servation of all the people, so greatly affected him, that he sat down and concealed his face. The person who sat next him encouraged him to rise and answer the question. The minister repeated, "Young man, are you willing to come to Christ?" With a tremulous voice he replied, "Yes, Sir." "But when, Sir?" added the minister in a solemn and loud tone. He mildly answered, "Now, Sir." "Then stay," said he, "and learn the word of God, which you will find in 2 Cor. vi. 2: 'Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.'" By this sermon the young man was greatly affected, and came into the vestry, after the service, bathed in tears. The reluctance to stay, which he had discovered, was occasioned by the strict injunctions of his father, who threatened that if he went to hear such preachers he would turn him out of doors. Hav. ing now heard the Gospel, and being unable to conceal the feelings of his mind, he was afraid to meet his father. The minister sat down, and wrote an affectionate letter to him, which had so good an effect, that both father and mother came to hear for themselves; they were brought to a knowledge of the truth, and they and their son were joyfully received into Christian communion.

FEBRUARY 10.-ANGER.

"The sun is almost down."."-Two good men on some occasion had a warm dispute; and remembering the exhortation of the apostle, "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath," just before sunset one of them went to the other, and knocking at the door, his offended friend came and opened it, and, seeing who it was, started back in astonish. ment and surprise; the other, at the same time, cried out, "The sun is almost down." This unexpected salutation softened the heart of his friend into affection, and he returned for answer, "Come in, brother, come in." What a happy method of conciliating matters, of redressing grievances, and of reconciling brethren!

Rev. Mr. Clarke's way to dispose of Anger. It is said of the Rev. Mr. Clarke, of Chesham Bois, that when one observed to him "there was a good deal in a person's natural disposition," he made this answer: "Natural disposi tion! Why, I am naturally as irritable as any; but when I find anger, or passion, or any other evil temper arise in my mind, immediately I go to my Redeemer, and, confessing my sins, I give myself up to be managed by Him. This is the way that I have taken to get the mastery of my passions." FEBRUARY 17.-THE BIBLE GOD'S BOOK TO RESTRAIN SIN.

The Twofold Rescue.-The late Rev. Legh Richmond was once speaking at a meeting in Edinburgh, for the advancement of religion among sailors, when he related the following facts: "When I reflect on the character and circumstances of seamen, I cannot without peculiar interest recollect the time when a young man went to sea, whose feelings were ill suited to all the contingencies of a sea-faring life. I remember that the time came when it was said the vessel in which he had sailed had been wrecked, and that the young man was dead, and no intimation had reached the ears of his affectionate parents of any change in his views as to the things of God. And I remember the time when that young man was so far restored to his family, that although they saw him not, they heard that he had been saved from the shipwreck. That young man, too, was found by the blessed God, while on the ocean, with the Bible only, which his father at parting had put into his hand. It was blessed to him in the midst of the carnal companions by whom he was surrounded. This means of grace, without any human instruction, was made effectual to the salvation of his soul. The time came when that young man, who had been a foe to religion, lifted up, in the Bay of Gibraltar, at his mast-head, a Bethel-flag, and summoned his sailors to prayer, and prayed with them, and bade the missionary exhort them. And when I tell

you that that young man is my own son, you will see that I may well say, God bless the Sailor's Friend!"

Elliot's Advice.-The Rev. John Elliot, styled, "The Apostle of the Indians," was once asked by a pious woman, who was vexed with a wicked husband, and bad company frequently infesting her house on his account, what she should do. "Take," said he, "the Holy Bible into your hand when bad company comes in, and that will soon drive them out of the house."

FEB. 24.-OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS. Cecil's Obedience.-When the Rev. Richard Cecil was but a little boy, his father had occasion to go to the India House, and took his son with him. While he was transacting business, the little fellow was dismissed, and told to wait for his father at one of the doors. His father, on finishing his business, went out at another door, and entirely forgot his son. In the evening, his mother, missing the child, inquired

where he was; on which, his father, suddenly recollecting that he had directed him to wait at a certain door, said, "You may depend upon it, he is still waiting where I appointed him." He immediately returned to the India House, and found his dear boy on the very spot where he had ordered him to remain. He knew that his father expected him to wait, and therefore he would not disappoint him.

First Step towards Ruin. - It was stated, at a meeting of the American Prison Discipline Society, as the result of the examinations made by that institution into the history and career of the various criminals confined in the prisons of the United States, that in almost all cases their course of ruin began in disobedience to parents. This was followed by intemperance, and that made way for all other crimes. The statement was made by the secretary of the society, the Rev. Louis Dwight, whose opportunity for observation had certainly been very great.

FEBRUARY 3.

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany.

SUBJECT: THE DIVINE AUTHORITY OF HUMAN

GOVERNMENT.

ROMANS Xiii. 1.-"The powers that be are ordained of God."

Without committing ourselves to any particular form of government which may obtain in any part of the world at the present time, we are prepared to affirm, as taught by the Word of God, that government, AS SUCH, is a divine institution. In the Epistle for the day we learn

I. ITS DIVINE AUTHORITY. "The powers that be are ordained of God." It is "an ordinance of God."

II. ITS LAWFUL PROVINCE. "Not a terror to good works, but to the evil." "If thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain.”

III. ITS CLAIMS UPON ALL.

"Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour." Fear God! Honour the king!

Purification of the Virgin Mary.

SUBJECT:-BELIEF IN CHRIST MAKES DEATH

EASY.

LUKE ii. 29.-" Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation."

I. CHRIST THE SALVATION OF GOD. (i.) Prepared by God, (ii.) ordained, (iii.) provided, and (iv.) set forth "before the face of all people." "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

II. BELIEF IN CHRIST GIVES PEACE IN DEATH. "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, FOR mine eyes have seen thy salvation."

FEBRUARY 10.

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany.

SUBJECT:-CHRISTIAN FORGIVENESS. COLOSSIANS iii. 13.-" Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

This is one of the most difficult parts of Christian duty, for which there is the most frequent necessity in the Christian life, and which, therefore, should be inculcated with the greatest clearness and authority, as obligatory on all Christians.

1. THE CASE SUPPOSED.-"A quarrel."

1. One of the most frequent occurrences among

men.

2. The rule applies to every quarrel. “If ANY man have a quarrel against any."

II. THE DUTY ENJOINED. — “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another."

1. Forbearance. "Forbearing one another." Christian forbearance will frequently prevent a quarrel; and where it does not succeed in this, it prepares the way for forgiveness, and greatly helps in its exercise.

2. Forgiveness. "Forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any."

(i.) This is the divine remedy for a quarrelnothing else can take its place.

(ii.) If we refuse to forgive, we must forfeit any claim we may have to the Christian character, and cannot expect to be forgiven.

III. THE EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED.

1. Christ must be our Exemplar in this as wel as in every other duty. "Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

2. And therefore the forgiveness must be (i.) full:—(ii.) free :—(iii.) perfect.

FEBRUARY 17.

Septuagesima Sunday.

SUBJECT:-THE CHRISTIAN RACE AND ITS

GLORIOUS PRIZE.

1 CORINTHIANS ix. 24.-"So run that ye may obtain."

The Christian life is sometimes represented in the Bible as a warfare, a pilgrimage, a stewardship, here as a race. The allusion is to the Grecian games, perfectly understood by the Corinthians.

I. THE RACE TO BE RUN.

1. From the starting-point to the goal-from the cross to the crown-from earth to heaven.

2. One of great difficulty, requiring the utmost exertion.

II. THE RULE BY WHICH THE RACE IS TO BE REGULATED.

1. General. "Temperate in all things”—a wise sobriety.

2. Special. "Keep under the body." Not only has the mind power over the body, but the body power over the mind; it should therefore be kept in a wise subjection.

III. THE REWARD TO BE OBTAINED.

1. A reward of unspeakable value-of ineffable blessedness. Worth running for :-if it be lost, all is lost.

2. A reward bestowed on every victor; but on the victor only. Therefore so run that ye may obtain.

FEBRUARY 24.

Sexagesima Sunday.

SUBJECT:-HEARING THE WORD.

LUKE Viii. S.-" He that hath ears to hear let him hear."

Preaching originated in earliest times. It had attained to some eminence at the time when Ezra read and translated the law at Jerusalem. Afterwards synagogues were erected, and officers appointed to read and explain the Pentateuch and the Prophets.

The preaching of the Gospel properly began with the ministry of Christ and the Apostles. After His resurrection, our Lord extended the commission of the Apostles to all nations.

On the formation ¡of Christian Churches, an order of men was appointed to preach and administer the Sacraments.

Preaching is necessary in addition to the private reading of the Scriptures, and is especially instituted by God. The method of salvation is designated in Scripture "the hearing of faith." Thence a powerful motive results, tɔ "take heed how we hear." He that hath ears to hear let him hear-that is, he who is disposed to regard the Word of God, and profit by it, let him be attentive and obedient to it.

1. Before hearing the Word, preparation of mind is to be sought by private prayer, and the blessing of God implored on the use of the ordinance.

2. Reverence and esteem for the Gospel to be cultivated, by recollection of its nature and importance.

3. The Word to be heard with attention, which is essential to progress in knowledge. Attention facilitated by love of the truth. Sleeping at service to be strongly reprobated.

4. Hear with impartiality. The whole of revelation to be received cordially. The perfection of Christianity is in the symmetry of its parts. The Christian character should resemble it. Distaste for any part of the truth indicates need of it.

5. Hear with self-application. Expect to meet with something suited to the individual state. Spiritual perception to be sought. Religious emotions excited most often by truths already known.

6. Hear with candour; less as judges, than as those who shall be judged by what they hear. Make allowance for the infirmities and difficulties of ministers. Do not suspect them of being personal.

7. Hear with a resolution of obeying the Word. To hear otherwise is mockery.

8. Retain and perpetuate the impressions of preaching, by meditation and prayer. Exert faith; to this reflection is necessary. 9. Be watchful against adverse influences.

Satan is active in endeavouring to "take away the good seed." There are also the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches which hinder fruit to perfection. (Robert Hall.)

The Englishwoman's Review: A Journal of Woman's Work. Pp. 64; price 1s. (Published at the Office, 19, Langham Place, London.)

WELL edited, well printed, and we hope to hear soon, well circulated.

The Daily Walk with Jesus in the Promised Land. By the Rev. David Martin, Oxford. Pp. 252; price 1s. 6d. plain, 2s. gilt edges. (London: W. J. Johnson, 121, Fleet Street; Oxford: Morrison.)

We are disposed to look upon the numerous helps to private devotion and experimental religion as a good sign of the times. We can conscientiously and heartily recommend this precious little volume; it has a character of its own, and that is inferior to none of the similar works which are known to the godly people of the land. The portions are short and sweet, rich in experimental religion. We should add the work is well got up, and is very creditable to the publishers.

Biographical Records of Joseph Rawling. (Bradford-on-Avon : Chas. Rawling.) THIS book is a record of Christian and ministerial life in a quiet and limited sphere.

over rocky bed and beetling cragthrough field and forest, orchard and garden, exerting a noiseless yet fertilising action upon all.

Yet it was not barren of vicissitude. Mr. Rawling had the usual allotment of troubles and trials-personal, relative, and public. It will here be seen that he knew his resource- that he knew how to meet them and bear them, and how to gather lessons of truest and deepest wisdom from them. These written breathings of his soul under them indicate profound submission to the will of God, and a scrupulous concern to be ever governed by integrity and uprightness among his fellow-men. Christian humility, meekness, and love seem to have been the prominent characteristics of his lengthened career.

To

all who were favoured with his ministry and friendship, these Biograpical Records must be full of interest scarcely less useful and instructive to Christians at large.

In

'He being dead yet speaketh." Example never dies-stamping its own image on surviving hearts it perpetuates the graces commended and admired, and syeaks to us all with alluring voice, "Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." The labourer has gone to his rest-the good and faithful servant to his recompense of reward. such a case the tomb is no mere pyramid of grief-rather a monument of marble and gold, fit type of the solid and rich qualities that adorned the clay beneath, and pointing upward to the better world whither they are transferred, to unfold and expand in sublimest perfection while life, thought, and being last; around the monument we bind this humble wreath-the lowly tribute of unforgotten, though departed