High Priest, Priests and Levites attached, would virtually deny the blessed fact, that a sinner can now draw nigh to God, by the blood of Christ.

On this account we do not find New Testament teachers applying the expression "house of God" to earthly buildings. The thought is unspiritual, and contrary to the nature of the dispensation. Many details are given of the successful labours of these honored servants of God, but no allusion is ever made to the setting apart of particular buildings for the service of God, and investing them with sacred dignity.

The "house of God," unfolded to us in the New Testament, is composed of "living stones," and "built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone," Eph. ii. 20; not a carnal but a spiritual building-not visible and tangible to the natural man, "therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." Those only who have eternal life by faith in Christ Jesus belong to this house. A thousand unregenerate persons may congregate together in the most splendid edifice, where forms and ceremonies are exhibited with the most affecting pomp, yet containing not a vestige of "the house of God." A solemn heart-searching thought in these days!

Each stone rests immoveably secure upon the Rock of Ages, and holds union and relationship also with the other stones of the building. "Ye also are builded to

gether"-"as lively stones are built up a spiritual house." The blood, life, and Spirit of Christ, cement the stones together. Hence, we have an individual and a collective position of responsibility in the house. Not one stone is unnecessary, and a single stone out of its proper place disfigures and injures the whole building. 1 Cor. xii.

22-26.

The Master of the house has appointed the proper place of every stone-the sphere and kind of labour of each servant. 1 Cor. xii. 18. "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the Saints," &c. He is personally absent for the time, but in Spirit is in the midst of two or three, wheresoever they are gathered together in His name. He has commanded all to "watch" for His return. Since He left, He has given the Holy Ghost to abide with us for ever, guide us into all truth, &c., so that the stones "are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. ii. 22. But although it is said, "ye are the temple of the Holy Ghost," we should never forget that He is the glorifier of Jesus; and that it is by His power alone, that any thing can be done for the glory of God, or the welfare of His house.

The Lord Jesus is the Head and Ruler of "the house." It is "His own house," and He expects loving obedience. We have all spiritual blessings in Him, whose wisdom and riches are unsearchable, yea, in whom all fulness dwells. If we truly serve Him, we shall not be legis

lating for His house, but asking and waiting for His counsel and help. The blessed Lord is our Head, as the last Adam; and as the Redeemer of His people— the Abolisher of death-the triumphant Conqueror of all our enemies in resurrection, (having the keys of hell and of death,) and as being crowned with glory and honour. "God hath made Him both Lord and Christ," He gave Him to be head over all things to the Church, which is His body. May we have grace practically to own His Lordship, and we shall find that "he that waiteth on his Master, will be honored."

The Lord's Supper is provided for "the household of God;" and not only does He welcome the guests with "Take eat, this is My body, &c. ;" but He also tenderly beseeches them, saying, "Do this in remembrance of Me." Moreover, He has given us His written word that we may know how to "behave" ourselves "in the House of God, which is the church of the living God." 1 Tim. iii. 15. That word repeatedly enjoins us to love one another, to deny ourselves, to take up our cross daily, and to follow Christ, by obeying God in all things, &c. Holiness is the law of the house; and the Master expects all leaven, both in doctrine and practice, to be mourned over and put away. Lastly, every believer in Christ, being made a king and priest unto God, Rev. i. 6, the great business of this spiritual house is, to shew forth the characteristics of Him, who hath called us out of darkness into His marvellous light-to offer up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

JESUS KNOCKING.

Rev. iii. 20.

THE church of God is infinitely precious to Christ:He gave Himself for it, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. Every individual member is bone of His bone, and an object of His perfect love and so sweet to Him is the fellowship of His dear people, that He is in the midst of even two or three, wheresoever they are gathered together in His name. His presence may not always be enjoyed, nevertheless He is there. The two disciples, going down to Emmaus, little thought that the Lord was with them, while they were unbosoming their sadness to each other by the way: but it was

He is always with His people. He will never leave nor forsake them. He taketh pleasure in them that fear Him. Hence, the apostle John beheld Him in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, which are the seven churches; for sad as the condition of many of them was, "He forsaketh not His saints." Nothing escapes the observation of His flaming eye-no difficulties, but what His almighty power can overcome-no necessities, however numerous or diversified, but He is able to supply-no sorrows beyond the reach of His sympathy -no perplexities or troubles that He cannot deliver from

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-no mysteries that He cannot readily solve-Himself above all created glory, and yet accompanying His failing people through the wilderness, onward to their destined rest and eternal joy. Such, and much more, yea, the fulness of all blessing, He was, and still is, in the midst of the churches; and blessed, indeed, are those who can obediently respond to His grace, by gathering together in His name.

But the solemn instruction of the Scripture before us is, the possibility of disciples nominally meeting together in the name of Jesus, while having practically a shut door to His admission. This an exercised heart and conscience can understand. It is quite true that He is still in the midst of the churches, and yet outside the Laodicean door knocking and calling for admittance. The church had lost sight of the fact that it was the house of God, and had declined from its proper position as God's witness-the light of the world; and having let slip the blessed truth, that it had all spiritual blessings in Christ, and that the flesh profiteth nothing, there was consequently no felt weakness and need, and therefore no practical acknowledgment of the lordship of Christ.

But God hath made Him both Lord and Christ. The Redeemer of the Church is its HEAD. The sense of our lost and hell-deserving condition compels us to cleave to Him as "The Christ;" and the deep necessities of the Church, if truly estimated, would be enough to make it