the system, the impracticable system of universal equality be established, would also have the same pernicious influence upon our religi ous institutions and societies; and the most profitable congregation of the saints would quickly be subservient to and dispersed by the indulgence of the principles of pride; for no sooner do we picture to Ourselves a sameness in all respects, than we behold each one rending the present inferior tie that binds him to some inferior situation, and ambitiously grasping the sceptre of unconditional supremacy. May we not, therefore, rejoice, that the presumption of Diotrephes has hitherto been limited in its subjects, and that the more laudable confidence of a Paul has generally been accompanied with the supernatural treasures of humility. Thus the same faith which inspires the exclamation," he loved me, and gave himself for me," breathes forth also the words, "less than the least."

We would wish particularly to impress upon the mind, that INNOCENCE IS NO FOE TO INFERIORITY. Thus every angel in the presence of God is contented with his peculiar station and occupation, and the more we go on unto perfection; the greater advances we make towards the full stature of men in Christ, the more satisfied shall we feel with our condition in the church, whether it be high or low. The one will not encourage ambition, the other will not become the votary of envy or despair. Be it remembered, that the trembling lamb is equally of the fold with the unsuspecting sheep; and the servant equally a son, with the steward of many domestics.

What is it, then, in human nature that feels so unmoveably opposed to inferiority, if a state of perfection be friendly therewith? Ah! is it not the inherent power of corruption? Is it not the matured seed of indwelling sin? Is it not the fruit of rebellion? Perfect dependence would have as much pleasure in receiving, as perfect independence would feel in communicating: and thus the unwillingness of the creature to fill a situation inferior to his neighbour arises not from the praiseworthy spirit of consistent emulation, but from the unhappy encouragement of the temper of self-esteem and sufficiency.

Nature, as pure from the hand of her Creator, was clothed with the amaranthine robe of humility; but nature as impure through the infernal policy of Satan, is dressed in the detestable habiliment of pride thus what nature pure would feel happy in executing, nature fallen would scorn to be concerned in.

Oh! that we felt a little more, and fostered selfishness much less. Oh! that we could live more as new creatures, than as creatures contaminated; then should we behold the wisdom of Jehovah, in the various discrepancies which he has ordained in his church; then should we not shun to take the water and the towel to bathe the disciples' feet. Ah! then what commendable zeal!!! These days of conformity to the world are to prove the Israel of God: the world are dissatisfied with their situations and resources, and every one is aiming to vie with his brother at the expense of integrity. Oh! let it not be said of Zion, she is also kneeling to the Teraphim of vanity. J. M. D.

Brighton.

(To be continued.)

POETRY.

LINES COMPOSED ON A SERMON, PREACHED FROM ISA. liv. 5.
BY THE REV. G. FIRMIN.

JEHOVAH, believer, thy Sovereign and Lord,
E'en Israel's Redeemer, has publish'd his word,
So clear, that deceivers this truth cannot hide,
Thy Maker's thy Husband, and thou art his bride.
How strong his affection, his heart how sincere,
When he thy true lover this character bear-
Who ne'er will deceive thee, whate'er may betide,
Thy Maker's thy Husband, and thou art his bride.
He marriage proposes a union takes place;
The Father attests to this act of his grace :
The Spirit bears witness that none may divide,
Thy Maker, thy Husband from thee as his bride.
What likeness of features between them appear,
Though some are more distant, while others more near;
Yet all with his likeness shall be satisfied,
When rais'd with their Husband, complete as his bride.
Some wives are inconstant, they love to depart,
And unto false lovers surrender their heart;
But Jesus will bring them again to his side,
Because he's their Husband, and they are his bride.
Though in her own robes she's asham'd to be seen,
In robes of the palace, array'd as his queen;
With him in the chariot of love she must ride,
As her lawful Husband and his honour'd bride.
Though e'er so despised and wretchedly poor,
Remember thy Jesus has wealth in great store,
To enrich or adorn thee his hand will provide,
Because he's thy Husband, and thou art his bride.
Plead no more excuses-thy fears or thy sin,
Forms no one objection to union with him;
He says,
"Soul, remember to whom thou'rt allied,
"Thy Maker, thy Husband, and thou art my bride."

VERI AMATOR.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

AN Association having been formed in London, composed of Baptist Ministers, holding the great principles of truth, designed to cultivate friendship and mutual intercourse, with a view to the glory of God, and the promotion of the common cause of our exalted Lord;-the First Quarterly Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 1833, at Soho Chapel, Oxford Street, when a Sermon will be preached in the evening by Mr. GEORGE COMB, on the importance and benefit of spiritual associations and united efforts among Ministers of Jesus Christ, on the principles of divine truth. Service to commence at half-past Six o'clock. We have much pleasure in making this announcement. It has our cordial approbation and best wishes; and in any way that we can assist in the object by insertion within our Magazine, we shall do so cheerfully.

On the 24th December, the Quarterly Meeting of Baptist Ministers of the County of Suffolk, will be held at Grandisburgh. The sermon in the evening of the same day will be preached by Mr. NUNN, on the distinct personality and ministry of the Holy Spirit.