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But, to the text. I have shewn that

First-Jehovah's way of providing for his people in the everlasting covenant of grace, is typically shadowed forth in the first six sons which Jacob had by Leah.

the land of Canaan.' True, my brother: clean escaped beyond the reach of death and so, through the strife of the flesh and and dangerous foes. the devil, the church, to all appearance, was separated from Christ in the Adam-Jacob's sons were typical characters. In fall. But, will you read Genesis xiv. 13 speaking of that right way, then, by -16? There you see, when Abraham which the Lord doth lead his people, I heard how poor Lot had been robbed must first notice that in the names given and spoiled, and taken captive; his heart to Jacob's sons; in the order of their burned within him with love to Lot, and birth; and in the divisions made of them down he came with an armed band, and you have a four-fold view of that secret brought again his brother Lot;' so, our of the Lord which is with them that fear blessed and glorious Abraham, when he him; and also of that covenant which he saw his poor church carried captive by shews unto them. See, in the thirty-fifth the devil and sin, came down and fought of Genesis (verse 22), the Holy Ghost her battle for her; and, with garments says 'Now-the sons of Jacob were rolled in blood, yet, with a most glorious twelve.' And then gives them in their victory obtained, he has ascended up on four-fold order; wherein you have these high; led captivity captive, and received four things set forth. gifts for rebellious men. Poor Lot, then was a type of God's elect, for so his name declares, its interpretation is-one that is Wrapped up, joined, and covered,' such is every elect sinner: he is wrapped up in the bowels of the covenant, in the everlasting love of God: he is, by the Holy Ghost brought forth into gospel liberty, joined unto Christ and the saints in him—and ultimately shall be covered with his righteousness. No wonder, then, when Lot sat in the gate of Sodom, that two Angels came down to fetch him out. I tell ye, these two angels-'IN CHRIST' will fetch an elect sinner out of hell itself, if it were possible for him there to sink. 'IN CHRIST,' fetched David back; brought Mannasseh unto God; raised Jonah from the deeps below; made blaspheming Peter cry; laid Saul of Tarsus at the Redeemer's feet; and these two Angels-(IN CHRIST')-will carry the whole election of grace right into glory, be their diseases and disasters what they may.

Do ye look for a moment, at the rescue which these angels effected for poor Lot. The barbarous Sodomites would have crushed poor Lot in an instant, and have broken in the door of his house-But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house-shut the door-and then smote the rebels with blindness.' Ah, this is Christ's manner of dealing with his own; just in the moment of danger, when destruction appears close at hand, he puts forth his omnipotent hand, shuts out our foes; and smites them with blindness, so that they know not where to find us, nor how to attack us. And, as in the case of Lot, the Lord will never leave a vessel of mercy until he is

Secondly-Jehovah's way of providing for his people in the person of Christ, is typically shadowed forth in the two sons Jacob had by Rachel.

Thirdly-God's manner of bringing his people under the law, is set forth in the two sons Jacob had by Bilhah.

Fourthly-The Holy Ghost's revelations of grace and mercy under the gospel, is typified by the two sons of Zilpah.

By the help of God, I hope simply to lay these things before you just as they were opened up in my mind; and as I spoke them out on the occasion referred to. Some may be disposed to ridicule these interpretations of the Word of God: be that as it may, I can only say, I did not borrow nor steal them: I did not purposely labour for them: they were spontaneously dropped into my heart; other Scriptures came in to confirm the views I was led to take: much sweetness and liberty was given unto me in the delivery; many souls have declared they were greatly blessed, and have requested me to put it on record; my own spirit being inclined thereto, I have done it. If the good Lord will make it a pipe of communication to the edifying and comforting some of his own family, and thereby bringing glory to his own name, I shall therein rejoice.

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First, then, He led them forth by a right way that they might go to a city of habitation.' Now, how God did first bring forth his elect in the everlasting covenant, and how he makes this cove

nant known to them, was revealed in my | Christ himself declares that he was called soul by the first six sons of Jacob. The from the womb, and appointed as God's sons of Jacob were twelve. The sons of servant 'to raise up the tribes of Jacob, Leah, Rueben, Jacob's first-born. (Mark! and to restore the preserved of Israel.' there is a strong emphasis laid upon What language it is! See, how the Reuben; he was Jacob's first-born,) whole body of the elect are designated Then came Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, Jacob! 'The Lord that formed me from and Issachar, and Zebulun. Here the the womb, to bring Jacob again to him.' whole interior of the covenant of grace is comprehended: here is that secret which is with them that fear God.

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How can it be said that this SECRET OF THE LORD is with them that fear him? Because as the bringing forth of Christ was the first work in the covenant, so the revelation of Christ in the soul of the sinner is the first work of the Holy Ghost. Christ is that incorruptible seed by which spiritual and eternal life is brought into the soul; and which livet and abideth for ever. You may speak of convictions; of a law-work in the conscience; or of what you please; but certain it is, Christ is first given to, and implanted in the soul, before there can be the least breath of spiritual life or heavenly desire. This is why he will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax-this is why he will not cast out any that come unto him; because it is his own life, his breath, his power, his grace in the soul, that brings the elect sinner to him, who is God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. It is called 'THE NEW MAN, which after God is created in righteousness, and true holiness.'

1. Reuben, being interpreted, means, the vision of his son; or, the son of vision. Some interpretations may differ a little from this; but they are the same in substance. Reuben, then represents the glorious bringing forth or setting up of the Son of God from everlasting. While I was thinking upon this, that text in the 89th Psalm came in most sweetly. There the Holy Ghost is speaking of the blessedness and glory of God's elect, in the 15th, 16th, and 17th verses. Then he traces this blessedness and glory up to its source, and says 'Our shield is of the LORD; and our King is of the Holy One of Israel.' (See margin of the 18th verse.) What shield and King is this? It is the glorious Son of God; the Word, that was afterward made flesh, and whose glory was beheld, as the glory, or bursting forth of Deity in the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Then, in that 89th Psalm, God the Holy Ghost speaks of the bringing forth of this, our glorious Reuben, and says-(as though addressing the Father, and recapitulating this most amazing transaction,)Then, thou spakest in vision to thy Holy One, and saidst-I have laid help upon One that is mighty; I have exalted One chosen out of the people. I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him.' 2. Jacob's second son is called Simeon, Will you say this belongs only to the that is, one that hears and obeys. This literal David? Then read further on in opens the mystery of Christ becoming this Psalm: 'I will make him, my FIRST- SURETY for his people, and voluntarily BORN higher than the kings of the earth; surrendering himself to the Father. his seed will I make to endure for ever; Oh, what a wonderful revelation of and his throne as the days of heaven.' the Father's love and counsel; of the Here is the glorious installation, or set-church's fall and restoration, of her reting up of the Christ of God-'Who is the image of the invisible GOD; the firstborn of every creature. And HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS, and by him all things consist.' 'It was the Father, (says Gill,) that called Christ from the womb of eternity, to be his servant, and directed and enjoined his work and service as appears from Isaiah xlix. 1-6.' There

Do you ask How doth this indwelling of Christ become manifest? Paul tells you: Who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.' Christ being in the heart, true wisdom begins; and its work will never cease until entire and eternal redemption hath glorified both body and soul in heaven.

demption, and glorification, was poured into the ear of Christ: so that he bursts out and says, ' Many, O Lord, my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done: and thy thoughts which are to us ward: if I would declare and speak of them they are more than can be numbered. Oh, what a rich fulness there is in the covenant and Christ of God for

the whole election of grace. In the 40th | eye; they have a place in his heart, are Psalm, Christ tells you how he became graven on the palms of his hands, and our Simeon: 'mine ears hast thou are ever in his thoughts.' Dr. Goodwin opened. Then said I, lo! I come in says-As in the womb, head and memthe volume of the book-(in the Father's bers are not conceived apart, but toeternal mind,) it is written of me.' gether, as having relation to each other; Christ's ear being opened, he heard, he so were the elect and Christ (making up received, he obeyed. So, when he came one mystical body to God,) formed toin the flesh, he was continually pointing gether in the eternal womb of election.' to this solemn engagement, and said- And this is the third feature in the 'I came not to do mine own will, but the experience of a living soul. Christ is will of him that sent me. See how beau-formed in the heart; the ear is opened tiful Christ speaks of his suretyship engagement in Isaiah 1. 4, 5, 6.

Even so it is in the experience of the quickened soul; when Christ is given, revealed, and implanted in the heart, then is the ear opened to listen to, and receive the things of God. Look at Saul of Tarsus. Christ is revealed in his heart, and immediately he cries out, 'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? His ear is opened. Quickened, coming sinners, are seeking, enquiring, listening sinners: they wait to hear what God the Lord will say unto their souls.

3. Levi was the third son; which means-joined, associated, or added unto him.' This is typical of the Father giv ing the elect into the hands of Christ. Thine they were, (says the Saviour,) and thou gavest them unto me: and 1 have kept them.' The Father told them out into his hands and here the eternal union between Christ and the church was ratified; Christ and the church became one; for both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one.' In the blessing which Moses pronounced upon Levi, there is reference to two things. First, to the mediatorial fulness given to Christ for the church And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy Holy One;' all light and perfection was first in Christ; and of his fulness doth the church receive, and grace for grace. Secondly, Moses blesses the church in Christ'Bless, Lord, his substance, and accept the work of his hands.' Thus, there was a filling Christ with all grace and glory, as the church's head, and a securing unto her eternal blessedness in and with him. This was the glory Christ speaks of the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one."

By virtue of this eternal union, (says one of the fathers,) the elect of God became a part of himself; a near, dear, and tender part, even as the apple of his

to receive the truth, and by the ingrafted word, the soul becomes joined to the Lord; espoused to him, and in love with him. Floods of sin; fires of temptation; nights of darkness; and mighty winds of a persecuting kind, may afflict this living soul, as I find it to this day; but nothing can cut in sunder the union which sovereign, regenerating, and converting grace makes between a living Christ, and living souls. No: no. The gates of hell shall not prevail against them. No man shall pluck them out of the hands of him who holdeth up their souls in life; and will never suffer their foundation in himself to be removed.

In coming to the fourth son of Jacob, which is Judah, I find I must be brief. Judah hath two interpretations of a most significant kind. It is rendered confession and praise- or may be read, 'a pouring out,' and, a bringing in,' These are expressive of the work Christ undertook for the church; and of the effects of grace in the conscience of a saved sinner. Christ engaged to take the elect, and to pour out his soul as a sacrifice for sin; he also engaged to bring in, and to bring near an everlasting righteousness for all that the Father gave him, thereby confessing to the justice of God, and praising and magnifying the electing love and predestinating grace of God. This is that gospel song that shall be sung in the land of Judah, WE HAVE A STRONG CITY-(that is Christ,)-SALVATION(that is, the putting away of sin, and the bringing in of righteousness,) will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.' Yes; strong indeed! For, if God be thus for us, who can be against us? Moses knew how Christ, in the agony of his soul, would cry out of deep distress and how in his intercession he would wrestle; and therefore, he says Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people.' Jacob knew how Christ would triumph over death and hell; and how poor sinners would be exalted in and by

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Now, how this part of the secret is with them that fear him; and what I have to say on the other sons of Jacob; as also of that Right Way by which Jehovah leads his people forth, I am compelled to defer until next month.

My scul is now full of it, and in much inward peace, arising out of it: but, I dare not further intrude on the space of this month's Vessel. I have loads of good matter for insertion: some of my correspondents think I ill-use them because I do not insert them sooner; but, in the insertion of matter in the Vessel, I desire to be guided by him whom I love to serve, whether men are offended or pleased.

Until next month, then, farewell. The Lord helping me, I shall, certainly then, continue this account. A precious enjoyment of grace and peace be thine, prays a little Watchman in this dark night, whose name is

CHARLES WATERS BANKS. 6, Pagoda Terrace, Bermondsey New Road,

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by him, as one brought up with him, and I was daily his delight; rejoicing always before him.' I lay a stress upon the words, was,' and always.' Is it anything like eternally begotten or eternal generation? No! Ministers are foolish to make use of such terms; they only breed confusion. The language the Son of God made use of to the Jews, and to his Apostles, is in accordance with Solomon and John. John viii. 8, 42, xvi. 27.

But, my brother David, you seem to say the Word was a divine person with the Father, abstractedly from the Sonship. This produces as much confusion as the other. To say, 'The Word was a divine person,' you may as well the say, power, or the wisdom of God, is a divine person, which are only divine attributes: and all the attributes dwelt in our Lord bodily. Jesus Christ is called the Word, because he speaks the words of the Father, as I communicate my thoughts and purposes to you, so Christ unto his church is both the word of communication and the word of reconciliation; but do you know, brother David, that the church never knew the Son as the Word by mere names before John wrote his gospel, which was about sixty-eight years after the ascension. But the word 'begotten' certainly doth refer to his resurrection; The Senship of Jesus Christ. to his being the first-born, or first-fruits from the dead, as his people's representaGOOD morning, brethren David and tive; and the apostle John, who wrote Bildad. I have heard you in conversa- his gospel sixty-eight years after his tion about the Sonship of Jesus Christ. resurrection, hath joined his incarnation I believe you are in some things right, and his resurrection together; and so also and in others wrong: but you make very hath the apostle Paul, in Romans i. 3, 4. sad mistakes both of you. Well,' you John says 'the Word was made flesh;' say, I wish you would prove that from Paul says, he (the Son) was made of the God's most holy Word.' That I will do. seed of David according to the flesh; by In the first place, Bildad knows nothing the term flesh, is intended his proper manmore than his minister told him, so his hood, holy and undefiled. But, David, mind was soon shaken : traditional re- I will ask you a few questions. What ligion is not worth much. Secondly, constitutes the first person a Father, but eternally begotten, and eternal genera- the Son? and did not the Father contion, are not according to Scripture; they stitute the Sonship of the second? and are a contradiction in themselves, for if was there a period when the first was Christ was eternal, he could not be be- not a Father? Father and Son are terms gotten or generated, and if begotten of relationship, and of the same date and then he could not be eternal. Let us essence; but the Father is the highest in have scriptural language on this point as divine relationship. Our reformers and the Holy Ghost hath caused it to be old divines considered and believed that written what saith the Holy Ghost by the Sonship, as the Son of the Father, John the baptist? FOR HE WAS BEFORE and the Word are, the same. As to the ME.' (John i. 30.) There is his man-idea, that the first agreed to become a hood, which came after John; but his Father, and the second agreed to become divine nature, whom John calls the Son a Son, is all imaginary of God, was before him: compare this verse with Proverbs viii. 30; 'Then I was

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Jehovah Eloihim, doth signify selfexistence, and a plural number in the

self-existant; 'The Lord our God is one Lord,' unto us there is one God the Father, and one Lord Jesus Christ; Father, Word or Son, and Spirit. Now see how they are interested in the salvation of all the elect: election is of the Father; redemption is by the Son; regeneration and sanctification is by the Spirit these are inseparable; but the Arminians are trying with all their prayers to separate the Spirit's work from the purposes of God the Father's election; the Spirit's work is but a mere influence, and the atonement is no redemption at all, according to their creed. When

Jehovah Eloihim walked in the garden; when he wrestled with Jacob; when he talked with Moses on the mount forty days and forty nights, he was a trinity in unity; but when the Son proceeded from the Father, and the Spirit proceeded from the Father and the Son, it was a Unity in Trinity; so that our modern trinitarians may say what they please against the creed of St. Athanasius, they cannot manufacture a more scriptural one; nothing is there said about eternal generation, the Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, the Spirit is eternal. There is an axe laid to the root of all the creeds of modern trinitarians.

May these remarks meet the eye of David and Bildad as a word of correction and instruction, that they may be sound in the faith, if they are little ones.

PETRO.

LINES

OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF MR. HENRY
HEAD, LATE OF PETERBOROUGH.

Our brother's reach'd the happy shore
Of everlasting bliss:

He now contends with sin no more,
Nor hears the serpent's hiss.
He views his Saviour's lovely face,
And walks with him in white;
He now beholds that glorious place
He spoke of with delight.

He did not fear death's cold embrace,
Or Jordan's swelling flood;
He long'd to see him face to face,

Who for him shed his blood.
His love was great, his arm was strong,
That bore him conqueror through;
And now he sings the glorious song
Which is for ever new.

Of his salvation'now he sings

Who wash'd him in his blood;
And with the echo heaven rings
'Salvation unto God.'

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They all are uniting, and go hand in hand,

Against God they are fighting, all over the land.
The great truth, election, is spurn'd and denied,
Arminians are ranting by night and by day,
And Papists are panting the sceptre to sway.
Dark times are arriving, as scriptures foretell,
For thousands are striving the truth to repel,
And God's own dear chosen are falling asleep,
For love appears frozen in most of the sheep.
This makes me quite weary, and sinks me in fear;
So darksome and dreary the signs do appear :
Yet still I'll be weeping at sweet mercy's door,
And for the Lord's keeping for grace I`ll implore.
The fan and the shovel must come as a scourge,
The sieve of the devil, the church for to purge,
For strife and disunion is fast gaining ground,
While love and communion are scarce to be found.
The sight is appalling to each thinking mind,
For many are falling* and proving unkind,
'Tis truly distressing, oh where will it end?
God's frown, not his blessing, such scenes will attend.
Ye chosen, take warning; for trouble is nigh;
In sackcloth and mourning unitedly cry,
That God's preservation may o'er thee be cast,
Till his just indignation shall be over past.

Eternal affection is mock'd and belied;

"It has been my lot to live in great darkness of late, and to such an extent, that, I have been afraid that my faith, even after the sweetest manifestations of divine love to my soul, would at last make shipwreck. Unbelief, carnal reason, wicked, treacherous, and proud self-an arch, wily, and cruel adversary, and an empty, vain, and delusive world, have been, alas! my too frequent companions; and so great and terrible have the waves been, that had not the skilful Pilot, though unseen by me (for dark was the night) been at the helm, and when the storm raged with its greatest fury, said 'Peace, be still,' the much dreaded shipwreck' would have taken place; for when I said, My foot slipeth, thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.' It was only by the skin of my teeth that I was saved. However, I am supported to this *Not falling from grace, for that is impossible. day, and would indeed raise my feeble Ebe-Christ says, 'I give unto them eternal life, and they and ascribe the whole to sovereign of my hands. But we have many evidences in the shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out grace. O, what gratitude did I feel when scriptures, and in our own experience that a child of the storm abated!"

neezer,

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[From No. 3, of Christian Converse; a series of spiritual epistles, by William Giles, of Seacomb, near Liverpool.]

Limehouse.

THOMAS HALL.

God may fall to the disgrace of himself and to the wounding of the church, and place a thousand thorns in his own pillow, but God will not cut him off; he

shall prove that it is a bitter thing to sin against God although restoring grace shall be given to him.

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