account, for every one shall be rewarded according to his works, "whether they be good, or whether they be bad;" thus you see each is distinguished, not by the quantity, but by the quality of his works, whether they be good, or whether they be bad; they that have done good to the resurrection of life; they that have done evil to the resurrection of judgment, and "for every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment, for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Again, "We must appear before the judgment-seat of Christ to give an account of the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or whether they be bad."

if

Thus you see in all these Scriptures with the one it is all good, but with the other all bad. Now let us see if we can, in holy reverence, get clearly at the meaning of these solemn scriptures: but is there any difficulty in getting the meaning of these Scriptures? No, my good Theophilus, not the least; the one little word, faith, unlocks them all. "Justified from ALL things by faith." Now you are thus justified by faith from all things, then "who is he that condemneth, seeing that it is God that justifieth." Now then, being justified by faith, what will your works and words and deeds be? what shall be your final account? what is the language in which you shall state it? for there it is all ready for you by the time you want it; and if you say, where? 1 answer, in the Bible. Are you a believer? I know that thou believest. Well then, what is one of the good things you do? Is it not that you keep in the faith? that you cannot move away from the hope of the gospel? You are decided for the truth, and you so contend for it as to hold it fast. You thus fight a good fight; a very different fight from that of fighting against the truth, for that, truly, is not a good fight, but a very bad one; for all such are sure to lose the victory, and be judged enemies at the last, nor will one of their good works be mentioned, but only their evil ones, as by these those who are not justified by faith must be judged; nor, on the other hand, will one of your faults, numerous as they are, be mentioned, because you are to be judged by the completeness you have in Christ, and by your evidences of interest in him. Thus you will say, "I have fought a good fight; finished my course; held out in the truth to the end; kept the faith." Again you will say, "He loved me, and gave himself for me,' ," and that you have been enabled to profit by the talents, that is the truths of the gospel, which he hath graciously given to you; for the talents spoken of in Matthew xxv. are not personal qualities but property, and what is this property but gospel truth, and it is given to one in greater abundance than to another.

Well, what say you to these talents? Can you say that you do trade with heaven by them? for the occupation must be spiritual and heavenly? Can you, then, say that by these truths you are encouraged to hope in God? that you are encouraged in seeking the Lord, and in prayer? and do you wish to get more and more of the gospel, in the life, light, and love thereof, into your possession? and do you thus somewhat grow in grace that you are more and more sure that it must be all of grace? and if the Lord come to thee, can you give him a good account of his own truth, that you have been comforted and supported by it; that you are all the better for it; that you have, as it were, gained five talents or two talents more? That two talents of gospel truth sufficed you once, but now ten talents of this heavenly gold is not too much? Is it thus with you? If it be, then thy account and thy final judgment are thus written, "Lord, thy talents have gained more talents." This is your account. What say you? Ask your heart and conscience can you give, truly, such an account? or are you, no, you are not, but I will speak to you for a moment as though you were, just where the one-talent man was. He professed to be a servant of the Lord, therefore the Lord delivered unto him, providentially, the law of truth, but David saith, "Grant me thy law graciously." Now here the law of truth was delivered unto this free-willer, providentially, and merely in the letter of it, and reckoned one talent, because the law of truth is not much accounted of in the esti mation of such; he therefore lays it aside and adopts into its place a law of austerity; the gospel was too easy for him; it was not pious enough; made too much of Jesus Christ; too much of the grace of God, and not enough of the creature. Therefore he carefully conceals the law of truth, as something not suited to trade with; aye, and prides himself, too, in so doing. He would not run any hazard with this dangerous talent, but tells the Master that he knew he was an austere man, taking up where he had not laid down; so this man was judged according to his own words, according to his own gospel, and as he cast the talent of truth out from the heavenly commerce, he himself was cast out of the business of free grace altogether, and so rewarded according to his works, and according to his words. Could you, my good Theophilus, cast out, or set aside the truth? you know you could not, Well, then, as you give a good account of the truth, the truth will give a good account of you.

You see here nothing is said of the faults of these faithful servants, nor anything good said of the unfaithful, unbelieving servants. No doubt many infirmities mingled themselves with the services of these faithful servants trade would sometimes be very dull

with them; they would feel at times very discouraged; have their doubts whether they should not break down; that their hope and strength would perish from the Lord, they would feel at times rather lazy, rather dull, rather indifferent; yet they remain faithful in the truth, and the Master who is meek and lowly in heart, will not remember one of their faults; but will say, "well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

But you also practically love the brethren, and will do them good and not evil; and so will be found among those who have not withholden the cup of cold water from the disciples. Thus you see something of the reward of the works of faith: you will have nothing whatever to do with any of your sins; the Surety has answered for them all; and to sum up all I can say in this letter upon this matter; you will give to glorify God, by joining with others, in giving that good account of yourself; for every one must give an account of himself to God;" "unto him that 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 whom be glory for ever." Would you wish to have a better account than this to give? Is your heart one with such words now? Then by these thy words, (for the Lord hath made them thine,) by these thy words thou shalt be justified.

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So believes your willing servant in the gospel A LITTLE ONE.

Obituary.

THE LATE MR. ROBERT BARNES. ROBERT BARNES, the long-standing pastor of the Baptist church, at Glemsford, in Suffolk, was one of the few men of whom it might be said, "everybody loved him :" and yet, we do not think the Saviour's woe belonged to him: nature and grace, in their external developements, appeared to unite to render him a brother beloved," and a "neighbour esteemed." As we hope to have an interesting memoir of him, we only now give the following:

On Wednesday, July the 7th, the mortal remains of Robert Barnes, the much-respected and deeply-regretted minister of the Baptist Church and congregation, at Glemsford, were committed to the silent tomb. Seven or eight hundred persons assembled to witness the ceremony. Mr. B. had steadily laboured as a minister of the gospel at Glemsford for upwards of 27 years; and Mr. Bentley, of Sudbury, adverting to his useful and laborious ministry, observed that during the last 25 years he had preached more that 9,000 sermons, all of which contain gospel truth. Mr. Ince, of Clare, read the 15th chapter 1 Cor., after which Mr. Cooper, of Wattisham, deliv

A RELIC OF OLD SNOW'S FIELDS.

Good old George Frances, his chapel, and many of his real friends in the gospel, have passed away from this changing sinful world. I have recently helped to lay to rest in Norwood Cemetery, the remains of dear old Charles Read, the father of those two most the proprietors of indefatigable citizens the Guildhall dining rooms, nearly opposite Bow Church, in Cheapside, London; who, to their honour, as loving sons be it said, did their utmost to smoothe the declining days of their much-loved father.

The following sweet note is from the late good man's grand-child. She says

DEAR PASTOR-"I take my pen to write a line respecting the last days of my departed grandfather. From November last, the beginning of his illness, he was very happy in his mind; and longed to be gone: his words death hos to all who came to see him, were no terrors for me! He was quite resigned to the will of the Lord, whether for life or for death. Last Monday at 10 o'clock, the Lord graciously released him from a body of sin and suffering; he was blest with much patience. I once said to him-'we know that when this earthly house of our body is dissolved, we have a building of God- be stopped me and, said, 'yes! I know I have. It is but exchanging earth for heaven.' He was speechless from Sunday evening, to the time of his death; but, in answer to my dear grandmother, if he was happy, he said as well as he was able, yes, pray to the Lord if you can to take me home;' he said there is no thirst there! nor pain.' He felt and knew death was approaching; he was perfectly sensible to the last; wished us all good bye; and wished that God might bless us: then, holding out his arms he said as loud as he could,come, dear Lord Jesus. Those were his last words; he often spoke of your visits with much pleasure; and said how he enjoyed your prayers: but now, prayer is exchanged for praise, and suffering and pain for eternal happiness. My grandfather lived rejoicing in the Lord, and died with the words on his lips come, Lord Jesus,' in the seventy-fifth year of his age. It seems a severe stroke to us, but we desire to say-it is the Lord, let him do as seemeth him good." Your's in gospel bonds. S. E. KEAD.

ΤΟ THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR-With many of your readers I rejoice in seeing that Mr. Wells is taking a different view of Mr. Spurgeon's moveIt seems, Mr. Editor, that you were right, and Mr. Wells wrong, in your first opinions of the pastor of New Park Street. Would it not be a good thing to have a large meeting of ministers of truth, such as our brethren Wells, Spurgeon, Foreman, Banks, Flack, Bloomfield, &c., and see what could be done for the spread of the distinguishing truths of the gospel? The Baptist churches seem going over to errors of every description. We want more Foremans, Bloomfields, Wells', Banks', and Spurgeons. Perhaps if you will put this into the it may be the means of bringing VESSEL, some gloriously united movement about. If we could see our ministers more united and earnest, we should become more united as members of churches. The ministers will

ments to what he once did.

excuse a well-wishing layman giving advice

and counsel. Your's,

A SIMPLE MEMBER OF A BAPTIST CHURCH. King's Cross, July 10th, 1858.

[We give the above note for several reasons. First, because it proceeds from a Christian brother who is most extensively acquainted with the minds of the people who make up our truth-defending churches; he has here spoken not for himself merely; but for thousands and tens of thousands who sincerely long to see pure gospel truth extending, as extend it must, because heaven has decreed it shall throw its glorious beams of holy light into the remotest corners of the earth. Secondly, we give this note because statements have been made with much confidence and circulated with considerable zeal, to the effect that an invitation to preach with Mr. Wells was sent to Mr. Spurgeon. If, on either side, a confirmation, or a contradiction, can be given; let it be done: although, from the first, we believe Mr. Spurgeon determined not to be identified with any party; or to be strictly associated with any of the leaders of any of the existing denominations. He knew that in some things he differed from the whole of them; and having the strongest confidence in the kind of mission he had to work out, he has gone forth; desiring, we believe, to manifest a love to all who sincerely love, and believe in, THE PERSON and GOSPEL OF CHRIST-but

Let a union be formed between them, if it life divine, in love to GOD, in a growing can possibly be done. Let it be a union in knowledge of the Bible, and in a holy and consistent decision for every essential principle of revealed truth. To obtain a ministerial unity of this kind, having for its object the propagation of THE GOSPEL by all, by every proper means, we would labour most earnestly. Among our younger brethren there is a growing desire for this; and if the venerable elders continue to look coolly upon these uprising desires, the juniors will march on without them. It is pleasing to see Mr. James Wells in the Crystal Palace, and in the Music Hall, preaching the gospel to thousands; while such good brethren as John Bloomfield, William Flack, and others, are going out into the squares, the fields, and the lanes, preaching Christ unto the people. These movements are but the beginnings of more earnest and united efforts:- and we hope"the slow coaches" will be presently hooked on to the express trains; and that "the day of God's power," and "the set time to favour Zion," may soon appear. We defer, for the present, many other remarks which "A Simple Member's " letter calls for; but the subject must not drop.

The following is from another Correspondent.-ED.]

MR. EDITOR,-I read the remarks of your Australian friend, respecting union among our Baptist Churches; you breathe out the same desire, and I can heartily join you. We shall not see any great prosperity until we are

more united.

I am led to these remarks by the following incident. I went the other morning to my garden to plant something for future support; in going along, I was led into meditation on

To go on with my meditation-when I got to my garden, I found some fat sheep grazing between the plots on the road, and having a little dog with me who always meddles with that which does not concern him, he must bark at these sheep. What did they do? They put themselves on the defensive; and in order to see what they would do, I encouraged him to bark at them. To my astonishment, they withstood him to the face, and he was obliged to retreat. Now, I thought, I could see what union could do; and what the sheep of Christ could do, if they stood on the defensive. I considered my little dog in the place of Satan; who always is endeavouring to perplex the sheep of Christ : and when I saw these innocent sheep resist, and by becoming one in the defensive, they beat their enemy quite out of countenance, I thought thus,-if the sheep of Christ would stick together, all Satan could do, could not harm them. These sheep had one common enemy; every day we have one common enemy, the devil. Let us resist him steadfastly as they did. Let us strive together as they did :-let us face our enemy as they did: our weapons are not carnal, but mighty through God. These sheep did not turn upon one another. Neither should we. These sheep stood the brunt, until their enemy laid down; and seemed afraid to enter the combat. They walked away together; as if nothing had happened; seemed to congratulate one another; and watching their enemy (as we returned) by keeping together,

they bid him defiance.

this is given (and many, I am sorry to say, Dear Sir, when such an interpretation as like it, we hear,) from a pulpit, called a gospel pulpit, it causeth much sorrow in many hearts. The interpretation has almost distracted one poor soul. Dear Sir, if you will notice this in your next number for August, you will greatly relieve the minds of many. We write, not for curiosity, but for the truth's sake. Your's truly,

A LOVER OF TRUTH.

[The above interpretation, we suppose, is copied from Dr. Gill, who says " it is an interpretation not to be despised, seeing it carries in it a strong reason why saints should watch and pray, lest they fall into the temptations of an adversary so powerful :" but we cannot believe that our LORD referred in the smallest degree to an evil, or a satanic spirit, when he said, "the Spirit is willing; but the flesh is weak." It is worthy of notice, that this passage of Scripture has been sub. jected to many different interpretations. Dr. Gill, himself, says, afterwards, "by the spirit may be meant the soul as renewed and regenerated by the spirit of God:" and most certainly this is the genuine sense of the text as the connexion positively and plainly

shews.

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In the first place, Jesus had foretold this weakness of his disciples, (v. 31,) “ All ye shall be offended because of me this night:" that is, when they should see him betrayed by Judas; condemned by the High Priest; and led away as a malefactor, they would stumble, stagger, be afflicted, offended, amazed, and overcome: all of which was predicted by the prophet, when by Zechariah, Jehovah the Father said, “I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." In the second cognized as being in Peter, when he said unto place, "the willingness of the spirit," is re

our Lord, "though all men should be offend ed because of thee, yet will I never be offended." Here was the "willingness" of Peter's spirit freely declared; but the Saviour saw the "weakness" of Peter's flesh deeply concealed; "no doubt Peter said this in the sincerity of his heart; and from deep affec tion for Christ." Peter's regenerated spirit was willing to follow Christ, to cleave unto Christ,

and he felt determined never to forsake Christ: but, Peter, little knew how weak his flesh→→ his natural powers, would be-when Satan should get him into his sieve. Oh! how many of us are like Peter! Before we have actually met the foe, we have felt the though all should fall, never will I:" but, strength of this willing spirit, and have said,

weak." These few words" the spirit is wilto our sorrow we have found, "the flesh is ling, but the flesh is weak," is a large and a Christian's career through this world of convery lucid commentary upon the whole of the flict and care. These words embody the two distinct parts of the true Christian-his heart