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plate relative to those things the angels desired to look into. Onwards and onwards we are being carried, in time's ever-moving chariot, and this rapid career must soon terminate. Now, is not the following the condition of most Christians, excepting probably the Lord's own ambassadors, whose high calling makes out for them a different pathway, doubtless in some instances more perplexing? Here I am morning, noon-and sometimes night-imperatively engaged in the duties which my condition in life demands; in constant contact with men of the world, in an atmosphere verily sensual, sometimes devilish, within the whirl of the onward stream of busy activity. There seems no help for it; and if it were not for the sudden dropping down of a promise, a momentary arresting, days, weeks, and years would pass without a single spiritual thought or desire. Well, in this condition, give me any. thing to do of myself, to effect my salvation, and "it were better that a millstone were hanging about my neck, and I drowned in the depth of the sea."

Now to such an one (and is not the such an one every one of God's dear people?) how essential that there be an inward peace, and certain belief that the portion is all right. That that which it is impossible for man to perform, to satisfy the infinite justice of Jehovah, is done, and done well, and done for the very poor soul thus buried in the busy concerns of life. This brings us then to further inquiry, "What is it then, that makes the position eter. nally secure?"

Now, were we about to inspect the foundation of a house made with hands, we should have to descend; but as it is a foundation of eternal materials, we must ascend, and ask you, beloved, to come up Jehovah's ladder of Divine certainties with us. Let faith's grasp be firm, and faith's gaze be upwards, to prevent dizziness; for the world below is a confusing conglomeration. And see we not adoption at the very foundation? "I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." See we not divine foreknowledge? "I know thee by name" (Exod. xxxii. 12). See we not distinguishing grace? "Ye are not of the world even as I am not of the world," saith the adorable Saviour. See we not the oath of the Trinity?"Surely blessing, I will bless thee." See we not verity upon verity cemented together with covenant decrees, all laid beautifully for the eternal Three, and then the superstructure upon such a foundation? Salvation secured to the believer, through the glorious and perfect work of God the Son, all the decrees centering in Him, the promises of the everlasting Gospel-yea and amen in Him, and the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, all bestowed through his finished work, and glorious exaltation.

Now what is wanted to make the position right for an eternal world, is the sealing of the Holy Ghost unto the day of redemption; "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." This powerfully felt within, and the assurance of faith, "I am one of whom it is written, Whose house are we." Moses was faithful in all his house as a servant; but Christ as a Son over his own house, "Whose house are we ?" See then, again, the Sonship of Christ is the foundation of his office; and he is truly Heir of all things, and then the household of faith joint-heir with Him of all things, and of an inheritance which fadeth not away-the brethren of this glorious, united, harmonious household, eternally secure in their covenant Head. The assurance of all this brings composure to the mind, and creates the exclamation in contemplation of death, as well as relative to the fatigued body, "I will lay me down in peace and sleep, for Thou only makest me to dwell in safety."

Look, then, at the attendant advantages, if the position be right. Now

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position in the natural life makes attainable certain advantages above our fellows; and in a worldly sense, we mostly live up to our privileges, and take full advantage of our position. Spiritually with the child of God, it is too generally the very reverse. Unbelief and the spirit of the world, hang about the standing of a Christian like a lurking vapour. Through mercy it alters not his real footing, but dimns the vision; so that the cohesion of the feet to the Rock, is not clearly perceived; and unless the firm hold thereon is sensibly felt, the embracing attendant privileges is difficult-nay, impossible. It was said, and well said, by that departed saint, the Rev. Joseph Irons, "that if ever you give up the doctrine of the eternal love of God the Father, the responsible Suretyship of God the Son, and the invincible grace of God the Holy Ghost, the charter of your liberty is gone, and you are entangled again in the yoke of bondage." Precisely so, "Hold fast that thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Without such materials form the rule of faith, there will be no liberty to the soul; and unless liberty is enjoyed, there will be no "joy and peace in believing."

Jehovah, throughout his Divine word, encourages the believer to live up to his high calling, and expostulates severely where such is not the case, as in the second chapter of Jeremiah, "Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled ?" And again, “Yes, I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed; now thou art turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me." It is so, if in tender compassion and long suffering, our heavenly Father exclaims, "You an heir of glory, living like a homeborn slave, a strange vine coming not to me for divine nourishment and support, but clinging to the dead props of the wilderness." Now the very fact of the child of God being adopted, brings in a train of divine privileges, covenant relationship, paternal love, birthright presents, holy fellowship, happy liberty, intimacy with God, access to the throne, court company, nearness to Jesus; nay, innumerable blessings, " All things are your's, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." Ask not, "How can these things be?" This lowers the tone directly; self is consulted instead of letting faith act, and the true acting of faith is just to take God's assertions as they stand, make no addition thereto, or deduction therefrom; nor attempt to dimn their lustre as they shine into the soul, by carnal reasoning. Only look at what the Christian's heirship entitles him to, and bless God there is no incorrect drawing up of the title deeds. The name is written in heaven. Is not this enough to put the new song in the mouth?

Beloved, we have set up our standard, you perceive, towards Zion. We would not dare to take a presumptuous footing, or climb up to a pinnacle where there are none of God's promises and assertions to support us; but we do want to bring to view the Christian's real position, and catch the refreshing dew-drops that hang about the rock upon which he stands. Behold, then, with joy and peace, the attendant advantages of the real position of the child of God. The diversity of character and occupation one meets with in the daily round, is striking; yet where the life of God is in the soul, the object and aim is alike. One purpose, one secret pursuit, however wide in experience, the pathway may converge. The rustic, as he turns in from the field this cold weather, and lets the snow melt off his rough boots before the welcome fire, if his heart beats with love to Jesus, is in the sight of Jehovah his own, as much as the godly nobleman who paces the superbly-furnished drawing-room of his mansion. Condition in life weighs not a feather with him. Are they my Son's purchase? have they his passport sealed by the Holy Spirit? Then welcome to my court, cottager; welcome to my throne, courtier. Ah! how seldom do we live up to our privileges as Christians, or

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court Jehovah's company! It is very often far below the top of the mountain work with the poor trembling child of God; he knows well what it is to have a disquieted soul within him, to carry about an agitated nervous frame, and to feel out of tune for spiritual things. Nevertheless, in the midst of all this depression he can cry out sometimes, "I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

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What a mercy that our feelings alter not our footing, nor Jehovah's foundation, safe in Jesu's keeping. This is what we mean by the real position of a child of God; that come reverses, come bitter experience, come bereavement, come affliction, come death, all is right for an eternal world; that the daily walk along a hedged-up pathway, leads to the bower of eternal bliss; that the mountains of difficulty are placed by Jehovah in the way; that from their summit we may survey the celestial city, where stands the mansion already prepared for us. We may think afflictions depths [query, are they not heights;] and the more we try to make the nest comfortable, the less we shall soar above the thicket. This brings us finally to observe, that the standing of a Christian, as well as granting present unspeakable advantages, ensure eternal gain-spiritual rest in Christ; and by Him all that believe are justified from all things. Have we not then whereof we may glory, through Jesus Christ, in those things which pertain to God? May the Holy Spirit of God satisfy us, that our position is right for an eternal world; may He cause us to make full use of its attendant advantages; and in anticipation of the glorious end of the Christian's career, let us sing cheerfully and exultingly"The hill of Zion yields

A thousand sacred sweets,

Before we reach the heavenly fields,

Or walk the golden streets.

"Then let our songs abound,

And every tear be dry:

We're marching thro' Immanuel's ground,

To fairer worlds on high."

Birmingham, Jan. 29, 1855.

G. C.

A BRIEF MEMOIR OF THE LATE WILLIAM THOMAS SHELLY,

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WHO DIED IN THE FAITH," ON THURSDAY, JAN. 18, 1855.

OUR departed Brother had known the Scriptures from a child, and previous to his regeneration, was exemplary in his moral conduct. Indeed, his knowledge of the truth, before the Lord manifestly called him, and his honesty of purpose and of action, would put to shame nineteen-twentieths of the religious world of the present day.

After the death of the Rev. W. NUNN, and the removal of the Rev. T. OWEN from St. Clements, Manchester, he attended the ministry of the Rev. W. PARKS, of Openshaw, whose preaching was much blessed to both himself and wife, who was very soon made ripe for glory, and taken from her partner about two years before his decease. Here he continued for about eight years, enjoying the light of the Lord's glorious Gospel, as the Lord was pleased to apply it. Many a time-and oft, according to the experience of the family

A BRIEF MEMOIR OF THE LATE W. THOMAS SHELLY.

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of God on earth, questioning and doubting his interest in covenant love, covenant blood, and covenant grace; but ever and anon being cheered and strengthened by deep sight into the all-perfect and finished work of the

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One chief instrument in God's hand in opening up the truth to his soul, seems to have been the privilege he enjoyed of associating with Christians older than himself. In their company he was mostly silent; for not being able to converse upon his own experience as identical in every respect with theirs, he began to suspect he was not himself a Christian. To use his own words to a dear friend a few days before his death, "When I heard you and and and other old Christians, speaking of the groaning under the burden of a struggle with sin; and when I remembered that my dear wife, though one of the most kind and amiable on earth, used to complain bitterly of the same long before her death, I began to doubt my own conversion, and I prayed to the Lord to send me some trials and afflictions, as being evidence of my adoption into his family; for I saw that all God's people were a tried people. The Lord soon answered my prayers, but in a way contrary to my expectation or wish. I was afflicted in body, and completely laid up. This was indeed a sore trial-for I thought of my two little children, before whom there was but a gloomy prospect. Yet I knew that God was doing all things right, though I did not understand Him. Within these last nine months," continued he, "I have passed through such experience as I never knew before. I feel only fit for hell. I can get no higher than the poor publican, God be merciful to me a sinner!" Here I am compelled to prostrate at God's footstool, and ask for mercy. I would not have thought that there was such a mass of corruption and iniquity in my heart, as I now feel. Oh, I do not wonder now at you and others speaking of what a burden you have groaned under! I am now passing under it, which makes me groan even in my night-watches. Though I have no pain of body, yet I am weary and heavy laden under the burden with this body of sin and death. I could say with David, I roar by reason of the disquietness of my heart.' I can say with Paul, O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of sin and death?' I not only have heard with the ear, but I see myself in them [David and Paul], and repent in dust and ashes! What would become of me in this poor helpless state, if I had nothing to lean upon but the doctrines of exhortations, Repent, believe, pray, seek, love God with all heart and soul? Oh, where should I be? for I find I have no strength in me; all is gone! I have nothing in me but sin, and I have to leave all outward and inward things to my blessed Saviour, who has made a covenant with me, ordered in all things and sure, though I cannot see it grow in this poor sinful body of mine. Oh, how hard it is to be a Christian! How hard to believe that God can love such a vile wretch as I! I am where poor David was (2 Sam. i. 15, 23—26), passing through that great and terrible wilderness, weeping, and can only say, 'If the Lord hath no delight in me, here am I; let Him do to me as seemeth Him good. It may be hat the Lord will look on mine affliction (of soul), and will requite me good for all

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A few days before his death, he requested a dear friend to read to him the 130th Psalm. He spoke most solemnly upon it whilst it was being read. Yes," he exclaimed, "out of the depths do I now cry, that He may hear my poor broken-hearted supplications; and though full of sin, yet I hope God will not be extreme to mark mine iniquity; for who then could stand? Oh, I do wait for the Lord, and in his word is all my hope!"

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Now, my dear friend," he continued, "I find I shall not last long either

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to speak or hear on this earth. Pray once more with me, and ask the Lord, if it be his will, to give me patience, to wait my appointed time. But pray also, if it be his will, that He may come quickly, and take me to Himself, for I long to be where He is, and quit this vile body."

A little before his death he was heard to pray much; but his voice was so weak, that the words could not clearly be distinguished. The last articulate sounds were, "I trust to leave a testimony of God's grace to me. Let me be one of thine when thou comest to make up thy jewels. Precious Jesus! Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Oh reader, what a contrast to the light-headed religion of the present day! What a difference between the experience of one taught of God, and those who believe everything, though they feel or see nothing. The following note written by our late friend to his sister-in-law, dated Oct. 2, 1854, will testify how far the Lord had taught him up to that time.

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"MY DEAR, Yesterday I was at Openshaw, and stayed both services. Mr. Parks preached twice from 1 Cor. ix., and last verse. They were quite practical and experimental sermons. Indeed, the subject is one we have many times conversed upon; the keeping under the body of sin, the contention in the renewed heart between flesh and Spirit. You know from the Scriptures, that if there be no struggle, no contention, there is no life. The strong man armed is in full possession, and that is consequently quietness; but when the stronger One comes-the Spirit of truth-then is the cry put up, Lord, save, or I perish ;' 'God be merciful to me a

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"From that time commences the warfare against the world, the flesh, and the devil, that never ceases until the soul is called hence into eternity. What a test to try our own hearts by! Are we struggling to keep under the body of sin, and bring it into subjection? or does this world and its vanities, or the sinful affections of the flesh and of the mind, take the first place in our heart? I often feel they have too much hold upon me; but if there be a struggle, or trying with sincerity to keep all this down, then we have a sign that the Lord has brought the body of sin under, and will not leave us alone, but enable us through grace to keep it under, and thus fulfil his assurance, Sin shall not have dominion over you.' May you experience the power of these things in your own soul !"

Manchester.

T. S.

[We cannot forbear adding, what a dangerous thing and how altogether unnecessary it is for a child of God to pray for trouble. With reference to our dear departed friend, it seems but as yesterday (though several years have rolled away since) we were walking the streets of Manchester with him; and, breaking through his wonted silence, he expressed (as before intimated) his fears about his state. Seeing the family portion in this world is tribulation, he feared he lacked at least this credential. Poor dear fellow! he did not lack it long. His wife-a young amiable person, was just then nursing her first babe. But the comforts of domestic life were soon to be interrupted. Very soon tidings reached us, that our friend's health was failing. He removed to Clifton for change of air. It was sup posed he never would return, but that his wife would come back a widow; instead of which, after giving birth to her second child, she-and not her husbandcalled away. He survived this stroke, if we mistake not, for nearly two years. We saw him at Prescot a little more than two months ago. His tone was changed. He lacked no longer the tribulation-mark. This he had had, and with it (blessed be God!) its sanctifying properties also. Although he has left behind him his two dear children, we rejoice to think they are in kind hands; and that he is released from the burden of the flesh.-ED.]

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