LITTLE CHILDREN, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
AFFECTIONATELY ADDRESSED TO THE LORD'S PEOPLE.

THERE is in the midst of this wilderness world, a people whom the Lord has chosen to Himself as his family-as his peculiar treasure. Hence we read (1 Pet. ii. 9), “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." By nature indeed, they are like others, afar off from God; as the same Apostle goes on to affirm, "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." The price by which He redeemed them was no less a price than his own most precious blood (Acts xx. 28). These people are scattered up and down in the world; they are as lilies among thorns, as sheep among wolves; but his eye is over them for good. "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his peo-cerned in all that concerns us, bearing ple from henceforth, even for ever "(Ps. exxv. 2). From these quotations from the word of God, it is plainly evident, as I have before stated, that there is a people

Lord Jesus Christ, in his last affectionate discourse to his disciples, gave them this new commandment, That ye love one. another, as I have loved you;" adding this important truth, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." His was love in perfection;. and they would be in a measure like Him.

Whom He from all the world beside,
Has chosen for his own.

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Oh, my brethren, what an honourable, what a precious mark; because it is a mark which makes us like unto Jesus; Him" who is the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express Image of his Person; but who for the love He bore to his people, humbled Himself, and took upon Him our nature, and in that nature did work out a righteousness for us, and then did suffer, bleed, and die, that we might be made the children of God, and exalted to everlasting life;" and is now exalted at the right hand of God, making intercession for us, con

our infirmities, sympathizing with us in our afflictions; making all things work together for our good, and will shortly return to take us to Himself, where He is.

Oh, my brethren, who can enter into the great blessedness treasured up in These people are plainly pointed out these words, "Where He is ?" True it in the word of God. They are all chil-is, that one glimpse from Him, one whisdren of God by faith in Christ Jesus; per that we are his, will fill the soul with they are not of the world. Christ has a holy warmth, with a joy unspeakable chosen them out of the world; they have and full of glory; and will enable us to the Spirit of Christ; they are led by that "sit down under his shadow with great Spirit; they walk not after the flesh, but delight;"" to come up out of the wilafter the Spirit; they are wretched, derness, leaning on the Beloved." But and miserable, and poor, and blind, and oh, my brethren, what is this? (may we naked," in themselves; and they are have more of this) what is this, I say, to never satisfied, but only as they can real- the glory of that place where He is ? ize that "Christ is formed in their hearts Where the hope of glory; that He is their wisdom, their righteousness, their sanctification, and their redemption." There is nothing in earth or heaven that they desire in comparison of Him. Whosoever they are, and wheresoever they are in whom these marks are really and in any measure exist, they are his people, plants of his own planting, and in whom He will be glorified.

But what I wish to impress on these people is this, that union in love ought to be their great characteristic. Our

In majesty transcendant,
Jesus reigns the king of saints.

Where

Joyful crouds his throne surrounding,
Sing with rapture of his love;
Through the heavens his praises sounding,
Filling all the courts above.

This mark, I say, will in some measure
make us like unto this glorious Person.

How earnestly do we find the apostles endeavouring to promote this "union in love," among the Lord's people in their day. With what warmth of heart does

the Apostle Paul express himself in Phil. Oh, my brethren, who can estimate 2nd chapter, when endeavouring to pro- the value of this evidence? No evidence mote this union. How plain it is that of a title to any earthly thing is in any those whom the Lord separated to Him- wise to be compared unto it. But, dear self as his people, were to be a separate brethren, where, where are the people people from the rest of the world, and that have this evidence this mark, as it bound together with one another, as one were, in their foreheads? I would hope family, which did not belong to the world, that there are a few individual believers but who were seeking "a better country, in most parishes and towns throughout even an heavenly one;" "That ye may our beloved land; but are these few be blameless, and harmless (says the joined together as one family, as they Apostle), the sons of God without rebuke, might, and ought to be? Have they a in the midst of a crooked and perverse particular attachment to each other as nation, among whom ye shine as lights they ought? Do they feel that they are in the world." How prominent is this the Church-the people whom God hath mark kept before us in all the epistles. separated to Himself, that they should Thus we read (Gal. v. 22), "Love is the show forth his praise? Is it not true first-fruit of the Spirit." Again, it is that the generality of professing Chriscalled, "The bond of perfectness" (Col. tians know nothing about this? Does iii. 14). Again, love is said to be "the it not sound to them like setting fulfilling of the law" (Rom. xiii. 10). forth of strange things? Oh, dear breAgain (ver. 1), it is said to be the debt thren, may we have grace to show by our the Lord's people owe one to another. actions a little of this strangeness. Do Again, love is the path the followers of not let a little difference of opinion on God are called to walk in as dear chil- minor points quench our love. It will dren (Eph. v. 1, 2). Again (chap. i. 15). extend, if the heart is rightly influenced, love unto all the saints is named as the to all, whosoever they may be, in whom true companion of faith in the Lord the image of Jesus is in any measure Jesus. We are taught to increase in it visible, or whose desires are really tomore and more (1 Thess. iv. 10). By wards Him, and it will not lie concealed love we are to serve one another (Gal. v. in our hearts. It will be evidenced by 13). And "above all things," says the our particular attachment to them, which Apostle Peter (1 Epis. iv. 8), "have fer-will be made manifest by kind actions, vent charity among yourselves; for cha- or words, or by our countenance; and rity shall cover the multitude of sins." the more separate a person is from the And to crown all (if I may so speak), world, the more humble, or more weak, love will never fail (1 Cor. xiii. 8). or the more in affliction, so much the more And then, as to the degree and cha-ought the Lord's family to show attachracter of our love, we find plain direc- ment and kindness towards them. Also, do tions." See that ye love one another not let any little differences which may with a pure heart fervently" (1 Pet. i. arise about carnal things, destroy it. If 22). Love is to be without dissimula- we are to try as much as lieth in us to live tion" (Rom. xii. 9). Love is to be in peaceably with all men, to forgive our the Spirit (Col. i. 8). Love is to be in enemies, to pray for them which despitedeed and in truth" (1 John iii. 8). Love fully use us, and persecute us, should we should abound more and more in know- then be offended with any little thing ledge and in all judgment (Phil. i. 9). which may happen, and suffer it to lead Love is even to make us willing to lay us to look cold on any whom we hope down our lives for the brethren (1 John belong to the Lord's family? Should iii. 16). And Jesus said, This is my we not bear with the wrong, or even commandment, that ye love one another, suffer ourselves to be defrauded ?—yea, as I have loved you" (John xv. 12). and it may be the fault is in ourselves God is also a Dwelling-place to those when we suppose it to be in othersthat dwell in love (1 John iv. 16). What surely if this precious grace had its right a noble dwelling? Who would not de- influence over us, it would lead us to cire such a dwelling? Beloved, let us have that noble, that God-like spirit so love one another; for love is of God, and beautifully expressed in 13th Romans, every one that loveth is born of God, and "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if knoweth God" (1 John iv. 7). "We he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing know that we have passed from death thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head : unto life, because we love the brethren" -and fire will melt down the hardest (1 John iii. 14). metal. How much more then should we

which he doubts not will arise in many who read this: are they not something like this? Well, I look around me, I see many profess to be Christians, but it is only one here, and another there, whom I can have communion with; who can enter into my sorrows, and my joys; and with whom there is really a felt one

bear with, and act kindly towards those who we hope are heirs of the same kingdom as ourselves, and with whom we hope to join in casting our crowns at the feet of Jesus, and singing his praises for ever. Oh, it is a sad sight to see such biting and devouring one another. Oh, that we had more of that noble, that heavenly spirit, which would pass by lit-ness of spirit. Yes, I doubt not but what tle differences as if they had not happened-yea, what we may think great injuries; how would our thus acting to any who had done us a little or great injury, make them ashamed and confounded in themselves; and in so doing, we should manifest the Spirit of Christ, and not the spirit of him who is from beneath.

Again, let us not be hasty in judging our brothers and sisters to be in the wrong in anything! for we know little of the motives of others, nor yet the light in which they view things; we do not all see eye to eye; therefore let us hope well as long as we possibly can, of any who we suppose to be in the wrong in any thing.

But, dear brethren, I would just remark, I do not expect in these days that we can have all things in common, as they did in the apostles' days (for which I do not think there was a command); neither do I expect but what the Lord's family will be in different positions in the world, some in a higher and more honourable position than others; but I do say, that however nigh a position any one of the Lord's family may be in, he ought not to be ashamed to own that he is a Friend to the poorest of the Lord's family, wherever He may meet or see them; He will, or ought.

دو

Piety, clothed in rags, Religiously respect. And it will be well for many in these days, who hope and profess to be Christians, to read the 2nd of James often, remembering that it is only a short time before the present state of things will pass away, and these will be his companions for ever; these whom the exalted Saviour is not now ashamed to call" brethren And where this grace has its proper effect, it will not lead the poor of the Lord's family to be proud, or take undue liberty; but it will make them humble to think what honour the Lord puts on them, that they should be paid attention to by the Lord's people, who are above them in position, as regards this world, but yet own them as brethren. But here I would observe, well does the writer know the feeling

this is the feeling. And is it not too
true, that with the generality of the pro-
fessing church, the Lords peculiar peo-
ple, can have no more communion with
than (oh, shall it be too severe if I say*)
an heathen man or publican? I know
it is a great grief to the Lord's people!
Oh, may it be the means of drawing us
more to that precious Friend-who can,
and will make up for every thing else.
Yet, let us still remember, under every
discouragement, that there is "a people,
who in the language of a departed sister
of the Lord's family, are thus beautifully
described;" But in every sect, which
took the pure unadulterated Bible for
its standard, I perceived a small number
of persons, who desire no other happiness
than the love of God. These I observed,
to whatever denomination they belong,
loved, and understood one another, but
were often hated and misconstrued by the
rest of mankind. If they differed, as to
some points of minor importance, they
were, however, unanimous upon the
grand essentials of religion. In this one
point, especially, I found them to be all
perfectly opposed to all others:-they,
with one cosent, ascribed to Jesus the
whole glory of their salvation, acknow-
ledging no merit in themselves, which
could possible interest God in their fa-
vour. Yes, these are the people where-
soever they are, that ought to have the
greatest attachment, the warmest love,
the kindest sympathy, for, and with each
other; and that ought not to be ashamed
to own each other as brethren. May
each of his people that read this lift up
their hearts to the Lord, asking Him for
a large increase of this heaven-born prin-
ciple! for without it, we are but "
sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
Again, I can imagine the feelings of those
to whom the Lord has given the means
and the will to give of this world's goods
to those who may be in necessity! how
often are they deceived; how often dis-
appointed, as to the character of the
son to whom they give: for while they
know that they are commanded to be

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as

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*The writer would not wish to be too severe ; may the Lord and the reader pardon if he is.

abled thus to act; and, above all, such will hear their blessed Saviour say, at the great day, "Come ye blessed of my Fa

you, from the foundation of the world. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done into me." May the readers and writer be thus owned in that day.

And here I desire to express my thankfulness for the means which the Gospel Magazine affords to many of the Lord's people, for communication with one another, so that they can,as it were, enter into one another's joys and sorrows; thus a magnetic influence follows, and

kind to the unthankful and unholy (and in so doing, they will bear the likeness of their Father); yet they know it is also said, "Do good unto all men, es-ther, inherit the kingdom prepared for pecially unto those who are of the household of faith." This they wish to do, but often, through the deseitfulness of the tongue, they are deceived. But let them not forget, even then, that the Lord looks at the motive which influences their hearts. But do, I would say, ask he Lord to guide you in your gifts, as to the persons, and as to the time. Depend on it, the Lord's poor are not great pleaders to man; something has yet to be learnt if they are; the Lord teaches his people to depend on Himself: whe-unites together many who never see each ther they are poor or rich, He makes them feel, that all they have is his: that all their friends' comfort and support are from Himself. Yes, "happy are the people who have the God of Jacob for their help! whose hope is in the Lord their God." This happiness they more or less understand; and therefore, with the Lord they will wrestle and plead most.

other in the flesh. May the Lord add his blessing to it more and more. May the readers and writers be kept humble, weak in themselves, yet strong, through dependence on HIMSELF. And may you, dear friend, and beloved Editor, long have the high honour of being a drawer of water" out of the WELL, which shall, as it were, flow from you, and be a means of refreshing to many of the Lord's In drawing this to a close, I would thirsty ones, while travelling through this remind you, dear brethren, that if you wilderness, John vii. 38. I know many are stirred up in any degree by the grace of your readers will respond an hearty of God, to carry out more of a spirit of Amen. And now, gracious Saviour, love towards the Lord's people; to show grant that his heavenly grace, which thy more of your attachment to them before unworthy creature has been endeavourthe world; just so much the more willing to commend to thy people, may be, Satan's rage be stirred up against you; in a large measure, poured into his own and from the moment you are enabled heart and shine forth in his life; thus thus to act, you will find opposition will he be enabled to live more to thy rising where, perhaps, you the least ex-glory and the good of thy people. Ĭ pected it. Yes, nothing would stir up do believe in the communion of saints;" Satan's rage so much as a manifest union among this "little number." When one even thinks of it, Satan whispers, What would you be thought of? People in general would have nothing to do with you; how then could you live in the world? Oh for grace to overcome this! for the Lord would sooner make windows in heaven, than such should want. That promise in Isaiah lviii. 10, 11, is especially made to such, I believe, as are en

Love is the mark that Christians bear,
Without it all else is but sound;
The grace that shall in heaven endure,
When faith and hope we need no more.

On me, O Lord, this mark impress,
That I may prove its power, its word;
And last, O bring me to the place,

Where love shall reign in every breast.

Martock.

WHAT I AM IN ADAM !-WHAT I AM IN CHRIST

G. H.

COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE LATE MR. CRUTTALE PIERCE, OF LONDON, TO HIS SISTER, MISS PIERCE, AT MAIDSTONE.

MY DEAR SISTER,—I was glad to receive | slain from the foundation of the world." My yours; much of it is pleasant to me to read, but requires no particular answer. Mean now to attend principally to this part of it, "I envy you your religious attainment, what clear views you have of interest in the Lamb

wish is therefore to state my attainment, that you may see them within the compass of your own experience, and by which it may be our highest ambition which shall first get to the lowest form in Christ's School. Re