we rejoice in the blessed truth that Jesus is constantly our holiness before the Lord, ever appearing in the presence of God for us, pleading the merits of his complete salvation for his body the church, and his interest in them, (see 17th of John's gospel). We read also, thirdly, of the sanctification of the Spirit. The apostle Paul in writing to the Thessalonians, 2nd Epistle, ii. 13. says, "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.' Now though they were beloved, and chosen, yet they were to be made the subjects of a holy nature before they could enjoy communion with God here, or in a state of glory above.

This divine life is manifested in a great variety of ways; when a man is born of God, or made partaker of that vital holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord, sin is dethroned, it has not dominion, it is no longer the governing, reigning principle, though it is always opposing grace in all its operations, and causes the christian much sorrow, and often does he cry out with Paul, “O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death!” yet grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life. Grace in its habit is compared to a seed which sinneth not, 1 John iii. 8; 9. it is also called a pure heart, Matt. v. 8. and the blessed influences of the Holy Ghost are displayed in drawing forth this grace into exercise upon the person and work of our adorable Redeemer. He fulfils his gracious promises," he shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine and shew it unto you;" he causes the north wind to awake, and comes as the south and blows upon his garden, and makes the spices flow out. The holy effects of these truths are manifest in the life and conversation, (abundantly more so than in those imagined attainments some talk of) causing them to hate even the garment spotted by the flesh.

The Lord also trieth the righteous, and thereby proves the reality of their faith and love; he has chosen them in the furnace of affliction, and while it is said, “I will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried," Zech. ix. 10. it is only declaring, it is his pleasure by the trials he exercises them with, to make his grace appear more bright in them, agreeable to 1 Pet. i. 7. Not that they are more holy or sanctified after a long life of trials than when first made partakers of grace; the experience of the saints in all ages proves they are the subjects of the same depraved nature to their last breath; " for this iniquity shall not be purged from you until you die." Many good men speak of sanctified afflictions: we suppose they mean their trials are made useful, that they have seen more of the worth of an unchanging God, have been helped to sit more loose to the world, or have been stirred up to more diligence in the ways of God, &c. &c. It is our mercy the Lord sends nothing in vain, he has an appointed end to answer, and a gracious" needs be" for all his dispensations towards his people; but neither from the word of God, or the expeVOL. III.--No. 37.

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rience of the godly, can we find an atom of sinful nature purged out, or corrupt nature at all amended: yet the Lord teaches his children more of the worth of a full, rich, free, salvation, by making them know more and more of their deceitful and desperately wicked hearts, more of Satan's devices, and more of their own helplessness, so that they are constrained to cry out like Job, after his long scene of troubles, “behold I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth." And are enabled to ascribe salvation wholly to the Lord.

Dear Sir,

A TRIED SAINT.

(To the Editor of the Spiritual Magazine.)

ON PROVISION FOR AGED MINISTERS.

It was with much pleasure that I perused the observations of your correspondent James,' respecting the formation of a society for the relief of the aged and faithful, but frequently despised ministers of Christ. It is a subject truly worthy the consideration of every true believer in Jesus, who derives spiritual benefit from these faithful labourers in the Lord's vineyard: and I hope, at no very distant period, to behold such a society permanently established, for an object so truly laudable, and eminently deserving the support of all who have tasted and felt that the Lord is gracious.

I differ, however, very widely with your correspondent Henry,' who wishes its benefits to be extended to all, whether they preach the truth or not; or, to use his own words, without regard to doctrinal faith, or church discipline.' In my opinion this would defeat the very object proposed; for the three denominations now receive support from a fund provided for them; but as the dispensers of that bounty refuse to distribute any part thereof among the faithful ministers of Jesus, it is only necessary to establish a fund to provide for those who are denied relief from any other quarter. Indeed, if doctrinal faith is not to be considered, there is an end to the distinction at once, instead of confining it to those who "earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints," and "the truth as it is in Jesus." It would be supporting error instead of truth, and as such I would not, and I hope the Lord's family would not, contribute a sixpence in aid of a society which either directly or indirectly assisted the enemies of the truth, and thereby countenance those errors which we are bound continually to oppose. It would be holding a weapon in one hand to war against those principles, while we should be secretly fostering them with the other. I trust, therefore, not only that the society will be established, but that it will he established on such principles, that the faithful stewards of the mysteries of the kingdom may fully participate in its advantages, and none beside.

I hope some of those ministers who preach the gospel faithfully, will step forward with their exertions and influence, to aid in its for

mation, and combine to support it. Perhaps, as 'James' likewise observes, the Gospel Tract Society will take an active part in the transaction; which, from its connection with ministers and others, might be of great assistance in effectually promoting the object in view. When formed I have no doubt it would be well supported by the Lord's family, by subscriptions, donations, and annual sermons preached in aid of its finances, by those who preach the distinguishing doctrines of the gospel, and are not ashamed to declare the whole counsel of God. May the Lord incline the hearts of his people to commence the undertaking with prayers for his blessing, and a single eye to his glory; from love to him and his faithful servants, who considers the kindness displayed to his people as done to himself:"For as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

I remain, dear Sir,

Your's in the bonds of the covenant,

J. E.

ORIGINAL ESSAYS.

XXVI.

ON PATIENCE.

Of the graces which proceed from the mighty operations of the Holy Spirit on the renewed nature, and adorn the christian life and character, no one is more excellent than patience,-none so conspicuously exhibit the sanctifying effects of "the grace of God that bringeth salvation." The Lord in great wisdom proportions the supplies of grace according to the multiform necessities of his people; not only by giving them strength as their day is, but also divinely determining the season of adversity by the measure of spiritual strength with which they are favoured. Happy is he, possessed of heavenly wisdom, who discerns the tokens of his Father's love in the varied dispensations of providence and grace, though the cup of hope be often dashed from his lips at the moment of expected enjoyment.

While unbelief and fear severally oppose, and co-operate to impede his progress in the divine life, a dark veil intervenes between himself and the Lord's gracious designs; but when these are removed by the benignant beamings of divine favour, a clear, a glorious display of never-failing loving-kindness spreads over the vast perspective, and he beholds in anticipation the undescribable bliss prepared for all that believe in Jesus. And yet, be it remembered, the influ

ence of holy fear and feeble faith cannot be said, in truth, to retard the march of the believer Zion-ward; neither can it be said, justly, that the united force of the whole army of his enemies prevents his progress to his Father's house. In this, the Lord's people frequently err, by taking an incorrect view of the way by which they are conducted through the wilderness. The only constituted medium of approach and access to the Father, is Christ, the way, the truth, and the life the only appointed passage from the time-state to the state of glory, is identically that, and that only, in which the believer finds himself day by day. Nothing that interposes itself to enshackle his better desires, and to blast his prospects, can possibly hinder his spiritual advancement; for the Lord who hath said, "I have created the waster to destroy," suffers the operation of each particular evil, as well as the activity of the agent, for the purpose of urging him onward in the way infinite wisdom has ordained he should walk in. And, blessed be God for this assurance : "No weapon that is formed against him shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against him in judgment he shall condemn. This is his HERITAGE, saith the Lord!"

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To pursue our contemplations on this heavenly grace, as it shines in those who are kept under the Spirit's teachings, we turn with peculiar pleasure to the apostle's exhortatory address to the believing Hebrews, Heb. x. 32-39. and implore that we may in such wise read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest' the instruction therein conveyed to us, that many others may be benefited also. With most affectionate solicitude he expostulates with them on the subject of past deliverances, as presenting powerful inducements to consolation under present afflictions; and, with the anxiety of a tender parent giving counsel to his beloved offspring, reasons with them on points adapted to their inferior understandings, and more intimately connected with their personal feelings and interest. He bids them, "Call to remembrance the former days," when they were restored from the dark paths into which they had wandered, and brought into the light and liberty of the gospel. "Were illuminated:" not that they had cause for rejoicing that they so understood the apostle's doctrine as to be able to argue subtle points, to boast in a theoretical knowledge of things pertaining to salvation, and to make, by a profession of faith, a fair shew in the flesh; but that the light of the knowledge of God in the person of Christ had shone into their hearts by the power of the Holy Ghost and that the discoveries thereby realized had taught them to appreciate their deliverance from the power of darkness, and their translation into the kingdom of God's dear Son.

An important consideration in the apostle's argument for the comfort of his brethren is this-that "after they were illuminated, they endured a great fight of affliction: and he exhorts them to call to remembrance those former days. As though he had said: I do not charge you to a remembrance of your sorrows and affliction, during

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the days of your unregeneracy; in them-unsanctified as they were your shame appears, and they afford only a theme for mourning and lamentation; but I exhort you to reflect on those afflictions endured after you received the grace of God in truth-afflictions arising thence, and immediately, yea, necessarily connected therewith. Call to remembrance the former days! As they were but an indication of 'what you now endure, so do these shew now what you yet have to contend against, while remaining in this body of sin and death. But above all, remember, that you endured the great fight of affliction-you stood the heat and burden of the days that are goneyou still stand in the strength of him who is more and mightier than all that oppose; and God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be ' afflicted above that you are able, but will with the affliction also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.'

The apostle having intimated the various sources whence sprang their sorrows and distress, and directed their thoughts to the only sure ground of consolation, again exhorts and encourages them: "Cast not away therefore your confidence for ye have need of patience." He had plainly avowed their possession of this grace; by the expression must therefore be understood, that they needed its continued exercise, answering to the exhortation of another faithful apostle, "Let patience have her perfect work." James i. 4. We notice a few instances in which its exercise is indispensable, and the happy effects produced.

Believers have need of patience while enduring the fiery trials sent to try them, whether proceeding from corrupt nature, the world, or Satan; but when these three potent enemies enleague themselves against their peace-and often do they-oh! then, how seldom is the exercise of this grace discernible. Impatience, fretfulness, rebellion, tarnish the character which before shone brightly; and they who could triumphantly exclaim, "Lord, thou hast made my mountain to stand strong," most sorrowfully ejaculate, "Thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled!" In the midst of this confusion and uproar raised by this great host coming against him, fiery darts from each contending power fly numerous around, and poor christian, confounded, forgets his shield. And without the shield of faith how can he war a good warfare? Says the apostle James, "The trying of faith worketh patience;" consequently his trials, whatever their degree, are intended to give proof of the possession of the grace freely given to him of God.

It is blessed when he is enabled to bear with patience the tribulations which overtake him; but it is much more so to have the heart fixed on him who orders all things after the counsel of his will, for furthering him in the divine life, and building him up on his most holy faith. Where patience is not firm, it may be concluded that faith is weak, so intimately is the exercise of both connected; but if faith be at all in exercise, there will patience appear; for the author of each holy principle will have the honour of putting into exercise