The shoemaker, alarmed lest he should receive a stroke,steppedoutofthehouse,andpursuedhiswaythroughthefields;buttheoldfarmerwentoutafterhim,andstoodintheyard,andhallooedatthetopofhisvoice,aslongashecouldhearhim,"You'realiar,you'realiar."

Thisevent,whichoccurredlongafterthesettlementofthesefourmen,ishererelated toshowtheviolentantipathywhichoneof themcherishedtowardsgoodmenandevangelicalpreachers.

But to return.Eachof thesemen secured landof the very best quality,andasthecountryaroundbecamesettled,theirlandeveryyearincreasedin value. But they had no preaching for their families, nor schools fortheirchildren.Theboysofeachofthemweretaughttowork,butastheygrewuptomanhood,theyspentmuchoftheirtimeinhuntingdeer;andin the autumn a whole company would go out into the neighboringmountains to hunt bears, where they would remain encamped in thewoodsuntiltheyhadtakenasmanyastheywanted.

As these young men had received no religious instruction, they wereundernorestraint,exceptfromthepresenceoftheirfathers,whichwasthrownoffassoonastheygotoutoftheirsight.

In a new country there aremany occasions onwhich the people cometogethertohelponeanother,suchashouse-raisings,corn-huskings,log-rolling, etc. These, to the young men, were seasons of athletic sports,which frequentlyended inbloodybattles.Or, ifprevented fromseekingrevenge at the time by the presence of superiors, they would harborvindictivefeelingsuntilafitoccasionforventingthemwouldoccur.Thustheworstpassionsweregeneratedandcherished.Andastoreligion,theyknewnothingofit,exceptthatitwasintendedtobearestraintonthem,andthereforetheyhatedit,andeveryonewhoprofessedit.

At length, when the country became more thickly settled, itinerantpreachers visited these destitute settlements. The first who visited thisnew country was the celebrated evangelist William Robinson, whopenetrated into every part of the country where little knots ofPresbyteriansweresettled,thathemightpreachthegospelwhereChrist

hadnotbeenyetnamed.Thisbeingthentheremotestsettlementofwhitepeopletowardsthewest,hehereendedhisjourneyinthatdirection,andcrossing theBlueRidge,pursuedhiscourse toNorthCarolina. IneveryotherplacewherethisdevotedservantofChristpreached,Ihavefoundseals of hisministry, except in this neighborhood.Whether thesemenattended his ministry, is not certain. One of them, whose temper hasalreadybeendescribed,inallprobabilitydidnot;butthewriterrecollectshearinganotherofthemspeakofMr.Robinson'svisitasthoughhehadheardhim.Anditisprobablethatsomeofthefemalemembersofthesefamilies derived saving benefit from the gospel at this time, for it isknownthatsomeofthemwerepiousandexemplaryeventoextremeoldage.

These merciful visits of evangelical preachers to new settlements aregenerally attended with a blessing to some precious souls. The writer,when young, was employed in preaching to people in such a situation,andhehasneverseenanywherecongregationswhichsointerestedhim,and which appeared to be so much interested themselves. On themorningoftheSabbath, longbeforethetimeofmeeting,youmightseecompaniescomingoutofthewoodsbynarrowpaths,someonhorseback,and not unfrequently two or three on one horse, andmore on foot, alleagerly pressing on to the place of preaching, which was commonly atent,asitwascalled,inagroveorforest.Whenthepreacherappeared,alleyes would be fixed upon him, and the congregation, old and young,would seem to catch every thought, and drink in theword as a thirstyman drinks from a cool spring. Every word of divine truth, in suchcircumstances,seemedtotakeeffect.OldChristians,longdeprivedofthepublic means of grace, would weep for joy, and hardly know how tocontainthemselves;andoftentheyoungerpartoftheassembly,whohadscarcelyeverheardasermonbefore,wouldbeaffectedtotearsathearingof the love of God, of the sufferings of Christ, of heaven, and of hell.Sometimes, under an impressive discourse, the whole congregationwould bemoved like the trees of the forest under amighty wind, andwould, as though all partook of one feeling, be melted into tears.Preaching to people in such circumstances is truly delightful. Thepleasure, to a benevolentmind, is far greater than feeding a famishedmultitudewith the bread that perishes. True, these impressions are, in

many cases, transient; but they are salutary, and leave on themind animpressionfavorabletoreligion,andlodgeconvictionsofthenecessityofachangedeepintheconscience.But,aswassaid,preachingtothosewhoarenot gospel-hardened, is commonly attendedwith a saving effect onsome hearers; an arrow ismade to transfix themind of some carelesssinner,andthewoundisnothealeduntilapplicationismadeofthebalmofGilead.

Butwhosoeverelsemightbebenefited,our four farmersand their sonsreceivednoprofit.Theycontinuedas irreligiousandworldly-mindedasbefore,afteralltheseevangelicalvisits.Whenitwasproposedtoerectameeting-house,theywere,thoughthewealthiestintheneighborhood,themost lukewarm and backward in promoting the object, and theircontributions, grudgingly given, were smaller than those of some poormen.Theywere,however, very forward in gettingupadancing-school,andsettingonfootballsfortheyoungpeople.They,itistrue,hadneverbeentaughtthisfascinatingart,buttheysaidtheyfeltthewantofit,andwere determined that their children should have the opportunity ofrubbingoffthatrusticityandawkwardnesswhichtheywouldbesuretocontract, unless they had some means of this kind to polish theirmanners, and give them ease in company. These arguments prevailedwithsomenotveryconsistentprofessorsofreligion,andespeciallywithsuchaswerewelloffintheworld.

When the new settlement becamemore populous, the want of regularpreachingontheSabbathbegantobefeltbyseriouspeoplewhohadonceenjoyedgospelprivileges,andsomemeasuresweretakentogetministersfromthenorthtocomeandpreachforthem;andtheseeffortswerenotunsuccessful, for one and another were sent by some northernpresbytery;butthepeopleweresolicitoustogetaministertoabidewiththem constantly, and several attempts were made which provedunsuccessful, either because they could not raise a sufficient salary, orbecausetheseitinerantpreacherswereunwillingtosettleinacountrysonewandsolittleimproved.

But preachers make a great mistake when they wait for society to beformed, before they will cast in their lot among a people; for it isexceedingly important that thereshouldbeagoodseasoningofreligion

in themasswhile it is assuminga fixed form.Piousandableministersare, therefore,more neededwhile society is in a forming state, than atanyotherperiod.

ForthewantofregularworshipontheSabbath,theyoungpeoplecouldnotbecontrolled;theywouldrunabout,andspendthedayunprofitably.In oneneighborhood,where therewas a cluster ofwarmhearted, piouspeople, theymet at each others' houses on the Sabbath, and sung andprayed; and if any of themhadmetwith a good evangelical sermon, itwasreadatthesemeetings.Buttheyoungmencouldnotbepersuadedtoattend these prayer-meetings. They said, "Get a goodpreacher, andweshallbepleasedtoattend."Butintheneighborhoodofthefourfamilieswhichhadsettledtogether,therewasnokindofworshipattempted;andtheiryoungmenwerenotedthroughthecountryfortheirprofanityandfor their ferocity.Wherever they went, they picked quarrels with otheryoung men; which disputes were commonly decided by bloody battleswiththefist.

Affairswenton thusuntil, at length,ayoungman fromthenorth,whohadcomeonasateacher,obtainedlicensetopreach,andagreedtogiveonehalfhistimetothissettlement.Thesefourfamilies,however,whichwerethewealthiestintheneighborhood,manifestednoanxietytohaveaminister; and when he came, they soon pretended to take offence atsomethingwhichhesaid,orwhichtheyhadheardthathehadsaid,andin consequence absented themselves from his ministry. Their families,however,attended,andtheypaidamoderatesumtoaid in"supportingthepreacher.Agreatexertionwasnowmadetoputupameeting-house;andbygettingthemembersofthecongregationtofurnishthematerials,andtodomuchofthework,ashellofaframebuildingsufficienttoholdseveral hundred people, was erected and covered, and the floor laiddown.Thesedissipatedyoungmenweresuretobeatmeeting,buttheyseldomcameintothehouse;butwouldsitatadistanceundersomelargetrees, and spend the time in cursing and abusing the minister and allgood people. Theywere accustomed also to carry a flask of whiskey intheir pockets, and sometimes would carry it in large reeds used aswalking-canes, and while the minister was preaching, they would bedrinkingatthespring.

Oneday,whiletheywereamusingthemselvesoutsidethehouse,astone,thrownby one of them,hit the side of thehouse, andmade a startlingnoise.Onwhichoneof theelderscameoutandreprovedthemsharply,anddirectedhisdiscourseespeciallytoonewhowastheleastwickedofthemall,inthepublicopinion.Thisyoungmanhadnotthrownthestone,and being exasperated that he should be thus reproved, as soon as thecongregationwasdismissed,hewent into thehouseand ingreat angersworethatthethingwasnotdonebyhim,andthathewouldnotsufferhimself to be thus falsely accused. He then, in the presence of theministerandelders,andofsuchofthepeopleashadnotleftthehouse,sworebyhisMakerthathewouldneverenterthathousewhilehelived.Everybody was shocked at the daring impiety of this young man, andgreat surprisewas expressed too, as he hadbeen considered of amorequiet,soberturnthananyoftheothers.Theministerwasindeedhorror-struck.

It was a custom, brought by the Scotch-Irish people from the north ofIreland, that when any person died they held a wake; that is, all theneighbors, and especially the young people, sat up all night with thecorpse.Thehousewouldcommonlybecrowdedwithpeople,whosatonboards or benches placed for the purpose. This custom was intended,doubtless, to prevent the sad feeling of loneliness in the family of thedeceased, and to express sympathy with them in their affliction. Butmanyevilsattendedsuchmeetings.Onewas,thatitbecamecustomarytocarryaboutseveraltimesduringthenightstewedwhiskeyorhotpunch,madeverysweet,andmanydranktoexcess.Otherevilconsequences,anyonemaysee,wouldnaturallybeproducedbysuchpromiscuousmeetingsofbothsexes.Noreligiousexerciseswereeverpermittedatthesewakes,andthewildestandmostirreligiouswerefondofattendingthem.

Another evil custom brought from Ireland, now obsolete, it is to behoped,wasthepresentingstrongdrinktoeveryman,woman,andchildwho came to a funeral. A person would stand without and meet thepeopleastheyarrived,andurgethemtodrinkoutofabottleorjugwhichheheldinhishand,andtorefusewascounteddisrespectfultothefamily.

Buttoreturntothethreadofmystory.Theyoungmanwhohadbehavedsoimpiouslyinthemeeting-house,afewweeksafterwasabouttogotoa

wake, where the wife of one of the four farmers lay a corpse; and hisfamilyunderstoodthathewasgoingdirectlytotheplace,notamileoff.Butnextmorningoneofhiscousins,whohadbeensittingupatthewake,calledtolearnwhyhehadnotbeenthere;andwasinformedthathehadsetouttogosoonafterdark.Theyoungman,fearingsomeaccidenthadhappened, stepped to the barn, and there, on the barn floor, lay theunhappymanwelteringinhisblood,andstiffindeath.Hehadgoneuptothehay-lofttothrowdownsomehayforhishorses;hisfoothadslipped,andbeingaheavyman,hefellheadforemostonthehardfloor,andhisbrains were dashed out. The wretched young man's oath was verified,that"whilehelivedhewouldneverenterthatchurchagain."For,thenexttimehecame,itwasacorpse,tobelaidinthesilentgrave.Theministerpreachedontheoccasionanalarmingdiscourse,whichforatimemadeanawfulimpressionontheyoungman'scompanions.Butthissoonworeoff,andtheybecame,ifpossible,worsethanbefore.

One of the three concerned in disturbing the worship of God, was ahandsome youngman of robust health, who had just brought home abeautifulwomanforhiswife.Beingfondofsporting,andbeinginvitedbyamanwho had recently come to the settlement, to go out with him ahunting, hewent; butnever returned alive.The gunof thisman,whiletheywerepassingthroughathickwood,wentoff,andshothimthroughthe body. Whether the act was accidental or designed, will never beknown till the judgment-day. There were suspicious circumstancesattending the case. Theman, after his companionwas shot, instead ofcominganddeclaringwhathadhappened,wentandshuthimselfup inhisownhouse,andwouldsuffernoonetocomeinforsometime.Acourtof inquiry was held, but nothing positive could be proved. One man,however,swore, thatridingwiththismanatacertaintime, inacertainlane, he declared that hewould be revenged on the deceased for someoffencereceived.

A circumstance which renders this testimony remarkable, is, that thismanwhosegunhadkilledthedeceased,afewmonthsafterwards,ridingalongthepublicway,inthissamelane,wasthrownfromhishorse,andfellacrossasharprock,andbrokehisspineaboutthemiddle.Hewasamanofgiantsizeandstrength.Hislowerpartsremainedimmovable,and

hisagonywasgreatforanumberofweeks,whenhediedmiserably.

Thethirdof theseyoungmencametoanearly,butnotaviolentdeath,yet more shocking than either of the others; for he not only diedimpenitent, but with every expression of hardened impiety. When theministercametoseehim,hewouldhavenothingtosaytohim.Andwhenheaskedhimwhetherheshouldprayforhim,hesaidthathemightprayifhechose,buthewantednoneofhisprayers.

Verily there is a God that ruleth upon the earth, and though he oftenforbears to punish impious conduct in this life, yet sometimes he doesseem to follow the open contempt of his worship with a signalmanifestationofhisdispleasure.Thishasbeenamatterofobservationinallagesoftheworld.

Otherpeoplehavenowcomeintheplaceofthosefourwealthyfamilies.Scarcely a descendant of any of them is now to be found in the fertileregion which their fathers possessed. "I have seen the wicked in greatpower,andspreadinghimself likeagreenbay-tree:yethepassedaway,andlo,hewasnot;yea,Isoughthim,buthecouldnotbefound.""Foryeta little while, and the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligentlyconsiderhisplace,anditshallnotbe.""Thewickedisdrivenawayinhiswickedness."

THECOLPORTEURANDCOTTAGER

ADIALOGUE

COLPORTEUR.Well,friends,Iamgladtomeetsomanyofyoutogether,asIhavesomechoicebooks:shallIhavethepleasureofshowingthemto

you?

COTTAGER.Youneednottroubleyourselftounpackyourbooks,aswehaveotheruseforourmoneythantobuysuchthingsaswecanwelldowithout.

COLP.Ihavereadinaveryoldandverygoodbook,thatfor"thesoultobewithout knowledge is not good." Ifwe labor sohard to get bread tosupportthebody,weoughtnottogrudgesomelittleexpensetofeedthemind,whichisourbetterpart.

COTT.Ineverhadany learning,andyet Ihavegotalongaswellasmyneighborswhocanread;andmorethanthat,Ithinkthatlearningmakessome people do things which they never could do, if they had neverlearned to read andwrite. There is BillyHinds, whowas reckoned thebest scholar in all these parts, and now he is in the state prison forforgery,andhispoorwifeandchildrenarenearstarvation.

COLP.Yououghttoconsiderthatagoodthingmaybeabused.Itwouldneverdotothrowawayeverythingwhichhasbysomebeenputtoabaduse. It is true, Billy Hinds never could have committed the crime forwhich he is suffering in prison, if he had not been able to write; butneither could he have committed the crime if he had been destitute ofeyesorhands.Wouldyousay,then,thatitwouldbebetterifmenwerewithouteyesandhands?

COTT.Well,Iwillagreethatlearningisneedfulforsomepersons:butIcannotseethatitwouldbeofanyservicetome,ormychildren.Wearepoor people, andmustmake our living by hard labor; andwe have notimetospendinreadingbooksifweknewhowtoread,whichnooneinmyfamilydoesexceptmywife,andherlearningisofnousetoher;forthegoodwomanhasnottheleafofabooktoread,eversincethechildrentoreupherTestament.

COLP. I amglad to find that youhaveone reader in yourhouse, and Ihopethatyourwifewillnotbesufferedtobewithoutabooktoreadafterthisday.Here is a cheapBible; andhere is aNewTestamentwith finelargeprint.Come,gratifyyourwifewithapresentthismorning.

COTT.Well, I believe Imay aswell take one; but do both these bookscontainthesamereading?

COLP. The Bible contains all that is in the New Testament, word forword, andmuchmorewhich, everymanought to know. It contains anaccountofthecreationoftheworldandofman,andanaccountofhissinandfall,bywhichdeathcameintotheworldandallourwoes;andmanyotherinterestinghistories.

COTT.Ithink,then,IwilltaketheBible;forthoughIcannotreadmyself,IhaveacousinwhooftenspendsSundayatmyhouse,whoisaverygoodreader.Heoftenbringsabookoranewspaperinhispocket;andmyboysarefondoflisteningtohim.

COLP. And do you intend to bring up your boys without schooling? Ihopenot.Ifyoudeprivethemofthisadvantage,Idonotknowhowyouwillbeabletoanswerforit.Learningismorevaluablethanallriches,foraman's property often, as we say,makes to itself wings; but whateverknowledgeanyoneacquires,nobodycandeprivehimof it.Awhileagoyousaidthatpoorlaborershadnotimeforreading;buttheyallhaveoneday in the week which ought not to be spent at work or in anyamusement,norinidleness,butintheserviceofourCreator;forwhenhemademanhegavehimonlysixdaysforhisownwork,andsetaparttheseventh for himself. You know the commandments, I presume, whichGodgavefortheregulationofourconduct?

COTT. I toldyou that Ihadno learning. Iknowwhat is rightandwhatwrong.Iseethatweoughtnottomurder,rob,orsteal,nordoanythingto hurt our fellow-creature, but I never saw there was any harm inworkingonSunday;yetaspeoplesaythisiswrong,wecommonlyspendthedayinhuntingorfishing,orinvisitingourneighbors.

COLP. If our Creator has set apart one day of the week for his ownworshipandservice,weoughtcertainlytoobeyhiscommandments.

COTT.ButIshould liketoknowhowanymancanbesurethatheevermade such a law. Doctor Hilder says "we may do what we please onSunday,and'thebetterthedaythebetterthedeed.'"Andasforreligion,

hesaysitisallpriestcraftorkingcraft,broughtintokeepignorantpeopleinsubjection,andtodrawmoneyoutoftheirpockets.

COLP. I am truly sorry that you have among youmen who utter suchirreligioussentiments,andunsettlethemindsofignorantpeople;butthisshowshownecessaryitisthateverymanshouldbeabletoreadtheBible,that hemay learn from the book ofGodwhat he requires ofman.Youcannot deny that the Almighty ought to be obeyed, and if he hasforbiddenworkingandsportingontheSabbath,thesethingsoughtnottobe done. Our own conscience tells us, that whatever God commandsshould be obeyed; and nothing is more reasonable than that a certainportionofourtimeshouldbedevotedtoreadingthewordofGod,andtohisworship,bothinpublicandprivate.What,havewereceivedourverybeing fromGod,with all our faculties, togetherwith food and raiment,and light and air, and other innumerable blessings, and shallwe be soungrateful as to refuse to acknowledge the goodness of God in thesethings? Shall we refuse to spend one seventh part of our time in hisservice,andinpraisingandworshippinghisholyname?Besides,weareall sinners—we cannot deny it—"we have done many things which weought not to have done, and have left undone many things which weoughttohavedone."Nowitisall-importantthatweunderstandinwhatwaywemayhopeforthepardonofoursins.Permitme,friend,toaskyouonwhatgroundyoulookforforgiveness?

COTT.Why,sir,youseemtotakemeforaverybadman.IbelievethatIcan appeal to all who knowme, that I am not worse thanmost ofmyneighbors—Idefymyworst enemy to chargemewithanydishonesty. Ishallfareaswellasothers,andthat'senough.

COLP.Pardonme,friend,that isnotenough; ifyourneighborswereallsickwithamortaldisease,suchastheplagueorcholera,woulditsatisfyyoutothinkyouwereinnoworseconditionthanothers;andespecially,iftherewas foundoutamethodofcure,whichyoumightuse?Youmakeentirely too light of thismatter. It is themost important subject in theworld: and this shows how necessary it is that men should becomeacquaintedwithwhatGodhassaidinhisholyword,fortherewefindtheonlymethod of obtaining pardon; andwithout pardon there can be nosalvation for a sinner; hehasnothingbeforehimbut fiery indignation.

Oldasyouare,itwouldbewellworthyourwhiletolearntoread.

Lately one of our colporteursmetwith aman inWesternVirginiawhocould not read, and he gave him a Tract, entitled "The Dairyman'sDaughter,"andhereadapartof it tohim,and themanwouldnot restuntil he heard the whole, and immediately applied himself to learn toread; and when after somemonths the colporteur came that way, thispoormancordiallyembracedhim,andthankedhimfortheTractwhichhehadgivenhim,andsaidthatbutforthathenevershouldhavelearnedtoread,andbetterthanall,hesaidthatbymeansofthatTracthehopedhehadfoundpeacewithGod.

COTT. I feel that I am too old to attempt any thing of this sort—but Ibeginto feelsomeconcernaboutmyboys,whoaregrowingupwithoutlearning.ButwhatcanIdo?wehavenoschoolsnearus.

COLP.Iknowthatfamilieslivinginthissparselysettledregionarebadlyoffforschools;butIwilltellyouofaplanthatsomebenevolentpersonshaveformedforthebenefitofsuchdestitutepartsofthecountry:itistosenda teacher to instruct the children for a fewhours for twoor threedays in the week, and then to pass on to another settlement similarlysituated.Isthereanyhouseherewherethechildrencouldmeet,andanyplace where the teacher could board and lodge, while in theneighborhood?

COTT.WidowOaklandhas the largesthouseofanyamongus,andshehasasmallfamily,onlyasonanddaughter,neitherofwhomhavebeentoschool;andIthinkitprobablethatshewouldreceivetheteacherasaboarder,andcouldthuspayfortheschoolingofherchildren.

COLP. Very well—no more need be said at present. I will consult ourfriends,andseewhatcanbedone.

Buthere are several of yourneighbors; shall Inothave thepleasureofselling them someofmybooks?Come, old gentleman, I guess you canread.Lookattheseexcellentworksandselectsuchasyoulike.

OLDMAN.IhaveheardwhatyoujustnowsaidinpraiseoftheBible,and

I likeyoursentimentsverywell. Ihaveneverbeenwithout thatblessedbookinmyhousesinceIwasahousekeeper;andIdon'tcare ifIneverhaveanotherbook,forIthinkifwepayattentiontothat,itwillguideusintherightway,andifwedonotlistentothewordofGod,weshallnotbelikelytoattendtothewordsofman.

COLP.Iagreewithyou,thattheBibledoescontainallthatisnecessaryforfaithandpractice;andifwediligentlyfollowitsdirections,weshallbeguided in the way in which we ought to go; but I think you a littlemisapprehendourobjectincirculatingthewritingsofgoodmen.ItisnottoteachanythingdifferentfromwhatwereadintheBible;itistoexplainandenforcethetruthsthereinculcated.TotheBiblewealwaysappealforthe truth of every thing taught in our books: "To the law and to thetestimony; if theyspeaknotaccordingtothese, it isbecausethere isnolight in them." Forwant of such helps,many persons never come to aclearunderstandingofwhattheBibleteaches.Evenministers,whomakethe Bible their constant study, need commentaries, which explain thesacredtext;andmuchmoredocommonpeopleneedsomehelpsofthiskind; and they need "line upon line" to stir them up to the diligentperformance of their known duties. As you have had the Bible in yourhouseformanyyears,andIsupposehavereaditoften,permitmetoaskyou,whatinyouropinionisthemethodofsalvationwhichitteaches?

OLD MAN. Why, sir, I would have you to know that I am not theignoramusyoutakemetobe.TheBibletellsusthatthewaytobesavedisto keep the commandments. It says, "Do this and live." "Not every onethatsaith,Lord,Lord,shallenterintothekingdomofheaven,buthethatdoeththewillofmyFatherwhichisinheaven."

COLP.IseethatyouaresomewhatacquaintedwiththeBible,andhavelearntcorrectlywhatisrequiredofusbyourMaker;butIwishtoknowwhether you have so kept the commandments that you can depend onyourownobedience for acceptancewithaholyGod?As formyself, if Ihadnootherdependencebutmyownobedience, I shouldentertainnohope of salvation—I should be in black despair. And if I read theScripturesright,"bythedeedsofthelaw,nofleshshallbejustifiedinhissight;forbythelawistheknowledgeofsin."

Ifmencouldbesavedbytheirownobedience,thenIdonotseewhytheSonofGodcameintotheworld;orwhyitwasnecessaryforChristtodieon the cross. You seem tome to have fallen into the very error of theJews, in the timeofPaul,who, "being ignorant ofGod's righteousness,went about to establish their own righteousness, not submittingthemselvestotherighteousnessofGod."ButasIhavenottimetoarguethispointwithyounow,IwillgiveyouaTractonthesubjectofasinner'sjustification.Readitcarefully,andIthinkyouwillbeconvincedthatyouhavebeeninadangerouserrorhitherto.Notbutthatwemust loveandobeyGodstill,butourpardonand justification isentirelyof freegrace.Andatanyrate,IthinkthatyouneedsomehelptoenableyoutocometoasavingknowledgeofwhattheBibleteaches.

Permit me, my friend, again to ask you what your opinion is ofregeneration?

COTT.Regeneration?Idon'texactlyknowwhatyoumean.

COLP.Conversion,orthenewbirth.

COTT.Oh,yes—yes.IbelieveyouaresomethingofaMethodist.Iwouldhave you to know that I don't hold to any such nonsensical doctrine. Ibelieve that ifwedo aswell aswe can, amercifulGodwill not requireimpossibilitiesofus.Wearepoor,frailcreatures—butGodismerciful.

Astothisnewbirthofwhichyouspeak,Iknownothingaboutit,anddonotwishtoknow.Twoofmyneighbors—nobetterthantheyshouldbe—wentlastsummertoagreatmeeting,andtheybothprofessed,asIhaveheard, to be converted, as they call it; and it produced a great talkthroughtheneighborhood.Andwhentheycamehome, tobesure, theyputona verydemure, long face, and sighedandgroanedandexhortedtheir old companions; and we were all glad to see a reformation, if itwouldonlylast.Well,tomakealongstoryshort,theboldestofthetwoheld out amonth, and then he swore a great oath and said he neithercould nor would play the hypocrite any longer; and he is now moreprofanethanever.Theother,aslykindofman,stillworethemask,andwas very devout and zealous; but within a week he has been clearlydetectedinstealingaquantityofyarnfromapoorwoman,andinseveral

otherdisgracefulacts.Ifsuchconversionsasthesearewhatyouspeakof,Iwanttoknownomoreaboutthem,forIhatehypocrisy.

COLP.Mygoodsir,youseemtohavereadyourBibletolittlepurpose,ifyou have not learned from that holy book, that "except aman be bornagain,hecannotseethekingdomofGod;"and"exceptyebeconverted,and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom ofheaven."

COTT. I don't believe that such things apply to us in this Christiancountry. In the beginning, when the people were Jews or pagans, theywererequiredtoundergoachange,butnotsowiththosewhohavebeenbornandbaptizedinaChristianland.

COLP.Menarenowborn insinasmuchas theyeverwere;andunlessthis sinfulnaturebe removed, theynever canbeadmitted intoheaven;and if they could be admitted to that holy place, they could have noenjoymentinthepresenceofaGodofinfiniteholiness,andinthesocietyof holy angels who stand around the throne of God. Common-senseteachesyouthatyoucannotbehappyinexercisesandemploymentsforwhichyouhaveneithertastenorrelish.MenwhodonotlovetothinkofGodnow,andtakenopleasureinprayingtohimandpraisinghim,wouldbeentirelyoutoftheirelementinheaven.Well,weknowthatmostmendotakenodelightinthesereligiousexercises,anditisevidentthereforethattheyhavenofitnessforheaven.Theremustbeaninwardchangeinusbeforewecanenter into thekingdomofheaven. Ihavehere severalsmall bookswhich clearly prove from theword ofGod the necessity ofbeingbornagain.Dotakeoneofthemandreaditwithcare,andifyoudonotlikeit,whenIreturnthiswayIwilltakeitback,andreturnyouyourmoney.

COTT.Thatindeedisfair.Iwilltakeone;forifIdonotreadIknowmywifewill be glad to see it, for she is for ever borrowing old books, andspendsmuch.Butwhat canyou say respecting the twomenofwhomIspoke to you, who professed to be converted, and are nowworse thanbefore?

COLP. I would say, that they never experienced the new birth. They

probablygotalarmedatthegreatmeeting,andsomeinjudiciousguidespersuadedthemthattheywereconverted;orrather,Iwouldsaythatthedevil put this into their minds, for every instance of counterfeitconversionhelpshimtomaintainhispowerover thesoulsofmen.Youknowthatmenwhomakecounterfeitmoneyareveryinjurioustosociety,for they impose upon the people aworthless currency for the genuine,and destroy their confidence in the true currency; just so spuriousreligion, likecounterfeit coin, imposeson thepeopleanddestroys theirconfidence in true religion.Butbecausewediscover somemoney tobecounterfeit,itwouldnotdotoinferthattherewasnogenuinemoneyinthecountry.No;iftherewasnotsomegoodmoney,wemaybesuretherewouldbenocounterfeits.

Iwonderthatyoushouldjudgeofallprofessorsofreligionbythosetwodeceived men. You certainly know some men who have for yearsmaintainedaconsistentChristiancharacter;theseoughtnottobeputinthesameclasswiththosewhoseconductshowsthattheyneverhadanyreligious principle, but were for a few days and weeks under a violentexcitement, and when this wore off they were the same as before; orrather, they were worse, for nothing hardens the heart and sears theconsciencemorethanaspuriousconversion.Youprofesstobeanhonestman, andnobodydoubts it; but the twomenwhowere condemned forrobbingMcGruder's store were thought to be honest men before theirvillanywasdiscovered.Would itbea fair inference,because thesemenprofessed honesty, that all others who made that profession, ormaintained that character,werealsodishonest?Now, if this conclusionwould not be correct in regard to honesty, neither is it in regard toreligion.

COTT.Ifyourdoctrinebe true, thenamanhasnothingtodotoobtainsalvation. He cannot change his own heart, he is therefore not to beblamed.

COLP.Manisnotexcusablefornothavinganewheartandarightspirit.ThisistheessenceofwhattheholylawofGodrequiresofusall;andjustsofaraswefallshortofit,justsofararewecountedsinnersinthesightofGod. Ifaman isnot tobeblamed forahard,aproud,a selfish,andimpenitentheart,whatcanhebeblamedfor?Thisistheverycoreofhis

iniquity.Thisisthe"evilheartofunbelief"ofwhichtheScripturesspeak.Whycannotasinnerchangehisownheart?Onlybecauseitissoentirelywicked,soentirelydestituteofalllovetoGodandholiness.Andcanthisbeanyexcuse?Why,itisthemainthingforwhichheisnowcondemned,andforwhichhewillbepubliclycondemnedatthejudgment,unlessGodgivehimforgivenessandrepentanceuntolife.Idothereforebeseechyouall,mydearfriends,tolayasideexcusesandseriouslyengageinseekingGodwhilehemaybefound,andcallinguponhimwhileheisnear.

The colporteur was now about to return his books into his pack andproceed on his journey, when a collier, who had stood listening to theconversation,cameforwardandsaid,

COLLIER.Friend,Ihopeyouwillnotgoyetawhile.Iwishtohearmoreaboutthesematters.Youhavetoucheduponasubjectwhichhasbeenonmymindformonths.Ihavebeenaverythoughtless,andifImusttellthewholetruth,averywickedman.Ineverhadanyeducation,andfellintobadcompany,andsoonwasequaltotheworstoftheminsinandfolly.Butoflatethethoughtofthesinsofmyyouthtroublesmemuch;oftenIamsotroubledwhenIliedownatnight,thatIcannotsleep.AndoftenIaskmyselfthequestion,WhatwillbecomeofmewhenIdie?Afewnightsago,while Iwas tendingmycoal-pit, I lookedupandbeheld themoonandstarsshiningverybright,andthethoughtcameintomymind,Aboveallthese,andbeyondthesky,thereisabrighterworldthanthis.Thatistheplacetheycallheaven;buthowcansuchasinfulcreatureasIamevergettoheaven?Well,IthoughtImusttryhereaftertopleaseGod,andquitsinning. Idetermined that Iwouldbegin toamendmywaysand leadanewlife.

But after a while the thought came into my mind that I was going tojudgment,andifIcouldlivewithoutsinningalltherestofmylife,howshouldIbeabletoanswerforthetenthousandsinsalreadycommitted?thesewould sinkme tohell. I thought therecouldbenomercy forme.Ever since, all has looked dark beforeme, and I would have given theworld for someone to tellmewhat I shoulddo; andwhen Iheardyoutalk tomyneighbors, I thoughtyouwere themanIwanted to see;andnow,mydearfriend,dotellmeifthereisanysalvationforsuchasinnerasIam.

COLP.IfeelthankfulthatProvidencehasbroughtmethisway;iffornoother reason, that I might give some counsel to one who seems to begroping in darkness, and yet anxiously desires to know theway of life.AndIdonotthink,friend,thatIcanansweryourquestionbetterthanbytellingyouabitofmyownexperience.Iwasonceaswickedaseveryouwere, and worse, because I ran counter to the instructions of a piousmother,whooftentookmeintoaprivateplace,whenachild,andkneeleddownandprayedforme.

Ifollowedthesea,andthereIhadallsortsofbadexamples,whichItooreadily imitated. But when I was leaving home on a long voyage, mymother, when she put upmy clothes, slipped a small volume into thebottom of my trunk. When I opened the book I found that it was onreligion,andIshutitupandlaiditby,resolvednevertoreadapageinit.Butourvesselwaswrecked,andbyandby I returned to thebook,andbefore I had proceeded half through it I became deeply interested. Ifoundthatitdescribedmycaseexactly,andshowedittobeverybad;andconvincedme that I was a wretched sinner against God, and was nowlying under his wrath and curse. I could think of nothing else. MycomradessawthatIwasgrowingserious,andtriedtheirbesttolaughmeoutofmy religiouswhims, as they called them.They swore theywouldtake the book and burn it, if I did not give over reading it. But theiroppositionhadnoeffecttoremovemyconcern.Ifeltmyselftobealostandperishingsinner,andIcarednothing for the ridiculeof themorofthe whole world. I was like aman sinking in deep water, who neededsomeonetothrowhimarope.

AsIproceeded inreading, I foundthat theauthornotonlypointedoutthemortaldiseasewhichhadseizeduponme,butalsodescribedanall-sufficientremedy.Heshowedmethatnorighteousnessofminecouldbeofanyavail;thatGod,viewingthewretchedconditionoftheworld,hadsoloveditastogivehiswell-belovedSontobeourRedeemer,todieinourplace,tomakeanatonementforoursins,andtobringineverlastingrighteousness. The glorious gospel the author opened up, and whatsurprisedmeabovemeasure,heshowed that thegreatest sinnermight,onthisplan,obtainsalvationasreadilyastheleast.Ihadoftenheardthewordgrace, butneverbeforedid I know itsmeaning. I had,until now,

supposed that I must bring some price in my hand, or undergo somepreparation, before I could come toChrist; butnow I found that IwaswarrantedbythewordofGodtocomeatonce,andreceivesalvationasafreegift,withoutmoneyandwithoutprice.Whenthe lightof this truthbrokeinfirstonmymind,Iwassofullof joythatIseemedasonethatdreamed.Itseemedtobetoogoodandtoofavorabletobetrue.Iaskedmyself,DoIunderstandtheauthor;ormaynothebemistaken?Iturnedagaintothebook,andfoundthatthemeaningcouldnotbemistaken,forthe samedoctrinewas taught over andover again; and that the authorwas correct, I clearly saw from the many plain passages of Scripturewhich he brought to prove his doctrine. Indeed, the whole scheme ofsalvationinculcatedwaspreciselywhatisfoundintheBible.

COLLIER.Anddoyoustillenjoythesamecomfortableassurancewhichyouhadatfirst?

COLP. No, I cannot say that my joy is as full as it was when I firstbelieved,butIthinkIunderstandthegospelplanbetter.AtfirstIwastoomuchdisposedtoliveuponjoyfulframes,butnowIlivemorebyfaith.

COLLIER. And do you think that there is mercy for such a poor,miserable, ignorant sinner as I am? I am afraid that glorious Saviourwoulddrivemefromhispresenceifheshouldseemecoming.Ohyes,Iamtoovile,tooignoranttobesaved.

COLP.Donottalkinthisstrain.WouldyoumakeGodaliar?Hashesaid,andwillhenotmake itgood?Hashenot invited thewearyandheavy-ladentocometohim?Hashenotdeclaredthathecamenot tocall therighteous,butsinnerstorepentance?Toseekandsavethelost?

COLLIER.Whatyoutellmeisindeedgoodnews.Ihadprettymuchgivenup all hope of salvation; but now I begin to see that it is possible, andeventhisisarelief.ButhowshallIobtainapartinthissalvation?

COLP.Onlybelieve."BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved.""Allthingsarepossibletohimthatbelieveth."Christstandswithopen arms ready to receive you. Cast your soul confidingly on hisalmightyarm.Trustinhim.

COLLIER.Idonotclearlyknowwhatyouwouldhavemetodo.Idesiretobesaved,andIamwillingtobesavedbyChrist;isthatthething?

COLP.Supposeyouowedtenthousandpoundsandhadnothingtopay,and someprince should offer to pay thedebt for you if youwould relyuponhim.Thefavorissogreatthatatfirstyoumighthesitate.Youmightdoubthis ability or his sincerity inmaking the offer, but thiswouldbevery base and ungrateful; yet this is the way in which Christ isdishonored,evenbythosewhoareseekingsalvation.

COLLIER. Iunderstandwhat is required,but I amafraid that Ihave itnotinmetocomply.Dotellmehowtobelieve.

COLP.FaithisthegiftofGod,andunlesstheHolySpiritenlightensyourmind and renews your heart, you will for ever remain in unbelief. Tobelieve inChrist ismostreasonable,and is thedutyofallwhohear thegospel;butsuchistheblindnessandperversenesswhichsinhasbroughtontheheart, thatnomanevercomethtoChristunlesstheFatherdrawhim.TheHolySpiritisnowevidentlystrivingwithyou.Itishethathasopenedyoureyestoseeyoursins;cherishhisinfluences,andinanswertoyourprayer,humblytrustinginthemeritsofChrist,hewillenableyouto believe to the saving of your soul. Themanwith thewithered handmighthavecavilledassinnersdonow;buthehesitatednot,hemadetheeffort, and in making it found the vigor of his arm restored; so inthousands of cases,whilemen have renounced their sins and cried formercy,theyhavebeenenabledbythedivineSpirittobelieve,andreceiveChristasheisofferedinthegospel.

COLLIER.OhthatIcouldbelieve.Lord,helpme.

COLP. You seem to be in the very case of the man mentioned in thegospelwhobroughthis lunatic son toChrist tobehealed, and said, "Ifthoucanstdoanything,havecompassiononusandhelpus.AndJesussaiduntohim, If thou canst believe, all things are possible tohim thatbelieveth.Andstraightwaythefatherofthechildcriedout,andsaidwithtears,Lord,Ibelieve;helpthoumineunbelief."

COLLIER.Yes, that ismycase.Lord,helpmetobelieve.Lord,giveme

faith.Ifthouwiltthoucanstmakemewhole.

COLP.Friend, letmeaskyoua fewplainquestions, that itmayappearwhetherornotyoubelieve.Andfirst,doyoufeelandacknowledgethatyouareagreatsinner,andunabletohelpyourself?

COLLIER.Ido.Iamagreatsinner—avile,ungratefulwretch—theworstperhapsoutofhell.

COLP. Do you see that sin, your own sin, is hateful, and deserving ofGod'swrathandcurse?

COLLIER. I amasmuch convinced that Ideserve tobe sent tohell, asthatIamnowalivingman.Indeed,IdonotseehowaholyGodcandootherwisethansendmetohell.

COLP.Hereyougotoofar.WereitnotfortheatonementofChrist,Godcouldnotdootherwise,consistentlywithjustice,thansendeverysinnertohell.DoyoubelievethatthedeathofChrist isasufficientatonementforyoursins?

COLLIER.Icannotdenyit.Oyes,itisaglorioussacrifice—itisofinfinitevalue—thatpreciousbloodwhichheshedcleansethfromallsin.Oh,ifIhadaninterestinthisbloodIshouldbesafe.

COLP.Well,youhaveit—itisyours—youdobelieve,andthereforeyoursinsarepardoned.

COLLIER.Iamnotsatisfiedofthat.Iamafraidsomethingiswanting.Iheardyouspeakofthegreatjoywhichyoufeltwhenyoubelieved;shouldnotIexperiencethesame,ifmyfaithwereoftherightkind?

COLP. There are degrees of faith. There is faith as a grain ofmustard-seed, and a strong faith like Abraham's, "who against hope believed inhope."Now,most commonly, inourday, the first exercisesof faith arefeebleandobscure;butbyproperculture,itbecomesstrongereveryday.Let me ask you whether you do not approve the gospel method ofsalvationbygrace,andwhetheryoudonotrenouncealldependenceonyourownworksandmerits?

COLLIER.Astomyworks,Ihavenone—nonegood,andIseenofaultinthe plan of redemption. It is a glorious plan.My soul rejoices in it. Itbrings glory to God, and salvation to the sinner. And I want no otherSaviourthanChrist;OgivemeChrist,andIwantnomore.

COLP. And what think you of the people of God, the true disciples ofChrist?

COLLIER.ItismymisfortunetoknowveryfewtrueChristians,butIamsure,ifIshouldbecomeacquaintedwithsuch,Ishouldesteemthemtheexcellentoftheearth.AndIdofeelatthismomentatendercompassionfor sinners. O that I could take them in my arms and bring them toChrist!Idesirethesalvationofthewholeworld.

COLP. Friend, my time is out; I have an appointment for a prayer-meeting this eveningmanymiles off.Here's aNewTestament,which Igivetoyou.

COLLIER.Why,sir,Idonotknowaletterinthebook.

COLP.Iwantthatyoushouldlearn.BeginwiththefirstchapterofJohn.Yourwifecanaidyou,andyouwillsoonbeabletoreadforyourselfthewonderfulworksofGod,andtheunsearchablerichesofChrist.Farewell.

THECOLPORTEURANDFARMER

ADIALOGUE

FARMER.Well,friend,youseemtobeweary;willyoustepintothehouse

andrestyourself?

COLPORTEUR.Iwill,andwouldthankyouforadrinkofcoldwater.

FAR.Willyounot takea littlesomethingwith it?Ihavesomegoodoldwhiskey.

COLP.No,my friend, I have seen somuch evil fromdrinkingwhiskeyandsuchlikeliquors,thatIhaveresolvednevertotakeanyintoxicatingdrink.

FAR.IguessyoubelongtoaTemperanceSociety.

COLP.IprofesstobeaChristian,andIfeelmyselfboundtopreventeviland do good to the utmost ofmy power; and I amof opinion that fewthings have occasionedmore vice andmisery than strong drink. It hasrenderedthousandsoffamilieswretched,andbroughtmanyapromisingman to a drunkard's grave. Besides, it has burdened the country withtaxes to support prisons, poor-houses, and hospitals, which areprincipallyfilledbypersonsbroughttherebystrongdrink.

FAR.Todrinktoexcessisbad,butalittlewillhurtnobody.Ihavetakenalittleeverydayfortwentyyears,andamnothingtheworseforit.Ithinkitdoesmegood, and I cannotdowithout itnowanymore than I candowithoutmytobacco.

COLP.Howoldmayyoube,friend?

FAR.IfIliveIshallbefourandfortythetenthdayofnextJune.

COLP. Well, sir, I will tell you what I know and have seen. Manymoderatedrinkerscontinue tobesobermenuntil theyreachtheageoffiftyorfifty-five,andthenbecomesotstheremainderoftheirdays.

FAR.Howcanthatbeaccountedfor?

COLP. Iwill tell you.While the vigor of their constitution remains, thespiritwhichtheyareaccustomedtotakeeverydaydoesnotaffectthem;butattheturnoflife,whentheirstrengthisweakened,theycannotbear

thesamequantitywhichtheytookbefore,andtheybecomedrunkardsbytakingjustthesamequantitytheyhadbeenusedtotakefortwentyyears.ButIbelievemoderatedrinkersnever lessenthequantityofwhiskeyorrum which they put into their grog. Do you not find, friend, that yourequirethatyourdailydrinkshouldbesomewhatstrongerthelongeryoucontinueatit?

FAR.Well,Imustconfessthatwhatyousay is true;anditaccountsforwhat appeared strange tomehere in our neighborhood. Twomen thatwere thought to be very religious—now I don't pretend to any religionmyself—butwealldidbelievethatJ.M——andW.B——weregoodmen,iftherewereanyintheland:oneofthemwasan.elderinthePresbyterianchurch, and the other a deacon in theBaptist church, andno one eversuspectedthattheydranktoomuch;butaboutthesametimetheywereboth had under dealings for intoxication, and both are now suspendedfromtheirsocieties.Andasyousay,thiscameuponthemjustattheturnoflife,when,aswemaysay,oldagebegins.

COLP. Is there any appearance of a reformation since they have beendealtwithbytheirchurches?

FAR.Farfromit.Theydrinkhardersincethanbefore,andthoughtheyboth helped to turn many a one out for drunkenness, they are bothgreatly offended that the samemeasure has been dealt to them whichtheymeasuredtoothers.

COLP.Markmenow.Thereisscarcelytheshadowofhopeforsuch.Menwhodrinkbyspellsmaysometimesbereclaimed;butwhendidyoueversee a sotwho takes toomuch everyday in the year, turn to be a soberman?Whatyousayofthesetwoneighborsistrueofmanythousandsinourland;theydrink,withoutbeingintoxicated,forten,fifteen,ortwentyyears,andthen,tothegriefandastonishmentofalltheirfriends,becomesots.But Iwill tell youanother reasonwhysomemenandsomewholefamilies become drunkards about the turn of life. About that time thespiritsareapttoflag,andmencommonlyleaveoffactivebusiness.Nowthesetwothingsgotogether.Menwhohavelivedanactive,bustlinglife,whentheyretirefrombusinessandexpecttoenjoythemselvesathome,arealmost sure tobecome low-spirited,and feeling restlessanduneasy

they take to the bottle and find a temporary relief; and so they go on,frombadtoworse,untiltheyaredrunkallthetime.

FAR.Really, friend,youalarmmebywhatyousay.IhaveneverbeforefeltthatIwasinanydangerofbecomingadrunkard;butImustthinkmytwoneighborshadasgoodarightandbettertofeelsurethanIhave.AndsomuchofwhatyousayIknowtobetrue,thatIreallybegintofearformyself.Now,supposeIshouldwishtoquitdrinkingwhiskey,wouldyouadvisemetotaperoffbydegrees,ortobreakoffatonce?

COLP.Byallmeansatonce.Ibelievenooneeverwassuccessfulontheotherplan.Beresolute,keepinviewyourdangerandtheruinwhichyouwould bring on your family if you should become a drunkard, anddeterminenevertotasteanotherdropunlessasamedicine;andthereisdangerintakingspiritsevenasamedicine,tothosewhohavebeenmuchaddictedtoitsuse.

FAR. Did you not say that some whole families aremore in danger offalling under the influence of this evil habit than others? How do youaccountforthat?

COLP.Upontheprinciplealreadystated,thatsomewholefamiliesareata certain age very apt to become somewhatmelancholy, hypped as wesay,andthentheyareveryapttotaketodrink.Itisasadremedy,butitanswersforthemoment.Irecollectacaseofthiskind:averyrespectableand apparently religiousman, who had served in the legislature of thestate, andwasamagistrate, andaswell informedasanymanwhohadnot received a liberal education. He was in easy, or rather affluentcircumstances, had a large family aroundhim, sons anddaughters, theoldestofwhomwerewelleducatedandverypromising.Thisgentlemanhad, aswas commonwith almost every body, been accustomed to takeone or two drinks of grog before dinner, but was never suspected ofintoxication,untilatabouttheageoffiftyorfifty-fivehebecamealmostatonceadrunkardof theworstkind; that is,hewaswhen in liquorasraving a madman as ever was in bedlam. I need not tell you of themortification and distress of hiswife and children. The former did notlive long to suffer the overwhelming calamity which had come on thefamily.WhetherthiswasthecauseofherdiseaseanddeathiswhatIdo

not know. Many said it was. The family being among the first in thesocietywhere they lived,andpossessingwealthanduncommontalents,werestruckdowntothedust;forperhapstheyhadbeenaccustomed,aswesay,tocarrytheirheadsalittletoohigh.Thechurchalsoinwhichhewasanofficerfeltthestrokemostkeenly.Hehadbeenaleadingmaninallreligiousconcerns,andwasliberalinthesupportandpropagationofthegospel.Nonewerepleasedbuttheenemiesofreligion,andevensomeof themseemedto feelbadlyabout it;but theconfirmed infidel scoffedlouderthanever,andsaid,"Hereisoneofyoursaints:theyareallalike;andalltheirreligionisnothingbuthypocrisy."Thecalamityhad,Ithink,agoodeffectonthechildren.Notoneofthemwouldtasteardentspirits,atatimewhenitwascommonlyusedbyallclasses,andtheirpridewasevidentlybroughtdown.

FAR.Well,washeeverreclaimed?

COLP.Ifhewas,itwasonhisdeath-bed.Ihaveheardthathewastrulypenitent;butoftherealityofsuchrepentancetheremustalwaysbegreatreasontodoubt.

FAR.Didallhischildrencontinuetobetemperate?

COLP.Iwasgoingtotellabouthisoldestson,toshowthetruthofwhatIsaid about families having sometimes a something that led todrunkenness. I was conversing one day with a sensible old gentlemanwho had been long the friend and companion of the person describedabove.Iaskedhimhowhecouldaccountforhisfallingsosuddenlyintothe open practice of this vice. He said it was "owing to a kind ofmelancholyormiserabledepressiontowhichatacertainagethefamilyaresubject;andyou'llsee,"saidhe,"thattheoldestson,whenhearrivesatthatage,willbecomeadrunkardtoo."

Iwas,Iconfess,shockedat theverysupposition,ashewasapatternofsobriety, and fromhis youthhaddrunknothing stronger thanwaterorhousehold beer. I said it was impossible that this man should take todrink,especiallyasheappearedtobeaconsistentChristian,anddevoutandpiousinallhisconductathomeandabroad.

"Verytrue,verytrue,"saidtheshrewdoldgentleman,"butnotmoresothanhisfather,andyou'llseethathewillgothesameway."

Some years afterwards, when I had forgotten this conversation, thegentleman of whom he spoke, having retired from active business toenjoy the repose which he supposed he needed, fell into a state ofdepression which alarmed his friends. A more miserable man I neversaw;andthenIbegantofearthatthewordoftheoldgentlemanwouldcometrue.Hehadeverythingabouthimthatheartcouldwish,butstillhewasmiserable.Hewas so restless that he couldnot containhimselfmanyminutesinanyposition.

FAR.Well,didhetaketothebottleatlast?

COLP. No; blessed be God, he had grace given him to resist themostpowerful temptations.HisphysicianprescribedoldMadeiraas thebestremedy. He tried it, but it increased his malady. Some recommendedbrownstout;some,oldwhiskey;andsome,agillofFrenchbrandyeverymorning in a quart of newmilk. But his aversion to the use of spiritspreventedhimfromtryinganyof theseremedies.Theonly thingwhichhedidfindanyrelieffromwasthepipe.Itwascurioustoseeamanwhohad detested the use of tobacco in every form all his life before, nowsittingandpuffingatthepipebythehour.Indeed,hebecamesoattachedto it that he smoked as he rode on horseback, lighting his pipe from atinder-box.

FAR.Anddidheevergetwellagain?

COLP.Yes; butnotuntil he returned to an active life.He engaged in abusinesswhichrequiredhimtobemuchonhorseback,andwashimselfagain,exceptthatatingeofmelancholyremained.

FAR.One thingIwouldask,asyouseemtohavestudiedmuchon thissubject,whyis it thatstrongdrinkkillsmanystoutyoungmenina fewyears;whileotherswhodrinkhard, andare scarcely ever sober, live aslongasothermen?

COLP.ThesamequestionIonceaskedaverywisemanonthefollowing

occasion.Ihadgonetoapublicmeetingofthepeople,Ithinkonacourt-day,andwhileconversingwiththisman,therecameuponeofthetallestmenIeversaw,andhewasasstraightasanIndian.IrecollectedassoonashecamenearthatIhadknownhimsomeyearsbefore,butIsoonsawthat he had lost all recollection ofme.He spoke to the gentlemanwhowas talking withme, but his speech was so thick that I could scarcelyunderstandawordhesaid.Hisfacewaspaleandmuchbloated,andtheblackunderhiseyeslookedasifhehadbeenbruised.Butwhatsurprisedmemost,notonlyhishandsbuthiswholefleshtrembledinaremarkablemanner.Whenhehadpassedbyus,thesagewithwhomIwasconversingsaid, "There is one of our finest young men destroyed with accursedalcohol."

"Withwhat?"saidI,notknowingthenthemeaningoftheword.

"Withardentspirits,"saidhe."Amorepromisingyoungmanwehadnotinthiscommunity,andnowyouseehehasthepremonitorysymptomsofamosthorribledeathbydeliriumtremens."

"What?"saidI,beingagainatalossforhismeaning.

"It may," said he, "be called in English the trembling madness. Of allhorriblescenesthateverIwitnessed,"addedhe,"theworstwasthedeathof a near relation of mine with this dreadful disease, brought on bydrinking. I hope I shall neverhavemy feelings soharrowedagain; andtheawfuland terrific impressionsmadeonmy imagination Iamafraidwill never be removed. He was a stout, strong man, a little turned ofthirty years of age. It took fourmen to hold him, and after seeming tosleepa fewmoments,hewould startup,his eyes staring like fire-balls,andwouldscreamwithavoiceofsuchagonyasIhadneverconceived;andthrowinghimselfbackhewouldexclaimwithhorror,'Hell-fire,hell-fire;keepthemoff;keepthemoffme;theyhavecometodragmedowntothe lake of fire.' Then he broke forth in the most horrid blasphemieswhichthetonguecouldutter;soonafterwhichhefellintooneconvulsionfit after anotheruntil he expired,with themost frightful contortionsofcountenanceIeverbeheld.

"And,"saidhe,"themanwhopassedusjustnow,thoughwalkingabroad,

isverynearadeathofthesamekind.Ihaveobservedthisfelldiseaseinall its stages, and know all its symptoms. That large, strongman whospoke to me is the son of an old friend who himself came to thedrunkard'sgrave.Hissonswereearlyinitiatedintothepracticeofdram-drinkinginthemorning,andgrog-drinkingatnoon,andtoddy-drinkingatdinner.Thisistheyoungestandthelastofthefamily.Theothershavealready finished their mad career, and you will hear that this one hasfollowedtheminafewweeks."

Iaskedifhehadafamily.

"Yes,"saidhe,"asamiableandaffectionateawifeasanymanintheland,a ladyof the first family in thecounty;butherheart isalreadybroken.She is never seen abroad; and when her nearest friends visit her shemakes a great exertion to assume an air of cheerfulness, and neveralludes in the most distant manner to the intemperate habits of herhusband.Butwhenleftalonewithherfoursweetlittlechildrenaboutherknee, sheweepsalmostperpetually.Oneofher two littledaughters theother day, looking up into her mother's face, said in the most tender,affectingtone,'Dearmother,whatailsyou?whydoyoucryso?'Shemadenoanswer;butclaspedthedearlittlegirltoherbosom,foreseeingthatinalittletimeshewouldbefatherless."

But,saidI,howcomesitthatthishaleyoungmaniskilledsosoonbythispoison,andhereisoldJohnTarry,whohasbeenaharddrinkerforfortyyears,andyetseemslikelytolivealongtimeyet?

"O," said he, "that is easily explained. The human constitution can byslow degrees be accommodated to almost any poison, so that the dosewhich would produce certain death in another will not destroy it. Forexample,thereisaladyinmyimmediatevicinitywhoswallowsasmuchmorphineeveryday,andseveraltimesintheday,aswouldkillyouormewithoutadoubt.AndyouhaveheardofacertainqueenofEnglandwhofortified herself against poison by gradually increasing the dose until ithad little effect on her constitution. So it is with alcohol; taken bydegrees, the constitution becomes hardened against its deleteriouseffects."

Ibeggedhimtotellmewhatthepoisonwaswhichhementionedasbeingtakenby the lady inhisneighborhood.He smiled, and saidhe thoughtthateverybodyknewthatmorphinewasapurifiedextractofopium.

FAR.Well,friend,Imustconfessthatwhatyouhavesaidbringsmetoapause. I never saw the danger ofmoderate drinking as I do now. Andwereitnotforonething,IthinkIcouldmusterupresolutiontoleaveoffthepractice.ButIhavesomeneighborswithwhomIaminthehabitofspending a social hour. Now if I should quit drinking altogether thesemenwouldridiculemebeyondmeasure,andIcanbearanythingbetterthantobelaughedat.

COLP.Nevermindthejeersandscoffsofsuchmen.Idaresaymanythathave joined your club have already become drunkards, and the rest, iftheycontinuetodrink,willprobablygothesameway.Actthepartofareasonableman.Thewisemansays,"Theprudentmanforesecththeevilandhidethhimself,butthefoolishpassonandarepunished."Theseverymen, in their serious moments, will secretly approve your course,howeverinself-defencetheymayridiculeyou.Andwhoknowsbutyourexample,whenyouexplainthereasonsofit,mayhaveahappyinfluenceon them, to induce them to leaveoff apracticewhich leads somany toruin. And rest assured, that the trial which you fear will soon be over.Your old companions, if they cannot be persuaded to follow yourexample,willsooncutyoursocietyandtroubleyounomore.

FAR.Well, a thought has come intomymind that I will not break offabruptly,butwilltaperoffbydegrees,andthusthethingwillscarcelybenoticed.

COLP.Itellyou,friend,thiswillnotdo.Ineveryetknewanyoneweanedfrom the use of strong drink in this way. I have known fond mothersattempt towean their children in this gradualway: it never succeeded.Thedifficultywas as great at the last as the first. There is no safety orcertainty here but in total abstinence. All that is wanted is a strongresolutiontodenyyourself,andmoralcouragetomeetthejeersofyouroldcomrades.

FAR.Ifeelmuchinclinedtofollowyouradvice,butIcannotconveniently

begin just now, for I have an appointment to meet some persons onpublic business, and it has ever been our custom at thesemeetings totreateachotherinturn,anditsohappensthatthiswillbeexpectedofmeatournextmeeting;andInevercanenduretohaveitsaidthatIwastooniggardly todomypart,andbeas freewithmymoneyasanother.ButafterthismeetingisoverIamresolvedtobeginanewcourse.

COLP.Now,mydearsir,ifyouwilllistentotheadviceofastrangerwhosincerely desires your welfare, you will not postpone putting yourresolution into practice at once. Delays are dangerous, and in nothingmore dangerous than reforming what is amiss in our own conduct,especiallywhereinveteratehabitistobeovercome.No,sir,ifinsteadoftreatingyourfriendswhomyouexpecttomeet,youfranklyinformthemof your change of view, and of your purpose to relinquish all use ofintoxicating liquors,youwillhavenodifficulty;and that theymayhavenoreasontoattributeyourcoursetostinginess,youcanproposetothemtospendthemoneycommonlygivenfordrink,inthepurchaseofusefulbooksforthepoor,orinschoolingsomepoorchild.

FAR.What you say has weight. I will think of it; and I know nothingwouldbetter pleasemywife, for shehas amortal hatredof drunkards,andoftenwishesthattherewasnotadropofwhiskeyintheland;fortwoofherbrothershavealreadygonedownto thedrunkard'sgrave,asyoucallit.

But come, friend, let us go into thehouse; itmust benear ourdinner-time; and you seem to have travelled far thismorningwith that heavypack.Butwhatdoyoucarry?Whatnotionstosuitthewomen?theyarealwaysglad to see thepedlar coming, andare sure tohavea little cashlaiduptobuysometrifles.

COLP.Icarrynothingbutbooksandtracts.

FAR.Verygood.Weoftenbuycheapbookstoamuseusinthelongwinternights.Haveyouanynovelsorfunnystoriesinyourcollection?

COLP. No, friend; my books are of a very different kind; they are allreligious books, calculated to make men wise unto salvation.We have

certainevidencethatmanyhavebeensavinglybenefitedbythebooksandtractswecirculate.Come,makeatrialofoneortwo,andifyoubecomeinterested in them youwill not care for fictitious narratives and funnystoriesanymore.Here is "Doddridge'sRiseandProgressofReligion intheSoul;"also"Alleine'sAlarmtotheUnconverted,""Baxter'sCalltotheUnconverted," and this one with cuts is "Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress."Now, if you will take the whole of these, you shall have them for onedollarandeightcents.

FAR. I amafraidwe shallnotbe amusedby these religiousbooks, andthattheywilllieontheshelfunopened,andweshallhavenothingforourmoney.

COLP.Well,IwilltellyouwhatIwilldo.YoumaykeepthesebooksuntilIreturninthewinter;whenif,onexamination,youdonotthinkpropertobuythem,Iwilltakethemback;butIbegthatyouwillnotneglecttoperusethem.OntheLord'sday,whenyouhavenopreachingnear,youmightreadaportionoutofoneofthemtoyourfamily,intheplaceofasermon.

FAR.Yourproposal isnotonly fair,butgenerous.Iwillkeepthebooksuntilyoureturn,andwillreadsomuchastofindwhethertheysuitme;andifyoushouldneverreturn,Isupposethebookswillbemine.

COLP.Yes,ifyouwillpromisetolendthemtoanyofyourneighborswhomaywishtoperusethem.

FAR.Well,thatisfairenough;andifIshouldnotwanttoreadthem,mywifewill,forsheoftenborrowsreligiousbooks.

THECOLPORTEURANDAGEDMAN

ADIALOGUE

COLPORTEUR. You seem, friend, to have lived long in theworld, andmusthavehadmuchexperienceof the trials incident tomortals in thisvaleofsorrow.

AGEDMAN.Yes, yes; Ihavebeenspared longuponearth;mostofmyearly friends and acquaintances are gone, andmost of my own familyalso.Ihaveburiedtwowives,andhavelostfivechildrenoutofseven,sothatIseemtobeleftalmostaloneintheworld.Iambecomeastrangerinthe place where I have always lived. The former generation to which Ibelongedhavegoneandleftmealone,likeanolddeadtreeinthemidstofafield;andanewgenerationhavesprungup,whoappearasstrangerstome,thoughtheyarethechildrenofmyoldneighbors;andoftenwhenmyowngrandchildrencometoseeme,Iamunderthenecessityofaskingtheirnames,soforgetfulhaveIbecome.

COLP. I hope, sir, that you enjoy comfortable health in your advancedage. You seem not to be afflicted with any painful disease, if onemayjudgefromyourhealthyappearance.

AGEDMAN.Appearancesinmycasearedeceitful.Iamatthismomentfreefromdistressingillness,butnodayofmylifepassesinwhichIdonotexperience the growing infirmities of age; and I have seasons ofexcruciatingpain,whichifitshouldcontinuelong,wouldbringmetomyend;but,thankGod,thesespellsarecommonlyofshortcontinuance.

COLP.Itdoesnotseemdesirable,fromwhatIhaveobserved,forpersonsto live toextremeoldage:very fewpass theageofseventy-fivewithoutexperiencing manifold infirmities of body, and in most cases a greatdecay of themental faculties; and this often happenswhen there is nodecline in the health.Where the aged are prepared for death, I see noreasonwhytheyshouldbesolicitoustohavetheirdaysprotracted.

AGEDMAN.Very true,very true:afteracertainage, there isvery little

pleasure tobeenjoyed,and therearemany troubles tobeendured;buthowlongamanshallliveisnotlefttohisoption.Hemustpatientlywaituntilhischangecometh.Butinregardtopreparationfordeath,Idonotknowanythingwhichdeservestobesocalled,butanupright,well-spentlife;atanyrate,thatisallmydependence.

COLP.Thatmustindeedbeagoodlifetoemboldenamantobewillingtomeethis almighty Judge. Formypart,when I lookbackuponmypastlife,Iseesomanyglaringdefects,somanysinfulacts,somanyomissionsofwhatoughttohavebeendone,andespeciallysuchawantofpurityinmymotives,evenwhenmyactionswereexternallycorrect,thatIshoulddreadthescrutinyof theomniscienteyeofGod;knowing fromhisownwordthat"Heisofpurereyesthantobeholdevil,andcannotlookuponiniquity."If,therefore,myowngoodworksweremyonlygroundofhope,Ishouldutterlydespair.

AGEDMAN.Really,sir,Idonotunderstandyou.Tomyreason,nothingcanbemoreevident,thanthatourbeneficentCreatorwilldealwithmenaccording to their behavior. And if we do as well as we can, and acthonestly,uprightly,andcharitably,Heisnotsounjustastorequiremoreof us than we, poor frail creatures, are able to perform. I do not see,therefore,why you, or any other honestman, should be afraid tomeetyour Judge. I should be very unwilling to entertain an opinion soderogatory tohis character, as thathewouldnotbe satisfiedwith suchobedienceashiscreaturesareabletorendertohim?

COLP.IfindthatweagreeinthegeneralprinciplethatGodwilldealwithmen according to their real character and conduct; and if these are inexactconformitywithhis lawandwill,undoubtedlywehavenothingtofear,"TheJudgeofalltheearthwilldoright."Hewillnevercondemntheinnocent—buthehasdeclaredthathewillnotcleartheguilty.Theonlyquestionbeforeusis,whether,indeed,wehavecompliedwiththewillofGod.YouseemtohavelowideasofwhatthelawofGodrequiresofman.Letusunderstandoneanotheronthispoint,andweshallnotbelikelytodiffer in other things. Now, I know of no other way to determine thispointbuttohaverecoursetothewordofGod,wheretherequisitionsofhis law are clearly expressed, and where the duties of man, in all therelationsoflife,areplainlyinculcated.HereIfinditwritten,"Thoushalt

lovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,withallthysoul,andwithallthymind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Now if any man has perfectlycomplied with this requisition, I admit that he may appear withconfidencebeforehisJudge,andclaimjustificationonthefootingofhisownobedience.Butifamanseeksjustificationbyhisownobedience,heshouldseetoitthatthereisnoflawinit;foritiswritten,"CursediseveryonewhocontinuethnotinallthingswritteninthelawofGod."And,"hewhooffendethinonepoint,isguiltyofall."NowthisisajudgmentwhichIcannotstand;forIamconsciousofguilt.IhaveoftendonethethingswhichIoughtnottohavedone,andleftundonethosewhichIoughttohavedone.AndinsteadoflovingGodwithallmyheartfromtheearliestdawn of reason, much of my life has been spent in almost totalforgetfulnessofGod.Myyouthfulprimewasdevoted topleasure,andImaysay,tosinandfolly;sothat,evennow,Iamoftenconstrainedtocryout, "Remember not against me the sins of my youth and mytransgressions."Yet I cannotsay that I ran togreaterexcesses than themajorityofmycompanions,andatthetimeIthoughtlittleoftheevilofmy ways; but since it pleased God to openmy eyes to understand theextentofhislawandtheexceedingsinfulnessofsin,Ihavemournedovermymisspentlife.EvennowIdarenotpleadanyworkwhichIhaveeverperformed as a ground of acceptance beforeGod; for I know that if heshouldenterintojudgmentwithme,thereisimperfectionenoughinmyverybestperformancestosubjectmetocondemnation.

AGEDMAN. Imust confess that youastonishmewithyourdoctrine. Iam sure there are very few who think as you do. I know, indeed, thatMethodists,andsomeothersofanenthusiasticturn,insistonwhattheycall thenewbirth,but I thought all sensiblemen rejected suchnotionswithscorn.IsatforyearsundertheministryofoldMr.Sadler,whowasreckonedbyall tobea learnedandabledivine, andheneverpreachedanyofthesenew-fangleddoctrines,butalwaysinsistedonmoralhonesty,and charity to the poor. His favorite text, which he often quoted, was,"What, Oman, does the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to lovemercy,and towalkhumblywith thyGod?" Ihaveoftenheardhimsay,thatifagoodlifewasnotthewaytoheaven,heknewnotwhatwas.Andastoourslipsanddefects,hesaidthatourMakerwasnotsosevereastomarkeveryfault,andthatChristwouldmakeupforallourdeficiencies.

COLP.Iamnotsurprisedtohearthesesentiments.Ibelievetheyareheldby many nominal Christians, and some reputable ministers know noothermethodofsalvation.Infact it isthesystemofnature.Everyman,without instruction, naturally adopts such opinions; but though I onceknew no better, and foolishly rested on my own good works when inreality I had none, yet now I am as well persuaded as I can be of anything,thatthisisafalseandsandyfoundation,andwhoeverbuildsuponitwillexperienceafataloverthrow.Thisschemegoesonthesuppositionthatmanisnotinafallen,ruinedstate;itsupposesalsothatGodwillnotbestrictinrequiringobediencetohisownlaw,butthatmenmayfailoftheirdutyinthemostessentialrespect,andneverserveGodatallfrompuremotives, and yet incurnopenalty.His threatening against all andevery transgression, according to these sentiments, is a mere emptysoundatwhichnobodyneedbealarmed,asthereisnodangerthatitwillever be executed,Besides, ifmenmaybe savedby their own imperfectworks,thewholeChristiansystemissuperfluous,andChristhasdiedinvain; for as to calling upon him to eke out the defects of our ownrighteousness, it is soderogatory to theSaviour that Iwonder that anyoneshoulddefend theopinion.The truth is, ifour imperfectworkscanbe,inanydegree,asafefoundationforourhopesofacceptancewithGod,theycanaccomplish thewholeworkaswell asapart.TheDeisthasasgoodareligionasthis;indeed,hehastheverysame:itisasystemwhichsupersedesallneecssityof themediatorialscheme,andderivesnohopenor comfort from the atonement and intercession of the Lord JesusChrist.Howeverwell satisfiedmenmayremainwhile theyrelyon theirown works, if ever their consciences are awakened and their mindsenlightened to apprehend their real condition under the law, everyvestigeofhopewillbesweptfromunderthem.Itisareligionwhichcanneverhealawoundedspirit,orgivesolidpeacetothesoultroubledwithadeep convictionof sin.Norwill it be likely to removeour fearswhendeathapproaches;andcertainlyatthejudgmentitwillbefoundutterlytofailallthosewhohavenobetterrighteousnessthantheirown.

AGEDMAN.YouseemtometoforgetthatGodismercifulaswellasjust,and that he has promised freely to pardon all our sins, provided wesincerely repent of them. His merit covers all our defects, and hisintercession recommends us unto God. You see that I do not exclude

Christ frommy religion, as you seem to suggest, but find an importantplacefortheblessedRedeemer,asthegroundofallmyhopesofpardon.

COLP.IamgratifiedtolearnthatyoumakesomuchoftheSaviour,andat last find somuchneedofhismerit; but these sentimentswhich youhavenowutterednevercanbemadetoharmonizewiththosewhichyouexpressedawhileago.If theformertheoryofsalvationbetrue,thereisnoroomforaMediator,noroomforhisexpiatorywork.Eitherthenyoumust renounce the expectation of being accepted on account of yourhonestanduprightlife;orifyoucleavetothisasthefoundationofyourhope,thenyouhavenoplacefortheSaviourandhisrighteousness.Thetwoplansareperfectly incompatible. "Ifbygrace, then it isnomoreofworks,otherwisegraceisnomoregrace.Butifitbeofworks,thenitisnomore of grace, otherwise work is no more work." The Scriptures,however, positively and repeatedly declare, that salvation is by grace,through faith, and that not of ourselves, but the gift of God. "Not byworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercyhesavedus,bythewashingofregeneration,andtherenewingoftheHolyGhost."

AGEDMAN.AsyouadmitthatGodismerciful,whymaynotIhopetobeacceptedaswellasyou?Willhismercybeconfined,assometeach,toafew favorites,while all the rest ofmankind, dowhat they can,must bereprobated?Thatisadoctrinewhichmysoulabhors.IneverwillbelievethatGod is partial. I ampersuaded that he loves all his creatures, andnever createdanybody tobedamned.Hismercy is free to all, and thedoorofhopeisopentoall.

COLP.Myaged friend, I donothold anyof the opinionswhich you sostrongly disapprove, as you have expressed them. But I have oftenobserved,thatprecioustruth,byalittlemisrepresentation,maybemadeto appear exceeding odious and repulsive. I never in my life heard anopposer of the gospel give a fair and impartial statement of the truthwhich he endeavored to overthrow. And often truth is so intermingledwitherrorinthestatementswhichmenmakeoftheiropinions,thatitisvery difficult to oppose the one without seeming to reject the truthimplicatedwithit.This,Imustbepermittedtosay,isthecaseinregardtothesentimentsjustnowuttered.ButIhavefoundreligiouscontroversy

soveryunprofitable,thatIhaveresolvedasfaraspossibletoavoidit.Inallcases,however,Ifeelittobemydutytogivemyhumbletestimonyinfavorofplain,important,scripturaltruth.Therearemanydeepthingsinreligion which I do not pretend to explain, and some things in God'sdealingswithmenwhicharetomeinscrutable:Ileaveallsuchthingstowiserheads. I find thatmybestcourse is, tospeculatebut little,and toreceivewithhumilityandsimplicityofheartwhateverGodhasrevealed,whether I can explain it or not. Objections may be offered todemonstrated truths,whichnoman can answer.But dowe reject suchtruths on this account?By nomeans.We attribute the difficulty to theweaknessof thehumanunderstanding.There are things relating to thepurposes of God, the fall of man, the doctrine of atonement, andsupernatural grace, which are beyond my comprehension; but findingthings as incomprehensible and inexplicable inmy own nature, and inevery thing aroundme, I amprepared to expect profoundmysteries inreligion.Andwhen,onaccountofthese,menfindfaultandcavil,Ialwaysthinkof thewordsofPaul, "Nay,butOman,whoart thou thatrepliestagainstGod?Shallthethingformedsaytohimwhoformedit,whyhastthoumademethus?"Nothing,Iampersuaded, ismorerequisitetothestudy of divine truth than a humble, docile disposition. To enter thekingdomofheaven,wemustbeconverted,andbecomeaslittlechildren.There aremany truths which the proud, self-confident disputer of thisworldnevercanreceive.Theyarerepugnanttoallhisfeelings;andwhenthisisthefact,thevoiceofreasonandScriptureislost,andtheforceofargument is unfelt. I have long observed that the creed of many isdictatedby their feelings rather than their judgment. Ifanydoctrinebeadvancedwhichisrepugnanttotheirfeelings,theyinstantly,Iwasgoingto say instinctively, reject it without any impartial inquiry into itsauthorityandevidence.EventheplainandrepeateddeclarationsofGod'swordwillnotovercometheiroppositiontosuchtruths.

As, then, I do not mean to enter into any abstruse disquisitions oftheologicalpoints,forwhichindeedIamincompetent,IwillsimplystatethecleardoctrineofScriptureon twoessentialquestions.First,How issinful man to find acceptance with God? Secondly, How can man becleansedfromthepollutionofsin?Itseemstomethatananswertothesetwoquestionswillembraceallthatisessentialinreligion;for,asfarasI

cansee,thereareonlytwoobstaclesinthewayofanysinner'sgettingtoheaven.Thefirstis,thecondemnationunderwhichbynaturehelies;forwe are all by nature children of wrath, and the whole world is guiltybefore God. The second obstacle is man's corrupt nature, whichdisqualifieshimfortheenjoymentoftheholyhappinessofheaven.ThegreatobjectoftheholyScripturesistoteachsinfulmanawaybywhichthesetwograndobstaclesmayberemoved.Andwearetheretaughtoverand over again, and in almost every possible form, that no man canobtainjustificationorsalvationbythedeedsofthelaw,orbyanyworksofrighteousnesswhichhecanperform;butthatsalvationfrombeginningtoendisbygrace,that is,ofmerefavor,ontheground,notofourownmerit,butthemeritofChrist.Andasjustificationisthecommencementof salvation, the doctrine of justification by faith is the prominentdoctrineof theNewTestament;and it isevident that it isnot fromanymerit in theactof faithwhich is thegroundofacceptance,but it is theobjectwhichfaithapprehends,andonwhichitrelies,eventhemeritandperfectrighteousnessofJesusChrist.Anditmustneverbeforgotten,thatthe faith which justifies is never a dead, but always a living, operativefaith,which"worksbylove,andpurifiestheheart."

The second great hinderance to salvation, our depravity of nature, isremoved by regeneration and sanctification. This is a real, spiritualrenovation of man's corrupt nature, inculcated in Scripture by manystrikingmetaphors,anditsnecessityinsistedoninthemostdecisiveandperemptory manner: "Except a man be born again"—"Except ye beconverted"—"Exceptyerepent"—"WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord." The efficient agent in this change is the Holy Spirit; theinstrument,theword.ThesearetruthssoplainlytaughtintheScriptures,thatrespectingthemthereshouldbenodispute.

AGEDMAN.Whatyousaymaybeverytrue,forwhatIknow;butifso,therearefewthatwillbesaved.Thepeoplearoundhereknownothingofthe great change which you speak of, except a small number of weakenthusiasts, who are trying to be "righteous overmuch." Now, friend, Iwill change theconversation. Iam tooold to thinkofmakinganentirechange inmyway of living; and I am contented to takemy chance forfuture happiness with the majority of my neighbors: and so, good

morningtoyou,sir.

COLP.Beforeyougo,Ibegyoutohearonewordmorefromonewhohasnoothermotiveforaddressingyoubutlovetoyoursoul.Youhavehereacomfortable house and a good farm, which you have obtained by yourown industry. Suppose, now, that some friend should come to you andsay,"Ihavebeenexaminingtherecordeddeedwhichyoureceivedwhenyouboughtthisland,andIfindittobedefective;andtherearepersonsinterestedwhobegintosuspecttheexistenceofaflaw."Whatwouldyoudo?Wouldyousay,Iamtoooldtotroublemyselfaboutthismatter;Iwilltakemychancewithmanyotherswhose titles to their landsmaybeasdefective asmine?No, sir; youwould not sleep until you had carefullyexaminedyourdeed,andnottrustingtoyourownjudgment,youwouldconsult some one learned in the law, andwould not rest until the flawwas rectified, andeverygroundof suspicionof the validityof your titleremoved.Thiswouldbeactinglikeareasonableman,who,whenhehada great interest at stake, would not be reluctant to give himself sometroubletohaveeverythingmadesafe.

Butisyourfarmofmorevaluetoyouthanyoursoul?Wouldthelossofyourfarmbegreaterandmoreirreparablethanthelossofyoursoulforever?TheSavioursaid,"Whatshall itprofitaman ifhegain thewholeworldandlosehisownsoul?orwhatshallamangiveinexchangeforhissoul?"Now,mydearsir,Idonotaskyoutoadoptmysentiments.Iwishyouhonestlyandearnestlytoexamineforyourself.Youragefurnishesanargument in favor of an immediate attention to this concern, for tworeasons: first, because you cannot expect in the course of nature toremainlonghere;therefore,whateverisdonemustbedonequickly.Theyoungandrobustmayhopeforalifeofmanyyearstocome,butyouarecertainlynearyourjourney'send.Andanotherreasonis,thatthelossofthe soul to an agedman is greater andmore terrible than to a youngperson,becausehehascommittedsomanymoresins,andlivedsomuchlonger in impenitence and the rejection of the gospel. If your state isgood, it cannot hurt you to examine into it, but must afford greatconsolation in thenearprospect ofdeath;but if it shouldbe found,onimpartialexamination,nottobesafe, itwouldbeofinfiniteimportancetoknowitbeforethedayofgraceispast.Suchadiscoverywould,indeed,

give you some pain and anxiety, but thiswould be salutary, andmightlead to an application toChrist, the Saviour of lost sinners, for pardonandgrace.

Doconsider, friend, Ibeseechyou,whether itwouldbewise foryou tosuffernowthepangsofconvictionof sinandof thenewbirth,or tobetormentedinhellforever.Nowistheacceptedtime,andnowisthedayofsalvation.Thedoorofmercy is stillopen.Thegracious invitationsofthe gospel are still addressed to you. God commandeth all meneverywhere to repent, and says," Except ye repent, ye shall all likewiseperish."Christsays,"Yewillnotcomeuntome,thatyoumayhavelife.""Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntomeanddrink."Thoughyouarefaradvanced inyears, itmaynotbe too late.The laborers thatentered thevineyard at the eleventh hour were employed, and received the samereward as the others.Turnnot your thoughts away from this subject, Ientreatyou.Letnottheexampleofyourcarelessneighborsinfluenceyoutoneglectyoursalvation.They,foraughtyouknow,mayexperiencetruereligionwhenyourheadislaidundertheclodsofthevalley.Lettherebenodelayinattendingtothisgreatconcern.

AGEDMAN. Iown thatwhatyousay is reasonable, and Ibegin to feelthatIhavetoolongneglectedtoattendtoreligion;butifIshouldwishtobecomereligious,Iknownotwheretobegin.

COLP.Ihope,sir,youhaveaBible.Thisistheguide-booktoheaven.

AGEDMAN.ImustconfessthatIhavenot.WhenIbeganhousekeepingmywifebroughtaBiblewithher,but thechildrenused itasareading-bookatschool,anditgotusedup.

COLP.Here,sir,isaBiblewhichyoucanhaveataverycheaprate;andherearesomeothersmallbooksandtracts,whichhavebeenthemeansof guiding many inquiring souls in the way of life. "Alleine's Alarm,""Baxter's Call," and "Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in theSoul."Andhereforafewcentsyoumayhave"James'AnxiousInquirer."Andherearesometractswellsuitedtoyourcase.Iwillleavethesebookswith you, and as I expect in a few weeks to return this way, if afterperusingthemyoushouldnotwishtoretainthem,Iwilltakethemback

again.

AGEDMAN.What you propose is reasonable; but at all events ImusthavetheBible.Iamashamednottohaveoneinthehouse.ButIwishtoaskyouonequestion.Doyougetanyprofitfromthesaleofthesebooks,ordotheSocietywhopublishthemmakeanythingbythem?

COLP.Ihavenoprofitwhateveronthesaleofthesebooks.Ireceivesomuchayear formyservices,andthat isall, thoughIcouldmakemuchmoreatmytrade,butIhaveadesiretobeusefultomyfellow-creatures.AndtheAmericanTractSocietydonotmakeacentbytheirmillionsofpublications.Theiragentsandsecretaries,whodevotetheirwholetimetothework,receiveabaresupport;andthebooksaresoldatwhattheycost,andthousandsaregivenawayeveryyear.

THECOLPORTEURANDROMAN-CATHOLIC

DIALOGUEI

COLPORTEUR.CanI sell youaBibleorTestament thismorning? theyareverycheap.

ROMAN-CATHOLIC. We do not approve of your Bibles. They are notcorrect;andourpriestswarnusagainstthem.

COLP.Dotheyfurnishyouwithsuchasarecorrect?HaveyouaBibleinthehouse?

ROM.NO;ourpriestsaysthecommonpeoplehavenoneedoftheBible;theydonotknowhowtointerpretit;andreadingitwoulddothemmoreharmthangood.Hesaysthatwhateverisnecessaryhewillteachus;andifwebelieveasthechurchbelievesitisenough.

COLP.Butmaynotapriestbeabadman?Isitnotpossiblethathemaynotknowthetruth,andthereforecannotleadyouintherightway?Isitwisetoventureyoursalvationuponthefidelityofafallibleman?

ROM.Thethingwhichyousupposeispossible;priestsarebutmen,andsomeofthemfrailmen;butwecandonobetterthancommitoursoulstotheir keeping. If we should offend them they might refuse to give usabsolution.

COLP.WeneverreadthatChristorhisapostleseverforbadethepeopletoreadtheScriptures;onthecontrary,theyexhortedmentosearchtheScriptures,andblamedthemfornotknowingwhatwaswritteninthem."All Scripture" is said to be "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness,thatthemanofGodmaybeperfect, thoroughly furnishedunto all goodworks." The law, under theolddispensation,wasreadinthehearingofallthepeopleeveryseventhyear; and in the synagogues the law and the prophets were read every

Sabbath-day. Timothy is said to have known the Scriptures from hischildhood, and the Bible contains instructions and exhortationsaddressed to all sorts of men. If the priest should be ignorant, ornegligent, thepeoplemustperish for lackof knowledge, if theyarenotpermitted to read the Scriptures. You speak of absolution. You do notreallybelieve thatanysinfulmanhaspower to forgivesin.The thing isincredible. Man can only declare the terms on which God will grantforgiveness;buthecannottellwhenthoseconditionsarecompliedwith.Suppose a man to confess his sins to the priest in hypocrisy, stillregardinginiquityinhisheart,canthepriestforgivehim?certainlynot.Hecanonlypronouncethetruepenitentforgiven.Thepriest'sabsolutionofanimpenitentsinnercannotavail.But,friend,youhavenowarrivedatmature age, and have from your infancy been under the instruction ofyourpriests,dotellmewhatyouhavelearnedaboutthewayofsalvation?HowshallasinfulmanobtainthefavorofGod;andwhatisnecessarytopreparehimforheaven?

ROM.Why,sir,wemustleadagoodlife,andwhenwecommitsin—andwhat man is there that sinneth not?—wemust confess our sins to thepriestandobtainabsolution,andthensubmittothepenanceswhichhelaysuponus;andastopreparationforheaven,wemustmakesatisfactionforourvenialoffenceswhilewelive;orifthatisnotdone,wemustsufferthefiresofpurgatoryuntilwearepreparedforheaven.Besides,whenweareneartodeath,wehaveasacramentintendedfortheexpresspurposeofpreparingthesoulfordeath.Thissacramentiscalledextremeunction,andconsistsinanointingthesickwithconsecratedoil,bywhichgraceiscommunicatedtothedepartingsoul.ThusyouseeourreligioncontainsallthatisneedfultogainthefavorofGodandpreparationforheaven.

COLP.Now,myfriend,benotoffendedatmyplainness,whenItellyouthatthisisnotthereligionoftheBible.IfyourpriesthastaughtyouthissystemasthewayofsalvationrevealedintheBible,hehasdeceivedyou;andasyoursalvationisatstake,youought,liketheBereans,toexaminefor yourself, "whether these things are so." Acts 17:11. The religioninculcatedintheBibleisessentiallydifferentfromthis.Itisamethodofsavingsinnersbygrace,withoutthemeritofgoodworks.Pardonisfreelygrantedtoeverypenitentbeliever,only for thesakeof theobedienceof

Christuntodeath.Hisbloodistheonlysacrificewhichatonesforsin.Wenever read in the New Testament of sinners being directed to makesatisfactionfortheirownsins.Justificationisdeclaredtobebyfaith,andnot by the works of the law; so that God is said to justify, not therighteous,buttheungodlywhobelievethinJesus.Ourworksandmerithave no part in the business. Indeed, the sinner is justified before hebegins to perform anyworks that are truly good; and even these couldnever be the ground of justification, because they are all imperfect. Iknow that yourDouayBiblehas thephrasedopenance—unless youdopenance—butunlessbypenanceyouunderstandsincererepentance,thetranslationisevidentlywrong,aseveryscholarmustconfess.WhereinalltheNewTestamentdoyoufindanysuchthingcommanded,oreveroncespoken of, as is now called penance? But as to repentance, the bestpreachers in your church allow, that repentance of the heart is theessence of all true penance. And the Scriptures speak of nothing else,excepttheevidencewhichwemustgiveofoursincerity,namely,"worksmeetforrepentance."

Andthis leadsme toremark, thataccording to the teachingof theNewTestament, a thorough changeofheart isnecessary toour entering thekingdomofheaven.Yourpriest,nodoubt,hastaughtyouthatyouwereregenerated in infant baptism, and that no other conversion is needed.ButintheBiblethereisnosuchdoctrine.Ifallwhohavereceivedinfantbaptism were truly regenerated, they would show the evidence of thechangeintheirconductandconversation.Theywouldleadholylives.Butinmanysuchpersonsweseenosuch thing.Theygivenoevidenceofaholy nature. But "without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Youroutward ceremonies, and sacraments as you call them, cannot prepareyou for heaven.The Jews gloried in their circumcision; but the apostlePaul in many places teaches, that this and other ceremonies profitednothing."Neithercircumcisionnoruncircumcisionavailethanythingbutfaithwhichworkethbylove—thenewcreature."Truereligionisspiritual,hasitsseatintheheart,anddoesnotconsistinmeatsordrinks,thatis,in outward ceremonies, but in righteousness and peace and joy in theHolyGhost.WhatPaulsaysabouttherealJewisequallytrueinregardtotheChristian,fortruereligionhaseverbeenthesame.Hesays,"Heisnota Jew,who is one outwardly," that is, only by complyingwith external

ceremonies; "buthe is a Jew,who is one inwardly; and circumcision isthatoftheheart,andnotoftheletter;whosepraiseisnotofmen,butofGod."

And as to purgatory, it is entirely a human invention.There is not onewordinthewholeBiblethatmakestheleastmentionofanysuchplace.Besides, the whole doctrine of making satisfaction for our own sins isunscriptural,andishighlyderogatorytothesacrificeofChrist,asthoughthatwasinsufficient.Thisdoctrinetoohasintroducedthemostshamefulabuses,throughthecunningandavariceofthepriests,whohavefoundittobeagold-mine,certainlyamostsuccessfuldevicefordrawingmoneyfromthepeople,byworkingontheirtenderfeelingsofcompassion.AskyourpriesttoputhisfingeronasingletextintheBiblewhichspeaksofpurgatory,andifIcannotshowthatitismisinterpretedIwillgiveupthepoint.

And again, you say that by the sacrament of "extremeunction," as youcallit,thedyingarepreparedfortheirchange.Butifthedyingpersonbeimpenitent, will anointing him with oil save him? But the Scripturesspeaks of no such sacrament. The custom of anointing with oil wasanciently a very common remedy in sickness; and when the discipleswere sent forth to heal the sick, theywere commanded by the Lord toanointthemwithoil,asasignofhealing.AndJamesdirectsthesicktosendfortheeldersofthechurch,whoshouldprayoverthem,anointingthemwithoilinthenameoftheLord.Butthisceremonyorremedywasnot used to prepare the dying for death; it was used to preserve themfromdeath,bythemiraculoushealingpowerwhichattendedit.

And here I think we have the true reason why the priests do notencourage the people to read the Bible. It is, that they fear lest theyshoulddiscoverthatthereligionwhichtheyteachisnottakenfromtheBible.Andifyougototradition,youwillfindnothinglikeaprohibitionofreadingtheholyScripturesinallthewritingsoftheChristianfathersformanycenturies. Itwasalways theundisputedprivilegeofmen,women,andchildren,ofeveryrank,whocouldread,toreadthesacredScriptures.Nay,itwasalwaysconsideredanincumbentduty,whichnoChristianwasatlibertytoneglect.Imustthink,therefore,thatintakingawaytheholyScripturesfromthepeople,thepriestsareguiltyofanenormouscrime.

They have taken away the key of knowledge. They have shut up thefountainoflife,whichGodhadopenedforallmankind.ThereisnothinginthewholeRomishsystemwhichstrikesmeasmoreimpious,ormoreunreasonable.Thissingle thing isenoughtoconvinceanyunprejudicedmanthattheirreligionisnottrueChristianity: if itwere,theywouldbeglad to appeal to the Bible for proof of all their doctrines and all theirpractices;whereas, ifapersonacquaintedwiththeScripturesshouldbebrought into a Romish chapel, and should carefully attend to all theceremonies incelebratingmass,hewouldbereadytothinkthathehadbeenintroducedintoaheathentemple,ratherthanaChristianchurch.

ROM.Youhaveyourwayof thinking,andIhavemine,andwearenotlikelytoconvinceoneanother.Weliveinafreecountry,whereeverymanhasanequalrightwithotherstoformhisownopinions,andbeofwhatreligionhepleases.Yet,thoughIbelievefirmlyintheoldmotherchurch,asbeingtheonlytruechurch,andtheonlysafewaytoheaven,yetImustconfessInevercouldseethereasonwhytheScripturesarekeptfromus.

DIALOGUEII

ROM.Idonotlikeanyofyournoveltiesinreligion.Iamforfollowingthegood oldway. Yours is a new religion, only about three hundred yearsold; but ours ismore than eighteen hundred years old.Ours has comedown in a right line from Christ and his apostles; yours began withLutherandCalvin.

COLP.Didyouneverhear,friend,thatPaulpredictedthattherewouldbea great falling away before the end of the world? Suppose now thatapostasy tohave takenplace;andsuppose somepiousmen,by readingtheScriptures, tohavediscovered that the churchwasbecomecorrupt,andshouldendeavor tobring thepeopleback to thereligion inculcatedbyChristandhisapostles;whichoughttobecalledthegoodoldway,theerrors and corruptions of an apostate church, or the doctrines andworshipoftheNewTestamentrestored?Certainlythelatter.Nowthisisprecisely the case. Your church has evidently departed from theScriptures;andweareendeavoringtobringthepeoplebackto thetruereligion, which by degrees was forsaken by the whole Roman-catholicchurch.Poperythenisthenovelty,andProtestantismtheoldreligionof

theBible.Ihavehereabookwiththisverytitle,"PoperyaNovelty;"andthe thing is proved by undoubted testimonies, that a large part of theRomishreligionhassprunguplongsincethetimesoftheapostles.

ROM.InevercanbelievethatChristwouldleavehischurchtoapostatize;forhehaspromisedthatthe"gatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit."

COLP. Certainly the church of God will never become extinct. If itbecomescorrupt,itwillbereformedandrestoredtoitsprimitivepurity;andGodisaccomplishingsomethingofthiskindnow.HehasputitintotheheartsofmanytosearchtheScriptures;andtheyhavefoundthattheRomish church, and also the Oriental churches, have become verydegenerate. Still, there has been a seed to serve Him. In the midst ofcorruption, a few faithful souls have been found who have testifiedagainst the errors and sins of the times. And in sequestered valleys apeople have lived who continued to profess the true doctrines ofChristianity. These have been long and cruelly persecuted, but notexterminated. These held the same doctrines as the Reformers whomGodraisedupintheselatterages.TheJewishchurchfellawaytoidolatryin the time of Elijah, so that he thought that he alone was left of theworshippersofthetrueGod;butGodinformedhimthattherewereseventhousandwhohadnotbowedthekneetoBaal.

A similar defection took place in the time of Manasseh and Amon; inwhichtimetheScriptureswereunknownamongthepeople,aswelearnfromthefact,thatthebookofMoseswasfoundamongtherubbish,andthepiousyoungkingJosiah,whenhehearditread,renthisclothes,andexpressed the utmost grief, because the prescriptions of the divine lawhadnotbeenobeyedforalongtime.Asitwasthen,soitisnowwiththeRomishchurch.TheScriptures, thoughnot lost,arekeptbackfromthepeoplebytheirpriestsandprelates.Theyarekeptinignorance,andhaveno opportunity of judging whether what their friends teach them isagreeabletoScriptureornot.Nowcertainlythisisnotasafeconditiontorestin.

But my object in seeking this conversation was not to enter into anydispute,buttohaveaseriousdiscourseaboutvitalpiety.Ifyourreligionisright,itbringsthosewhoreceiveittoloveGodsupremely,andtolove

their fellow-men. The question then which I would propose for yourconsideration is a personal one. It is simply the question which ourSaviour, after his resurrection, propounded to Peter, "Simon, son ofJonas,lovestthoume?"Iputittoyourconscience,doyoufeelasincerelovetotheLordJesusChrist?

ROM.TobesureIdo.Doyoutakemeforaheathenorareprobate,thatyouaskme,aChristianman,suchaquestion?

COLP.Imeannooffence.Butamereprofessionof lovewith the lips iseasilymade.Christsaidofsomethathadahighopinionofthemselves,"Iknowyou,thatyouhavenottheloveofGodinyou."Andhealsosaidtohisdisciples,"Ifyeloveme,keepmycommandments.""Hethathathmycommandmentsandkeepeththem,heitisthatlovethme."Doyouthenobey from the heart all the commandments of God? One of thesecommandmentsis,"Thoushaltnotmakeuntotheeanygravenimage,oranylikenessofanythingthatisinheavenabove,orintheearthbeneath,or inthewatersundertheearth;thoushaltnotbowdowntothem,norservethem."Now,itisanotoriousfact,thatinallyourchurchesyouhaveimages,andthatyoubowdowntothemandworshipthem.

ROM.Ihavethetencommandmentsinmycatechismathome,butthereisno command forbiddingus toworship images.YouProtestantsmusthaveinventedthistoimposeontheignorant.

COLP.Hereisaplainevidenceofthecraftanddishonestyofyourpriests.TheyhaveleftoutalmostthewholeofthesecondcommandmentoftheDecalogue,andhavemadeonecommandmentoutof the first two;andthat theymightmake out the number ten, they have divided the tenthintotwo.

ROM.Inevercanbelievethatanyofourpriestswouldchangethewordof God, or leave out any of the commandments of God. If you couldconvincemeofthetruthofwhatyousay,itwouldgofurthertoshakemyfaith in their honesty than all that you have yet said. But it cannot be.Here is a catechismwhichhas the ten commandments, and there isnoprohibitionofworshippingimages.Thefirstis,"Thoushaltnothaveanyothergodsbeforeme."Andthesecondcommandmentis,"Thoushaltnot

takethenameoftheLordthyGodinvain,fortheLordwillnotholdhimguiltlessthattakethhisnameinvain."Iwonderattheeffronteryofmen,thatinthefaceofdaywillmakesoheinousachargeagainstourpriests.Theycertainlybreak thecommandment that says, "Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbor."

COLP.Iadmitthatthechargeisagrievousone,andifitisnottrue,Iwillconsent to be considered a false accuser. You admit that the DouaytranslationoftheBibleiscorrect;itwasmadebyRomishpriests,andistheversioninuseamongyou,asfarasyouhavelibertytoreadtheBible.Then, friend, I have a copy in my leather bag, and you shall read foryourself, and compare what is there written with the commandmentswhichyouhaveinyourmanual;forthoughtheyhaveomittedthesecondcommandment in the catechisms andmanuals, which are put into thehandsof thepeople, theyhavenothadthe impiousaudacity tostrike itoutoftheBible.

ROM. [Reads the commandments out of the Douay Bible.] This, Iconfess,surprisesmenotalittle.ThisisathingIneverheardofbefore.Imustgetmyconfessor toexplainhowthiscomes.Surely theremustbesomegoodreasonforthis,oritwouldneverhavebeendone.

COLP.Mydearsir,thethingadmitsofnoexplanation,andneedsnone.You see with your own eyes that one of the commandments has beenomitted,orsomutilated,thatyouneverknewtillthismomentthatGodhadgivensuchacommandment,andthisfurnishesthestrongestreasonwhythepeopleshouldhave theBible in theirownhands,andnot trustimplicitlytothepriest.Anditshowsclearlyenoughwhythepriestsaresoreluctant to let the people have the Bible to read. It is a fear lest theyshouldseethecontrastbetweentheRomishreligionandthatoftheBible.RememberthewordsofourSaviour,"Hethatbreakethoneoftheleastofthese commandments and teachethmen so, shall be called least in thekingdomofheaven."

ButwhatIwish,asIsaid, isnottodispute,buttocometothevitalsofreligion.Amanmayprofessthetruereligion,andyethavenoexperienceof its vital power. The essence of all true piety is in the affections andpurposesoftheheart.Godlookethontheheart,whilemancanonlylook

on the outward appearance. You and I must soon stand before thejudgment-seatofChrist;andifwearethenfoundtohavebuiltourhopesona false foundation, itwillbetoo late toremedytheevil.OurSaviourexpresslyandsolemnlydeclares,"Exceptamanbebornagain,hecannotseethekingdomofheaven."Letmeaskyou,friend,haveyougoodreasonto think that you have ever been truly converted? You talk of yourpenances,andofthepriest'sabsolution,butbelieveme,nohumanpriestever had power on earth to forgive sins; and be assured, that withoutrepentance towardsGod, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, youmustperish. "He that believeth not is condemned already, and the wrath ofGodabidethonhim."

ROM.Youpreachverywell,butIamnotgoingtoforsakemotherchurch,andMarythemotherofGod,andallthesaints,fortheheresyofLuther,Zuingle,andsuchlike.

COLP.IdonotwishyoutohaveanythingtodowithLutherandCalvin:whatIbringbeforeyouisnottakenfromthem,norfromanyotherman;itisfromtheholyScriptures—fromthewordsofChristhimself,andfromPaulandtheotherapostles.Theyallagreeinthis,that"withoutholinessno man shall see the Lord;" and this holiness does not belong to ournature, forweare"bynature,childrenofwrath,"and"deadinsin."WemustcometoChristbyfaith,thatwemayhavelife.AndastotheVirginMary,Iadmitthatshewasablessedsaint;butnomerecreatureshouldbe worshipped. Showme one text of Scripture which commands us toworshipheroranyothersaintorangel,andIwilljoinyourchurch;butthereisnonesuch.Almostallyourreligionistheinventionofmen—merewill-worship. Even your adoration of the cross, andmaking the sign ofthe cross so often, is superstitious. There is not oneword in theBible,frombeginningtoend,whichgivestheleastencouragementtoanysuchthing.Your religious ceremonieswere for themostpartborrowed fromthePagans,assomewritershaveclearlydemonstrated.

DIALOGUEIII

ROM.Well, friend, Iseeyouarestill travellingaboutwithyourpackofbooks.IhavebeenthinkingmuchaboutourlastconversationrespectingtheloveofChrist,andwhatyoucallthenewbirth,andhavecometothe

conclusion that the religion of Protestants is mere enthusiasm. Whowouldgiveanycredittoamanwhoshouldprofesstohaveexperiencedaneworheavenlybirth?The thing is foolishandabsurd, and this showshow dangerous it is to leave every one to interpret the Scriptures forhimself. Ignorant and conceited people catch up certain words ofScripturebythemeresound,andputameaninguponthemwhichtheywereneverintendedtobearbytheinspiredwriter.

COLP.Thenyoudonotbelieveanychangeofheartnecessarytofitamantoenterintothekingdomofheaven.Ithoughtyourauthorsdidholdthatthesinfulheartmustberenewedbeforeitcangotoheaven,butinsistedthatallwhowereproperlybaptizedwereregenerated,orreceivedgraceatthemomentoftheirinfantbaptism.Thisyoubeforeacknowledged.Andwhat is theremore foolish or absurd in supposing the Spirit ofGod torenew the soul of an adult under the preaching of the word, than theregenerationofachildbyinfantbaptism?IftheSpiritofGodoperatesatallon themindsofmen in these latterdays, there isno reasonwhyhemay not operate on the minds of poor lost sinners, to bring them torepentance.Ifitwerenotso,therewouldbenohopeofsalvationforanysinner;forevenifthepriestcouldgivehimabsolution,asyouthink,anunholysoulnevercouldbereceived intoheaven;and ifadmitted there,nevercouldenjoytheholypleasuresoftheplace.Verilytheremustbeanewbirth,bywhichismeantnothingelsebutasincereconversion,oratrue repentance,bywhicha sinnerobtainsnewviews, experiencesnewaffections, forms new purposes, enjoys new hopes and pleasures, andimmediatelybeginstoliveanewlife.Andasyouacknowledgethatmanyof your people lead a profane andwicked life, these, even if theywereregeneratedintheirbaptism,havelostthegracethenreceived,andneedto be renewed again to repentance. You recollect that in a formerconversation,yousaid that the reasonwhyallbaptizedpersonsdidnotgiveevidenceofa renewedheartwas, that they throughnegligenceandsin lost the grace then received; and if they needed regeneration ininfancy,whentheyhadnosinbutoriginalsintoberemoved,howmuchmore do they need renovation now, when they have added to theiroriginal sin somany actual transgressions, andhave formed evil habitsanddispositionsofthemostinveteratekind?Astoenthusiasm,Iamnofriend to it. But you have no right to charge it upon Protestants, and

especiallyforprofessingachangeofheart,whichyoucannotdenytobenecessary.

But if you are disposed to cavil, I think we had better close theconversation and say no more. My earnest wish has been to quitdisputing, and to converse about the vital parts of true religion; andtherefore I proposed the subject of the love of God, concerning whichthere can be no dispute, as allmust allow that this is necessary; and Iasked you what you believed to be the evidence that a man did loveChrist,andwhetheryoupossessedsuchevidence.Butyouseemunwillingtocometothepoint;andIhavenorighttocompelyoutoanswer.But,mydear sir, it is yourownconcern.Your eternal interests are at stake,and time is fast rolling away. Soon, both you and Imust appear at thejudgment-seat of Christ, to answer for the deeds done in the body,whether they have been good or bad. And I am persuaded that noabsolutionbyapriestwillavailanythingtotheimpenitentsinneronthatday.WhetherhebecalledPapistorProtestantwillthenbeofnoaccount;but thepointofgreat,yea,of infinite importancewillbe,whetherhe isrobedinthejustifyingrighteousnessofJesusChrist,andwhetherhehasbecomeanewcreature,andhasexercisedthatfaithwhichworksbyloveandpurifiestheheart.

AsImaypossiblynotseeyouagain,Isolemnlywarnyouof thedangerwhich, inmy opinion, hangs over you; for though it is notmyplace tojudgeanyman,yetwhenwethinkafellow-creatureisexposedtomisery,charity requires that we should warn them, whether they will hear orforbear. I cannot be uncharitable in supposing that you are anunconvertedman, as you do not profess to have experienced any suchchange,and,indeed,donotbelieveinitsreality.ButasIfeelareallovefor your soul, I would affectionately entreat you to look well into thismatter,anddonottrustsoimplicitlytotheteachingofyourpriests.Theymaymisleadyoutoyourruin.ChristsaidofthescribesandPharisees,"Invaindo theyworshipme, teaching for doctrines the commandments ofmen."Do,friend,takethisNewTestamentandcompareitwithyourown,andyouwillfindthattheyagreeinallimportantpoints.Youwillfindthatachangeofheartisnoenthusiasticnotion,butclearlytaughtinyourownBible.

ROM.Youaremistaken,sir,insupposingIpossessaTestament.IwishIhadonewhichourpriestwillapprove.

COLP.Iamsorrytopartwithyou;butdotakethisbook.Youneedsaynothingaboutittothepriest,lesthetakeitfromyouandburnit.Butlesthe should extort the secret fromyou at confession, I only lend you thebooktillIcomeagain.AndmayGodblessthereadingofittoyoursoul.

DIALOGUEIV

COLP.Well,friend,haveyoureadanyintheBiblewhichIleftwithyouwhen I was last here, andwill you letme knowwhat you think of thebook?

ROM.Tobesure,weallagreethattheBibleisagoodbook—thebestofallbooks,andwasgivenbyinspirationofGod.NogoodCatholicdisputesthat;andImustconfessthatIhavetakenmuchinterestinreadingmanythingsbothintheOldandNewTestaments.

COLP.What right then has the priest to deprive you of the benefit ofreading thewordofGod,whichSt.Paul says "isable tomakeyouwiseuntosalvation,throughfaiththatisinChristJesus?"AndfromthissamepassagewelearnthatchildrenwereallowedinoldtimestoreadtheholyScriptures, for theapostlesays, "fromachild thouhastknowntheholyScriptures."AndinalltheBible,fromGenesistoRevelation,thereisnotoneword forbiddingordiscouraginganyone fromreading thewordofGod,butfrequentexhortationsto"searchtheScriptures;"andtheerrorsof some are attributed to their ignorance of the Scriptures. Of all theerrors ofRomanism, this practical one of denying theScriptures to thepeople is the most unreasonable and the most injurious. In this freecountry, Iwonder that anymanwho has the spirit of independence inhimcansubmittosuchtyranny,attendedwitheffectssodisastrous.Thatmust be a fearful superstition which binds a man's conscience torelinquishsuchaprivilege,whenhisownjudgmentisconvincedthatthethingisrightandgood.

ROM.Youhavenowtoucheduponthekeywhichwillexplainwhatatfirstsightseemstobeaparadox.Thetruthis,thatwemustnotbegoverned

by our own private judgment, but by the decisions of the church. Noscripture is of private interpretation. No man has a right to judge forhimselfinmattersofreligion.AndhereisthetruegroundwhytheBibleisnotputintothehandsofthepeople.Theyarenotcompetenttojudgeof its doctrines and precepts, and their reading the Scriptures canthereforebeofnousetothecommonpeople,andmightfilltheirmindswith notions contrary to the established doctrines of the church. Seeamong Protestants the sad effects of leaving people to form their ownopinions from reading the Scriptures. You are cut up into innumerablesectsandparties,allprofessingtotaketheirtenetsfromtheBible.

COLP.Iseehowthematterstands.Youareunderanintolerableyokeofslavery;fornoslaveryonearthissodreadfulasthatwhichbindsfasttheunderstanding and conscience of men.Why did our Creator endow uswithrationalminds,ifwearenotpermittedtoexercisetheminsearchingforandjudgingoftruth?Andhowdeplorabletheconditionofthosewhoare secretly convinced that certain things would be both right andbeneficial, but dare not follow the dictates of their own reason andconscience, because a set of domineering priests have undertaken tojudgeforthem.ThisisabondagetowhichInevercouldsubmit.Ineverwill pin my faith to another man's sleeve. Suppose he is mistaken ordesignedlymisleadsyou,willhebeanswerableforthelossofyoursoul,or for the injury which your spiritual interestsmay sustain?No; everyman must bear his own burden. Every man must account for theimprovementofhisowntalentsandopportunitiesofknowingthetruth.Christ addressed himself to the understandings and consciences of thepeople,andcalleduponthemtojudgeofthetruthofwhathesaid.PauladdressedtheCorinthiansasrationalmen,saying,"Ispeakasuntowisemen, judgeyewhatIsay."Uponthisprinciple it isperfectlyuseless forme to endeavor to convince you of the truth; for if you should see thetrutheversoclearly,youdarenotprofessit,oractinaccordancewithit.Youmustbelievewhatthechurchtellsyoutobelieve,howeverabsurdorimpossible the thingmay be; and you can only knowwhat the churchrequiresyoutobelievefromthepriest.Andifheshouldhappentobeanignorantorhypocriticalman,youwillofcoursebeledastray,perhapstoyour eternal undoing. It would be just as reasonable to shut your owneyes,andblindlyfollowtheleadofothers,whenyouhavetherightand

theabilitytoseeandchooseyourownpath.AndtheonlytextthatcanbeadducedwhichhasthesemblanceofprovingthatallmenmaynotreadtheScriptures,istheonereferredtobyyou,that"noprophecyisofanyprivate interpretation." But this text is, in my opinion, altogetherperverted when thus applied. I am confident that that is not its truemeaning.Itimpliesnothingcontrarytotherightofprivatejudgmentorinterpretation;butwarnseveryonenot topervert anobscureprophecybyinterpretingitaccordingtohisownpleasureorfancy,contrarytothedesignofGodinutteringit.Theprophecy,wearetoldinthenextverse,was spokenby "holymen, as theyweremovedby theHolyGhost" andGodwillfulfilit,notaccordingtoourfalseglosses,butinitsrealimport.Whatcouldbemoreabsurdthanfortheapostlestoaddresslongepistlestothepeople, if theywerenotallowedto judgeof themeaningof thoseepistles?Iamsureyoumustadmitthatyouareabusedbyyourspiritualguides,anddeprivedofmostimportantrightsandprivileges.

But,myfriend,Ihavenodesiretodisputewithyou,oranyotherman.Iamnotfondofcontroversy.Itseldomdoesanygood,andoftenincreasestheprejudicesofthosewhomwewishtoconvince.AllIaimatinwhatIhavesaid is,whatyouwillacknowledge tobe right,namely, togive thesubjectafairexamination;andIdonotseehowyoucandothis,withouttheScripturesasyourguide;forifyouareinclinedtogiveimplicitcredittoeverythingyourpriesttellsyou,thenthereisanendofallinquiry.Butifyouwishtobesurethatwhatheteachesyouisright,orifnot,thatyoumayknowinwhatheerrs,thenyoumustrefertotheBible,asyoubelievethattobethewordofGod.

One thing, the importanceofwhichyoucannotdeny, Iwouldearnestlyrequest of you, which is, that you accompany your examination withearnestprayer fordivinedirection. Ihave theopinion thatnoone eversincerelysoughtdivinedirectionwhowasnotdirectedessentiallyintherightway.Indeed,itisadivinepromise,"Seek,andyeshallfind.""Ifanymanlackwisdom,lethimaskofGod,whogivethtoallmenliberallyandupbraidethnot,anditshallbegivenhim."Andseeknotmerelytohaveyourunderstandingconvinced,butpraythatthetruthmay,bythepowerof theSpirit,have itsdueeffectonyourheart. I should think ita smallmatter to be able to persuade you to become a Protestant; my heart's

desire is that you become a true Christian, whether you become aProtestantornot.Ifyourheartistrulyrenewed,andyourfaithfixedontheblessedRedeemer,whomyourcreedholdstobebothGodandmaninoneperson—ifyourtrustforsalvationshallbeinhisatoningsacrificeandprevalent intercession, I shall be satisfied.My chief aim is to bringmyfellow-sinners to thatSaviour inwhomI trust Ihave foundredemptionformyownsoul.IwouldratherbyfarseeyouanhumbleChristianintheCatholicchurchthanazealousProtestantofanydenomination,withoutgivingevidenceofbeingactuatedbytheSpiritofChrist;for"ifanymanhavenottheSpiritofChrist,"saysPaul,"heisnoneofhis."Iamfarfromthinking that all Protestants are in a safe state, or that all Roman-catholics will be lost. I believe that every one, of whatever nation orreligious denomination, who truly repents of his sins, and sincerelybelievesinChrist,willbesaved;andthatallwhoaredestituteofcordialfaithandrepentancemustbelost.

ThepointthenwhichaboveallothersIwishtopressuponyourattentionis, the religion of the heart, a saving interest in the blessings of thecovenantofgrace.IfyourheartberightinthesightofGod,thenyouwillbe led in the right way in your external conduct. Without vital piety,consisting in supreme love toGod and love to ourneighbor, itmatterslittlewhatprofessionwemake,orinwhatconnectionwestand.Mydearfellow-sinner, I exhortandbeseechyou,by the loveofGod,andby thetender compassions of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you turn not awayfromtheconsiderationofthissubject.Lookbackonyourpastlife,fromyour infancy up to this day, and consider how many sins you havecommitted.Deceivenotyourself, Ientreatyou,withthenotionthat thepriesthasforgiventhem.No,no;hehasnosuchpower.Ifyouhavenotsincerely repented of them all, and beenwashed in the blood of Jesus,appliedbyfaith,theguiltofallthesesinsliesheavyonyoursoul.Listenthen to theword of friendly exhortation. Look not untoman, but untoGodforpardon.Heisableandwilling"totakeawayall iniquity,andtoreceiveyougraciously," ifyouwillcomeuntohiminthenewandlivingwaywhichhehasordained.Christstandsandknocksforadmittanceintoyourheart.Christ,as suspendedon thecross, criesuntosinners, "Lookuntome, all ye ends of the earth, and be ye saved." Christ invites thewearyandheavy-ladentocomeuntohimandfindrest.Hesays,"Ifany

manthirst,lethimcomeuntomeanddrink."Behold,thefountainoflifeisopen,and thewaterof life is freelyoffered. "TheSpiritand thebridesay,Come;and lethim thatheareth say,Come;andwhosoeverwill, lethim take the water of life freely." "Behold, now is the accepted time;behold,nowisthedayofsalvation.""Seek,"therefore,"theLord,whilehemaybefound,andcalluponhimwhileheisnear.Letthewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteousmanhis thoughts; lethimreturnuntotheLord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he willabundantlypardon."Laytoheartthesesolemn,tenderexhortationsfromthewordofGod, and let yourheart bend inhumble submission to thewillofGod.Behold,hewaitstobegracious.

DIALOGUEV

ROM.IfindthatyouaredisposedtorefertotheBiblefortheproofofallyourdoctrines;butwemaintain thatmany thingswhichChrist andhisapostles ordered in the church can be learned only by tradition. It is amatterofno consequencewhether a law iswrittenornot,providedweknow it emanates from the proper authority. And we know that theChristian church existed before any book of the New Testament waspublished. It is certain, then, that the primitive churches were firstinstructedbyoral communication, andnotby theScriptures; andwhatthey thus received, they handed down to their successors. And ourlearned men say that the church might have existed, flourished, andcontinueduntothistime,withoutanyofthebooksoftheNewTestament.Foritwaseasyforonegenerationtoteachthenextgenerationwhathadbeen communicated to them by the apostles, and thus the originalrevelationsandinstitutionswouldbehandeddownfromagetoage.

COLP. What you say is true, that an oral, or spoken law, if it can beproved to have beenuttered by the lawgiver, is as binding as awrittenlaw;butsuchistheuncertaintyoforaltradition,thatit is impossibletoknow what is true and what false which comes down to us along thismuddy stream, especially as it had topass throughmanydarkperiods,whenthelearningandinformationofthepeoplewereataverylowebb.It is impossible for doctrines and rules of conduct to be transmittedthrough a period of eighteen hundred years, without being grievouslycorrupted.Inthebeginningoftheworld,therevelationsmadetothefirst

manwere soon entirely lost or corrupted.Whatever knowledge existedaftertheflood,waspreservedbyfrequentdivinecommunications.

IwouldaskanyofyourmostlearnedprieststofurnishasinglediscourseofChrist,oranyoneoftheapostles,notrecordedintheNewTestament;yea, letthemproduceonesinglesentencefromanyinspiredmanwhichwecanbesurewasutteredbyhim.Now,iftheycannotfurnishtheverywords spoken by Christ or his apostles, they ought not to pretend thattheyare inpossessionofaportionof thewordofGodwhichwasnevercommittedtowriting.Andifwegoupneartothetimesoftheapostles,when itmight be thought thatmany thingswould have come down bytraditiontomenlivinginthesecondandthirdcenturies,yetwefindbythewritingsof that agewhich remain, that themost learneddoctorsofthe church knew nothing of the sayings and doings of Christ and hisapostles,butwhattheyreadintheNewTestament;orifsomerealfactsdid float down this stream, they were mingled with so much that wasfalse, that itwas impossible todistinguish the true facts from the lyinglegends.

Whentheearlyfathers,asIræneus,Tertullian,etc.,appealtotraditiontoprove the doctrine and usages of the church, they did not refer todoctrines and factsnot in theNewTestament,but to thosewhichwerecommonlyknownandbelievedbyallChristians; forwhenthese fathersmention the thingshandeddownby tradition, theyare found tobe thearticlesof theearlycreedswhichweredrawnup for theuseof thenewconverts.

ROM.But if theyhad these thingsrecorded inScripture,whyappeal totradition?

COLP. Because they were contending with heretics who denied thefundamentaldoctrinesofChristianity,anddidnotreceivetheScripturesasatrueaccountoftheChristianreligion.Againstsuchtheyappealedtotheuniversal traditionof all the churches, all ofwhich, ineverypartoftheworld,hadreceivedthesameleadingfactsanddoctrines.

ROM. In regard to the books of theNewTestament, you are, after all,obligedtoresorttotradition;forhowdoyouknowthatthegospelsand

the epistles were really written by the evangelists and apostles, but bytradition?

COLP.This, I know, is anargumentgreatlyboastedofby yourwriters;butifitweregranted,thatitisbythetestimonyoftheearlychurchthatweknowwhat books are canonical, itwould gobut a very littleway toestablishtheRomishdoctrineoftraditionasaruleoffaith.Thefactthatcertainbookswerereceivedasinspiredbytheuniversalchurch,isoneofso public a nature, that it could easily be transmitted by writtentestimonyofthesuccessiveages;butthisdoesnotprovethatarevelationdistinctfromthatintheNewTestamentcouldbesafelyhandeddowninthisway.

We knowby tradition thatCicero deliveredmany orations,whichwerecommittedtowriting,andhavereachedourtimes;andthatLivywroteahistoryofRomanaffairs,apartofwhichhascomedowntous.Thattheseauthors did write these books has come down by an uncontradictedtradition,andon thisground is credible.But suppose someone shouldpretend that other orations of Cicero, which were never committed towriting, and other histories which Livy recited, but never wrote, hadcomedowntousbytradition,everymanofsensewouldlaughatsuchapretension. You see, friend, the vast difference between receiving bytraditionasinglefactinrelationtotheauthorofabook,andreceivingarevelation—an unwritten word of God. It may be admitted that aceremonial institution, such as baptism or the Lord's supper,might behandeddownbytradition;butsopronearementoaddtoandaltersuchinstitutions, and to invent others, that if we had no written record weshouldbe at a loss toknowwhathadbeen instituted. Just so is itnowwithrespecttothesacraments.

In theNewTestamentwe readofnomore than twoordinances of thiskind,but in theRomishchurchthereareseven;andsuchchangeshavebeen made in the two which were instituted by Christ, that they canscarcely be recognized as the same. The existence of these sevensacraments,astheyarecalled,intheRoman-catholicchurch,showshowuncertainistradition;andinregardtoamultitudeofotherceremonies,theymaybetracedup,not to theapostles,but toaheathenorigin.Theholywater,theincense,thealtar,thesacerdotalvestments,theholydays,

and dedication of churches to saints and angels, are all borrowedmanifestly from thepagan ritual, as has beendemonstratedby learnedmen.

ROM.Youarenowgoingoffinastraininwhichmylimitedinformationdoesnotpermitmetofollowyou.WhetherwhatyousayistrueornotIcannotjudge.Ionlywishthatourlearnedbishop,orevenfatherBenedictwerehere—theywouldsoonputanendtoyourboasting.ButonethingImust say, that our church is infallible; it cannot err inmattersof faith.Thedecisionofpopesandcouncilsissufficienttosatisfythemindofanyreasonableman.

COLP.Ifyoucouldprovewhatyounowsay,allyourotherargumentsaresuperfluous.Eventraditionisofnouse.Allthatisnecessaryistohearthepope; for ifhe is infallible,hecandecideeveryquestionofdoctrine.Aninspired man needs to bring no far-fetched arguments, or to resort totradition forproofofany thing.Allyouhave todo is toget thepope toopen his mouth and utter his decree, or to send his bull to the wholechurch. But how is it possible that you can believe the pope to beinfallible,whenit isnotoriousthatsomeofthepopeshavebeenamongthewickedestofmen.Theyhave,inanumberofinstances,acknowledgedthemselvestobeinerror.Theyhave,innumerousinstances,contradictedoneanother, and reversedeachother'sdecrees.TheyhavecontradictedtheplaindeclarationsofScripture; andas to councils,weare sure thatanynumber of falliblemenmet together, cannot bymerely assemblingbecome infallible. The acts or canons of the councils have often beencontradictory to one another; so that we are sure infallibility does notresideinthem.Thetruthis,theclaimtoinfallibilityisridiculous.Thereisnoinfallibletribunaluponearth,butthewordofGod.This is infallible,for"allScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod.""HolymenofGodspokeastheyweremovedbytheHolyGhost."

DIALOGUEVI

ROM.IneverwishedforlearningsomuchasIdonow.Ifindthatamanmay have the right side, and yet not be able tomaintain his cause forwant of learning. There is one point, however, on which a child mayconfuteaProtestant,becausetheScripturesareplainandexpressonthe

subject.Ilatelyheardourpriestlectureonit,andhemadeittomymindclearasthelightatnoon.

COLP.Prayletmeknowtowhatyourefer?

ROM.Why,thatPeterwastheprinceoftheapostles,andhadthewholechurchbuiltonhim,andthepopesofRomearetheregularsuccessorsofPeter, and inherit his authority. Now, according to this, which can beclearlyestablished,allthechurchesintheworldshouldbesubjecttothepope;forhehasthekeys—hehasthepowerofbindingandloosing—andthechurchfoundedonthisrock,Peter,canneverfail,andthereforecanneverfallintofatalerror;forifthatwaspossible,thenwouldthepromiseof Christ fail, who declared that the gates of hell should never prevailagainstthechurch.ThewholepassageisfoundinMatt.16:18,19:"AndIsay unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build mychurch;and thegatesofhell shallnotprevailagainst it.AndIwillgiveuntotheethekeysofthekingdomofheaven:andwhatsoeverthoushaltbindonearthshallbeboundinheaven;andwhatsoeverthoushaltlooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven."Ourdoctorsays,aslongasthistextstands in the Bible the Catholic church cannot be overthrown; yea, hewentsofarastosay,thatnoProtestanthadbeenable,evenplausibly,tointerpret this text to suit their scheme. He told us of several weakattemptstorescuethetextfromthehandsoftheCatholics,thementionofwhichcausedasmileinhisaudience.HesaidthatthenamePeter,inGreek,signifiedarock,andthatourSaviourgavehimthisnamewhenhecalledhimtobeanapostle,becauseheknewthathewouldmakehimthefoundation-stone of the church which he was about to establish in theworld.

COLP.Iwonderthatanyoneshouldpresumetomaintainthatoneoftheapostles was set up as a superior to the rest, who has ever read thereproofwhichChristgavetothedisciplesforcontendingwhichshouldbethe greatest. "And there was also a strife among them which of themshouldbethegreatest.Andhesaiduntothem,ThekingsoftheGentilesexerciselordshipoverthem;andtheythatexerciseauthorityuponthemare called benefactors. BUT YE SHALL NOT BE SO: but he that isgreatestamongyou,lethimbeastheyounger;andhethatischief,ashethat doth serve." Luke 22:24–26. Christ says nothing about any

superiorityofPeterovertheotherapostles.Indeed,asPeterspokeinthenameofhisbrethren,inthenobleconfessionwhichhemade,whatChristaddressestohiminreplyshouldbeunderstoodasapplyingtothemall.And this is found to be correct from consulting the parallel passage inJohn20:21,wherethesamepowerisexpresslygiventothemallwhichisheregiventoPeter."AndJesussaiduntothem,AsmyFatherhathsentme,sosendIyou.Andwhenhehadsaidthis,hebreathedonthem,andsaid, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye remit, they areremitted; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained." Here thepowergrantedbytherisenSaviouristhesametoall.IfPeterwastohaveapreëminenceovertherest,nowwasthetimetodeclareit,thatallmightunderstandthathewaschief.Butsuchasuperiorityisneithergivenherenoranywhereelse.NeitherdidPetereverclaimsuchsuperiority,norwasiteverinfactconcededtohim,asthewholehistoryoftheapostlesshows.

But ifPeterhadbeenconstituted thepopeover theotherapostles, thatdoesnotprovethatthesamepreëminencebelongstothosefalselycalledhis successors. The bishops of Rome were no successors of Peter. WeneverreadintheNewTestamentthathehadevenvisitedRome.Hewastheapostleofthecircumcision,andAntiochseemstohavebeenhishead-quarters, and Asia Minor the field of his labors. But let us admit, inaccordance with ancient tradition, that Peter visited Rome toward thecloseofhislife,andthathegovernedthechurchtherewhilehelived,andthathesufferedmartyrdominthatfamouscity;whatdoesthisproveinregardtothemenwhohavebeenplacedasbishopsinthatseeeversince?Surelynothing.ThebishopsofRomeacquiredtheirauthority,not frombeing successors of Peter, but because this was the metropolis of theempire. We find that bishops, after ambition began to work, assumedauthorityfromthedignityofthecitywheretheyresided.ButwhyshouldthebishopofRome,nowwhenthegloryofthecityhasdepartedforever,claim not only a superiority, but an arbitrary authority over all otherbishops? The claim is full of arrogance. If any church had a right topreëminenceitwasJerusalem,themotherchurch;andifthebishopsofanychurchhadanypeculiarclaimsassuccessorsofPeter,thebishopsofAntiochoughttohavethepreëminence.

DIALOGUEVII

ROM.ThereisonepointwhereweCatholicshaveagreatadvantageoveryou Protestants, and that is in regard to the holy sacrament. In theeucharist you profess to have nothing but the naked bread and wine,whereaswehave the realbodyandbloodofChrist,whichwe take intoour mouths for the nourishment of our souls; and when the priestcelebratesmass, the body and blood of Christ are as truly present andoffered as a present sacrifice for our sins, aswhen hewas crucified onGolgotha.

COLP.OnthispointIadmitthatthereisagreatdifferencebetweenus;andifallthatyousaywasthetruth,weshouldbeingreaterror;butonthe other hand, if your doctrine of transubstantiation is false andunscriptural,youwillbeconvictedofthegrossestidolatryinworshippinga wafer for a god; and if this doctrine is false, your mass, which yourpriests offer up with so much solemnity, is a vain offering, and iscalculated to bring dishonor on the real sacrifice ofChrist on the cross—"theoneoffering"bywhichthesinsofhispeoplearepurged.

ROM. How can you, a Bible man, and so great a stickler for goingaccordingtotheveryletteroftheScriptures,pretendthatthedoctrineoftransubstantiation is unscriptural? Does not our Lord say expressly,whenheheldthebreadinhishand,"Thisismybody?"Now,everyoneknowsthat thebreadcouldnotbehisbodywithoutbeingchanged intohisbody.We insist on the literal interpretationof thewords.Nodoubtthis isagreatmystery,andso is theTrinity,and the incarnationof theSonofGod;buta true faithembracesallmysteries,andthegreater themysterythegreaterthemiracle,andthemoreworthyofGod,withwhomallthingsarepossible.

COLP.SurelyyouwillnotsaythateverythingintheBiblemustbetakenliterally.WhenitissaidthatGodisarock,ashield,asun,atower,oraconsuming fire, we cannot take these words in any other than ametaphorical or figurative sense. SowhenChrist says, "I am the vine,"would any one be so insane as to say that the phrase must be takenliterally?Inthisverypassageit issaid,"Thiscupisthenewtestament,"orcovenant,"inmyblood;"buttakenliterallyitwouldmakenosense,foracupisnotacovenant.Thequestiontobedecidedis,whetherthewords"this ismybody"shouldbe taken literallyormetaphorically.AndIwill

assignsuchreasonsagainsttheliteralinterpretationasIthinksufficienttoconvinceanyimpartialman.Theyarethese.

First,thereisnoapparentchangeinthebread,orwafer,afterthepriest'sbenediction.Totheeyesofeveryoneitisstillthesame;tothefeeling,tothesmell,tothetaste,itisbread,andnothingbutbread.Takeapieceofthe same loaf not consecrated, compare them together, there is nodifference perceptible by any of the senses. Now, in all miracles theappealismadetooursenses.ThewaterischangedvisiblyintobloodinEgypt. The water at the marriage feast in Cana is changed into wine,which themaster of the feast judged to be good, better thanwhat theyhad drunk before. When the loaves and fishes were multiplied, theabundanceproducedisvisibletoall,andiseatenbythewholemultitude.When thedeadwere raised, thepersonno longer appeared tobedead,butcameforthandspokeandacted;andsoofallmiracles.Ifthebreadinthe Lord's supper were changed into flesh, and the wine into blood,insteadofseeingthebreadandwineremainingthesame,weshouldseeapiece of flesh dripping with blood. We have no conception of anysubstance but by its qualities. When these remain evidently the same,accordingtothetestimonyofalloursenses,therecanbenochangeinthesubstance.Besides,ifwearetodisbelieveoursensesinthiscase,whichisnever required in any other case, the doctrinewill overthrow itself; forhowdoweknowthatthereisanysuchwordintheNewTestament?Youmay say, Here it is in plain letters. But how am I to know that thoseletters arewritten there? I see them, it is true, and I can runmyhandover them,and theyseemtobesuchasyousay theyare;but I see thisconsecratedwafer as plainly as I see the letters in the book, and I canexamine itbymoreofmysenses;and it isprecisely,afterconsecration,whatitwasbefore.

ROM. I think there is something profane in your reasoning on such asacredsubject.There isnoroomforreasoning.WhatGodsaysmustbetrue, though all our senses and our reason should judge the contrary.Christpositivelysaid,"Thisismybody,"anditisourdutytobelievehisdeclaration. God is omnipotent, and can change any substance intoanother;andhecandothiswhiletoallappearanceitremainsthesame.AllweneedisanimplicitfaithinthewordofGod.

COLP. You evidently take for granted what should be proved, namely,thatthosewordsmustbetakenliterally.Surelythisisnotself-evident.Ofa thousand intelligent readerswhohadnever seen aNewTestament, Idoubtwhether onewould everdream thatChrist,whenheheldup thebread,meantthatthatpieceofbreadwashisbodyliterally.No;hewouldnaturally suppose that the words were used figuratively, and signifiedthat the bread resembled his broken body, or represented his brokenbody.

But thisbringsme tomy second reasonagainst a literal interpretation,andthatis,thatunlessChristhadtwobodies,itwasliterallyimpossiblethatthepieceofbreadwhichheheldinhishandwashisbody;fortherewashisreal, livingbodypresenttotheview.Therewashiswholebody,andnoparthadbeenseveredfromit;thereforeitwasimpossibleforthisbread to be his real body. According to this monstrous doctrine, onelivingbodyofChrist,visibleandpalpable,yetliving,heldanotherbodyinits hand, and distributed it to be eaten, while this real, living bodyremained entire and undivided. Can you believe this? or how do youexplainit?

ROM.Itisanawfulmystery;Idonotpretendtoexplainit.

COLP.Itismuchmorethanamystery;itisanevidentimpossibility.ButIamnotdone: Iwillnowoffera thirdconclusiveargumentagainst theliteralinterpretation,whichisthis.Christsays,"Thisismybody,whichisbroken for you." If we take thesewords literally, thenwemust believethatChristwasalreadycrucified,beforehewascrucified.Ifwetakeonepartofthedeclarationliterally,wemusttakethewholeliterally.Andcanyoubelieve that thebodyofChristwasalreadybroken forus?Thenhemustnotonlyhavehadtwobodies,butwastwicecrucified;foralladmitthat by his body broken is meant crucified for us. But when was thiscrucifixion?Itmusthavebeenwhilethebreadwasbrokeninhishands.ThenthelivingChristcrucifiedorbrokethebody,madeoutofthebread.ButnoonecanbelievethatChristwasalreadycrucified,orthathisbodywas already broken; therefore the whole sentence must be interpretedmetaphorically; and the meaning is, this bread broken is a livelyrepresentation of that death which I am shortly to endure. Here isevidentlythetruemeaning.AndIbelievethiswithallmyheart;andthe

chargeofprofanenessand infidelitymayberolledbackonyourself, formakingChristdeclarewhatwasinthefirstplaceimpossible,andinthenextplacewhatwasfalse,namely,thathisbodywasalreadybrokenwhilehesatwithhisdisciplesatthesacredsupper.Whatdoyousaytothis?

ROM.IhavetoldyouthatIreceivethewholeasanawfulmystery;notafitsubjectforreasoning,butonlyforfaith.Themorewonderfulitis,themorereadilyIassenttoit.

COLP.Ifthisbethestateofyourmind,Idonotseethatanybenefitcanarisefromcontinuingtheconversation.ButIintendedtoofferoneotherreason against the doctrine of transubstantiation, which I will brieflymention,andthenquitthesubject.Itisthis.ThefleshofChristbeinganaturalsubstance,initsphysicalqualitieslikeotherhumanflesh,exceptthat itneverhadthe leaststainof impurity,cannotbeconsideredtobeadapted to the nourishment of the divine life in the soul.No corporealsubstance entering themouth, and going thence into the stomach, canhave any effect on the spiritual life—all that it cando is tonourish thebody; and we cannot understand that any benefit could be spirituallyderived from such eating of the body of our Lord, but by the internaloperation of theHoly Spirit on themind itself; and this divine efficacywouldbeasbeneficialtothesoul,ifitaccompaniedsacramentalbread,asifitaccompaniedthefleshofChrist.

Besides,weareatalosstounderstandwhatbecomesofthesacredbodyof Christ, after it is eaten and digested. Does it become, like othernutritiousfood,apartofourbodies?Theideaisabhorrent;andmoresothealternative,thatit isrejectedwiththatpartofourfoodwhichisnotincorporatedwith the human body. But indeed, sir, there are somanyrepulsive consequences flowing from this doctrine, that it becomesdistressingtopursuethesubjectintoallthelegitimateconclusionswhichmaybededucedfromtheliteral interpretation.Andtheruleuniversallyadmitted is, that when taking a word or sentence literally leads toabsurdity, impossibility, or falsehood, it should be understoodfiguratively. Indeed, the very idea of devouring the flesh and blood ofChristhassomethingexceedinglyrepulsivetoourfeelings.

ROM.YouseemtoforgetthatChristhimself,inthesixthchapterofthe

gospel of John, speaks repeatedly of eating his flesh and drinking hisblood; yea, makes such eating and drinking absolutely necessary toeternallife.

COLP.No, friend, the forgetfulness is on your side. Christ explains hisown words, and already shows that they were misapprehended by theJews,whounderstood them literally; for at the closehe says, "It is thespiritthatquickeneth;thefleshprofitethnothing:thewordsthatIspeakunto you, they are spirit, and they are life."Now thesewords domostclearly teach, that the eating his flesh, if it were possible, would profitnothing; that all vivifying energy was not from carnal and corporealeatinganddrinking,butfromtheSpirit;andthatallwhichhehadspokenwastobeunderstoodinaspiritualsense.Whatotherinterpretationcanbe put on his declaration, "The words that I speak unto you, they arespirit,andtheyarelife?"

DIALOGUEVIII

ROM.YouwentawaytheotherdaybeforeIhadtimetosayallthatwasinmymind.ButIdonotcaretogobacktothesubjectwewereon,aboutfastingonFriday.IknowthatyouProtestantsarenotfondoffasting.Ourpriest called here since you passed, and I told him something of ourconversation.Helaughedheartily,andobservedthatadislikeoffastingandotherrestraintsofreligionwasthetruesecretofProtestantism.Hesaidtherewasmoreofappetiteandtheloveofease,thanofconscience,inwhatwas falsely calleda reformation.Luther,he said,beingapriestandnotbeingpermittedtomarry,brokehisvow,andtemptedanuntobreak hers, and so they struck up an impious match. A reformationfoundedonperjury,hesaid,wasathingabhorrenttoeveryhonestman.Hemoreoversaid,Protestantismwasdownrightheresy,noreligionatall;orifitmightbecalledreligion,itwasasystemofthedevil,toleadmentodestruction.Theyhave,saidhe,nopriestsrightlyconsecrated,nonewhohavederivedtheircommissionbyanuninterruptedsuccessionfromtheapostles.Theythereforehavenopowertoremitthesinsofany,andtheydonotpretendtoit.Butwhatismoreimportantthanall,theyhavenotthebodyofChristtogive;butourLordsays,"Exceptyeeatmyfleshanddrinkmyblood,yehavenolifeinyou."Andaboveall,thesacrificeofthemasstheyutterlyreject,anditisbythisofferingthatGodispropitiated

forthelivingandthedead.What,saidhe,wouldbecomeofyourunhappyfriendsnowsufferingthetormentoffireinpurgatory,wereitnotforthemasseswhicharesaidforthem?

Itoldhim,thatfromnotknowingtheScripturesIwasunabletodisputewithyou,andonthataccountIwishedtoobtainaBible.

Heanswered, that Ihadnobusiness toenter intoanycontroversywiththesemen."Turnawayfromthem,"saidhe,"orturnthemovertome.Iwill soon dispose of half a dozen of these vagrants, who go about thecountrydeceivingthesimple-heartedpeople."

I confess, however, that I am not perfectly satisfied with this kind ofimplicitfaith;Idowanttobeabletogiveareasonformyreligiousbelief.Friend,whatisyouropinionofthemass?

COLP. My dear sir, it is the most barefaced idolatry that was everpractised.ItnotonlyhasnofoundationintheholyScriptures,butitisaninstitutionofthemostabominableidolatrousworship.Itisnothingelsethan the worship of a piece of bread, under the notion that this bit ofbread,bythepriest'swords,hasbeenchangedintotherealbodyofJesusChrist. The whole superstition of the mass is founded on the absurddoctrine of transubstantiation. When they have converted the sacredelementsofbreadandwine into thebodyandbloodofChrist, then thepriest offers it up as a sacrifice, a real sacrifice of thebrokenbody andshedbloodofChrist.This is thesacrificeof themass,whichthepriestsofferforthelivingandthedead.Well, ifChristbetherevisiblypresent,he ought to be worshipped; accordingly they elevate the host, that is,Christ, just formed out of the bread and wine, and that the object ofdivineworshipmaybefairlypresent,theymaintainnotonlythepresenceof Christ's flesh and blood, but of his soul and divinity; and yet theworshipperseesnothingbuttheoutwardappearanceofawaferandsomewineinavial,andthiscelebrationofthemassformsnowaprincipalpartof theworshipof thepriests.Andmanyarehired to sayamultitudeofmasses for the deceased,which they celebrate in private.Now the verywaferwhichtheypretendistherealbodyofChrist,maybekeptuntilitiscorrupted like any other bread: or it may be eaten by mice, or othervermin.

This whole service of the mass, celebrated with so much pomp andceremony,hasnomannerofsupportfromtheholyScriptures.Indeed,ifapersonwellacquaintedwiththeNewTestament,shouldbeintroducedinto a popish chapel while the priests were celebrating high mass, hewouldneversuspectthathewasinaChristianchurch.Hewouldbereadytosupposethathewaswitnessingtheworshipofsomeheathentemple.

ROM.Whatyousaidaboutthedoctrineoftransubstantiationhasmadeaconsiderableimpressiononmymind,andItoldmyfatherconfessorthatIcouldnotdisbelievemyownsenses.ItoldhimthatIwouldnothesitatetobelievethatitwastherealbodyandbloodofChrist,ifIcouldseeanyappearanceof,orchangeof thebreadintoflesh.Uponthishesolemnlyassuredmethatinmoreinstancesthanonebloodhadactuallybeenseendripping from the host when laid up in the sacred vessel where it waskept. But this rather makes the matter worse; for where there is noappearance of flesh or blood, wemust think that no change has takenplace. And then a want of right intention in the priest nullifies thesacrament;andwhocaneverknowwhentherealbodyispresent,sincetheappearanceisthesame,whetherthechangetakesplaceornot?

COLP. Upon speaking of the errors of the Romanists respecting thesacraments, I neglected one, which all must admit to be in directopposition to theplainwordsofourLord; and this is somanifest, thateventhemostzealousadvocatesofthechurchofRomedonotpretendtodenythefact,thattherehasbeenadeparturefromwhatChristordainedandpractisedwhenheinstitutedthesacredsupper.Youwillunderstandme to refer to the universal practice in the Romish church ofadministering the bread only to the people, and withholding the wine,which is partaken of by the priests alone.Now, ourLord took the cup,andhavingblessed it,hegave it tohisdisciples, saying,Thiscup is thenewtestament inmyblood,shedfor theremissionof thesinsofmany;take, and "drink ye all of it." Matt. 26:27. And Paul, who received hisinstructionsforadministeringthisordinanceimmediatelyfromtheLordJesusChrist,makesmentionof thewineequallywith thebread; forhesays,"Afterthesamemanneralso,hetookthecup,whenhehadsupped,saying,Thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood.Thisdoye,asoftasyedrinkit,inremembranceofme.Forasoftasyeeatthisbread,anddrink

thiscup,yedoshowtheLord'sdeath tillhecome."Nowwewouldask,whathumanbeinghasarighttochangetheordinancesoftheLord?WhohasauthoritytobreakoneofChrist'scommandments,andteachmentodo the same?Here is an evident usurpation of divine authority. If thepopeoracouncilcandothis,thentheymaychangethereligionofChristintosomethingentirelydifferent fromtheoriginal institution—which infact they have done. Neither prophets nor apostles ever pretended,withoutdivinedirection,tochangetheordinancesoftheAlmighty.

ROM.Nodoubt therewas someweighty reason for this change. Ihaveunderstood that it was found impracticable to administer the cup,without the riskof spilling somedropswhen the cupwasplaced in thehands of aged and paralytic persons. Andwhen the wine was changedinto the blood of Christ, it would have been a horrible profanity for asingledropofthispreciousbloodtobesufferedtobelost.

COLP. This impiousmutilation of a divine ordinance, I find, is closelyconnected with the monstrous doctrine of transubstantiation, theunreasonablenessofwhichhasalreadybeendemonstrated.ButIwouldask,whetherthedangerofprofaningthebloodofChristwasnotasgreatwhen the supper was first instituted as at present? Why did not theomniscient Saviour foresee this danger and provide against it? Theapology for the change is really too ridiculous to deserve a seriousconsideration.

ROM.Ourpriestsassureus, thatbyhaving thecupwithheld,wesufferthe loss of no real privilege; for thewhole body and blood of Christ iscontainedineveryparticleofthebread;sothathewhopartakesofwhatappearstobebread,receivesawholeChrist,justasmuchasifhepartookofthecupalso.

COLP.Ifthisweretrue,itwouldfurnishnoapologyforviolatingtheplaincommandofourLord,andmutilatingasacramentinstitutedbyhim.Butiftheuseofthecupisaltogethersuperfluous,whydothepriestspartakeofthewine?Christneverappointedthebreadtobeasignofthepouringoutofhisblood;andthereisnothinginthebreakingandeatingofbreadwhich is suited to represent the shedding of blood, which is strikinglyrepresentedbytheuseofthecup.Iwouldappealtoyourowngoodsense,

whetherthismutilationoftheordinanceoftheLordcanbejustified.Youhave brought forward what your priests have told you; but do theirapologiessatisfyyourownmind?Doyounotsee,thatiftheymaydothis,theymay,ononepretextoranother,setasideallthecommandmentsofGod, and pretend to bind the consciences of men by devices andinstitutions of their own? To themmay be applied, in all its force, therebukeofourSaviourtotheJews,"Invaindotheyworshipme,teachingfordoctrinesthecommandmentsofmen."Iamsurethatnomindwhichisnotblindedbyprejudicecanbelievethatthepriestscanbejustifiedinthisthing.Now,friend,speakplainlytheconvictionsofyourconscience.Do you in your heart believe that they are right in thus violating thecommand,andgoingcontraryto theexampleof theLordJesus?Come,speak.

ROM. Well, if I must tell the truth, I do not think that there is anywarrantforthischange;butIdonotknowwhatlightfatherBenedictmaybeabletocastonthesubject.

There is anotherpoint Iwouldmention. I cannotunderstandwhat youProtestantshave tobringagainstour clergy fornotmarrying.Certainlyyour own Bible, which you put into my hands, clearly teaches thatunmarriedmencanservetheLordwithlessdistractionandobstructionthanthosewhohavewives.Nodoubtyourememberthepassage.Surelythen,priests,whoshouldbeentirelydevotedtothesacreddutiesoftheircalling,oughtnottoencumberthemselveswiththecaresofafamily.

COLP.Lethimwhoisabletoactonthisprincipledoso,accordingtothatofourLord,"Hethatisabletoreceiveit,lethimreceiveit."AndPaul,intheepistle towhichyouhavereferred,speaksofsomewhohadnot thegiftofcontinence,andheadvisessuchtomarry;forhesays,"Itisbettertomarry than to burn." But your systemmakes no provision for suchcases;andyetthesearesocommon,thatPauladvises,onaconsiderationof thewholecase, that"every-manshouldhavehisownwife,andeverywomanherownhusband."

Besides, what the apostle says about the inconvenience of marriedpersons,hasspecialrelationtothetimesofdistressinwhichtheylived.Therefore he prefaces his discourse respecting marriage with these

words: "I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress; Isay,thatitisgoodforamansotobe.Artthouboundtoawife,seeknottobeloosed,"etc.1Cor.7.

Wedonotmaintainthatitisthedutyofallmentomarry,butwebelievewithPaul,that"marriageishonorableinall."Andwebelievethatanylaworcanonforbiddingawholeclassofmentomarry,iscontrarytothelawofGod, and isoneof the signsgivenby theapostlePaul toTimothyofthose evil times which at a future period would certainly come:"Forbidding," says he, "to marry, and commanding to abstain frommeats,whichGodhathgiventobereceivedwiththanksgiving."

ROM. I have always understood that celibacy was a holier state thanmarriage, and on this principle we encourage young virgins to devotethemselves toGod, that theymaygive theirheartsentirely to theLord,andbefreefromeverypollution.

COLP. I am aware that such is the doctrine inculcated in the Romishchurch; but it is one of themarks of an apostate church, which by itstraditions sets aside the laws of God, and counteracts the principles ofournature.Ifmarriagewasanunholystate,itwouldhavebeenforbiddentoallmenaswellastheclergy.Anditshouldnotbeoverlooked,thatinthepassagewherePaul seems to prefer a state of celibacy to a state ofmarriage,hehasnospecialreferencetotheclergy.AndPaulassertshisownlibertyto"leadaboutawife,"1Cor.9:5,aswellastheotherapostles.Evidentlythen,marriagewasnotforbiddentotheapostles,andingivingthecharacteristicsofthosewhoshouldbeputintotheministry,heseemstotakeitforgrantedthatthepastorswouldbemarriedmen;forhealsogives thecharacterof theirwives,andrules for thegovernmentof theirfamilies. The only restriction he lays upon the bishop in regard tomarriage is, that he should be "the husband of one wife," which someinterpret to mean, that every bishop must have a wife; but the betterinterpretationis,thathemustnothavemorethanone.

ROM. I think that in one respect an unmarried clergy has a greatadvantage; thechurch isnot required to support their families,which IbelieveisfelttobeaheavyburdenamongProtestants.

COLP. This disadvantage is greatly overbalanced by the fact, thatmarriageconnects theclergyby intimatebondswith therestofsociety;whereascelibacycutsoffthepriesthoodfromallcommoninterestintheaffairsofmen,and leadsecclesiastics to forma societyentirelydistinctfromothers,whose interestsareopposed to thoseof society ingeneral.Thechurchisthusaseparateconcern,andthepriestsuseeveryartandinfluence to draw into their hallowed circle all the wealth which theypossibly can.Andwhenonce gained it never canbedistributed for thebenefitofsociety,butremainsperpetuallythepropertyofthechurchinmortmain,asthelawyerssay;andbythismeans,beforetheReformation,alargepartofthebestlandedpropertyinEnglandandScotlandbelongedtothechurch.

Butitwouldrequireavolumetorevealall thesecret licentiousnessandunnatural crimes which have been produced by this single cause. Andthese facts can be established by the testimony of Popish writers, andthese witnesses not few but many. But I wish not to enter on thisdisgustingsubject.

DIALOGUEIX

ROM. I see, friend, that you continue, like one of old, to walk up anddownthroughtheearth—butobserve,Idonotsaythatyourobjectisthesame,thoughourfatherconfessorthinksyouarenotawhitbetterthanthe person referred to. He says you are a troubler of the church, anemissaryofthedevil,andthatthebooksyoucirculatearefullofdeadlypoison, calculated to be ruinous to souls, and that already you haveseducedsomeunwarysoulsbygoodwordsandfairpretences.Itoldhimplainly that I couldnotentirelyagreewithhim. Iassuredhim thatyouhadbeenanumberoftimesinmyhouse,andthatIhadneverobservedany thing in your conduct and conversation but what was becoming aChristianman.Andas toyourbooks, I toldhim thatherewasone, theDouayBible,whichIwassurehecouldnotsaywas fullofpoison.Andhere,saidI,isanother,whichthecolporteurgavetomywife,written,ashe says, by a goodCatholic. Look at it; it is entitled, "The Imitation ofChrist."Andwhatobjection, said I, canyouhave to this, "ACall to theUnconverted?"Ihavebeenperusingit,andfindnothingbutwhateverygood man must approve. Often, reverend father, you have warned us

againstsinfulpractices,andtoldustoforsakeourevilways.Yes,yes,saidhe,allthisistrue;but,John,doyounotknowthatofallthesinswhichyoucancommitheresy is theworst, for it shuts thedoorofmercy,andcutsyouoff fromforgiveness,byseparatingyou fromthe trueandonlychurch, and from the holy sacraments, without which there can be noabsolution?He then got very warm, and chidedme sharply for havinganythingtosaytoyou,andwarnedmemostsolemnlynevertolookintoanyofyourbooksagain,andtookhisleaveratherabruptly.

COLP. I do suppose that theman is conscientious in opposition tomeand to the truths which I endeavor to circulate. Paul said, "I verilythought that Iought todomany thingscontrary to thenameofJesus."Andwhiledraggingmenandwomentoprison,andwhileassistinginthemurderofunoffendingChristians,heactedagreeablytothedictatesofanerring conscience. I have learned to pity and pray for such as are thusmisledbytheireducation,andbytheerrorswhichtheyhavedrunkinasitwerewiththeirmother'smilk.Thepowerofprejudice,especiallywhenithasbecomeinveterate,canhardlyeverberemovedbutbythespecialoperations of the Holy Spirit. I know it by experience. I was as muchopposed to evangelical truth as any one I ever met with. I was a self-righteousmoralist,andwhenIheardmenpreachthenecessityofthenewbirth, and of justification by the righteousness of another, I was oftenprovokedtoanger,andfeltasifIwouldbegladtohaveitinmypowertostopthemouthsofallwhopreachedsuchdoctrines;andifIhadbeenleftto myself, I should have continued under the same delusion. But itpleasedGodto leadmetoseesomethingof thewickednessofmyheartand life, and to showme that Iwas in the broadway to ruin. Andmydistressincreasedatsucharate,thatifIhadnotfoundreliefitmusthavedrivenmetodistractionordespair.

ROM.Ishouldliketoknow,friend,howyoufoundrelief;andmyanxietytoknowthis isnotamatterofvaincuriosity,buteversinceI read thatlittlebook,"ACalltotheUnconverted,"Ihavehadastrangesoundinmyears, andmany fearful thoughts starting inmymind. I have striven tobanish these unpleasant thoughts, but my efforts are ineffectual. It iscontinually running inmymind, "Youmust be born again"—youmustrepent,orperish.Iwouldhaveopenedmymindtoourpriest,butIknew

what he would say; and I had no thought of revealing the state ofmymindtoyouuntilIfound,bywhatyousaidjustnow,thatyouhaveonceexperienceddistressofthesamekindandfoundrelief.Now,dearsir,dotellmehowIamtogetdeliverancefromthistroubleofmindwhichhascomeuponme.

COLP.Yes,friend,Icanpointyoutotheeffectualandonlyremedyforasoulwoundedwithaconvictionofitssinanddanger.Theremedyismostsimple,itisonlyto"believeontheLordJesusChrist"withallyourheart.ItistolooktoacrucifiedRedeemer,whoinvitesalllaboringandheavy-ladensinnerstocometohimandlearnofhim,andtheyshall findrest."Lookuntome,"sayshe,"allyeendsoftheearth,andbesaved."IfyouareenabledtotrustintherighteousnessofChristalone,andtorenouncealldependenceonyourownworksandontheabsolutionofyourpriests,youwillfindrelief.

ROM. But I cannot think hewill receive such a sinner as I am. I oncethoughtthatIwasinafairwayforheaven,butallmyformerhopesarefled,andIknownotwhat todo; forIamsovileandunworthythat if Ishould come toChrist, I amafraidhewould castmeoff and spurnmefromhispresence.

COLP.Never,never.Hehassaid,"HimthatcomethuntomeIwillinnowisecastout."HearwhatPaulsays:"Itisafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptation,thatJesusChristcameintotheworldtosavesinners;ofwhomIamchief."Christsaysthathecamenottocalltherighteous,butsinnerstorepentance;toseekandsavethelost.Buthere,takethislittletreatiseofJohnBunyan,"GraceAboundingtotheChiefofSinners."

DIALOGUEX

COLP.Iamgladtomeetwithyou.WhenIlastwasthiswayIleftyouingreattroubleofmind.Idonotbelieveyouhavebeenoutofmythoughtsasingledaysince;andtosaythetruth,Ishouldnotbeherenow,but formyanxietytoknowwhatissueGodhadgiventoyourconcernofmind.

ROM.Friend, I thankyou for the interestyou take inmysalvation.Mytroubleofmindcontinuedforsomeweekswithoutabatement.Ireadover

thelittlebookwhichyouweresokindastolendme,butitdidnotseemtosuitmycase.Indeed,Iwasfullypersuadedthatnoonehadeverbeeninmysadcondition.IfullybelievedthatIwasgivenovertoareprobatemind. Iheard thatGodhadmercyonwhomhewouldhavemercy,andwhom he would he hardened. I said, Surely I am one whom God hashardened; formyheart felt as hard as any rock—ashard as thenethermillstone. Ifmy salvation had depended on it, I could not have shed atear.AndwhenIattemptedtoprayIwasshutup—Icouldscarcelyspeakaword.IspentmuchtimeinreadingtheBible;buteverythingwasdarkand mysterious except one, and that was that I was a lost sinner—acastaway—areprobate.Sleepdepartedfrommyeyes,orIwasfrightenedwithdreams.Ialmost forgottoeatmydaily food,andmybusinesswasmuchneglected.

Mywife,agoodwomanandconscientiousCatholic,observedthechangeinme,andwasmuchconcernedaboutme.Ihadnotrevealedtoherthecause of my trouble, but she suspected that it was connected withmytalkingwith you and reading your books. And one day she said tome,"John,whatailsyou?Whyareyoumelancholy,andsorestless?Weneverseeasmileonyourface,andyouseemtotakepleasureinnothing.Thishascome fromyouracquaintancewith thatpedlerandhisvilebooks. Ineverwantedthemantocometothehouse,forIobservedthathehadanoilytonguewhichmighteasilymisleadsuchsimplefolksasweare;andas tohis tractsandbooks, Iwish theywereall thismoment in the fire.Oh, John, go to fatherBenedict; hewill give you comfort.Oftenhave Igonetoconfessionwithatroubledmind,butfatherBenedictalwayshadakindwordforme;andifyouwillgoandconfessyourfaultinmeddlingwiththosehereticalbooks,youwillfindrelief."

Isaid,"Mary,Ibelieveyouareverysincereinyouradvice;butItellyouthatIwillneverconfess toapriestagainas longasI live: Iamsurehecannot pardon my sins. How can a poor sinful worm of the dust likeourselvespardonoursins?No,Mary,ifIeverfindrestitmustcomeinadifferentwayfromthat."

"Well,John,"saidshe,"ifyouwillnotgotoconfession,throwawaythosehereticalbookswhichhavealreadywell-nighturnedyourbrain."

"Why,mydearwife,"saidI,"IreadscarcelyanythingnowbuttheBible,anddoyoucallGod'sholywordahereticalbook?"

She replied, "It may be good for them to read it who are capable ofunderstanding it; but it is not for such poor simple folks as we are toundertaketointerpretthesacredScriptures;letthosewhohavelearningdothis,andwewillhearwhattheysay."

"But,"saidI,"whatiftheytelluswrong?Whatiftheyareignorantofthetruththemselves?Howcanwefindoutwhetherwhattheytellusistrue,butbysearchingtheScripturestoseewhetherthesethingsareso?"

"Well, John, I can't dispute, but I can believe every thingwhich fatherBenedicttellsme.And,John,Iwishtoletyouknow,thatwhenthefatherwasherehesaiditwasfulltimethatourdaughterSusanshouldcometoconfession;thatinthespringthebishopwouldcomeroundtoadministerthe sacrament of confirmation, and he wished to have all the youngpeopleinhisparishready."Itoldhertodoasshepleased;thatIwouldnot advise the girl to go, neither would I hinder her. Accordingly, shetalkedwithSusan,whoisdistressinglydiffident,andthegirlwasthrownintoanagony.

Afterasevereconflictwithherfeelings,sheagreedtogo.Butwhentheycame to the priest's residence, they found that he was confined to hisroomwith a severe attack of the sciatica. But callingmy wife into theroom, he said that there was a young priest in the house just fromIreland,fromMaynoothcollege,afine,discreet,andlearnedyoungman.Letyourdaughterconfesstohim.Susanatfirstrefused,butaftermuchcoaxing, and some threatening, shewent into the confessional, and themotherremainedinanadjoiningroom.InlessthanaquarterofanhourSusan ran to hermother andburst into tears, and seemed at the sametime full of indignation. "What's the matter, Susan?" said the mother."Oh,"saidthegirl,"Iwillnevergotoconfessionagain.ThepriestaskedsuchquestionsasIamashamedtomentiontoyou.I'llnevergoagain."My wife went immediately to father Benedict, who seemed muchconcerned, and sent for the young priest, and asked him what sort ofquestions he had asked the young woman. No others, said the youngpriest,thanwearetaughtbyourtext-booktoask.Whattext-book?said

father Benedict. "Dens' Theology," answered the young man. The oldpriestseemedtobeconfounded,butsaid,"Youngman,thatbookwillnotanswerforthiscountry;thepeopleherearewideawakeonthatsubject,andanenemyoftheCatholicshasextractedmanythingsfromthatbookwhich greatly shock the feelings of the people. That book has done usmuchharmalready.Severalpersonsbroughtupinthetruechurchhavelatelyforbiddentheirwivesanddaughterstogoanymoretoconfession.IknowthatDens'Theologyis inhighreputeatMaynooth,andisstudiedthere;butwemustdenounceithere,oritwillthrowamightyobstacleinourway."

COLP.All this isvery interesting,butIwishto learnfromyouhowyouobtaineddeliverancefromtheburdenofsinwhichoppressedyou.

ROM. I was about to tell you. One day I was sitting musing on mydeplorablestate.ItwasSunday,andIwasaloneinaretiredspot.Thesunwasnear thehorizon, and every thingwas still. I openedmyBible andread,"Thisisafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptation,thatChristJesuscame into theworld tosavesinners;ofwhomIamchief." 1Tim.1:15.Thethoughtstruckme,IfJesusChristcansavethechiefofsinners,whycannothesaveme?Castingmyeyesonthebook,asIturnedovertheleaves, they fastened on these words: "For he is able to save to theuttermost all that come to God by him, seeing he ever liveth to makeintercession for us." The thought again occurred withmore force thanbefore, Ifhe isable tosave to theuttermost,why ishenotable tosaveevenme?Atthatmomentarayofhopegleamedonmydarkanddesolatemind.Itseemedtomeasifavoicesaidwithinme,Heisable,heisabletosave to the uttermost. My heart was filled with joy; its hardness wasmeltedintotenderness.IfelluponmykneesandthankedGodthatIwasout of hell, and that salvation formy soulwas possible. If aworld hadbeen given me, it could not have produced a joy so great; and yet Iperceivednothingbutthatmycasewasnotdesperate,asforalongtimeIhad supposed. Oh, how precious did Christ appear! I felt my heartoverflowingwithgratitude tohimasmySaviour, and Ibeheldadivinegloryinhisperson:hisloveindyingforpoorsinnersaffectedmebeyondexpression. I said, Lord Jesus, I will follow thee whithersoever thouleadestme.ThoughIdidnotdreamthatIwasabeliever,yetIfelthappy

beyondanythingIeverexperienced;andIcannotbutbelievethatatthatmoment God gave me a new heart. All my views were from this timegreatlychanged,andmyheartwentoutnotonlyinstrongaffectiontomySaviour,butI feltawonderfulaffection forall thatIbelievedtoberealChristians,andanunspeakablecompassionforpoorperishingsinners.Icouldhave goneonmyknees to entreat them to forsake their sins andcome to Christ, who was "able to save to the uttermost." I could havetakenmyworst enemy inmyarms;myheartwas so full of love that itembracedthewholeworld.

COLP.Howlongdidthesejoyfulfeelingslast?

ROM.Not long. I turnedawaymy thoughts toomuch from theblessedSaviour,andbegantothinkwhatahappychangeIhadexperienced,andsomeproud thoughtsarose inmymind.Soonafter this, thickdarknesscameoverme.IthoughtthatallIhadexperiencedwasadelusion.Myoldfeelings in some measure returned, and I was sunk very low; but stillthereseemedtobeavoicewithinmesaying,"Heisable,heisable."ThenthoughtI,Oh,ifhewereaswillingasheisable,thenIshouldstillhavehope. And after laboring in the dark a few days, light broke in onmymind clearer than before. I now seemed to see clearly why it wasnecessaryforChristtodie,andthatsalvationwouldhavebeenimpossiblewithoutthesheddingofhisblood.ItwasnowclearlyrevealedtomymindthatGodcouldbejust,andjustifymysoulonaccountofChrist'smerit.TheplanofredemptionappearedmoregloriousthananythingIhadevercontemplated,andeversinceIenjoyasettledpeace,andentertainagoodhopethroughgrace.

COLP. Have you spoken to your wife respecting your new views andcomforts?

ROM.Ihave,andsheappearstobebroughttoastand.Sheisdreadfullyafraidofincurringtheanathemaofthepriests;andthoughshenowreadstheBible,sheseemsafraidofbeingseenwiththeScripturesinherhand.ButIhopetheSpiritofGodisatworkwithherconscience.

And poor Susan receives the truths of the gospel with an astonishingreadiness.Shespendsallhersparetimeinreading,andshetellsmethat

sheprayseverydayforanewheart.MaytheLordhearhersupplications,andgrantherrequests.

COLP.Butwhatwillthepriestsay,whenhecomestovisityou?Willhenotbefilledwithwrath?

ROM. I care not for his anger. Imean to tell him allmymind, and todeclare my intention of leaving the Roman-catholic church. I am nowconvinced, that though there may be a few pious souls in thatcommunion, the church is inanawful stateof apostasy.MayGodhavemercyonthepeople.

DIALOGUEXI

ROM.Mygoodfriend,IneverwantedtoseeanybodyinmylifesomuchasIhavewishedtoseeyouthesemanyweeks.IhavehadsoreconflictssinceIsawyoulast."Withoutwerefightings,andwithinwerefears."But,my dear friend, Imust tell you all. I have dishonoredmy Saviour, andbetrayed him, like Judas, to his enemies. My soul has been worseburdenedwithaloadofguiltthaneverbefore.Oh,whatawretchamI!What aheinous sin Ihave committed!Dopray forme, if peradventuretheLordmaygivemerepentanceandforgiveness.

COLP. I beg you to tell me what's the matter? What crime have youcommittedthathascastyoudownintosuchdepthsofdistress?

ROM. I will tell you all. And may the Lord enable you to speak acomfortablewordtomypoor,wretchedsoul.

As I expected, theoldpriest, as soonashewas able to go about, cameroundtoourhouse,tomakeanapologyfortheimprudenceoftheyoungpriest in the shameful questions which he put to Susan at theconfessional. He said the young man, who had but just arrived fromIreland, was deeply mortified at what had happened, and solemnlydeclared that he had no other motive in proposing the objectionablequestions than to do his duty, as he had been instructed atMaynooth.Andhewentandbroughtthebookandshowedtheveryquestionswhichhehadproposed to the youngwoman. I believe thathe is a verypious

young man. And, said he, in the old country they have very differentnotions about these things fromwhat youhavehere inAmerica. Theretheythink itverynecessarytosearchthesecretsinsofsuchascometoconfession; and especially to bring young andbashful females to a freeconfession of their secret sins, who would otherwise be guilty of thedreadful sin of covering over their transgressions, and thus, as itwere,lying unto the Lord. And, said he, John, I tell you these squeamishnotionswhicharelatelygettingintotheheadsofouryoungfemalesareall borrowed from theheretics. Formerly, John, I asked suchquestionsand worse of some of the finest ladies in the land, and received theircandid and penitent confession. Yes, John, I would have you to know,thatyourownwifehasoftenbeenquestionedinthismanner,anditneveroffendedher.

UponthisIcouldnolongerrestrainmywrath:saidI,"It'salie,youoldhypocrite,youvileoldlecher;Ibelievethatyourwholereligionisavilesystem of hypocrisy and iniquity; and I will now call Mary, and seewhethershewillconfirmwhatyousay."

SaidfatherBenedict,"Youneednotdothat,fornogoodCatholicdaretellwhatissaidinconfession.IfyourwifeweretoaffirmordenywhatIhavetoldyou,shewouldincurtheheaviestexcommunicationofthechurch,acrime so flagrant that in other days it would have brought her to thestake."Mypassionuponthisrosehigher,andIbecameveryabusive,and,alas,was tempted touseprofane language.OLord, forgivemy sin!Myconscienceisburdened.AndIhavenottoldyouall.WhenMarycamein,I asked her whether any such questions had ever been put to her atconfession,andshepromptlyanswered, "Never."Upon finding that theoldpriesthaddeliberatelytoldashamefulfalsehood,tothedishonorofasvirtuousawomanasever lived,IwassoincensedthatItookhimbytheshouldersandpushedhimoutof thehouse.AssoonasmypassioncooledIregrettedwhatIhadsaidanddone. Iwentout, likePeter,andwept bitterly. Lately I was one of the happiest men living. All daymyheartseemedfullofjoyandpeace,andeveninthenight,whenIawoke,Iwould be singing the praises of my divine Saviour. But now, for threeweeks,nosinneroutofhell,Ithink,hadsufferedmore.Oh,doyouthinkitpossiblethatIcanbeforgiven?

COLP.Yes;"thebloodofChristcleansethfromallsin."Petercursedandswore, and three timesdeniedhisMaster, even inhispresence, andheobtainedforgiveness;andsomayyou,ifyouarepenitentashewas.

ROM. But Judas repented, and yet found no forgiveness, though herestoredthemoneywhichhehadtakenasthepriceofbetrayinghisLord.Andoften,oftenithascomepowerfullyintomymind,"Goanddoashedid.Thereisnopardonforthosewhohavesinnedasyouhavedone.Thesooneryouknowtheworstofyourcasethebetter.Goandhangyourself."IfIhadnotbelievedthat thiswasa temptationof thedevil, IknownotwhatdesperateactImighthavecommittedagainstmyownlife.Dotellme,mydearfriend,whatyouthink.Letmeknowtheworstofmycase.

COLP.AsIthinkyouhavetrulyrepented,IcannotdoubtthatGodhathpardoned your sin, and Christ seems to say to you as he did thrice toPeter,afterhissinandrepentance,"Lovestthoume?"Whatanswercanyougivetothis?

ROM.Oh, ifmyheartdoesnotdeceiveme,IcansaywithPeter,"Lord,thouknowestallthings;thouknowestthatIlovethee."

COLP.Thensetyourheartat rest. "My little children," says theapostleJohn,"sinnot:butifanymansin,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous;andheisthepropitiationforoursins;andnotforoursonly,butforthesinsofthewholeworld."

ROM.ThankGod,thankGod,forthisvisit.Myheartisrelieved.Oh,whatadearSaviour!Christismoreprecioustomysoulthanever.

DIALOGUEXII

ROM.Iamtrulygladtoseeyouatthistime.Iamliketobebroughtintotroubleformychangeofreligion.Mylandlord,whohasheretoforebeenveryfavorable,hassentmewordthatwhentheyearisoutImustremove.I know that he has been influenced by father Benedict to adopt thismeasure.Now,friend,Iwantyouradvicewhatcoursetopursue.Ihavebeenabletolayupbutlittle,andIdonotseewhereIshallfindanotherhomeformyselfandlittlefamily.

COLP.Youneednotdisturbyourselfaboutwhatyoushalleat,andwhatyou shall drink.Has not our blessed Lord pledged hisword, that ifweseekfirstthekingdomofGod,allthesethingsshallbeadded?"Consider,"saidhe,"thelilies,howtheygrow;theytoilnot,neitherdotheyspin;yetSolomoninallhisglorywasnotarrayedlikeoneofthese.Wherefore,ifGodsoclothethegrassofthefield,whichto-dayis,andto-morrowiscastintotheoven,howmuchmorewillheclotheyou,Oyeoflittlefaith?"Theworld is wide, and there are thousands of better places than this fromwhichyouaresoreluctanttopart.NextmonthIexpecttogotothewestasfarasIowa,andIwilllookoutaplaceforyou;andthereyouwillsoonbeabletoprocureafarmforyourself,andnotbeanylongerdependentforahomeonthewillofanother.Butletmehearhowyoursoulprospers,and how it is with your wife and daughter. Have the rulers of thesynagogueexcommunicatedyou,ordotheystillhopetogainyouback?

Rom.Ihavenodoubtthatweshallallbeexcommunicatedby"bell,book,andcandle,"butthisrequiressometime.Thebishopmustbeconsulted,andhewillnotberoundhereforsixmonths.AstomyselfIhavebutlittletosaythatisfavorable.IbegintofindthatIcarryaboutwithmeaheart"deceitfulaboveallthings,anddesperatelywicked."Icomparemyinnerman to a chamber inwhich filth has been accumulating for years, andintowhich the lighthasbegungradually to shine, revealingadegreeofloathsome defilement which was never suspected to exist. I amsometimes greatly cast down, andmuch troubled; but then I speak tomyselfinthelanguageofDavid,"Whyartthoucastdown,Omysoul,andwhyartthoudisquietedwithinme?hopethouinGod,whoisthehealthofmycountenance,andmyGod."

Maryfindsitveryhardtogiveupthemotherchurch,andherprayerstotheblessedVirgin;buthasatlengthcometotheconclusionthatshewillstudy theBible, and go by that, for she has lost all confidence inman.FatherBenedict,shethought,wasfreefromfault,andshewaswillingtotrusthersoulinhishands;butsincehetoldadeliberatefalsehood,andstuck to it, she thinksnomancanbe trusted,butGodonly.Had itnotbeenforthisdetectionofherfatherconfessorinaknownfalsehood,Iamof opinion that she never could have been induced to leave the oldchurch.Butthishasbrokenthestrongesttiethatheldher;andshesays,

IffatherBenedictisafalseman,whatmustIthinkoftheherdofpriestsand Jesuitswho go about the country? Still, shemakes this excuse forfatherBenedict,thathewasbroughtupamongtheJesuits,andbelongedtothatsociety,andIhaveheardthattheirdoctrineis,thatwemaytellalie to answer a good end; as, for example, to save the Catholic churchfrom reproach, or toprevent its beingknownwhat secretdoctrines areheldandtaughtamongthem.Thisnodoubtisthetruesecretoftheoldpriest'sconduct.Hewasafraidthattheimprudenceoftheyoungpriest,inaskingayoungwomansuchindelicatequestionsfromDens'Theology,wouldgetabroad,andhewishedtohushthematterup,andsopretendedthatsuchquestionshadbeenalwayscommon,andproposedbyhimselfto themostvirtuousmatrons in thecountry.Andhecalculatedthatmywife would be afraid to say whether or not such questions had beenpropoundedtoher.Butsheisnowontherighttrack,studyingtheBiblenight andday. Sometimes she reads in the commonEnglishBible, andthen she will turn to the Douay Bible and compare them, and I ampersuadedthatsheisincessantinherprayersatathroneofgrace.

AndasforSusan,sheisashappyasthedayislong.Oneofourneighborslent her a hymn-book, and taught her to sing some of the hymns; andwhile at her wheel is either singing hymns, or has herNew Testamentspreadoutbeforeher,onwhichshefixeshereyelongenoughtocatchaverse, which she soon has committed to memory. She rejoices in herdeliverancefromtheconfessionalandfromthepriests,andsaysCHRISTISHERPRIEST,towhomshewillconfess;thatshewantsnoother,andshe reads of no other in theNewTestament.Dear girl, she has greatlyoutstrippedherfatherinthegospelrace.

COUNSELS,ENCOURAGEMENT,ANDAIDINTHEWORKOFTHEAMERICANTRACT

SOCIETY

THEfollowingletterwaswrittenjustaftertheSociety'sformation.

"PRINCETON,August31,1825."

"DEARSIR—…Ihavenootherobjectinwritingbuttoacknowledgethereceipt of your favor, and to express my warm attachment to yourinstitution,andmyardentwishesthatitmayprospertotheutmosthopesofitsfoundersandfriends;andalsotoexpressmywillingnesstoaidtheSociety inanyway inmypower. Ifmypencouldbeserviceableonanysubjectwithintherangeofmystudies,Iwillnotdeclinetheattempt,withthefullunderstandingthatnothingwhichImaywritemaybecirculatedas a tract unless it meets the entire approbation of the committee ofpublication. I would therefore prefer that any thing which Imay writemaybe communicated as anonymous.To some theproduction of goodtractsseemseasy,tomeitappearsthemostdifficultkindofcompositionto execute well; but I am so convinced of the efficacy of this mode ofdiffusing the knowledge of truth, that if I thought myself capable ofwritinggoodtracts,Ishouldbewillingtospendtheremainderofmydaysin that service.ButwhenIhavemadesomesmall efforts in thatway, Ihavenotsucceededingainingmyownapprobation."

"Yoursveryrespectfully,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"Rev.WM.AHALLOCK,"

"Cor.Sec.Amer.TractSoc."

"PRINCETON,February25,1826.

"DEARSIR—IhardlyknowwhattosayrespectingthetractonuniversalsalvationwhichIhavebeenrequestedtofurnish.Icould,Ibelieve,writea volume on that interesting subject, but how to discuss the importantmatterwhichitembraceswithinthelimitsofatract,Iknownot.Iwishthatsuchaworkmightfallintosomeablerhands,forIamsensiblethatI

possess not the qualifications to produce such a luminous, condensedviewof the subject aswouldanswer thepurposeof theTractSociety. Iwill,however,returntotheconsiderationofthesubject,andifIcanwriteany thingwhich shall inanymeasure satisfymyself, Iwill transmit themanuscripttoyouinafewweeks.Ifyoushouldreceivenothing,youmayconclude that I have failed in my attempt. If such a communicationshouldbemade,itismysincereandearnestrequestthat,unlessitmeetsthe views of the Committee satisfactorily, itmay not be published, butreturnedtome.Ihavenofeelingsthatneedbeintheleastconsultedinsuchacase."

"Iamwithgreatregard,"

"Yourbrotherandfellow-laborer,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,August24,1829."

"REV. AND DEAR SIR—I take this method of expressing to yourCommitteemyheartythanksforthesevenvolumesoftheSociety'stracts,which throughyou theywerepleased topresentme. Ididnot recollectthatIhadeverspokentoMr.R.Brownonthesubjectofobtainingasetfor me. I presume that his purpose of obtaining them for me wassuggestedbythegenerosityofhisownheart.ButIassureyou,mydearsir,theyarenotthelesswelcomeforbeingunexpected."

"YouknowtheopinionwhichIentertainofthevalueoftracts.AndIshallnow feel myself laid under an additional obligation to promote theircirculation;andmorethanthat, ifProvidencesparesmyhealthand lifethrough the ensuing winter, I will make an exertion to add to theirnumber. If I could persuade myself that I was able to write in thatpeculiarstyleofpoint,simplicity,andspirituality,inwhichtractsshouldbe penned, I would even rob sleep of some of its hours to furnish agreatervarietyofsubjectstotheAmericanTractSociety.Ihave,however,sincethereadingofthelastreportoftheSociety,feltsomedegreeofguiltformynegligence,whenIobserved,withhumblegratitudetoGod,thatthetractonTheDayofJudgmenthadbeenmadeaspecialblessingtoso

many immortal soulsduring the last year. Iobserve in the listof tractsstereotypedthelastyear,oneonTheImportanceofSalvation.Iknownotwhether it is the same as that published by Professor Maclean in hisseries;ifso,itwaswrittenbymemanyyearsago,andwastakenoutfromsome old papers, and sent to him, perhaps without any notice of itsorigin.Ofthis,however,Iamuncertain."

"I feel somuch indebted to theCommittee for the treasurewhich theyhavepresentedtome,thatIintendtovolunteerintheservice,andwriteoneortwotractsassoonasIcanfindleisurefrommyalmostincessantoccupations."

"InChristianlove,Iamyourbrother,etc.,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,June22,1832."

"REV. AND DEAR SIR—In answer to yours, received this morning, Iwouldremark,thatinthisageofexcitement,peoplemorethaneverneedtreatisescalculated todrawthe lineofdistinctionclearlybetweenthoseexercisesofreligionwhichare true,andsuchasarespurious. ItwilldoprofessorsnoharmtohavetheirhopeshakenbyreadingsuchabookasEdwardsontheAffections.Themarksofgenuinepietylaiddowninthatworkare,inmyjudgment,altogetherscriptural;sothatthosewhodonotfindinthemselveswhatherequires,havenorighttoesteemthemselvesconverted persons. The great difficulty, I confess, is to apply the testswhichhehasgiven:someofthem,thoughperfectlycorrect,furnishlittleaidinpractice,tothesinceresoulengagedintheexaminationofitsownstate; but it is useful forChristians to bewell acquaintedwith the truetheory of experimental religion, and I am acquainted with no book inwhich this is given so fully and so clearly as in the work underconsideration.Inreadingit,Ihavebeensostruckwiththecorrectnessofthesentiments,andthejudicioussobrietyandspiritualityoftheauthor'sremarks,thatIhavefeltreadytodeterminetointroduceitasaclass-bookin our seminary.… The truth is, that Edwards speaks in Ellerby'sabridgmentasreallyas intheoriginalwork;thelanguageandstructureof the sentences are still his own, andEllerby has done little else than

omit repetitions of the same idea. I am free to acknowledge, however,thatmyonlyreasonforpreferringtheabridgmentis,thatitisbyonehalfShorter than the original, for I am pleased with President Edwards'repetitions."

"It cannot be denied that this work is not adapted to all sincereChristians,andperhapsoughtnotimmediatelytobeputintothehandsofyoungconverts,unlesstheyhavehadtheirmindsdisciplinedbyagoodeducation;butyourobjectshouldbe,notonlytoprovidemilkforbabes,butmeatforstrongmen.BooksadaptedtoeverystageandperiodoftheChristianlifeareneeded.Otherbookswillbemoreread,butfewbooks,in my opinion, will be more useful to those who are capable ofunderstanding and applyingwhat is contained in this treatise; and oneChristian who has his mind exercised to nice discrimination on thissubject,willprobablybeusefultoawholesocietyofcommonprofessors."

"WhenIrecommendthiswork,Ispeakfromsomeexperienceofitsvalue.I have known private Christianswho studied the treatisewith untiringassiduity andwithundoubtedprofit. I speakof theoriginalwork, fromwhichtheabridgmentonlydiffersbybeingshorter.Iamwithtrueregard,yours,etc."

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,April26,1833."

"REV. AND DEAR SIR—Agreeably to your request, I have written thefollowingonthesubjectofcirculatingboundbooks. Itcontainsnothingwhichisnotfamiliartoyourthought,butifyouareofopinionthatitcaninanydegreesubservethegoodworkinwhichyoulabor,youmaymakewhatuseofityourdiscretionandthatoftheCommitteemaydirect."

"Irejoiceto learnthattheCommitteeoftheAmericanTractSocietyareturning their attention specially to the preparation and circulation ofsmallboundvolumes.Theseareasreally tracts(treatises)asanyof thepamphletsorsheetswhicharesentforthfromtheinstitution.IwouldbeverysorrytosayawordwhichwouldhavetheeffectofdiminishingthezealandactivityoftheCommitteeinthedistributionoftractsintheusual

form.Letthisgoodwork,bywhichtheknowledgeofthetruthisextendedto so many thousands of needy souls, be prosecuted with increasingardor. The circulation of tracts is clearly marked out as one of God'sappointedmeansfortheconversionoftheworld.Thefactsfromheathenlands,nowbeforethepublic,areofthemostanimatingdescription,andarecalculatedtoinspireallthefriendsoftheSocietywithlivelyhopeandzeal."

"But as the same truths may be circulated in different forms, so thelaborersinthisfieldoughtwiselytoadapttheirmodesofoperationtothecircumstances,tastes,andexigenciesofthepeople.AndIampersuadedthattherearesomepeculiaradvantagesinthedistributionofsmall,well-selected treatises in the form of bound volumes. Some are disposed tothinklightlyofeverythingintheshapeoftracts,fromthecircumstanceof their commonness, and from the importunity which has sometimesattendedtheirdistribution.Idonotmentionthisasathingwhichcanbeunknown to theCommittee, nor do Imean to connectwith it the leastinsinuation that the business of distribution has been unwiselyconducted. The feeling to which I have referred, as existing to aconsiderable extent, is indeed most unreasonable; but if it exists, weshould as far as possible contrive means to counteract it. Thisundervaluingof the cheapest of all vehicles fordivine truth, verymuchresemblestheconductoftheIsraelitesinregardtothemannawithwhichtheywere so constantly and abundantly supplied. They said, "Our soulloatheththis lightbread."But thesameprejudicedoesnotexistagainstboundbooks.Thesethepeoplearewillingtobuyatafairprice."

"There can be no doubt that it is right to avail ourselves of thispreference, and to provide, for those who wish it, cheap volumes ofimportantreligiousinstruction.Itisalsoafact,thatsmalltractsinsheetsarebutinfewcasespreservedwithcare.Theyoftenperishalmostassoonasread,andIknowofnomethodofpreventingthiswastesoeffectualasto substitute small boundbooks.TheSociety's tracts arenowbound inthismannerforsuchasprefertheminthatform.Andletothertreatisesbeselectedforpublication,forwhichpurposetherearemanyexcellentlyadapted."

"IhaveattentivelyreadoverthelistofbookswhichtheCommitteehave

already put into circulation, and the selection meets with my cordialapprobation.Worksofamoreevangelicalandspiritualkinddonotexist,andIamgratified tosee that theyareprintedandbound inaneatandhandsomestyle.Iamdeeplypersuadedthatgreatpublicbenefitwillarisefrom theappropriationof aportionof your funds in thisway;and thatthe event will prove, that however expensive it may be in thecommencement,itwillbewiseeconomyintheend.WhenIconsiderhowmany copies of 'Doddridge's Rise and Progress,' 'Baxter's Call to theUnconverted,''Alleine'sAlarm,''EdwardsontheAffections,'andsuchlikeworks, will be circulated through the whole length and breadth of thisland, I am filled with pleasing anticipations of the good which yourSocietywillbethemeansofaccomplishing."

"IdosincerelyhopethattheCommitteewillpersevereintheprosecutionof this object, and as their circumstances may permit, increase thenumberoftheirpublicationsofthisdescription.Ididthinkitimportantthatasocietyforthecirculationofreligiousbooksshouldbeformed,butIdonotseewhytheAmericanTractSocietymaynotmanagethiswholeconcernmore economically and successfully than any new society. ThesuccesswhichhasalreadyattendedyoureffortsinthiswayiscalculatedtoinspireyouwithconfidencetogooninthenameoftheLord."

"Withsincereregard,yourstruly,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

InOctober, 1833, theCommitteeof theAmericanTractSociety,havinginvitedameetingofgentlemen,witha special view to raising funds forforeignandPaganlands,requestedDr.Alexandertobepresent.Totheirrequesthereplied:

"PRINCETON,Oct.10,1833."

"REV.ANDDEARSIR—Asmybodilyinfirmitieswillpreventmymeetingwithyon, Ibeg thatyouwillexpress to theCommitteeof theAmericanTractSocietymyregretatnotbeingabletoaffordthemanyeffectualaidintheaccomplishmentoftheimportantobjectwhichtheyhaveinview,and also assure them of my cordial good wishes and prayers for the

successoftheirnobleenterprise.IamdeeplyconvincedthatthetimehasarrivedwhenthefriendsoftheRedeemerarecalledupontomakemorevigorous exertions than ever before in extending the knowledge ofsalvationtotheendsoftheearth.ThereneverwasatimewhenGodinhisprovidence had so opened the door of effectual operation among theheathen,inallquartersoftheworld,asatthistime;andtheyarehappytowhomGodhascommittedmanytalents,andtowhomhehasgivenahearttooccupythemfortheadvancementofhiscauseandglory."

"Every person who loves the Lord Jesus should strive, by all lawfulmeans, to acquire something to expend in this holy cause; and noChristian ought, in this day, to think of accumulating property for anyotherpurpose, than for thepromotionofChrist'skingdom.TheMasterneeds now all that his disciples have it in their power to give. Thehundreds of millions of the heathen who are perishing for lack ofknowledge,callforourexertionsandourliberalcharities."

"Iwas greatly struckwithDr.Morrison's letter. It appears that at leastone-thirdofthepopulationoftheglobereadtheChinesecharacter,andthat thesamebooksareunderstoodby thosewhosespoken language isquitedifferent.IfweallowtwohundredmillionsofinhabitantstoChinaProper, we may safely reckon another hundred millions beyond theselimits, who are able to read the Chinese language. Hitherto Christiansseemedtobeshutoutfromthisimmensefield.Thisvastempireseemedindeed to be surrounded by an insurmountable barrier. But the brazenwall,itisfound,maybepassed.TractshavealreadyfoundtheirwayintotheheartofChina,possibly into theverypalaceof theaugustemperor.And let it be remembered, that in this conquest tracts must be thepioneers. These can find their way, and accomplish much, where thelivingpreachercannotgo,andwheretheBiblewouldnotbereceived.LetnoonesupposethatthemissionaryandtheBiblesupersedethenecessityof tracts. The way for the introduction of these appointed means ofsalvationisoftenpreparedbythecirculationoftracts.AndthesecontaintheverysametruthswhicharerevealedintheBible,andthesamematterwhichthelivingpreacherproclaims.ThetruthisGod'sinstrumentfortheconversion and sanctification of men, and it matters little how this isconveyed to themind; if attendedby theHolySpirit, it is able tomake

menwiseunto salvation,whetherheard from the lips of apreacher, orreadinanevangelicaltract.AndevenwheretheBibleispossessed,andthegospelconstantlypreached,tractsmaybeeminentlyuseful.Thisdailyexperience teaches. And surely it is of all methods of communicatingreligiousknowledgethemosteconomical.InthousandsofcasesyoumayfreelyscattertractswhereitwouldnotbeexpedienttogiveaBible."

"Itoughtnot tobeobjected thata largeportionof the tractswhicharecirculatedareneverread,andconsequentlyproducenoeffect.Ifoneinathousand is read with profit, there is a rich compensation for all theexpense incurred. The husbandman is not discouraged from liberallycastinghispreciousseedintothepreparedgroundbecauseheknowsthatmuch of it will be devoured by the birds, or fall where it cannot befruitful;neitherdoeshewithholdhishandbecauseitispossiblethatthegreaterpartofitmayperishbyunpropitiousseasons.Inthemorninghesowshisseed,andintheeveninghewithholdsnothishand;notknowingwhether this or that will prosper, or whether bothmay be alike good.Neither shouldhebedeterred from sowinghis seedby the threateningappearanceoftheclouds;butwithtearshegoethforth,andwithhumbletrust in Providence, he casts his precious seed into the earth. Let usimitatehisdiligence,andalsohisconfidenceandpatience."

"I sincerely hope and pray that the greatMaster of assembliesmay beremarkably in the midst of your meeting, and that he may graciouslygrant to all present hearts which will prompt them to devise liberalthings.'Work,'saysourLord,'whileitiscalledtoday.'Thedoorwhichisnow so widely opened, may soon be closed if Christians neglect toimprovetheopportunity."

"Iam,withsincereregard,"

"Yourbrotherandfellow-laborer,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,October26,1833."

"REV. AND DEAR SIR—Upon the reception of your note yesterday,

informing me of the postponement of the Tract meeting until thisevening, I determined tomakean effort andbewith you;but Ihadanuncomfortable night, and feel my system so much disordered thismorning,thatIthinkitwouldbeimprudenttoventureabroad,especiallywhen I should be liable to the excitement of speaking at a publicmeeting."

"AsIwishtomanifestmyzealandgoodwillintheTractcause,towhichyouhavesounreservedlydevotedyourself,Iwould,inadditiontowhatIhave before said, respectfully propose the following queries, whichprobably includethesubstanceofwhatIwouldhavesaid, if Ihadbeenpresent."

"1. Ought not the love of Christ and his kingdom to be the governingmotivewitheveryChristian?"

"2.Will not thismotive, in proportion as it is felt, induce every one tomake exertions to advancehis kingdom, and thuspromote the glory ofGodintheworld?"

"3. Is there any way by which this object can so effectually beaccomplished,asbyextendingtheknowledgeofthetruththroughoutthewholeearth?"

"4.Istherenotacrisisinthingsofthiskind,whenmuchmaybedonebyseasonable and energetic exertions, which, if it be suffered to passwithout improvement,maynot return forages; justas if theseasonsofseed-time and harvest be neglected, we labor in vain during theremainderoftheyear?"

"5.Istherenotgoodreasontothinkthattheageinwhichweliveissuchatime;thatProvidencehasnowfurnishedthechurchwithsuchfacilitiesforoperation,andopenedsuchadoorofusefulness,especiallyamongtheheathennations,thatweshallbegreatlywantingindutytoourMaster,ifwe do not endeavor to avail ourselves of these opportunities of doinggood,whichwereneversoabundantlyaffordedtoanyotherage?"

"6.IsitnotevidentthatthedistributionofevangelicalTractsisoneofthe

mosteffectualmethodsofdisseminatingTHETRUTHOFGOD;andhasnot the blessing which has hitherto attended this enterprise, both inChristian andheathen lands,warranted the conclusion that it is one ofGod's chosen means for the accomplishment of his purposes andpredictionsrelatingtotheconversionoftheworld?"

"7. The prosecution of this object obstructs no other benevolentoperation, but is a necessary auxiliary to all others; while then otherSocieties, as particularly Bible Societies and Missionary Societies, areengaged inmakingextraordinary exertions, oughtnot theTractSocietyalso to move forward with renewed zeal and enlarged plans ofoperation?"

"8. Can the genuine disciples of Christ who possess the means ofpromotingthiscause,holdbackwhensoloudacallisaddressedtothemfromalmosteveryquarteroftheglobeforthebreadoflife?"

"9.Oughtnotmercantile enterprisesnow tobe enteredon for the verypurposeofmakinggaintobeappliedtothepromotionoftheRedeemer'skingdom?AndshouldnotthosewhoseeffortstoincreasetheirpropertyGodhas signally blessed,make a free-will offering of a portionof theirprofitstohisservice?"

"10.Wouldnot theconsecrationof first-fruits, redemption for the first-born, and tenths laid upon the altar of God, probably bring down ablessingonalltheirpossessions?"

"11.When a contest is going on in ourminds between selfishness andbenevolence, is it not the part of wisdom to lean to the side ofbenevolence?"

"12.WhenwasitknownthatanymanwasimpoverishedbygivingtotheLord? And if the time should come when men shall become poor bygivingalltheirgoodstopromotethecauseofChrist,willtheynotbecomeinfinitelyrichbysuchablessedpoverty?"

"13.Isnotthetimefordoinganythinginthiscauseshort?Oughtwenotthereforetoworkwhileitiscalledto-day?Isitnotcertainthatweshall

never have another life upon earth?Oughtwenot, therefore, to do thebestwecanwith the talents committed tous, thatwhenourLordshallcome to reckon with us, he may say, 'Well done, good and faithfulservants?'"

"PRINCETON,May14,1834."

"REV.ANDDEARSIR—Iammuchgratifiedtolearnfromthepublishedabstract, that you have resolved to prosecute effectually the plan ofcirculatingthestereotypedboundvolumesoftheSociety.Igreatlyrejoiceintheprospectoftheincalculablegoodwhichyouwilleffectinthisway,andIonlywishyoutoincreaseyourmeansbyaddingsuchotherworkstoyour publications as have stood the test of time and thoroughexamination.Ihaveseveraltopropose,butatpresentIconfinemyselfto'Halyburton'sGreatConcern.'"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,March18,1835."

"ToS.V.S.Wilder,Esq.,Rev.JamesMilnor,D.D.,Rev.Mr.Hallock,andRev.Mr.Eastman."

"GENTLEMEN—I have perused your circular, addressed to me, withheartfeltsatisfaction.Irejoicesincerelyinthesuccesswithwhichyouareenabled to prosecute the benevolent plan of supplying every family, inseveralofthesouthernstates,withacopyofoneormoreofyourboundvolumes.Ihavenodoubtbutthe lightofeternitywilldiscoverthatthisenterprise has been themeans of bringing, through Christ, many sonsanddaughters to glory.As thedestitute cannotbe everywhere suppliedwithlivingpreachers,letthepiousdeadbesenttospeaktothem"allthewords of this life." Send Baxter, and Flavel, andAlleine, and Edwards,andBunyan,etc.,topreachtothemthatgospelbywhichtheyhavelongsincebeenguidedtoheaven.Andifeveryvillageandremotesettlementhada faithfulpastor,whatbetteraidcould theyhave thanoneof thesepreciousvolumesineveryfamilyoftheirrespectivecharges?Thetruthis,thatsuchbooksdomoregoodwherethegospel ispreachedthanwhereitssoundisseldomheard,becausethereatasteforsuchreadinghasbeen

generated. In every part of the country, therefore, these books will befoundexceedinglyuseful; and there isno room todoubt that the effortshouldbeextendedtoeverystateandterritoryintheUnion.Idonot,Iconfess, knowof anymeans in ourpowerbywhich somuchgoodmayimmediately be effected; and as human life is short, and men areperishing for lack of knowledge, there should be no delay norprocrastination of this work. Let it be urged forward with a zeal andenergyproportionedtothemagnitudeoftheinterestsatstake.Letagentsbe found running in all directions bearing in their hands these books,whichexplainthetrueandonlymethodofsalvation."

"Thatthegeneralcirculationofthesebookswouldbedesirable,therecanbe no doubt in the mind of any one who believes in the Christianreligion."

"In this regionI thinkmostwouldpreferpurchasing them, to receivingthemasagratuity.Allministersandmembersofevangelicalchurches,Ishouldhope,wouldhelpforwardtheobject.IfGodsenddownhisHolySpirit,theinterestwillbeexcited."

"Theworkwhich youpropose is great, andno one can tell how long itmay take to accomplish it. Exert all your energy, but guard against acollapse of zeal. Determine to do all that you can, but promise notdefinitelywhatyouwilldo.Still,theobjectmustbedefinitelyproposed,andallpropermotivespresentedtoinduceavigorouscoöperation.Itisagratifyingconsiderationthat,inallsuchenterprises,whateveriseffectedis somuchgained for thecauseofChrist.Onebookhasoftenbeen themeansofmuchgood.MorethanfortyyearsagoIvisitedaneighborhoodshutupbymountainsonallsides.Thefemalesneverlefttheplace.Herean elderly man, who had recently been converted by the labors of amissionary,hadreceivedatractorpamphletcontainingthedyingadviceof a parent to his children. Theneighbors came in to hear it read, andduringthetimeofitsbeingreadtherewasscarcelyadryeyeinthehouse,andthemanwhoreaditshedabundanceoftears,sothatfrequentlyhisvoicewasobstructed.Atanothertime,Isawawholecongregationmeltedinto tears by the preacher,whose textwas, 'It is a faithful saying,' etc.,telling themthathehad latelyreada tractcalled 'PoorJoseph'whichawomanhadputintohishands,andrelatingitscontents."

"I have only two or three suggestions tomake. The first is, that if youcould find persons that would go about and read your books to thepeople,theendwhichyouproposewouldbeaccomplished;butthetruthis,thatwhilemanycannotreadatall,alargepartofthosewhohavebeentoschoolaresolittleaccustomedtoread,thattheycanderivebutsmallbenefit from a book read by themselves. I have noticed how difficult awork reading is to those unaccustomed to the exercise and they are somuchoccupiedinspellingouttheword,thatthemeaningofthesentenceislostinthepainfuleffortwhichtheyareobligedtomake.Ifyousupposethere are few readers who would meet with these obstructions, I ampersuadedthatyoumisjudgerespectingagreatmultitudeinthestateofNewJersey.Itisasolemntruth,thatmanyofyourtractsandbooksareentirelytooelevatedformorethanonehalfofthepopulationofthisland.You need instructions for such in the simplest language of colloquialintercourse.Ifpiousmenandwomen,thatcanreadwell,wouldspendafew hours every week in reading to these people, the effect would begreat:allsuchpersonsarequickinunderstandingwhatcomesinbythecar.'Faithcomesbyhearing.'"

"Anothersuggestionis,thatyouragentsproposetoeverycongregationtopurchase a set of your books and bound tracts, to be lent out by theminister. A borrowed book is more commonly read speedily than onewhichispurchased;aborrowedbook,ifreadatall,mustbereadsoon,asitmustbereturned.Suchacirculatinglibrarywoulddomoregoodthancanbecalculated,andthereisnocongregationsopoorasnottobeableto provide it. In many cases the minister would procure it at his ownexpense—thepiousfemalesofhiscongregationwouldquicklydefraytheexpense—often a liberal individual would contribute a sufficient sum.Thisdoesnotfallinpreciselywithyourplanofgivingavolumetoeveryfamily, but I am sure it would promote that plan. If a person becamedeeplyinterestedinabook,heorshewouldnotrestuntilabookofthesamekindwasconstantlyathand."

"Myonlyothersuggestionis,thatyoushouldsendforthmorebooksonthe'evidencesofrevelation.'Deistsandinfidelswouldprobablynotreadthem,butyoungpeoplewouldbepreventedfrombecomingsuch.Thereisoftenaleavenofinfidelityatworkinthemidstofthemostorderlyand

retiredcongregations.Unlessyoucancounteract this, theeffectofyourother tractswill be limited. TheBritishTract Society are bending theirattentionstronglytothispoint.Again,youmusthaveagreatervarietyinyour collection; something to suit different tastes; but all must bespiritualandgood."

"Iam,withgreatrespect,yourfriend,etc.,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,March22,1837."

"DEARSIR—IhavenowfinishedtheLifeofBuchanan,butinadifferentway from that first contemplated. After mature deliberation, afterlearning that you wished a volume of about four hundred pages, Iresolved to throw aside my own manuscript abridgment, and form avolume fromPearson; omitting only such parts as are little adapted toour institutions, and are of no permanent importance; and also theextended extracts from his sermons. Bat as much of the volume ofPearsonas is retained remainsunaltered, exceptwherean introductoryorconnectingsentencewasrequired.ButbesidestheworkofPearson,Ihave introduced themost interesting part of Dr. Buchanan's 'ChristianResearches,'whichhasbeendoneatyoursuggestion,andwillrenderthisvolume much more valuable for your purpose than the original. Thedivision into parts I have omitted, and arranged the materials intoconsecutivechaptersfromonetoseventeen."

"The transactions ofDr. Buchanan's life from the time of his arrival inEnglandtohisdeath,Ihavecondensedintoasinglechapter,andIhavesubjoinedsomeconcludingremarksonthecharacterofDr.Buchanan,asitappearedtomethatMr.Pearson, forsomereason,wasnotas fullonthis head as he might have been. This conclusion, however, may beomitted, if it should appear to the Committee superfluous, or if thevolumeshouldappeartoswelltoaninconvenientsize."

"I will again request, that in all future editions of the tract onUniversalism,mynameonthecovermaybeomitted.IhavealreadyseenanabusivearticlefromtheUniversalistpress.Icarenotfortheircensure,

butIthinkitwillbebestthatitshouldbeanonymous."

"Iamcontinuallygratifiedwith the intelligenceofyourgreatsuccess inthevolumeenterprise.ForthisIblessGod.Itisdoinggooduponaverylarge scale, andwithout any drawback. I hope that you will be able toincrease the number of your volumes. If I can be of any service to thecause,pleasetocommandme."

"Yourstrulyandrespectfully,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,April26,1836."

"DEAR SIR—Since you were here I have been looking over Baxter's'TreatiseonConversion,'intheseventhvolumeofhisPracticalWorks.Ithas in it much that is excellent, written with amazing power andpungency, and ought to accompany his 'Call.' Imarkedwithmy pencilsuch parts as might advantageously be omitted, and upon comparisonfindthatthepartsmarkedoutareequaltoone-fourthofthework.Ithinkit would be well to get some judicious member of the PublishingCommitteetoexaminethistreatise,andifitshouldbejudgedexpedientto add it to your library, itwill giveme pleasure to transfer themarkswhich I have made on the volume here, to another which you mayforwardforthepurpose."

"I intend to pay some attention to this subject, as I have time andopportunity,andwhenImeetwithanyworkwhichstrikesmefavorablywillcommunicatemyopinion."

"Iamrespectfullyandtrulyyours,etc.,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"December14,1837."

"…ThesuccessofthevolumeenterprisegladdensmyhearteverytimeIthinkofit,andIsincerelywishthatinsteadofadozenvolumesyouhadahundred in circulation. A compendious history of modern Protestant

missionswould,atthistime,beanacceptablepresenttothepublic."

"PRINCETON,February24,1838."

"REV. AND DEAR SIR—Your favor of the 19th inst. is received. I amwillingtobestowallthelittleremainderofmydaysinthatwaywhichwillmosteffectuallyadvancethecauseofourblessedRedeemer."

"I will take into consideration your suggestions. Certainly, if I couldbelievethatIshouldbeabletoproduceavolumefittobeaddedtothosewhich you have in such extensive circulation, I would without delayaddressmyself to thework;butwithoutanyaffectationofmodesty,mycommonconvictionis,thattherearealreadyinprintmuchbetterbooksthan I could write, and that there are other persons much morecompetent to supply what is wanted than myself. Almost every thingwhichIhaveeverpublishedhasbeendrawn frommebysomepeculiarcircumstances;otherwiseInevershouldhaveappearedbeforethepublicasanauthor.My'Letters,'towhichyoukindlyallude,werecommencedattheearnestrequestofsomeofmyoldfriendsinVirginia,andwerenotexpectedbymotocirculatefartherthantheywouldbeconveyedby'TheWatchmanoftheSouth.'Ihavenowbroughtthemtoaclose,principallybecauseitispainfultometobesolongbeforetheChristianpublic.Ihavethereforenoplan for the republicationof them inavolume.WhatRev.Mr.PlumermaybedisposedtodoinrelationtothemIknownot.Hehasearnestly solicited fromme a series of letters on experimental religion,butIhavenotthoughtthatIcouldexecutesuchaworkasitoughttobedone. I consider it one of the most delicate, as well as difficult of allsubjectstotreat;andIhavenotbeensufficientlyabroadintheworldtoobservealltheindicationsofspuriousreligionwhichhavebeenexhibitedin our country within the last twenty years; but since I received yourletter suggesting that I should thinkofwriting somethingof apracticalnature, the thought has occurred that possibly these objects might beadvantageouslyunited;thatis,Imightwriteaseriesoflettersoressays,whichmightbepublishedinaweeklypaper,andafterwards,ifapproved,mightbecollected intoaduodecimovolume foryourSociety.Thisplanwouldhave theadvantageof subjecting to the impartial examinationofyour Committee every letter or essay as it came from the press, andsuggestedimprovementsandalterationsmightbemadebeforethebook

was adopted. But I do not mean to intimate that I have deliberatelyadoptedanypurposeof thiskind. Imerely throwout the idea, that if itshouldseemtoyouworthyofanyremarks,youmaycommunicateyourthoughts when you shall enjoy leisure, which, by the way, I suspectseldomfallstoyourlot."

"I reflect on no part of my life with more satisfaction than any littleagency which I have had in encouraging and promoting the volumecirculationbyyourSociety.Idoconsiderthesuccessofthisenterpriseasintimately connectedwith theprosperityofvital, scripturalpiety inourland;notinanyonechurch,butinallevangelicalchurches,andbeyondthemall,byconveyingasoundandpracticalknowledgeofthegospeltomultitudeswhoenjoynopublicmeansofgrace,orhavenotattendedonthem. If I coulddoany thingmore tourgeon thisblessedwork,whichhasbeensoauspiciouslycommenced,Iwouldcordiallylendmyaid."

"Neither am I indifferent to your more recent enterprise of furnishingtracts in various languages for the instruction and conversion of theheathen.Itisanobleenterprise.Itisdoubtlessoneimportantlinkinthechain of means intended for the conversion of the world. Go on, andprosper.Fearnot thewantofmeans.Godwill supply themas they areneeded."

"Iam,respectfullyandaffectionately,"

"Yourbrother,etc.,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

To a circular letter issued by the Rev. Dr. Milnor, and Rev. Messrs.Hallock, Eastman, and Cook, Secretaries, requesting an opinion on thedesirablenessoftheSociety'sintroducingaChristianlibraryintoschools,families, etc., Dr. Alexander replied, January 23, 1840, in substance asfollows:

"Astheprinciplesofallsoundmoralityarecontainedinasincerebeliefinthe fundamental truths of religion, if the prevalence of goodmorals beessentialtothewelfareandprosperityoftherepublic,thenthemindsof

childrenshouldbeimbuedwiththeessentialdoctrinesofreligionintheirearliest years. And as parents are often incapable of instructing theirchildren,orneglecttoaffordthemreligiousinstruction,itisexceedinglyimportant,even inapoliticalview, thatprimaryschools shouldpossesssuchalibraryasisproposed."

"AsfarasIamacquaintedwiththecharacterandcontentsofthebooksinthe list, I think that the selection is judicious, and will meet with theapprobation of all denominations of evangelical Christians; there are,however,severalbooksintheproposedlibrarywhichIhaveneverread,and concerning which, of course, I can with propriety express noopinion."

"Inmanyoftheseauthorsthereisanexcellenceofspiritandsentiment,which has the effect of causing the attentive reader to forget themerecircumstance of the external dress inwhich they are exhibited; yet thestyleiseminentlysuitedtothesubjecttreated,andcertainlypossessesallthemost important characteristics which a cultivated tastewouldwishfor in writings of this description. The style ofmost of these works is,though not elegant and ornamented, simple, chaste, vigorous,perspicuous,andanimated."

"Asthesebookscontainthemarrowofthegospel,withoutinculcatingthepeculiaritiesofanyparticularsect,theycannotbutextendtheknowledgeofgospeltruthwherevertheyareintroduced;andwhereothermeansofreligiousinstructionarenotplentifullyenjoyed,theywouldbeatreasureof inestimable value, not only to the rising generation, but to the adultpopulation."

"Itwouldundoubtedlybethedutyofeverygoodmantoencourageandpromote this enterprise by all the influence which he could exert; andfromwhatIhaveobservedrespectingthereceptionofyourvolumes,Iampersuaded that a ready and cordial coöperationmight be calculated onfromthepiousofalldenominations."

"Iam,respectfullyandtruly,"

"YourbrotherinChrist,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,July4,1842."

"REV.ANDDEARSIR—…ThecountrybetweentheBlueRidgeandtheOhioriver isoneofgreatextent,andcontainsasmanyutterlydestitutesettlementsasanyequalterritoryintheUnitedStates.Partofthisfield,however, (thegreatvalley,) isoneof the finest farmingcountries in theUnion,andissettledbyPresbyteriansandGermanProtestants.Anagentsuitedtothelatterclass,whoarealmostentirelywithoutbooks,wouldbeexceedingly important. The Presbyterians are of the Scotch-Irish class,and are steady in their adherence to the confession of faith, andaccustomed to read the works of Boston, Flavel, Owen, Baxter, etc.Amongtheseyourvolumeswouldsellwell, ifthepeoplearenotalreadysupplied.BetweentheNorthmountain,whichboundsthegreatvalleyonthe north-west, and the Ohio, is a mountainous region of nearly twohundred miles in extent, comprehending some rich and compactsettlements;but ingeneralthepeoplearestrungalongnarrowintervalshemmed in by inaccessible mountains, where they seldom hear thegospel, and where the stated ministry can never be supported, theinhabitantsaresowidelyseparatedfromeachother."

"Now,myplanwouldbetoassignallwestoftheBlueRidgetoMr.——,andifyoucouldplaceunderhissupervisionthreeor fourcolporteurs—there is no country where the services of this class of men are moreneeded—hecouldspendthewholeyearmostprofitably."

"Ihavefreelythrownoutmythoughts;considerthemasmerehints,andthendothebestyoucan."

"Iamtrulyyours,"

A.ALEXANDER."

October25,26,and27,1842,apublicdeliberativemeetingoftheBoardand friends of the American Tract Society was held in the BroadwayTabernacle, New York, and the Rev. Dr. Alexander, who wasprovidentiallydetained,sentinthefollowingcommunication,whichwas

readwithdeepinterest:

"After a full survey of all the plans of doing good to the souls of menwhich are now in operation, it is my deliberate opinion, that with theexception of the preaching of the gospel and circulating the holyScriptures,thereisnonewhichpromisestobemoreefficient,andmoreextensively useful, in promoting the spiritual and eternal interests ofmen, than the publication and wide circulation of sound evangelicalbooks and tracts. And if Iwere to undertake to select a set of volumeswhich inmy judgment itwouldbemostbeneficial tocirculate, Ishouldundoubtedlymakechoiceofalargeproportionofthevolumeswhichhavebeenpublishedby theAmericanTractSociety.Nobooks thatwereeverwritten by uninspiredmen are better adapted to promote true religionamongthepeople,andnonewereevermoresuccessfulintheconversionofsinnersandtheedificationofthepeopleofGod,thanmanyofthoseonyour list,andwhicharenowinthecourseofrapidcirculation.Manyoftheseauthorshavereceivedtheapprobationandsanctionofthejudiciousandpiousfortwohundredyears,andtheirvalueisashighlyappreciatednow as it ever was. When I reflect on the number of these pious andexcellentworkswhichwithinafewyearshavebeenscatteredthroughthelengthandbreadthof this land, I cannotbut rejoiceandgive thanks toGod that so much precious seed has been sown, which there is everyreasontohopewillinduetimespringupandbringfortharichharvest,whenthepresentgenerationshallhavepassedaway."

"Twomillionsofvolumesandsixtymillionsofsmallertreatiseshavebeenput into the hands of our reading population. And the bound volumespossess this advantage over even thepreachingof the gospel, that theyfurnishpermanentlessonsofinstruction.Thebookmaybeperusedagainandagainbythesameperson,andthesamebookmayberead,beforeitperishesbythelapseoftime,bysomehundredsofindividuals;formanyof these precious volumes will be preserved for centuries, and willdescendasavaluedlegacyfromfathertoson,andfromthemothertothedaughter.Therearenow, ingoodpreservation,manybookswhichhavebeen incommonuse formorethantwohundredyears,andwhichhavebeenreadbysomehalfdozensuccessivegenerations,andbymanyothersbesides the owners. The writer can well recollect when such books as

Alleine's Alarm, Baxter's Saints' Rest andCall to theUnconverted, andtheexcellent treatisesofOwenandFlavel,passed through thehandsofmost families in theneighborhood.Hehas knownmore instances thanone,inwhichagedmenofpietymadeitapracticetoborrowsuchbooks,andcarrythemtopersonswhostoodinparticularneedofthem.Letthepersonwhocontributesenoughtopaytheexpenseofpublishingasinglevolume, reflect thathe isproviding spiritualnutrimentnotonly for thepresentgeneration,butforgenerationsyettobeborn.Andif,insteadofgivingcirculationtoone,hecontributesfundssufficientforahundredora thousand volumes, who can calculate the amount of good which aChristianinmoderatecircumstancesmayaccomplish?"

"PRINCETON,April10,1843."

"REV.ANDDEARSIR—In answer to yours received some time since Iwould say, thatasyousuppose, I amwellpleased to learn thatyouareabouttoaddtoyourvolumes 'OwenontheOneHundredandThirtiethPsalm.' It is aworkwhich expresses fairly and strongly thedesires andexercisesofatrulypiousanddevoutheart.Itwasthatverypsalm,aswelearnfromOrme'slifeoftheauthor,whichfirstaffordedhimconsolationafteralongseasonofdarkness.Iwishitwereconsistentwiththeviewsofallconcernedtopublishtheworkentitled'SpiritualMindedness,'bythesame author; and also his treatise on 'Indwelling Sin' and 'OnTemptation.' His work 'On the Spirit,' also, is the best on the wholesubjectthatIamacquaintedwith.Theentangledandexuberantstyleofthe author, in all these pieces, has been pruned and rendered moreperspicuousbyoneandanother."

"The tracts which you forwarded to me I read, and found nothing tocensure.ButIwishtomakeasingleremarkonthesubjectofincreasingyour number of tracts. It is, that it would be good policy to diminishrather than increase the number, unless such are offered as possesssuperior excellence. Mere commonplace exhortations need not bemultiplied,butwhenyougetatractoffirst-rateexcellence,itisofmorevaluethancanbeestimatedingold."

"Iremain,verysincerely,yours,etc.,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,January1,1844."

… "The Society's twofold agency, by books and colporteurs, is perhapsbettercalculatedtoreachthedestitutionsofourcountrythananythingwhichhaseverbeenputintooperation.Ofteninthinkingoftheconditionofmultitudesofpeople, ithasappearedtometheircasenevercouldbereached,unlessproperteachersweresenttovisitthemintheirhouses.Ithought of a planof itinerant readers, as in Ireland; but the colporteursystem is the very thing needed, and if you can only procure the rightkindofmen,theworkwillgoonprosperously."

"July1,1847."

"DEAR SIR—I was from home when your letter arrived, or you mighthavehadanearlieranswer.ButsinceIcamehome,thoughinthemidstof company and bustle, I have scribbled something for the 'AmericanMessenger.'"

"Instruction is themain thing to render a periodicalmost permanentlyuseful. I knowyoucannot furnish suchavarietyas is requisitewithoutthe friendly aid of some coadjutors; and as you have been pleased tohonormewiththepreparationofarticles,I intend,Deovolente, togiveshortbiographicalsketchesofBiblecharacters.AtmytimeoflifeIshouldpromisenothing.ButIseemtoheartheMastersay,'Workwhileitisday,for the night cometh.' If, however, you should prefer short practical,hortatoryessays,theywillbeeasiertobecomposed.Pleasetosendmeabundleoftracts,andanynewpublicationswhichyouhavemade."

"Yourstruly,"

"A.ALEXANDER."

"PRINCETON,December11,1849."

"REV. AND DEAR SIR—I am glad to learn that the circulation of theAmericanMessenger has reached the amazing number of one hundredandfiftythousand.Thisdevolvesavastweightofresponsibilityuponthe

publishers. I donot know that they could render itmore effective thantheyhavedone,but ithasappearedtome, thatas it reaches thousandswho are ignorant of the true method of salvation, it should morefrequently bring into view the fundamental points ofChristianity. I amaware that what is not read will not profit, and articles doctrinal andinstructivewouldprobablynotberead.Butasthe'Messenger'istheonlypaperwhich thousands of families take, itmay be supposed that thesereadeveryarticleitcontains."

"IwouldcertainlyhavefurnishedmorearticlesthanIhavedone,ifIhadnotbelieved that yournumerous correspondents could supply youwitharticlesbettersuitedtothetasteofthepublishersthananywhichcouldproceedfrommypen.Vivacityandoriginalityarenottobeexpectedfromagedmen.Andtheyhavelessrelishforsuchcompositionaspleasestheyoung, and by its point and striking thought engages the attention ofmost men, than they once had. As, however, I take a pleasure inscribbling when the fit comes uponme, I shall probably, from time totime,giveyoutheofferofsomeofmylucubrations,andiftheyshouldnotsuittheviewsofthepublishers,nooffencewillbegiventothewriterbytheirnotbeinginserted.AllIaskinthatcaseis,thattheybesentback,asImay find that I canmake some other use of them.Never publish anarticleofmineunlessyoureallyapproveit."

"What I do I must do quickly, for I am admonished that my time ofworkingiscomingtoaclose.Mysunwillsoongodown,andthenallmyearthlylaborsmustterminate."

"Myprayeris,thatthenextyearmaybemoreprosperoustothecauseoftruthandpietythananywhichhasprecededit.InGodisourhelp.FromGodisallourhope.Hewilldoallhispleasure."

"Iamverytrulyyours,etc.,"

"Rev.R.S.COOK,Sec.""A.ALEXANDER."

DEATHOFDR.ALEXANDER

FromtheTwenty-seventhAnnualReportoftheAmericanTractSociety.

"The venerable Rev. Dr. Archibald Alexander, a Vice-president of thisSociety, and for three years from 1842 a member of the PublishingCommittee, andwhowas ever a firm friend and counsellor, has restedfromhis labors.Almost forty yearshewasprofessor in theTheologicalSeminaryatPrinceton,sixtyyearshelaboredintheministry,andhediedpeacefullyinhiseightiethyear,October22,1851."

"WhiletheSecretaryinthepublishingdepartmentwasreadingwithhimportions of 'Flavel's Method of Grace,' he said, with a glowing, tenderspirit, 'All this carries me back to past scenes as if they were butyesterday. When I was a thoughtless youth, I passed some time in afamilywherewasavenerable,piouslady,whosesightwasdim,butwhowas greatly attached to Flavel'sworks, and often requestedme to readthem to her. I read to her this very work. I would read till the truthspiercedmyownheart,andaffectedmesothatIwasobligedtostop,whenIwouldexcusemyselftillthenextday.Iwouldthenreadagain,andagainbeobligedtostop;andthoseimpressionsneverleftmetillIfoundpeaceinChrist.'AcommunicationintheMessengerofFebruary,1851,referstothe sermon on the word 'Stand' in Flavel's Knocking at the Door, asspeciallyblessedtohim.IntheseworksofFlavelwasthetypeofthegreatpracticalviewsoftheologyfromwhichheneverswervedtill,onhisdyingbed,heutteredtohisfamilythesememorablewords:'Allmytheologyisreducedtothisnarrowcompass,JESUSCHRISTcameintotheworldtosavesinners.'"

"Firedwith this glorious theme,hewentout, at the ageof twenty, as amissionary, through the mountainous regions of Central and WesternVirginia, his native state, and preached to the ignorant and perishing,withgreatpowerandsuccess,'thegloriousgospeloftheblessedGod.'Inprosecutingtheselabors,twogreatprinciplesbecamefixedinhismind:the value of sound practical books and evangelical writings, and thenecessity of going to the destitute and tendering the gospel to them attheirhomes.Hesawboth inthisSocietyand itscolporteursystem,and

cheerfullygavehiscordiallove,counsel,coöperation,andsupporttothecloseofhisusefullife."

"Hewas theauthorof seven tractsof theSociety'sprincipal series:No.32, 'The Day of Judgment;' 51, 'Misery of the Lost;' 65, 'The AmiableYouth falling short of Heaven; 215, 'Importance of Salvation;' 350,'Future Punishment Endless;' 393, 'Justification by Faith;' and 462,'SinnersWelcometoCometoChrist.'Afewyearssince,hesuggestedthedesirablenessofissuingaseriesinaverysimplestyle,inlargetype,andin the form of a little book, for which series he himself wrote the sixfollowing: Dialogues with a Farmer, with an Aged Man, and with aCottager;ThePoorMan'sGuideandFriend;TheNewSettlement;andaDialoguewithaRoman-Catholic, eighty-fourpages,which isoneof theSociety's best practical volumes. When he observed how wide acirculation the AmericanMessenger was gaining, he availed himself ofthe opportunity afforded to speak tomultitudes for Christ,most of hisarticlesforthelastfiveyearsbearinghiswell-knownsignature,'A.A.'"

"But his counsel and encouragement in the issuing of the Society'svolumes,exertedapreëminentinfluenceingivingdirectionandsuccesstoitsextendedoperations.Asearlyas1832,whentheSocietyhadissuedbutabouthalfadozenofitslargerworks,hesuggestedaddingEdwardson the Affections, and in May, 1833, cheered the Society bycommunicatingthefollowingviewsofthisenterprise:"

"'IrejoicetolearnthattheCommitteeoftheAmericanTractSocietyareturning their attention specially to the preparation and circulation ofsmallboundvolumes.Theseareasreally tracts(treatises)asanyof thepamphlets or sheets which are sent forth from the institution. TheSociety'stractsarenowboundforsuchasprefertheminthatform.Andletothertreatisesbeselectedforpublication,forwhichpurposetherearemany excellently adapted. I have attentively read over the list of bookswhichtheCommitteehavealreadyputintocirculation,andtheselectionmeets with my cordial approbation. Works of a more evangelical andspiritualkinddonotexist;andIamgratifiedtoseethattheyareprintedand bound in a neat and handsome style. I am deeply persuaded thatgreatpublicbenefitwillarisefromtheappropriationofaportionofyourfundsinthisway;andthattheeventwillprove,thathoweverexpensiveit

maybeinthecommencement,itwillbewiseeconomyintheend.WhenIconsider howmany copies of 'Doddridge'sRise andProgress,' 'Baxter'sCall to theUnconverted,' 'Alleine's Alarm,' 'Edwards on theAffections,'and such like works, will be circulated through the whole length andbreadthof this land, I am filledwithpleasinganticipationsof thegoodwhichyourSocietywillbethemeansofaccomplishing."

" 'I do sincerely hope that the Committee will persevere in theprosecution of this object, and as their circumstances may permit,increasethenumberoftheirpublicationsofthisdescription.Thesuccesswhich has already attended your efforts in this way, is calculated toinspireyouwithconfidencetogooninthenameoftheLord.'"

"Againhesays,fiveyearsafterwards,'Ireflectonnopartofmylifewithmore satisfaction than any little agency I have had in encouraging andpromoting theSociety'svolumecirculation. Idoconsider thesuccessofthis enterprise as intimately connected with the prosperity of vitalscripturalpietyinourland—notinanyonechurch,butinallevangelicalchurches, and beyond them all, by conveying a sound and practicalknowledge of the gospel to multitudes who enjoy no public means ofgrace,orhavenotattendedonthem.IfIcoulddoanythingmoretourgeonthisblessedworkwhichhasbeensoauspiciouslycommenced,Iwouldcordiallylendmyaid.'"

"Againhesays,underalaterdate,'Thesuccessofthevolumecirculationgladdens my heart every time I think of it; and I sincerely wish that,insteadoftwentyvolumes,youhadahundredincirculation.'"

"Avaluablework,stereotypedby theSocietysincehisdeath, 'BaxteronConversion,'was suggested to theCommitteebyhim; andonhisdyingbed, calling to mind a wish which had been expressed by a destitutepastorformoregoodbooks,herequestedhisfamilytofindthepastor'saddress, andgave tendollars toprocure forhim theSociety'sReligious(orPastor's)Libraryoftwenty-fourvolumes."

From the AmericanMessenger of December, 1851, in addition to factsabovegivenfromtheAnnualReport.

"REV.DR.ARCHIBALDALEXANDER

"WE shall doubtless gratify our readers by some memorial of thisdistinguished servant of Christ,whomwe loved as a father, andwhosecoöperationweenjoyedtotheverycloseofhislongandusefullife."

"He was born April 17, 1772, in Rockbridge county, in the valley ofVirginia,betweentheBlueRidgeandtheAlleghanies;andwasofScotchdescent,bothhisparentshavingemigratedfirst to thenorthofIreland,andthentothiscountry.HereceivedaclassicaleducationatLibertyHall,near the residenceofhisparents,under the chargeof theRev.WilliamGraham,withwhomhestudied theology twoyears,when,at theageofabout twenty, October 1, 1791, he was commissioned to preach thegospel."

"Before professing Christ he was led through severe spiritual conflicts,thathemightknowhowtosympathizewithothers,andguidethemintherightway;andwhenChristwasrevealedtohiminhisfulness,andhewascommissioned as a herald of the cross, he went out immediately as amissionary preacher through themountainous and destitute regions ofhisnativestate,withaglowingheart 'proclaiming thewayof life to theignorant and destitute, and gathering the lost into the fold of Christ.Preachingwithoutnotes,with strangediscrimination for one so young,andwithanenergyofthoughtandpathosofdeliveryrareintheyoungoraged, he spread the doctrines of divine truthwherever hewent.' Thesearduousevangelicallaborsdoubtlessexertedaninfluenceintraininghismindtothatclearnessandsimplicity,aswellasrichnessofthoughtandexpression, which characterized his preaching, his instructions, hisconversation,andhisextensivewritingsthroughlife.Heregardeditasahighcompliment,when toldofaplainwomanwhohadheardhim inadestituteplace,andsaid,'Iguessheaintaverylarnedman.'"

"Attwenty-five,hewaselectedpresidentofHampdenSydneycollege inhisnative state, andbecamealsopastorof threeadjacent churches.HemarriedadaughterofRev.JamesWaddell,theeloquentblindpreacher,celebratedinthesketchesbyWilliamWirt.Athisdeathshesurvivedhim,asdidalltheirchildren,anonlydaughterandsixsons,threeofwhomareclergymen,oneadistinguishedprofessoratPrinceton,andanother,Rev.

Dr.JamesW.Alexander,pastorinNewYorkcity."

"Fromtheageofthirty-fourtoforty,hewasanableandbelovedpastorinPhiladelphia, till 1812,whenhewascalled to lay the foundationsof theTheologicalSeminary inPrinceton.Hewas then theonlyprofessor,butwas soon joined by his loved colleague, the Rev. Dr. Miller, whosefuneral-sermon, after thirty-seven years of harmonious labor, hepreached in January, 1850. For the whole term of his connection withthat seminary, almost forty years, he labored incessantly, till his lastillnessofafewweeks:fulfillingthedutiesofhisprofessorship;watchingover the students as a father, and guiding in an eminent degree by hisaffectionateadvicetheirfuturecourse;constantlyappealedtoforcounselinallthevariedinterestsofthechurchesandofthecauseofbenevolence;and with a discernment of character, a sound, practical judgment, amodestyandhumility,andasinglenessofpurposeforthewelfareoftheRedeemer's kingdom, that gained universal confidence. It was kindlyordered that theSynodofNewJersey,ofwhichhewasamember, andoutofwhichhenamedonhisbedofweakness,onehundredandfifteenwhohadbeenhispupils,wereinsessionatPrincetonwhenhedied,andwerepermitted,withagreatconcourseofclergymenandcitizens,touniteinthesolemnitiesofhisfuneral."

" 'Deathneverappeared tomesodelightfulasnowwhen it isnear,'hesaidtothosearoundhissickbed;andoften,asstrengthallowed,hespokeof thepeace thatdwelt inhissoul.Therecordsofhis lasthourswillbeprecious to thechurch,and theywillbe found to illustrateandconfirmthe experience he has written in his sermons and letters as the fittingcloseofalifeoffaith.HisgreatworkontheEvidencesandtheCanonofScripture,severalotherexcellenttreatises,andalltheproductionsofhisactive and able pen, bear the impress of his singleness of purpose tohonorChrist."

"H."

FromtheAmericanMessengerforFebruary,1852.

"IMPRESSIONSOFDR.ALEXANDER"

"ThisChristianpatriarchoffourscoreyearsisoneofthefewwhosefameand usefulness are immortal. Having given a long life of wise andconstantdevotiontotheRedeemer'skingdom,hehasbequeathedtothechurch a name redolent with piety and honor. We would gratefullycherishthebequest,andcontributeourhumbleinfluencetoembalmitinevery Christian heart. Perhaps we cannot better subserve the purposethanby a brief record of our impressions of the person, character, andinfluence of the venerable man who has so recently passed to hisheavenlyrest."

"Dr. Alexander was of medium height, rotund, slightly stooping form,broadandhighforehead,andpiercingeye.Hisheadwasslightlyinclinedto one side, like Wilberforce's. His manners were simple, frank, anddignified, eminently suited to inspire confidence and respect. A singleinterview would impress the visitor with his affability as a man, hismaturityasascholar,andhisripenessasaChristian."

"The simplicity of character which marked Dr. Alexander is worthy ofnotice.Truegreatnessisalwayssimple.InDr.Alexanderitpervadedhistastes, language, manners, piety, every thing. In his writings, as ourreaders know, his thoughts were not only readily apprehended, but hecouldnotwellbemisunderstood.Soofhissermonsandpublicappeals."

"Modesty was a related trait. He seemed to know nothing of his owngreatness. One who had been on terms of the closest intimacy for ageneration,statedinourhearing,thathehadneverheardDr.Alexanderalludetohisowninfluence."

"SymmetryofcharacterdistinguishedDr.Alexanderfrommostmen.Hewas not so remarkable for logic, or rhetoric, or judgment, or zeal, orlearning, singly,as foranadmirable combination,which leftnothing tobedesiredinthecompletenessoftheman,thedivine,andtheChristian."

"Penetrationofmind,andanintuitiveapprehensionofthecharacterandmotivesofthosehemet,werepeculiarlycharacteristicofDr.Alexander.Hesawthroughasubjectorapersonapparentlyataglance."

"Candor and firmness were finely combined. He had not a jot of that

pertinacity of opinion and purpose which too often characterizes evengoodmenintheirdecliningyears.Tothelast,heseemedasreadyfornewprojectsofusefulness,iftheywerewellplannedandhadobviousbearingsontheRedeemer'scause,ashecouldhavebeeninthedaysofhisyouth.Witness his attachment to colportage, his seminary plans, and thereadiness with which, in his eightieth year, he undertook elaboratepreparationforanentirelynewdepartmentassignedtohisprofessorship,and innumerableother illustrations.At thesametime,hewas firmasarock inresistingwhathedeemedfalseprinciplesofreform,orreligiousaction.Ahot-headedreformeroncespenthoursinendeavoringtoenlistthe influence of Dr. Alexander for his movement, plying him withargument, entreaty, and other means less gentle. After magnifyingsufficiently his own zeal in the reform, he turned tauntingly to Dr.Alexanderandinquiredifhethoughthe(Dr.A.)hadanypiety."NonetoBOASTof,"was the searching replyofDr.Alexander, senthome to theconsciencewithoneofthoseglancesofhisspeakingeye,whichnonewilleverforgetwhohavehadoccasiontorememberitslightning-likepower."

"A noble-hearted catholicity could not but be a characteristic of such aman.NomanlovedhisownhonoredchurchmoresincerelyandardentlythanDr.Alexander.ButhisloveandpreferenceforhisowncommunionwasnotsoexclusiveastorejectallwhoworshippedGodinotherforms,orwhohad a like attachment to the church of their fathers.Nor did itdeter him from an intelligent and whole-souled coöperation withevangelicalChristiansinheaven-blessedenterprisesforspreadingabroadthe knowledge ofChrist. Perhapsno better illustration canbe foundofthe true combination of denominational and catholic affinities, in justproportions.HewasnonethelessaPresbyterian,thathegaveaquarterofacenturyandmoreofcounselandaid,inathousandeffectiveways,tothe Bible and Tract and other kindred organizations. He loved andconfided in them to the last; indeed, almost the last act of his life, asbeforestatedintheMessenger,wastoprovideadestituteministerathisowncostwith theTractSociety's 'ReligiousorPastor'sLibrary,'as ifhewould leave at once a legacy of attachment to theministry of his ownchurch he had so long labored to rear, and a legacy of confidence andapprobationtotheinstitutionhehadsohighlyappreciated,andtowhoseusefulnesshehadsolargelycontributed."

"UnceasingusefulnessmarkedDr.Alexander'scareer.Themeasureandamountofhis labors forChrist'skingdomcanneverbe fullyknown tillthe lastday.But somesixtyyearsofuninterrupted toil in thepulpit, intheprofessor'schair,andwiththepen,havemadeabroadmarkonthiscountry and theworld.Awhole communion ofChristians owemore tohim than to any other man, perhaps, for the eminent scholarship andearnest zeal of their honoredministry. The cause of sacred learning islargelyindebtedtoDr.Alexanderforhispatienttoil.AndOh,howmuchdotheTractSociety,andtherelatedBoardofhisownchurchandsisterinstitutions,owetohisunweariedeffortswithhispen!Hisearlytrainingandassociationsgavehimalivelysympathywiththemassofplain,poorpeople scattered abroad over our land. For themhe loved towrite.Heknew their heart, and could afford to write simply enough to beunderstoodinhisteachings.Hisearnestdesireforthesalvationofthesemasses inspired his zeal for the system of colportage and otherenterprises which took the direction downward with gospel influences.Hewrote,andplanned,andcounselled,and inspired thezealofothers,withunflinching steadfastness; andhe still lives, andwill livewhile theworldstands,inhispracticalwritings,whicharelovedandtreasuredbytens of thousands beyond the pale of his own communion as well aswithinitsbounds.MaytheHolySpiritownthemforthespiritualgoodofuntoldthousandsofdyingimmortals."