"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier," Mal. iii. 3. How plain then the figure! The precious sons and daughters of Zion are comparable to fine gold and choice silver. As for example: the silver and the gold had their being or existence from the Lord himself, who created them in the land of Havillah; so likewise are the children of the Most High God the Lord's own peculiar property, who gave them a being, and a well-being too, in Christ Jesus, before the morning stars sang for joy.

[Here showed the origin of God's people arising from covenant love, and as exhibited in the ancient counsel of peace by God the Father (Eph. i. 3-6). Then pointed out from the scriptures God the Son's betrothing them unto him in a mystical union (Hos. ii. 19, 29. After which dwelt upon their security (Jude i). Behold then 1 John iii. 1.]

Moreover be it remembered, that as these several metals (silver and gold) are to be found concealed in the earth; so likewise are the elected and blood-bought children, since the Adam-fall transgression, buried or hid in sin and iniquity, being earthly, sensual, and devilish (Rom. v. 12, 14). But here is our mercy,-still they are the Lord's; for no one thing can possibly arise to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hallelujah. Sin cannot (1 John i. 7). Satan cannot (Isa. xlix. 24, 25). Death cannot (2 Tim. i. 10). Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us.' Nevertheless having each been born in sin, the Lord Jesus declared unto Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again," John iii. 5. Wherefore when the day of the Lord's power arrives, for this spiritual act to take place in our souls, (to keep up the figure in my text,) God the Holy Ghost springs the mine, as "the Spirit of judgment and the Spirit of burning," John xvi. 8.

[Here opened up in what the new

birth consists, from Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 28. Then proved, after the new creature is brought forth from soul travail, how the work of conversion is carried on by the spade of the law (Rom. vii. 9-14). Pointed out the way we are moulded in the gospel freedom (Rom. viii. 2). And called up attention to what immediately follows: furnace work, Rev. ii. 10.]

Tell me therefore, are either of you anxious to know whether you belong to this distinguished number or not? "And the Lord said, Shew me a penny,' "Luke xx. 24. So say we, Shew us a professor of godliness, and from the superscription he or she may have, can we tell whether they are counterfeit hypocrites, or the true current coin of heaven (John iii. 10, 12). Examine 2 Cor. xiii. 5, Matt. vii. 21-27.

Now then comes the question literally. And of what are we? or for what purposes did the Lord of Hosts make the silver and gold? Hearken! not to be hoarded up in banks or storehouses, but to be laid out in Jesus' name, or distributed by those who possess it, as the Lord's almoners, to the Lord's poor. "For whoso hath,” John iii. 17. Hence, beloved in the Lord, if you have a willing mind, this very day have you an opportunity of shewing your sincerity in contributing cheerfully of your abundance towards defraying the expenses of raising this beautiful place of worship. And the Lord commanded Moses saying, Speak unto the children of Israel that they bring me an offering; of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart, ye shall take my offering. And this is the offering which ye shall take, of their gold, and silver, and brass." Therefore as ye abound (2 Cor. vii. 7-12). For God is not unrighteous to forget you (Heb. vi. 10, 11). "Every one then according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver." Which brings me to go on

suffice it to add, that the Lord Jesus, by his active and passive obedience to the law of God, we had broken-by his agony, cross, passion, precious death, burial, glorious resurrection, and ascension into heaven, hath so completely finished redemption work for us, as that God the Father declares he is well pleased for his righ teousness' sake, who "hath magnified the law and made it honourable! Rom. viii. 31-34, Psalm xcviii. 1, 2, 3.

Truly therefore "the glory of this latter house was "" greater than the former," and that is made so by the personal presence of the Lord of Hosts, in our flesh without sin. My brother! my sister! permit me to inquire with all affection, What proof have you of belonging to this spiritual house of God? I mean to Christ himself, who is indeed the house of God, in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord." The apostle St. Paul will help you to a conclusion on this matter, when writing, "whose house are we, if we hold fast our confidence and rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." Look to it therefore, what is your hope? for saith the Lord, "whosoever shall endure to the end shall be saved." Have you then been brought ever to hear what the "Lord of Hosts saith" in his law? in his gospel? in your hearts? My sheep (saith Jesus) hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me! Be ye therefore followers together of God as dear children, and walk in love," Eph. v. 1, 2. Sufficient surely hath been spoken to prove how the glory of this latter house was greater than of the former; "for if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory." And again, "If that which was done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious." Aaron the Jewish high priest was great in his office

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altars slain." So likewise his everlasting righteousness was greater than all the righteousness of scribes and pharisees. Oh then the blessedness of belonging to this greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands," which alone, from the Spirit's testimony in the heart, can bring us to know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, &c. 2 Cor. v. 1—5.

But as the hour is up, it is high time to proceed in due order, and bring all to a close,

Thirdly, by unfolding not only somewhat of the Lord's gracious design in the whole of this salvation; but likewise exhibit in what manner the gifts and callings of God are vouchsafed unto his children without repentance. "And in this," &c.

In what place? even in the Lord's Christ, of which the old temple was but a figure! "Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations,' from the condemning sentence of a broken law, being "the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." From the alarm of a guilty conscience (Heb. x. 19-22). From the fears of death and wrath to come (Rom. viii. 1-4). Blessed be God then for the glorious revelationthere is no peace any where to be found but in Christ, who is our peace, and who hath made our peace, having "broken down the middle wall of partition between us," Eph. ii. 18. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that in Him" mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other." May the God of peace," &c. Heb. xiii. 20, 21.

Behold then

with what an absolute promise we are here favoured with in reference also to this our house of prayer on its opening: "And in this place," where but two or three are gathered together

in my name,

will I give peace." Do you notice this royal word will? which makes all sure and certain unto the seed; our God being faithful to perform what he hath promised to our covenant Head from everlasting (2 Cor. i. 20). And then as if to give another verily to it, it is added, "saith the Lord of Hosts." How? not by an audible voice from heaven, but by "his mouth unto the people." Wherefore as the Lord's ministering servants are said by Jeremiah to be the Lord's mouth, to separate the precious from the vile; so may our God abundantly bless brother L- now in his presence as his mouth unto you: that he may go in and out before this church from season to season, preaching peace by Jesus Christ who is Lord of all. May you also, dear brethren and sisters," not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is;" but exhort one another to endeavour to live in peace, in the unity of the Spirit, and in righteous ness of life. For "blessed are the peace-makers, they shall be called the children of God." "And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." The Lord of Hosts cause you to be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all un. derstanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in perfect peace through Christ Jesus; who was delivered for our offences, but raised again for our justification. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. To whom with the Father and Holy Ghost be honour and glory. Amen. (Eph. vi. 10-20.)

Plymouth.

!

G. H. G.

THE CHAMBERS OF SECURITY WHICH GOD HATH FOR HIS PEOPLE, IN TIMES OF FEAR AND DANGER, FROM THREATENED CALAMITY.

(Continued from pp. 200.)

Thirdly. That at all times of fear and danger, the God of infinite love, grace, and mercy, in boundless compassion to his own people, calls them to flee for safety into those chambers which he hath provided for their security: with a Come, my people, enter into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself." And here, with all brevity, I may give a hint, 1. Who the Lord's people are, or who they are to whom the Lord here says, My people. 2. Of the na

ture of the call given them: Come, hide thyself. 3. Of the duty called to: Enter. And, 4. Of the encou ragement given to enforce the duty: Thy chambers.

1. Who are the Lord's people? or who are they to whom the Lord says, My people? And they are all such, who have been convinced by the word and Spirit of God, of their lost and undone state by sin, original and ac tual, as breakers of God's holy law; and that as such they are under its righteous curse; that they have neither righteousness nor strength to deliver themselves from the wrath to come; nor to render them acceptable to God, happy in him, nor holy to him, either here or hereafter. And they are all such, who being thus convinced of sin, have had an internal revelation of Jesus Christ, as the only Saviour, as able and willing to save sinners; and that from an alluring sight of his exceeding suitableness to their own miserable case, together with the sweet invitations of the gospel of grace; have come to Christ, as drawn by the Father, and ventured their souls upon the Saviour, for an entire and eternal salvation by him, through his person, blood, and righteousness, his Spirit and grace; from

sin in its guilt, filth, power, and be ing, and unto all happiness in God, and holiness to him, initial and in. creasing here, and complete and total hereafter. A hint to,

2. The nature of the call given them: Come, hide thyself. And this is a most gracious invitation given by the Lord, in boundless compassion to his own people, in all their times of fear and danger, to hide themselves securely, from all misery, until every impending storm is over. And it is as if the Lord should say, Come, my people, you on whom my heart is fixed, you that I have made near and infinitely dear unto myself, you for whom my bowels yearn in every threatened storm: come, hide yourself, for your own safety, and for my joy and glory." And it is observable that the Lord does not say, Go, hide thyself; as sending them away to some other distant refuge; but Come; as alluring them to himself, as their very present help in trouble, and into all those provisions made for their salvation. And this call is given to the Lord's people, by the Three-one God in Christ: the Father, Son, and Spirit say, Come, hide yourselves, until all your calamities are overpast. A hint, 3. Of the duty called to: Enter. And this entrance, as it may respect the chambers of providential protec, tion, for temporal preservation: de, notes the duty of God's people, to improve every given opportunity for their own safety, or their hiding them selves in time of fear and danger, in those places which providence may prepare for them and present to them for their security, until the storm is

"

by Solomon: He that trusteth in the Lord shall be safe: and shall be quiet from the fear of evil." And the apostle, "We which have believed; do enter into rest." And though at all times of providential fear and danger, we ought to improve every given opportunity for our security, by entering into those places which providence may provide and present for our safety: yet in our retreat to these, we ought first and principally to enter by faith into Christ, and into God through him for our security. As no place can defend us from outward danger, if God therein and thereby is not pleased to hide us till the storm is over.

And

And especially, as we are sinners, we ought to hide in the Saviour, lest moral storms should touch us, when providential storms threaten us. For the former do always descend by the latter, upon the ungodly, upon all those who enter not by faith into Christ for all security, through time and to eternity. as we thus ought to hide ourselves in Christ, as well as in the chambers of divine providence, at that awful time which is yet to come, in the slaughter of Christ's witnesses by the powers of antichrist: so likewise in the awful times of all other national calamities. And thus ought we to prepare for the solemn days of death and of judgment: which are now, often, to the people of God, times of present fear from their apprehended future danger. But, hiding in Christ from every fear, the people of God shall now and for ever be secure, have present peace and future bliss, ineffable and endless! A hint,

4. Of the encouragement given to enforce the duty: Thy chambers. And here, interest in all the chambers of grace and providence, is the great encouragement given to God's people, to comply with the required duty: Thy chambers. Which is as if the Lord should say, Come, my people, though clouds gather thick, though times look dark, and storms of indig