CONTROVERSY is that which the christian is anxious to avoid, the angry tempers which are usually manifested being quite at variance with that quietude which as an humble believer he aims to enjoy in sweet communion with the Holy Three; but there are occasions when the faithful minister of Christ is compelled to quit his more congenial pursuits, and without hesitation stand forward in defence of the grand truths of his holy faith, in opposition to all who may dare to defy the distinguishing and soul-supporting doctrines of sovereign and electing love; and when he is enabled so to do in the spirit of his Divine Master, he will be sure to gain the victory. The present volume appears to have been called for under such circumstances, a work having been published, entitled "Discourses on the Ninth Chapter of Romans," by a minister in the immediate locality of the author's neighbourhood; in which the doctrines of predestination and effectual calling, have been not only impugued, but totally denied; and we think Mr. Felton has concisely but conclusively defended these grand and fundamental truths from that stigma which this advocate for moral agency has aimed to charge upon its advocates. It was with pleasure we read that part of the work, where adverting to the bias those truths will have on those who happily have experienced them, he thus writes: "This blessed doctrine of divine predestination, is well calculated to promote spirituality of mind; since the sure and certain out-pourings of the Holy Comforter for that purpose, was part of the sacred contract of the everlasting covenant. From his blessed work, springs an holy obedience and delight in all the ways of the Lord. It ever hath been, and ever will remain, a part of the devil's policy to insinuate, that this precious doctrine is subversive of good works, and that it would set aside the use of means. It hath frequently been said, that its tendency is to remove every gracious obligation from the christian. These foul and libellous charges, not only against the doctrine itself, but its Gracious Author, he will assuredly resent on the head of his enemies. It can only be finally entertained by Satan's goats, for the sheep of Christ delight in it. What! shall it be said that the sweet doctrine of eternal election, which is the foundation canse of the sanctification of the soul, and its meetness for glory, leads to a denial of its effects? What! can that destroy good works, which is the only source from whence they spring, or can possibly exist? Are we to be told, that divine teaching will lead the mind so taught away from God, or suffer it to delight in whatever is contrary to his will? Is it, in the nature of things, possible, that a soul who hath felt the power of redeeming blood upon the conscience, speaking peace beyond expression, can be otherwise than overwhelmed with gratitude and praise to such a Saviour? This will produce brokenness of heart, and a humble walk with God by precious faith, in the glorious atonement of Christ. And are these the truths, flowing from the unfathomable love of Jehovah, which men, with daring impiety, declare lead to sin? Are these things likely to slacken the obligations of the soul that hath "tasted that the Lord is gracious?" Until it can be shewn that the sun is calculated to produce darkness-or that a pure fountain can issue streams of impurity-let the opposers of predestination cease from deducing inferences so groundless, or charge that upon its Almighty Author, which is exclusively attributable to the depraved and wretched heart of man." POETRY. LINES, OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF A BELOVED FATHER. LET not my Lord, With angry look, his handmaid's soul o'erwhelm, While she, in deep humiliation, prays That God the Holy Ghost would deign t' assist A subject, wrapt in deep solemnity, Has now her mind engag'd. The stillness of Now weeping relatives, who hitherto But O! forsaken of its vital part, How soon 'twill to corruption fall a prey! The silent grave, till Jesus shall descend, With shoutings, from his throne, to judge the world : His glorious body, never more to die. Consoling thought! his spirit now enjoys, In presence of the Lord, unsullied bliss: Anguish no more this heart will rend, no more To earth, the abode of worms, to moulder there! Spirit divine! with healing beams descend, The blest assembly soon you'll join, From ev'ry doubt you'll then be free; Upon the weeping willow tree. Orpington, Kent, T. W.* LINES ON THE ELEVENTH VERSE OF THE FORTY-SECOND PSALM. WHY heaves my anxious heart? Whence flow these briny tears? Say, Oh! my burden'd soul from what Arise these doubts and fears? 'Ts Jesus hides his face, Nor cheers me with a smile; The joys of time and sense no more, I read his word, but Ah! My soul with fear cast down, My stamm'ring pray'r is heard, Down comes my Saviour, blessed Lord! Kingsland. MAJOR A SONNET-TRIUMPH OVER DEATH. AH Death! fierce tyrant, thou may'st bend thy bow, Though nature shrinks with anguish from the sinart. Art thou not conquer'd, mighty Conqueror? Hast thou not lost the poison of thy sting? Of this dull dungeon, seeking for a way To leave its walls, and fly beyond the stars, And Death's sharp stroke but rends the stubborn clay- This tiresome world, for that where sorrows never grieve! October 17, 1829. B. S. S. THE Spiritual Magazine; OR, SAINTS' TREASURY. "There are Three that bear record in heaven; the FATHER, the WORD, and the HOLY GHOST: and these Three are One." "Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." 1 John v. 7. Jude 3. APRIL, 1830. (For the Spiritual Magazine.) THE DOCTRINE OF ELECTION STATED AND VINDICATED. THE doctrine of election is most divine. It is dear to God, and to all truly wise and good men. Those who despise it, do but discover the enmity of their minds against God himself, and their want of supernatural principles in religion. Those who conceal it, through a strange notion that it ought not to be preached, are not much better; such seem to be wiser than the word of God, where it is revealed as with a sun-beam. Will God say any thing that is wrong, useless, or injurious? Does he not know best what should be written and published, for the good of his people, and the glory of his own name? Is not his word to guide us in this matter as well as in all others? Those who reject it are robbers of God and men; they take the crown from his head, and comfort from the hearts of his people. That it is full of unspeakable comfort to pious and spiritual persons, may be learned from the 17th article of the church of England. "But we have a more sure word of prophecy" to prove the doctrine for which I am pleading. Let us come to the word and testimony. It is expressed in the bible as follows. Persons are "Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father," 1 Pet. i. 2. lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?" Rom. viii. 33. dure all things for the elect's sakes,” 2 Tim. ii. 10. "Shall not God avenge his own elect?" Luke xviii. 7. For the elect's sake the days of distress shall be shortened," Matt. xxiv. 22. "If possible they VOL. VI.-Nɔ. 72. 2 S "Who shall "I en |