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so that their eternal safety or condemnation, and all the differences of glory or perdition, will be equitably arranged according to this principle; and thus men will for ever remain justified, or not justified. See Matt. ix. 29; 2 Tim. iv. 8, and 14; Heb. x. 38; Jam. ii. 12; Rev. ii. 23.

I will here remind you, that the word righteous is, in the Greek, cognate with justify; although, from their etymology in our language, their similarity of origin does not appear; a Concordance, however, will easily multiply instances.

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But, between the first great act of justification by faith, in which the sinner is pardoned and regenerated, and the last justification at the final Judgment, there are many cases in which the Christian is necessitous; and to these necessities corresponding promises are made. Now, in every one of these instances the same process transpires, of the application of principle or law, and consequent justification, or the contrary; though, that application may be less visible, if not less sensible, than in the other cases. For example, a Christian is sanctified by faith, as well as pardoned. See Acts xx. 32, and xxvi. 18. By believing the word of grace,' the principle, on which the Holy Spirit has determined to infuse the sanctifying power, becomes applicable; an appeal, as it were, is made to the law of the case; upon the rule of conduct, which the Author of salvation has laid down, that appeal is justified; and the power is, consequently, infused into the soul. And so it is with every other blessing: indeed, salvation, in every step of its progress, is carried on in this equitable manner; and, so also, if salvation should retrograde, it is permitted to do so on the same equitable principles of moral and spiritual government. Attentively consider Matt. ix. 29; but a Concordance will supply numerous instances of this ample use of the word justified.

Returning now to the word, as it occurs in the passage before us, we know that its radical sense is to pronounce officially a person, or claim, to be just, according to the equity of the case. The secondary sense must be ascertained from the predicament in which the word stands. What then are the circumstances here, under which the word 'justified' is found?

It stands between the words 'called' on the one hand, and ‘glorified' on the other; and this in evident connection with both, as one link between two others in a chain. Hence, the application of its meaning is to a state, which lies between the two states expressed by the other words.

But the word 'called,' as we have seen, is applied to the real children of God, those who are the lovers of God' in an evangelical sense; these, therefore, must have been already justified in the leading and distinguished sense of the term; that is, they must have been accepted with God, through faith, in the blood of Christ, and

pardoned, and regenerated; and, in consequence of this, they have been called on to be conformed to the image of Christ,' according to the pre-determined purpose of God.

Therefore we conclude, that the term 'justified' cannot here be thus understood; and, consequently, that it must be applied, either in the other sense of progressive advancement according to the law of faith, or else to the transactions of the Great final Day, or else to both inclusively. It is of little consequence to a satisfactory understanding of the passage, and still less so to the interpretation proposed, which of these is chosen.

Hence, the meaning of the Apostle is, that in the Divine plan those whom He called on to conformity to His Son, He justified according to the law of faith, because they advanced in their believing claims, as they were led by His own Spirit; at the same time, He gave them the grace which should produce this conformity, according to their desires, and His own purpose.

If the term 'justified' be referred to the Last Day, the meaning is, that, in the Divine plan, those whom He called on to conformity to His Son, having actually received that conformity, are equitably prepared for all the happy results of that gracious state throughout eternity.

14. Lastly. There can now be no difficulty in the word 'glorified.' It means made glorious. And all that is needful to be said here, on this subject, may be said in the language of the Apostle. See 1 Cor. ii. 9.

CONCLUSION.

Permit me to attempt a paraphrase of the words on these principles.

"We know, that all things work together for good to them that love God, (they being) the called according to His (own plan, and) purpose. For, (before the existence of the universe,) He foreknew them, (who would thus be His obedient and loving children ;) and He (then) predestinated, (that all such should) be conformed, (in holiness and glory,) to the image, (likeness, resemblance, or model,) of His own (only begotten) Son, (in order) that He, (this Son,) might be the firstborn, (or chief,) among many brethren, (like Himself in some respects, but differing in others,—the children of God.) Moreover, (according to His plan,) whom He did (thus) predestinate, them He also called, (that is, determined to call onward, by His Spirit and Word, to that end of Divine conformity ;) and whom He (thus) called, them He also, (in His plan,) justified, (that is, determined to justify, according to the law of faith, in their believing advances toward holiness and glory, -see Heb. x. 38; thus pronouncing them prepared for the completion of their conformity in glory, at the Great Day of Judgment.

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Finally,) whom He (thus) justified, them He also, (in His plan,) glorified, (that is, determined to glorify; thus completing that conformity to which He determined to advance them, and for which He should pronounce them prepared. Now, then, is it not well said, that "all things work together for their good?" For every thing, in this manshall bend to the controlling, over-ruling, and sanctifying purpose of God.) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? &c.'

ner,

If I were not tired of the word apology, I would here use it again on account of the length of this letter; though I had intended to send only a few lines. However, I now take my leave, barely observing, with reference to the above interpretation, that it appears to me clear in itself,―intimately connected, and perfectly consistent with the context, simple, and scriptural, in the use of its terms, according to the analogy of faith,-supposing no transposition needful in the order of the Apostle's words,-requiring no doubtful application of the terms, as epithets which may include the unconverted, as well as the converted,―free from the imputation of Calvinistic predestination,— equally free from the imputation of insecurity to believers,―asking no questionable distinction between persons and characters,―making the persons and the characters to go together, in the Divine purposes,and, ultimately, as well as through the whole process, gathering all the glory of human salvation to God, while even the finally lost must admit their ruin to have been sealed in equity.

Praying, with deep sincerity, that both you and myself may be more powerfully called on to this conformity to the image of the Son of God, and more rapidly advanced in it than ever, believe me, dear Sir, very affectionately,

Your Friend and Servant,'

W. BARBER.

CHAPTER XII.

Consequences of over-Study-Popish Sermon on the Merits of the Virgin Mary Voyage to Algeciras, in Spain-—Barefaced Smuggling—Indifference of Revenue Officers-Dangerous Situation in attempting to Land-Want of Accommodations in Algeciras-Disgusting Instances of Popish Superstition-Curious Account of a Popish Mission-Popish Sermons-Popular Enmity against the Friars-Ramble to a Spanish Cottage-Popish Processions-Hostility of the Soldiers to the existing Government-Litany of the Saints-Narrow Escapes from the Populace -Pride of the Popish Priesthood-State of Morals in Algeçiras-Manceuvre of a Friar-Affecting Statement of the Religious Condition of Gibraltar—Approbation of enlightened Spaniards of the Common Prayer-Book-Occupation of a Week -Hopeful Circumstances of a few Spaniards-Discouragements connected with the Mission-Death of Mrs. Pratten-Conversations with a Sentinel, a Genoese, and some young Jews-Evils of Popish Mysticism-Affecting Case of a young Spaniard-Hopeful Death of a Spanish Gentleman-and of a Penitent Prodigal -First Spanish Watch-Night.

Journal continued.

MARCH 20th.-Over-study, chiefly on theological subjects, united with extreme anxiety of mind, in reference to my want of piety, and zeal, and usefulness, has convinced me of the folly of the hopes, which I had formed in respect of my health. I feel as if both my mind and my body were crushed to pieces, and I, in agony, suffering the consequences. And yet what is the fruit of all this? It seems talking largely, to mention over-study, and injury of health in consequence; but where is the profiting, which might be expected to appear? Alas! how little is my mind able to bear! how much less to produce! how affectingly weak is my bodily, mental, and spiritual power! Good God! I flee to thee in Jesus, thy beloved Son, to hide me and be safe! O give me, above all things, the benefit of this Refuge! and may the partial rejoicing, which I have in Him, be increased, and greatly animated! I plainly see, that nothing can give me any substantial worth of character, but the influence, omnipotent and prevailing, of the Holy Spirit, flowing to me through the blood of Jesus.

23rd. I went, last evening, to the Spanish church, to hear a sermon from the Spanish priest. I have not often gone this Lent, and that

ON THE MERITS. OF THE VIRGIN MARY.

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chiefly for two reasons; the former is, that I have not been able to spare the time, and, the latter, that the sight and hearing of what passes there generally pains me too much to be often desirable, especially as nothing can be done to prevent it. Oh! it is hideous to think of the gross impostures and idolatries, that have thus fast locked up such multitudes in a contentedness with their natural condition, and a complete neutralisation of all that the Gospel does for their salvation!

The subject taken by the priest was,- Los dolores de Maria, santissima Madre de Dios,'-' The sorrows of Mary, the most holy Mother of God! It was, evidently, an attempt at histrionic effect, and quite of a piece with all the preparations for celebrating GoodFriday. His exordium was occupied in fixing the attention of the people on the importance of the period, when the sorrows of the Virgin Mother began with the betraying of her Divine Son. After the AveMaria, and the requisite number of crossings, he proceeded to declaim on the condescension of the August Mother, and the Queen of Heaven; the importance of uniting her sorrows to those of her Son, in order to merit pardon, and all the gifts of God the Father, for sinners; the great need we have of her assistance; and the amazing love which she bears to all those, who wish to be genuine sons of the church. To these points he devoted much of his energy, evidently endeavouring to move the gratitude and respect of his hearers towards the Virgin; a manœuvre that must tell mightily on a very numerous class of minds, in rousing their indignation against any religion that does not likewise offer them a Virgin to love. I am convinced, that the Roman Catholic religion itself, must be essentially sensual and demoralising; and that, even when it succeeds in restraining its votaries from the commission of gross outward offences against morality, a very decided luxuriance and pruriency in the sentiments and emotions, especially of the younger part of the community of both sexes, must be the result of the free indulgence of the thoughts which it inculcates. The Preacher concluded with an impassioned exhortation, to pray, with all earnestness, to this Patroness of the Catholic church; to ask of her the pardon of their sins, as the fruit of her own sorrows, and her Son's blood; to beg her protection continually, both for themselves and for the Catholic church, so beset and combated on every side; to entreat her for her influence in enlightening and restoring all those sons of the church, that have wandered from her, and whom she still so tenderly loves; and, lastly, to implore her protection and assistance for poor unhappy Spain, and her king. Here, he evidently felt himself on tender ground; but, I hope, notwithstanding all the influence of his clerical subordination and interests, that there might have been some sentiments of genuine patriotism in the pathetic bewailings which he uttered.

Y