eternal, by the blessed discoveries which the Holy Spirit gives them of pardoning mercy. They know little of the sinfulness of their fallen nature, and are sometimes apt to think that their mountain stands strong, they shall never be moved. Their heart and affections are kept alive to God, by means of those sensible manifestations of his love and presence which he is graciously pleased to afford them. And grace in them is principally discovered in their love to God and heavenly things, and in their hatred and abhorrence against all sin. But as the Lord has chosen all his people to be soldiers, so he sooner or later calls them out into the field of battle, and suffers them to engage in an open manner in a fight with the world, sin, and the devil. Hereby he proves that they are on the Lord's side. And Christ the Captain, who calls them forth, has been pleased to provide and furnish them with armour of proof, which he puts upon them, and in which they, observing his orders, and obeying his commands, and trusting in him for success against and victory over their spiritual foes, are sure to come off everlasting conquerors. The enemies they are fighting with are the Lord's enemies as well as their's. And these enemies are seeking their destruction and ruin. The devil works secretly and subtilly, as will serve most effectually to prevail and overcome. He studies the temper, inclinations, cases, and circumstances of the Lord's people; and will suit his baits, and act his cunning wiles, and policies accordingly. And it should be a part of our study, this spiritual war. And it is well when we are not ignorant of Satan's devices. Satan will work upon our legal and self-righteous tempers, in order to distress us. And he will, by presenting unto us the present honours and pleasures of this vain and sinful world, endeavour to withdraw our hearts and affections from the Lord. When believers are not upon

their watch-towers he is too often successful. Indeed Christ has promised to keep us as we are looking unto him, and not when we are looking off from him. Satan has an easier access unto our minds than we can possibly apprehend. He is continually watching our motions. He goes and comes with us from the house of God. He observes what our converse is with heaven. He knows what sin we are most easily led into, and he will be continually night and day seeking to draw us into sin; nor can any but the Almighty Jesus guard and preserve us from his attacks, nor shield and defend us from his rage and malice. He will have all the enemies of God in the world on his side, who will all be uniting for our spiritual halting. The world, the flesh, and the devil are our sworn enemies ; we shall be assaulted by them, and we must prevail against them, or be prevailed over by them. Now our Captain, believers, who goes out with us and before us, is Jesus; and he has been pleased to provide for us armour both offensive and defensive. This you have a full account of in the last chapter of Ephesians, and there you are taught the use of it. And the Lord's people equipped in it, and going forth strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, will in the strength of Jesus be enabled to fight the good fight of faith successfully. Christ in the words before us speaks thus: "And he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations." What are we to understand by this? There is no overcoming sin, the devil, and the world, but by faith. It is recorded concerning that noble army round the throne, that they overcame Satan which deceiveth the whole world through the blood of the Lamb. Faith in the blood of Jesus is the only preservative and means whereby we may overcome him. This is Peter's advice, Be sober, be vigilant,

because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith." And how we have victory over the world the beloved John informs us: This (says he) is the victory which overcometh the world, even our faith." And as for sin, there can be no freedom from its guilt but by faith in the blood of the Lamb; nor any victory over its power and dominion, but by a reliance upon the arm of Jehovah Jesus. And this is indeed intimated by Christ in his words to the overcomer, "He that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end." What are the works of Christ here spoken of? Surely the great work of salvation, wrought out and finished by him, is to be kept in mind, and it is to be received into the heart, that it may there lay a blessed foundation for our faith and hope in God. And when faith embraces Christ as set forth in the gospel, and lives wholly upon Christ's fulness, then the believer's love to Christ is inflamed, his faith is strengthened, and the love of Christ constraineth the soul to walk on with alacrity in the ways of God's commandments. And the love of Christ in the hearts of his children will draw them to run with great delight in the way of obedience. And by their keeping the works of Christ unto the end, that is by their walking before God in holiness and righteousness all the days of their lives, it shall appear that they are interested in the promise, for he that endureth unto the end the same shall be saved.

derstand a victory over all our spiritual enemies, both our outward and inward ones. Our Lord has promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against his church, and that no weapon formed against it shall prosper, and that every tongue that shall rise in judgment against her shall be condemned. And he encourages his people under all outward opposition and persecution and tribulation which they may meet with in this world, saying, Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." The Lord Jesus has himself entered the lists with all the enemies of his people, and has fought the decisive battle, and is come off an everlasting conqueror, The devil made his attempt upon Christ, and represented the world in all its glory, and said, "All this will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." But Christ repelled the temptation, and overcame it by the twoedged sword of the word, saying, "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only thou shalt serve." And upon the cross Immanuel got himself an everlasting victory over sin, the world, and hell. And this he did on the behalf, and for the benefit, in the room and stead of his people. And what he has done for them in his own person, in conquering sin, the world, and the devil, that he has likewise engaged to do in them. Hence in the day of his power he casts Satan, the strong man, though armed, out of their hearts, and breaks his dominion in their souls. And he delivers them from the dominion of sin, and saves them from the love of this present evil world. And as Christ overcame all the enemies of his people by his own complete victory, so believers have their share in it, and are called in the gospel to partake of its rich fruits and blessings. Every one of our spiritual enemies are under the feet of our Almighty Jesus, and we are called upon to follow him to partake of his spoils, which he recovered from the hand of

the enemy. And those who are conquerors in Christ, and are brought off at last more than conquerors, shall exceedingly rejoice and triumph in heaven in the glorious conquests and victories of the God-Man, Jehovah Jesus, the Conqueror.

Indeed there is no better way for us here below to take, in order to get the victory over our spiritual foes, than by looking into the conquests and triumphs of our dying, rising, and ascending Jesus: for we are one with him in all that he has done. The adorable Saviour acted and suffered as the Head, and Surety, and Representative of his people; and believers should look upon themselves as one with Christ, and then viewing themselves as one with him, as really and as truly as the branch is one with the vine, and the members one with the head; will from hence be led to seek after fellowship and communion with Christ in his life, and death, and victories. And while they live by faith on Jesus, and look entirely to him, they will be led on successfully, notwithstanding all the trials and temptations they are here below exercised with. Such shall have power over the nations, for the world shall be under their feet. And this shall be the fruit of Christ's grace, "I (says Jesus) will give them power:" his almighty strength shall be put foeth in them, to keep them from the love of the world, and to subdue and it in their hearts. conquer And his almighty power shall be put forth for them, to subdue the world, and trample it under their feet. And as Joshua said unto the Israelites, "Come near, and put your feet upon the necks of these kings; and they did so: and he said unto them Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage, for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight:" so says our Jesus unto all his people; I am on your side, almighty to save; believe in me, and you may boldly put your feet upon the necks of your sins

and enemies. And as Joshua went on conquering and to conquer, and the army followed him to certain victory, so do the soldiers of Jesus. It follows, "And he shall rule them with a rod of iron as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken in shivers: even as I received of my Father." The overcomer is to rule over his enemies with a rod of iron. Reference is here had to the second Psalm, in which it is declared by the Lord that, in spite of every foe, and notwithstanding all opposition, Jesus should be seated as King in Zion, and that he should have the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. There is in it a description given of the opposition which the kingdom of Christ should meet with in the world, and which would certainly bring destruction upon their own heads and so Herod, and Pontius Pilate, and the people of the Jews found it." Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against Jehovah, and against his Christ, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." But it is a vain attempt; it must be their own ruin and destruction. Therefore it follows,

:

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." This will be the case with all who oppose the Lord the Redeemer.

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure." For God has, in spite of earth and hell, set his King upon his holy hill of Zion. Christ is in the Godhead omnipotent and eternal, but as God-Man he had all power committed to him by the decree of the ever-blessed Trinity, which took place upon his resurrection. Then as King Mediator he was seated a Priest on his throne, until all his enemies, even death itself be made his footstool. Then the Lord said unto him, Thou art my Son, this day have I

begotten thee;" which the apostle applies to the resurrection of Christ. (Acts xiii. 33.) And the Father bids him to make his request, and promises not to deny him : Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession;" "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron: thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

Then as it is so vain a thing to oppose such an almighty sovereign as Jesus, who is King Mediator according to the council and oath of the Eternal Thee, kings and people are called upon to do him homage, to kiss the Son, and trust in his royal care and love: because all such are blessed of the Lord. Jesus being King of Zion, King of nations as well as King of saints, it follows that all who oppose his church and people will most assuredly be eternally overthrown. As Christ the Head has conquered, so he will enable his church likewise to conquer. All the church's enemies shall be broken in all their purposes and designs, as easily as the vessels of a potter shall be broken to shivers; and she shall be triumphant because of the word of truth.

Thirdly. This brings us to consider the promise, "And I will give him the morning star." By this we may understand Christ himself; for he says, in the last chapter of this book, I am the root and offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." It may be this has reference to Balaam's prophecy : "There shall come a star out of Jacob," Num. xxiv. 17. And indeed Christ's birth was made known unto the wise men by a star: "We have seen his star in the east," Matt. ii. Christ may be compared to a star for its light and glory; and to the morning star for its greatness and constancy. He is the great ornament in the firmament of his church. Christ is the star to guide his chosen ones while they are sailing October, 1840.]

over the tempestuous ocean of this present world: and he is the sure pledge of everlasting glory. He is the bright and morning star who shines high in the kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory, and sheds his bright, his heavenly, and divine influence upon his church below and above. Christ is the brightness of his Father's glory, and he is so splendid, shining, and illustrious, that he is light itself; by whom all the starsthe redeemed and chosen ones--shine in his church on earth, and in his church in heaven. He is their bright and morning star to enlighten them into the knowledge of spiritual things, and to guide and direct them in their course here. And he will be in glory the morning star. He will there be in its utmost perfection the day-spring from on high-the bright and moruing star-the sun of everlasting righteousness. Christ has light in himself, and communicates light unto his people; and with his rays and beams of light and love he refreshes, exhilarates, and warms the hearts of his people. In the heaven of heavens Jesus will be unto his church the bright and morning star, by whom they shall be enlightened into a discovery of the glorious Godhead, as it is manifested in his person. I will give him (that is the overcomer) the mornin star. That is, Christ will give himself, and the everlasting enjoyment of himself unto his people in heaven. This will be happiness indeed: to be enjoying Jesus the tree of life-the crown of life-the bread of everlast. ing life-and who is himself our everlasting light and life! What encou ragement is here held forth and given to the Lord's people, to inspire them with holy courage, and to encourage them to be going on in the Lord's good ways! And this I apprehend is what is contained in the promise, namely, the presence and enjoyment of Christ in the heaven of heavens,

Fourthly. This brings us to consider the solemn manner in which

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this epistle is closed: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." The Lord calls upon all whose ears are opened by divine grace, to attend unto, and to ponder upon what the Spirit saith unto the churches. All the members of the church of Christ are here solemnly called upon to give their attention to what is contained in this epistle. To observe carefully the command, reproof, threatening, and commendation. And it should be so attended unto by us as to make a particular application of it to our own souls. And in a very particular manner the promise is to be attended unto by us. For it will serve to comfort, quicken, strengthen, and animate us. May it be so attended unto by us, that it may be ingrafted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Amen.

THE STATE OF THE CHURCH A. D. 1839.

(Concluded from pp. 199.)

WHEN God the Holy Ghost makes a man the life-giving minister, sinners are converted, and souls under legal bondage at once spring into life, love, and liberty: but when a minister can advance no further than a systematic preacher, we must rank him the penumbral, who only has for his tentative theme a vain vision and human policy, the stern elements of mental delusion and heart enmity.

Thus you see, Mr. Editor, my antitheses to the low divinity of the church A. D. 1839, is too strong to dispose me to condense facts, or to be elaborate more than necessary in defining the speculative notions of those, whose lofty and aspiring minds are fast approximating the summit of assimulation, where they display as by mechanical process their arduity of principle, by entangling themselves with theories above their dull capacities, and thereby erecting a structure to blank if possible the rays of covenant truth.

I would ask not the ministers of the modern school only, but others also who profess to hold the truth in righteousness, do they (and let them prepare to answer the charge at the judgment seat of Christ) declare the whole counsel of God, by setting forth Christ as the Alpha and Omega in the sinner's salvation, and boldly unfold the wonders of electing love, as they concentrate in the mighty Him who was set up as the chosen head of his church, predestinated and blessed in him with all spiritual blessings, and standing by the decretive act of Jehovah the Father in eternal union with him, from whom we partake of all blessing and blessedness, secured in an immutable covenant, sealed with his blood, confirmed by his promise, and ratified by his oath.

If this is not their testimony, and in reference to some I must entertain the negative, let them be assured they only make the dark shades of their unsanctified sacrifice visible, by fulminating a theology the very germ of Pelagian heresy. That men have taken a position is true, but how far the attitude they have assumed corresponds with the law and the testimony it will be well for them to ponder over, ere they are called upon to give up an account of their stewardship. Unless they are contumacious to an extreme they must tremble at the approach of such an investigation.

Their ethical lectures stand on their part a comprobation that they are determined to contravene the doctrines of the Bible, the bright star of the reformation bearing an imperishable impress from the blood of martyrs.

When will men cease to enervate the precious truths of the gospel? Why such an exundation of spirit to enmesh the weary soul into the labyrinth of legal confusion, or by their fallacious harangue plunge their hearers into the vortex of Arminian security. Thus instead of proclaiming the power and soul-reviving unction