on a false security for salvation? There is nothing more fatal to the interests of the soul than indifference to spiritual religion. It is far more to be dreaded than a course of sinful pleasure. We see striking instances of conversion in those who are most addicted to vicious habits and reckless conduct. How seldom do we find a gracious change in such as, acting on the supposition that they are in a state of salvation, never for a moment examine their principles by the sure and unerring test of God's word. They assume that all is right, and evince no concern about their future condition, or anxiety to ascertain their meetness for heaven. They are satisfied with a visible demonstration of religion, attendance on the means of grace, punctual observance of an outward ceremonial, strict formality of worship. All this is external, the force of habit, the usage of society, the kind of worship, which is found to exist in every country. There is, however, an indifference to spiritual, heartfelt religion, a neglect of close and arduous study of revealed truth, a secret dislike to holiness of life, an opposition to the true faith of the Gospel. The hatred to sin, which is the sure evidence of a gracious change in the heart having begun, forms no part whatever of their religious experience. They consider as harmless, as perfectly allowable, the full enjoyment of earthly pleasures, as if the path to the crown was not by the way of the cross. They can show by their presence in the sanctuary a respect for religion, without even the consideration, that no outward service will ever avail, unless Christ be supremely loved and obeyed. The surrender of the heart to God is the essential character of true religion. Failing this, there can be nothing but delusion, a deception too awful to contemplate. Without the conflict against sin unceasingly going on within the heart, there can exist no love to God, no proof of having passed from spiritual death to spiritual life. Fearful are the mistakes which are made, and often followed by endless ruin, simply because human judgment is trusted, to the exclusion of a simple reliance on the truth as unfolded in the glorious Gospel. Duties religiously performed are magnified into an importance which they do not deserve, and become a refuge of lies, in leading the soul from Christ, and

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raising the standard of human merit, as if needful to salvation. Peace, false peace takes firm hold of the heart, where not even a spark of real religion is found to exist. Men will put their trust in any or in every delusion but in God. They are full of the pride of human reason and intellectual superiority, without coming to the great spiritual Teacher for the wisdom they need to discern spiritual things. They are blinded in judgment, perverted in their views, self-confident, and tranged from the right and clear views of Gospel truth. What a sad picture to behold, human intellect doing homage to itself, as if independent of that power which created the lofty archangel and the brightest seraph. What a thought that men do not, will not see or acknowledge that a Divine influence is necessary to understand the Scriptures, and that none can enter the portals of heaven but those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb, justified by faith, sanctified by his lifegiving Spirit. To trust in an arm of flesh, to depend on some supposed inherent virtue, to stake one's salvation on moral or religious duties, to be satisfied with a routine of observances, carried out in all their minuteness and scrupulous attention, is to falsify the records of Divine truth-is to cry "Peace, peace, when there is no peace." There may exist with all this apparent attachment to religion an open profession of faith in Christ, a speculative belief, an acknowledgment of a general redemption, without, however, the existence of real saving faith. Man believes only what he follows, what he adopts, what he values. A cold assent to the doctrines of the Gospel is not faith. The devils believe, but tremble. No church, however pure its creed, or perfect its system, can make a Christian. A Christian is the highest style of man, and he is "born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God," John i. 13. No ritual, no baptismal regeneration, that figment of Popery, will ever convert one soul; the finger of God alone must effect that great, and saving, and glorious change which makes sin to be hateful, holiness the adornment and beauty of the inward life. A transforming power within from darkness to light, from death to life, from the love of the world to the love of God, is the sole prero

gative of him who first created man after his own image. There can be no true peace unless there exist the internal evidence of a gracious change having been effected by the Spirit of God. There is no warrant for such a condition, unless there is the consciousness of forgiven sin, a dependence on the righteousness of Christ for salvation, deep, ardent love to God, striving against sin, following intensely after holiness of life, studying to do the will of God, forsaking all to follow Christ. All beside is delusion, a foundation of sand, which will never stand the ordeal of the final judgment, when every secret shall be laid open, and the record of the past pass in solemn review before the eye of the Judge of the quick and the dead. There are others who may be members of churches who "have a name to live," but still are dead, lulled to sleep, fondly dreaming that all is right, that all is safe, simply on the ground of the religious privileges they enjoy. They are lukewarm in the cause of God, subjects of indifference as to the existence and possession of deep inward spirituality, satisfied with past attainments, wrapped up in a mantle of self-approbation, content to go on without any indication of a loving, gracious, Christ-like spirit, having their conversation in the world, minding not the things of the Spirit, manifesting no anxiety for the prosperity of Zion, seeking too eagerly the accumulation of wealth, hiding the talents committed to their charge, drinking so deeply into the spirit of the world, that scarcely a distinction, if any, is visible between such profess religion and those who neglect it. They have a name to live, but are spiritually dead, hollow-hearted professors, carnally minded, knowing the Lord's will, but doing it not. And yet they are in the church, and go to the

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Gospel feast, and join in the songs of Zion and in the public ordinances. Such, it is to be feared, are too often met with, and are spots and blemishes in the Church of Christ, doing no good, unprofitable, fruitless, not seeking to glorify God. These are among

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the number who cry, "Peace, peace, when there is no peace;" and vainly imagine that all is well, because they are identified with the visible Church of Christ. How important, then, is the duty of self-examination. How needful the prayer of the Psalmist, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way me, and lead me in the way everlasting." How solemn the fact, that a mistake once made and adopted, may be followed by the most fearful results, never to be rectified. Let there be no deception where the precious, never-dying soul is at stake. In the absence of conformity to the image of Jesus, there is no salvation. Holiness of mind and true peace are closely identified. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." The true mark of the child of God is his resemblance to his heavenly Father. He is made partaker of the Divine nature (2 Pet. i. 4). He is born for God and for heaven. His language is, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee." His peace flows like a river, in his entire dependence on the atonement and righteousness of his Saviour. He knows in whom he has believed, and is persuaded that nothing shall separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Christ is his joy, his delight, his portion for ever. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee." F. S. G.

Tiverton, Devon, Feb., 1855.

in a recumbent posture, and the stomach distended with aliments, they are apt to press on the great blood-vessels, whereby too much blood may be thrown on the brain, a consequence likely to superinduce headache and apoplexy. Dr. Kitchiner's oblique recommendation of solid suppers to those to whom habit has made them indispensable must therefore be received with caution. To those

who cannot, according to the same ingenious gentleman's humorous expression, "put on their nightcaps without first bribing their stomachs to good behaviour," I must prescribe an egg lightly boiled, and a piece of dry toast, with a small quantity of white wine negus, which will often secure a tranquil night, which would otherwise be passed with restlessness. Or to persons so disposed, Dr. Kitchiner's prescription of a biscuit, or a sandwich, or a bit of fowl, and a glass of beer or wine, or toast and water, may be safely allowed. Ripe fruit, also, when in season, particularly the small stoned, as currants, raspberries, or strawberries, eaten with a little stale bread, is salutary, as it cools and corrects the heats and crudities of former indigestion. Good beef tea, with a piece of slightly toasted bread, is neither an unpalatable nor an unwholesome supper; and the same may be said of roasted potatoes, with plenty of butter and salt. Many people are of opinion that a supper of water-gruel is wholesome; and in this opinion they are not incorrect, provided it is not taken too frequently, and is properly made- that is, mixed with molasses or milk, or boiled with a few currants, and not too thick.-The Oracle of Health.

A MOTHER'S PRAYER.

A mother had heard of the arrival of her sailor-boy outside the Cape, and was awaiting his return with the anxiety a mother alone can know. With faith strong in God, she prayed for his safety. News came that the vessel was lost.

The father, an unconverted man, who had preserved a sullen silence, now wept aloud. The mother observed, "He is in the hands of Him who doeth all things well," and again the subdued and softened spirit bowed, commending her son and her husband in an audible voice to God.

In the morning, the little gate in front of the dwelling turned on its hinges, the door opened, and their son-their lost, loved sonstood before them. The vessel had been driven into one of the harbours on the coast, and was safe. The father rushed to meet him. His mother, hanging on his neck, earnestly exclaimed, " My child, how came you here?" "Mother," said he, as the tears coursed down his sunburnt face, "I knew you'd pray me home."

What a spectacle! A wild, reckless youth acknowledging the efficacy of prayer! It seems he was aware of his perilous situation, and that he laboured with the thought, "My mother prays; Christians' prayers are answered, and I may be saved." This reflec

tion, when almost exhausted with fatigue, and ready to give up in despair, gave him fresh strength, and with renewed courage he laboured till the harbour was gained.

Christian mother, pray for that son who is likely to be wrecked in the storm of life, and his prospects blasted for ever. He may be saved.

DON'T BE HASTY.

1. Because you will be likely to treat quite lightly two very good friends of yours, Reason and Conscience, who will not have a chance to speak.

2. Because you will have to travel over the same ground in company with one Sober Secondthought, who will be more likely to have with him a whip of scorpions than a bunch of flowers.

3. Because the words or actions involved in it are more likely than otherwise to be misunderstood, and therefore to be severely judged.

4. Because this is one way to please and give great advantage to a great enemy of yours, one powerful enough to be called the "Prince of this world," and who has caught more people than can be counted in this very trap.

5. Because in so doing you are likely to be a fellow-traveller in such company as follows: "He that is hasty with his feet sinneth;' ;""He that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly;" "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him," "The thoughts of every one that is hasty tend only to want."

6. Because such a fire may be kindled that it cannot be put out even by all the water a whole engine company can throw, with Secondthought for their captain.

HOW PRAYER IS ANSWERED.

One of the pupils in a school in Germany came to his master one day in great trouble, because, as he said, God would not answer his prayer.

"And what did you pray for?"

"I prayed to God that he would give me an humble heart."

"And why do you think that he has not heard you?"

The child said with tears, "Since I prayed for this, the other boys have been cross and unkind to me. They tease me and mock me at every turn, so that I can hardly bear it."

"My dear boy, you have prayed that God would give you an humble heart, and why, then, should you be vexed if the other boys are the means of humbling you? Here you see that God does really answer you. It is in this way he sees fit to send you an humble mind."

The poor child had not thought of that. He had fancied that God would have taken some other way with him, and thus he was mistaken in thinking that his prayer was not answered.

LOVE THINKETH NO EVIL.

The Divine virtue delights to speak well and think well of others; she talks well of their good actions, and says little or nothing, except when necessity compels her, of their bad ones. She does not look around for evidence to prove an evil design, but hopes that what is doubtful will by further light appear to be correct. She imputes no evil as long as good is probable; she leans on the side of candour rather than that of severity; she makes every allowance that truth will permit; she looks to all the circumstances which can be pleaded in mitigation; suffers not her opinions to be formed till she has had opportunity to escape from the midst of passion, and to cool from the wrath of contention. Love desires the happiness of others, and how can she be in haste to think evil of them?

believe that God had blessed his faithful warnings, and affectionate counsels, and fervent prayers to the salvation of men. To the very close of life the remembrance of these useful labours filled him with gratitude and joy; and he anticipated meeting those converts in heaven with special complacency, as an additional element in those pleasures for evermore which are at the right hand of God.

4. He was a very devout Christian. He walked with God; he delighted to hold fellowship with God; he came boldly and came often to the throne of grace; and it was there that he was refreshed, and quickened, and strengthened. He prayed much for his family and relations, for this church and congregation, and for the population of this city and neighbourhood.

Often has he said to me, taking me kindly by the hand, "Ah, my brother, I often pray for you." And almost invariably on my leaving, like some venerable patriarch, he would give expression to brief but affectionate desires for me and mine. I valued those prayers and benedictions as the wishes of an aged and holy man of God; and I cherish the remembrance of them still, believing that such prayers, presented by such lips, will yet be answered. By his death this church has lost an intercessor with God.

And now what are the lessons of instruction which this dispensation is adapted to teach us? Surely this event speaks to the members of this church. Mr. Brace was the last survivor of the church as it existed in the days of its founder, Mr. Jones. By his death the last link which bound the original church to the existing church has been severed. Many years ago he sought the good of the church by his personal activity, while he adorned its fellowship by his Christian consistency; and to the close of life he blessed it with his prayers. But he is gone, and you are to be baptized in the place of the dead. While you pray, "Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men," it becomes you also to feel that the prosperity of the church in consequence of his death more than ever depends on your simplicity of aim, your devotedness of spirit, your consistency of character, your spirituality of mind, and your earnest efforts to glorify Christ and to save the souls of men.

A short time before his death he said, with great simplicity, yet great seriousness, "I think when I get over the bridge the Saviour will be glad to see me; he will give me a hearty welcome." Yes, he was right; it was "the full assurance of hope unto the end." He had no doubt of his interest in the Gospel. He knew in whom he had believed, and was persuaded he would keep that which he had committed to him. And I mention this remark to show you that such assurance may be obtained; and that when it is attained, it is a most precious blessing. But then it is not to be attained by the inconsistent, or the halfhearted, or the worldly-minded. It is realized only by sincere and earnest piety, by watchfulness and prayer, by attendance on the means of grace, and departure from the very appearance of evil.

This is the point where so many Christian professors are most defective. What is wanted is a more decided distinction between the world and the church; a palpable difference between professed believers and avowed unbelievers; a difference in spirit, and principle, and conduct so manifest as to show whose they are and whom they

serve.

It is said of the ancient patriarchs, that "they declared plainly " that they sought a better country, even a heavenly. They did this not only by their language but by their lives. And so should you. The men of the world should be made to feel that you have sources of enjoyment different from theirs, and far superior to theirs; that you are thus independent of their amusements-that you have no taste for them; and that while they are trifling life away in frivolous-not to say positively sinful-indulgences, you are acting "as becometh saints," and delighting yourselves in the good ways of the Lord. Thus while they "declare plainly" that they are of the world, do you declare as plainly that you are of God. May it be yours thus to live in the light of God's countenance, and at last to be found of him in peace.

And the death of this good old man supplies a lesson to those of you who are young. Our departed friend was a very old man, ninety-three years of age. He was converted at about the age of fourteen, so that at the time of