plicit and detailed directions are given as to how Christian association should be maintained. These it is not our present purpose to examine and enforce. They are to be found in the the hand-books of articles of faith and practice which have been adopted and circulated in most of our chapels. In these, proof-texts in abundance are cited, and no candid reader can, we think, fail to admit that a Strict Baptist Church is an embodiment of the divine ideal, and that we have the fullest warrant for asserting that the only scriptural way in which a baptized believer can maintain the fellowship of saints, is by joining and earnestly adhering to such an assembly. These points assumed, it is our purpose to draw attention to a few less common considerations upon this weighty subject. 66 1. A Christian Church is a gathering together unto Jesus Christ," 2 Thess. ii. 1. It is not a mutual expression of attachment among a body of believers, however Christful and affectionate, merely: it is not an expressive token of appreciation of a ministry, however scriptural and earnest, merely it is not an act of adherence to a creed, however comprehensive, merely. It is a gathering of living and loyal Christians, in the energy of the Holy Ghost, around the person of their ever-living Lord. His authority convenes them. His will, as revealed in His Word, regulates their actions. His approving and inspiring presence is the great blessing desired. Above all things they seek the realization of His gracious promise, that where His thus gathered people are to be found, He— in the person of the Holy Ghostmost assuredly is, in all His plenitude of His power to save, succour and sympathise, Matt. xviii. 20. This is no unimportant crotchet, but a solemn and scriptural principle, the reception. of which is vital to our happiness as church members. If any motive inferior to loyalty to Jesus brings us into the church, the failure that we shall doubtlessly find therein will cause continual discomfort and sorrow. If we join because we have gained good from the pastor, or because we like the people, or because their creed satisfies our judgment, and accords with our experience, our motive is lower than God's principle, and we shall be mortified and humbled. If, however, we do so for Christ's sake, much as the coldness and inconsistency we may meet with, may grieve us, we shall never wish to recall the step, nor ever question its propriety. His abiding presence will cheer and stay the soul. 2. A Christian Church is a union on the basis of truth and there should be hearty concord between its members on the doctrines and ordinances of the gospel. The object for which it exists is the maintenance and manifestation of the fellowship of saints; and it is impossible that Christians should cordially walk, work, and worship together, if severed in heart by doctrinal divergencies. A doctrine of the gospel, to a true child of God, is not a mere opinion which has no authentic foundation, and may or may not be true. It is the succinct statement of one of the links in the great chain of divine facts on which his eternal happiness depends. Our salvation does not rest on a gigantic "perhaps," but on an immutable certainty, of the stability of which we have been assured by the Holy Spirit. Earnest men must think earnestly about their religion. They cannot tamely submit to have facts which they deem of vital moment slighted; nor dare they, in the spirit of courteous compromise, allow their lips to be sealed on subjects which to them are dearer than life. It has been urged that we may agree to differ," and consort on the ground of the truths only which we hold in common. Narrowly examined, however, this principle will be seen to be impossible among men whose hearts are fired with love to the truth. It is really a gag upon honest outspokenness, for it enforces silence upon every point upon which diversity of opinion can possibly exist. This reduces church fellowship to a mock ery and delusion. It has, indeed, been tried, but with most disastrous results. The Spirit has been grieved, prayer hindered, zeal quenched, testimony retarded, and the full-orbed gospel attenuated into the merest generalities, while all the good attained has been the introduction of disloyal members into otherwise faithful brotherhoods. Hitherto our denomination has maintained this point with godly determination. May it continue to do so. By this means alone can we be saved from the "anythingarianism" which is eating like a canker into the heart's core of the dissenting communities of England. 66 3. As a church consists of those whom Christ has drawn to Himself, and the Spirit has led into the truth, it is the creature of God. Its existence and dimensions are due to His sovereign pleasure. It is thus a witness on earth for its Head in heaven. It should, therefore, be regarded with high respect as a sacred and divine institution. "To despise a church" (1 Cor. xi. 22) is to pour contempt on Him who called it into being. To give offence to it is a high misdemeanour, which will infallibly call forth tokens of His displeasure. Its weakness, its poverty, or the paucity of gifts possessed by its members, do not affect its heavenly dignity; and sorrow will surely befall the saint who inflicts injury on that which God makes His peculiar care. 66 On the other hand, to "seek the good" of the church, is most honourable in the sight of God. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They shall prosper that love thee." The last chapter of the epistle to the Romans is sometimes regarded as an uninteresting list of names. It is, however, far from being so. It pourtrays heaven's interest in those who actively engage in unselfish ministrations for the welfare of the church on earth. Is my reader in honourable conaection with a church of Christ ? Let him be grateful. God has signally favoured him by bringing him into association with the only true nobility-the excellent of the earth. Is he one whose character, conduct, or conversation, tell adversely upon the interests of the church to which he belongs? Let him pause and consider. An unseen hand will smite him unless he repents. Is he a graceless professor ? A lifeless sinner among living saints? An offensive weed in the garden of the Lord? An enemy among Israel's hosts, but wearing the regimentals of Zion's king? He is "twice dead,"-dead in a dead profession, and dead in trespasses and sins. He is, perhaps, of all lost sinners, the character most obnoxious to God; and when the end comes, and come it will, what must be this wretched mocker's doom? His life is a prolonged insult to the chaste spouse of Christ, and shall not the Lord take vengeance on his iniquity? 4. Churches are ordained by God for purposes of the most important character. We are to receive one another to the glory of God, and the glory of God has the most vital connection with the true welfare of His people. As isolated Christians, we should be powers for good. In combination our influence should be proportionably augmented. Our testimonies should commingle like the well-blended voices in a chorus. If our church life does not tend to develop our influence, and make us what otherwise we never should have been, some radical error demands discovery and rectification. Obvious as these considerations appear, how poor a thing our church life often is! How few realise its dignity! Some are apathetic and cold in relation to it. As a matter of course they belong to a church, but their adherence to it lacks earnestness and purpose, and their membership is profitless to themselves and useless to others. Others, though earnest at heart, fail through ignorance. They do not realize the dignity and importance of their position, and for want of definiteness of aim, find no proper employment for their energies. Much good might therefore be effected by the spread of scriptural information on this important subject. They are A church is a community-that is, an association, the members of which have common rights, interests, privileges, and duties. It is a confraternity. Its members are admitted in virtue of special brotherhood. received because of their common relationship to the one great Saviour, after whom the one family in heaven and earth is named. Natural qualifications and social distinctions have nothing to do with their position amid the holy company. Grace has distinguished them from the world, and grace gives them their title to take their place among the household of faith. A church is a confederacy that is to say, a company of persons who are bound to one another by a solemn compact. In former times it was common, before the admission of a member, to read aloud in his hearing, and in the presence of all the rest, a statement of the obligations which he thus voluntarily assumed, and to require his express oral assent to this-the church covenant. This, now, is seldom done; but the nature of the union is not changed. He that joins a church binds himself to be loyal to God, to the gospel, to himself, and to his fellow-members. He gives an assurance of fidelity, and accepts a trust. He is bound by his act as really and as earnestly as if he had uttered the most solemn and affecting words of promise in the hearing of the assembly. From these considerations flow some important relative duties; from church members mutual confidence is exacted. Unreserved truth is invariably to be spoken, and matters wholly connected with the internal arrangements of the community are to be considered sacred. Mutual concession is demanded. Each is to give himself to *The derivation of this word is suggestive. Con, together with, foedus, a covenant. It therefore, as stated above, indicates a number of persons who are banded together by a Covenant engagement. all, and all to each (2 Cor. viii. 5), for the holy purposes for which churches exist. Mutual consideration is enjoined, Heb. x. 24. Members are to regard one another with the eye of vigilant affection, that they may seize the propitious moment for inciting one another unto love and good works, and by words of caution and warning save some wavering friend from failing of the grace of God. Candour is required. Frankness should reign in all hearts. While personal delicacy is to be respected, and personal infirmities should have tender regard, rigid faithfulness should characterise our conduct to our brethren. The truth in love should be uttered without reserve, and received without offence. The responsibility incurred is not confined to the chapel walls, but extends to all the relations of life. A Christian is bound to consider the reputation of the church to which he belongs, in every step he takes. Evil conduct on his part will bring dishonour upon the whole, while the integrity of his walk will redound to the credit of the rest. Thus while our spiritual testimony is to be uttered only before those that fear God' (Ps. lxvi. 16), our "light is to shine before men, that they, seeing our good works, may glorify our (it is not said their) Father which is in heaven." The preacher speaks to his congregation, but the lives of church members address the world. "Ye are our epistles, known and read of all men." It is not supposed that any statement of this paper will be contradicted; but the writer craves something more than passive acquiescence in what he has advanced. May it obtain earnest consideration, and lead to results which shall be to the glory of God. Matlock House, Derbyshire. THE Gospel proceeds from grace, is sub servient to grace, and proclaims grace only.-Stevens. FROM SAINT TO SAINT. No. 7. By the late Mr. John Stevens to Miss Fanny Simpkins, one of his flock. November 21st, 1832. MY DEAR FRIEND,—I hear you are training up for joy in the Lord, and learning by trial more fully to cease from the creature, and to live in God. How many are the avenues through which the waters of woe rush in upon us! and yet how various the means of draining the premises when their intended use has been gained! These diversified scenes of life are all directed by infinite wisdom to one grand issue, even the glory of God in the edification of His saints. Events, however complicated, are all in His hand, and He regulates and bounds their influence, never failing to realize by them the good He intends. He will be your help and your deliverer, for His word is ever sure and undeceiving. You have been led to set your love upon Him through faith in His holy word; and He marks such an one, and says, "Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him; with long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation. What grace is here! He This scripture is for your use; you may, I trust, take it as spoken to you, as suited to you as an encouragement for you. On the arm of the promising Lord cast your cares; He can, He does, He will sustain. knows His own intention by all He does; He is worthy of being trusted at all times. Remember, you stand in His sight, you speak in His hearin, and are the object of His care. Events do not rule Him as they do us, but He rules them. Afflictions are commanded by Him as His servants, and must come and do, and go hence, at His pleasure. He will do all His pleasure by them, nor can any one stay His hand, neither can any of His designs be changed for the better. In working all things after the counsel of His own will, He never acts unwisely nor unjustly, though often to us mysteriously. He may be trusted where He cannot be traced. He is the judge of all the earth, and cannot but do right. How can infinite wisdom and eternal justice do wrong? Then how can we do right in complaining of His doings? or in fretting under His marvellous acts? or in withdrawing our sanction of His ways? or in doubting His sufficient aid? Cast thy care upon the Lord. I hope your brother will soon be restored; but you must learn to want nothing that your Heavenly Father denies, if you value the peace of your own mind, and if you would avoid your Father's displeasure. When you can kiss the rod, He will soon lay it down. He whispers through the darkness, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I, be not afraid." He that fainteth in the day of adversity his strength is small. In that day consider in whose hand you arewhence your sorrows rise--why they are sent-how short is their continuance- how needful their use-how many mercies remain when some are removed. Your present night will have a morning. Look up; expect; the Lord is at hand. Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face. "Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Accept the kindest wishes of your affectionate pastor, JOHN STEVENS. My love to our sister. All peace in Jesus. FAVOURITE HYMNS AND THEIR AUTHORS. No 4. "This do in remembrance of Me." ACCORDING to Thy gracious word, This will I do, my dying Lord, Thy body broken for my sake, Or there Thy conflict see, When to the cross turn mine eyes, O Lamb of God, my sacrifice! And all Thy love to me; And when these failing lips grow dumb, And mind and memory flee, When Thou shalt in Thy kingdom come, Jesus, remember me. In the mind of the writer of these brief notices of favourite hymns, this by James Montgomery, for use at the table of the Lord, ranks as one of the first of its class. Whether sung before or after the actual commemoration, its melting strains, with their touching "remembers," are alike adapted to fill the mind of the contrite, believing communicant, with solemn and sacred feeling, and adoring gratitude. The dear Lord's dying command, the acts enjoined, the memories connected, the love celebrated, the sufferings commemorated, are all brought before the mind in this beautiful hymn in a manner not surpassed by any of our poets, who have given us compositions for use at this sacred service. Then the profession of obedience and love it contains, and the prayer to be remembered by the blessed Saviour at death and at His coming, are very impressive. The hymn is said to have been written in the year 1825, and during the 55 years that have since trauspired, has found its way into most selections of hymns, the Wesleyan and two or three of our own being among the exceptions. Besides this hymn, there are about from twenty to thirty others from amongst many more written by Mr. Montgomery, that with more or less frequency are to be met with in the hymn books. Of these the following are amongst the best known :"For ever with the Lord;" "Prayer is the soul's sincere desire;" "Hail to the Lord's Anointed." which are good hymns, full of devotional feeling, expressed in poetry of a high order,-let us venture to say of the highest order. The one last noted, "Hail to the Lord's Anointed," is a version of Psalm 72, and is one of the finest imitations we have in the English language of that noble inspired composition. Mr. Montgomery was born in 1771, and died in 1854, arriving thus at the good old age of 83. He was the son of a Moravian minister, who, with his wife, were sent to the West Indies as missionaries, whilst James was at school. Before he was sixteen years old, both his parents died at their post, and the poor lad, it seems, was cast in a great measure at that early age upon his own exertions to obtain his daily bread. He, however, obtained employment of various kinds, until in his twenty-first year he became engaged by a bookseller of Sheffield, and, God having endowed him with considerable literary talents, he shortly afterwards succeeded his employer as editor of the Sheffield Register, afterwards the Isis. This post Mr. Montgomery retained thirty-one years. During this period he suffered many things. Twice he was imprisoned for uttering his opinions respecting the government of the day. Newspaper editors at that period were subject to very arbitrary prosecutions if they ventured to criticise too freely_the doings of the rulers of the land. Very different is it in this country now in the state of things that obtains in this respect to what took place even so lately as in the reigns of George III. and his first-born son. During this period of his life he |