hinted at any of Mr. Triggs' incongruities contained in that work; but he has fallen into more competent hands, and, lightly as he may esteem the reproof herein administered, he will find that God's saints will listen, with due regard and attention, to the exposure thus made by a venerable and long esteemed minister. We leave the remarks of the Old Disciple to speak for themselves; they need no comment of ours: but having the opportunity, we avail ourselves of it, as we said we should, as Editors of the Spiritual Magazine, to address a few lines to Mr. Triggs.

Coinciding though we do, in the views of the Old Disciple, and the consequent error of Mr. Triggs' statements, we cannot and do not coincide in the conclusions then drawn by the Old Disciple. Mr. Triggs has attained an elevation of popularity likely to overbalance the sobriety of most. Pride will shew itself, even in God's children: and the desire to continue that popularity, will suggest methods that originate not in a seeking chiefly the glory of God. We believe it hath been so here. Mr. Triggs, among some who are no doubt the real children of God, has gathered around him many who constitute the flying camp of our great city-modern Athenians who are always running hither and thither in search of every new thing. May we venture to affirm, that Mr. Triggs, to retain around him this promiscuous throng, is constantly endeavouring to bring forward some new and startling proposition, thus to satisfy the morbid craving of their unholy appetite. We believe it, and inasmuch as we believe it, and all will allow this to be sinful, so we believe he will be visited for it. We might here bring forward one of his startling sayings, which would demonstrate, that in Mr. Triggs' own view, this our expectation is unfounded. But we have not space to take up his sayings and prove their fallacy: the sayings, blasphemous and silly, with

which his preaching hath of late so much abounded, and which, month by month, are generally brought under our notice by various correspon. dents. We content ourselves here, by exposing that which we believe to be the spring and fountain of all— his thirst after popularity; which prompts him, that he may cater to a croud, to cater for them unwholesome though inuch relished provision,

Some will say a minister ought to try to have a large congregation: that he who prophesieth to the thick boughs hath more prospect of an abundant vintage be it so, but do carnal motives never operate: do they not, alas, too generally?

:

Of course he will be angry with us for writing thus freely and thus un. ceremoniously; but if, as we still hope and believe, he hath God's fear in his bosom, and God's grace in his heart, it will induce him, some of these days, to ponder upon his sayings, and we will add likewise upon his doings, for before we close we cannot forbear alluding to the irreverent manner in which he engages in prayer. Doth he remember whom he addresses, when with a significant wink and a knowing nod, he runs on as if speaking to an equal or an inferior! Can it be called prayer when the petitioner claims, and demands, and threatens ! Oh, it is indeed a sweet privilege to feel that we may draw near to the mercy seat, and pleading the name and the merits of our great Substitute, put our covenant God and Father in mind of what he hath said and promised, and urge it upon him that he will do according to his word. But all this is very different from the irreverent claim, and the presumptuous demand, and the blasphemous threatening.

We stop here. We shall rejoice if these remarks be taken as they are meant; but if urged to it, we shall be quite willing to pursue the subject, and demonstrate still more plainly the truth of our assertions.-EDITORS.

SPIRITUAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To be Continued.

Much respected and dearly beloved
Father in the faith.

My father desires me to express his kindest christian love to you. We feel greatly obliged to you for the kindness manifested by interesting yourself respecting Martha, although we regret that you did not succeed; probably we may hear of something nearer home, which I think upon the whole will be better for her, as she is so young. I sincerely thank for you ness in writing to me. I am sure I have much reason to be thankful for your correspondence as well as your ministry. And now, as far as I am enabled, I turn to answering questions.

your

kind

You ask, whether I am looking unto Jesus, or whether my eye is turned within? I must answer then, (monster of ingratitude that I am,) I too frequently for my own comforts, and for the honour of my divine Master, am, instead of looking unto Jesus, as all-sufficient for all I stand in need of, and as faithful to perform the word upon which he has caused my poor soul to hope; I am looking within, to see if I can answer the objections of unbelief, against my being a subject of Jehovah's grace. If it be so, should I be exactly as I

am;

should I not at least have a greater desire to be different, should I be so sinful, cold and stupid, and yet at times so careless about it? I am altogether such a wretch, that I must abide by this point, if Christ has been made sin for me, and I am made the righteousness of God in him, I am safe; but if this is not really and truly the case, I have not another straw to lay hold of. This is no deception. However I may be deceived as to my right to believe that I am accepted in Christ, I know indeed and of a truth that I have no other ground of acceptance before God: whose April, 1814.]

name I would bless, for that he has here and there enabled me to erect an Ebenezer, since I have been walking in the valley. And although often fearing that I shall strike upon rocks, I can in some seasons cast the four anchors out of the stern, and wish for day. Yes, I do indeed wish for the day, I long for the Sun of Righteousness to arise, with healing under his wings. Bnt alas, it is seldom that I am favoured with a view of Him, whose smiles create my heaven. Yet can I truly and sincerely say,

"I cannot live contented long,

Without some glimpses of his face; And heaven, without his presence there, Would be a dark and tiresome place."

Oh, what a mercy for such a fallen, helpless creature as I am, that Jesus is what he is, an immutable Lover, and mighty to save. No other Saviour could be suited to me, but the God-man, Christ Jesus. No other salvation could reach my case, but salvation by free grace, wrought out by Christ, and made known by God the Holy Ghost. I am as wholly unable to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, without the influences of the Spirit, as I am to perform any thing acceptable to a just and holy God. Now and then I am favoured to look above every consideration of wretched self, to Christ alone; but for the most part I am left sinking into my own wretchedness. No sight of him either in hearing or reading his word. At the throne of grace in such darkness and bondage, that even if expressing something of my feelings, it appears as though I was speaking to myself, or to the stocks and stones, and not to the Lord; I am ready to say, "My cry cometh not up into his ears. And worse than this, at times the subject of such awful thoughts, as it would be vain to attempt, and utterly useless to enumerate. What ground then have I to believe that I am the subject of grace? None in myself; but the same that said unto

M

me,

Receive thy sight," also said unto me, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." Now he cannot deny himself, nor alter the thing that is gone out of his mouth. Therefore, notwithstanding all that I am the subject of, and bad as I am, yet am I not altogether in despair, hope has not yet perished. It is a gracious promise the Lord has made to Zion, that he "C will not make an end of her, but will correct her in measure, and not leave her altogether unpunished." I know I am one that needeth correction, for I am continually either grovelling in unbelief and distrust, or lifted up with pride and self-conceit. So seldom in a humble, waiting posture. Sometimes impatient, then careless; and the longer I think of it, the more I find to lament and be ashamed of. Oh, that your prayers for me may be graciously answered, that the Holy Spirit may lead me into clearer views and discoveries of Christ, for " Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and forgiveness of sins."

I am truly sorry to hear of your indisposition. I trust the Lord in mercy will restore your wonted health and strength, that you may yet prove a blessing to his church and people. My dear father joins with me in christian love and affection to Mrs. Burnett. And that the richest blessings of a covenant God may rest upon your labours of love, your person, and your family, is the earnest prayer of your daughter in the bonds of the gospel,

whom you have redemption, even the forgiveness of your sins, according to the riches of his grace:" for it is by sovereign, rich, free grace we are saved, not of works, lest any man should boast; being his workmanship, created, and redeemed, and sanctified; called by God the Holy Ghost, and made meet for the Master's use; and all for the purpose of his pleasure. What great and unspeakable mercies and privileges the children of God are called to a knowledge of in their time state, while travelling home to their Father's house above. And although it is often a painful, rugged path, it is the right way, leading to the city of habitation. The flesh often shrinks, while the spirit is willing: this should not be the case. Notwithstanding all these trials and tribulations, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom; it must be given to them for whom it has been prepared.

And now, dear friends, I desire to be truly thankful to the Lord, and to raise an Ebenezer, in which I know you will truly and sincerely join with me, to the praise of the glory of his grace, in safely bringing the Lord's servant to the haven where he would be. He arrived before five o'clock on Friday morning; at that time he appeared to be well both in body and mind, but since he has been seized with a great hoarseness. He thought yesterday he should not be carried through the services; but the Lord was better to him than all our fears. He was enabled with power and unction to speak in the morning from Isa. lxiii. 7, and recount the lovingkindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord in his dealings with him during his sojourn from S-—, in which the Lord shall have all the praise and all the glory, for his mercy endureth for ever. And in the evening from Rom. xi. the three last verses. So that pastor and people at the conclusion of the services could

rejoice together, and exalt him as the faithful God, who cannot deny himself. Has he not said it? and his arm is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that he cannot hear; being the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, resting in his love, rejoicing over his people, delighting to do them good. Hallelujah.

My dear husband is resting a little this morning, hoping the Lord will bless the simple means used for the recovery of his voice, desiring me to give his spiritual love to you both, and to say, the Lord reward you for your very great kindness to him when in your neighbourhood. "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of my brethren, (said the blessed Jesus) you have done it unto me." May Jehovah in his Trinity of persons bless, preserve, and keep you both unblameable, unto his heavenly kingdom, and comfort, console, and speak peace to your souls. May you hear his sweet voice saying, "It is I, be not afraid;" and this will cause you to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

My poor tabernacle is still very weak and frail. I fear I often murmur, I wish I was more quiet and resigned. Greet all the Lord's dear people by name for us at the upper room; and tell dear Mrs. I hope to be able shortly to write a few lines to her. How is dear give our love to him, and accept every blessing and good wish that you possibly can have, is the sincere desire of your affectionate and attached sister,

ELIZABETH.

EXTRACTS FROM SERMONS DELIVERED

my mind lead me to portions of holy writ suitable thereto, and this was the case this morning; for finding much despondency and casting down of soul, the words I have now read by way of text were a comfort to me; and perhaps what little I may be enabled, under the influence of the ever-blessed Spirit to advance, may be a comfort to some tried child of God under similar exercises.

I shall, first, briefly speak of these words in reference to Christ; and then, secondly, as they may relate to a child of God under heavy trials, arising from what quarter soever they may.

How exemplified they were in the case of our Redeemer, who was the poor and needy man. Look at the place of his birth-a stable. I do not suppose there is one hearing me who was brought into the world in such a place. Then, as he advanced in life, he laboured with his hands; follow him in after life, and so poor was he, that he wrought a miracle to pay the tribute money; and that bis followers ministered to him of their substance is evident. Oh, the condescension of the Lamb of God! how it ought to humble us in the dust, if at any time we should have exalted views of ourselves. "He made himself of no reputation, but took upon him the form of a servant."

We also find he was sorrowful: the prophet expressly stiles him, 66 a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief," It is no where said he laughed, or even smiled, the nearest allusion to it is, and Jesus rejoiced in spirit." In the garden, we read, he said

REV. JOHN VINALL.

No. 19.-To be Continued.

Psalm lxix. 29.-" But I am poor and sorrowful, let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high."

I GENERALLY find the exercises of

and knowing what lay before him ere he could utter that most important sentence, It is finished!"

"Let

The reply unto the prayer, thy salvation set me up on high," we shall find answered in the xcist Psalm, "Because he hath set his love upon

It might be much enlarged on, of his being set on high, but as I said I should but briefly speak on this head, I hasten to consider,

Secondly, How my text stands in reference to God's children. And let us begin by noticing their poverty, and that in a threefold way. First, which is the worst poverty of all, but which I do not think is included in my text; but as one of the churches in the iiird of Revelation was said to be in that state I shall merely name it; that is, to think we are rich when it is quite the reverse: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; but knowest not that thou art poor.' May we, my dear friends, be kept from this state.

2. Poor as it respects this world: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith." I quite agree with my dear friend, the late Mr. Huntington, that those who have an abundance of this world's goods, see, as he expresses it, but one side of God's face; there are not those opportunities to watch the kind hand of our gracious God in supplying our temporal needs. I had, for many years, most minutely to observe these things, and so had many of God's most eminent saints, witness Jacob, especially.

3. Poverty of spirit: and what a mercy to feel this; such souls are under the blessing of God, it does not say such shall be blessed, but are already : Blessed are the poor in spirit." That soul which feels much of this poverty, will be led to be earnest at a throne of grace, feeling his need to be supplied from the inexhaustible riches treasured up in our Lord Jesus Christ. What diligence there will also be found in attending the house of God, yea in every appointed means.

I shall now speak of sorrow. There

"she

is a sorrow that worketh death, but that is not included in my text. I consider the young man felt this, when he enquired of Christ how to obtain eternal life, and our dear Saviour gave him that heart-cutting reply, at the hearing of which it is said, and he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." But the sorrow meant in my text arises in a child of God from heavy trials. We find Jacob knew what it was when he supposed Joseph was dead, and expecting Benjamin to be taken away, &c., he said, "Then shall ye bring down my grey heirs with sorrow to the grave.' We also find it is said of Hannah, was a woman of a sorrowful spirit." And what sorrows had not the man of God, David, arising from the conduct of his rebellious son, Absolom. What sorrows had holy Job, from being the greatest man in the east, to be brought down to the most abject poverty; but I cannot but believe that his greatest sorrow arose from his losing the presence of his Lord, for we find that he says, after hearing of all his losses, The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." But as soon as he was delivered up into the hands of Satan, we then find him cursing the day of his birth. Oh, what sorrows did he endure.

I ought to have observed in the character of David, how many instances we have of his sorrow besides what I alluded to in the case of Absolom. Look at the man of God when Ziglag was burnt, when all that was near and dear to him was taken away, and the people talked of stoning him. We may also notice the long persecution from Saul; what sorrows he endured on that account. I could mention many characters, and perhaps it will be opportune to my subject, although rather a digression from my text, to mention the passage I preached from last week at Brighton: "But he was a leper." We find how many things are spoken of