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more information than is contained in the general resolutions passed in the Conference at Liverpool.

If any think, that there is yet a vagueness resting, like a mist, on the objects of the Alliance,—we would readily admit a measure of truth in this. We cannot tell, before trial, how far members of different bodies are ripe for union and co-operation. Just because the object is progressive in its nature, it must be, in a measure, undefined. We can see the direction of the movement, but neither its rapidity, nor its extent; nor even the length of each separate step: but we know there must be a real Union, wherever there is the Spirit of Christ; and, blessed be God, we have enjoyed already the foretaste of the reality and the sweetness of that Union. We rejoice, too, in the prospect of that happy and peaceful triumph, when we shall receive one another in full unity, and with full love, as Christ has received us, to the glory of God. We have had the beginnings of all those mutual confessions and humiliations which bring us together; and of all those gushes of mutual affection which endear us to each other, and some experience of the power, thus given to us, to stand for the truth against the mightiest efforts of the kingdom of darkness.

The encouragements already received are great. Many of the faithful brethren among the Swiss churches at Geneva, of different denominations, have sent in their cordial adhesion; and we know brethren in all parts of the world who are one with us. We are continually receiving the names of those desirous of uniting with us.

Let the difficulties, then let the encouragements-let the vastness of the work, and the unutterable blessing of its attainment-stir up all who love our Lord and his people, to earnest and persevering prayer in our

behalf. We rejoice to see that a beloved minister has specially called the attention of Christians to prayer for this object on the first day of the New Year; and we cordially concur in his earnest recommendation for enlarged and earnest prayer. We have no wisdom but what God gives; false steps may easily mar our work. We proceeed in weakness, fear, and trembling. Brethren, help us by your prayers; and especially ask, that the Lord may give us heavenly wisdom, holy love, and the meekness and gentleness of Christ, in every step we may take. Let those ministers, who are disposed to aid this work, give us their names as Corresponding Members of the Committee.

The extent even of the preparatory work calls for contributions: but, in the present stage of the movement, this is not desired from any one who does not enter with all his heart into the design, and into the leading steps which have been taken to promote it.

The names of all those who concur in our principles, and who wish to promote the proposed Evangelical Alliance, will be gladly received by the undersigned Secretaries.

Grace be with all them who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

EDWARD BICKERSTETH,

JABEZ BUNTING,

JAMES HAMILTON,

JOHN LEIFCHILD,

EDWARD STEANE,

Honorary Secretaries.

ALEX. DIGBY CAMPBELL, Official Secretary.

PASSAGES FROM LUTHER.

DEATH-BED OF ST. BERNARD.

In reading the life of this eminent ascetic, we find that his writings had a great influence throughout Europe in promoting the preposterous homage paid to the Virgin Mary; he certainly ascribed to her that which was exclusively to be rendered to her son, Jesus Christ. He was a great panegyrist of cloistered life.

In the monastery he lived chaste, pure, virtuous, and temperate. He subdued his body by excessive fasting. He completely broke down his health, and spared himself no mortification.

There never was a more conscientious monk in existence before him or since. However, upon his deathbed, he not only forgot all his good works and holy life; for he thoroughly perceived that in the sight of God he could not thereby stand justified: but he raised himself up and spake the following sentence :-" I have wasted and mis-spent my life. But I take comfort from this fact, that my Lord Jesus Christ died not for himself, but for me and sinners." Ah! blessed Bernard! hadst thou died in thy cowl without this looking unto the Lord and Christ, thou hadst been lost. But God taught thee to say this through the Holy Spirit, at this very hour, that Christ died for thee, and through his death inherited for thee the kingdom of heaven.

In the same spirit many, (if God will) who are called

spiritual persons, and many laymen too, will continue to hold to their dying hour the doctrines of the Papacy upon absolution, external sanctity, &c.; when they will turn round and become true witnesses, let go their old opinions, and instantly set their heart and reliance upon the Redeemer's death and merits.-From Luther's Sermon at Smalkald, 1537.

FALL OF ANTICHRIST.

As many of us as have the mind of Christ, hope for the comforting and glad appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who is now feeble, poor, and despised, yea, rejected, scourged, crucified, and killed. O! that he were near, even at the door, and ready to put the finishing blow on the innumerable mischiefs of the doomed Papacy.

At his Epiphany, Christ, our life and hope, will show and reveal himself in the very same manner, as we now believe and preach concerning his advent. Namely: He will redeem us from all misery and sorrow which now we must needs endure and suffer both in body and soul for the confession of his blessed death and holy name. I say, which we suffer at the hands of an impious world, from their father Satan, and from Antichrist, who favours nothing except sin, and countenances only what leads to destruction.

It will be a mighty operation in him to destroy the wicked one with the breath of his mouth in other words, through the word of his mouth ! ! (mit dem odem des Hern munds, das ist, durch das mundlich wort.) For he calls his servants also his own mouth; inasmuch as he endues them for this very purpose with a mouth and wisdom (Jer. xv.) to preach. To preach, I repeat, what is of real benefit to the Redeemer's flock.

To turn Christians from following the rules and laws of the Antichrist; those rules, those laws which he has praised and exalted for some centuries far above the word of the Eternal. But both he and all his abominable inventions are thus entirely banished from their hearts; he receives a total and irretrievable blow in their spirits he is, as it were, raked out and then buried; he is no longer a ruler over them: very few can he now terrify with his grievous lightning and thunder. This is (I say) the way that things now proceed, and will go on still more; until at length the blessed moment for our redemption shall arrive, which we anxiously await of which Paul in the cited place speaks far more expressly, that the "Lord shall destroy him with the brightness of his coming," (2 Thess. ii.) and with the Spirit of his mouth.

So it will be. For Antichrist becomes faint and subdued in the hearts of believers, not by means of the sword, or from human strength. No; rather as Daniel says, "he shall be broken without hand :" so also it is written in the eighth Psalm, through the mouth of babes and sucklings. A time will surely come, when men shall experience (it is somewhat visible before their eyes) and they can even now, if they will, perceive, that we simple despised Christians, with all our imbecility and foolishness, have effected more reform than the whole world ever could accomplish with all its wisdom and power. Yet we do not lift a threatening hand: (keine faust, no fist.) Scarcely a single man draws his sword. We merely open our mouths: we preach the Gospel: the Gospel, I say, which utters not a syllable concerning monk's cowls, pilgrimages, invocation of saints, masses for souls. &c. No. This is the entire subject-matter of Antichrist's oratory.

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