Just mark the language, friends, it is well to notice it, it is so instructive. "Make haste unto me."

Do you not see how this differs from the religion of man? the religion of man is, you can go to God when you like, cast your burden upon him when you please and run to him at any time. Not so with the Psalmist; his experience taught him a very different lesson. His rejoicing was not that he could get to God when he pleased, but that the Lord could get to him. Who shall hinder him? But we are easily hindered. David was obliged to wait. Is not this just our own souls' experience? And then he closes with this beautiful expression of absolute trust in God.

So

"Thou art my help and my deliverer, O Lord, make no tarrying."

BRILLIANT RAYS OF LIGHT
AND TRUTH.
BY ADA BROWNING.

THE witnesses of the Most High prophesy now in sackcloth and ashes. The law is one that never ceaseth to upbraid the world with its enmity and disobedience: but no heart repenteth neither is there one among the multitudes on which Babylon sitteth that giveth glory to God. The Gospel is the second: it preaches of God's love to a chosen race, and all the world casts obloquy and contempt on this word of grace, and all who receive it. Thus is God's judgment dishonoured and his love so despised in the world. Not so, however, in the Church; there both are received, revered, and rejoiced in. Contemplate the great gift of God to Zion! How he laid help upon One that was mighty;

how, in uniting the Church with our adorable Redeemer and King, the interests of the two become one! How great is this salvation-hanging on no obligation but love! Giving the weaker vessel" all the privileges and immunities of grace, and laying upon him- the Mighty Oneall the responsibility of the law.

66

And here, perhaps, it would not be out of place to observe that those who oppose the doctrines of distinguishing grace, and brand the epithet of Antinomian on those who love "the covenant ordered in all things and sure, ," that nothing could be more erroneous. We are not only saved from the law, but by the law. The grand theme in which we glory is the cross of Christ. If there had been no law there would have been no death, no judgment, no salvation by blood. To say we do not revere the law shows that our detractors do not understand the case. What! not delight in that law our husband, surety, and great High Priest lived and died to magnify? Assuredly if we have not this spirit we are none of his. glory in the blessed truth that both judgment and love have opened the gate of heaven for us. The death of Christ was real and satisfactory-not a mere mock bow tp the demands of the law. Our heavenly husband loved his bride too dearly to let her bear the ignominy of Antinomianism; and she loves his honour too well to bear the obloquy of so vile a reproach.

We

Our Father's love, shall we not honour it? our Father's attributes, shall we not reverence them? The great debt our husband paid, shall we not glory in that? What a magnificent proof of his love, ye saints and sinners! behold him toiling and agonising for your salvation; sweating great drops of blood in that holy garden, stretched upon the ground in dreadful conflict with the great cup of wrath you merited. See him on Calvary's tree thirsting for your deliverance and glorification. See ! the dark curtains of eternal guilt enshroud him, and, for the first time, shut out the face of his Father. Listen to the bitter cry of his forsaken soul then vail thine eyes with the black

mist of shame, and let thy adamantine heart be broken by the deep throes of sincere repentance, since it was for thy sins that he died-even the death of the cross. And then, lift thy weeping eyes, O believer, view the conqueror emerging from that dark, bitter night! Hark! to that voice which is sweeter far than angel choirs, as in majesty he pronounces those words of victory-"It is finished.

THE CRY OF MANY.-Job xxviii. 3.
O that I knew where I might find Him
My Father and my God,

I'd plead his everlasting love,
Tho' now I feel his rod;

I'd tell Him of His former love

I'd plead His special grace;

But, ah! He's gone, my Lord is gone,
His ways I cannot trace.

I forward go, but He's not there,
I backward turn again;
I seek Him on the right and left,
But seem to seek in vain ;

Sometimes I seek him in his house,
Where others sing and pray;
I oft go mourning to his house,

And mourning come away.
Sometimes I seek him in his word,
But almost in despair;
O what a dreadful path is this!
Ah! were you ever there?
Sometimes I feel no heart to pray,

And think to pray no more;
And then again I think I'll try
Once more at Mercy's door.
I go, but still no comfort find,
My soul is dark as night;
How dark and dismal is the road
When Christ is out of sight!

Then Satan vaunts, and tells my soul
That I'm a cast-away;
Ah! who in such a frame as this
Can either praise or pray?

In this sad state I've often been;
Then like poor Job I've cried,
"O that I knew where I might find
Some shelter where to hide!'
But Jesus knows my wretched case,
He knows I fear the rod;
Ah, sure the Lord has found me out,
But I can't find my God!

But when my Jesus shines again
His presence makes me bold;
And then I see God's furnace is
To purify the gold.

Lord, cleanse my poor polluted soul
From dross and filth within;
And let me feel thy furnace, Lord,
Burn nothing but my sin.

DUNSTABLE.

NEW BOOKS.

HOW CAN WE TELL WHETHER A MAN BE IN THE FAITH OR NOT?" The above great question stands in the fifth page of a sixpenny book recently issued as A Defence of the People of God, and the Gospel Foundations, composed by some extraordinary person, calling himself "Elias Omega." Who he is, what he is,— or where he is, we cannot tell; one thing appears certain, he considers himself qualified to weigh and to measure public men, to try their spirits, and, without the slightest hesitation, exposes the folly and falseness of many of their pretended pious theories. We have had a large amount of literary twiddle-twaddle during the last few years, some of it so thoroughly contemptible, that we would not condescend to notice it. Flower-makers, school-masters, bookworms, popular parsons, and those who wish to be so; talented collegiate editors, and a host of little mimics have all been aiming to bring such an army against those whom they call "The Extravagant Hyper-Calvinists, ," "The Antinomians," &c., as should crush and kill them outright; but as yet, they have failed. This "Elias Omega" appears to have been watching the engagements, and minutely inspecting the movements of the different leaders on both sides of the conflict; and now, having taken a walk over the battle-field, and having gathered up some fragmentary documents, and no small amount of the enemy's ammunition, he has opened a kind of Hyper-critical Museum, which leads into some Anatomical Chambers, where "a neat dissection or cutting up of the bodies of men and ministers, is carried on with considerable skill, the several parts of each professor are discovered and explained," and all for the one good object of shewing who is, and who is not in the faith. How we

have wondered who this "Elias Omega" is! And as we know nothing of him, we are not prepared to say he is not all that his name implies. If, indeed, he is really an "Elias Omega," we are bound to sit down at his feet, and to receive his words with meeknes, thankfulness, and reverence.

"Elias Omega!" What do these words, in plain English, mean? We turn to our old favourite lexicon, and here is the interpretation:-1. "Elias [the Lord, i.e. God the Lord], a certain great Prophet,' Such is the first part of his name-a great prophet of the Lord. Then 2. "Omega-the last letter of the Greek alphabet; metaphorically, it is used for THE END of anything." Hence, we draw out this one conclusion, that seeing there has been a severe and unhappy controversy in all parts of the church for a long time, this Great Prophet of the Lord comes to put an end to it. How he proceeds with this work we may notice at some length, in future numbers. Now, as the work came into our hands quite at the end of the year, we only refer to the general character of the book. It is, in spirit, bold, intelligent, plain, out-spoken, and altogether fearless of any man; and exceedingly faithful to that religion which is of God, and which only can save the soul; while its exposure of the heaps of hypocrisy, and of the multitudes of deluded and deceiving priests and hirelings, which abound in our day, is more complete than is "St. Dorothy's Home;" and its author has lashed the hirelings in all the socalled churches, with an unsparing hand. We confess most frankly we believe it was high-time some talented and independent layman stepped into the field. We hope this Elias Omega is such a one, and that his work will prove a real blessing to

many.

MR. GEO. WYARD'S " REFLECTIONS.

WE referred to this volume last month; and promised to notice its contents more carefully. It is the work of a minister whose standing in the churches is of thirty years' duration or more, which is a guarantee that the daily bread provided in this basket, and the wine in this flagon, are pure, good, and of a heavenly kind. We have often heard the remark that Mr. Wyard, as a preacher, is sound, but not very deep in experience; clear and consistent, but not so adapted to comfort the Lord's people, as some other preachers are.

A perusal of these Reflections, and

these original poems, lead us to conclude that his acquaintance with himself, and his knowledge of the daily conflict between the flesh and the spirit; and his enjoyment of the preciousness of Christ, and His salvation, are quite equal to the majority of his brethren who are esteemed men of God, ministers of Christ and pastors beloved in the truth. The grand essential element of a minister's faith and experience are sometimes placed under the heading of a triple C.

First-The everlasting Covenant of Grace, and the sovereign arrangements and provisions of God the Father in that Covenant. The distinguishing mark which the Saviour put upon a true and living faith is not so fully defined in the sermons of many as we think it should be. The Evangelist John put a strong emphasis on the Saviour's definition of that faith. He says in John xii. 44, "Jesus cried, and said, he that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on Him that sent me. And he that seeth me, seeth Him that sent me." A living faith believeth in the ordination of God, and in the love of God, and in the rich mercy of God in sending His Son into the world, and it also fully believes that God was in Christ, and that Christ was one with, and equal to, the Father, although in His Mediatorial offices and characters He took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in all things like unto His brethren. We have searched Mr. Wyard's volume on this branch of the sacred system of theology, and find him truly outspoken and clear.

We

Then, the second C takes in Christ and His Cross; or the Person of the Son of God-Emmanuel, and all the branches of His great work of an entire and eternal salvation. could give extracts on this part of Mr. Wyard's work, sufficient to prove that his faith in the Person and work of Christ is safe, and sound for all the concerns of salvation, and that is enough for a work of the kind.

The third C is, the true and scriptural unfolding of the character, offices, works, and teachings, of the Holy Ghost the Comforter.

conse

On the second chapter of Joel, and many other portions, this divine part of the Church's blessedness is developed; but we can see Mr. Wyard often wanted more room, quently some themes are contracted. But for private daily reading, there is sufficient. To generations yet to come, as well as to thousands now living, may the Lord make it a blessing.

From No. 1 of First Fruits, a maiden essay, by Ada Browning, (published by Mrs. Paul), we take the following paragraph on "A Free

Grace Salvation :"

Why should love be lavished on fallen humanity while angels are eternally lost? Why was not man left to bear the just punishment his rebellious disobedience merited? Because the Angel of the Covenant stood as umpire, and mysteriously united the opposing interests, averting the uplifted hand of judgment by the omnipotent shield of love. That love provided a sacrifice for us, found a ransom in the Darling of Heaventhe chief among all the host of God -the everlasting Son of the eternal Father. It was not a meagre love the Father bestowed on us, not merely a provision for lost souls, but a bountiful gift of grace, an overflowing manifestation of God's love to a chosen race. No right, no claim had we on him as our Creator; we had revolted from him even though all his acts towards us had been full of the tenderest benevolence: but a Father's love we had not forfeited, a Saviour's grace we had not outrun, the Spirit's power and influence we could not resist! Poor fallen wretches that we are, we yielded to the "love of God" while he our Husband, Surety, Brother born for adversity bore the deep, dark curse of God's judgment.

What salvation could have been so grand, so soul-delighting, so Christendearing, so God-glorifying as this free-grace salvation! This moment and henceforth, I solemnly protest against any Gospel-so called-that robs the great Eternal of his prerogative. Before him I desire to serve, and with the witness of angels, men, and devils, I declare that salvation

cannot get beyond the precincts of God's love, neither does his Gospel offer it. Doctrines contrary to this plain Bible teaching run foul of all mental and spiritual discernment. True, life is a solemn thing-the fall an awful reality.

Our Sunday school teachers, and children too, will be much pleased to learn that a new and perfectly original, and sweetly interesting little book has been completed and published for their benefit, by that well known Christian gentleman, Mr. George Thomas Congreve, the successful and zealous Superintendent of the Rye-lane Sunday school, Peckham. This little book is entitled,

Eight Acrostics on the Bible, and these Acrostics are not only full of the most useful instruction, but they are pleasingly and easily given; and such a large variety of pictorial illustrations as to render the book quite a delightful_little_gem. delightful little gem. Superintendents and teachers too, are often much exercised for the want of something attracting to bring before their classes. Mr. Congreve has here furnished a text-book, which, if well studied, will furnish thoughts and subjects for a long series of addresses. This book is sure to have

a large circulation. It is published by Elliott Stock, in Paternoster row, finely bound for sixpence.

Living unto God.-What volumes in these three precious words! There is not a soul born of God on the face of this earth but doth, at times, more or less desire, and pray to live unto God; but, alas! ten thousand things appear to hinder the soul in its entire consecration to the service, the fellowship, the honour, and the glory of a Triune Jehovah. Hence, a conflict most severe afflicteth the child of God all through the pilgrimage-unless he falls asleep in carnal security on the one hand, or, is highly favoured to dwell on high on the other. What is this LIVING

UNTO GOD? A strong-bound little book, bearing this title, has been recently published by Mr. Elliott Stock, the contents of which we hope to examine next month.

The Children's Prize for 1866 is an elegant gift book for children.

MR. JOHN BLOOMFIELD'S RE-
MOVAL FROM LONDON.

On the first Sunday evening in the New Year the Minister of Salem Chapel in Meard's court, Soho, is expected to preach his farewell sermon in that place. His resignation and removal to Bradford has been the cause of much regret in many churches. As a minister Mr. Bloomfield has for many years been the pleasant, the affable, the willing, and the useful servant of the churches in London, and in many of the provinces; and we can hardly think it will be easy for him to separate himself from his large circle of old and hearty friends, and settle down in the arduous duties of the pastorate over a large country church. To run and ride hither and thither, preaching at numerous anniversaries, and speaking at tea meetings, and associating with ministers in vestries and in parlours, and taking part in ordinations, attending funerals, celebrating weddings, &c., &c., &c., may sometimes appear very wearying; but the constant changing scene and ever varying association is healthful and enervating to some minds; and when enjoyed for a number of years the reverse and the re-action cannot be altogether a pleasant endurance. We fully believe that what Mr. Bloomfield has been in the Home Counties, that he will be in the Northern districts, with this exception, he may be found moving in circles more congenial to his faith, his fellowship, and his feelings. In the spirit of real Christian charity we will wish him God-speed in all his future enterprizes, so far as he may stand in, and contend for the good, old fashioned faith "once delivered unto the saints."

It appears some erroneous statements have been circulated respecting his movements. One Sunday morning, The Gospel Guide says, Mr. Bloomfield prefaced his discourse by making the following remarks: "Of course most of you as members of this church and congregation are aware that I am about to leave you as your pastor, and various reasons are circulated as the cause of my doing so. Some charge me with leaving because of unpleasantness with my deacons, that I must deny, for better or kinder deacons I cannot have. Some say it is through unpleasantness with my people, that is also unfounded: for when I do go, I shall leave with the best of feeling towards every member of this place, and there is not one I would not write to, to that effect, if time permitted. Another report is, that I am leaving because we are not prosperous, that is likewise untrue. Though we have not a large measure of prosperity, it is well known to you all that

there is scarcely a month passes without having some additions to us in members. And I might say there is not another Baptist church in London in a more healthy state financially. Then I am told, I am to be the successor of Mr. Betts,-against that I have nothing to say, but it is also untrue. I am going to the oldest Baptist church at Bradford, in Yorkshire, -a church which has had only three ministers. The first was a man who, when called by grace, was quite illiterate,-but was very successful in raising the cause. The next

Mr.

was the learned and able Dr. Steadman, who preached the old-fashioned truths in a simple manner. The last was Mr. Thomas Dowson; he vacated his position to preside over the Baptist college that was established in the same house in which the late Sir Robert Peel was born. Then it might be said, Who is this Mr. Dowson, we have never heard of him? He had been just what I intend to be, one who gave his entire time to the work of the pastorate of his own place. He had not acted so foolishly as I have done. I have been at the beck and call of every body. I thought I was doing right: I felt preaching was my work, and felt I was doing right in running up and down the country preaching now for some years, much to my own personal unhappiness, and, if I mistake not, much to mar my own usefulness. Dowson has not done this, and this accounts for his not being known in almost every town and village throughout the country as I had almost said I have the unhappiness to be known. This man has been preaching the truths of the Bible,-preaching the old-fashioned Gospel without those fearful extremes which many men in these latter days seem exposed to. It has long been the desire of my heart to preach the entire Gospel without those fearful exaggerations which characterise the preaching of many. I make these remarks without having the sanction of my deacons; but for the purpose of contradicting the false reports which have been made. I am going to this large, old-fashioned Baptist church simply because it seems to be the will of God that I should accept this larger sphere of labour. I do not know that I am right; still at present nothing can induce me to believe in my soul from the leadings of Divine providence but that I am right, and circumstances will prove this to be true. I am going determined to preach the same principles, the same Gospel I have been preaching for nearly twenty years, with a good share of success, only I intend, by the help of God, to preach a thousand times better. I will give all my time to my own place, to my own work, and I shall be amazingly a