CHRIST AND THE PERFECTION OF HIS WORK. if the Lord Jesus Christ had not gone to the end of the Law, for the transgressions of his people, he could never "He is the Rock, his work is perfect," have had any hope of salvation. Deut. xxxii. 4. WHAT a blessed declaration this to the sin-sick soul, bowed down with sorrow on account of the trials and difficulties of the way; doubting and fearing from his feeling of inward depravity, whether he was ever interested in the blood and righteousness of the glorious God-man Mediator: thinking that if he were one of the Lord's chosen family, he would live a life more holy, and less polluted by the world; but finding, alas, that with the apostle, he can say, "when I would do good, evil is present with me: and how to perform that which is good I find not." How blessed, I say, is this, that though helpless in himself, he is fully satisfied that the work of Christ the Rock is perfect; and amidst all his trials, his doubts are not as to the power, but the willingness of God, to save one so vile and helpless as he feels himself to be. With trials like these, and knowing that he is condemned as to his standing in Adam, he wants no sandy foundation to build upon; he turns to a scripture like this, the Lord the Holy Spirit opens it up to him, and he discovers that the perfection he has been looking for he can never obtain he has been expecting probably, to find comfort from something in himself, instead of the Rock of Ages; the Lord, by showing him the exceeding broadness of the law, discovers to him his utter inability to perform one iota of it, and leads him to flee to the only refuge provided in the covenant of grace, namely, the perfection of the work of Christ, showing him that He only could obey the law and make it honourable. : Truths like these may be deemed fanaticism by the worldling or more carnal professor, but the soul born of God knows the truth of it, and that Having tried every other refuge how gladly he seeks shelter; the Holy Spirit having made him willing in the day of his power, and given him to see standing there is so secure, that it is an utter impossibility he should ever be removed therefrom, he is enabled to look upward, and see the antiquity of his standing, that his name was written in heaven ere time began, though only now made manifest; yea, he is by precious faith enabled to view the love wherewith he is loved as an everlasting love, and that he was an object of love even when dead in sins; and to bless God for his mercy and loving-kindness to one so vile and guilty as himself. Being thus enabled to look to the hole of the pit from whence he was digged, he is melted down with thankfulness and praise to a triune God for deliverance therefrom; and though buffeted about by the enemy, and his own fallen nature, yet the glorious work of grace having been begun in his soul, can never be extinguished and he can rely more or less on the promise, "He that hath begun the good work, will carry it on to the day of the Lord Jesus Christ." The Lord the Holy Spirit will guide into all truth all the blood bought family, who were pre-ordained to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; he will quicken their souls, illuminate their minds, and apply the blood of sprinkling to their wounded consciences; and will enable them to see, that there is no condemnation to them as they stand in their glorious Head, Christ Jesus, he having poured out his heart's blood on their behalf, and atoned for all their sins. Having paid the debts of his bride, is it anything short of blasphemy, to declare that God the Father will ask for a second payment of her? The surety being infinite, can any one taught of God suppose, that Christ cared so little for his people, that it was a matter of doubt whether they would accept of their discharge from all law demands? Away with such an idea, it is only fit for the potsherds of the earth; the Lord's people know that they were loved with an everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness have they been drawn that the work of Christ is perfect, and requires nothing on their part to make it more so; for the very idea of perfection, implies that nothing can be added thereto. They are not looking, as some carnal professors are, for perfection on this side the grave, while sin dwelleth in them, for they find this world to them a vast howling wilderness. PRAYER-MEETING ADDRESSES.-II. “Oh,that my words were now written, oh that they were printed in a book, that they were graven with an iron pen, and laid in the rock for ever," Job xix. 22. -Mr. I. observed, did Job mean his trials, his afflictions, his loss of children, property, and friends? did he mean the temptations of Satan, and the unfeeling conduct of his advisers? Oh no, this was not the real wish of his heart; no, he had the eye of his faith fixed on Christ, he looked forward to the glorious work of redemption our Lord would complete for lost and ruined sinners! Job saw his eternal security in Christ, having had a manifestation of his own interest in the atonement of our Lord Jesus. And that it might never be forgotten, and that all generations might be encouraged by his experience, when under severe trials and afflictions God had discovered the coming of our Lord to him, he then saith, "Oh that my words were written in a book, graven with an iron pen, and laid in the rock for ever; for I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day on the earth and though after my ON Wednesday, Sept. 4, 1839, a Chapel was opened at Worthing, Sussex, when two sermons were preached, that in the morning by the Rev. I. Bridgeman, of Walworth; and in the evening by the Rev. Charles Brake, of Brighton. The congregations were numerous, and highly respectable. This chapel is erected in nearly the centre of the town, within the gardens of Liverpool Terrace, and is of a handsome construction, capable containing, when the galleries are finished, about seven hundred persons. A place of worship here was very much needed, as many visitors who resorted to this pleasant part of the sea coast, have complained much of the want of a place to attend to hear the gospel. of Haberdashers' Hall Chapel, Staining Lane, which has been closed for necessary repairs consequent upon the expiration of the lease, will be reopened on Sunday, Sept. 29, by the Rev. John Hobbs, who renews his ministry in that place, where he has now been we believe for a period of fourteen years. We sincrely trust that the blessing of the Lord will continue abundantly to bless his labours. REVIEW. A Defence of Particular Redemption, by W. Rushton, Jun. Second Edition. 12mo. pp. 230. London : Hamilton and Co. HAVING noticed at the time of publication the first edition of this work, and spoken of it in very high terms of approbation, we are of course gratified in seeing that a new edition has been called for. There is no other variation in this second impression, than that a brief memoir by the Rev. Mr. Lister of Liverpool has been attached. We should have been pleased to have seen this more extended, and from the high opinion we entertained of the deceased, we consider more might have been furnished. Extracts or further remarks are unnecessary, the announcement will be sufficient to inform the many who were anxious to obtain the work, that it can now be procured, and to induce them to order it. An Office of Christian Devotions, to be used in Sunday Schools. 12mo. pp. 12 Nottingham: W. Dearden. This brief tract, is an abridgment and adaptation of the Liturgy of the Church of England, for the use of the children in schools connected with the Establishment. As Dissenters we have insurmountable ob jections to all forms whatever, and we think likewise this Author must acknowledge, that he has put into the mouths of the children, language which it is to be feared will but in very few cases come from the heart. We give the Author credit for good intentions, and by those of our brethren who have not the objections which we feel against prescribed forms, it may perhaps be considered an acquisition. Seventeen Original Hymns by the late John Wilkinson, of Plymouth. 18mo pp. 35. London, J. Bennett. These hymns can scarcely be said to possess sufficient merit or originality to possess sufficient merit or originality to be worthy a separate publication: they will however supply one or two which may be advantageously taken into any new selection, and will be regarded by those who esteemed the Author as an interesting memento. The Baptists' Hymn Book; a Collection of upwards of One Thousand Hymns, by John Stenson. 24mo. London: C. Stenson. WE have examined with a considerable degree of attention this neatly got up volume, and although there are in it some few which we think do not add to its value, and which might have been advantageously exchanged for some few others whose company we missed; we can cheerfully recommend it to our Baptist brethren, as certainly one of the best which has been published for the use of the denomination. Remarkable Incidents in the Unerring Providence of God, by Charles Drawbridge. 12mo. pp. 12. London: Higham. WE can cordially recommend this interesting little tract, as very suitable for distribution, amongst such as are over anxious in reference to the things of this time state. The little narratives given, may and doubtless will be rendered a means of causing some tried believer to look with increased confidence to Him, who not only taketh knowledge of the fall of a sparrow, but who regardeth as the apple of his eye, all those who have been enabled to put their trust in him. POETRY. Sharp was the parting contest, anguish keen Awhile prevailed; yet still he grasped his shield, And Jesus' arms upheld him tho' unseen, And in His matchless might he kept the field. Why should we mourn? the trying conflict past, The battle ended, lo! the victory's won; And at thy feet adored dear Lord we cast Our griefs submissive, let thy will be done! Dear blessed saint, 'twere sin to mourn for thee, Is not celestial bliss for ever thine? From tribulation's thorny path thou'rt free, That path we're called to tread by love divine. I'm glad to find that you can feed I labour with this end in view, What is my joy, and what my bliss, In your's you name some subjects true, I thank and bless him for the same. My prayers are still that I could see But often I'm obliged to think, Yet all is right I know full well, May the Almighty bless thee here, Defend the doctrines of free grace, His promised presence may you know, May Zion's interests form a part Oh! may you say this will I do, Before the Lord in humble prayer. Now to the Lord I thee commit, Who cannot his own mind forget; Then all he sends shall thee refine, Till you in glory with him shine. R. M. 66 HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL." Wonderful Lord! at thy footstool we plead, Wonderful wonders their freedom restored; Wonderful soaring triumphantly home; Wonderful coming with angels surrounded. All they who on thee for salvation believe. Thou makest my soul in sweet strains to rejoice, As I gaze on thy person, and muse on thy love; 'Tis heaven indeed when I hear thy sweet voice, Come whispering down from thy mansions above. At the spring of the morn of my spiritual birth, When I saw thee at first like a twinkling star, My heart drank in joy that created sweet mirth, And I thought that no sin such a pleasure could mar. But the tempter forbade me in thee to confide, And corruptions arose like a tempest within; Till thy mercy conducted me safe to thy side. When I trembled and shook at the sight of my sin. To the end of my days, be they many or few, Oft bear me, kind Spirit, to Jesus's breast; And when my Lord calls me to bid earth adieu, May I enter for ever my heavenly rest. Bethnal Green. P. JARBO. |