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which may render it unwelcome. If the Bible teaches that the unbeliever in the gospel dies without hope, and must abide under the wrath of God for ever, let us proclaim this, though with tearful eyes and with quivering lips. If this is a truth, as it appears to be, it is one truth that Divine mercy has made known to warn men of the fearful abyss, that they may be induced to flee for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before them; and it will surely be no kindness, by any means, to divert their attention from this truth.

The Great Teacher who came down from heaven, so full of benevolence and love to man as to die, to open for him a way to happiness, did not withhold the awful truth, that the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment. The impenitent and disobedient, who neglect the great salvation provided by infinite mercy, and made known in the gospel for the obedience of faith, have, according to this doctrine, a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation. Such, too, we suppose to be the import of this solemn and emphatic admonition in the close of the ninth chapter of the Gospel by Mark. Let the reader turn to the place and carefully review it. See the affectionate and beloved apostle John expressing a forward and mistaken zeal in the Master's cause, receiving a mild rebuke instead of commendation. The Saviour resuming the discourse, which John had slightly interrupted, adds, as the counterpart of verse 37, "And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones, that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea." Then he warns against retaining a hand, or a foot, or an eye, that might offend by causing its possessor to offend or ensnare any one. The peculiar solemnity with which our Lord gives this warning should receive special attention. He urges the resolution to part with the offending member, by the thrice repeated declaration, that it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands, or two eyes, to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Then, as it by anticipation, to obviate an objection that might arise from the unquenchableness of the fire, from the annihilation of the fuel, he adds, "For every one," evidently of those that may be so unhappy as to dwell in these everlasting burnings," shall be salted, or seasoned, with fire, as every sacrifice is seasoned with salt." Having thus referred to the conservative quality of salt, our Lord adds, salt is good: but if the salt have lost its saltness, wherewith

will ye season it? If men become insipid and vain in their coversation, and have in them no preserving principles of true goodness from becoming more and more corrupt in themselves, they tend to corrupt all around them, and are fitting themselves only to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire. But as to you, preserve salt in yourselves, and maintain peace one with another. Compare Eph. iv. 22, Gal. iv. 6.

Such appears to be the import of our Lord's discourse. in Mark ix. 42, 50. Doubtless, it is an awful representation of the states of the scoffing infidel, who derides true religion, and endeavours to ensare the souls of humble, fearful disciples, that circumspectly follow Christthe little ones that believe in him; and of the impenitent and unbelieving who will not have Christ to reign over them. But, is it, in reality, more awful than the general representations of Scripture, against persons of such character, though in terms more appalling? And if the Lord has been pleased, in mercy, to excite our fears, and stimulate our zeal to snatch sinners as brands from the fire, let us tremble to explain away his doctrine and pervert his merciful design. God will assuredly take care that his own glory shall be vindicated, as a just God and Saviour, and we shall be in most entire harmony with this, while we fear before him, and reverently receive his word, and prayerfully endeavour to understand it.

"The other view of Mark ix. 49," at page 302, in your number for August, no doubt contains some true and proper statements, on the figurative import of the word salt, as used in the Holy Scriptures; but, as a professed exhibition of our Lord's meaning here, I cannot receive it, (1) because, though salt may, in verse 50, mean the Christian grace of meekness, or spirituality, this does not appear to be its meaning in verse 49, and it cannot, therefore, be allowed to remove all difficulty from the passage. In the former verse, allusion seems to be made to the known natural antiseptic quality of salt, or its tendency to preserve from putrifaction. And, in the 50th verse this same quality appears to be applied figuratively, to a Christian spirit and deportment. Hence, this good quality may be predicated of salt, either literally or figuratively, and in either sense it may be affirmed salt is good.

I cannot receive it, (2) because, by an unnatural turn of our Lord's words, it seeks to prejudice the reader against the former "exposition," rather

CORRESPONDENCE.

rather than to convince him that it is erroneous. "Our Saviour," says the writer, "teaches that every one shall be salted with fire, but he surely does not teach that we must all go to hell." Certainly not: to prevent this, and to teach and persuade us all to be reconciled to God and go to heaven, was the end for which he became incarnate, and was obedient unto death. And, I ask, could this insinuation, that his words will admit of this idea, be, for a moment, entertained, but by a disingenuous omission of his preceding words? The proposition, though general. must, in all reason, be limited by its subject. See 2 Kings, xix. 35, and many other places.

I cannot receive it, as an exposition of our Lord's meaning, (3) because it does accord not with his preceding words, which it almost entirely passes over, as if they had no existence. In the interpretation of any passage of Scripture, and, indeed, of any other writing, the immediate connexion is surely of more importance than parallelism, which, in the didactic and epistolary parts of the Bible, is often quite fauciful. Now, in this connexion, our Lord had thrice reiterated the awful truth, that in hell "their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched:" then, apparently, as a confirmation of this fearful declaration, he adds, "FOR every one shall be salted or preserved with fire." If this is confound ing the fire with the salt, I ask, who is it that makes this confusion? It should be borne in mind that the God of infinite wisdom and love is also the God of

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infinite holiness and justice; and that to harmonize these glorious perfections in the salvation of man, he spared not his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Man is now, by nature, in a perishing condition, without this provision of divine mercy, and if any neglect this great salvation, what must inevitably be the consequence on persons constituted immortal by the blessed Creator? To preserve them from everlasting wrath, would seem to require the counteraction of the laws that he has himself imposed on his creature man. Many miracles of mercy he has wrought to prevent man going down into perdition; but if these be disregarded, it would seem to require another of a different order to prevent the natural result of wilful disobedience.

Whether this is bad divinity, or good, depends on the degree of its accordance with the Scriptures of truth. The Bible, and not human passions, is the true standard of divinity. By our sensitive emotions we may easily be induced to desire that no creature should endure pain,and least of all, the pains of everlasting banishment from the favour of God; but these emotions are not the test of true divinity, nor of what is consistent with the glory of God, in reference to intelligent creatures, who perversely turn away from the only appointed medium of divine mercy. The Judge of all the earth will do right; and let us fear to determine, without the authority of inspired truth, that any plan is not right. J. M.

MONUMENT TO THE LATE REV. J. G. PIKE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE.

DEAR SIR,-I beg respectfully, through you, to inform all subscribers to the Monument to the late Rev. John Gregory Pike that their contributions will be duly announced in the November number of this Magazine. The committee are anxious those friends who have not yet

responded to their call, should do so at once, in order that the resolution of the Association may be carried into effect before the close of the year.

On behalf of the Committee, CHARLES STEVENSON, Treasurer. Derby, 22nd Sep. 1859.

APPEAL FOR A NEW CHAPEL AT BERKHAMSTEAD.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE.

DEAR SIR,-Will you kindly permit me
in your space for correspondence to make
a little addition to the information given
in another column, with regard to our
effort for the obtainment of a new place
of worship.

We have purchased an eligible piece of land, at a reasonable cost, and shall

be glad when we have sufficient means, prudently, to "arise and build."

The time, however, must be at a considerable distance, unless our own efforts be aided by the kind help of our friends in other parts of the denomination.

The amount required, in addition to the sum which may be allowed for the

OBITUARY.

materials of our present chapel, will be
about £1,300 or £1,400. Our intention is
to obtain the promise of half before we
build.

May I now, through the medium of this
communication, solicit the generous aid
of those, whom a kind Providence has
blest with the ability, to help us. Dona-
tions of only a few postage stamps will
be gratefully accepted.

Contributions to the building fund may be sent to the treasurer, Mr. Sanders, or to myself.

Allow me further to add, that the ladies who have been appointed as a committee to manage the bazaar, which it is proposed to have next midsummer, will be thankful

for any fancy or useful articles which
may be kindly sent to aid them in their
department of labour; these also may be
directed to me.

tions, and evidently have "a mind to
Our friends have commenced opera-
work."

cessful in bringing a little aid to those
Hoping that this appeal will be suc-
thanking you for the favour of its inser-
who are willing to help themselves, and
tion in your pages,
I am, dear sir,
Yours most cordially,
J. LAWTON.

Berkhamstead, Herts.,
Sept. 17th, 1859.

Obituary.

JABEZ BURNS SMITH, second son of the Rev. F. Smith, pastor of the General Baptist church, Downton, Wilts., was born in the village of Beeston, near Nottingham, on the 8th of August, 1838.

When about five years of age, circumstances transpired which induced his parents to remove to the town of Sevenoaks, in Kent.

During the period of his boyhood he evinced a shrewdness, a sedateness, and a thirst for the acquisition of knowledge, that hopes were indulged, if his life were spared, he might, under the Divine blessing, become a pious, intelligent, and useful member of society; and the sequel of his short, but honoured career, sufficiently justified the most sanguine expectations.

His happy and inoffensive disposition, combined with an aptness for learning, gained him the universal good-will and admiration of his schoolfellows, and of many other juveniles in the same locality. Agreeably to his own request, he was permitted to leave home, for London, at the very early age of eleven years, to pursue a secular occupation which presented itself, and which was in unison with his own inclination.

Doubtless, the moral and religious training to which he was accustomed while at home, restrained him from those follies into which many youths, placed in less favoured circumstances have, unhappily, fallen. Nevertheless, his nature was yet depraved; his heart unrenewed, and his character undecided for God. Thus he continued, until the year 1853, when, under the pastoral care and instruction of the Rev. Dr. Burns, his mind'

became impressed with enlightened con-
victions of his fallen and depraved hu-
manity, the necessity of pardon and
acceptance through faith in the Redeemer,
of the Holy Spirit, and of an unreserved
the renovation of his heart by the grace
consecration of his life to the service of
his Creator.

growth, and strengthened with his
These convictions deepened with his
strength, until they happily resulted in a
Divine transformation, accompanied with
Early in the year 1854 he was admitted,
an enjoyment pure, spiritual, and abiding.
by baptism, into fellowship with the
church worshipping in New Church-street,
Paddington.

Regarding religion as a vital operative
parade, he resolved to make the will of
principle, instead of mere form and empty
God the only standard of life; and there-
fore, without delay, essayed to identify
himself with the various religious move-
ments connected with the church of
which he was a member.

affectionate sabbath-school teacher, and
As a devout Christian, a diligent and
an occasional and acceptable preacher of
the Divine word, he pursued the noise-
way until he became, by affliction, physi-
less and undeviating tenor of his upright
cally incapacitated for all active service.

shewed symptoms of declining health;
In the midsummer of last year he
spent a few weeks in Northamptonshire,
and to restore his exhausted energy, he
but the change failed to produce the de-
sired and anticipated effect. In November,
he spent a few weeks with his parents at
their residence in Wiltshire. He was
then a confirmed invalid, and his malady

T

OBITUARY.

was discovered to be one of a most dangerous tendency--"diabetes." He availed himself of the best medical aid the locality afforded; and, after a few weeks' treatment, thinking himself much better, would return to his situation in town. He however, gradually, and almost imperceptably, became weaker, until, at the very urgent solicitations of his friends in London, was induced to proceed early last spring to Matlock, in Derbyshire, to try the hydropathic treatment.

Having remained there for six or seven weeks, without any abatement of his malady, he returned once more to his home, thinking that the pure air of the Wiltshire Downs, and a course of medical treatment, might conduce to his recovery. His emaciated appearance was truly distressing, and his disease was making more rapid inroads on his otherwise fine constitution.

At the expiration of a few weeks his physician succeeded in materially checking his complaint. Fond hopes were then entertained that he would yet get better. The extreme appetite and thirst, peculiar to his affliction, were corrected, and other symptoms were considerably changed for the better. Although his primary disease had been evidently counteracted, it assumed another form, and one equally dangerous-dropsy. His feet and legs began to swell, and continued to increase until, ultimately, deprived of their use. In addition to the swelling of the legs, there was an extreme debility of the system, a violent and distressing cough, and a difficulty of breathing when in a reclining posture, so that, for weeks, he could neither rest nor sleep but in an upright position. And yet he was always cheerful, and was never heard to utter one word or syllable of impatience or complaint.

On one occasion I said to him, "My dear, the very precarious state of your health will, doubtless, at times, occupy your most serious thoughts, mingled, perhaps, with a degree of painful apprehension. Under such circumstances it will be wise to commit your body, soul, and spirit, into the care and keeping of Him who does all things well, and for his own glory; that under the most disquieting fears, and the most gloomy forebodings, light may arise in your darkness, and great peace and comfort may spring from His promise, who says "Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God." He replied, Father, I feel assured that all that concerns me will be overruled for the best. At times I do feel cast down, but

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on the whole I know that God strengthens me, and wonderfully sustains me. though afflicted, I have much to be thankful for, and I pray that I may have grace to bear and to endure whatsoever the Lord in his infinite wisdom may see fit to appoint.

On another occasion, I said "My dear, it appears that everything which human ingenuity could suggest has not been wanting in your case. but without the least success. I would, therefore, advise you to dismiss all thoughts of recovery from your mind, and commit yourself fully into the hand of God, that by his grace you may be prepared for an event which appears to be inevitable and not far distant." Undismayed by this address, he answered in a tone of calm tranquillity, "Father, I believe there is no prospect of recovery. I have done as you have suggested-committed myself to God. It is all right."

He loved the house of God, he enjoyed its ordinances, and when no longer able to walk to chapel, he would be taken there in a Bath chair till within a few days of his death.

He was most exemplary in his closet exercises. The Bible was his constant companion by night and by day.

On the last Sunday evening his mother sang a couple of stanzas from Watts' beautiful hymn, commencing with those words, "There is a land of pure delight, &c." The words so inspired him that he requested her to sing a few more verses, little thinking perhaps, that he would be so soon called to enter the blissful region.

Next morning, August 1st., he was much worse; the hectic flush assumed a deeper hue; the breathing was shorter, and the pulsation feebler and more rapid. His medical adviser having left home that morning, it was thought advisable to call in another. He pronounced his case to be hopeless; that besides the water being in the system, his lungs were ulcerated, that he could give him but temporary relief, and that he would not be long here. The presence of a strange doctor caused Jabez to be a little tremulous, but he soon regained his usual composure, was placed comfortably on his couch, talked cheerfully to us, partook of some refreshment, which he said he enjoyed very much, and then read a portion of scripture, after which he took up the "Devotional Christian," and from the page appearing to be very recently turned down, the theme on which he was evidently meditating was, "The Christian triumphing in the approach of death." In a few minutes afterwards, while mother

and I were engaged in the back-yard, his
sister came out in haste, and called us to
run in to Jabez. We ran in immediately,
and I exclaimed "It is death." Yes, the
hour of his departure had come. The
messenger arrived, but touched him very
gently, yet quickly. We had only time
to say
"Lord Jesus receive his spirit.'
It was the work of not more than a
minute; conciousness continued until the
last, although articulation had ceased.
A tear strolled down his cheek. He threw
himself back in his chair, raised his eyes
to heaven, and with his hands crossed
fell sweetly and tranquilly asleep in
Jesus.

His remains were interred in our chapel yard, on the Friday following, the Rev. J. C. Collier conducting the funeral service; in the course of which he delivered a very appropriate and encouraging address, and on the Sunday evening following, his death was improved to a very full and attentive congregation by Mr. T Read, Wesleyan, from "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

son's state of health, and sincerely respected him as did all in our house; his sterling Christian worth was felt and acknowledged by all who knew anything of him. When one considers, Is it a loss to have one so dear to us in heaven? Flesh and blood perhaps faintly say Yes! but the inner man says No! and adds "Bless the Lord O my soul, and all within me bless his holy name.""

Another highly esteemed friend, Mrs. Balfour, says, "Late last night to my great grief I heard of your severe affliction in the loss of your dear and estimable son. It is certainly one of those mysteries which try our faith when one so fitted to promote his Lord's work on earth, and so earnest to do his heavenly Master's bidding, is called away in the prime of early manhood; and yet I know, that however fit to do his Lord's will here, he was as fit to enter the assembly of the just made perfect in heaven. We all loved him and honoured him as a lovely instance of piety, and intelligence, and prayed that a long career of usefulness might be before him. But he ran the race so swiftly, no wonder that he so soon reached the shining goal. If life be measured by the way talents are emin-ployed, your dear son's life has neither been short, nor incomplete. He attained all that the longest life could secure to its possessor-holiness here-glory there.

As a son he was most dutiful and affectionate, his counsel and assistance were ever ready in seasons of trial and difficulty.

As a Christian, his unimpeachable tegrity; his unaffected modesty, his swavity of manner; his tenderness of the reputation of others; in a word, his uniform Christian consistency, endeared him to all who knew him.

Since his death several friends in their letters of sympathy and condolence have testified to the excellence of his cha

racter.

One writing from Middleton, Northampton, says, "We may mourn, but we lament not; glory to God be given, who sent him like the radiant bow, across the threatening storm to glow, then vanished into heaven." I esteemed him on account of his simplicity of style and behaviour, and consistency of character, which I admired very much. Those of my friends who knew him both here and at Leicester, are very sorry for the death of one so young and so full of promise.

Another writes, "It is with feelings of unfeigned sympathy I received the painful tidings of your son's death, and pray that you may be divinely supported under the trial, in the sure and certain hope that he is at rest, where there is no sickness nor death. Yours is the great consolation that Jabez is not dead, but liveth, and is only gone before to that rest which remains for the people of God.

Mr. Robinson, his late employer says, "We felt a great interest in your late

Thus lived and thus died our dear departed son, in the twenty-first year of his age; and with all his imperfections I cannot but say in the review of his short but triumphant career, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace,"

F. SMITH.

P.S. Allow me to add to this statement that I never knew a more exemplary, devoted, youthful Christian than Jabez B. Smith. From his profession of religion to the day of his death, he was one source of joy to my soul. I had hoped that he would have been spared to be an eminent minister of the gospel, of which he gave such bright and cheering indications; but as "ripe fruit" he has been gathered to appear before the Lord, in the upper sanctuary. I rejoice to hear that a younger brother is following in his steps, both of personal piety and Christian usefulness.

His sun how brightly it did shine,
With light so heavenly and divine;
But lo! it goeth down so soon,
And disappears before 'tis noon;
It sets on this our mortal shore
To rise in heaven, and set no more;
'Mid kindred suns in cloudless light
It now shines forth more pure, more bright.
J. BURNS, D.D.

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