Notes of the Month.

THE DECEASE OF THE KING OF THE BELGIANS.-It appears that King Leopold was universally regarded as a judicious and faithful sovereign. His death is a grief to all his loyal subjects, and at the same time to many royal families. The Belgians loved him as a father, and gave him many proofs of it. He was never known to make any infringement on the liberty of his people, or to govern them in any but a constitutional way. It is remarked that "Belgium has lost, in Leopold I. a father; Austria, a faithful friend of the Imperial house, and the peace of the world-its old defender."

THE JAMAICA RIOT AND THE MEANS contented with such an observance of the USED TO QUELL IT have been the subjects day. of conversation almost universally-of speeches at enthusiastic public meetings, and of addresses to the government. That a thorough investigation is absolutely necessary, is conceded by the government, in the appointment of a commission of inquiry, which is sent out to Jamaica. Sir Henry Storks, the head of the commission, accompanied by Mr. C. S. Roundel, a barrister, as his secretary, has left England for the scene of this terrible and bloody insurrection. We trust the investigation will be sternly impartial and comprehensive. It is believed by thousands in this country that Jamaica has been most wretchedly illgoverned, and most unrighteously taxed; and that instead of the Baptists being in any way blameable for the terrible scenes of riot and blood-shed, it will be proved that the badness of the government is the cause of them, and that the government of the island, and the government only, is responsible. We are glad to learn that Governor Eyre is suspended during the work of the commission.

The Times of December 11

observed, "If Leopold was not a great king, he possessed, in ordinary degree, those qualities which command admiration, and deserve success." King Leopold had passed his 75th year. He was buried in the family vault at Lacken, with all imagiuable funeral pomp; and many of the princes of the different royal houses attended. King Leopold II., the son of the departed monarch, has taken the oath to support the constitution before both Houses of the Belgian Parliament. He promised, in an excellent speech, to follow the liberal, judicious, and constitutional course of his revered father. The people, who had expressed their grief at the death of the old king, now, with much enthusiasm, evinced their loyalty to their new one.

THE SABBATH QUESTION.-There is a perpetual working, by a large body of men, to break down the quiet and sacredness of the Sabbath, in striving for the opening of the Museum and National Gallery, &c., on what Christians and people in general in this country regard as the Lord's-day. It may be asked whether Christians do regard it with that devotedness to Godwith that spiritual delight, and with that A KIND WORD FOR MINISTERS OF THE holy earnestness which should characterize GOSPEL.-In one of the papers, a writer such as are looking for an eternal Sabbatism suggests that ministers should be kindly in the presence of Jesus, of which the remembered "at this festive season," (writearthly Sabbath is but an imperfect emblem. ing of Christmas). This is done to our If the godly value the inestimable privi- knowledge in some cases; but with many, lege of a Sabbath-day-if they are anxious the ministers and their wives are amongst that their children should respect it-if the last thought of; some are not thought they are desirous of having its fleeting of at all. There are ministers of the gospel, moments employed in the worship of God worthy and laborious men, who get their and in contemplation of his word, they small salaries, and nothing else, unless it be will do all they can to show their regard cross looks and unkind speeches. Have for it, and their love to religious exercises, any of the godly been known on their by using prayerfully their precious privi- death-bed to repent of their deeds of kindleges on the Lord's-day. We are not anx- ness to Christ's ministers? No; far otherious for it to be made a stern Puritan Sab-wise. How Christianlike it would be for the bath, but a thousand times better be that than a Continental one. Now people satisfy themselves often with going to some place of worship once on a Lord's-day. The godly, in days past, would not have been

members of our churches to cherish and express kind feelings and prayerful solicitude for their ministers, and seek to relieve them from painful and crushing anxieties under which many faithful ministers

MY DEAR PASTOR,—It is with much pleasure I now send you a small token of my high regards for you in the ministry, and as the Lord's servant, I have to be thankful that I was led to hear your voice proclaim those glorious truths which the dear Lord does enable you to preach from time to time; and my earnest prayer to God is, that he will still continue to give you health and strength to enable you to set forth his glorious name in his most blessed gospel, and that you may be spared

many years to speak forth in his great and holy name; and that he may be pleased to give you many souls for your hire, and seals to your ministry. And this is also the prayer and desire of my wife; for we often say, the more we hear you, the more we like you, and profit under your ministry. But we are sorry that the distance from our house to the chapel is so very far off; and that we do not fill up our place at the chapel so often as we would like to do; but we frequently feel that we are well paid by the blessed truths which we are privileged to hear from your lips when we are there. Your text of last Lord's-day week is very often coming into my mind: "Open thy mouth wide, and I will it," which is a great encouragement to prayer. I trust that I found it good to be there. My wife joins with me in Christian love to you and Mrs. B., and remain yours in the bonds of the gospel,

F. F.

P. S.-Hoping that you will enjoy it.

Intelligence.

MOUNT ZION CHAPEL, CHADWELL numbers. In conclusion, he said, he could

STREET, CLERKENWELL.

THE twelfth anniversary of the opening of the above place was held on Lord's-day, Dec. 10th. Three sermons were preached; morning and evening by Mr. J. Hazelton, the pastor; and afternoon by Mr. Bloomfield. The collections were larger than on any former occasion.

see no reason why, on an occasion like the present, they should be dull or unhappy ; and then called on

Mr. Alderson, of Walworth, who, after a few congratulatory remarks to the chairman, spoke on the "Book of the Scriptures,' first reading the Scripture chosen for the subject by the chairman, Heb. x. 7. The On the following Tuesday, Dec. 12th, the volume here referred to he, the speaker, annual tea and public meeting was held. took to mean the whole of the Old TestaMr. Hazelton presided; Mr. Hawkins offered ment; though the volume spoken of in prayer. The chairman said the church had Psa. xl., whence this passage was quoted, been in existence fourteen years, during would naturally only refer to the nearly the whole of which period he had Pentateuch, and perhaps also the book of been their minister: for two years of Job. But it all referred to Him who came which, they had worshipped in the City- and acted in harmony with the sacred road. They were lovers and defenders of volume, which throughout testified of him. the truth. To himself, the truth of God God has revealed himself in three ways to was dear; he set it forth according to his us:-In the book of Nature, in the book of ability. In every sense of the word they the Scriptures, and in his Son. The were Strict and Particular Baptists. For Scriptures are all-important, and must be these things they were thankful. Another regarded with reverence; they were the thing for which they were thankful was rule of his life, and to them Christ always peace. Peace is a great blessing, and for appealed. fourteen years they had had uninterrupted peace, and had been preserved through the grace of God. Another thing they had to be thankful for was prosperity. They had not suddenly jumped into it; but they had grown into it gradually, almost slowly; and now theirs was a strong, healthy cause. This year, also, they had added to their

Mr. Palmer, of Homerton, spoke on the "Book of the Law," Gal. iii. 10. He said, the passage here quoted was from the last verse of Deut. xxvii., and that the word "Law" had a variety of significations. Moral law is that divine rule which we have received from our Creator, in relation to God and our fellow-creatures. All law

is moral, and when God commands, it is sinful not to obey. All moral law is founded on the requirements of God's moral nature. By simply keeping the law we cannot be saved; and if Adam had kept the law and had caused his children to keep the law, it would still never have given us a right to the heavenly inheritance. Out of God's sovereignty alone arises our salvation. The gospel is not opposed to the law; one will never contradict the other: and if any one preach the law instead of the gospel, he destroys God's scheme of salvation. All that are saved must be saved through Christ.

Mr. Bloomfield, on the "Book of the Conscience," Rev. xx. 12, said, that of all solemn subjects this was the most solemn. There is nothing more familiar, and yet what is it? and what is the office it fulfils? God does not always judge men by his pub lished law, but according to the measure of their consciousness of sin. The great white throne of God, spoken of in this chapter, is indicative of the great judgment, the greatness of the assize, and the equity thereof. As weights and measures were the symbols of justice employed among the Jews, so our conscience must be weighed and measured by God's infallible truth. Conscience in men speaks according to the light which they have received, and it must be under training and educa tion. The conscience of the Roman Catholic is disturbed when he neglects any of the frivolous ceremonies imposed upon him by the priesthood; but is this safe? Paul was acting according to his conscience when he was haling men and women to destruction; but when his conscience became educated, he acted more powerfully and effectually in the cause of truth. Conscience, corrupted by sin, and perverted through it, does not speak according to the original law of God. A conscience made tender under the grace of God we should prize as a jewel of great value. What supported the martyrs under their sufferings but the testimony of a good conscience? A sanctified conscience will always value what Christ did; it will love the right and hate the wrong. Truth in judgment only, and not conscience, is sure to leave us this side of heaven. A guilty conscience can only be quieted by the atonement and blood of Christ; it will be sure to be the tormentor of the lost, the worm that dieth not; for, however it may be stifled and seared in this life, it will speak through an awful eternity. Mr. Milner, on the Book of God's Remembrance, Mal. iii. 16, said, that in that book there will be no mistakes, no erasures, no blotting out. Man is under the government of the law of God and of his fellowmen; and as he is endowed with a con

science, so he will fulfil the requirements of those laws. There is a great difference between a slavish, guilty fear, and a filial fear. Pride and ambition bring us to sin and ruin; humility and contentment are productive of happiness and peace. Haman was a conspicuous example of the one, Mordecai of the other.

Mr. Foreman spoke a few words on the "Book of Life," Phil. iv. 3, and Mr. Wyard was to have spoken on the "Book of Decrees," Rev. v. 5, but on account of the lateness of the hour he left the subject untouched, and offered the concluding prayer and benediction.

The congregations were large, and the public meeting most encouraging, both in numbers and spirit.

GOOD NEWS FROM CROYDON.

ON Tuesday, Dec. 5th, a meeting of a most interesting character was held in the Old Baptist Chapel, Croydon, for the purpose of considering the best means of raising funds for building a new chapel, the necessity for which has long been felt. Although the attendance was not large (the evening being somewhat unfavourable), yet the results were highly satisfactory.

The meeting was commenced with special 'prayer, after which Mr. Thurston, the pastor, opened the business of the evening with a few appropriate remarks relative to the position of the church during his six years' pastorate.

A very

Resolutions suitable to the occasion were unanimously adopted, after which a subscription list was opened. The Chairman stated that about six weeks since a stranger walked into the vestry one evening, and put a piece of paper into his hand, containing five sovereigns for the building fund. This was regarded as the Lord's subscription, the donor being unknown. interesting letter (anonymous) was read, requesting the acceptance of the enclosed £50; a second requesting the acceptance of £5; a third promising £5 and an annual subscription; after which, the friends gave in their names and the amount of their subscriptions. At the close of the meeting the subscriptions amounted to the pleasing sum of £341 10s., since which £25 have been added, and more is expected. What has God wrought! This must be regarded as the voice of God encouraging us onward, and, with his promise of support, we must proceed. But there remains much more to be done. The task is arduous, the burden heavy. Who will help us?

The worthy Editor of the Voice of Truth will kindly receive donations from friends whom God may dispose to give. BRISCOE, Printer, Banner-street, Bunhill-row, Finsbury.

THE

VOICE OF TRUTH;

OR,

Baptist Record.

SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE."

IN ESSENTIALS, UNITY; IN NON-ESSENTIALS, LIBERTY; IN ALL THINGS, CHARITY.

FEBRUARY, 1866.

Expositions and Essays.

JUSTIFICATION THROUGH THE IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST.

THERE are none righteous, for all men are sinners before God. The gospel is to be preached in all the world, for the gathering of sinners unto Jesus Christ the Saviour. Every man is a transgressor of the divine law, and is righteously condemned as a sinner before the eternal God. It is by divine illumination the sinner discovers his lost and ruined condition and from necessity is induced to cry, "God be merciful unto me a sinner." It is through the infallible teaching, and invincible operations of the Spirit of God, the sinner is constrained to seek after that righteousness which alone can justify him before the heart-searching God. It is by divine teaching the mind is enlightened, the judgment is informed, the will is subjugated, and man's affections are made right with God. It is by divine teaching the sinner seeks to be found in Jesus, "not having on his own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."

The personal majesty of the Son of God gave a power to his official doings, and a a fitness and glory to his righteousness, in which the sinner is justified. The Saviour's righteousness is the unchanging title of the sinner's everlasting life, and the divine foundation on which his justification rests for ever. How can a man be just with God? is a solemn enquiry. It is a most serious question, and one of vaster moment could not be presented to our mind. The sacred scriptures give a most satisfactory answer to this all-important question-"It is God that justifieth." The Divine Being justifies the ungodly who believe in Jesus, through the imputation of the Saviour's perfect and meritorious righteousness. Jesus is the Lord their righteousness. He is "the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

1. The doctrine of justification is one of momentous concern, and one on which numberless religionists are making most fatal blunders. It is clearly made known in the book of God, and was the great doctrine of the reformation. Justification by Christ's imputed righteousness is the centre arch of that bridge by which we pass out of time into a blissful eternity. The knowledge of interest in this truth makes the soul to rejoice in Jesus, and to have no confidence in the flesh. The condemnation of self precedes the enjoyment of justification in the righteousness of him who is the great Captain of salvation. Law discoveries precede the realization

VOL. V. NO. L, NEW SERIES.

of gospel remedies; the renunciation of self-righteousness goes before the enjoyment of justification in the immaculate righteousness of the Son of God. The sinner hears with trembling Sinai's tempest before he rejoices in Calvary's peace. The attempt of the sinner to justify himself in his own worse than fig-leaf righteousness, is folly, madness, and sin. Oh what depraved and undone creatures we are before the righteous God! Man has destroyed himself; transgression is man's act ; justification is the righteous and gracious act of a covenant God. The justification of a sinner through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, originated in the divine will, and is expressive of divine sovereignty, and unmerited and immutable favour.

2 The justification of sinners is a divine prerogative. It is God that justifieth. He is just, and the justifier of the ungodly who believe in Jesus. He is not the justifier of sin, but of the sinner. He could not be the justifier of sin, for it is contrary to his nature, and abhorrent to his infinitely pure mind. The righteous God has shewn his unchangeable hatred to sin in his fearful and desolating judgments upon the ungodly, and in the unexampled sufferings of his only begotten Son. His hatred to sin is unabatable and everlasting. The justification of sinners is a judicial act, by which they are, through the Saviour's righteousness, constituted completely righteous before the eternal God. It is an immanent act of the divine will; and in it Jehovah has regarded the unsullied honour of his character, and the unbending rights of his moral government. The righteousness of Jesus Christ which is imputed to the church, is commensurate with all the claims of God's holy and unrepealable law.

3. The justification effected by the imputation of the Saviour's righteousness, is totally irrespective of personal worth or desert in the justified. It is of God, and is absolutely free and eternal. Jehovah is the author of the plan of salvation, and of the salvation of the plan. It is God's work, and in it he has made a development of the perfections of his nature and government. Through this great work of the almighty God, the sinner justified in the doings of Christ, is chargeless and blameless before God. No one can lay anything to the charge of God's elect, for Christ hath died and is risen again, and is now at the right hand of God making intercession for his people. This truth has been and is opposed by the enemies of God and his Christ. There are men who, under the garb of religion, are opposing with infuriated madness this imperishable truth. Hell may rage against this truth, and Satan's emissaries may oppose it with bitterness and scorn, but it stands unmoved and unharmed, like an everlasting rock. It is a truth invaluable to those who are led by the Spirit of holiness and power. It is a bright and beautiful star in the firmament of grace. It is a doctrine everywhere taught in the sacred Scriptures. It awakened the zeal and holy fire of the mightiest prophets. It throws a halo of glory over the poetic and inspired effusions of the psalmist. It filled the apostles with heavenly zeal and unconquerable courage in their Master's work. It was the life, strength, and glory of the reformation: and with this doctrine many of the best puritan writers have enriched and adorned their able writings. The sceptic says, "How can a righteousness which is not ours justify us before God?" This objection is weak and futile; for the righteousness of Jesus is the property of those he represents, as the payment of the surety is payment of the principal in the eyes of the law. The church has a matrimonial and indissoluble union to Jesus Christ. His righteousness is imputed to the church, and all her sin was laid upon him. He "appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. On him were laid the " iniquities of us all." "He was manifested to take away our sin, and in him there was no sin." "He was made sin for us, though he knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." He is "The Lord our righteousness," and no other righteousness will do before God: for what is of nature's spinning will be burnt up by the majesty of God's law. The righteousness of man is too narrow to wrap himself in, and it is rebellion against the God of heaven to try to establish it. The man who trusteth in his own righteousness is a fool; he is under the curse of God's law; but blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered; blessed is the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works."

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