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G. AND R. "BANKS, PRINTERS, BERMONDSEY NEW ROAD, LONDON.

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The Earthen Vessel.

A PSALM FOR THE YEAR 1855.

A FEW WORDS TO OUR READERS AND FRIENDS.

"WE WILL REJOICE IN THY SALVATION; 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, indeed, 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 blessed Spirit, in this Psalm, comes forth to meet the poor afflicted church of Christ, as she comes up out of the wilderness, and with all the tender sympathies of a Merciful FRIEND, says, "the Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee. Send thee help from the Sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion." Thus would we desire to meet thee, dear reader, on the morning of January 1, 1855, hoping thou art one of that despised band who pour out tears and cries to the God of our salvation; who worship HIM, and wait for Hrm, in His Sanctuary; loving the gates of Zion; and choosing rather to suffer afflicVol. XI.-No. 120.-Jan., 1855.

tion with the people of God, than to enjoy 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 strengthened-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 progress he is making. They are crying "Peace! peace!" but it is a delusive peace; and they are boasting of prosperity, when it is much to be feared that that prosperity standeth not in the power of God. O, men, brethren, and fathers, know ye then-and take heed to this:-where God the Holy Ghost is not found in fastening conviction on the consciences of sinners; in quickening and alarming, and lifting up the once dead soul: where God the Son is not found in pardoning guilty sinners, in redeeming captive souls, and in presenting true believers before the mercy-seat; - where the sove

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