"In blessing I will bless thee." How sweet the word when the Lord makes it spirit and life; when he applies with power, with much assurance, and with joy in the Holy Ghost. It is in the hour of trouble and time of need the word is made most precious. It is then the Lord endears himself more to us, favours us with holy communion with himself, and turns our inourning into joy; comes leaping upon the mountains. We hear his sweet voice—“It is I, be not afraid." The storm is then a calm, and all is joy and peace in the Holy Ghost. am now looking up to Jesus, my ever loving, ever- faithful friend, leaning upon his arm. Our daily motto must be, "Looking often unto Jesus" looking from self, from sin, to Jesus only. Whatever trial, whatever distress, whatever pain, whatever tribulation, we must look to Jesus, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, that we might wear the crown. despised the shame, that we might lift up our heads with joy. I He Many thanks for your kind note this morning, with the post order. I thank you, my brother, in the name of the Lord, for your great kindness in remembering me at this trying season; it is truly acceptable. "A friend in need is a friend indeed;" and such, my brother, you have been to me. I thank God for such a friend. I am glad the Lord was with you the Lord's-day you were in Essex. I was with you in spirit, and continued in prayer for you; and I trust you will hear that your labour was not in vain in the Lord. May the Lord fill you with his Spirit, open your mouth and fill it with his truth, and give you utterance to speak it forth. I had a solemn and sacred season in closing the old year and opening of the new. I remember the Lord enabled me to begin the past year in prayer and praise; and the Lord much blessed me during the year; although my trials were many, my sufferings great, bless the Lord my consolation through Christ superabounded. He was faithful to his 66 promise, My grace is sufficient for thee: As thy days so shall thy strength be;" and this I have mer cifully proved. The Lord hath upheld me, and been a present help in trouble. The Lord gave me a sweet spirit of prayer in closing the year; and about one hour before the year closed this promise softly dropped into my soul, "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber." Read the 121st Psalm ; it was a feast of fat things to my soul. O, how precious is the word of the Lord in the morning! As the new year opened I was waiting upon the Lord, looking to him for a sweet word. I had been asking the Lord especially to bless me, and give me a double portion of his Spirit, that I might follow him more fully, live to his honour and glory, love him more, and serve him better. Bless his name! He gave me this sweet word, "I will guide thee with my counsel, and afterwards receive thee to glory." My heart responded, "Thou shalt guide me, Lord." The word dwelt in me richly with savour, unction, and power; sleep or awake it was talking to me. After daylight in the morning the following portion was very sweet, "Thou shalt come to thy grave full of days, as a shock of corn cometh in in its season." Again, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight, for thou knowest not what evil may be upon the earth." What can this mean, my brother? Again: "He shall cover thee with his feathers, under his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." My refuge is in God, my witness is in heaven, my record is on high. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and tell of his love and faithfulness, and sound his praise abroad. Cheer up, beloved : A few more rolling suns at most, grace, Many thanks for your kindness. May the Lord bless you, be gracious unto you, and grant you much of his presence, is the prayer of your afflicted brother in Jesus, SAMUEL FOSTER. EXTRACTS FROM A WORK ENTITLED "PRISCILLA: THE ANCIENT ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH CONTRASTED WITH MODERN POPERY." BY JOSEPH IRONS. The absurd boast about the "march of intellect, the enlightened age, and the schoolmaster abroad," has so bewildered the minds of men, that they now fancy that Satan is not so black as he used to be, that sin is not so ugly as it has been represented, and that the Man of Sin is not now the monster described in the Word of God, nor so hostile to the well-being of society as in the dark ages: hence, the cloak of universal charity is cast over the so-called little, little differences; and nominal Christians amalgamate with Papists, Socinians, and other infidels; and pulpit orations, as well as the trash which emanates from the press, employ such ambiguous phraseology as shall not offend carnal-minded religionists of any class. Where is now the difference between the universities and the Dissenter's colleges, except in classical advantages? Do not the majority of those whose who emanate from both reject the distinguishing doctrines of God's Word, and substitute the Arminian heresy for them; propagating the Popish Gospel of universal redemption, human merit, and contingencies, under carnal patronage? It has been argued, or rather affirmed, that Popery is not what it was in former times, and that the barbarities practised by their priests and their agents in the dark ages, are to be attributed to the ignorance which prevailed; but it is notorious that the bitterest persecutors have always been the most learned men of their day, so that their inhuman conduct did not arise from want of education, but from the enmity of their carnal minds against the truth of God and the people of God. And as to any change for the better in their system they themselves deny it, boasting that their religion, or rather their conspiracy against religion, "is unchanged and unchangeable." Therefore, 66 as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now" (Gal. iv. 29). And who are now the fiercest bigots that Rome or Oxford produce? Are they not the learned priests, the distinguished scholars, aud the philosophical dignitaries? It is not the unlettered but the unregenerate, who hurt and persecute the saints; and it will be known hereafter, that the greatest sins and the most extensive mischiefs known on earth, are produced by the interference of ungodly men in religious things, either in a way of legislation, or by assuming offices for which the grace of God had not qualified them. I cannot, therefore, refrain from entering my protest against all such unhallowed touching of the ark of God, and therefore close up my threescore years with this testimony for Christ against Antichrist.. MEET FOR GLORY. DEAR EDITOR,-I notice you state in the VESSEL this month, on page 7, "that it is in the furnace of affliction where the Lord's people are meetened for a kingdom of glory." Now, I never can reconcile such statements (though too often found) with other parts of God's truth; nor do I for a moment believe that to be the design or intent of the Lord, in the afflictive dispensations with which he oft visits his people here. No, no; depend upon it they have other uses and ends to answer; frequently are they attended with most salutary effects, such as to enable the believer to say feelingly and thankfully, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." But I know of no one thing that renders the sinner meet for the inheritance of glory, save that of his standing washed in the blood of the Lamb, and clothed in the alone righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Show me a sinner made manifestly alive by regeneration, and you then show at once an individual who is, to all intents and purposes, made fully meet for glory, at any moment whenever the Lord may be pleased to call him home. The quickened child of God, from the moment that Divine act of the Holy Ghost has passed upon him, is as really and truly fit for heaven as ever he will be, even if he should live an hundred years afterwards, and pass through long and trying series of afflictions. This "meetness" is not one effected by degrees, as some will persist in asserting it to be. Beware of ever substituting anything, however plausible, for, or in the room and place of Christ, and Him crucified." Paul, in writing to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse, giveth thanks unto the Father who hath made them meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light," die when, where, or how they may. I venture to hope that this communication will be received in the spirit which is intended and desired; for certainly I have no wish ever to make a man an offender for a word. Yours faithfully in the Lord, H. H. Fletching, Jan. 14, 1868. *** We fully believe all that "H. H." so truthfully writes. Our sentence referred not to the essential, and eternal, and entire meetness of the redeemed, as they stand before God in Christ; but to that which is termed 66 experimental," of which we have thought Paul spake when he wrote, "These light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.-ED. Lord Jesus, thou hast got death and the devil under thy feet, even so, Lord, put them under ours. WAKE "CHURCH OF GOD!" [The Christian Examiner, published by Geo. Herbert, contains the following Stirring "Watchword for 1868."] Wake, Church of God! The Bridegroom comes; It's bent and dinted sore with blows. The edge is rusted on the sword; The world has drugged Salvation's cup, And bribed the armies of the Lord.* Wake, Church of God! Nor dare to blame The Captain of the heavenly host; They who have slept, shall bear the shame, If the great cause is all but lost. Oh for an hour with John or Paul. That faith, and love, and zeal might shine; Oh! for a heart to part with all, And buy instead the pearl divine. Wake, Church of God! From cushioned pews Sinners are passing to the grave; Withhold not, for thy life, the news Of him who shed His blood to save. Go live it in the face of men; In fervent prayer with Christ abide, Exchange your weakness for His power, And ye shall conquer by His side.-G. R. W. *Even as in the Church of Sardis, so, in this present age of the Gospel dispensation, we hope and believe, the Lord Himself would say "Thou hast a few names which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy." And is there no redeeming mercy for those who have known more of the depths of Satan than others? Who like Job, have been plunged again and again in the dark ditch of the Fall; and have been in deaths often, in wars and conflicts most severe; and in distress more dreadful than human language can describe. Is there no hope of the future for them? Yes! Surely, in the ranks of that" great multitude" will be found many of the most afflicted in this world, of whom the elders said to John-"these are they who came out of great tribulation; they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; therefore, are they before the throne of God." Oh, blessed state! they serve the Lord for ever-from them He is never hidden; to the Marriage of the Lamb, they have by grace been bidden. All their tears are wiped away; HUMAN PROGRESS IN CONNECTION WITH RELIGION. The North British Review, in an article of great ability, takes up the question as to the relative rate of progress of practical morality and intellectual development, combating the peroration of Buckle in his history of counteraction that morals have been comparatively stationary, whilst intellect has made perpetual advances. The reviewer maintains that whilst there is nothing new to enunciate in morals, the development or individualization of ethical truth is from age to age on a wider scale, acting and reacting alike on intellectual progress, and the external condition of man. The article, however, in our opinion, constitutes another illustration of the futility of creating an inquiry as to whether progress results from moral power, intellectual vigour, or external advantages, except on a strictly religious basis. So long as man does not conform to the ordained requirements of his position, so long as he does not, in the strength of the Divine Spirit, co-operate with God, all his acquisitions, even in science and in art, are made at random. The true elements of vitality for a nation, or for individuals, exist in the possession of the Spirit, which, in transforming the mind, enlightens it, giving it that order which renders all progress enduring. The human race in general scarce dream of the extent to which they are indebted to religion, the influences of which permeate every shade of existence. To say that the mere inductive or deductive process, based on observation, will give to society all it requires, is to ignore the facts of history. The principles of religion are needed to give value to the conclusions arrived at. In the enlargement of commerce, in the improvement perpetually proceeded in, in social organization, we see however, dimly, that the great truth, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," is being steadily evolved, or at least illustrated, that is to say, the seeking of other's good is shown to consist even with material self interest. What power, then, would reside in not merely the general acknowledgment but the full acceptance of religion by the human race, were there no need for one to say, "Know the Lord;" but with all knowing Him, "from the least even to the greatest," sanctified intellect would work marvels in all directions, the Divine Spirit making itself felt reasoning that would give to the cold, would sweep away that meritorious. unsanctified intellect the praise due to that Power by whose will mind subsists, and by whose illuminating and guiding grace alone it can fulfil its appointed vocation, and save itself from perpetual relapses. A REVIEW OF THE GOSPEL MINISTRY. (By a Correspondent in America.) [THERE is much good truth, and some wholesome reproofs, in the following letter. Nevertheless, we consider that ministry, which stands more in what is termed "the deep experiences of soultravail, fiery conflicts," &c., &c., has been, and often is, truly useful to poor, sensibly guilty, and groaning sinners. While, therefore, we have rejoiced exceedingly in the pure and precious ministry which has "Christ (as) all and in all," and while we are persuaded that "the lifting of Jesus on high" is the only real and essential subject, theme, object, and aim, of a real Gospel ministry, still, we tremble to say one word reproachfully of that large body of men, whose labours appear to be used for good to some parts of Zion. -ED. | FELLOW PILGRIM TO ZION,-Permit me as such, Mr. Editor, to address you, though separated bodily by the wide Atlantic, yet being favoured monthly to meet with you through the medium of the EARTHEN VESSEL, I am thus made somewhat acquainted with you in the downsittings, and uprisings attendant upon your journey Zionward. You like others find the way to the crown to be by the cross of suffering, "the servant must not be above his Master, "If they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" Yet be not discouraged, my brother, it is no ignus fatuus we are pursuing, the prize is certain, but "the race has be run," "the course pursued," and death, so terrible to poor trembling Christians (how strange) will bring us into full pos دو are session of the prize; then although "we may not have apprehended, let us forget those things which are behind, and reach forwards, pressing towards the mark for the prize of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus," "whether life or death all yours ;" "being more than conquerors through Him that hath loved us, and gave Himself for us," "having led captivity captive, received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them," triumphing over sin, death, hell, and the grave," go on, my brother; "fight the good fight of faith," having put on the Gospel armour, there is no taking it off until the warfare is accomplished, and faith ended in full fruition; says Paul to Timothy, "that thou mightest war a good warfare." Like yourself I am made painfully. to the flesh acquainted with the vale of suffering, but though essential, yet this of itself forms no valid passport to the realms of bliss, this alone is no evidence of citizenship; a slave may suffer, but that does not make him free, a captive may be immured in prison, loaded down with chains, and feel the misery of his situation, yet this will not set him at large. Hence the Christian is made acquainted not only with the darkness of death, but also with the brightness of life; not only with the bitter, but the sweet; not only the sorrow, but the joy; not only captivity, but delivering grace; not only blindness, but sight; not only the heart of adamant, but the heart of flesh; and until he is acquainted with both sides, he is, and must remain in bondage; but eternal blessings to His dear name, I believe we have been made experimentally acquainted not only with law and justice, but mercy and truth, righteousness and peace; and if He hath spoken peace to us, then "let us not turn again to folly." Oh the heights and depths of that grace which hath raised us up out of the pit of degradation we were in, set our feet upon the rock (Christ Jesus) Lord." Hence, we can say, with one of old, "salvation is of the Lord;" rejoice in that covenant that is ordered in all things and sure; find and realize when brought to the banks of Jordan, that Immanuel, our glorious forerunner, was before us to smooth the way, extract the sting from death, and transmit him into the welcome harbinger of eternal glory; finding and realizing that all is finished, nothing to do, our peace already made by Him who is declared to be our peace, exclaiming with happy Simeon, "Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy great salvation," death smiling in our face, asking the parting breath to usher us into the presence of our Lord, the Lamb in the midst of the throne. (To be continued.) NEW BOOKS. "GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY." A little book has this day been printed at our office, and published by S. W. Partridge, bearing the significant title-"THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD OF JESUS THE SON Of God,' &c, by Major General H. Goodwyn. The chief object of the work is to shew the distinction between "the Aaronic order," and "the everlasting order of Melchizedec." There are some precious openings of the different offices and characters of the Son of God. We shall, we hope, effectually call attention to this little book by simply making the following quotations which appear pages 9 and 13: "The difference, between the Mediator and Intercessor is, that the former is the Divine cause of the proclamation of saving mercy from God to men, as 'dead in trespasses and sins;' the latter is the representive of those who have come unto God by Him.' This may be clearly learned from the contemplation of the address of the Lord Jesus to His Father (John xvii.) when He spoke anticipatively as the Great High Priest, showing to us the character of the |