G. AND R.“BANKS, PRINTERS, BERMONDSEY NEW ROAD, LONDON.
A PSALM FOR THE YEAR 1855.
A FEW WORDS TO OUR READERS AND FRIENDS.
"WE WILL REJOICE IN THY SALVATION; | tion with the people of God, than to enjoy AND IN THE NAME OF OUR GOD WILL WE SET UP OUR BANNERS."-Psalm xx. 5.
IN commencing the eleventh volume of THE EARTHEN VESSEL, the above precious words have followed us, go where we might. Very briefly, dear friends, do we, therefore, call your attention to them, praying the Lord to give you the full realization of the Twentieth Psalm, in any, or every part thereof, as your circumstances may require.
This twentieth Psalm appears well suited to us as a nation, at this very critical period. It anticipates a "day of trouble." Such, in- deed, is the character of the present day. Our nation is in trouble: many of our churches are in afflicting circumstances: and individual believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST most deeply learn the truth of these words, "it is through much tribulation ye must enter the kingdom."
the pleasures of sin for a season. If such be thy character, dear reader, we trust you will unite with us in the language of our heart at this time, saying, "We will rejoice in that perfect, that free salvation, which we have in Christ; and IN THE NAME OF OUR GOD WILL WE SET UP OUR BANNERS.”
The setting up of banners is expressive of two things, which well bespeak the position we are determined—if spared and strengthen- ed-to occupy, during the remaining portion of our pilgrimage on earth.
To set up our banners, is expressive of a preparation for war, in the first place; and of having obtained victory, in the second place. Against sin, satan, and every false and fatal form of professed worship, we must courageously fight. The enemy is coming in like a flood; coming into the very midst of our churches; but the night is somewhat dark; and the enemy approaches with such silent steps, that many do not see the pro- gress he is making. They are crying
The blessed Spirit, in this Psalm, comes forth to meet the poor afflicted church of Christ, as she comes up out of the wilderness," Peace! peace!" but it is a delusive peace; and with all the tender sympathies of a and they are boasting of prosperity, when Merciful FRIEND, says, "the Lord hear thee it is much to be feared that that prosperity in the day of trouble; the name of the God of standeth not, in the power of God. O, men, Jacob defend thee. Send thee help from the brethren, and fathers, know ye then-and Sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion." take heed to this:—where God the Holy Thus would we desire to meet thee, dear Ghost is not found in fastening conviction reader, on the morning of January 1, 1855, on the consciences of sinners; in quickening hoping thou art one of that despised band and alarming, and lifting up the once dead who pour out tears and cries to the God of soul where God the Son is not found in our salvation; who worship HIM, and wait pardoning guilty sinners, in redeeming cap- for HIM, in His Sanctuary; loving the gates tive souls, and in presenting true believers of Zion; and choosing rather to suffer afflic- before the mercy-seat; where the sove- Vol. XI.-No. 120.-Jan., 1855.
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