And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest Church is engraven on his heart, and set upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."-Isaiah xi. 2. THIS can only be spoken of Him in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. The manifestation of God in human flesh! "Till God in human flesh I see, My thoughts no comfort find." Wisdom and knowledge, counsel and might, are the good gifts received for the rebellious. The Spirit rests on Him without measure; and He left that Spirit with his body-the Church-that every member might be thoroughly furnished unto all good works, and abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." How frequently we need wisdom and counsel, in all the intricate circumstances of life. Jesus is not only infinitely able, but willing to impart them. Help and strength are not always manifest to our senses, but to our faith; for, "we walk by faith, not by sight,” till we reach the land of eternal rest. Here the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud will guide us, as each solemn and increasingly eventful year is bringing us nearer to that time when we shall see Him as He is. 66 Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."-Psalm 1. 5. SAINTS feel an attraction to each other in the Lord, and the more so in proportion, as they have entered into the Lord; their oneness being realized in Him. The Lord is attracted to them by their vital union to Him. Thus they are black in themselves, they are comely in his comeliness. My eyes and my heart are there continually." Yes, His as a seal on his arm. Oh! what a mercy to know, that through all the vicissitudes of this life, Jesus never changes. He rests in his love-strong as deathwhich neither fire or water can quench. He calls his people by name—“ Those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." A separate people, gathered together from the world, among whom they live, not in word, but in spirit, and in truth. "Because of the savour of thy good ointments, thy name is as ointment poured forth."-Sol. Song i. 3. How numerous and precious are the promises to cheer our fainting spirits. An eternal, ever-flowing Fountain in a desert land. The name of Jesus has divine fragrancy in it. It is a balm for every wound. It soothes our cares, and reconciles us to every rugged path in the wilderness. We are fast approaching the joyful period, when we shall be filled with the inexhaustible fulness of Jesus, without the shadow of a cloud. is The Lord's people are now hidden in the clefts of the rock, whom no man careth for; but Jesus sees them, and calls them out:-"Let me sce thy countenance;" let me commune with thee; "sweet is thy voice." Oh! what heart-melting language for those who are tempted by Satan, who think God will not hear their cry, that the not that of God's children; yet, He is saying, "Ask what I shall give thee ?" His thoughts are not for evil, but good, and what do his children need? His gracious presence, his divine anointing, the warmth, and energy of truth shedding savour, and sweetly causing those who are asleep to speak. 'cry Oh! Thou in whom the unctious dew of grace dwells without measure, thy fainting children, would open to thee, though, alas, they sleep for sorrow of heart: but the heart waketh at the sound of thy voice. The perplexing mediums of separation are continually forming a barrier to the approach of the Church, for the Lord has promised to bestow liberally, and what can He give more than Himself? We have not, because we ask not. We are brought nigh to receive the promised blessings, and to make use of them. We want faith to penetrate every dark cloud; faith in the blood of the Lamb, to receive the promised blessings; faith to enter into the grace in which we stand; faith to live as children of light; that, from the grace poured into our lips, we may manifest that light; the faith that works by love, overcomes the world, and triumphs over death. The faith that acquiesces in all God's holy will, taking up every cross in a spirit of meek submission; knowing that all must be right which God appoints. TIDINGS FROM INDIA. maining beyond two years in one place. Anciently God commanded, but Satan appeared bringing destruction. Formerly God commanded, but Satan appeared deceiving unto death. The woman Ev, and the man Thanai pleased not the mind of the dragon. The dragon looked on them; the dragon beguiled the woman and Thanai. How is this said to have happened? The great dragon succeeded in deceiving; de Townghoo, Sept. 24, 1855. MY DEAR JOHN,-Letters from India, though generally welcome to kind friends at home, are for the most part dull affairs, being almost necessarily about things in which the readers can feel no interest. In the present instance, this need not be the case, since I propose that the theme of my letter shall be Missionary operations in Burmah." These missions owe their origin solely to American agency. They were commenced about 30 years ago by the Rev. Dr. Judson, who died a short time since, full of apostolic honour. Owing to the difficulties of the language then altoge-ceiving unto death. How do they say ther unknown to the civilized world, and the prejudices of the people, and the persecution by the rulers, the mission for a long time met with but indifferent success. In the year 1830, however, a new and fruitful field suddenly presented itself. Some wandering Karens heard of the religion which brought salvation to the lowly, and came to enquire. The proud presumptuous Burmans would have nothing to say to "Jesus Christ's men;" but the poor humble Karens, who regard themselves as the lowest among all nations, received them with alacrity. The Karens are a nation of wanderers without settled habitation, seldom re it was done? A yellow fruit took the great dragon, and gave to the children of God. A white fruit took the great dragon, and gave to the daughter and son of God. They transgressed the commands of God, and God turned his face from them. They kept not the words of God; were deceived-deceived unto sickness. They kept not the law of God; were deceived-deceived unto death." They have also predictions that white men would come across the sea to teach them the words of wisdom. Is it not wonderful, such traditions existing in a nation of wild barbarians, without even the advantage of a written language to FORBEARANCE. "Bear and forbear"-a maxim true, As ever mortal penman drew. DR. SYNTAX. I used in the New Testament, the Greek word is an exact equivalent of the Hebrew in the Old Testament. This same word is also otherwise translated in other passages, but with the same signification. In Matt. xviii. 26, "Have patience with THE wisdom of practising this doctrine is admitted, even as to its natural effects and consequences; but it is of higher authority than mere mortal penman.me," &c. 1 Thess. v. 14, "Comfort the ENDURANCE and FORBEARANCE are very prominent features in the doctrine of Christ, as they are most pre-eminently exhibited in HIS practice. feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient towards all" (James v. 7, 8; Acts xxvi. 3; Heb. vi. 15, &c.) In Eph. iv. 2, and Col. iii. 13, where the word forIn natural men forbearance may arise bear is used; the actual precise meaning from various motives; from pride which seems rather, "bear with," than "forscorns to take advantage; from timidity bear," or "refrain from." And the forwhich fears to provoke; from prudence bearance is expressed before in the word thinking of expediency; from pity shrink-"long-suffering." "With long-suffering from giving pain; or love solicitous ing bearing with one another." And so to avoid jarring. In the regenerated in Col. iii. 13, "Put on long-suffering, child of God it is of the operation of bearing with one another." And again, God the Holy Ghost, putting restraint on 2 Tim. ii. 24. the natural impulse of the heart, in desire to be conformed to the mind which was in Christ Jesus, "who being in the form of God, made Himself of no reputation, and took on Him the form of a servant," that He might say, "Lo! I come, do to thy will, O God." What a miracle of Forbearance is that endurance of the slander of sinners against Himself, when a word could have swept creation out of existence, HE forbore it; else where should have been the Father's will of good pleasure towards sinners of mankind? For the joy that was set before Him, He forbore, and endured the cross, despising the shame. In natural forbearance, even in its best form, when springing from love, selfishness is at the root; but his forbearance was in sacrificing self for his enemies; and this contrast between his forbearance and that which is of nature, is set forth in the word of God; viz., Some may be found to give themselves even to death for a friend, but He died, that his enemies might live. In the Old Testament, this most gracious attribute of Jehovah, his forbearance, is called "long-suffering" (Exod. xxxiv. 6; Numb. xiv. 18; Psal. lxxxvi. 15; and Jer. xv. 15). And the literal meaning of the word, it has been observed, is "long nostrils;" as though it should say, slow, calm, self-possessed breathing, in contradistinction to the quick breathing of anger and irritation. And in every case in which the word is In 1 Tim. i. 16, the Apostle Paul speaks of himself as selected for an example of the depth and height of the forbearance of Jesus Christ, in bearing with him, the chief of sinners, and making him not a whit behind the chiefest of all the Apostles. And In 2 Pet. iii, 15, I cannot see the meaning of the word; 'And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation." But I see the words that and is are in italics, showing they are not in the Greek; which seems to me to be, "And think of the long-suffering of our Lord, which is your Salvation, or Safety." For the words long-suffering and salvation stand in opposition. the subsequent verses of the chapter agree with this. For the doctrine of final perseverance is one of those taught by our beloved brother Paul, and which unstable men wrest to their own destruction, running into Antinomian license. And in the 17th verse, the partakers of like precious faith, are exhorted to beware, that they fall not from their own steadfastness. But to revert to the main subject of this meditation, "The forbearance of the Lord," in how many forms does it come before us. "God is provoked every day." Jesus, in the days of his flesh, never sat in the seat of the scorner. Even in his temptation by Satan, He forbore to taunt; He firmly and meekly replied from the Word of God; how He daily bears with the infir mities of his people, and forbears to re- | sent their coldness, or to turn them away for their faithlessness. Unchanging constancy, infinite, unalterable love fill his heart towards them, and go forth in perpetual renewals and revivings of their languid affections towards Him. What human-nature forbearance of a fond husband towards his wife, can give even an adequate shadow of the forbearance of the Bridegroom to his church; for where in nature, forbearance ceases, and the faithless wife can no longer be borne with, grace shines forth in the contrast, and He forbears to cast her off, but allures her back to his love. Precious Lord, fill my heart with love and gratitude, for all Thou art to me, and all Thou hast done for me, and cause me to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Thee, my Lord and Saviour. To Thee, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, the Triune-Covenant God of Israel, be honour and glory both now and ever. Amen. T. W. THE HONOUR OF BELONGING TO CHRIST. "Ye belong to Christ."-Mark ix. 41. THE present age is noted for its great number of sects, parties, societies, clubs, institutions &c., of various kinds; and very few persons, comparatively speaking can be found who do not belong to some one or other of the same: hence how often do we hear the question asked, what Church or chapel do you attend? What club, secret order, or funeral institution? or what society are you a member of? But how seldom do we hear the question asked, do you belong to Christ? are you a member of his Church? or a scholar in his school? It matters not by what name we are called, nor what place we attend, nor to what family, however rich, noble, or titled, we belong, nor of what church or chapel we are members, if we do not belong to Christ. Better to belong to Christ, and not to any church or chapel, than to be a member of a church or chapel, and not belong to Christ; for if we belong not to Christ on earth, we shall never reign with Christ in heaven! Hence the beggar in rags who belongs to Christ is much more highly honoured and his situation much more enviable, than the richest man in the universe who does not belong to Christ; for one grain of true and genuine faith in Christ is of greater value than all the gold mines in the world, yea it is a superlative diamond of infinite value, for he who possesses it belongs to Christ, and is an heir of heaven, Rom. viii. 17, Gal. iii. 29; whilst all who die destitute of it, must die in their sins, and where Christ is they never can come, John viii. 21, 24. Therefore thou to whom Christ says by the sweet whispers of his Spirit within thee, "O ye of little faith," Matt. vi. 30, are infinitely better than those to whom he saith, “ye believe not (or have no faith at all) because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you" John x. 26; for however little our faith, so long as it is of the genuine kind, it is one of the spiritual blessings deposited in Christ for his own before the world began, Eph. i. 3, 4; and it is an heavenly coin (given to us by God alone, Eph. ii. 8), which bears the inscription of Jesus, and by it we can gain admission into the celestial city of glory everlasting; therefore do not despise, "little faith," though small as a grain of mustard seed, Matt. xvii. 20, but always remember that "little faith" is one of Christ's "little ones," Zech. xiii. 7, Matt. xviii. 6, 10, 14, and belongs to the little flock (Luke xii. 32) of the great Shepherd, (Heb. xiii. 20); is loved by a great love (Eph. ii. 4); redeemed by a great Saviour (Isa. xix. 20; has given to him great and precious promises (2 Pet. i. 4); and shall in a little time (Heb. x. 37) be brought safe out of great tribulation (Rev. vii. 14), to the possession of great glory (Psal. cxxxviii. 5; 2 Cor. iv. 17), in the great house (John xiv. 2), not made with hands (2 Cor. v. 1); but by the great God (Tit. ii. 15), prepared for a great multitude (Rev. vii. 9), even for all who belong to Jesus (Matt. xxv. 34). Let us then enquire, 1. Upon whom this honour of belonging to Christ is conferred. It is conferred upon each and every saint, " for this honour have all the saints" (Psal. cxlix. 9), in every age and in every country, and upon none else will it ever be conferred (Rom. xi. 7), therefore it is a matter of the highest importance for us to know personally—whether More happy, but not more secure, "But we 1. That they belong to Christ because they were chosen by God in Christ (Eph. i. 4), to be saved by Christ, are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanetification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (2 Thess. ii. 13). or no we are saints. Now none are born | prepared for all who belong to Christ saints, neither can any make themselves (Matt. xxv. 34), when time with us is saints, therefore those who are saints no more, for, as the immortal Toplady are only those who are sanctified in has said. Christ Jesus and called to be saints (1 Cor. i. 2), by the Spirit of Christ dwelling and abiding in them; hence it is the office and work of the Spirit to quick-when, and how, this honour of belonging en, regenerate, sanctify, and preserve all to Christ was conferred; this honour was who are not appointed to wrath, but to conferred by God in eternity upon all obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus the election of grace, for they only hath Christ (1 Thess. v. 9); for saith the God loved with an everlasting love, and Apostle to the Corinthians, "But ye with loving-kindness will he draw them are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye (Jerem. xxxi. 3), by his Spirit and grace are justified, in the name of the Lord to love, fear, and serve him alone, hence Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 we love him, because he first loved us Cor. vi. 11); and to the Romans he (1 John iv. 19). But here I would rewrites equally as plain; If any man mark, have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his (Rom. viii. 9), that is he does not belong to Christ; he is not one of his family, not one of his sheep, not one of his beloved ones, not one of his seed, not one of the purchase of his blood, and not one who shall die in him, and be for ever with him. In fine, all who love Christ, and live and believe in him, and have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts belong to Christ (Gal. v. 14), for Christ to such only is precious (1 Pet. ii. 7); yea the chiefest among ten thousand and altogether lovely (Cant. v. 10-16; the love of God being shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to them (Rom. v. 5), and they are followers of God as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved them, and given himself for them, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour (Eph. v. 12). Let us then individually and seriously ask ourselves, are we in the possession of the Spirit of Christ? is the grace of God planted in our hearts? are we passed from death unto life? are we made new creatures in Christ Jesus, and have old things passed away and all things become new? Are we of the true circumcision who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh? Do we, like the publican, see and feel our own vileness, wretchedness, misery, and helplessness: and have we been led and enabled to trust wholly and solely in the merits of Christ, and to live, walk, and triumph alone in Jesus? If so, we are saints and belong to Christ; we are his property, his jewels, his redeemed ones, his crown and rejoicing, and so sure as Christ our Forerunner (Heb. vi. 20) hath for us entered into heaven, we shall take possession of those eternal mansions of bliss 2. They belong to Christ because they were given by God to Christ, to be his portion and his inheritance for ever; hence saith Christ to the Father "thine they were and thou gavest them me;" and "all mine are thine, and thine are mine," and again "thou hast given (Christ) power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to us many as thou hast given him," therefore it was that he prayed for them, and not for the world (John xvii. 2, 6, 9, 10, 24). Well might the Psalmist say, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance" (Psal. xxxiii. 12). 3. They belong to Christ because they were ever united to Christ, and shall be for ever one with Christ-this is plain from the language of Christ, I am the vine, ye are the branches," (John xv. 5), for as the poet saith, The vine and branches are but one And again, Christ saith, " and the glory which thou (the Father) gavest me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me (John xvii. 22, 16). Equally plain on this subject of union does the apostle write, "Now ye are the |