God in Christ. THE LORD'S WORK. IRELAND. E. P. of Jesus. SCOTLAND. Fervent Well the knowledge of Christ?" (Eph. i. 17.) converted, and hardly an inhabitant of the district Hath God, "who commanded the light to remains who is not much impressed. The Lord WHEN our first parents walked before their shine out of darkness, shined in your heart, has also greatly manifested His power among us Creator in a state of innocence, they knew to give the light of the knowledge of the by the striking down of hundreds. Him as a Friend and Benefactor, and all glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ?" Prayer is ever ascending, like the smoke of the things enjoyed by them were acknowledged (2 Cor. iv. 6.) Have you, by faith, received and, instead of the drunken song, the sweet sound daily sacrifice, to heaven, and the Word is studied; as gifts from the hand of that God with Christ as your Saviour? Is He "formed in of mingled voices singing "psalms, hymns, and whom they held sweet communion. We do your heart, the hope of glory?" "If any spiritual songs" greets the believer's ear. not read of Adam's soul being the dwelling-man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old attended and divinely-favoured prayer-meetings place of fear or dread before that time, when, things are passed away; behold, all things are held every evening; and the movement, inin disobedience to the command of his Maker, are become new." (2 Cor. v. 17.) stead of passing over as a temporary excitement, he partook of the forbidden fruit. A con"There is therefore now no condemnation to is now developed into the pure and vital religion sciousness of sin brings into the soul a dread them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not of God. Having sinned, Adam instantly be- after the flesh, but after the Spirit."-Rom. GLASGOW AND THE WEST.-The manifestations came the subject of fear. "They heard the viii. 1. of a religious awakening are daily increasing in voice of the Lord God walking in the garden Glasgow and the West, and we have encouraging in the cool of the day: and Adam and his accounts also from other parts of Scotland. Prayerwife hid themselves from the presence of the meetings have been established at meals in some Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. BELFAST.-At the stated and special meetings of the public works, and no one can be brought And the Lord God called unto Adam, and for religious worship, prayer and expounding the into contact with any number of the humbler said unto him, Where art thou? And he Scriptures, in the various houses of worship, in classes, without observing some indications of an said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I school-rooms, and in private dwellings, in connex-unwonted exercise of mind on religious subjects. The union prayer-meetings continue to attract was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid ion with the Revival work no signs of weariness myself." (Gen. iii. 8, 9, 10.) "I was afraid." hands of the former are much strengthened by the Religious Institution Rooms, the chairman read a are exhibited either by ministers or people. The large audiences. Yesterday, the 12th inst., at the What a sad confession! Here we find man ready and unfailing assistance of zealous and de-note from a widow, who stated that she was the trying to hide himself from the all-seeing, voted Christian laymen, and even of pious females first who had presented a request for prayer at the heart-searching eye of God. How vain and many of both recent converts to the truth-in first of these prayer-meetings in the Religious Infruitless is the attempt. Whither shall I their almost incessant labours for the advance-stitution Rooms. She desired now that the Lord's go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee ment of Christ's kingdom; and the results of this people would give Him thanks that He had not from thy presence? If I ascend up into hea- earnestness and assiduity in the blessed work are only heard the prayer then offered up on her beven, thou art there: if I make my bed in under the blessing of the Most High, such as en-half, but also for her two sons and daughter, all of hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the courage to even greater effort. The number of whom were now rejoicing in Christ. wings of the morning, and dwell in the utter-convictions and conversions continue to multiply daily.-Banner of Ulster. most parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." (Psalm cxxxix. 7-10.) 66 Although Adam secks a hiding-place from God, we find that God comes nigh to him, and not to tell him only of his sin, and the death consequent upon transgression, but to shew himself as "the Lord God, merciful and gracious;" to declare that "the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head." Before the fall, man was upright, and capable of thinking rightly concerning God; since then, how different is every faculty and power of the soul! Unless the heart be renewed, there is not one right thought of God. The world, the lust thereof, and other things engross the thoughts of men; "every imagination of the thoughts of their hearts is only evil continually." "God is not in all their thoughts." By nature, we are enemies to God by sin and wicked works; and such is the depraved state of the heart of man, that even when an awakened sinner thinks of God, he thinks amiss, and will continue to do so till his understanding is savingly enlightened and his soul spiritually instructed. It is only when the sinner is taught by the Holy Spirit, that he possesses a true knowledge of God in Christ" reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." (2 Cor. v. 19.) God is love, and we can only have fear taken away, and peace brought into our souls, by knowing God in Christ. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, whose wondrous love to sinful man was manifested in giving up His dear Son unto death, even the painful death of the Cross. No sinner can come to God but through Christ. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If had known me, ye ye should have known my Father also." (John xiv. 6, 7.) The soul that knows not Christ, knows not God; and without faith in Jesus we cannot receive the record "that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." (1 John v. 11.) How great the love of God in providing a Saviour! and how amazing the love of that Saviour to yield up His life, that we, who were the enemies of God, might be saved from eternal death, and made the partakers of everlasting life! Dear reader, do you know God as your reconciled Father through Christ? Have you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in COLERAINE. We have been reporting week On Wednesday, the 7th instant, Mr. Lusk, the chairman, said-On Sabbath last, a young man came up to me in the street, and said, "Can I speak to you?" I said, "Certainly." He said, "Do you remember a young man being prayed for in the Trades' Hall, the first day it was opened?" I said, "that I had some recollection of it." He added, "I am that young man; I have since found peace in the Lord Jesus; I did not know your name, but I recognized you when I saw you, as one that was there, and I thought I would tell you." FORFARSHIRE.-We have a most blessed work going on in the Mearns here. It is just Ireland set down at our own door. Conversions counted by tens and twenties at Laurencekirk, Fordoun, Marykirk, and now I hear of it going on to Bervie. Meetings at Laurencekirk nightly, many souls in deep distress under conviction of sin, and many already enjoying peace. It first began in its public manifestation at some of the open air services of our dear brother Johnston (a farmer in the district who has preached the gospel for some years). Souls struck down by the arrow of conviction, and the wounded healed by the balm-of Gilead.-The Revival. ENGLAND. ARMAGH. On Wednesday, a great prayermeeting for all Ireland was held in the city of Armagh. This was advertised in Dublin, 100 miles distant, a fact which shews how deep and wide is the interest which has been created by the movement. When the train arrived at Dundalk, 50 miles from Armagh, numbers were waiting to DERBYSHIRE. You will be glad to hear that a go, and at every station afterwards, the crowds good work is going on in this county. I have roofs of the carriages. At Portsdown Junction, and I have found the people in every place ready became larger, so that many had to get on the lately visited many places I had not seen before, 11 miles from Armagh, there were probably a to hear the word. I have just made some most thousand people in the station. Here there was a interesting missionary tours in the north of Derbydelay for an hour, during which a prayer-meeting shire. I visited from morning till night, and was held in the large waiting-room, while multi- preached out of doors at night. The people's tudes on the outside were singing hymns. The anxiety to receive the truth exceeded all that I carriages were too few to take us on, so we had to had ever seen. I often preached till long after be stowed away in cattle-trucks and goods-vans. dark and yet the people continued crowded togeThe scene at Armagh was overpowering. Twenty ther in breathless silence; neither rain, cold, nor thousand people, or nearly so, in a large field, met anything else could drive them away while the at a prayer-meeting. Nr. Noel and his son were gospel was being preached. I have not visited a there, and took part. There was nothing wild, or place where the people did not beg of me to come extravagant, or ranting, in the exercises, -a deep again. I have during the last nine weeks given solemnity pervaded the vast assemblies. Many away 19,000 tracts. I have induced many persons were "struck down," and taken out of the crowds. to take The Evangelist. I have spent some time In one circle there were twenty-five. I examined in visiting public-houses to ask permission to lay several cases very closely, prayed and conversed a number of The Evangelist on the table. I have with them. There was great variety in the symp-never been refused. I have had much pleasure in toms; some were perfectly still, others were conSome, who had found peace, spoke of Christ and vulsed with agony, such as I had never seen. His salvation, as if by inspiration. It was awful and mysterious to be brought so near to God, as He was discovering to one and another their sins. But the greater part of those who were struck down had been under deep impression for some time past. It was then that they were brought to a crisis. Never can I forget that day, never may I forget the impression which I received. Dublin. C. KIRTLAND. CLOUGH, COUNTY ANTRIM.-The little village of Clough, County Antrim, and its neighbourhood, has been doubly blessed by the Lord in the present gracious Revival. Very many have been giving away a good number that were sent me for every town and village in the county. I beg your distribution. I intend, if the Lord will, to visit prayers for me. My feeble prayers are presented for you in your work. I am so pleased with The Ecangelist. I am sure there is no other paper so good for a missionary or an evangelist to give to the people he visits. I hope the Lord's people who can, will give freely to the fund for gratuitous circulation. I could give many thousand copies in the places I visit. BOOK RECEIVED. G. R. Heart Yearnings; or, Living Truths for Living, Dying, and Dead Souls. 4s. London: Thickbroom Brothers, Paternoster Row. MEETINGS FOR UNITED PRAYER. A Selec tion of HYMNS is just published, containing 104 Hymns, suited for United Prayer-meetings. Limp cloth, price 3d., or 21s. per 100. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. THE REVISION OF THE LITURGY. A Letter PRAYER, the Arrow of the Lord's Deliverance. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Published every Saturday, 8pp. 4to., price One Halfpenny, nected with the present Revival of Religion. The desire for authentic and continuous intelligence respecting the present extraordinary work of God, in America and in our own land, must be felt by all who "discern the signs of the times." "THE REVIVAL" is intended to meet this need, by supply. ing information from godly and sober-minded men, eye-wit nesses of these "wonderful works," in localities already visited, or which may yet be visited by this special outpouring of the Spirit of God. It contains papers directly bearing upon the subject of the revival, revival hymns, &c., but its chief purpose is to afford a reliable narrative of events as they occur of efforts made to extend the knowledge of the Lord Jesus as the only Saviour-of meetings for special prayer-and of answers to such prayer. The co-operation of all who love the name of Jesus is affectionately and earnestly solicited, in supplying the information for the communication of which this paper is established. It would be impossible to provide beforehand for this, because "the wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit." It is the earnest and prayerful endeavour of the conductors to preserve to "THE REVIVAL" a spirit as catholic as pertains to that glorious work from which it derives its AN APPEAL TO EVANGELICAL CLERGY-BOOKS AND TRACTS recommended for the in MEN AND CHURCHMEN. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Just Published, price 6s. per 100, EIGHT LECTURES ON THE SCRIPTURAL ON PRAYER FOR REVIVAL. An Address to TRUTHS MOST OPPOSED TO PUSEYISM. 1. Justification by Faith. 2. Contrast of Judaism and Christianity. 3. Christian and Jewish Worship. 4. Priesthood. 5. Baptism and Regeneration. 6. Unity of the Church. 7. Failure of the Church, and its Results. 8. Hopes of the Church. HE SHEPHERD-THE STONE of ISRAEL. THE CHURCHES OF SCRIPTURE, & THEIR MINISTRY. A New and Revised Edition. Price 4d. THE INCOMPLETENESS OF THE REFOR- Christians. London: Wertheim, Macintosh and Hunt, Paternoster Row. Second Edition, 18mo., neatly bound in cloth, price 2s. MEDITATIONS ON THE SONG OF SOLO MON. To which is added a new Translation of the "There are already extant many expositions of it: but this London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. Feap. 8vo. cloth boards, 3s. 6d.; Crown 8vo. cloth gilt, HISPERS IN THE PALMS: Hymns and "There is an eastern tradition of the Palm Tree, that when its leaves quiver in the wind, they whisper the holy name of Jesus. This sweet but fanciful idea must give place to the Written Word. Among the goodly branches borne by a re joicing multitude, and strewn at the feet of the Lord, once rose the glad welcome whose echoes still vibrate in every TRACTS AND BOOKS on the COMING AND believer's heart, Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel. CHRIST. KINGDOM OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS And amid the waving palms of the redeemed host, who came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb,' will for ever ascend, Salvation to our God which sitteth on the Throne, an dunto the Lamb.'"-Extract from Preface to Second Edition. One Shilling's worth and upwards of these Tracts sent free of Postage to any part of the Kingdom. The Second Advent and Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, ld. God's Eternal Purpose and Christ's Everlasting Kingdom, 2d. Popular Objections to the Premillennial Advent, 3d. PLAIN PAPERS ON PROPHETIC SUBJECTS, 38. CONTENTS-What is the Hope of the Christian? What is the Hope of the Church? Approaching Judgments. The By the same Author. THE EMPTY GRAVE. A new Edition, royal 32mo, 1d. London: W. Yapp, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. God. struction, edification, and comfort of the Children of Righteousness without Works, 2d. Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, 3d. Christ and the Church, 3d. The Work of the Spirit and the Work of Christtheir distinction and their connexion, ld. Christian Devotedness, ld. The Eternal Purpose of God, ld. The Heavenly Hope, 1d. The Love of Christ to the Church, 1d. A Call to the Converted, 4d. The Vision of the Glory of God, 3d. Precious Truth, 18. Coming Crisis and its Results. The Doom of Christendom. which are added some Extracts from his Diary. By A NEW SERIES OF GOSPEL TRACTS, in Robert Gribble. Christ and the Church. Same subject, concluded. Israel The power of the Word of God. The Waggoner. The Shoe- A Montbly Journal, CONTAINING PLAIN TRUTHS OF ETERNAL IMPORTANCE, FOR "STREETS AND LANES," "HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES." "Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." GRATUITOUS CIRCULATION. with funds for the purpose. All orders should be addressed to the Pub lishers, Mr. W. YAPP, 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, W.; or to Messrs. MORGAN & CHASE, Tichborne Court, 280, High Holborn, London. All Communications, Subscriptions, Books for Review, &c., should be forwarded, pre-paid, "To the Editor of the Evangelist," 70, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, W. The day of Reckoning. "I NEVER see you go to a place of worship," said an elderly woman to a man with whom she was acquainted. "No," said he, "I never go to such places." "How is that?" said she. He replied; "I am generally busy making up my accounts." "Then, sir, be assured, that is the very thing you will be engaged about on the day of judgment." Am I a Believer? LONDON, NOVEMBER 1, 1859. [PRICE 1d. Everlasting. WHAT a Rock is this precious word, be nal salvation through Christ alone. After dured; and now I am certain that he will We have again dispatched many parcels of "The I left, he told a relative of his, that he never more have the power over me that Evangelist," for gratuitous circulation in various parts of England and Ireland. Many servants of had given me a good dose, and sent me he has had, for I hope by God's help to the Lord Jesus gladly help us in thus scattering the good seed of the gospel, and we are constantly re- away. When however, I called again, I drive him from me, as I can firmly say, I ceiving fresh applications. We shall be most happy earnestly besought him to consider whe-know that my Redeemer liveth, and sitto continue this service, as long as we are entrusted ther he was resting on the atoning work teth on the right hand of God, making of Christ, and quoted that passage, "He intercession for all who believe in Him. that believeth not the Son shall not see So, my dear parents, should we never meet life, but the wrath of God abideth on him," again on earth, I have a good hope of and dwelt on the dreadful experience of meeting you in heaven. I have sent for those on whom the wrath of God should Mr. J. to come and see me this evening, abide. He said, “I fear I did not behave as I should wish to see him to open my as I ought to you when you were here mind to him of the peace I have found last." I replied, "Never mind that. Will in the blood of Christ, as I have not had you allow me to read a portion of the the opportunity yet of unfolding my hapScriptures to you now, and pray for God's piness to him." blessing?" to which he consented. I read the former part of Romans v. and after praying, I left him, but not long after I heard that he was quite a changed man. loved! It is an atmosphere where the Other servants of Christ visited him, soul breathes in freedom and purity; the and when I came again, I found him and faithful word of the living God, irrevofive or six others singing hymns together; cable in all its bearings. Surely it should but being very tired, and not liking to lift our souls above all circumstances interrupt them, I purposed calling again, to ponder the infinite treasure, in such but I never saw him after. The follow- blessed variety, as the subjoined selection EVERY sinner quickened by the Spirit of ing letter written just before his death, from the Holy Word; but especially so God, is a living believer on the Son of has been forwarded to me, to show the when each several truth is ushered in by God. He sees his vileness, feels his state of his mind. this unfathomable, unsearchable wordmisery, and deplores his wretchedness. "MY DEAR FATHER, AND MOTHER, EVERLASTING. Am I one? If so, then I was an object Once more while on earth I embrace the Everlasting God. of God's great love from eternity-am a opportunity of writing you, hoping you miracle of his sovereign grace now-and are both well. As for myself, I am gradushall be a trophy of his rich mercy in ally getting weaker in the body. I am endless glory. I am a mystery to myself, happy to say, my dear father, that the the joy of holy angels, the scorn of car-Lord in mercy has been pleased to answer men, and the envy of infernal devils. your prayers for my poor soul, and that But I am the glory of Christ, and my I can firmly say I have found peace with Christ is my glory. Glory be to thee, O God through his beloved Son, which he Lord. By thy grace I am what I am. has sent into this world to die for our re(1 Cor. xv. 10)-Mason. demption, and I hope you will both make yourselves comfortable about me, for death Another Infidel brought to Christ. has no terrors for me. Since we parted HAVING lately heard of a man being very on Monday, I can assure you that I have ill, who held infidel opinions, I deter- had many deep waters to wade through, mined to call on him. When I did so, I and that I have been overwhelmed a great found a fine looking man evidently suffer- many times, and me and Satan have had ing from some internal disease, which he many conflicts. Last Monday night, soon told me he felt assured would prove Satan used all his might to keep heaven fatal. On enquiring about the state of and heavenly things from me, and to enhis soul, he at once denied the authority gage my mind on earthly things; still the of the Holy Scriptures, and laughed at Lord was merciful to me in bringing me the idea that I presented to him of eter- to Christ through all the conflicts I en nal Isa. xl. 28; Ps. xciii. 2, xc. 2. Jer. xxxi. 3. Deut. xxxiii. 27. Everlasting Father (Jesus) Isa. ix. 6. Everlasting life Everlasting light Dan. ix. 24. . Isa. xlv. 17. Dan. xii. 2; Matt. xix. Everlasting covenant. . 29; Jno. v. 24, &c. Everlasting sign Gen. xlix. 26. . Ps. cxii. 6. Ps. xxiv 9. Ps. cxxxix. 24. Everlasting foundation. Prov. x. 25. Prov. viii. 23. MAKE HASTE. house."-Luke xix. 5. person 66 come nora "broken heart," and are personally strangers to the joy of Christ's salvation. They like to hear this and that-go here and there make what they call religious acquaintances, and they take pleasure in understanding something of what is doing in the so-called religious world. Their minds are more or less exercised about the the prosperity or failure, orthodox or erroneous merits or demerits of various outward rites, and views of those around them. They know well the difference between Judaism, Mahomedanism, Popery, and Christianity; and, giving preference to the last on this list, they watch with interest some of its outward operations and results. They bow to the claims of morality and benevolence; are acquainted with the letter of Scripture, and but, alas! the conscience has not been exercised before God, they are strangers to tears of heartfelt penitence, and have not experienced the newbirth. As some persons manifest curiosity in investigating the different branches of science, and take deep interest in watching the various actions of cause and effect, so these people carry gratification in matters of religion, and comparthe same spirit of curiosity and intellectual ing themselves with some others, take pride in their measure of intelligence, instead of taking the place of "shame and confusion of face," on account of their iniquity, transgression, and sin against God. But curiosity is to be dreaded as much as self-righteousness, or proud infidelity; all must "come down" if they would be partakers of Christ's salvation, and realize peace with God through the blood of His Cross. humiliation, pain, and sacrifice, He might glorify ever, must "make haste and come down" to the the Father, and redeem man from the utter Saviour of sinners, if they would escape the "Make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy destruction, and eternal despair which as a sin- fiery wrath, and eternal indignation, that is so THE speaker here is the Lord Jesus. The ner he was justly exposed to. It was the same quickly coming upon the impenitent and unaddressed is a sinner among the publicans. The loving-hearted Jesus that died on the Cross, that believing. subject is of vital importance. The words are came where Zaccheus was, and said, "Make haste There is another class of persons very different few, but earnest and decided. The Lord knew and come down, for to-day I must abide at thy from these, but who equally need to the value of one soul, and the profitless character house." It was the same Jesus who said to sinful down." Their curiosity is excited in religious of everything else in comparison with it. He Israel by his prophet in days of old, "Come now, matters, but they have neither a "guilty concould fully enter into the frailty of human life, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though science" the countless ages of eternity, the ceaseless tor-your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as ments of the lost, and the everlasting joy and snow; though they be red like crimson, they glory of the saved. He felt the importance of shall be as wool." It was the same blessed Sathe soul's salvation, hence His ministry was most viour who said to his apostles after His resurrecurgent; at one time He would say, "Fear Him, tion, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the who is able to destroy both body and soul in Gospel to every creature; he that believeth, and hell;" on another occasion, Except ye repent, not shall be damned." It was the same Jesus is baptized, shall be saved; and he that believeth ye shall all likewise perish;" and here it was, who said, "If any man thirst, let him come "Make haste and come down, for to-day I must abide at thy house." unto me and drink," and who still says, "WhoZaccheus was a tax-gatherer, or publican, a soever will, let him take the water of life freely." Such is the love of Christ, and such is the chief man among them too, and seemed to have made money by his profession, for he was rich. gracious posture He still takes toward sinful man. Publicans were not considered honest persons, cious. He saves to the uttermost. He welcomes He delighteth in mercy. He waiteth to be graand therefore were not much respected, and Zaccheus's allusion to taking things by false every sinner that comes to Him for salvation. accusation, seems to imply that he had not beene calls loudly by His Gospel, His people, and blameless in this respect. He had, however, His providence, "Make haste, and come down, heard of Jesus, His mighty miracles, and won- for to-day I must abide at thy house." Still with derful works and words, and had a great desire long-suffering kindness He proclaims salvation to see Him. But the crowd around the Lord for the lost, saying, "I will have mercy, and was great, which operated as a hindrance to his not sacrifice." In wondrous grace He died for seeing Jesus, unless he ran before, outstripped love He says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour, man's redemption, and in the same boundless the multitude, and got upon some elevated place. and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' Though a rich man, his purpose was so decided, that he would not allow anything to hinder his seeing Jesus; he therefore ran before, and climbed up a sycamore tree, in the direction he knew that the Lord would pass. There might have been more than mere curiosity working in his heart, for he neither allowed the press of the crowd nor any thing else to hinder his desire being gratified; 2ndly. Let us now consider the LORD'S URGENT we see also that he was enabled to obey the Lord APPEAL. "Make haste and come down." We immediately that he was "called." But, be that are all naturally lifted up with self-esteem. as it may, it is clear that Jesus was the great Men live and speak as if they were not fallen object of attraction to him-"He sought to see creatures; but all true Christians have expeJesus." Nothing less than Christ Himself would rienced what it is to "come down to receive satisfy him; so he went where he knew that salvation. All must "come down," if they would the Lord would pass. But he little thought be saved from the wrath to come, for all have while he was occupied in seeking the Lord, that sinned, and the blood of Christ alone gives rethe Lord was seeking him. Many a seeker says, mission. The Gospel is preached that men may "I am trying to find the Saviour;" but the truth come down" to the foot of the Cross. The is, that He who came to seek and save the lost Saviour calls the high-minded to "come down" is seeking them. They would not have desires and receive forgiveness of sins. Oh, that proud after Christ, longings for an interest in His sal-man would "come down" and receive Christ. vation, and heartfelt cries after Him, if He had "The Lord killeth, and the Lord maketh alive; He not commenced a work of grace in their souls. bringeth low, and He lifteth up." The Holy Ghost When the women were seeking the Lord after convinces of sin, before He gives peace to the His resurrection, the bright angel from heaven soul through Christ. The way of God the Father said to them, "Fear not ye; for I know that ye is to bring the lofty mind of man down to the seek Jesus which was crucified." Oh, my reader, Saviour's feet, for Jesus said, "Every man that if Christ crucified for sinners is the One you are hath heard and learned of the Father cometh really seeking, be encouraged, fear not, seek and unto me." ye shall find. In meditating on the scripture before us, we may notice, 1st. The gracious posture of the Son of God; 2ndly. His urgent appeal; 3rdly. The blessedness of receiving Jesus, and its results. 1st. THE POSTURE OF THE SON OF GOD. We are told that when Jesus came to the place where he was, He looked up, and saw him, and said, Zaccheus, make haste and come down, for to-day I must abide at thy house." What amazing condescension, for the Lord of glory thus to look up, and speak to sinful man! What love! but such is the character of the heart of Jesus. Though bright angelic hosts surround the throne of heaven, we are told that "His delights were with the sons of men." Yes, man who was created in the image of God, always had a place in his heart, and when fallen into degradation and ruin through sin and rebellion against his Creator, Jesus still loved man; and his fallen, undone state only served the more to make manifest the vast resources of divine love and mercy. The Son of God left the bosom of the Father, and all the infinite glory and happiness of the throne of heaven, and condescended to be made of a woman, and come forth in the likeness of sinful flesh, that as man, by the death of the Cross, He might redeem man from all iniquity, and bring many sons to glory. This is divine love Though He was God manifest in the flesh. He emptied Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant. He did all Jehovah's righteous Willy obeyed every jot and tittle of the law, and humbled Himself unto death, even the death of the Cross; that by such depths of "Love, only love, thy heart inclined Some persons are especially Pharisaic in their views. They seem inflated with self-righteous notions. They think themselves better than their neighbours. They boast of a well-spent life, and highly prize their good intentions. They flatter themselves in their own eyes; and when conscience accuses, they at once take refuge in their outward sanctity, creature-merit, religious ordinances, alms-deeds, &c., as a compensation. With self-complacent feelings they look down upon the passing crowd, and resolve to pursue their lofty course with increasing zeal. Such, however, must "come down" if they would know God's salvation; self-righteousness must be brought low, creature-merit must be cast away, and high thoughts must be laid aside; they must "come down" as lost, undone, unclean sinners to the Saviour's feet, if they would know His great salvation; for He came not to call the righteous, but to bring sinners to repentance. A feeling of absolute necessity compels souls to come down" to receive the Saviour. We take refuge in Him, because He is the only hope. We fly to His outstretched arms, knowing we must perish for ever without Him. With selfabasement we renounce our filthy rags of selfrighteousness, and gladly welcome the "best robe." All, therefore, that have truly found salvation, have experienced what it is to "come down;" laying aside creature-merit and fancied goodness in every form, and receiving salvation as lost and undone, as the free gift of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. But our Lord commanded Zaccheus to "make How many haste." How important this is. there are who in heart say, "Not yet." Like Felix, they sometimes tremble under the word preached, but postpone the further consideration of it to "a more convenient season;" but it is to be feared that with some 66 a more convenient There are others, who, season" never comes. like Agrippa, are almost persuaded to be Christians, but are never altogether so; because they continually put off the personal application of the truth. When my family is grown up and settled, says one; when my business matters are over, says another; when I am free from my present occupation, says a third-then I will attend to the state of my soul: thus they reject Christ and His salvation. The farm, the merchandise, family duties, social obligations, and necessary occupations, are all cleverly pleaded by man's desperately wicked and deceitful heart, as reasons for rejecting Christ and His salvation. Still, however, the loving Saviour cries," Make haste;" it is therefore positive disobedience to delay. "Compel them to come in," He says; "Come to the is therefore rebellion to object. marriage," He proclaims by His servants; is it not. therefore, despising Him and His message There are also persons who, in pride of heart, still to linger without? How very solemn this is! cry out like Pharaoh, "Who is the Lord that I How few persons seem to be sensible of the vast should obey Him?" They despise the gospel, responsibility connected with the preaching of stifle conviction of conscience, persecute God's the gospel of Christ! How little men think people, harden themselves against the influence when they hear, and they do not "make haste of true religion, and say in their heart, "We will and come down," that they reject the gospel of not have the man Christ Jesus to reign over us." the grace of God, and thus close the only door I lately met one of these, to whom I kindly said, of escape from eternal burning, and the only "Have you ever felt that you are a sinner in the way of admission into glory! Oh, that my sight of God?" His reply was, "I never talk on readers would ponder again our Lord's declarathat subject." The wondrous love of God to tion, "He that believeth not shall be damned!" sinful man, that fills all heaven with praise and How important it is that men should “make glory, was a subject too mean and trifling to be haste and come down" to the Saviour's feet. worthy of the contemplation of such a great Who knows of whom it will be next said, "This mind as he thought he possessed. Such, how-night thy soul shall be required of thee?" How it ye very soon the Divine mandate may go forth, mercy we have received, constrains us to take I have had a desire to join the church,- 66 3rdly. THE BLESSEDNESS OF RECEIVING JESUS, AND ITS RESULTS. We are told that Zaccheus "made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully." This is very simple, yet touching The Saviour always means what He says, He is always as good as His word. He told the sinful publican that he must abide at his house that day, and He did so; and the reason the Lord gave for being the guest of such a sinful man was, that he was a son of Abraham, and that He came to "seek and to save that which was lost." Zaccheus then received Jesus. It was not peculiar views, or rites, or religious ordinances, but the Lord Himself. He felt that the Lord of glory loved him, and was pleased to receive willing service from such an unworthy creature. This marvellous grace not only comforted him, but humbled him into a spirit of self-judgment and confession, and also constrained him to serve and follow Christ. But what an awful doom awaits those who do 66 "Though my eye of faith be dim, not "make haste and come down," and receive Once more, dear reader, let me say, "make "Thine, alas! a lost condition, See it in thy Saviour's blood!" Under the Cross or Nowhere. No one can receive Jesus without being happy. Zaccheus "received Him joyfully." Present as well as eternal blessing is the portion of those who receive the Lord Jesus: "As many as received Him to them gave He power, or privilege, to become the sons of God." To realize the love I MET with the above sentence while BY T. W. MEDHURST. of God, in Christ His Son, to us, as sinful and reading an interesting book by a French below, lest, at last, I should be a pro ungodly, in the fulness of eternal deliverance from condemnation, fills the soul with joy and peace. we shall live also: writer. I was immediately led into a fessor only, and so be excluded from the Church above." Jane, I am glad that you have fears, lest you should be wrong in joining the church. If you had no fears, there would Salvation is immediately the portion of those who receive Jesus. "This day is salvation come to this house." Man's thought naturally is, that he must worship and serve God now, and risk being eventually saved; but God's way is at Alfred Pleasure-seeker has, for a long once to give us salvation, and to receive our time, been searching for happiness. He be little hope of you. The confident and service and worship because we are saved. Paul taught the Corinthian saints this doctrine. He has found excitement, but has not suc- presuming are not wanted in the church said, "Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are ceeded in his search after true and last-below; but we do rejoice to find any who, justified.. .... Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your ing enjoyment. Alfred, you are a sinner; like you, are seeking Zion, with their body and in your spirit, which are God's. But you have offended God, your Creator, by faces thitherward. You may safely come how wonderful is the blessing of present salvation, to know that Christ Himself is now our breaking His laws, violating His com- out from the world, and unite with sinlife and righteousness, and that because He lives mands, despising His word, and neglect-ners saved by grace, through the atoneing His house. This is the reason why ment made by the Lord Jesus Christ. your search is fruitless. It is an imposThe believer is also brought into fellowship sibility to find happiness, such as you with the Son of God. Eating together is a mark not only of friendship, but of love and equality. desire, till you have realized pardon in David shewed the kindness of God to Mephibo- your soul. How can a guilty man exsheth, by commanding that he should eat bread with him at his table continually, as one of the pect peace or joy while he is walking in fection and weakness, yet still are only king's sons. Jesus might have saved Zaccheus opposition to the requirements of his possessed by those who live. without becoming his guest; but the love of Maker? Turn you, from the highway like to see you more healthful, and thereYour doubts of sin, into the narrow path of righ-fore invite you to Jesus. teousness. Go ye to Calvary; there must be dispelled, UNDER THE CRoss, or gaze on Jesus, the Father's love. See NOWHERE. from His side the sacred stream of blood "More happy, but not more secure, The souls of the blessed in heaven." Christ not only saves, but calls us into fellowship with Himself, and brings us into the Father's presence as sons of God and brethren of Christ; loved by the Father as the Father loved Christ. This is unutterable love, but so it is, and it is our privilege to realize it. But further. Zaccheus was exercised about Your doubts and fears prove you to be a believer, though that may seem a paradox. Fears, like crutches, are only used by living men, each as a sign of imper I should Martha Righteous holds her head very godly walk, and commending himself to every flowing; wash yourself therein; then, high; she thinks others are sinners, but man's conscience in the sight of God. This must and not till then, will you find pure she has so many good qualifications, always be the result of knowing salvation by Christ. We then feel that we are not only God's and lasting pleasure, for they are to be that it would be an insult to class her creatures, but God's children, and we serve Him found UNDER THE CROSS OR NOWHERE. with such. Twice, every Lord's - day, not only from duty but from choice. We fear not then Divine wrath, but fear lest we grieve Jane Doubting has written a letter, Martha attends her church; when there, One who so perfectly loves us. Not my will but in which she says, "I have had curious she reverently listens to the minister, thine be done, must be more or less the utterance of all God's people, and this brings exercise of impressions from childhood, yet not and after the services are over, quietly heart and conscience concerning our daily walk those deep convictions which I think and piously retires to her home, well and circumstances. Remembering how much we have been forgiven, makes it easy to forgive most of God's children have. I think satisfied with herself and her duties. others; and a sense of the Divine kindness and I have heard the Word to profit, and Ah, Martha! you are sadly mistaken, if |