and those spoken to the disciples alone, and this treasure we know moreover is a distinction which, though as yet only"hidden in the field," the world. Just asserted, the reader will, we trust, hereafter see has some fair grounds for its adoption.

as a mine is hidden in the earth, so is the Church hidden in the world. It was hidden in the everlasting covenant of grace. Setting aside, therefore, this tradi- In that wondrous council, into which no tional interpretation as utterly untenable, creature was admitted, not only was the we regard "the treasure of the par- Church as a body and each indiviable, as intended to represent the chosen dual as a member of the body, chosen in and redeemed, but as yet uncalled and Christ as the subject of redeeming grace, unmanifested Church of Christ. For re- but this very earth was also fixed upon garding the nature of the treasure here to be the favoured scene of its future mentioned, it was not, we must under-glorious manifestation. And therefore, stand, anything like a pot of money, or "the counsel being secret to us," and a case of Jewels, (as most expositors no creature in heaven or in earth being have seemed to imagine) for had it been able to open the scals of the Book of so the finder might easily have removed Life, or to look therein, the treasure it without buying the field; but rather may well be said to be hidden in the it was a mine of some precious metal, field. It was hidden in the mass of Adam's which could only be got at by severe and race for though in Adam's, seed Christ long continued labour, and for the ob- also had a seed given to him from all etertaining of which, therefore, the posses-nity by the Father; yet no creature session of the field in which it lay was absolutely necessary. It was such a treature, in fact, as Job alludes to in his sublime address, when he says, "Surely there is a mine for the silver, and a place for the gold where they find it. Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone. He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: his eye seeth every precious thing (Job xxviii. 1, 3, 10). Even a treasure of the "chief things of the ancient mountains, and precious things of the everlasting hills: the precious things of the earth, and the fulness thereof" (Deut. xxxiii. 15, 16). And to such a treasure are the people of God once and again compared in the Scriptures. Thus, speaking of Israel after the flesh, but through them to his own spiritual Israel, we find Jehovah saying, Ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people, for (or though), all the earth is mine" (Exod. xix. 5). Hence, too, the Psalmist exclaims, ." Jehovah hath chosen Jacob unto Himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure" (Psal. cxxxv. 4). Yea, "For the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance! (Deut. xxxii. 9); and even of the little band who in an evil and dark day, are found to fear Him, and think upon his name, does the Lord of hosts Vouchsafe to say, They shall be mine, in the day when I make up my special treasure" (Mal. iii. 17).

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Thus we perceive that his chosen people are in very deed God's "treasure:"

knew thereof, or could by any means
distinguish the one seed from the other.
Hence does the Lord Jesus in his sub-
limely awful prayer to his Father, ere
he departed out of this world, speak of
this world as indeed the field or quarry
out of which his Church, consisting of the
elect of God alone, was to be dug or
hewn :-"I have manifested thy name,'
He says, "unto the men which thou gavest
me OUT OF THE WORLD: thine they
were, and thou gavest them me; and they
have kept thy word. Now they have
known that all things whatsoever thou
hast given me are of thee. For I have
given unto them the words which thou
gavest me; and they have received them,
and have known surely that I came out
from thee, and they have believed that
thou didst send me. Ι pray for them: I
pray not for the world, but for them which
thou hast given me; (out of the world)
for they are thine. And all mine
are thine, and thine are mine; and I
am glorified in them. And now I am
no more in the world, but these are in
the world, and I come to thee. Holy
Father, keep through thine own name
those whom thou hast given me, that they
may be one, as we are.
While I was
with them in the world, I kept them in
thy name: those that thou gavest me I
have kept, and none of them is lost;
but the son of perdition (is lost), that
the Scripture might be fulfilled. And
now come I to thee; and these things
I speak in the world, that they might
have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest Church is engraven on his heart, and set upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."-Isaiah xi. 2.

THIS can only be spoken of Him in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

The manifestation of God in human flesh!

"Till God in human flesh I see,
My thoughts no comfort find."

Wisdom and knowledge, counsel and might, are the good gifts received for the rebellious.

The Spirit rests on Him without measure; and He left that Spirit with his body-the Church-that every member might be thoroughly furnished unto all good works, and abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost."

How frequently we need wisdom and counsel, in all the intricate circumstances of life. Jesus is not only infinitely able, but willing to inpart them. Help and strength are not always manifest to our senses, but to our faith; for, we walk by faith, not by sight," till we reach the land of eternal rest.

Here the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud will guide us, as each solemn and increasingly eventful year is bringing us nearer to that time when we shall see Him as He is.

"Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."-Psalm 1. 5.

SAINTS feel an attraction to each other in the Lord, and the more so in proportion, as they have entered into the Lord; their oneness being realized in Him. The Lord is attracted to them by their vital union to Him. Thus they are black in themselves, they are comely in his comeliness. My eyes and my heart are there continually." Yes, His

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as a seal on his arm. Oh! what a mercy to know, that through all the vicissitudes of this life, Jesus never changes. He rests in his love-strong as deathwhich neither fire or water can quench. He calls his people by name-" Those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." A separate people, gathered together from the world, among whom they live, not in word, but in spirit, and

in truth.

"Because of the savour of thy good ointments, thy name is as ointment poured forth."-Sol. Song i. 3.

How numerous and precious are the promises to cheer our fainting spirits. An eternal, ever-flowing Fountain in a desert land. The name of Jesus has divine fragrancy in it. It is a balm for every wound. It soothes our cares, and reconciles us to every rugged path in the wilderness.

We are fast approaching the joyful period, when we shall be filled with the inexhaustible fulness of Jesus, without the shadow of a cloud.

།

The Lord's people are now hidden in the clefts of the rock, whom no man careth for; but Jesus sees them, and calls them out:Let me see thy countenance;" let me commune with thee; "sweet is thy voice." Oh! what heart-melting language for those who will not hear their cry, that the cry is are tempted by Satan, who think God not that of God's children; yet, He is saying, "Ask what I shall give thee ?" His thoughts are not for evil, but good, and what do his children need? His gracious presence, his divine anointing, the warmth, and energy of truth shedding savour, and sweetly causing those who are asleep to speak.

Oh! Thou in whom the unctious dew of grace dwells without measure, thy fainting children, would open to thee,

though, alas, they sleep for sorrow of heart: but the heart waketh at the sound of thy voice.

The perplexing mediums of separation are continually forming a barrier to the approach of the Church, for the Lord has promised to bestow liberally, and what can He give more than Himself? We have not, because we ask not. We are brought nigh to receive the promised blessings, and to make use of them. We want faith to penetrate every dark

cloud; faith in the blood of the Lamb, to receive the promised blessings; faith to enter into the grace in which we stand; faith to live as children of light; that, from the grace poured into our lips, we may manifest that light; the faith that works by love, overcomes the world, and triumphs over death.

The faith that acquiesces in all God's holy will, taking up every cross in a spirit of meek submission; knowing that all must be right which God appoints.

TIDINGS FROM INDIA.

.

"hewers

maining beyond two years in one place.
You find their villages scattered through
all parts of Burmah. They are mixed
with the people, and yet entirely distinct
from them: they are, in fact,
of wood and drawers of water" to the
Burmans. They are entirely free from
all religion:-no God, no temple, no
priest, no liturgy, no holydays, no
prayers:-
:-and yet the most remarkable
scriptural traditions exist among this
singular people. They have traditions
of the creation, of the temptation, of the
fall, the dispersion of the nations, and
almost the same as the Bible. The fol-
lowing is a specimen :--

The

Townghoo, Sept. 24, 1855. MY DEAR JOHN,-Letters from India, though generally welcome to kind friends at home, are for the most part dull affairs, being almost necessarily about things in which the readers can Anciently God commanded, but feel no interest. In the present instance, Satan appeared bringing destruction. this need not be the case, since I propose Formerly God commanded, but Satan that the theme of my letter shall be appeared deceiving unto death. Missionary operations in Burmah." woman Ev, and the man Thanai pleased These missions owe their origin solely not the mind of the dragon. The dragon to American agency. They were com- looked on them; the dragon beguiled menced about 30 years ago by the Rev. the woman and Thanai. How is this Dr. Judson, who died a short time since, said to have happened? The great full of apostolic honour. Owing to the dragon succeeded in deceiving; dedifficulties of the language then altoge-ceiving unto death. How do they say ther unknown to the civilized world, and it was done? A yellow fruit took the the prejudices of the people, and the great dragon, and gave to the children persecution by the rulers, the mission of God. A white fruit took the great for a long time met with but indifferent dragon, and gave to the daughter and success. In the year 1830, however, a son of God. They transgressed the comnew and fruitful field suddenly presented mands of God, and God turned his face itself. Some wandering Karens heard of from them. They kept not the words the religion which brought salvation to of God; were deceived-deceived unto the lowly, and came to enquire. The sickness. They kept not the law of God; proud presumptuous Burmans would were deceived-deceived unto death." have nothing to say to "Jesus Christ's men;" but the poor humble Karens, who regard themselves as the lowest among all nations, received them with alacrity. The Karens are a nation of wanderers without settled habitation, seldom re

They have also predictions that white men would come across the sea to teach them the words of wisdom. Is it not wonderful, such traditions existing in a nation of wild barbarians, without even the advantage of a written language to

transmit the thoughts of one generation | of many of your Sunday-school boys at

home, with all their advantages. You would see old men listening to the instruction to their yuothful teachers with the most profound attention. The zeal, knowledge, and discretion of the native missionaries is most praiseworthy. Many of them possess a sound knowledge of the Bible, far superior to what I have often met in our Dio. School at home. Qualah, whom I mentioned before, shortly after his conversion was offered by the commissioner, a very high situation as the headman of a district; he refused it, saying, "That as his own soul was saved, he felt called upon to endeavour to save the souls of his brethren." He has now for years faithfully discharged the duties of a minister of the Gospel. He paid me a visit a short time ago. This mission promises fairly to be soon self-supporting. Though in the greatest poverty, they already bear the expence of a large number of native ordained missionaries; and have chapels built in most of their villages. At Kermendine, near Rangoon, they have erected a most creditable ecclesiastical-looking brick-building, capable of accommodating some 300 or 400, with very good schools under it. One of my servants is a Christian Karen boy, and I place the greatest confidence in him.

to another? I need hardly say that they received the Gospel gladly, and many of them have now lived and died in the faith, examples of Christian virtue. Amidst persecutions which only barbarians could inflict, they so weak on every other point stood manfully by their faith. Their present state is most encouraging. With very few exceptions indeed, the conduct of the Christian Karen amongst temptations and degrading associations of every kind is such, as to warrant us in believing that the saving doctrines of the Gospel have taken a real hold on their hearts; they are in deed an example to us all. I may say the whole race of Karens are now Christians; they want only to be instructed. No persuasion is necessary to induce these simple-hearted people to embrace the Gospel. Qualah, a native missionary, lately returned from a tour through the villages in this neighbourhood. Though the Gospel has never been regularly preached, he found in every village a place of worship erected, and preparations made for the reception of a teacher. Every place he went, he was actually besieged with people asking to be baptized and instructed. It is a rule not to baptize any who are not really well instructed, and whose conduct does not afford a fair presumption of their Chris- I hope these few unconnected remarks tian principles: but, nevertheless, he will show you that even here, at the very baptized 94, 106, 104, &c., at different outskirts of the world, Christianity is places. Nothing can exceed the enthu- being fast planted, where before it was siasm of the people, when a teacher unknown. I will (D.V) some other time makes his appearance among them: their endeavour to give you some account of constant demand is for teachers. They the Burman superstition, a close likeness say to the missionaries, "You have of which you have at home. The likeness spoken to us of a free salvation; of a has been a great safeguard to the misbook that will teach us the way of life. sionaries here. To the arguments of the We have built chapels and houses for Roman Catholic Priests, the Karen anyou; all is ready, and we are ready to swers, "It will be better for us to join hear you, and you will not come to us; the Burmans ;" while the Burmans themwe are perishing; we will go to hell, selves reply, "Why should we change? and be lost; and you will not come and both are the same, and surely our images teach us." This is a common remon- are as good as yours." They are indeed strance, but it is impossible to supply all wonderfully alike they have candletheir wants. Mr. Whittaker, the Mis-burning, bell-ringing, relics, &c., just the sionary here, formed a school during the same. I forgot to say the Burman misrains, composed of two intelligent boys sion is carried on by the American Bapfrom each of the villages round about. tists; while the people are taught the These he taught to read, and instructed great truths of the Gospel. This is a carefully; and he has now sent them matter of very slight importance. I back as pioneers to their several villages. know several of the missionaries, and It is astonishing the amount of know- they are indeed most excellent men. ledge possessed by many of these boys. Yours, &c., They would bring the blush to the face.

:

L. S. D.

SERMONS BY THE " OLD PILGRIM," OF BIRMINGHAM. (Continued from page 24). SERMON IV.

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."-Psalm lxiii. 7.

feels-" My God shall supply all your
need according to his riches in glory by
Christ Jesus.'" All your happiness, my
fellow believer, is in Christ, secured by
covenant-love, covenant-oath, covenant-
blood, covenant-promises. Oh, how
safely may you rest day and night, who
have received what no man can take
away-" God's love in Christ."
We have here three things.-
1st. Thankful remembrance.
2nd. Thankful confidence.
3rd. Thankful joy.

WHY is God my God? This is one of all yea, and amen in Christ Jesus." He the most important questions a man can ask himself. What will the man of the world, the unbeliever answer? The general reply is, that God being the God of all men, therefore He also is my God! But is this the meaning of the Psalmist ? Was it thus that Christ, when a mnan of sorrow upon earth, looked upon God as his God? Oh no! the Christian feels it is true; with holy thankfulness the common mercies in which he shares with all mankind; but he feels them, and enjoys them doubly; receiving them as common mercies, but sanctified to him by the covenant of everlasting love. He looks upon God as my God, because by being united in Christ he has a special interest in God; an interest which free and undeserved love decreed and resolved to give in Christ; a favour received by the blood of the righteous Jesus, in whom, and in whom alone he receives every covenant-favour; a favour brought home to his soul by the blessed Spirit, He working in the heart, giving the blessed witness of the Spirit. The Spirit's work is visible; it makes a man alive, who was dead; causes him to pant after God, after endeared communion with the Jehovah, he pants after the Lord, as a man who is athirst pants after water; his soul at times cannot rest without some token of God's love! And does this panting, this thirsting remain unsatisfied? No-no. The soul will, in God's own time, receive it! and finds God the Sanctuary of his soul, the Rest, the Hiding-place of his heart, there he is safe.

Ah,

1st. Thankful remembrance-" Because thou hast been my help.” An unthankful being among man, is considered one of the worst of characters; and truly if a man's heart be not moved by kindness, it is hard to say what will do it; for force aud harshness, literally speaking, do not move, but bend the heart. If it be so, and justly so considered among men-ingratitude-looked upon as the blackest of crimes. Lord! what are we in thy most holy sight? thou who art loading thy people with blessings, with favours, daily, hourly, for time and for eternity. O, my God! what a monster of unthankfulness am I! and must I appear in thy sight? upheld by thy hand ever since I had existence; even ere I was born? Through helpless infancy, thoughtless childhood. giddy youth, careful manhood, declining age; in prosperity, and in adversity; in sickness and in health; when sinfully, wilfully wandering downward the road to everlasting destruction; when convinced of sin, righteousness, and judg ment; yet often sinning against light and The storms may roar, yea, thunders roll, Lightnings dazzle, rocks may move; conscience; oft forgetting the Lord that All on earth, yea, all in heaven, saved me, and upheld me, and led me May give way! yet God is Love! until this day; who raised me from the He experiences in the precious Re- brink of everlasting damnation, and deemer, that God's mercies of salvation placed me among the heirs of everlasting are better than life! Blessing! He glory! And yet, O my Father, Helper, praises! holy confidence has a seat in God, yet I wandered, yet I do wander, the heart: the promise become the forgetful of thy daily, yea, hourly and Christian's anchor, because "they are everlasting mercies! My poor flesh,