is worth more than a volume of the Doctor's."* This sneaking attempt to disparage the splendid gifts and talents of this excellent man, arises from a malignant breast, a compound of ignorance and impudence. But what will not men do to walk upon stilts, what will they not say to bolster up the idols of their own imagination of divers washings, and carnal ordinances: they will calumniate their brethren, and substitute any whims and caprices instead of the renewal of the heart by the Holy Ghost. Any thing but Christ being ALL IN ALL!

But the grand opposition to this servant of the most high God, by this Baptist preacher at Manchester, arises from this, his belonging to an "Establishment" which he has the modesty to tell us, and the profound wisdom to discern, contains " abominable corruptions and rottenness." I really think, could this Baptist preacher dissect his own fraternity, and lay open the Babel tongues of the various branches of his own divided and sub-divided community, he would find enough of employment at home instead of going abroad, nor would he assert that a bellows-maker was superior to a watch-maker. I wish a word from you Mr. Editor, may I claim it on this subject, and ask you what think you of Anabaptism? Yours, in the bonds of sacred truth,

Richmond, Dec. 4, 1838.

ERASMUS.

An Observation or two upon the above Epistle of Erasmus. Really our situation is truly harrassing, resembling in a degree, the father, son, and colt, in the fable; they could neither lead the mule, ride, or carry him, but were sure to be insulted. This is precisely our case, for though it has been our grand study to keep brethren from cudgelling and breaking each other's head, still all our persuasions have little avail; they are determined to fall out and fight by the way. There is an Apostolic admonition-If it be be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men, still there are some of that restless unhappy disposition, who are determined to wrangle and scold, and put every thing into disorder. If left alone, John Lilborne would quarrel with John, and John with Lilborne. It is astonishing how far some men will go in their dissentions to support a party, they care not what they say or what they affirm, particularly, where there are interested purposes to serve so as to obtain a livelihood, or any other pecuniary views. The; honour of Christ and the inexhaustible fulness of his salvation, and the relation he stands in to his believing people, and their conformity to him, are superceded by vain janglings, and self-sufficiency.

Little did we think when we were passing a few encomiums on William Huntington, there were men making odious comparisons between him and a faithful messenger of Christ. Is it to be sup

posed, when we turned over the leaves which we noticed, that we found all perfection, or that we did not meet with sentiments and expressions, not altogether agreeable most certainly, but what was the chaff to the wheat? We passed by that which was offensive, and were happy to cull out those things which had a tendency to oppose the free-will powers of the creature, and exalt the Redeemer. For where we found so many excellencies, it would be pitiable and mean to hang upon deformities.

We certainly join in the reprehension given by our Correspondent respecting the unjust detractions levelled at the fame of an eminent minister of the gospel, which would rob him of that meed of honour which he has so justly obtained. "He was certainly a good man," yes, and a SUPERLATIVELY GREAT MAN; and if he had written no other work than his Treatise on the Trinity, it would have immortalized his fame. In spite of envy and malice, his laurels remain, fresh and uncontaminated, and will to future generations. His peculiar province was to nourish the flock of Christ: and here his words distilled as the dew, swEETER than honey or the honey-comb; sweet spices, with frankincense. "A dying pillow made easy for a dying bed."

We are asked what we think of Anabaptism: that we leave to the page of history to determine.

We have been obliged to abridge our Correspondent's letter, and to omit three others on the same subject. It is unpleasant and wearisome for to enter upon such a topic, but the mouth of gainsayers ought to be stopt." Demetrius hath good report of all men; and of the truth itself, yea, and we also bear record, and ye know that our record is true."

EDITOR.

-000

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH UPON CHRIST'S SHOUlder. THERE was a Covenant transacted between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And what is the issue of that grand council, which was held in heaven from the ancient ages of eternity? It was just that the man, whose name is the BRANCH, should come out of his place, that he should bear the glory, and that he should sit and rule upon his throne.

With the solemnity of an oath, ratifying the determination of the council of peace in this matter: "I have made a covenant with my chosen ; I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations." In his oath he impigniorates his holiness, the most orient and dazzling jewel of his crown, for the greater security, "Once have I' sworn by my holiness, that I will not lie unto David," that is, I will as soon cease to be a holy God, as turn my Son out of the government; no, it shall lie upon his shoulder as long as I am

holy, and that is for ever and ever. The government is committed to him by a solemn election and investure; he was elected to the government by his own Father, and the joint concurrence of all the subjects: He is "mine elect in whom my soul delighteth." "I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him." And the whole family of heaven and earth concur in this choice, without a contradictory voice: hence when he mounts the throne, and ascends up on high, they all clap their hands, saying, "God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises unto our King, sing praises." That passage, Rev. v. 11, 12. is thought by some judicious interpreters, particularly the great Owen, to have a respect unto the reception Christ met with, when he returned to heaven, and sat down on the throne in our nature: “And I beheld and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;" how cordially do they give their vote, that he should reign? "Saying, with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdoin, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Why is the government laid upon the shoulders of Christ?

Because his shoulder alone was able to bear the weight of the administration and government of the church. They who usurp the administration, take too much upon them: it is a burden too heavy for angels or archangels; how then should sinful worms bear it? God the Father saw that none in heaven or earth but his own eternal Son was match for such a province; and therefore commits it to him, with a promise of his own assistance in the government. "I have laid help upon one that is mighty.-I have found him-I have anointed him.-With whom my hand shall be established mine arm also shall strengthen him."

be

It is laid upon his shoulder, or committed to him, that he might in better capacity for accomplishing the salvation of his people, and bringing many sons and daughters unto glory; hence we find his kingdom and salvation frequently joined together; "Thou art my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth." Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation. Let his kingdom be never so low, his subjects in the worst of bondage and misery, whether as to the external or internal man, if their Governor and King give but the word of command, immediately deliverance comes. Thou art my King, O God, command deliverance for Jacob." His command dried the Red Sea, divided Jordan, and brought Israel into the promised land.

up

The government is laid upon his shoulder, that he may "still the enemy and the avenger," that he may resent his Father's quar Vol. IV.-No. I.

F

rel against Satan, and entirely bruise his head, for his defacing au striking at his and his Father's image in our first parents, and disturbing his government, which he had established in innocence. Christ's great business, when he appeared in this world in person, and when he appears in the dispensation of the gospel, and power of his Spirit, is to destroy the works of the devil, to rear up his own kingdom, in the ruin of the old serpent and his seed. Hence it is, that when he takes the field, he gives the shout of war against that enemy and all that join him. The day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my Redeemed is come."

The government is laid upon his shoulder, or committed unto him, because he hath a just title to it.

He has a title to it by birth. He is God's first born, and his Son by eternal generation, and therefore he will make him "higher than the kings of the earth;" yea, he is "King of kings, and Lord of lords."

He has a title to it by purchase. He hath redeemed his church by his own blood, and therefore has the best right to govern her : his cross was the way in which he came to the crown; he suffered, and then entered into his glory.

He has a right to it by his Father's promise and charter, granted him upon the footing of his death and satisfaction. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong: because he hath poured out his soul unto death;" and, we are told, that" because he endured the cross, and despised the shame, therefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name." He has a title to it by conquest. He invades the territories of the god of this world, sets up his standard within his dominions, and spoils principalities and powers, sets the captives of the mighty at liberty, he travels in the greatnessof his strength, shewing himself mighty to save, subduing sinners, and bringing every thought into captivity to his obedience; and because he doth so, therefore the government is committed to him, and laid upon his shoulder.

The queen of Sheba, in her address to Solomon, says, "Because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice." So, well may we say here, Because the Lord loved his church and people, therefore he made his own Eternal Son King in the midst of her. O what a wonderful evi

dence of his love is this!

What a happy government and administration believers, the saints of God, are under, nearly the government of the Wonderful Counsellor. The queen of Sheba, when she saw the glory of Solomon, and the wisdom of his administration, her spirit failed her; and she cries out," Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom." But "behold a greater than Solomon is here." Solomon and all his wisdom and glory, was but a faint type of the glory and wisdom

of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the glory of his person and administration; and therefore upon far better ground we may say of the subjects of Christ's kingdom, as Moses of Israel," Happy art thou O Israel who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency !"

POETRY.

AN AFFECTIONATE OFFERING FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD, FOR THE YEAR 1839.

A POEM, IN THREE PARTS.

PART I.

The tried Christian's Complaint in the deep waters of affliction.

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the strong wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to heaven, they go down again to the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble and he bringeth them out of their distresses. Psal. cvii. 23-28.

Midst life's tumult'ous waves I'm toss'd,
And with unnumber'd trials cross'd-
Bow'd down with guilt and sore oppress'd,
And scarce enjoy a moment's rest.

When night's dark curtain gathers round,
Sin's piercing darts my soul doth wound;
Like the poor publican, I cry,

Save me, O Lord, or I must die.

My couch bedew'd with many tears,

My heart distress'd and rack'd with fears,
The tedious hours of midnight past,
The morning's dawn appears at last.

Rous'd from the slumbers of the night
To see once more the morning's light,
I dread to pass another day,
Lest I should rove and go astray,

A sinful, vile, polluted worm,
The evils of my heart I mourn,
And often sigh for what is past,
And say, how will it end at last?

Like frightful ghosts, corruptions rise,
And almost touch the low'ring skies,
Where the harsh voice of thunders roar,
And lightnings play from shore to shore.

I wander far and near for peace,
But still from sin find no release;
Blind watchmen know not my sad case,
I with professors find no place.