Ordination Rev, J. Thomas. B.A 113 159 Africa, 31, 48, 61, 77, 93, 110, 111, 158, 175, 190 Address at the Conference Bequests ........ ...... 165, 182 92, 143, 190 ...... CONNEXION INTELLIGENCE- Contributions, 32, 64, 79, 93, 112, 114, 169, 176, 192 Christian Co-operation Day of Salvation POETRY- Thoughts in Suffering REVIEW OF Books- Controversy, the Clerk and Secretary, our Day of Wrath Discoveries in Jerusalem Evening Meditaiion THE HARBINGER. JANUARY, 1856. ONLY ONE LIFE, OR THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR. MUSING on these words as the year 1855 was drawing to its close, I could not help saying to myself, what a subject for serious reflection,-what a motive to live "life in earnest"-ONLY ONE LIFE! Life wasted, is wasted for ever; -opportunities lost, are lost for ever! No coming back to correct the mistakes of the past, no living life over again :— gone, for ever, for ever! Never shall I forget my feelings on receiving intelligence of the death of one who was dear to me, and for whose welfare I conceived I had not been sufficiently mindful. O, what would I have given to have had those lost opportunities again afforded me. But it could not be, and my heart writhed under the agonizing thought that I could never, never show him the smallest kindness more. He was gone to return no more for ever! Thus it is with life when its opportunities for getting good and doing good have been suffered to pass away unimproved; it is lost, lost, irrecoverably lost! In the ordinary affairs of men the case is different. The mechanic who through accident or carelessness spoils the piece of work upon which he is engaged, may again apply his skill, and produce another of perfect workmanship. The merchant may lose every penny of his hard earned wealth, but by prudence and perseverence he may recover to the full amount of that which he had lost. But life lost, is lost for ever! After interminable ages have passed away, the lost life still remains an unchanged and unchangeable fact, and will continue like the Cities of the Plain, a ruin and a desolation for ever! for ever! Surely this is a subject which speaks impressively to all. Reader, whosoever thou art, whatsoever thy position in life, high or low, rich or poor, young or old, permit me to remind you of the solemn truth, and to commend it to your prayerful meditation-ONLY ONE LIFE! a First, we would offer a word of kindly admonition to those who have never asked themselves the question, Why was I sent here? who trifle away existence as if it were something unreal,- -a dream,mere bauble. O, ponder the thoughtI have only one life-not many livesONLY ONE LIFE. Do not then sport with that one life as if you had a thousand such, but feel and act the truth,—“ Life is real, life is earnest." What would you think of a man who, as he passed through the streets of a crowded city, threw away his most costly treasures as worthless trash? would you not pity him as a fool or a madman? What then shall be said of you, who day by day, recklessly throw away that which is infinitively more precious than earth's richest gems,—existence! Were the decree to go forth-"This night thy soul shall be required of thee," weeping friends would gather around your mortal remains, and speak in exaggerated terms of your many amiable qualities: Ah, but the question is what does God think? Just suppose, that He who graciously bestowed upon you the unspeakable boon of existence, were to send an angel to inscribe on your tombstone a truthful epitaph,--think, what would it be? Reflect on "All that thou mightest have been! A. 2 ONLY ONE LIFE, OR THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR. We may each and all of us be said to be day by day writing our own history. Turn over the pages of your past life, and say what is recorded there. Up to the present period, what have you accomplished,-what have you to show? O, sad, melancholy blank. That little insect, the bee, would read you a lesson, for it does live for an object, but you, perhaps, for none. And is this the history you are going to leave behind you? Never, never, -it must not be. Awake! Up! up! or it will be too late-life will be lost!-the soul will be lost!-heaven will be lost! But what shall be said to those who are eagerly engaged day after day in heaping up riches, knowing not who shall gather them. Their anxious brow and hurried step tell plainly that they are living for an object. But for what? For that which they cannot carry with them one step beyond the grave, and for that which even now fails to make them truly happy. What, Reader, if you possessed the wealth of the Indies, it is but for a moment, and you must bid farewell to all, and exchange the lordly mansion for the cold, dark grave. The meanest of earth's sons will then be as a monarch compared to you. And is this all for which you are living,-scraping together a little mole-hill of wealth, just to look upon and then leave? Can human folly be greater? O, that God would open your eyes to see the mistake which you are making, and lead you to choose that good part, that shall never be taken from you "a treasure in the heavens that faileth not." You have only to stretch out the empty hand of faith, and Christ will GIVE you the true riches,-the purchase of his precious blood. These riches, though thus dearly purchased, are freely given. Come to Jesus just as you are, and he assures you that he will in no wise cast you out. (John vi. 37.) It may be your sands are nearly run, and that there is but a step between you and death. O, be entreated to delay not; weigh well the solemn truth,-ONLY ONE LIFE.Remember, now or never! And let us remind you, dear Christian reader, who have already given your heart to the Lord, that this is the only giving time, the only time we shall ever have of thus shewing our love to Christ, of thus serving our generation, and of thus laying up for ourselves treasure in heaven. O, let not this golden opportunity be lost, or it will be lost for ever; but let us be wise, and distribute of our substance according as the Lord hath prospered us. "As for me," writes one, "I cannot afford not to give-there is so much gain in giving- -so much loss in not giving, that if I cannot afford anything else, I must afford this. Some say, they are too poor to give, but I am too poor not to give; and, moreover, I can no longer afford to give so little as heretofore I have given. Indeed, I must sow more bountifully, for I want to reap also bountifully. This parsimony in the use of seed-money is poor policy.' Gal. vi. 7.-10. 2 Cor. ix. 6. 1 Cor. iii. 13 -15. Prov. xi. 24, 25. Matt. vi. 19, 20. Το you, beloved friends, who in various ways are labouring in the Lord's vineyard, desiring to spend and be spent for Christ, how solemn, how impressive, how animating the thought,--only one life! With you life is a reality-you have a mission to perform-you live for eternity. Kingdoms may decay, thrones crumble into dust, the proudest monuments of human power be as though they had never been, but the results of your labours will endure for ever. The light first kindled in the soul by means of the humble Sunday-school teacher, tract distributor, or visitor to the sick man's chamber, will never, never go out, but will continue to shine brighter and brighter through the countless ages of eternity. And one soul converted seldom fails to lead to the conversion of others, and these again to others. A pious pedlar leaves a little tract at the house of Richard Baxter, and which proves the means under God of his conversion. Baxter's "Saint's Rest" is made instrumental in the conversion of Doddridge, whose "Rise and Progress" was blessed to the soul of Wilberforce. But the history of that little tract does not stop here. Wilberforce wrote "The practical view of Christianity," which was made useful in the conversion of Legh Richmond, the author of the "Dairyman's Daughter," and that again has been made useful to thousands of others. None but God can tell the full amount of good which has already resulted from the tract of the poor pedlar left at the rich man's door. Be encouraged then, and go forward in your sublime and glorious mission. Whatever a poor blinded world may say of you, be assured you have chosen for yourself a path of the highest and noblest ambition. Were it possible for an archangel to become an inhabitant of our world, he would be a fellow-worker | case, remember that it is infinite love that with you, for no higher employment has mixed for you that bitter cup, and could he possibly choose. And when that soon it will be exchanged for the you rest from your labours, your works rivers of pleasure which are at God's shall follow you. The cup of cold water right hand. Your dark cloud is not given from love to Jesus, shall in no wise without its bright silver lining, for behind lose its reward. In the Book of God's it shines the Sun of Righteousness; and remembrance will be found written every, the morning without clouds cometh, even the smallest act of service. None when "God shall wipe all tears from will ever be forgotten or obliterated, but your eyes; and there shall be no more each and all will remain recorded facts death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither as long as eternity endures. shall there be any more pain.' But, remember, these records will soon be completed-no more can then be added. Solemn thought-ONLY ONE LIFE! The night cometh when no man can work. Our sowing time will soon close, when not a single grain of the precious seed can we ever, ever sow more. Let us not miss the golden opportunity. Let us aim high,-aim to be what God would have us to be-aim to accomplish much for God during our brief sojourn here. Many who have gone before us have achieved great things in their little day, and have left them a noble testimony to the power and sufficiency of that grace which is free to all. "Lives of great men all remind us "We can make our lives sublime, "And, departing, leave behind us "Footprints on the sands of time"Footprints which perhaps another, "Sailing o'er life's solemn main, "A forlorn and shipwreck'd brother, "Seeing, may take heart again." But some afflicted believer, confined to his sick chamber, is perhaps saying to himself, "Alas! I can do nothing for God!" Not so, dear Christian, for God has work for you to do. Remember, "They also serve, who only stand and wait." This is as much acceptable service as any other, and will be as certainly rewarded. "Let then patience have its perfect work." Think also how much may be done by intercessory prayer. "Prayer moves the arm that moves the stars along." While the missionary is far away preaching, you at home may be praying. And cannot you send a word of encouragement to one another who are engaged in more active service? The widow's mite the Lord will accept. That kindly message may revive the drooping heart of the wearied and oft depressed labourer, and lead to results which may go on increasing and increasing to the end of time. But perhaps your affliction is of a peculiarly painful nature. If such be your INVITATION TO UNITED PRAYER FOR THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ON TUESDAY, JANUARY, 1, 1856. BY THE REV. WM. MARSH, D.D. Dearly beloved brethren,-Whether it be perfectly correct, or otherwise, to call the Christian dispensation of the Spirit, it is beyond a doubt that spiritual life, energy, and success, can be traced to no other agency than that of the Holy Ghost. When, therefore, our blessed Redeemer refers to the great result of his mediatorial work, he assures his disciples convince that the Holy Spirit would “ the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.' Of sin, while men rejected Him in whom alone there is salvation. Of righteousness, because in Him there was no sin;-and his righteousness would be manifested by his resurrection from the dead, and ascension to the Father. Of judgment, because Satan, who had taken possession of human nature by sin, would have his right taken away by the Cross, and judgment would be passed against him and his adherents. The preaching of these truths has been the great instrument the Holy Spirit has employed to bring peace and salvation to guilty man. That there might be no self-deception as to a hearty faith in this gospel, the Word declares the necessity, the nature, and the effects, of the great change from unbelief to faith. Its necessity, as arising out of the present state of human nature, as dead in sin, and the future state of heavenly happiness, as consisting in holiness. Hence, the solemn assertion of Him who knew the human heart, and the need of a capacity for future bliss, "YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN." Were I to describe this change by a single word, I should choose the word disposition. In natural things, we use the word relish, with reference to food; and the word taste, with reference to the arts and sciences. So, in spiritual things, there is a relish for spiritual food, and a taste for Christian truth. There is a disposition towards God and Christ, and the Holy Spirit, towards heavenly doctrines, and promises and precepts. In regeneration, therefore, there is a disposition produced to employ the understanding, will, and affections, in pursuit of that experimental and practical wisdom constitutes the real Christian. In proportion to the strength and exercise of faith, "the fruit of love, joy, and peace, long-suffering, gentleness, and goodness, fidelity, meekness, and temperance," will be the result. And But "Who is sufficient for these things?" It is the good work of God as much as the first Creation; none but a Divine Power can accomplish the work, and the Holy Spirit is that power. To him, therefore, Divine names, attributes, and acts are ascribed. He formed the human nature of Messiah. He raised that human nature from the grave. it is He who renews our fallen nature, quickens us when dead in sin, and causes us "in heart and mind thither to ascend, where our Saviour Christ is gone before." This was the view my beloved friend, Haldane Stewart, entertained; and therefore, year after year, he sent forth his earnest invitation to united prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. And, assuredly, whether we look at the state of the heathen, Mohammedan, Jewish, or Christian communities, it must be evident, that no means can accomplish the great work of their conversion, except such as are authorized, and accompanied by the Holy Spirit himself. Doubtless, revealed truth is the great instrument He principally employs. "Of His own will begat he us by the Word of truth." "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God." 66 Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy Word is truth.' The Word "is perfect, converting the soul." It is sure, "making wise the simple." It is right, "rejoicing the heart.' And "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy," Christ crucified-Christ risen Christ ascended. Christ interceeding Christ on the throne of the universe -Christ returning in glory-Christ is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Under the preaching, the mind discovers the evil of sin, the suitableness of the salvation which is in Christ the Saviour, and the beauty and happiness of a holy life. | Thus the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ. Let Christ be preached, and Christ received, and man is "born of God." Beloved Brethren, you well know that, even about those who call themselves Christians, superstition, self-righteousness, worldly mindedness, and false hopes, lead men astray. You well know that infidelity is rife in Christendom. And you well know that wars, and other evils, destructive of national prosperity, of domestic peace, and of individual usefulness, abound. Hence the great importance of united prayer for the converting, enlightening, renewing power of the Holy Spirit, to bless all Christian means for the spiritual welfare of fallen man. If we look at the state of the Church of Christ, in its divisions, lukewarmness, and want of entire devotedness to the Lord, we shall see the necessity for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to produce this revival of the life of God in the soul of man. This would unite in heart all who love the same Lord, serve the same Master, and will meet in the same heaven. My beloved friend generally took a view also of passing events, and the state of the nation. While the high and privileged state to which we have been raised, since the Reformation in 1588, and the Revolution in 1688, should calĺ forth our gratitude, the present aspect of affairs should call forth our prayers, for peace to be restored to our border, and that the evils of war may be sanctified to our allies, and to our enemies, as well as to ourselves; and for the continuance of our manifold mercies. Especially, as British Christians, let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our fleets and armies, to prepare them for the events of battle, and that they may not fall short of the final victory. But, "if another Gospel" should be introduced amongst us, or if our Sabbaths should be desecrated, and intemperance abound-if iniquity should be established by law, our sun would set, and the glory would depart. When the Sabbath which was given to man in Paradise, observed by the patriarchs, renewed on Mount Sinai, and enforced by the prophets, was desecrated by the Jewish nation, Heaven's judgments were denounced, and eventually felt. The Sabbath, which the Redeemer declared to be "made for man," for his special religious instruction and rest-the Sabbath, the sign of God's good will to man, and of man's duty to |