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we must turn, if we would understand | the source of that mighty influence which is exerted at the fireside. The Christian Home is the seat of family religion. The earliest pictures of home represent the social aspect of religion. The patriarchal households, and the families of the pious Jews glow with vital religion; and the house at Bethany, and the early christian homes present a most beautiful aspect, because adorned with the presence of Christ. Now it is in the Christian Home that the social aspect of Christianity can alone be seen, and though it is a sacred spot, let us softly enter, and see how religion is manifested there. There is the family altar, around which all the members of the household bend, and on which they offer their morning and evening incense. Yonder is the old Family Bible, the record of births, deaths, and marriages, whose bold print endears it to the aged and captivates the young; and by its side is the "voice of the heart" which directs the melodious songs of love and praise. Regularly the sound of prayer is heard ascending to heaven, sometimes flowing in extemporaneous strains, and sometimes regulated by the book of devotions. There religion is not a mere name, heard and respected once a week, but a reality, a living power, which casts its sweet influence around. That home is the abode of God, who turns the light of his countenance upon it, and speaks peace; the spot where Christ's smile is seen and his love felt; where the Spirit's fire glows, and his influence purifies. The authority of heaven is acknowledged there; its law becomes the rule; and every inmate dwells secure beneath the protection and care of the Lord. O happy spot, where religion blossoms like the rose, and casts a sweet perfume over all.

The Christian Home is the centre of holy influences. Real religion cannot exist without influencing. Its power must be felt, its manifestations must be seen; and wherever religion dwells, holy influences are ever streaming forth. The natural influence of home is mighty. It has spoken to the heart in sorrow, glanced at the eye a thousand miles away, and staid many a crime and recalled many a wanderer by the music of its voice. How powerful must that influence become when it is strengthened and ennobled by religion! Religious home influence is the mightiest power man can command, and will be felt throughout the family circle. It interpenetrates all relations,

dignifies the meanest duty, and sanctifies the abode. It makes the master, or head, of the household, kind, and considerate to all; not overbearing, storming, nor exacting. He will rule in love, and remember the mutual relation of master and servant, and their respective obligation. It will make the servant kind and obliging, ever striving to please, careful of property, and jealous of the reputation of the home. When the relation of parent exists, how sweetly will religious home influence pervade it. Parental affection is the strongest in nature, yet even that may degenerate into harshness and severity. Religion will purify, increase, and dignify it; and make it a living power for good. The parent will have wisdom, gentleness, patience, firmness; and will strive to bring up the children in the fear of the Lord. There the little knees will be first taught to bend, the lips to pray, the hearts to love, the lives to honour God. Their observant eyes see the mellowing influence; they breathe the atmosphere of love; imbibe the fear of God, and are moulded by the example of home. The influence never ceases; the first lessons cannot be eradicated; life creeps on, with its storms and cares; the home is left for new spheres; sin overtakes them and wounds their souls; but the influence is still powerful; and a single glance, a thought, a reminiscence, will be sufficient to arouse it, and bring the wanderer to his father's God. The Christian home is a mighty place, a centre of holy influences; and no one can enter it without feeling their power, and being attracted by its loveliness.

The Christian Home is the abode of every virtue. A religious home is a beautiful sphere for the growth of everything good and holy. It is sheltered from storms, secluded from the gaze of the world; a spot where reserve can be thrown aside, and the entire character displayed. It is a garden where grow the loveliest flowers and the richest fruits. Behold their variety. It is the picture of order and cleanliness. The disorder in man is harmonized by Christ, and the Christian follows "heaven's first law." Every thing has its place, and every one his duties; and the entire domain has the air of comfort because there is "a time for all things." Godliness dwells in cleanliness, and thus makes the lowliest cottage a palace, and gives an air of comfort and luxury to the poorest dwelling. The home is the place of rest;

and, where religion reigns, will be full of peace and quietness. No stormy broil will stir up anger; no jealousy will embitter the inmates; the sun will set in tranquility; and the members will be attracted to, instead of driven from, the place of their repose. But higher virtues flourish here. Home is the pleasure ground of the heart, and must be the seat of purity and rectitude. It welcomes friends, and opens wide its doors; yet guards the sacred retreat, lest impurity should breathe its poison, and vitiate the atmosphere. The veto is laid on every publication which inculcates loosness of morality and erroneousness of sentiment, or excites sordid passions. The truth is the only tree under the shade of which they will sit,-and the christian graces, which are the gift of the Spirit, are the only fruits they will gather.

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Olney. His life was unique, and his poetry sprang out of his life; to appreciate the strains of his muse, it is necessary, therefore, to sympathize with his life. His entire career is surrounded with a very melancholy interest; and the causes of his insanity are clearly traceable in his constitutional temperament and the scenes through which he passed. He was born at his father's rectory at Berkhampstead, in November 1731, and when six years old, had the misfortune to lose his mother, to whom he was most fondly attached. At his first school, he was brutally treated by an elder boy, the tyrant of the school; and then he spent two years under the care of an oculist, to be treated for a complaint threatening his eyesight. At the early age of ten, he was placed in the Westminster school, where he remained till he was seventeen; and during that period he suffered severely from the harshness of the elder scholars. His ex

admirably expressed in his "Tirocinium," or review of school discipline.

Take one farewell glance at the Christian Home, and you will see it is the abode of joy and hope. The joy there experienced does not disturb the tranquil-perience of life at a public school, he has ity; you hear no boisterous mirth, no uproarious pleasure; it is too deep for that; but an intense happiness which thrills the heart. The cloud never settles on the christian home. It may pass over, but it is soon gone; and in passing, it reflects the bow of promise in resplendent colours. If affliction comes, it only chastens the joy; if prosperity visits the home, it tinges the happiness with gratitude. Hope never dies there. Its star is ever fixed, bright and beautiful, and points to that better home which the Heavenly Father has provided; and when at length the light of that star grows pale, and vanishes, it is because the light of heaven's eternal home has shone upon the departing christian.

Such is the portrait of the Christian Home. Who would not possess it? It is possible for all to enjoy it. It is not dependant on wealth and station; but on the possession of Christ. Where he dwells is the Chrisian home, and he dwells where he is invited and welcomed.

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After spending a few months at home, Cowper was articled to an attorney for three years, and at the age of twenty-one took rooms at the Middle Temple; and having completed his term, was called to the bar in 1754. During his residence at the Temple, that horrible despondency of soul began to manifest itself, which ripened into a mental and physical disease, and hurried him to the grave. He attempted to drive it off by gay and literary society, and says in his autobiography, that the only course he could take to secure his present peace was to “wink hard against the prospect of future misery!” He indulged the presentiment that he should come to want, and his uncle, Major Cowper, offered him the clerkship of the Journals of the House of Lords. His nomination was contested, and a public examination at the bar of the House was demanded. Cowper studied daily for the task; his nerves failed him; horror seized his mind; desperation and despair took hold of his soul. He could bear up no longer, and attempted suicide on the morning of the examination. His life was saved; but an overwhelming sense of guilt crushed his heart, which was alone removed by the Rev. Martin Madan, one of Lady Huntingdon's ministers, pointing him to Jesus Christ, as the only sacrifice for sin. Cowper enjoyed a few hours calm reliance; he then

slept a short time, and awoke to still deeper horrors. His malady rushed upon him, and whirled him into delirium. His brain was touched, as he says, with a sharp blow, which stunned his reason: and at every succeeding blow his thoughts and expressions became more wandering, till he sank into absolute insanity

His friends conveyed him to the private asylum of Dr. Cotton, at St. Albans, where for eight months he had but two classes of thoughts and feelings-conviction of sin and despair of mercy. Light, however, gradually broke in; God spoke peace to his soul; the shattered nerves became tranquilized; and reason once more dawned. He was a new creature in Christ Jesus; and how beautifully has he expressed his gratitude, and his peculiar feelings in his Olney Hymns," composed shortly after his recovery at St. Albans, and during his residence at Huntingdon, and at Olney. They are a fine reflection of his life, and when read in connection with his Memoirs throw a delicate hue on the complexion of his career. It was the recollection of the peace of mind he enjoyed before his reason was o'erclouded, that prompted the lamentation ;

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"Where is the blessedness I knew

When first I saw the Lord?
Where is that soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and his word?

What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!
How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void
The world can never fill."

When his disease abated, and the light of God's presence filled his soul, he could sing as no other person could :—

"The soul, a dreary province once,
Of Satan's dark domain,

Feels a new empire form'd within,

And owns a heavenly reign." The heavenly reign, however, was to be overturned. After a sunny period of devout and holy communion the shadow of the tempest fell upon him; and as it daily grew darker, he felt that the storm was again to whirl him into despair and insanity; and while trembling under its awful gloom, he raised his heart to God, and penned those sublime verses of the well-known hymn, "God moves in a mysterious way," &c.

Thus if we follow the progress of his life, and compare it with his poetry, we shall see how the one mutually explains the other. Cowper's poetry is of a singular description. There is a sweetness, melody, and beauty about it which are

derived from the deep religious spirit which originated it. Southey never made a greater mistake than when he undertook to write the memoirs of Bunyan, Wesley, and Cowper. He had no sympathy with the heart of these men, and therefore totally misrepresented them. He constantly contradicts himself. He accounts for the religion of Lady Huntingdon by fabricating a charge of insanity; and states that it was the religion of Cowper which produced his insanity! Now the facts of the case are, that Lady Huntingdon, as every body knows, never was insane; and that Cowper's insanity was remedied by religion; and that but for the religion which he treats as madness, Bunyan, Wesley, and Cowper would never have become such distinguished characters to merit the attention of the Poet Laureat. But our limits remind us we must stop, and await another opportunity to vindicate the character of Cowper from the unjust aspersions of a brother poet. We are glad to welcome this work of Dr. Cheever. His preceding writings testify that he is the man to understand Cowper, and this memoir will increase his reputation. There are many editions of it in England; but Knight's is handsomely got up, well printed, on good paper, and very cheap.

MY FIRST PLACE: A GIFT FOR A GIRL GOING TO SERVICE.

COTTAGE HOMES: A BOOK FOR MOTHERS. London: Jarrold and Sons.

These are two admirable little books, published at a very cheap price. The first narrates the history of two girls at service, and shows how the one, by her industry and good conduct, won the affection of her mistress, and rose in life, and how the other by her inattention and pride ruined her character and became a burden to every one. We should like to see this little twopenny book in the hands of every girl when going to her first place.

The second presents some striking pictures of home life; and in a very captivating manner, describes the miseries which inattention to a few trifling circumstances entails. Every "Cottage Home" would be enriched by attending to the suggestions contained in this book. Both are written in a very engaging style, and in a christian spirit.

General Intelligence.

THE AMERICAN CONTEST.

CONTINENTAL MOVEMENTS.

strances of his best friends.

The state of society in Naples is almost as bad as it can be. Tyranny has full sway, and has filled the wretched prisons with victims. At the present moment A general election here is no criterion there are no less than seven thousand of the contest which a presidential election occasions in America. There may into the dungeons of the king. The and eighty-seven human beings crammed be a few sharp words, extraordinary English and French residents are now at speeches, squibs, and placards; but the the mercy of the sovereign, who has sensation soon passes, and the country taken the precaution to warn his officials town sinks into apathy and silence. On not to give them the slightest provocathe other side of the Atlantic, events tion, for fear of an immediate rupture, transpire on a more gigantic scale; and yet he still refuses to yield to the remonelections throw the entire country into a high state of excitement. The whole have been made to sever the alliance of Attempts civilized world has been looking down on France and England, but they have failed; the present election with feelings of the deepest interest. A vital principle is in-resolution to compel Russia to carry out and the two powers are agreed in their volved in the issue. The question "Is slavery to exist, or to cease?" is being answered; and the election of Mr. Buchanan to the Presidential chair has affirmed that it is to exist and rule. We are sorry that the advocate of slavery has been chosen, but look with hope to the termination of his Presidency; and we hold the opinion that this advocacy of slavery will be the most sure precursor of its final fall, and utter extinction.

THE ECCLESIASTICAL CRISIS.

It would be worse than useless to shut our eyes to the fact that a crisis is fast approaching in ecclesiastical affairs in England. It is not confined to one denomination, but pervades all. In the Establishment, the Denison party are pushing matters to the extremity. A protest has been issued, signed by Dr. Pusey and fourteen clergymen, against the verdict of the Archbishop. This party intends to set the state at defiance. They boldly state that the revolution of 1688 destroyed the English church, that it owes no allegiance to the civil power, and that a separation should take place, leaving the church to manage its own affairs! It is curious to notice too that all the recent appointments have been conferred on those who do not sympathize with this party. The time is not far distant when a clear definition of what the English church is will be demanded and given. A crisis also is evident among the independent churches. Recents events have shaken them, and will perhaps lead to some important modifications in their constitution and worship.

the stipulations of the Peace of Paris.

Youths' Department.

HEIGHT OF VOLCANOES, Vesuvius is 3,874 feet high. Hecla 5006 feet. Etna 10,892 feet. Teneriffe 12,464 feet. Mount Kea, Sandwich Islands, 14,700 feet. Cotopaxi, South America, 18,869 feet.

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FACTS IN HUMAN LIFE.

The number of languages spoken in the world amounts to 3,064. The number of men is about equal to the number of women. The average of human life is about 33 years. One quarter die previous to the age of seven years, and one half before reaching 17. To every 1000 persons only one reaches 100 years of age. To every 100, only six reach the age of 65, and not more than one in 500 lives, reaches 80 years. There are 1,000,000,000 inhabitants in the world and of these 33,333,333 die every year:

91,824 every day: 3730 every hour, and 60 every minute, or one every second.Lessons to my Bible Class.

LONDON IN 1856.

are

30,000 clerks are always quill-driving in relation to some commercial matters or others. Thus we find that, so astounding is the amount of population, the persons engaged in any one of the above occupations would equal in number the entire inhabitants of a large town.

Things New and Old.

SECTARIAN.

There is a morning coming when Episcopalianism and Methodism and Congregationalism shall be abolished, and all shall stand on the sea of glass and worship Him that sitteth on the great white throne. I belong to the church of that morning. I like that saying of Whitefield's," Father Abraham, have you any Episcopalians up there? No. Any Methodists up there? No. Any Independents up there? No.-None but Christians my son."-DR. TYNG.

"Happiness is what all men seek; all how few find the key to open it." men have the jewel in their casket, but

A SINGULAR SERMON.

The population is so vast, that we are apt to lose sight of items which, considered separately, would appear enormous. That there are 80,000 children born yearly in London-that there are 350,000 marriageable but unmarried women-that there are 50,000 persons THE CHURCH OF CHRIST NOT always resident in poor houses, prisons, and other establishments where they are daily fed out of national or public resources-that there are 1,200 places of worship, in which, despite our vice and alleged Sabbath desecration, there are generally a million attendances at divine worship on a Sunday, including the services at different times of the daythat there are nearly 6,000 schools, on the books of which are 600,000 scholars, all these striking facts have been ascertained by the Census Commissioners. We have taken no further liberties with their tables and returns, than to add a small ratio of increase for the five years elapsed since the census was taken. Numerous other curious items present themselves. Thus, although we quarrelling with the health of the Metropolis, there are, nevertheless, thirty inhabitants not less than one hundred years old, let the excess above a hundred be what it may. There are 20,000 persons engaged in killing and selling animal food, a greater number in preparing and selling vegetable food, and nearer 30,000 in making and selling beverages. More than 30,000 tailors are plying the needle in London; while 40,000 boot and shoe-makers are fashioning and cobbling our leathern understandings. Nearly 25,000 professional men are supplying the daily and weekly quotas of divinity, law, and physic; and about an equal number of authors and printers furnish us with books and newspapers. The domestic servants in London, male and female, reach the almost incredible number of 200,000. The worthy ancient females of the Mrs. Gamp school, to. gether with their co-labourers the charwomen, washer women, and manglers, present a corps of 60,000 strong. There are more than 100,000 women and girls in the Metropolis who earn a living-in most cases, it may be feared, a scanty living-by the use of the needle. Nearly

Four gentlemen and an old minister were assailed on the highway by three robbers, who demanded and took possession of all their funds. The old minister pleaded very hard to be allowed a little money, as he was on his way to pay a bill in London. The highwaymen, as our authority informs us, "being generous fellows, gave him all his money back again on condition of his preaching them a sermon. Accordingly, they retired a little distance from the highway, and the minister addressed them as follows:

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"Gentlemen :-You are most like the old apostles of any men in the world, for they were wanderers upon the earth, and so are you; they had neither lands nor tenements that they could call their own; neither, as I presume, have you. They were despised of all, but those of their own profession, and so, I believe, are you they were unalterably fixed in the principles they professed, and I dare swear so are you; they were often hurried into jails and prisons; all of which sufferings, I presume, have been undergone by you; their profession_brought them all untimely death; and, if you continue in your course, so will yours

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