to each child of the family, has from eternity secured the salvation and glorification of all. The same redemption has obtained for them all, a deliverance from sin, satan, and the curse. By one and the same Spirit are they all begotten again to a lively hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Under the blessed influence of the Holy Spirit communion of saints is enjoyed, inasmuch as he communicates his sacred unction, the unction from the Holy One, to every saint; and this produces and maintains the oneness of the true catholic church :* for, however diversified his gifts and operations, the effect of them is the same in all, bringing each to the enjoyment of life-union with Christ, and causing them to grow up into him who is the head in all things. All, being made to drink into one spirit, are instructed spiritually in the knowledge of one faith; hence the same truths comfort, refresh, and exhilirate the whole brotherhood, and the sheep of Christ become identified by their knowledge of the shepherd's voice. The same enemies oppose them-the same grace supports them; the same wants oppress them-the same fulness satiates them; they all eat the same spiritual meat, and drink refreshing streams from the same smitten rock; they all wash at the family laver, the fountain opened to the house of David; they all wear the same incorruptible garments salvation, and the robe of righteousness; and each of them is looking forward to the happy period, when all shall be crowned with the same glory. All that the Father hath given to Jesus, consisting of numbers yet unborn, of a goodly number now contending with the difficulties of a militant state, and an innumerable company made perfect in glory, constitute but one fellowship, one communion, one family, one body!

Not unfrequently doth it excite peculiar emotions in the believer's mind, and serve to enhance the holy pleasure arising from communion with God at the mercy seat, to reflect, that at the same moment numbers of his companions in tribulation are breathing forth similar desires to the Lamb in the midst of the throne, and with him receiving a fulfilment of the promise, before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will hear. Nor in those consecrated moments are the reflections confined to the inhabitants of this world; but our thoughts bring us into converse with the blessed dead, under the delightful impression, that they who once had to struggle with our present difficulties, are now surrounding with hallelujahs the same throne, which we approach with groanings that cannot be uttered: and surely it was because the idea is fraught with encouragement to this holy exercise, that Paul was directed to remind us of the spirits

* The principle of "oneness and indivisibility" in the true church of Christ is of vast importance; and though papists have abused it by grossly misapplying it to that mother of harlots, the Romish church, we dare not on this account yield to that latitudinarian spirit, whose illegitimate offspring," universal charity," is so strenuously attempting the removal of all the old land marks, by which the church has in all ages been separated from the world. It is Christ who saith, my dove, my undefiled, is but one.

of just men made perfect, the general assembly and church of the first-born written in heaven.

Can we love Christ and not love the brotherhood? can we be susceptible of feeling so manifestly spiritual, and look with unconcern on the interests of Zion? can a member of the body of Christ be indifferent to the sorrows and sufferings of his afflicted brother? no; the more we enjoy of the love of Christ in our own souls, the more ardently shall we glow with affection towards all the members of Christ, and the more earnest will be our longings to meet the whole family at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Fellow heirs of the grace of life! companions in tribulation, and in the patience of the saints! let us pray for grace to live under the influence of that important word, by this shall all men know ye are my disciples, if ye love one another; and let us take encouragement from the example of those who have gained the blissful haven of eternal rest, remembering the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.

Sept. 14, 1825.

(For the Spiritual Magazine.)

THE TRIAL AND CONFIDENCE OF FAITH.

EZRA.

"But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation." Psalm xiii. 5.

THIS Psalm is composed of lamentation, prayer, confidence in, and praise to God, and strikingly portrays the character of every spiritual follower of Christ; who commences his heavenly career with lamentations over sin and self; who proceeds in prayer and dependence upon God; and who finishes his course with expressions of confidence in, and praise to the Lord, saying, "I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation." In offering a few thoughts upon these words, for the Lord's glory, and the benefit of those who read the Spiritual Magazine, may the Holy Spirit of all grace rest upon him who writes, and those who may peruse this testimony of heart-religion.

First, observe, the foundation of the Psalmist's trust, I have trusted in thy mercy-Secondly, the source of his rejoicing, my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

1. The foundation of the Psalmist's trust, "I have trusted in thy mercy;" this was David's appeal to the Lord in the midst of weakness, and conflict with a powerful adversary, therefore he said, “how long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy." Here is an expression of sorrow in the heart,

darkness in the mind, fear of an enemy, and yet faith in God's mercy; which is expressive

1. Of sorrow in the heart of God's children when distressed with sin, condemned by law, rebuked in conscience, tempted by satan, crossed in the world, depressed with unbelief, and excluded from sensible communion with God. 2. Of their darkness in the purposes, provisions, promises, and dispensations of God; which occasions them to cry, lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. 3. Of fear,-lest mine enemy say I have prevailed against him. O how characteristic is this of the babe in grace, who in his warfare with satan, fears his malice and great strength; and from a personal knowledge of human weakness, he earnestly cries, "lighten_mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest mine enemy say I have prevailed against him." Mark, lest mine enemy say. O ye fearful children of the Lord, cheer up, there is more power in your feeblest cry for divine aid, than in all the combined enemies of your soul. You fear lest they should prevail against your hope, your faith, your patience, and your supplications; but fear not, since hope in God, faith in his word, patience to wait his time, and supplications to his throne, shall embolden you to sing

"A feeble saint shall win the day,

Though death and hell obstruct the way."

But while in each child of God there is sorrow in heart, darkness in the mind, and a fear of the enemy, there is also precious faith in divine mercy; as saith David, "I have trusted in thy mercy." Mark, I, the sinner, the needy and dependent worm, I have trusted in thy mercy! O blessed assurance! no uncertainty here. This is good anchorage in trouble, and supposes, 1. That with God there is mercy, or salvation, which includes all the poor sinner desires; as it is written, Ps. cxxx. 7. "Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him there is plenteous redemption." 2. That a revelation of this mercy had been made, and divine aid afforded, Psalm iii. 2, 3. such as the Lord bestows in the gospel and reveals to the faith of his saints, enabling them to say with Ezra ix. 9. He hath extended mercy unto us. 3. This trust in God's mercy supposes, that every other foundation had failed, and from a sense of need, David was led to build alone on this permanent base, as expressed in Psalm cxlii. 4, 5. "refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O Lord! I said, thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living." And this trust in God's mercy, is the portion of all that believe in Jesus; who by the revelation of the Holy Spirit discover, that mercy flows from the sacrifice like a river of salvation, in consequence of the satisfying life and death of Jesus, the sinner's surety; therefore from the feeling of necessity, and the influence of grace in the heart, the sinner cries, have mercy upon me; and having proved the Lord rich in mercy, he pleads the covenant of mercy, rejoices in Christ, the mercy promised, and amidst his exposure to sorrow of heart, darkness of mind,

and fear of the enemy, it is his privilege to say, but I have trusted in thy mercy.

"And here when hell assails I'll flee,

And find my refuge, Lord, in thee."

From the foundation of the Psalmist's trust, let us consider, 2. and briefly, the source of his rejoicing. My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation, or in my deliverance from every foe. Here let the poor troubled soul consider, that whatever may be his fears, foes, and suspicions, there is a full, free, and complete salvation in Christ Jesus; which includes redemption from all evil, and a right to all good, with the bestowment of God in his covenant relations, promises, and provisions, giving the most helpless and dependent worm the personal assurance of interest, whereby he says, "God is become my salvation; and my soul doth magnify the Lord, my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." 2. Observe, this salvation is wholly of the Lord," my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation;" not in any thing in me, or done by me, but thy salvation; thy planning, thy procuring, thy revealing, thy bestowing, thy securing; O yes, my precious Lord! it is thy salvation, and thou shalt wear the crown. 3. Observe, he not only speaks of rejoicing, &c. but says, my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. O how blessed-what faith is this in the valley of conflict. Though I have sorrow, darkness, and a subtle adversary, yet I have hope and dependence on the God of my salvation; and I shall rejoice in a knowledge and possession of thy salvation, in the pardon of my sin, the healing of my soul, in my justification, my peace, my rest, my defence, my acceptance, and certain glorification in thy kingdom. I shall rejoice in thee--most blessed and glorious author of my salvation-Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! I shall rejoice with the recipients of thy salvation, saying, “come, and let us exalt his name together." I shall rejoice in the perpetuity and suitableness of thy salvation, in all the varying circumstances of the wilderness, proving it sufficient to console in affliction, to cheer the mind in adversity, and animate the soul in persecution, temptation, and death.

And what renders this subject still more precious, is the consideration, that I, as a sinner saved by grace, shall rejoice as an heir of this salvation for ever and ever; realizing to the full, all that is contained in Ps. xvii. 15. Isa. xxxiii. 17.lx. 19, 20. Rev. vii. 15. This is true rejoicing indeed, and not only expressive of God's salvation in distinction from every other, but of the most lively assurance of faith. I shall rejoice in thy salvation! Well may faith be termed precious, since it has such an object as Jesus, and such an author as the Holy Ghost, whose power alone could produce such a rejoicing as this. Here are no conditions to be performed, no human exertions to be made, or doubtful results anticipated; but the fullest assurance of rejoicing, which is founded in the love, choice, and appointment of God the Father, 1 Thes. v. 9. 2 Thes. ii. 13. in the promises of the new covenant, Isa. Ixi. 7. Jer xxxi. 13. in the life and intercessary work of Christ Jesus, John xiv. 19. xvii. 9. in the personal operations of

the Comforter, who is the author of spiritual joy, and who is engaged to direct our hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ, 2 Thes. iii. 5.

Now, dear reader, from the whole may we not infer, 1. that no affliction, however painful, or oppression of the enemy, however severe, is a mark of reprobacy or rejection of God. 2. That in every affliction, we are encouraged to cry to the Lord, and wait his appointed time of deliverance. 3. That confidence in God's mercy, ensures a rejoicing in his salvation; and, finally, however long the sorrow of heart, darkness of mind, and oppression of the enemy may be, faith in God's salvation has the promise of pleasures at his right hand, in prospect of which, each ransomed sinner sings

My sorrows will soon have an end,

The days of my mourning must cease;
And I a blest sabbath shall spend,
With Jesus, the author of peace.

My soul is e'en now on the wing,
His glory refulgent to see,
Where I shall eternally sing,-

He saved a sinner like me!

That this rejoicing in God's salvation may abound in all the churches of the saints, with an increase of love towards each other, is the hearty prayer of

Birmingham, July 11, 1825

A SON OF JESSE.

(For the Spiritual Magazine.)

THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK OF THE REVELATIONS.

(Continued from page 108.)

IN prosecuting the subject, proposed on this mysterious book of God, and especially with an eye to the present advanced day of the church; from the contemplation of the events which were enveloped under the seven seals, as they followed each other in orderly succession; our next view will be, to the consideration of the similar predictions, included under the ministry of the seven trumpets. When the seventh seal had been opened, which carried the history of the church to the overthrow of pagan Rome; the first trumpet soon after was blown, to intimate the destruction and wasting which were to take place in the church. It is worthy remark, that the seven seals ministered in their predictions during the continuance of the pagan empire, until the reign of Constantine; when Rome became christian. But though under the auspices of this new emperor, who himself being converted to christianity, the church was freed from outward persecution, yet the heresies which sprung up as a polypus, with its many suckers, subjected the church to much inward affliction. I admire the manner of expression which the apostle used in the account given after the opening of the seventh seal; he saith, VOL. II.-No. 19.

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