is Jesus, the Pearl of great price. He is the great attraction. He is the Sun in Paradise, and fills it with his glory. He is all and in all there. The redeemed love the place, the company, and the occupations. The desire for heaven arises from spirituality of mind. There are many temptations to love this country too much, but the spiritual mind rises on the wings of faith, love, and hope, and soars like an eagle towards heaven. Those who desire heaven will often think of it, especially when their journey is rough, and stormy, and difficult: "Our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." All who truly desire this better land will walk in the way that leads to it. This is marked out in the map which the heavenly Guide has given to us. In John xiv. 6, we learn that Christ is the way. He is so by his instruction, atonement, and rule. Are you anxious to get to heaven? Then you should inquire, "Am I in the right road?" The pilgrims to this better land value the means by which they are helped on their way. They value the Bible, the house of God, prayer, and other means of spiritual improvement. They persevere unto the end. May every trial, every mercy, every voice from heaven quicken us in our way homeward! The completion of our salvation is near. What a soul-inspiring thought! Rom.xiii. 11.

Many have arrived safe. They have crossed the cold river. They have no more storms to encounter, no more battles to fight, no more enemies to overcome. The bitterness of death is passed. The victory is won. The prize is obtained. They have exchanged a wilderness for a paradise, time for eternity, the cross for a crown. They have shed the last tear, resisted the last temptation, endured the last trial. They are at rest. All is well. The Gospel is full of comfort for dying believers. Christ has abolished death. The grave must yield up its prey. The body is a part of Christ's purchase. He died for the redemption of the whole man. The immortal spirit shall dwell again in its own temple. Think of these things, ye mourning pilgrims, and go on your way rejoicing. The rock of the Atonement offers firm footing for your faith in the swellings of Jordan, and the presence of the Good Shepherd will be with you. The

day of your death will be the day of your ascension to glory. Then take courage. The waters of the river may be cold, flesh may shrink, the passage may seem frightful; but keep your eye on the other side. There all is light, verdant, pleasant, and peaceful. There there is joy unspeakable. The sun shines in meridian brightness. The passage over the river is, indeed, awful to the sinner, for it will land him in hell. He has, indeed, cause for alarm, but the saint may take courage. Heaven is before him. The way to it has been consecrated by the blood, footsteps, and presence of the Saviour. Supplies are promised. The passage is short. Angels wait upon us, and are ready to convey us home, Many pilgrims have been more comforted than they expected. The keys of the pearly gates are in the hands of our kindest Friend, Heb. ii. 14, 15.

Happy are the souls who have entered this better land! They have crossed the river. The anticipated glory is realized. The slain Lamb is seen. The citizens have given them a joyful welcome. Now they adore the Guide who was faithful to his promises. They sing the new song. They increase the

bliss of heaven. The loss of this must be indeed a great loss: "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.' Unbelievers come short of heaven. The impenitent come short of heaven. The ungodly come short of heaven. Unhappy souls! But now the gates of paradise are open. Now is the day of salvation. Now you may turn to God and live. Then study the map which marks out the way. Look to the cross. Fly to the Refuge. Receive the Saviour. Apply to the Physician. Lean on the Beloved. Press on to the prize. Preparation for the better land requires resolution, earnestness, and patient perseverance. Wicked companions must be abandoned. Sin must be mortified. The cross must be carried. All who set out for this paradise must be willing to fight the battle, to resist the foe, to put on the whole armour of God. Hell is opposed to the way to heaven. All the travellers must expect to meet many foes, but greater is He that is for us than all they who are against us.

Have you a good title to this better land? The title is founded on the

merits of Christ. The question, then, is, Are you united to Christ? This is known by the fruits it produces, John xv. 1-5. Union to Christ is a vital, fruitful, life-giving union. This yields the sweet fruits of love, holiness, and gratitude. The heirs of heaven live upon Jesus. They cleave to Jesus. They magnify Jesus. Are you, then, on your way to this heavenly country? Then let me, in conclusion, urge you to press on in your course. Suffer no temptation to draw you aside into the by-paths of sin. Beware of sloth. Keep near the Leader. Often refresh your spirit at the wells of salvation. Look much within the veil. Live on the Bread of Life. Make free use of the throne of grace. Pray without ceasing. Rejoice evermore. Despise not the preaching of the Gospel. There are many considerations to encourage us to go forward. The way to this better country is appointed by God. This is well pleasing in his sight. He always smiles upon it. He delights in the teaching, work, and rule of his Son: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.'

The way to heaven is by the cross. The pilgrim commences his journey by being reconciled to God through faith in the Saviour. Then he passes through the strait gate. Then he makes free confession of his sin. Then he yields himself to God. He now pursues his journey renewed in the spirit of his mind, seeking help from heaven, and following the footsteps of his Lord. He is impelled forward by the energies of the inner life, fed daily from the inexhaustible fountain of Divine grace. He desires, and seeks, and receives more grace. He is encouraged to go on by the precious promises, the work of the Spirit, the intercession of Christ, the work begun, and the value of the prize. The command from heaven is, "Go forward!" H. H.

April 2, 1857.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE,

AS DELINEATED IN II. COR. V.

IT is no mere vagrant fancy, but the exercise of sober judgment to suppose, according to the suggestion of a living preacher, that in this chapter we can trace the windings of the river of spiritual life upwards, from the point where it enters into the ocean of everlasting

blessedness to its spring and source in the glorious plan of salvation. This we can readily do by noting certain landmarks, observing the main features of it at various points of its course. Mark, first, its outgoing in eternitywith what a full and unbroken flow this river of the Divine life in the soul sweeps into the ocean of the future. Verse 1: "We know," etc. It is no vain imagination, no mere speculation, no mere negative hope; it is a positive assurance. We know. Passing upwards, or inwards from the shore of the eternal world to a point in the soul's progress here, observe that this expectation of the believer is wrought of God, and is divinely pledged. Verse 5: "He that hath wrought us," etc. Just as the strength of the tidal wave carries the water of the ocean upwards against the current of a river, and thus, at a point considerably remote, the stream tastes of the sea, so the child of God, as he approaches the better land, has a foretaste of its holy light, and love, and joy, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But ascending still along the bank of the blessed river of the soul's life, we see how uniformly it flows in one direction. Heaven is the point towards which it passes. The affections are set on things above. The eye is fixed on Christ the Judge. Read the ninth verse: "Wherefore we labour," etc. Proceeding higher, gazing intently on the stream of a life thus consecrated to God, and penetrating beneath the surface, we come to understand what is the great motive power of it. Is the question asked, How do you account for the believer's self-denial, his concern for the welfare of others? The answer is here supplied. Verses 14, 15: "For the love of Christ," etc. But now the question arises, Whence this broad and blessed current of the soul's life? It is of God. The old stream of carnal feeling has been displaced, and into the empty channel has been poured the fresh and wholesome current of the water of life. Verse 17: "If any man be in Christ," etc. Still, this is not merely the exercise of creating power. That which serves to explain the regenerating work of God is his reconciling love: All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ." And even this is not all; for, just as behind the new creation we find the reconciling love of God, so, behind this, and further back, lies the glorious

plan of redemption, devised in the counsels of eternity, and manifested in the atoning work of Christ, his substitution in the room of the guilty. Read the last verse of the chapter. "For He hath made him," etc. Here is the remote spring and origin of the river of life. From this point alone we can rightly understand its history. From this point alone we can fully survey its passage onwards to eternity. Leaping out of the heart of God in the counsels of the past, it first appears on earth as treasured up in the great reservoir-in Him, the divine Man, who was content to die that the guilty might live-then you see it springing up in the heart of a man, such as this apostle, in the day of his effectual calling, and on it flows;

with varied breadth and volume, sometimes in the sunshine and sometimes in the shade, until at last it finds its welcome outlet in the ocean of eternity.

Viewed in this light, the chapter before us will be found singularly rich in its delineation and history of that inner life which the carnal heart cannot comprehend, because it is "hid with Christ in God." I commend it to the patient and prayerful study of the children of God. Let them often walk along the banks of this blessed river, and the Lord give them to know that their own life is a new creation, and that if their earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, they have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. F.W.B.

A LION."

Kapiolani, a woman of great influence at the Sandwich Islands, united with the church at an early day, before the people generally had made up their minds fully; and she made it her great business to induce the people to attend to the instructions of the missionaries. She made frequent, extensive excursions among the people, exhorting them to forsake their sins, and destroying every vestige of idolatry. She became also a pattern to the people in civilization. She built a large frame-house, enclosed a yard, and cultivated flowers; and in her dress, manners, and mode of living, appeared more like a Christian lady than any other highborn lady of the day. In December, 1824, that she might more effectually destroy from among the people any remaining fear of old divinities, she determined to visit the great crater of Kilaua, the reputed residence of Pele. The whole mountain was a dreadful place. Its fire and smoke, its frequent mutterings and occasional desolating eruptions, served to keep alive the superstitious dread. Clinging even to the feet of their chief, the people besought her with tears not to go. Before reaching the crater, she was met by a pretended priestess, wild with rage, who warned her to desist. But her purpose was fixed. With calm dignity rebuking the pretensions of the prophetess, she had her soon humbled and calm, saying that the god had left her, and she could not answer. Accompanied by one of the missionaries, and by some trembling native attendants, she descended into the crater, and standing upon a ledge 500 feet below the top, with the lake of molten fire before her, she cast stones into the fiery gulf, ate the sacred berries consecrated to Pele, and called upon one of her attendants to offer prayer and praise to the

VOL. XVI.

one true God. The rock did not open under her feet, the hissing and bellowing gases did not destroy her, and the boiling lava did not rise to consume her. The people felt that Pele was powerless, and that Jehovah was God.

THE DRUNKARD AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS.

A benevolent merchant in Virginia has been in the habit of keeping a package of tracts on his desk for gratuitous distribution. On one occasion, a very noisy, drunken, and swearing man came into his office to receive some money. After the settlement, Mr. offered him a tract, with the request that he would read it when he returned home. With an oath he exclaimed that it could do him no good, and seemed reluctant to receive it. At last he was prevailed upon to take it, and said, "I will take as many as you please, but it is useless." He took them home with him, and read them; his daughters also read them. One year after he again went to the same place on business; he was so changed in appearance that he was not known. He again called on the merchant who gave him the tracts. Having finished his business, he inquired of the merchant if he recollected him. After looking at him, he replied in the negative. Bursting into tears, the poor man seized his hand, and said, "I will never forget you. Those tracts you gave me were the means of converting my three daughters, and I trust in God I shall also be saved through the same blessed means." A whole lifetime of labour in the cause was thus fully compensated. Little did that merchant think that so large a blessing would attend so small an effort. Who will not exclaim, "God bless the Tract Society."

GOOD FOR EVIL. Not many years ago a missionary was

X

preaching in a chapel to a crowd of idolloving Hindoos. He had not proceeded far in his sermon when he was interrupted by a strong native, who went behind the desk, intending to knock him down with his stick. Happily, the blow aimed at the minister fell on his shoulder, and did him little, if any injury. The congregation of hearers (was, however, very angry with the offender, and they seized him at the very moment he was attempting his escape. "Now, what shall I do to him?" said the missionary to the people. "What shall I do to him?" "Give him a good beating," answered some. "I cannot do that," said he. "Send him to the judge," cried others; "and he will receive two years' hard labour on the road." "I cannot follow your advice," said the mission.. ary again; "and I will tell you why. My religion commands me to love my enemies, and to do good to them who treat me injuriously." Then, turning to the culprit, he addressed him in these words: "I forgive you from my heart; but never forget that you owe your escape from punishment to that Jesus whom you persecuted in me."

The effect of this scene on the Hindoos was most impressive. They saw it and marvelled; and, unable any longer to keep silence, they sprang on their feet, and shouted, "Victory to Jesus Christ!" Victory to Jesus Christ!"

WANDERING THOUGHTS.

Many vain intruders often tease me most at such seasons as I most desire to be freed from them; they follow me into the pulpit and meet me at the table. I hope I do not love them or wish to lodge them. Often in my prayers some idle fancy buzzes about me, and makes me forget where I am and what I am doing.

I compare myself to a man upon his knees before the king pleading for his life, or returning thanks for some great favour; in the midst of his speech he sees a butterfly; he immediately breaks off, leaves his speech unfinished, and runs away to catch the butterfly. Such a man would be thought mad; and my vile thoughts prove that

am not

free from spiritual insanity. Is it so with you? I believe it is at some times and in some degree, though I hope you are not so bad as I. As we all spring from one stock, though our features differ, depravity is the common family likeness which runs through the whole species; but Jesus came into the world to save sinners; he died for us, and

"His hands infected nature cure
With sanctifying grace.'

We hope in a little time to see him as he is. Then, and not before, we shall be completely like him; and while we are here, his precious blood cleanses us from all sins, and makes our defective services acceptable to God.-John Newton.

THE WILDERNESS.

Though a wilderness be not heaven, it shall be sweet and welcome for the sake of heaven, if from thence I may but have a clearer prospect than ever; and if, by retiring from the crowd and noise of folly, I may but be

better disposed to converse alone, and to use, alas! my too weak and languid faith till it be exchanged for the beatific vision. May there but be more of God, readier access to him, more fervent love, more heart-comforting intimations of his favour, in a wilderness than in a city, in a prison than in a palace, let that wilderness be my city, and that prison be my palace, as long as I abide on earth! If in solitude I may have Enoch's walk with God, I shall in due season have such a translation as will bring me to the same felicity which he enjoys, and, in the meantime, as well as after, it is no disadvantage if, by mortal eyes, I am seen no more. If the chariot of contemplation will in solitude raise me to more believing and affec tionate converse with heaven than I could expect in tumults and temptations, it shall reconcile me to solitude, and make it my paradise on earth, till angels, instead of Elijah's chariot, shall convey me to the presence of the glorified Jesus.-Baxter.

"THE WORLD HATH NOT KNOWN THEE."

Not

Then what has the world known? known God! Not known him with whom it has to do! Not known its Saviour-its best Friend! What, then, does it know to the purpose? If you inquire of the world, it will not only tell you that the present age in particular is the most illuminated of any, but it will tell you of its wonderful discoveries in science, its great knowledge in politics, its progress in the arts, etc. Some will profess to tell you what progress religion has made in the world; and they will go on to say more, as knowing what progress it will make; the world is so illuminated, so comprehensive!

Now, with all this knowledge, discovery, and instruction, I read the text, " O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee!" Not known thee! and yet so wise? With all its little discoveries, cannot it discern the things belonging to its peace? Then it is but telling me of the bustle and industry of ants of the ingenuity and politics of bees! All this is trifling to him who wants a shelter.

A COMMON FOLLY.

Do thy passions begin to rise in arms? Do they grow disordered and unruly? Let thy reason come out to them, and ask, whether they know their master; and let thy soul blush with infinite scorn that ever these base slaves should usurp the throne of their rightful lord, and unman thee by deposing reason, which is all thou hast to show that thou art not a beast! What an extreme silly thing is a man in passion! Nothing can be more ridiculous and contemptible. Out of love and pity to thyself, man, do not affront and disgrace thine immortal soul any more, by suffering any malapert and saucy passion to outrage and assassinate thy

reason.

That was a generous rule of Pythagoras, "Let a man use great reverence and manners to himself." Be ashamed, friend, to do any vile or dishonest action before thyself. For a heathen this is good,

but how much more powerful, "Thou, God,

seest me!"

PRAYER.

When there is a spirit of earnest prayer and contrition in many hearts at once, then there are probably great blessings in store, and that speedily. "When God awakes his children, and makes them rise," says the holy Leighton, "this is a probable sign that it is near day. I mean, when he stirs them up to more than usual hopes, and prayers, and endeavours, it is very likely that he intends them some special good." This is an aphorism of encouragement. And let us hear another of Leighton's admirable aphorisms, by way of warning as to Satan's movements, in case we think we have gained anything by our days of fasting and prayer. "Thou shalt be sure," says he, "to be assaulted by Satan, when thou hast received the greatest enlargements from heaven, either at the sacrament, or in prayer, or in any other way; then look for an onset. This arch-pirate lets the empty ship pass, but lays wait for them when they return richest laden."

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHEP

HERD AND A DROVER.

We listened with heartfelt satisfaction the other day to a sermon by a dear brother who has recently drunk copiously at the deep flowing River of Life, so much so, that he knows how to "feed the flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost has made him overseer." During his sermon he related this anecdote:-A lady, eminent for piety, said to him one day, "Sir, I can always tell the difference between a shepherd and a drover. The shepherd always goes before his flock and feeds them. The drover goes behind with a large whip, makes a great noise and flourish, but never feeds well." Now, says the preacher, I have no doubt God's children sometimes need chastisement, but he has not given that work into our hands. He has reserved the rod in his own hands, for he knows infinitely better than we do when chastisement is necessary.

A TEST OF PIETY.

If our path be one of daily, weekly, monthly, yearly progress-if we are growing substantially better as we grow older-if we

are

more penitent and kind, more meek, humble, and obedient, more diligent and selfdenying, more anxious about being what we ought to be, and less anxious about feeling so, or appearing so, then we may have hope that our religion is somewhat substantialthat it can stand against scorn and contempt without, and also against impatience, fretfulness, and despondency within-that we are, to some faint degree, at least, unworthy as we are, yet, in some faint degree, "adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour "-that the path we have entered on is the path of the just, and will be found to be as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day"-even that perfect, glorious, endless day, when, to Christ's humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient servants, the Lord shall reveal himself as their "everlasting

light, and the days of their mourning shall be ended."

LUTHER IN ITALY.

His first experience of the country is being lodged in a monastery, built of marble, at Milan; and so, as he proceeds from convent to convent, he finds it like changing from palace to palace. In all alike the way of living is lavish and sumptuous. The candid German was somewhat surprised at the magnificence in which humility arrayed herself, at the regal splendour that accompanied penitence; and he once ventured to tell the Italian monks that it would be better not to cat meat of a Friday, an observation which nearly cost him his life, for he narrowly escaped an ambush they laid for him.Michelet's Life of Luther.

NOVEL-READING.

It cannot but be injurious to the human mind never to be called into effort; the habit of receiving pleasure without any exertion of thought, by the mere excitement of curiosity and sensibility, may be justly ranked among the worst effects of habitual novel-reading. Like idle morning visitors, the brisk and breathless periods hurry in and hurry off in quick and profitless succession; each, indeed, for the moment of its stay, prevents the pain of vacancy, while it indulges the love of sloth; but altogether they leave the mistress of the house-the soul I mean-flat and exhausted, incapable of attending to her own concerns, and unfitted for the conversation of more rational guests.-Coleridge.

A POOR BISHOPRIC.

Henry VII. made Fisher Bishop of Rochester. He would never exchange that for any other. He said his church was his wife, and he would not part with his wife because she was poor.-Burnet.

ACT AS YOU PRAY.

This is a good Christian motto for politics. It is all a delusion of the devil that Christians must leave their religion at home when they go to the poll.

CONTENTMENT AND GRATITUDE.

I have somewhat of the best things; I will thankfully enjoy them, and will want the rest with contentment.-Bishop Hall.

COMFORT.

A sense of God's presence in love is sufficient to rebuke all anxiety and fear in the worst and most dreadful condition. Psa. xxiii. 4; Hab. iii. 17, 18.--Owen.