was fixed." The God of Abraham had become "her shield, and her exceeding great reward;" and she was determined that nothing finite should deprive her of her infinite and eternal portion in Him, or displace Him from the centre of her heart.

At last the father resolved upon a final and desperate expedient, by which his end should be gained, or his daughter ruined, so far as her prospects in this life were concerned. A large company of the nobility were invited to his house. It was so arranged, that, during the festivities, the daughters of different noblemen, and among others this one, were to be called to entertain the company with singing and music on the piano. If she complied, she parted with heaven, and returned to the world. If she refused compliance, she would be publicly disgraced, and lose, past the possibility of recovery, her place in society. It was a dreadful crisis, but with peaceful confidence did she await it. As this crisis approached, different individuals, at the call of the company, performed their parts with the greatest applause. At last the name of this daughter was announced. In a moment all were in fixed and silent suspense, to see how the scale of destiny would turn. Without hesitation she rose, and with a calm and dignified composure, took her place at the instrument. After a moment spent in silent prayer, she ran her fingers along the keys, and then, with an unearthly sweetness, elevation, and solemnity, sang-accompanying her voice with the notes of the instrument the following stanzas :

"No room for mirth or trifling here,
For worldly hope or worldly fear,
If life so soon is gone;

If now the Judge is at the door,
And all mankind must stand before

Th' inexorable throne!

"No matter which my thoughts employ-
A moment's misery or joy-

But oh when both shall end,
Where shall I find my destined place?
Shall I my everlasting days

With fiends or angels spend?
"Nothing is worth a thought beneath,
But how I may escape the death

That never, never dies!
How make mine own election sure,
And when I fail on earth, secure
A mansion in the skies!
"Jesus, vouchsafe a pitying ray;
Be Thou my guide, be Thou my way,
To glorious happiness!

Ah! write my pardon on my heart,
And wheusoe'er I hence depart,

Let me depart in peace!"

The minstrel ceased. The solemnity of eternity was upon that assembly. Without speaking they dispersed. The father wept aloud; and, when left alone, sought the counsel and prayers of his daughter, for the salvation of his soul. His soul was saved, and his great estate consecrated to the Saviour.

MINISTERING ANGELS.

BY EMMA BARTON.
Blest angels are around us,

In visions they surround us,
In hopes they are present ever,
And in life forsake us never;
Then bless the bright winged ones!
For favoured of all earth's sons,
Are they whom angels caress,

And ever guard, cheer, and bless.

In life's darkest, loneliest, and saddest hours, when every vestige of comfort is hid from the clouded view, and deep despair is settling down upon the oppressed, overtasked spirit then will this bright feeling come stilly and silently over the soul, soothing and softening our griefs, till its balmy influence is felt, and the troubled spirit sinks into tranquil peace. Or, when loved friends are taken from our warm embrace, and wrapped up in the snowy shroud, and laid in the close coffin; then who has not felt the influence of a charm, which, like an angel's wing, will subdue the boisterous grief, and give that resignation and hope to the spirit, which the world, in its bustle and anxious turmoil, never did nor never can bestow? Again, when separation occurs, and those around, to whom the heart clings with fond and endearing affection, are removed from our view; when months and years will impose upon us an absence, the very thought of which will cause the affections to repine, and the heart to murmur; when we conjure up ten thousand of imaginary evils which may occur to harm our dear ones-then will this same ever-consoling sensation come over us, and the heart will confide its treasure, with a thankful trust, into the keeping of Him who doeth all things well.

What these shadows are, is beyond the power of human knowledge to affirm. They are not of earth; there is nothing grovelling or earthly in their sensations. It is as if it were a portion of heaven sent down to give us a reliance upon the Almighty arm.

Often when struggling along, buffeting the storms and cares of this dark, sorrowful world, has one of these blessed visions of

happiness come stealing over my wearied soul, lifting from it the burden, and filling the mind with joy and heavenly peace; and again it seems like a visible presence, with which my mind might hold actual communion, and rejoice in the society of a kindred spirit. Such blest realities of happiness are to one, like a bright oasis in the desert of life, to which the soul reverts back as to a way-mark in her journey; and they are the more delightful, that they come upon us so unexpectedly and insensibly. When toiling with the crosses and losses which are ever the accompaniments of mortal existence, how refreshing are the bright visions which silently bear us away to the far off land, and give us a foretaste of heavenly bliss.

Then we can joyfully struggle on with dispensations of sorrow and grief, and even kiss the chastening hand. We can resign loved ones to the mansions of death, assured that they sleep not there, but are beatified angels in the presence of the great Eternal. We can smile when we bid farewell to loved ones, and see them go forth with an untroubled eye, fully assured that we shall meet again, if not on earth, surely we shall meet in heaven.

And may not these visions-these sweet enjoyments of happiness-be the interchange of thoughts with the spirits of the -blest? It is so spiritual, so devoid of all selfishness, that it cannot be otherwise. I friends we love on earth are taken from our view, why may they not be permitted to comfort and cheer us along the dark pathway which we are doomed to travel in sadness and in tears? St. Paul says, "Are they not ministering spirits ?" Each heart replies, in fervent, truthful spirit, They are so; we feel it-it is an intuitive belief, an inborn principle, and dear it is to each bereaved, sorrowing heart! With this cheering hope of constant, present communion, we could each one look joyfully forward to the time when we too should lay aside our cumbering bodies of mortality, and mount, free and disembodied spirits, into the clime where

"Saints and angels meet,
Holding communion sweet."

CROMWELL'S INFLUENCE ON

ENGLAND.

I have been in England; I have seen in her great manufacturing cities, the miracles of that activity which covers the whole

world with the productions of a petty island in Europe. In the ports of London, of Liverpool, and other places, I have gazed upon those floating isles, those thousands of masts, which bear afar over every sea the riches and power of the nation. I have admired in Scotland, a simple, energetic, and active people, ready to sacrifice every thing rather than abandon Christ and his Word. I have been present at the debates of the Parliament of the three kingdoms, and I have admired that eloquence which, not content with words, goes right to the heart of the matter, and impels the nation onward in its great destinies. I have found everywhere from the lower classes of the people to the exalted stations of nobles and princes-an enthusiastic love of liberty. I have wandered through those halls from which are conveyed to the four quarters of the world, bibles printed in every known language. I have prayed in the churches, and at the religious meetings have been transported by the powerful eloquence of the speakers, and the acclamations of the audience. I have found in the families, a morality comparatively greater than in other countries; and pious customs, both private and public, more generally prevalent. I have been struck with admiration at beholding the people of those islands encompassing the globe, bearing everywhere civilization and christianity, commanding in the most distant seas, and filling the earth with the power and Word of God.

At the sight of such prosperity and greatness, I said Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places! The God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. Blessed be God! This is the work of the Reformation; it is Protestantism and the evangelical faith which have so greatly exalted this nation, and given it such influence.

.

But God works by instruments; and if there is any one man who in times past has contributed more than another, more than all others, to the wonders of the present day, that man is Oliver Cromwell. The existing greatness of England is but the realization of the plan he had conceived.

If that enthusiasm for the gospel ;-if that opposition to Popery-those two distinctive characteristics of his mind, which Cromwell has imprinted on the people of Great Britain-should ever cease in Eng

land;-if a fatal fall should ever interrupt the christian course of that nation ;—and if Rome, which has already ruined so many kingdoms, should receive the homage of Old England, then, should I at any future period revisit her shores, I should find her glory extinct, and her power humbled to the dust.

But this melancholy presentiment will never be realised. Great Britain will be faithful to the path which God, in Oliver's day, traced out for her. She will remain a city set upon a hill, which cannot be hid, and which scatters over the world light, civilization, and faith.-D'Aubigné.

RESPONSIBILITY OF A SUNDAY

SCHOOL TEACHER.

When an individual voluntarily engages as a Sunday-school teacher, it is taken for granted that he is desirous of being rendered useful. Hence a very important trust is committed to his care. To him is assigned the care of children who, in but few instances, have any one else that pays the slightest attention to their spiritual welfare. Their parents, generally speaking, have no higher object in view in sending them, than that they may learn to read and write; and some are even opposed to their going to a Sunday-school at all. Being strangers to religion themselves, it cannot be expected that they should feel any concern for the spiritual welfare of their offspring. Under these circumstances, it is a matter of thankfulness that children who are thus neglected, can be brought together for instruction.

But it

A wide field is thus opened for the exercise of christian love and sympathy; and it is clearly the duty of those who engage as Sunday-school teachers, to pay particular attention to the religious instruction of the children, as it is the only opportunity they have of receiving such instruction. is much to be feared, that this is neglected in too many instances. Many circumstances have come under my observation, during twenty years' experience in connexion with Sunday-schools, to convince me of the great and general evil of inattention to the spiritual concerns of the children.

A few weeks ago, five interesting young persons (Sunday-school scholars) were received into the church with which I am connected. The deputation appointed by the church, to converse with them previous to their reception, in reporting their inter

view, stated, that they all ascribed the change which had taken place in them, to the serious addresses of their teachers; three of them stated, that previous to their connexion with the school in which they now are, they had gone to another in the neighbourhood, but never had one word said to them there about religion and their immortal souls. Happy was it for them that they left such a Sunday-school.

Sunday-school teachers! think seriously of your responsibility, and rather than suffer yourselves to neglect the immortal interests of the children, resign your office at once, in order that it may be taken up by one who feels for the spiritual condition of the children, and who will devote his energies to their welfare. There can be no doubt, if teachers felt the importance of the work in which they are engaged, and laboured under a due sense of their responsibility, their efforts would be attended from time to time with such results as would gladden their hearts, and render the workwhich is too often felt irksome-highly interesting and delightful.

The school with which the individuals above alluded to are connected, has only been in existence about three years; and such is the eagerness with which the children press for instruction, that the teachers are delighted with their work, although, from the numerous attendance, they have more to do than they can well manage. Experience alone will enable a Sundayschool teacher to know any thing at all of the pleasure derivable from a kind attention to the spiritual concerns of his youthful charge. The teachers of the above school (which is but a branch) have had the pleasure of witnessing the fruit of their labours, in the conversion of fifteen young persons since its commencement, who have been added to the church. Fellow-teachers! allow me to urge upon you an increased attention to the religious instruction of the young. A. HOLLAND.

"MORE THAN CONQUERORS."

To rejoice in the midst of opposition and death, is to more than conquer; and many, through grace, have done this. A few examples may be interesting, as they will serve to show the value of religion, and its influence upon the mind, under the most trying circumstances.

The apostles more than conquered; for

they "rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake." Said the heroic Paul, "None of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear unto me!"-"I am ready, not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem, for the Lord Jesus!" Stephen did more than conquer, when, in the agonies of a violent death, he breathed out his ardent prayer to Christ for his murderers, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge!" Lambert triumphed (for that is to more than conquer), when, in the flames, he said, "None but Christ! none but Christ!" and he felt that Christ was with him. So he who exclaimed, "Welcome the cross of Christ! welcome everlasting life!" while suffering a cruel death. That godly female martyr did more than conquer, who, when about to be taken to the stake, upon being asked how she did, replied, "Well and merry, and going to heaven !" Those worthies, mentioned in Hebrews xi. also more than conquered.

And let it be remembered, that the spirit of a martyr is essential to real christianity. "If any man will be my disciple, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me;" if duty calls, to the death!

"Would not my heart pour forth its blood,
In honour of thy name,

And challenge the cold hand of death, To damp th' immortal flame." Christians, however, are not called upon in our day, to die for Christ; but to live to and for him, they are; and, without the grace of the Lord Jesus, we shall find this more difficult than the martyrs did to suffer and die in his cause. But our gracious Lord will ever be near to those that stay their minds on him, and look to him for help. His promise is, "I will not leave you comfortless," and hence his exhortation, "Let not your heart be troubled!"

It is not, however, improbable, that a time of suffering for Christ's sake is yet to be experienced; that a time of sore trial of faith and patience, is yet coming upon the churches of this realm. Are there not many signs of this in our day? And these are afforded that we may be prepared for the deadly struggle. What rapid strides are infidelity and the man of sin making! How does Popery gain ground among us! After

THE BIBLE TRIUMPHANT OVER INFIDELITY.

A minister, in calling at a house in one of his bible visits, and finding that it was without a bible, was assured by the woman that her husband would on no account allow a bible to remain inside his walls. He went away surprised and discouraged, but he determined not to give the unpromising case up. He paid a second visit, and took a bible with him. He found the man at home, and, after making known his errand, the man begged, in an angry tone, that he would give himself no further trouble; "for there," said he, pointing to a large box, "there is my chest of truth." The minister, however, was resolved to cast his bread upon the waters, and left the bible behind him. When he was gone, the man took up the bible, not to read, but to destroy it! And ashamed to do this in the presence of his family, or any of the neighbours that might come in, he took it with him into the fields, intending to throw it into the river.

But as he went along, he thought he would just take one look at it before he destroy ed it, and see what it said. He read; and the word was made quick and powerful, and he could not, he durst not, destroy it. He read again, and he began to feel the truths of the bible all-important to him. But what was to be done? He was ashamed to take the bible home again, or to be seen reading it; so he left it in an out-house, and went every now and then to read a little in private. At length he got courage to tell his wife how unhappy he was, and she sent him to the clergyman who had taken the bible to his house, and whose instructions were blest to the full relief of his mind, and

to his establishment in that blessed truth which he had before laboured to destroy. He soon set up family worship in his house, and was a surprise to all his neighbours.

Well, the 5th of November drew on, and he said to his children, "My lads, you shall have a grand treat; I intend to make you a famous bonfire." The hour came, and he

told his lads to help him to draw out his chest-his chest of truth, in which lay about ten pounds' worth of infidel works, written by Thomas Paine and other ungodly men. All the contents of the box were torn up and thrown into the fire, and while they were blazing, the father and the children sang a hymn.

THE STATE OF OUR CHURCHES.

[The following is plainly from some earnest brother in practical life. We prefer not to alter its homely style; its weighty observations are most impressive to us in the writer's natural phraseology.-EDS.]

Brethren, It is evident to all of us, who take an interest in reading our periodicals, and hearing, at our annual associations, the reports of the several churches in the kingdom, that the bleak and barren blast of winter is and has been blowing over us for some years past; that there is something amiss within the camp; and that the Holy Spirit seems to be withdrawing his influences from us as churches. We find there was something amiss with the Israelites, when Achan coveted the image of gold and the Babylonish garment. No success attended their efforts; and why was it? It was because of the spirit that prevailed. The question, then, will naturally arise, What is the cause of the present state of our churches? In reply to this question, I would say,

1. There is a want of self-denial among our members. Considering the state of things, the allurements of the world, and the danger of falling into sin to which the christian is exposed, it is of great importance that we should be able to deny ourselves; especially when we see professing christians, yea, even members of our churches, sitting at the ale-bench, and sanctioning the filthy conversation that flows from the lips of the worldly-minded. Have we not, as professing christians, sufficient command over ourselves, to refrain when we see the appearance of evil? Brethren, let us deny ourselves, and follow our Saviour through good and through evil report; indeed, this duty is enforced upon us by

our Saviour, in the Gospel by Matthew xvi. 24: "Then said Jesus to his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me."

2. A want of consistent morality. If we look around us, we shall find there is too much conformity to the world amongst the professors of Christ. If, for instance, any new fashion in dress comes out, in many cases, the followers of Christ are the first to appear in it; and, by this means, intend to attract those who are around them; and this is not confined only to the female sex, but the male. They will perhaps spend a great portion of their time in the decoration of their persons, and even when in the house of God, will notice and admire the dress of some of their neighbours. Decency is becoming, and persons ought to appear somewhat consistent with their standing in society; but when these things are carried out to such an extent, as to infringe upon the time that should be devoted to the worship of Almighty God, and to give palpable evidence to the world, of an eager disposition after it, then it has an influence upon the human mind, which tends greatly to impede the progress of the gospel.

In consistent morality, is implied uprightness in our dealings with our fellowcreatures. In all our transactions with mankind, we must always endeavour to have a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man. If an individual engage in the purchase of an article, and say it is nought, but when he gets it into his possession, it is every thing, and has all the good properties imaginable, where is the consistency of such an individual? In all our dealings in this life, we ought to act as though Christ were at our elbow. We know that Christ is not literally at our side; yet we must always bear in mind, that he ever