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WHERE IS ZION?

JOHN OSBORN.

Where is Zion?

201

WHERE ARE HER GUIDES: HER INTER-
PRETERS: AND HER WATCHMEN ?

"Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwelleth with the

ZION. Where is Zon? Echo responds, Where, where? Where are her guides, her interpreters, and her watchmen? Echo again replies, Where, where? Is not Zion literally concealed in the thick mist of dark vapours, which have been infused into her mation? and is she not hidden behind the atmosphere since the much-extolled reforstuff of pride, selfishness, worldly-mindedness and traditional mockery? see Isaiah iii. 16-26.

the flesh; but the Lord has (by his grace) | salvation clearly; bowed down souls upheld me amid all my sorrows, doubts, lifted up, and those that were wavering and fears; and, at times, he is precious established; and God glorified in it all; to my soul. I have never forgotten the he shall have all the glory; we will savour of that precious truth, (when ready crown him Lord of all. to sink,) I HAVE REDEEMED THEE; THOU ART MINE.' That was liberty; that was freedom, and sealing assurance to my soul. I cannot doubt of my interest in his covenant love, in his atoning sacrifice, in his justifying righteousness. But do not think, beloved of the Lord, that I walk in open sunshine, or the full blaze of day, with- daughter of Babylon." Zech. ii. 7. out a cloud: no, no; ten thousands of clouds have passed over my mind which have hid his face from view; many sore temptations have I been the subject of; many fears and blasphemous thoughts have arisen, and at times have been ready to conclude Christ could not dwell in such a heart as mine; but, beloved, there is a living principle implanted in the act of regeneration in the soul of a believer in Christ, that lives in the mighty ocean of conflicts, trials, sorrows, temptations, persecutions, doubts and fears, which are as so many billows to dash upon the poor exercised believer; and amidst all, this hidden life lives, and shall live for ever. Since the dear Lord has called me by his Spirit to preach the Word of eternal life, I have been called to do business in deep waters, I have learned much under the All-wise Teacher. It pleased the Lord to bereave me of the greater part of my family, and to bring me into great temporal difficulties; and under those circumstances all friends forsook but one, and he is that Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

"His love in times past

Forbids me to think-
He'll leave me, at last,
In trouble to sink:
Each sweet Ebenezer
I have in review,
Confirms his good pleasure
To help me quite through."

Under the greatest trials, my Lord has
been the most precious.

If I may just refer to what the Lord has done, by my instrumentality, I may say it has pleased the Lord, by his blessed Spirit to call sinners out of darkness into marvellous light, and has shed abroad the love of Christ in their hearts; others have been brought into the liberty of the gospel; sorrowful souls comforted; many brought to see the great plan of

Moreover, are not her guides,-her interpreters, and her watchmen, more or less stupified and bewildered by the intoxicating influence of begotten gods, mortal mediators and pre-existing souls, together with their popish pantheon of absurdities? And are they not in the majority rendered pur-blind by the dense fogs of tradition and prejudice? see Isaiah lvi. 10-12. Furthermore, are not the major part of her publications called magazines,standards,trumpets, and a vocabulary of other names, the mere vehicles of party feelings of party further still,-are not many of them the views-and, of party prejudices? And panders of self-wrought fame-would be consequence; presumptuous confidence and legal arrogance? Yea! and in some cases (although the common cry is to the contrary) the very mediums of self-advantage? Finally,-all, yea even the whole mass seem to be engaged, more or less, in raising their voices against these visible effects, by crying out that Zion is in a low placethat her day is cloudy and dark, with a long catalogue of phraseology to the end,but who (among the many) points to the cause of these communion-destroying,comfort killing perplexities? and sure enough, there can be no effects without a cause. Or, who among the many sounds an alarm by exposing the idols that are set up in her assemblies, and the tradithe Word of God in her precincts? The answer is-NOT ONE!-No, NOT ONE!

tional mockeries which are exalted above

Then I repeat, Where is Zion? To which echo responds again and again, WHERE? H. S. B.

Sion House, Brighton,
Aug. 20, 1849,

[ 202 ]

Some of the Sorrows of an Irish Itinerant Preacher.

AN ORIGINAL LETTER.

[The writer of the following letter is unknown to us; but he is well known to the christian brother who wished us to insert it. It may be relied on as the genuine experience of an Irish preacher of the gospel.-Ed.]

MY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER IN THE LORD-I received your comforting letter, which testifies so fully of the love, grace, mercy and faithfulness of our triune covenant-keeping God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and I praise his most holy name for the glorious manifestation of his power, as experienced by you, to the everlasting praise of his grace, and your eternal joy. You ask me for an account of God's dealings with my soul. Oh, my dear friend, where shall I begin? I will just speak out the feelings of my heart, although the picture should constrain you to mark me down as a goat, or a self-deceiver. May the Spirit of God enable me to be honest.

not believe; I had no real satisfaction in going—still I dared not stop away. Thus I struggled with my corruptions on the one hand-the enemy on the other-still under the eye of the good Shepherd, who never entirely left me. But praises and blessings to his most holy name, the prey was to be taken from the mighty; the poor captive was to be delivered; the prisoner was to be set free.

other times, oh, the awful rebellion and hatred I feel, and cannot subdue the traitor. 'Tis deep work-'tis heart work-'tis a hard thing to fight against long-loved flesh grace, grace alone can conquer!

Last February I visited a member of the Scotch church; I told him my case; he said, Richard, you have been severely tried, but God will deliver you, and make use of you to comfort poor tempted believers.' It has just so happened; the Holy Ghost enabled me to see that it is in vain for a sinner to be looking to himself, to his frames, to his feelings, to his works, his prayers, or anything within or without of man's devising; and blessed be his dear name, I can sometimes fly to a throne of grace, and there pour out my complaints Two years ago I left Dublin, full of zeal before God-here I get relief. I do desire for the glory of God. I knew not where I to know more of his precious truth and was going. I was sent to C. I was daily seek the teaching of his Holy Spirit. there followed, flattered and caressed. II rejoice, at times, to talk of his love; at went among the people with the gospel, according to the light I had. I was young in experience, not knowing sufficiently the devices of satan, nor the pride and deceitfulness of my own heart. I was lifted up with pride. I over-worked my strength, I grieved God's Holy Spirit. I was given up to my own way. Satan and his agents came in like a flood-I had no strength to raise a standard against him. I fell—and deserved to fall finally. I had to leave C, tried, tempted, even to death itself. I was hunted by my conscience-was pressed down by a weak body-the curses of Sinai ringing in my ears-a heart pressed down with sorrow-no friend to point me to the brazen serpent, and wounded by the bite of the old serpent. Oh, my friend, 'tis a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God! Certain I am, that, at that time, and since, had not God's faithfulness restrained the enemy, and held me with an unseen hand, I would have been swallowed

up.

On my return to Ireland, I had no peace by day, nor sleep by night; misery for time and eternity stared me in the face; I cannot describe the torments I endured. Sometimes tempted to infidelity no promise mine-no light-all dark. I prayed, I read, I heard the gospel-still no comfort for weeks. I went to our conversation meetings-but was speechless. Every one who knew me wondered at the change. Thus I went mourning, like Ephraim of old.

After some time I felt stronger in bodily health, and became more composed. I found the means of grace of great use-but could not enjoy them; I would, but could

I have given you a true account; I have drawn my picture from life; I might deceive you, but I cannot deceive my God, not for a moment; now consider my case; tell me the truth; spare me not, but give me such advice as you think fit; and may he (the Spirit) guide us into all truth.

I can at times rest in, and take comfort from the grand doctrine of the gospel, that we are justified not by works in whole, or in part, but alone through the perfect righteousness, and all-atoning merits of Jesus, the Head and Surety of his redeemed people. I know I am a self-ruined, lawcondemned sinner. Such passages of the gospel as point out the finished work of Jesus as the only plan of pardon, life and peace, I can set my seal to, and give him all the praise; but I want a more abiding sense of his love; I want more of the enjoyment of a sense of pardon; I want more love to him, and more devotedness to his cause; in a word, I want more faith to rest in his unchanging love.

Last March I went to a meeting; before prayer, the minister told me he wished to speak to me-I waited-he said, 'I want you to go out among the people to preach Christ, and to live Christ;' I could not consent, I trembled at it, lest I should bring disgrace upon the gospel. He said, 'you got the rod before, and you will get it again, take care what you are at-go home and seek the Lord's counsel, and then come to me.' I did so, and came to no conclusion

MR. JAMES OSBOURN'S DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND.

for some days. However, I saw my way, I gave myself again to the work; and having obtained help of the Lord, I continue to this day, a living monument of his power, love, and faithfulness; I labour among a poor, dark, and ignorant people: I am hunted by the papist, and frequently despised by the Protestants; sin and iniquity abounds on all sides, God's people are few and despised; a day of general profession this, but the way of the kingdom is neither known or loved. This country is under the curse, the government are supporting popery; our faithful ministers are despised, and passed over; hirelings are promoted. Popery is in full growth here; the poor people are ground down by the Priests of Baal. But, blessed be God, we have faithful men, who are making war with the beast; we have about ten faithful ministers here who will not submit to the bishopthey are crying aloud against the corruption of the times, and God is every day bringing his elect people out of popery before he destroys it for ever. The glorious work of reformation is going on, in Ireland in one place (Dingle) ten years ago, there was not a church nor a Protestant; now there are two churches and five hundred in the congregation, three schools and six hundred children; all of whom, even the minister were papists. I hope many of them true converts. The judgments of the Lord are upon us; cholera, fever, and famine. The poor are dying in our streets by cholera, fear and trembling on every side-the Lord is reigning and ruling on earth. Between Popery and Arminianism, the professing church is corrupted; but here and there, there is a green spot where the weary traveller may find rest. Dear friend and brother, I commend you to our gracious God, and pray that you may be abundantly blessed and sustained, both in body and soul; and at last triumph in redeeming love to the rich praise of his grace. I am very sincerely your's.

MR. JAMES

R. O.

Osbourn's Departure from England.

ON Lord's day, July the 27th, Mr. James Osbourn preached two farewell sermons (afternoon and evening,) at the Surrey Tabernacle; and on the following Tuesday morning he set sail in the "Southampton" (a fine sailing packet,) for New York. He was in excellent health and spirits; and we most cordially acquiesce in the spirit of the following lines sent to us for insertion.

Return, thou favour'd man of truth,
Traverse the great Atlantic o'er ;
Depart the country of thy youth,
God guide thee safe to Baltimore.

Long time thou hast sojourn'd with us,
And travell'd dear old England o'er;
Now in Jehovah put thy trust,
For guidance safe to Baltimore.

Farewell, thou servant of the Lord, And if we see thy face no more, Believing on the Saviour's word, We hope to meet on Canaan's shore. Return, thou servant of the Lord, Exalt the Saviour more and more, Lift up the standard of his word, Throughout the length of Baltimore. May sinners there be brought to bend, And own Jehovah's sovereign power; Prove Him a never-failing friend, To sin-sick souls at Baltimore. The Lord be with thee to the end, Preserve thee safe the Atlantic o'er, And guard thy soul from earth to heaven, To sing His praises evermore. There Hallelujah be thy song, With all the ransom'd happy throng, Of sinners saved from every shoreFrom England unto Baltimore. Walworth, June 24, 1849.

203

J. C.

Some quaint and inquisitive lines have also been sent us by J. Reeves, of Rochester. As friend Osbourn promised to write to us concerning his passage over, arrival at home, and other matters, we have hoped that these verses may bring forth something from him that may be both interesting and profitable to his English friends. QUERIES-ADDRESSED TO MR. JAMES

OSBOURN.

Sir-in the Vessel, I do find

A piece you wrote to one in rhyme,
Whom you may see no more,
And to that friend you seem to say,
You soon shall bid us all good day,
And go to Baltimore.

But, sir, excuse me when I say,
I hope before you go away,

You will say something more.
I think, sir, it would be as well,
If unto us you were to tell,

Why you left Baltimore.

You say that there you left your Jane,
But don't you think it caus'd her pain,
When you stept off that shore ?
And when you bade your Jane adieu,
What object had you then in view,

By leaving Baltimore?

What motives could your mind incline
To leave your Jane so far behind,

To cross the ocean o'er?
The question I feel bold to press,
In hopes, dear sir, you will confess
Why you left Baltimore.

Sir, some say this, and some say that,
But yet the truth they can't get at;

Tho' they try o'er and o'er.
Therefore again, I must be plain,
And beg that you will yet explain
Why you left Baltimore.
Whate'er it was, one thing is clear,
Among some gospel churches here,
You've caused a great uproar,
Which makes me think it was not well,
In coming here so long to dwell,
And leaving Baltimore.

I hope you will not think me pert;
I do not wish your mind to hurt;
Therefore will say no more.
And may you get safe home again,
There to behold your modest Jane,
Once more at Baltimore.
Rochester, July 23.

J. REEVES.

204

A MINISTER'S SATURDAY NIGHT.

A Minister's Saturday Night.

ESTEEMED, KIND, AND INDULGENT FRIEND:-Nearly another week's labour is brought to a close; I have travelled much, preached much, and wrote much of late, (weak and unworthy though I am,) but I cannot do half I desire to do. For many days I have wished to write to you, but I have been hindered. That you should so kindly write to me when at Hull surprised me; for I felt I had used you shamefully. Never answered your last-never inserted your letter. Why, I wonder you did not cast me out of your mind. But, I thankfully received your's at the hands of that loving man, D. Wilson. Ah, I wish you could have been with us, but it was not to be, Well, bear with my neglectsI will endeavour to reward you by ultimately writing more frequently-and inserting Mr. Hemsworth.

AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.'

to save.

This was

years shall not fail!' These words arise out of, and stand connected with the following most profound mystery

THE BRINGING IN OF THE SON OF GOD.

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When he bringeth in the First-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.' Sometimes it is said, 'God sent his Son, in the fulness of time God sent forth his Son.' In another place it is said, 'He gave him up for us all.' It is stronger still, He spared not his own Son, but delivered him up.' These words express, or give utterance to two very strong ideas; first, that God put no such shield around Christ as should prevent either divine justice, or incensed wrath from inflicting their heaviest strokes upon him: men, devils, law, and justice, all fell upon the blessed Son of God with dreadful force; ALL the waves and billows passed over him. Secondly, 'he delivered him up.' Emptied his hands of him. Put him away.

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I am glad you patiently bear your cross. Listen to that heavenly word, Be still-Oh, read that 16th of Leviticus, 21st and 22nd verses. Aaron shall lay both his hands my text last evening, Psalm lxviii., 'His on the head of the live goat; and confess excellency is over Israel; his strength is over him ALL THE iniquities of the children of Israel; and ALL THEIR transgresin the clouds. Oh, God, thou art terrible,' &c. sions in all their sins (how particular the Excellency is from the same root as first- act! how remarkable the expression!) born. Christ is over Israel. Over to save, putting them upon the head of the goat.' deliver, preserve, and to provide. The clouds are dark, mysterious providences. What then? Oh, wondrous type of JehoAND SHALL His strength is in them to regulate, to Vah's dealing with his Son! work by, and cause them to work out his SEND HIM AWAY by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness. Thus Jehovah's faithown purpose. His holy places are his cove-fulness to his purpose, and his faithfulness nant; his Son; his church; his kingdom. In these places, he is just, merciful, gracious, full of pity, ready to forgive; able But out of these places God is terrible. No pardon, but upon covenant grounds, through Jesus' blood, flowing down to the church of God. Oh, how terrible is death; how dreadful is judgment; how awful the never-ending ocean of eternity to an unquickened, unwashed, unpardoned sinner! Hast thou found God in these holy places? Then he will give thee inward strength; and thou shalt say, Blessed be God!' See the end of the 68th Psalm. My friend, how doth this blessed Scripture suit thy soul? Tomorrow is Lord's-day. I have to preach three times if spared, and if well enough. But I have no text; no sermon; no preparation whatever. I am now called to see some friends who wish to speak to me. I will then endeavour to seek the Lord; and if it please him to lay on my heart any blessed portion of his word, I will lay it before you, in hope it may do you good.

my

In my silent waiting upon, or in looking up to the Lord, these words came to mind—' BUT THOU ART THE SAME: and thy years shall not fail,' Heb. i. 12. In these days of death and distress of poverty and sickness-of disappointment and woes, I see most solemnly the perishable nature of all created things. To one whose only hope, and whose only happiness, therefore, is stayed upon God, whose expectation is alone from him; how solidly sweet appear those words-'But thou art the same; thy

to his people is declared. Nothing should make him flinch from, or alter his purpose, or fail to save his people; though it be the giving up of his darling Son. But now, in this chapter of the Hebrews God's faithfulness to his beloved Son is declared. Again, when he bringeth in the First-begotten into the world, he saith, And letall the angels of God worship him.' Here all the angels in heaven are summoned to atto wait upon him. He shall give his angels upon him; to minister unto him; and charge concerning thee; lest at any time, thou dash thy foot against a stone.

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Jehovah is THE SAME in the divine guardianship of his Son, and of all that concerns, or is connected with him. How powerfully do these words declare the divinity and eternal God-head of our Lord! If he was not God, to worship him would be idolatry. Here, too, is the safety and certainty of the Redeemer's kingdom. All the angels in heaven are commissioned to surround, to defend, to minister to him and to his. Even poor believing sinners are afflicted, tempted, cast down, and often deeply distressed in their souls: but he bringeth them out of all their distresseshe unlocks their prisons; he conveys them safely home to glory. Hallelujah. Amen.

My mind was subsequently led to consider our Lord as being THE SAME in his l'erson; in his promises; in his power; and in his perfections; but I found the subject too deep for my shallow mind.

C. W. B.

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The Baptism of the Hon. Baptist W. Noel:

AND AN OPEN AVOWAL OF HIS FAITH IN THE ORDINANCE OF BELIEVERS' BAPTISM.

LOOK which way we will, amid the ranks of the professing bodies of Christians, there are events transpiring, which plainly declare that the times in which we live are not only ominous-but positively leading fast on to changes and commotions that will shake our long Established Churches to their very centre.

The public baptism of the Hon. Baptist Noel, and the simple,-evidently sincere, and truly Scriptural statement which he made previous to his descent into the water, are events which we cannot pass over in silence. We therefore subjoin a brief account of the ceremony itself, and a faithful abstract of the address which Mr. N. delivered.

The Hon. B. W. Noel was baptised on Thursday evening, August 9th, in Mr. Evans's chapel, John-street, Bedford-row. As might be expected, the chapel was crowded long before the ceremony commenced.

After a hymn had been sung Mr. Shepherd, (Mr. Evans's co-pastor,) read the latter part of the 8th chapter of the Acts, beginning at the 25th verse.

Prayer was then offered by Mr. Morris. Mr. Shepherd delivered an introductory address; and another hymn having been sung,

a person has neither been immersed, nor has he made a baptismal profession of faith; and these two things constitute Christian baptism. So that, if these conclusions are correct, then I, and others, who have been only sprinkled in infancy, are in neither sense baptised. Should we, then, after having professed our faith in Christ at the Lord's table, at many times, come to this, which is the initiatory rite of Christianity, and begin again a profession of faith in him? There are these reasons which have led me to conclude so for myself, and which have led, I believe, some of my brethren and sisters, who are about to be baptised, to the same conclusion. In the first place, there is no instance in the New Testament of any person unbaptised, after the institution of Christian baptism by our Lord, coming to the Lord's table; and therefore, if we should continue to attend the Lord's table without being baptised, knowing that Pædobaptism is not the baptism appointed by Christ, we should be doing contrary to all the precedents of the New Testament. In the next place, Christ has required a baptismal profession of faith. It does not appear to me to be sufficient to say that we have confessed Christ in other ways. That may be true; Mr. Noel entered the pulpit and said- but there is no reason why one confession Having been asked, my brethren, to ad- of Christ, appointed by him, should be dress a few words to you on this occasion, taken as the substitute of another confesI gladly avail myself of the opportunity sion, appointed likewise by him; and, of speaking a few words on this particular therefore, as he has said to us, as well as to point: why a person, who is unbaptised, others,' Repent and be baptised for the reshould be baptised, after having made a mission of sins, and ye shall receive the profession of faith in Jesus Christ in other Holy Ghost;' He that believeth and is ways, and perhaps for many years.' I have baptised shall be saved;' therefore, he renot come to the resolution to obey, what quires from us a baptismal profession of believe to be Christ's command, without faith, as well as a profession of faith in having fully weighed the grounds upon other ways. This has been so clearly seen which that step is to be taken. Without by the churches of Christ in general, that having read anything whatever in favour it is not only those which are called Baptist of the exclusive right of believers to Chris- Churches, but all the churches, who refuse tian baptism, I have read all the strongest to admit to the Lord's Supper, or into arguments I could meet with upon the other church membership, any whom they conside. I believe I have weighed well every sider to be unbaptised. If a man-for inconsiderable argument that has ever been stance, one of the Society of Friends-has adduced in the maintenance of infant bap-been a consistent christian for years, has tism; and I have come distinctly to these two conclusions, which appear to me to be certain. I will not speak of the convictions of others, but I speak of the conviction of my own mind, after very much examination. It appears to me to be distinctly proved, first, that baptism, as ordained by Christ, is an immersion in water, a being buried in the water; and, secondly, that immersion is meant to be a profession of faith in Christ. If these two conclusions are correct (and I believe they will completely prevail with the Christian world eventually), then it follows that a person, who like myself, has only been sprinkled in infancy, is unbaptised; because such

VOL. V.

followed the Lord diligently and zealously, has done good by his pen and by his preaching, and is welcomed by all persons who rejoice in seeing the work of the Spirit, as a thorough Christian,-if that person should come to recognise that the sacraments are still obligatory,and that he should come to the table of the Lord, there is no church that would receive him unbaptised. Neither the Roman Catholic, nor the Anglican, nor the Presbyterian, nor the Independent churches would receive such an one, un baptised. And, therefore, the fact of his having made a profession of faith in other ways has not appeared to any of the churches of Christ as a reason why an un

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