a companion; he has, to his cost, discovered that he carries within him an associate, whose willing services he would most gladly dispense with. A corrupt, rebellious heart, the whole unrenewed nature, is to him a fountain of uncleanness, whose filthy waters are a perpetual source of distress and sorrow. The spiritual senses which are wont to be refreshed by the living stream, are hereby often overcome; and the filth, issuing from the streams of pollution, renders him so loathsome, that with holy Job he abhors himself, and with the man after God's own heart, (38th Ps.) he groans under the mass of disease and corruption.

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But he who has deep exercises, has, also, strong consolations. Sweet and precious cordials are prepared for him who mourns in bitterness of spirit; and great joy awaits them who endure great sorrow. Strong drink is given unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts." Lord the Spirit revives drooping faith, and the young man in grace, firm in his integrity, hastens to the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness, and plunges in and is cleansed. Thence his forgetful mind obtains anew the knowledge of his acceptance and perfection in Jesus.; he receives the atonement, triumphs again in his Lord's righteousness, and goes on his way rejoicing.

This young man has also commenced a warfare with the world; whose pleasures are composed of just the same materials as his own depraved and corrupt nature: and but for the restraints of grace, his foolish heart would bound with joy at every slightest temptation presented him. Alas! for him, that his eye is not always closed when the charmer moves before him,-that his ear is not always deaf to the melody of her song,—that his feet are not always turned away from her dwelling, and that his mind and memory are not always forgetful of the seasons, when he embraced the whole range of her polluted delights! But the world in its troubles, he has to contend with also. These, sometimes, like a mighty torrent, rage and roar, and with terrific impetuosity appear rushing onward, threatening speedily to overwhelm him. And if his Lord will that he should not be borne down the destroying flood, yet by the dire commotion, his soul is melted because of trouble, and he is often at his wit's end. Now, what says faith, at this emergency? She may not put forth her strength during the conflict,-she may again droop while the billows roll by,--but by the power of the Holy One she resumes her courage, and the young man in the Lord proceeds prosperously.

He has, besides, a greater enemy opposed to him, in satan, the god of this world, with whom, as well as with flesh and blood, and worldly delusions and trials, he has daily occasion to wrestle. The ruler of the kingdom of darkness, and his principalities and powers, with mighty strength and subtlety are VOL. II.-No. 14.

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every moment employed against him. But, more than this, to the incessant grief of the believer, the devil, the world, and his own heart, are often combined. They marshal their invincible legions in stern array, for the destruction of his peace and the conquest of his soul. And their innumerable forces, joined in one vast and impenetrable phalanx, dare his advance, with the threat of sudden discomfiture-and forbid his retreat, by determining to surround him, and by a general assault reduce him to irretrievable woe. Satan's influence determines the exercise of that lustful thought, which springs forth from the corrupt nature. He gives the bias to every unholy principle, which robs the saint of his confidence and joy in his Lord. His suggestions elicit the operation of those unsanctified propensities, and that besetting sin, of which the believer in a less or greater degree is possessed. In the exercise of the same power with which he rules in the children of disobedience, he dispatches his emissaries to the kingdom of Emanuel; but the bold intruder, having lost all regal authority there, succeeds only in distressing those he has not power to destroy.

And what says this young man, strong in faith, when encountering such hosts of enemies: O my God, wilt thou not judge them? for I have no might against this great company that cometh against me; neither know I what to do: but my eyes are upon thee. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Lastly, to speak of the father in Christ, the spiritual mind is directed to the veteran, accustomed to the turmoil and danger of a long and active seige at the walls of this Jericho, now returning with confirmed assurance of his Captain's favour, and waiting the bestowment of the unfading honours, prepared for them who become conquerors through the victory he hath obtained for them. Or, to the traveller, drawing nigh to the close of a tedious journey, who has braved the pitiless storm, and overcome the ruggedness of the road, and now under favour of his faithful guide, glories in the confidence of a speedy arrival at the mansion prepared for him.

Hail, mighty Lord, who hast redeemed to God by thy blood, these fathers, and young men, and youths, and babes, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, and hast made them kings and priests unto our God. Hallelujah.

(For the Spiritual Magazine.)

RAMSGATE AUXILIARY GOSPEL TRACT SOCIETY. WE are exceedingly glad to inform our readers that this Society, whose affairs have been conducted from its commencement

in 1823, by one individual, has become regularly organized, according to the "Hints designed as a help in the formation of Auxiliaries," to the inestimable Institution, the London Gospel Tract Society. A general meeting of the subscribers and congregation, of which public notice was given, assembled at Zion Chapel, Hardres Street, on Monday evening, May 9th, 1825.

Previously to the business being begun, a portion was read from Isaiah's prophecy, and humble and fervent prayer offered to the glorious Head of the Church, by Mr. Goldsmith, for the divine benediction on the solemn undertaking; after which Mr. G. the pastor, unanimously voted to the chair, directed the attention of the meeting to the origin and nature of the Parent Society, and commented particularly on the broad and liberal plan, for the government and assistance of Branch Societies. Very great interest was excited, and many persons present found cause to renew their joy in the Lord, during the reading of the letter addressed by the venerable and honoured president, the Rev. Dr. Hawker, to the chairman and committee at Hull, as also, the first annual report of the Plymouth Auxiliary, which is under the special auspices of the Rev. Doctor. (For which, vide p.p. 347. and 382. last vol.)

With their hitherto contracted means, many thousand Tracts have been issued, chiefly in the town, and every opportunity is embraced for sending them abroad; a large quantity was recently distributed among the seafaring classes, and a supply has been forwarded expressly to North America.

We are also enabled to convey the pleasing intelligence, that under the great disadvantage of a society not organized, that at Ramsgate had already lengthened the cords and strengthened the stakes of usefulness, to a very considerable extent; having been instrumental to the introduction of several large supplies for Sandwich, where it is expected a public meeting will 'ere long be called, for the grafting another branch on the London Institution. By means of the Ramsgate Auxiliary, the Gospel Tracts have found their way into Margate, Broadstairs, St. Peter's, and the various villages and hamlets of the Isle of Thanet; and by the united, prayerful exertions, of the newly formed committee, good reason is given to conclude, that its means will be found commensurate with its local necessities, and afford the ever-desirable object of sending the true gospel-which crieth, "Peace! peace!”—both to him that is NEAR, and to him that is FAR OFF.

May it be known in the Lord's time, that the Lord hath said concerning this people, and concerning the work entrusted in their hands, I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.

REVIEW.

A Sermon, entitled, the Chamber of Imagery in the Church of Rome, laid open; or, an Antidote against Popery. Delivered at the Morning Exercise at Cripplegate, London, 1682. By the late Rev. John Owen, D. D. Vice-Chancellor of Oxford. Printed verbatim from the folio edition. Palmer, 1825.

THE superscription, Dr. John Owen, attached to a discourse of this nature, is sufficient warrant for the reader's anticipation of a highly intellectual and spiritual feast; and the spiritual mind will not be disappointed in the estimate he may make, however enlarged. The learned Doctor having taken for his text, 1 Pet. ii. 3. "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious," lays down an incontrovertible principle, whence to argue the point proposed.

The principle which we have laid down is uncontrolable in reason and experience; namely, that the loss of an experience of the power of religion will issue, one way or other, in the loss of the truth of religion, and the profession of it. Whence is it that so many corrupt opinions have made such an inroad on the protestant religion, and the profession of it? Is it not from hence that many have lost an experience of the power and efficacy of the truth, and so have parted with it? Whence is it that profaneness and sensuality of life, with all manner of corrupt lusts of the flesh, have grown up into the shame of profession? Is it not from the cause, as the apostle expressly declares it comes by? 2 Tim. iv. 2, 3, 4, 5. One way or other, the loss of experience of the power of truth, will end in the loss of the profession of it.

But I proceed unto the instance which I do design in the church of Rome; for the religion of it at this day is nothing but a dead image of the gospel, erected in the loss of an experience of its spiritual power, overthrowing its use, with all its ends, being suited to the taste of men, carnal, ignorant and superstitious. This I shall make evident by all sorts of instances in things relating to the person and offices of Christ, the state, order, and worship of the church, with the graces and duties of obedience required in the gospel. And in all, my principal design is, to demonstrate what is the only way and means of securing our own souls, any church or nation, from being ensnared with, or prevailed against, by popery.

Dr. Owen then proceeds to speak of the person and offices of the Lord Christ, and enters largely into the experience of the power and efficacy of divine truth, further to strengthen the forenamed argument. With singular perspicuity he dwells on the beauty and glory of spiritual worship; communion with Christ, and participation of him in the supper of the Lord; the spiritual church of Christ, as respects her union to, and life in him; the beauty and glory of the church; and the state of the church in her spiritual rule and discipline. Against these are set in deadly array," the ceremonies, vestments, gestures, ornaments, music, altars, images, paintings, with prescriptions of great bodily veneration ;"-the doctrine of transubstantiation, the plea

of the papists in behalf of which is, "that if we reject their oral or carnal manducation of the flesh of Christ, and drinking of "his blood, there cannot be assigned a way of the participation "of Christ, in the receiving of him in this sacrament, distinct "from that which is done in the preaching of the word;"-the image and representative of Christ, the Pope, the assumed head of the church and the centre of union ;- "the dignity, wealth, "promotion, dominion, power and splendour of them that had got the rule of the church;"-and, "the setting up of a worldly power, domination and force, as that which began, carried "on, and yet maintains the fatal apostacy in the church of "Rome."

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This abridgment of the subjects which form the principal features in the description of "the Chamber of Imagery," supplies but a faint idea of the nature and worth of the discourse. At this eventful epoch, we know of no publication more suitable to fortify the minds of the Lord's people, against the sophistication of political parties, and the craftiness of a fallacious charity in the religious world!

Saving Grace, Sovereign Grace! Two Sermons delivered at the Merchant's Lecture, Pinner's Hall. By the late Rev. Samuel Pike. Originally published in 1758. Palmer, 1825.

The republication of these two most excellent sermons, is an acquisition to the Church, which she will long have occasion to rejoice in. We hasten to record the auspicious circumstance, while as yet they are scarcely out of press, believing they contain an effectual antidote to the popular delusion concerning Jehovah's sovereignty. We verily believe, were they placed in the hands of those who have read Mr. Birt's "Moral Government of God Vindicated," all the replies,''observations,' 'animadversions,' &c. that antiscriptural production has elicited, might with confidence be dispensed with. But before we testify our decided approbation, by giving a choice extract or two, we beg to arrest the attention of such as are opposed by a deadly hostility to divine sovereignty. By ambiguity of terms, deceiving weak understandings, and by the claim of undeserved credit for superior sanctity,-the spiritual government of the Church is totally neglected in this day of darkness; and men, ambitious of the adjunct evangelical,' are willing to sacrifice, one of the most endeared and endearing views that faith can take of her Lord's person and engagements. All things (saith Christ,) are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Under the government of Him, who, as Mediator, in his own right took possession of the trust of all worlds, the Church is ruled by laws purely spiritual, specially distinct from