No. IV.]

HISTORY OF

THE MANNA GLEANERS.

(THEIR ORIGIN.)

THERE are in this fallen world a people whose well-being is the principal thing in the estimation of THE LORD, of Him who is "the Governor among the nations."

When the best interests of this people have demanded it, " He is terrible to the kings of the earth." Their "life is hid with Christ in God," hence the numer ous attempts that have been made to extirpate them from the earth have ever proved futile, while it has usually been seen that "the more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied and grew." Their characters were represented by Haman to king Ahasuerus in these words "there is a certain people scattered abroad, and dispersed among the

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people, in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people, neither keep they the king's laws; therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them." These were Manna-gleaners; and although they are an inoffensive race, desirous of doing good to all men, yet they have been and ever will be objects of the world's scorn and persecution. With swords of steel they dare not fight, their Master having forbidden them the use of carnal weapons; hence they are compelled to suffer in silence, like their Lord in the judgmenthall.

They are not of the world.

Their origin is not of the earth, earthy. They are "born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

A Manna-gleaner is a member of the mystical body of Christ; whose creation

is a matter of astonishment and applause "unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places," who discover what is the exceeding riches of Jehovah's grace, in forming such a people for Himself, to shew forth His praise.

The world considers their creation but an undetermined matter, and that their number is uncertain, but "hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world," by the utterance of a celestial secret regarding their origin, in the words "chosen in Christ Jesus before the world began."

What philosophy could have concluded such aboriginal distinction was possessed by the Church of God?

What but the richest condescension on the part of "the high and lofty ONE that inhabiteth eternity," could have revealed such a secret, calculated, when understood, to give the church a sense of her heavenly dignity, and magnificent prospects?

Oh! it would be well for the joy of those, who, in a barren world, are experimentally acquainted with the fact that the thorns and thistles the desert heath produces are but types of sharper thorns, and more cruel thistles the heart produces, did they know that, their high original is the pledge that "the creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption," when the heart, which by the entrance of sin is felt to be a wilderness, shall, in the kingdom to come, "rejoice and blossom as the rose."

The origin of "the Manna-gleaners" is the divine good pleasure. They were created to "make His mighty power to be known," and by the gift of Jesus, "as a covenant for the people," seal most righteously, the bottomless pit, wherein are angels that" God spared not," and raise up the satan-deceived tribe, which is fallen, "which He hath purchased with His own blood," and make them sit together in His blisscreating presence-the eternal possessors of " a crown of glory that fadeth not away.'

"All that the Father hath given to me shall come unto me," said "the Good Shepherd," and each one, given in eovenant, to the charge of Jesus, is destined to become a Manna-gleaner.

He may seek after "the Lord God of his fathers," while yet a child in years, or behold the face of Jesus, in righteousnes, as late in life, as the thief upon the cross; but he shall certainly find "the hidden Manna," because for this end He was born, for this purpose He came into the world.

Out

Abel was the first man, whom the scriptures inform us "that he was righteous." And he was righteous because, and only because, he had respect to the illustrious person promised by Jehovah before his parents were driven out of Paradise. He has thus given us the evidence of his origin- that he was born of God, inasmuch as he believed "the record that God gave of His Son." of the mouth of his father was heard the supernatural story of "The Fall," and abounding grace, manifest in the promised gift of "His own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh." Abel heard the parental preacher, and the Holy Ghost gave power to Adam's testimony. Thus does Abel shew his holy origin, as one of those included in Jehovah's purpose of mercy. His faith discovers itself to be "of the operation of God," for "he brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof," thus declaring his dependance on "the Lamb without blemish and without spot, who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world."

"Cain was of that wicked one;" not that his earthly origin was more corrupt than that of Abel, for all are "by nature the children of wrath, even as others," but it pleased God to reveal His Son to the knowlege of Abel, and give him a broken heart, which was happy for the prospect of entering heaven by that gate which Jehovah has appointed for the righteous to enter.

So then," unto Him that hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion, for ever and ever." A SHEPHERD BOY.

London, May 16th, 1851.

FAREWELL SERMON,

Preached by MR. JOSEPH HAMBLIN, at East Street, Walworth, on July 24, 1842. ABRIDGED.

COLOSSIANS III. 15.

In the present epistle the apostle touches on the precepts of the gospel. In the former ones he dwells especially on the Sonship and Headship of Christ-the glory of His person, and the blessed state of believers in Him-in themselves destitute and black-in Him rich and comely. You know something of this in your own persons; black as the tents of Kedar, but in union with the Lord Jesus, comely and complete: for "He is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption :"

Wisdom by communication; Righteousness by imputation; Sanctification by impartation; And Redemption by application. Now the apostle enjoins a practical walk, founded on these evangelical principles. In this, consider

First, The sacred counsel given. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." The Lord's will is a rule of doctrine and practice; His words are the believer's guide. "By them is thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward." Not that there is any reward expected for keeping to God's word, but in doing His will is both comfort and peace.

Notice the blessedness included in the exhortation. What greater blessing is there than peace? Peace in families is precious; peace in a nation is desirable; and peace one with another more so; (not a shew of friendship, but peace built on gospel principles); these are all truly good, but above all is peace with God. This is seen, for as much as

First, He is the author of it. There is no peace with the unregenerate soul; which is hostile to the majesty of heaven, and would perish in the unequal contest, but for the sovereign grace of God. We read of" the counsel of peace," held in the counsel-chamber of eternity. Peace was the subject, and almighty wisdom found a way to bring it to the earth; for, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." Here is the way, even Christ,

which leads us to notice that this peace is of God.

Secondly, Because He brought it about. His sin-bearing sacrifice, and His work of righteousness; that is, the perfect fulfilment of the law is the cause of peace between God and man; therefore is He called the "prince of peace," for "He is our peace," and "the chastisement of our peace was upon Him." Yea, our peace, which He made with His blood. Wherefore, then, we pray you, in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

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Thirdly, This peace is brought by God into the conscience. Of what avail is it to hear that Christ has made peace unless we also partake of it? But the Lord will bless His people with peace, and they shall be made sensible of their need of His peace, when the Holy Ghost shews them how they stand God-ward; when He opens their eyes to their own vileness, they have no peace, but sorrow and distress; the arrows of the Almighty drinking up their spirit; but when the same great teacher reveals Christ to the wounded soul, He brings home the peacespeaking of His blood, and all is peace. Therefore, being justified by (through) faith, we have peace with God. It is the justified sinner who enjoys peace, whose justification is revealed to him, and who by faith sees the blood of Christ shed for him. "Peace I leave with you," saith our dear Lord. "My peace I give unto you;" by whatever difficulties and dangers surrounded, you shall possess "the peace of God, which passeth understanding."

Fourthly, This peace dwells amongst God's saints. This is an unspeakable mercy. It is most desirable that brethren should dwell together in peace. What is more disheartening to a minister to see members of a church at variance, or dis-esteeming one another, and often without cause? It is this that certainly tends to depress the mind of a faithful minister; he has no comfort in the study, no comfort in the ordinances of the sanctuary, nor in visiting among the people. How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity there the Lord commands a blessing. Mark, "there"where the open door of brotherly love is.

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Where an opposite feeling prevails"Ichabod" may be written on the doors.

Notice, in the second place, the force of the counsel, "let the peace of God rule in your hearts."

It is impossible for us to make peace with God; it is not required, that is a mercy, Christ has done it perfectly on the cross. Nevertheless, we may interrupt the ruling of the peace of God in" our own souls; and I appeal to you who are blessed with a tender conscience (which is a rare thing, and a great blessing) when you are drawn aside to sin, not perhaps outward crime, but inconsistencies and inward transgression, do you not lose your peace and comfort? some insist that this feeling is legal; but if you still continue in peace while you sin, your peace is false. The christian loses his felt peace when acting inconsistently. Our Father says, "Then will I visit their transgressions with a rod, and their iniquity with stripes; nevertheless, my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from them, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail."

The rod of the covenant is not disease, trials, crosses, worldly or social afflictions; for these are the lot of all; but it is peculiarly that inward chastening, the withdrawal of the peace of God, and a sense of His favour; yea, God leaving His people to grapple with their sins alone. The frowns of a dear father are hard to bear. "Oh! that thou hadst hearkened unto my commandments, then had thy peace been as a river."

Love among the brethren is easily interrupted. Let it reign in your hearts; it restrains all that would injure your peace. Nourish integrity and uprightness. "Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man with his deeds," or professed to do it. Liars and busy-bodies have been a curse to the church in all ages; they are like the worm in Jonah's gourd, working unperceived, but fatally. Sympathy, kindness, forbearance, and forgiveness, are enforced by the example of Christ.

"Put on

charity, which is the bond of perfectness." This frame of mind is enjoined in order that if anything occurs to stir up the old man with his deeds, brethren should

not look with contempt on, or refrain from communion with each other, but forgive, knowing that they themselves are liable to fall into divers temptations. I should much doubt the religion of that man, who, on a candid acknowledgment of fault would withhold forgiveness. In the third place, we have the argument employed. "Ye are called." This is none other than the powerful inward call of the Holy Spirit, by which He separates the children of God from the thraldom of darkness, and brings them into "fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ."

First, observe the end of the call-ye are called to peace, holiness, liberty; then serve Him without fear. He has called us to peace with one another, which, if we have not, it is a great dishonour to the cause. If you ask, "how can we serve one another? I say by studying one another's feelings with a spirit of love, and with integrity of sincere affection. If ye dissemble, there is no bond; you may keep together, but the vital union is wanting.

Secondly, observe the union, " ye." Believers compose the mystical body of Christ. "We being many, are one body in Christ." Surely one member should live in peace with another member of the same body.

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Thirdly, mark the injunction, "be thankful." Believers should be grateful to each other for the good they obtain by communion together but infinitely to the Lord-the fountain and source of their peace with God, who fixed His love on them, adopted them, redeemed them, and wrought salvation for them. Truly the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. First,

We are bound to be thankful. for what God has done in us; having opened our eyes, unstopped our ears, changed our hearts, and given us a good hope through grace." Secondly, for

what He has bestowed on us.

All

present spiritual blessings, and many great and precious promises summed up in a word "in blessing I will bless thee." Thirdly, for what He has engaged to do, and what has He not engaged to do for His people? He will take charge of them, help them through

all difficulties, bestow on them present grace, and final glory.

In conclusion, are you interested in these promises? Are you at peace with God? Have you any knowledge and enjoyment of this blessing? Let me warn you once more; if you are lifting up the puny arm of rebellion against God, it will surely prove but as briars and thorns before a consuming fire."

But beloved, you who have found this blessing, and by living faith have fellowship with God in the peace of the gospel, I commend to the God of peace: may He make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever.-Amen and Amen.

CHRIST AND ADAM.

SALTMARSH.

CHRIST is the second Adam, in whom all are made alive, as all in the first Adam were dead; but not so, as if all who were dead in the first Adam were made alive in the second: but as the first Adam was the person in whom all that are dead did die, so Christ is the second Adam, in whom all that are alive do live; for Christ is the common nature of the living seed who live unto righteousness, as Adam was the common nature of the dead mankind who die unto righteousness: "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Rom. v. 19. "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." Gal. iii. 22.

THE FAMILY FOOT-STOOL. How sweet to bathe my soul in happy repentance, sacred sorrow, and holy joy at the Redeemer's feet. If Heaven might indulge me with greater bliss than this, doubtless I should undervalue it. What greater joy do angels know? what heavenly creature ever dipped from such a fountain? And who is the heir of such high fraught bliss? It is fallen man. Do not shouts of exultation burst from

the world of glory, as its inhabitants behold the fruits of the Redeemer's travail-as the souls for whom He bled are made manifest-when fallen man has life divine communicated, repentance granted, and THE KING glorified thereby? But, is there a faint trembler in THE HOLY CITY, saying, "Oh that my soul were blessed with such a prospect, with such a foretaste, with such a realization!" Well, they that hope in the Lord are blessed, and thou (fair inhabitant of Jesus' breast, where lambs do safely lie) shall shortly see how blind you have been to His infallible method of working; for it is certain that the hatred formed in new-born hearts to self and sin is a warrant to claim all that Jesus is and has-Hallelujah! May 5th, 1851.

J. W.

CHRIST IN THE PSALMS.
HAWKER.

EVERYTHING you meet with in the Psalms concerning Jesus will be rendered yet more blessed and endearing, if we are enabled by the spirit of Him concerning whom we read, to discover our personal interest also in all that relates to Him. If Jesus be, as He most undeniably is, "the head of His body, the church, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all," it will then certainly follow that the several members of that glorious head do participate, by their union with Him, in everything that He is, and that He hath wrought for them. Do we read of His having a body given Him, and tabernacling in substance of our flesh? Let us never forget that it was "for us this child was born, for us this Son was given." Do we read that, when neither sacrifice, nor offering, nor burntoffering, would atone for sin, and that Jesus therefore cried, "Lo! I come?" Let us connect with this view of Jesus, the great fact "by one offering of Himself, once offered, He hath for ever perfected them that are sanctified." And when David, under the spirit of prophecy, celebrates the triumphs of God's Holy One over the grave, oh! may we by faith realize the assured interest that all His redeemed have in it,