Sometimes we discover an inordinate craving after creature favour to be a treacherous foe to Christian progress. Many thousands of Christian professors have unhappily been seduced to the lap of this fell Delilah, and have there submitted to be shorn of their Samson - locks of spiritual strength. They have studiously avoided being charged with an overanxiousness and zeal in spiritual matters, and they have been promptly rewarded for their pains, by the sad withdrawment of the Divine Spirit. They have counted the flesh-favour of their ungodly employers, or perchance of their patrons and customers in business, and have by them been sold over to the enemies of the Lord. "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God."

But again, the Christian sometimes finds that the adversities of his state will assail the weak side of his nature, and thus seek to seduce him from his one “great work.” And, alas, how many have thus yielded to their grievous and irreparable loss. Those very trials, privations, and losses, that are the necessary tax upon our work, and which should ever sharpen our energies and brighten our graces, are sometimes found in the hour of unguardedness and folly, to induce a yielding up of all to the fleshly and earthly, and the "great work" upon which we valiantly entered, becomes, in the end, dishonourably forsaken.

And so we shall ever find in our "great work," that many and varied seducers will compass and tempt our withdrawment, coming sometimes with the most pious pretences, and draped in the most specious and deceptive form. Stand then on your guard, my brother, against their stealthy advance, and be ever ready, with a stubborn manliness of spirit, to reply to the foe-"I am doing a great work," &c.

III. For the Christian to yield to these inducements would be both foolish and criminal.

And

It would be foolish, inasmuch as his time for the performance of his "great work," is both limited and uncertain. The holiest man living has an appointed time for his stay here, nor is it in his power to extend it for a single moment, when once the set hour of his departure has come. then how frail and uncertain is life; it is but as "the shadow of smoke." We know not but that the next hour may close our allotted day for work-for

"Dangers stand thick through all the ground, to push us to the tomb." Wise indeed will it be for us, if, with a whole-souled earnestness, we should reply to every seducer-"I must work the work of Him that sent me, while it is called day," for "I am doing a great work," &c.

But further, it would be foolish and criminal, because we have been forewarned of the existence and fell purpose of our seducing foes. By the Scriptures we have been thus assured, in various distinct and solemn statements, and many painful examples and warnings. Nor have we been without a personal experience of the painful fact, for we have known too much and too often of the alien force arrayed against our inward Christian progress, and then in our Christian efforts for the spiritual welfare of others, we have but too frequently been called to prove—that “legions of foes our work oppose."

And further, the criminality of our yielding to these inducements will be seen, in its being fraught with ruin to ourselves and others. Should we fail to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling," who else could do it for us;-and failing thus, what other could we expect than an unmitigated hopelessness and eternal woe? And then with reference to the conversion of the ungodly masses around us, if Christian men do not seek and labour to undertake this urgent work, by whom, we ask,

can the work be done? Would not the blood of the slain cry out in tones of thunder against such careless, slumbering souls? Such inactive Christians might have "the name to live," but what and where would be their fruit? And what better can be said of many Christian Churches? They have a 66 name " for orthodoxy-for order, for a scriptural liberty of thought and action, but where is the fragrance and life, of a godly and saving fruit? We are thoroughly sick at heart of "names, and sects, and parties." A hungry and dying world has been cheated by these miserable, empty and high-sounding substitutes for the truth long enough. We have been fencing about a few "head points," instead of seeking for heart-power. The high winds that have raged in Zion, during the periods of an ecclesiastic or polemic strife, have, alas, but too frequently kept up in the heavens, the waiting and needed shower of refreshment and grace. At such times, when the world has knocked at Zion's gate for "bread," it has been coolly shown "a stone," when it has called for " 'a fish," behold "a serpent" has been offered.

Let the time past suffice, brethren, for such heartless trickery and hypocrisy as this. Let us do our "great work," both the inward and the outward, with the sincerity and fervour becoming our exalted profession, and never for a moment listen to the siren voice of the fair charmer, who would strive to seduce us from its vigorous prosecution. In closing, therefore, let us here observe, that in yielding to these inducements so as to withdraw from our work, we shall act in direct opposition to our belief— our conscience and our interest; and we scarce need to add, in opposition to our God. Let us up then, and awake, my brethren, and be piously valiant for our God. On all hands, are we surrounded with inviting fields of useful labour; fields of a true adaptedness to the varied types of mind, and every class of talent, found distributed over the vast human family. Tell us not as a cover for your sloth, that there is no work for you, that your sphere is restricted, or that your talents are slender; there is a work for 66 and a you, great work" indeed. If it is not to rule a kingdom-it is to rule your heart. If it is not to sway a sceptre of regal rule, it is to wield one of truth and love, over the hearts and consciences of your fellows. If you are not called to minister in holy things at God's altar, and sustain a teaching eldership in Zion, there are other posts of service inviting your help-the Sabbath-school-Tract distribution-visitation of the sick or privately warning and inviting your ungodly neighbours around. "The harvest truly is great, but the labourers," alas, "are' very-very "few."

"

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Show not the time-serving, faltering, and sceptical spirit, that cripples and disgraces the multitude, but "be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might," and come what will, resolve to be a great-heart in the ranks of Immanuel. Not only have a strong and a courageous heart, but a working heart: not one that can simply, yet sincerely cry-" Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?"--but one that can ever truthfully and boldly declare “I AM doing a great work." The resolute, daring, and constant worker, is a character of which the world stands greatly in need. And well would it be for the cause of Christ and his Gospel, if an enlargement of such characters were now witnessed in the ranks of the militant Israel.

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Young man, as you have been reading these pages, have you felt an inward kindling-the stirrings of a Divine fire in your breast? Have there been rising before you, the valiant and devout worthies of the past, whose names are as ointment poured forth," and whose pious works still follow them here, and speak in our ears? Have you felt the desire-yea, the conviction that you not only should, but may do something "great" for God and your fellows, and ring your name in the drum of the world's ear?

Then delay not, nor be disheartened by the hindrances around. Think of a Brainerd, a Martyn, a Spencer, a M'Cheyne, and others, who though removed hence in early life, were yet distinguished by the performance of a "great work, " at an age when others hardly begin to think of putting on the harness. Pledge the unmeasured might of your whole being to the Lord's "great work," and in the freshness and ardour of your youth, render up yourself freely to His service "who hath bought you with his blood." And let us, my brethren, who are already in this work, whatever be our post in Jerusalem, never grow so weary and faint in our spirits, as to think for even a moment, of retirement therefrom, but ever let us strive to cherish and manifest the spirit of the good and devout Nehemiah, and with a manly and fearless soul declare, in presence of the many Sanballats of the day- "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it and come down to you?"

E. D. G.

THE VALUE OF A WISE AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. "Prayers and pains will do anything."-DR. CHALMERS.

AMONG the many pleasant places and beautiful scenes in Scotland, there is one which has often been greatly admired by travellers, when they have had occasion to pass that way. In their drive from an ancient and castellated town, they wend their course eastwards, having a fertile plain on their right, and on their left a range of verdant hills (one of the most pleasing groups, perhaps, in all Scotland), along the base of which the road proceeds, intersecting some thriving manufacturing towns, and on each side exhibiting to view a variety of elegant mansion-houses and country seats. At the distance of twelve or fourteen miles, they reach a peaceful valley, and suddenly there comes in sight a handsome Grecian building, which they find to be a literary academy, situated in the centre of a straggling village, and having a very interesting history connected with it. The village is overlooked by the grim ruins of an old castle, which also has a history, associated with times long gone by.

About half-way down this drive, the travellers, cannot fail to observe an elegant modern mansion-house and park, and near the side of the road, a small enclosure, which is the burial place of the family who formerly inhabited the house.

Within that mausoleum repose the ashes of a lady, once the mistress of the mansion-the pride and ornament of the place-a person of most estimable character - accomplished, thoughtful, and devout - who, in giving life to a son, lost her own, and was most sincerely lamented by the rich and the poor of the whole district, and throughout the circle of her many friends. There can be no doubt that, "as her soul was in departing," she committed her infant to the care of Him who, when father and mother are removed, takes the children up.

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Circumstances led to an arrangement by which the child came to be the special charge of a wise and faithful servant" of the family, who watched over him with an assiduity and affection which could have been surpassed only by those of a mother. He grew up, and was sent to school, and the only preceptor or private tutor that he had during the earlier period of his education was this excellent and worthy woman. When he entered upon the higher departments of youthful learning, she could not, indeed, as in his earlier years, follow or guide him in his studies, yet she contrived to make sure that he never went to any of his classes without his having been perfectly prepared for the exercises of the day, and she strictly superintended everything connected with his food, his clothing, and his comfort in all respects.

Under the wise and faithful training of this person, the young man, possessing naturally excellent abilities, acquired that without which, however, the highest talents are often of no avail-the strictests habits of diligence and application. He became a pupil in two distinguished classical seminaries in the Scottish metropolis, and in them he attained the very highest distinction. One of these Institutions, particularly, feels the utmost pride and gratification in having contributed to rear such a youth, whose highest honours he gained while attending its classes, and at whose annual exhibitions he has frequently since then attended and presided. From his high position at the academy he removed to one of the Scottish universities. Thither his faithful female attendant accompanied him, and watched over him during a course of study, characterised by all the steadiness and earnest application that had marked his former years, and where also he secured the greatest distinction.

From the Scottish college he proceeded to take his place in one of the English universities. To this place, however, his faithful guardian could not accompany him, save with her wishes and her prayers. She had done her best to prepare him for all the future of his life, and ushered him upon his new path with the firmest confidence in his character, and the highest anticipations as to his after history. She lived for several years in the family to whose youngest scion she had been such a signal blessing, respected by all, and at her death was mourned over by none more sincerely than by the object of her early, long, and watchful care.

At the English university the young man became also distinguished, and his whole course was one of uniform and steady progress. He took orders in the Church of England, and from his high attainments in classical learning, and the general weight and depth of his character, was selected to be the head of one of the most celebrated schools in England, and was afterwards called to an eminent position in connection with one of its cathedrals, where the value of his services, the excellence of his public discourses, and his exemplariness in private life, have secured for him the veneration and esteem both of the Church and of the whole community.

With what deep and sympathetic sorrow did every one, during the last winter and spring, hear of the severe and successive bereavements which this good man had to suffer in his family-five daughters being cut off, by one fell disease, in the course of a few weeks! Very seldom has such an aggregate of affliction fallen upon one household, but never was there awakened a more profound or universal feeling of sympathy in the breasts of all to whom these sad tidings came.

Now, of what places-of what persons-is all this recorded? The question shall be answered with all plainness. The old castellated town is Stirling-the drive eastwards from it is by what is called the Hill-foot Road, at the base and on the south side of the Ochils-the valley, the village, and the Provincial Academy are those of Dollar-the overtopping ruin is Castle Campbell—the modern mansion house is Harvieston-the lady that adorned it was the daughter of Sir Hay Campbell, formerly the President of the Supreme Court of Justice in Scotland-her husband a gentleman of extensive practice in the profession of the law-the metropolitan seminaries are the High School and Academy of Edinburgh-the Scottish university that of Glasgow-the English one, that of Oxford-the school of learning, Rugby, formerly presided over by Dr. Arnold—the cathedral office, the Deanery of Carlisle, once held by the celebrated Dr. Milner-the name of the "wise and faithful servant" was BETTY MORTON, whose name and worth can never be forgotten by him who was so much and so long the object of her wisdom and fidelity—and who himself is no other than DR. ARCHIBALD TAIT, NOW THE BISHOP OF LONDON. Edinburgh. R. P. in the Monthly Messenger.

BIOGRAPHY.

MR. CHARLES GREEN, OF WINCHESTER.

DIED, on January 25, 1857, Mr. Charles Green, aged seventy-three, at St. John's Hospital, in Winchester, a comfortable Asylum appropriated for the benefit of aged citizens.

Our departed Brother in his youth was gay, and lived after the course of the present world, following its maxims, and seeking his happiness in its pleasures.

His first awakenings of a serious nature took place about forty-five years ago, under the ministry of the late Rev. Joseph Taylor, who then travelled in the Southampton Circuit, of which Winchester formed a part. His conversion was clear, and the consistency of his conduct manifested and showed forth the grace of God, who had called him out of darkness into His marvellous light. That conduct was seen in his deep decision and constant perseverance in the heavenly path. He turned not aside to the right or to the left, but was constantly, like his Divine Lord and Master, going about doing good, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of his faith. He kept his eye constantly on his copy. For many years he laboured according to his ability, in making known those truths to others, that had been made the power of God to his own salvation.

Our late Brother loved the cause of God, and for many years according to his ability, liberally supported the same. His love was of that nature that was manifest in action. If all members of the Christian church were actuated by the same love, and gave the same proof by willing heartiness in its support, we should not so frequently hear of the complaint of the insufficiency of the means to carry on the work of God. Our friend might with the greatest propriety be termed a benevolent man. Distress in any and in every form, was sure to find in him a sympathizing friend. He often put himself to much inconvenience in order to relieve such, and when unable to do so himself, has had recourse to others on their behalf. Though often imposed on, yet this made no difference in his conduct. He was largely the instrumental means of establishing, through the benevolence of many worthy individuals, what is termed the Winchester Refuge; an Asylum devoted to the reclaiming of females who have wandered from the path of rectitude, and to whom few lend an helping hand to rescue them from woe, either in this or the other world. To this good work the energies of our dear brother, the last few years of his life, were largely devoted in visiting the public houses, those dens of iniquity, where those unhappy individuals chiefly resort, in leaving Tracts and the like at these places. At this Institution, he, in conjunction with a clergyman of the Establishment, regularly conducted a religious service on the Lord's-day afternoon.

The Institution, if not so successful as might have been desired, and what Institution does actually accomplish all that it contemplated, has nevertheless, had cheering success; success sufficient to show the loving-kindness of Him who came to seek and to save that which was lost. Many have been restored to society and to their friends, who will hold our friend in grateful remembrance. He collected the subscriptions, and rendered efficient aid in all the departments. He was a man more fitted for this work than most. His place will not easily be supplied. He was a tried man; he was tried in his business, in the church, in his family: but he bore it all with the greatest equanimity and composure. Under trial, he would express himself, “ Jesus, thou source of calm repose," and the like language. He was a man of the most even temper. The writer, who