revealed; without daring to pry, with a curiosity of purpose, into mysteries, which, even though admitted axioms of truth, are far be yond the puny and diminutive effort of the most expanded mind to grasp; which will ever remain unfolded.

Our sentiments, on the subject in question, are recorded in the Essay for August last, page 78. We have had no reason to alter the opinion, that the doctrine maintained by our opponents, is an hypothesis which cannot be sustained on scriptural foundation; and, consequently, we have an insuperable objection to the reception of it in our creed, or any other doctrine devoid of such a basis: for, let it be remembered, that all the opinions of men, on any spiritual subject, lose their value, unless they be borne out by the direct and unerring testimony of the Holy Ghost. That system which has only for its support human authority, however high, in the estimation of men, their opinions may be revered, are by no means to be considered conclusive, without the concurrent testimony of that sacred witness.

We again repeat, and with our repetition shall conclude our observations, that the doctrine is incompatible with our sentiments; and is, in our opinion, untenable in holy writ.

(For the Spiritual Magazine.)

THE EDITOR.

THE IMPORTANCE OF READING THE SCRIPTURES, AND EXPERIMENTALLY UNDERSTANDING THEM.

THAT this is a day of great profession, and that there is a great deal of evangelical truth in the world, there are too many striking proofs to be gainsayed; but, if ever there was a period when the advice of Jesus was needed, "search the scriptures," surely it is the present; for, it is to be feared, there are many saying, "lo, Christ here! or lo, Christ there!" who were never commissioned by him who said, " go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every

creature."

A sound of words are without much difficulty brought forward; which are, for the most part, more satisfactorily received than sound doctrine. Paul speaks of such times, 2 Tim. iv. 3, 4. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Smooth things must be proclaimed: it really appears to be a day somewhat like the one spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, iv. 1. "And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, we will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel, only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.' Many, very many, are uniting themselves to the militant church, by an attention to her external ordinances on the sabbath day, by filling up their places in the house of God; and by doing something to support her

external appearance; (which is their duty) who never felt tender for the honour of God, or jealous for his glory; and yet are concerned to be called by the name of some religious body of people to take away that reproach which would otherwise attach itself to their character; but they are eating their own bread, and wearing their own apparel: for, follow such into their different avocations in life, and you will not find many attending to the exhortation, "be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Diligence in business, is not often forgotten, or slighted; but it is distressing to say, that fervency of spirit, and serving the Lord, is more frequently neglected than attended to: and some do not scruple to break the sabbath, under a pretence that it is a case of necessity; but those seasons rarely occur where interest does not wear a very prominent feature. There are but few of Zion's watchmen that fearlessly go forward in the name and strength of the God of Israel, and proclaim the whole counsel of God, whether men will hear or not; proving themselves to be Jehovah's mouth in "seperating the precious from the vile," by an exposure of such God-dishonouring practices.

Is not truth fallen in the streets, and the fine gold become dim? Many are the arguments used to establish favourite systems-systems that do not develope the glory of God; consequently, they are not conducive to the comfort of believers; nor the salvation of sinners. Many that are weak in the faith have their minds bewildered, and are drawn aside from the truth as it is in Jesus by these means; for, it is not uncommon that quaint and unscriptural expressions are used to bring such systems into notice; and the ignorant ever stand ready to make firm grasp; and at once conclude, that in such statements, and with their authors, wisdom must dwell. Well for such would it be, if they were to read the words of Paul to Timothy aright, "Neither give heed to fables, and endless genealogies, which minister questions rather than godly edifying which is in faith." The noble example of the Bereans is worthy their attention, to search the scriptures, and see if such things are so or not.

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The antinomian and pharisee are enabled to use the same form of speech, saying, "The lines are fallen unto us in pleasant places." And why? Because they can find teachers suited to them and their erroneous sentiments. The antinomian pretends to be delighted with those great and important truths, the secret and eternal decrees and purposes of God, which give an account of all those wonderful works of Jehovah, which are ever of old, in which the whole church is interested, and of which she partakes by faith in Christ; with a full assurance of felicity with God for ever. This body of divinity he takes in theory, and with all that presumption that generally characterizes his person, says, I am one of the elect of God, and am therefore safe.' By him, sin is considered merely a misfortune; and to commit crime with impunity, is what suits his unsanctified heart. The pharisee has not an arduous task (I would to God he had) to find a teacher that will feed the pride of his heart, directing to the per

formance of certain duties in order to the obtaining the favour of God, and securing the blessings and joys of heaven. With these, he rushes into the presence of him whose eyes are too pure to behold iniquity; and begins complimenting the Almighty, that he is not like other people! If he is not, who hath made him to differ? Himself. And therefore he does not consider that he stands in need of assistance either from Father, Son, or Holy Ghost. Surely, the antinomian and the pharisee are alike, "a smoke in the nose of the Almighty, a fire that burneth all the day." The religion of the one consists in his own performances, and that of the other in an unsanctified knowledge and abuse of the doctrines of grace. How compassionate is God, in not cutting such down "as cumberers of the ground," in thus daring to insult his majesty.

But Oh! how different are the feelings of the christian, for with sound words he must have sound doctrine-doctrine according to godliness; even the whole counsel of God; so that, while he is privileged to contemplate the sovereign arrangements of the eternal Three in council and in covenant, the grand and immoveable base upon which all truth rests; he may feel the power of divine grace in his soul, flowing as a certain effect of his heavenly Father's love; and as a sure pledge of interest in the great salvation of Immanuel. Thus grace effectually operates in the hearts of the people of God, both to will and to do of the Lord's good pleasure. Hence, the life of the soul of a believer, is supported by the communications of the grace of God; the Holy Ghost takes of the things of Christ, and applies them to the mind. In this way, Christ becomes the life of every saint; and therefore, is precious to them. Those who have most communion with Christ enjoy most of his life-giving and life-supporting influence; consequently, they are the most consistent of the people of God. Every follower of the Lamb will, I think, acknowledge, that the peace and comfort of the mind depends very much upon consistency of character, 1 John iii. 21. Also," in keeping the Lord's commands, there is great reward." Hence, the book of God is taken as a guide to regulate the conduct; and it becomes " a lamp to their path, and a light to their feet." And their path is as a shining light, shining more and more unto the perfect day." this directory, the believer reads, "line upon line, and precept upon precept; and these are expressions of the condescension and mercy of God to the ignorance and slowness of heart of the christian. The commands of the Lord appear to afford a sufficient warrant for procedure in the wilderness; although, in some cases, they seem to militate against positive declarations, and the economy of salvation yet, even here the christian will do well to learn a lesson of Moses. When the Lord commands him to go to Pharoah, and deliver his message to that proud monarch, Moses knew the result; yet, he did not stand and contend with his Maker, but obeyed, and calvinistic-like, left consequences with him who knew all things. And the end proved that Pharoah sinned in not attending to the

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message. Ministers are God's messengers now, and he exhorts sinners to repentance; but they are so hardened in iniquity, that every address is treated as Pharoah treated the message of God by Moses; and the word proves a savour of death unto death. The manner which some treat sinners in their addresses, appears more calculated to make them think light of sin, than to convince them of its evil; for, if the duty of God's creatures, is to be limited by their ability, then accountability and responsibility is at an end; but, before this antiscriptural sentiment can be established, it must be proved from scripture that, when man sinned, and lost his ability, that God lost his authority. The word of God sufficiently states the awful effects of sin upon mankind, to convince every one who reads that word, that man is in a most deplorable state and condition. And the same word sets forth the unparalleled love of God in taking notice and making provision for sinners, even in this low estate. Such he has done, and in consequence, poor, sin-sick souls, are directed to the great Physician; yes, to the "Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." Yea, Jesus says, 66 come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt, xii. 28. May it please the great Head of the church to bless these few remarks to the spiritual edification of his little ones, and if it were his will to the conversion of some poor sinner, and then glory would redound to Father, Son, and Spirit, which is the earnest prayer of the writer. Suffolk, Sept. 1828.

AN INTERESTING DESCRIPTION OF A GOOD MAN IN THE VIEWS OF DEATH.

(BY THE LATE REV. J. HARVEY, A.M.)

THE sufferer, all patient and adoring, submits to the divine will; and, by submission, becomes superior to his affliction. He is sensibly touched with the disconsolate state of his attendants; and pierced with an anxious concern for his wife and his children. His wife, who will soon be a destitute widow; his children, who will soon be helpless orphans. Yet, though cast down, not in despair." He is greatly refreshed by his trust in the everlasting covenant, and his hope of approaching glory. Religion gives a dignity to distress. At each interval of ease, he comforts his very comforters, and suffers with all the majesty of woe.

The soul, just going to abandon the tottering clay, collects all her force, and exerts her last efforts. The good man raises himself on his pillow; extends a kind hand to his servants, which is bathed in tears; takes an affecting farewell of his friends; clasps his wife in a feeble embrace; kisses the dear pledges of their mutual love; and then pours out all that remains of life and of strength, in the following words;- I die, my dear children; but God, the everlasting God will be with you.-Though you lose an earthly parent, you have a Father in heaven who lives for evermore.-Nothing, nothing but an VOL. V.-No. 57.

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unbelieving heart, and irreligious life, can ever separate you from the regards of his providence-from the endearments of his love.'

He could proceed no farther. His heart was full; but utterance failed. After a short pause, with difficulty, great difficulty, he added, 'You, the dear partner of my soul, you are now the only protector of our orphans-I leave you under a weight of cares--but God, who defendeth the cause of the widow-God, whose promise is faithfulness and truth-God hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"-this revives my drooping spirits-let this support the wife my bosom!--And now, O Father of compassions! into thy hands I commend my spirit,-encouraged by thy promised goodness, "I leave my fatherless,'

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Here he fainted; fell back upon the bed; and lay, for some minutes, bereft of his senses. As a taper, upon the very point of extinction, is sometimes suddenly rekindled, and leaps into a quivering flame; so life, before it totally expired, gave a parting struggle, and once more looked abroad from the opening eye-lids. He would fain have spoke; fain have uttered the sentence he began. More than once he essayed; but the organs of his speech were become like a broken vessel, and nothing but the obstructing phlegm rattled in his throat. His aspect, however, spoke affection inexpressible. With all the father, all the husband still living in his looks, he takes one more view of those dear children, whom he had so often beheld with a parental triumph. He turns his dying eyes on that beloved woman, whom he never beheld but with a glow of delight. Fixed in this posture, amidst smiles of love, and under a gleam of heaven, he shines out his last.

THE ADVANTAGES OF SOLITUDE.

(BY THE LATE REV. JAMES HERVEY, A. M.)

THE world is a troubled ocean; and who can erect stable purposes on its fluctuating waves? The world is a school of wrong, and who does not feel himself warping to its pernicious influences? on this sea of glass, how insensibly we slide from our own stedfastness! some sacred truth, which was struck in lively characters on our souls, is obscured, if not obliterated. Some worthy resolution, which heaven had wrought in our breasts, is shaken, if not overthrown. Some enticing vanity, which we had solemnly renounced, again practises its wiles, again captivates our affections. How often has an unwary glance kindled a fever of irregular desire in our hearts? how often has a word of applause dropt luscious poison into our ears; or some disrespectful expression raised a gust of passion into our bosoins ? our innocence is of so tender a constitution, that it suffers in the promiscuous crowd. Our purity is of so delicate a complexion, that it scarce touches on the world without contracting a stain. We see, we hear, with peril.