/ Leaves KliO.M My Portfolio |5V REV. W. K. BURR, A. M. " Onward I onward ! toils despising, Upward f upward I turn thine eyes ; Only be content when rising, Fix thy goal amid the skies." BELLE VILLS, ONT.: " raE PAILT ONrXMo" SIEAU printing EfelABLUHMEN . 1880. \ %%0 70325 irsriDE::^^. AbiJe with Us, . A Birthday Address, A Hundred Years to ('ome, Alone, but Not Alone, A Prayer, . Arise and Do, . Aspiration, Awake, Tiiou that Hleepeth, A AVedding Address, . Beyond the Jordan, Be Faithful, Bring up your Children, itc.. Change, ..... Childhood, Children, Make Your Parents Happy, Christian Perfection, Conclusion, ..... Crown My Brow with Flowers, Death, Don't Forget Your A ged Parents, livening Meditation, Example, Exceeding Great and Prescious Pi-oniises, PAGE. 44 63 2,") 92 135 126 121 76 54 81 158 185 150 39 100 104 255 38 130 52 117 25 144 4 iN'nr.x Faith and Trust, Forsake T"s Not, . . . . l"'orjjivenes.s, .... Forgotten, . . . . . (Jentleness, .... (!oiI, (j!od Knows It All, Cod will not Forget the World, Hapi)iness, .... HeaA'en, . . . . . Holiness Unto The l^ord, Home Again, . . . . Human Happiness. Human Life, .... How Soon We Fade and Die, I am Thinking, .... If a Man Die shall he Live Again? In Memoriam, Martha Vallean, In Memoriam, Mazetta Laws, In Memoriam, P. V. Burr, la Memoriam, Gilbert Trumpour, In IVfemoriam, Emily Burtch, In Memoriam, William Burr, I will Never Leave You, Jgsus, the Saviour of the World, . Lines to Mr. and Mi*s. J. W. Hams, Life a Journey to the Tomb, Longings, . . • . . Man Poor Without God, Man the Image of God, No, 1, Man the Image of God, No. 2, Ministering Spirits Sent Forth, ^Miracles, ..... Moderation of our Desires, Musings, 13.^ IXDF.X. .» My Home InO Never Part in Anger . . .103 No Time to Pray, 1 -'9 On the Score of Loving Memories, ..... S.') Onward Bretlu'cn, 7;") Only a Child, 173 Our Childhood Home, 184 Our Saviour's Birth, 172 < >ur Loved Ones Passing Away, ..... 74 Our Meeting in Wainileet, . . . . . .210 Raise the Standard Higher, ...... 50 Tleminiscences from my Note Book, . . . . . fiO Retrospective, ........ 160 Remember Thy Creator, . . . . . . .180 Remember Me, 200 Saviour We are Coming, . . . . .199 Self-examination, ....... 78 Sermonizing, . . ... .... 19 Slander, 205 Speak Kindly, 21 Spring is Waking, ........ 224 Study the Bible, 7 To-morrow Never Comes, IIG To my Parents, 148 To Mr. E. E. Sheppard, 221 To William Burr, Esq., 225 To the Editor of the " Christian Standard," . . . .227 To the Editor of the " Standard," 228 To Mrs. Hiram Horn, 230 To Mr. and Mrs. M. Konkle, ...... 233 To Mr. J. M. Laws, ........ 234 To Mrs. Jacob Snure 236 To Mrs. Israel Burtch, 239 To Mr. and Mrs. William Burr, , . . . . 243 To Mr. and Mrs. M. Konkle, Jr., 245 To Mrs. W. K. Burr, 247 rp 6 ixnicx. To Mr. Wm. Biur, To Mrs. Wm. Burr, •»() The Age in which Wo Tiive, ...... 3 The New Birth, 24 The Everlasting Song, ....... L'6 Tliero is Brightness Boyond, 2')t\ That Meeting Place, 19+ The Dying Sinner, . . . . . . . .27 The Dying Christian. 2H They Shall Never Perish 29 The Man in the Moon, . SO The Hour of Prayer, 45 The Cross, - r 77 The Christian Hope, - - 93 The Pen of Heaven, - 99 The Dead Child, 101 Tlie Sacred Scriptures, 109 The Education of the Heart, 112 The Presence of God, - 118 The Outward Life, - - 134 The City of Gotl, .161 The Christian Warfare, - - - - * - .107 The Twilight Hour, ..-,... 169 The Career of Life, 171 The Word of God, 175 The Incorruptible Inheritance, J 89 Thou God Seest Me, 129 Thy Will, God be Done, -,.-..- 42 Watch and Pray, We are Passing Away, IG We All Lean upon Each Otlier, - . . , 15 We're Going Home, ^ --72 What is Life, , . . 59 What Must I Do to be Saved 1 195 Worship God, 122 Youth 93 INTRODUCTION. ^ , , I , .,■■ ' Sii]icrliitively groat and glorious is the work of the Lord — a work paramount to all others, liaving for its object tho conversion of a lost and ruined world. And notwithstanding '• temporn mutantur, et nos mutamur in iUis," tho great truths of Heaven are unc'iangoablo, Christianity is certainly the only lever that can lift man from earth to that land where there is no sorrow, nor sadness. How hlessed, then, are they who are co-workers with God in the Heaven-born scheme of salvation, — toiling day by day in the Lord's vineyard,— laboring for tho amelioration of humanity, — the advancement of that Kingdom which shall endure forever. A Greek Philosopher once said the three great questions in the world were, What am I ? Whence camn II Awl lohither do I go ? Now it is truly certain that philosophy never could an^^wer these ques- tions ; but happily for us, the Bible solves them all, and points to a home of perpetual joy beyond the tide. It is, indeed, tho infallible oracle revealing Creation and everything appertaining to man, from Adam and Eve in Paradise, down to the last scene, of the last act in the groat drama of man's eternal existence. Everything, then, •that assists ii scattering the knowledge of the Inspired Volume and improve society, demamis our heartfelt syinpathy, and our aid. And whatever tends to heighten and increase the gmiial glow of ehiistiau love and fraternity of feeling will receive the approbation of God, and consequently the smiles of propitious Heaven will rest upon it. In the preparation of the following pages it has been our chief object to present to the public a work, the character of which shall tend to purify and elevate the man and the christian. It has most certainly been our earnest endeavor to insist upon a proper cultiva- tion of the heart, and the development of the moral powers of the emotional rather than tho intellectual nature, realizing the force of the remarks of the Apostle Paul, " Knowledge pufFeth up, but love 2 INTRODUCTION. buildeth up." However, if the book shall inspire with fresh courage only one soldier of the cross who is about to falter in tlie long line of battle, or if it shall in any way contribute to the edilicatinn of the saints and the advancement of the Kedeemer's Kingdom, the result will be altogether satisftictory. And if such be truly our earnest desire and constant efforts, we shall indeed be an honor to ourself, a blessing to our race, a follower of the thorn-crowned King, and an heir of glory. The only change, doubtless, to which the glorified will be subjected, will be changing from glory to glory — from glory to glory, evermore. Wlioro amid the shilling mimbors, Cares and trials all art! o'or ; Wlioro tho guardian never Klumbcru, May wo dwell forcvcnnorc. W. K. BURR. Belleville, Ont., December, 1878. ,cl THE AGE IN WHICH WE LIVE. In the onward march of time what a world of tliought is compre- hended ! How grand the infinite movements ! We have truly eclipsed what we call the savage and half civilized nations of the earth in the pursuit of the arts and sciences. We have, indeed, en- listed the giant arm of steam into our service, made a news-carrier of the lightning, and have fashioned numberless devices of machinery to carry on all the various branches of trade and manufactures. In our intercourse with kindred and distant friends, in our own and other lands, we have almost annihilated both time and space, and by means of the printing press, have scattered the white-winged mes- sengers of knowledge, thick as the leaves of the forest and beautiful as the glorious orbs of heaven. To think of the present age ! Oh, what sublimity ! What rap- turous emotions ! What joys and sorrows ! What private and public revolutions ! But it is the labors of faith that have civilized the world — laid the Atlantic cable, and thus enabled both hemis- pheres to join hands and embrace each other. Let not, then, the dastard or poltroon stretch forth his nerveless hand in the support of any cause, inasmuch as it requires indomitable energy and perse- verance. There is no royal road to learning — no royal road to Heaven ; and the development of the mental powers, or the achieve- ment of that -which is grand and noble, are all due to honest ami earnest endeavor. As well might the artist expect to learn without study, or the gymnast to acquire his unerring skill and strength of ne ve without practice, as for an individual to think of ever becoming without strong exertion, what the Lord designed him to be when he became a living soul, the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals. The grand idea of humanity is Onward, and the present age is truly sublime. We need not wonder in thinking of the past, at the remarks of Hamlet : Thoro aro more thiiiRs in Hfiavon niiil eartli, Horatio, Than aro droampt of in your philosophy. 4 TTIK IIAI'TIST lU:('Oin>ER, The age in v liitli we live is fraught witli every species of interest to humanity, lnjtli in lime and eternity. Just ior a moment think of the magnilicent enterprises wliicli have been yeiirly achieved — the new countries which have been christiani/'jd and won to scie ce and art, and the rights and liberties which have been secured to the many empires of the earth. How true the words of the poet. "Wo are living, we arc dwoUiii,'; In a f,'nuiil and iuvful time ; 111 nil a^o on nf,'t's telling— To lie liviii>; is sublinif." Yes, it is a privilege to live in an age so pregnant, so stirring, so eventful. Its voice like the mighty cataract — the sound of many waters will be echoing still, when the vast multitudes of earth who are now treading its sacred dust will be sleeping in the hallowed j)recincts of the grave. Its tones of jiity, of warning and encourage- ment can never, never die. It is an age never-to-be forgotten. A nd perhaps some little one now lying in the cradle, sweetly reposing in the embrace of morpheus, may yet move the church and the world and open up a new era in history. Perhajjs some silent thinker is now at work in his closet whose name will some day fill the whole earth, and whose mighty deeds will shine like a benign, serene, and undecaying star. 8ome one in the days that are past told us in language not to be mi.staken, that if we would have strong bodies, we must work; if we would have strong minds, we must think, and if we would have loving hearts, we must love. And we might also further add that if we ever reach the great Beyond, we must daily march onward ; Yes, Oiiwaril ami upward, join in the soufj ; Onward and upward journey along. Ever aspirinp, and rising with joy, TauBO not to murmur, but time well employ. , Onward and u])ward, God speed you on Till you reach fair Canaan — bright laurels won. Higher and higher bid your spirit Koar; Ujiward and onward ply the strongest oar. i ■ Onward and upward joys will arise, j, • Ho\)eH fraught with incense tliiig towards the aides; Higher and higher, the world travels fast, Keep on untiring — The goal reached at last. j .. ,, , Think not of trials, for all liave their share ; i i ■ ■ Hut look to tli<> Savior — continue in prayer. Then onwiud and ujiwnrd, — notes of joy prolong; ' *' ' Higher and higher you'll join in endless song. THE A(JE IX WIIK'II WE LIVK. 5 Now this is, indeed, the key to the whole matter. It is a law of nature, that vse and v.se only shall give strength, development and power ; and they seek in vain who search for them in any other channel. In all the different branches of buainesg, and in all the walks of life, boLh in the arts of war and in the arts of peace, we see it exemplified that use and practice bring skill and development. The skillful navigator ia not made by reading works on navif^ation, neither is he made by sailing on the calm and unruffled waters of a peaceful lake. It requires long, laborious years of experience and conflict with the howling storms and tempests to give sufficient knowledge and nerve necessary to contend with the giant nei)tune on the mighty, mighty deep. And thus it is, too, when sailin^? on the ocean of time destined for that blissful port— the land of which we sing— that land without a storm. It is only by practicing the will of our Savior that we are thus enabled to outride the mif^ht- iest wave that ever rolled upon the vast sea of time. Hope always, with .serene majesty points to the ancient seers and prophets of God, and onward to the palace of the universe. The same may also be said of the successful soldier. He is not formed by studying works on tactics, or by sham fights with blank cartridges on the parade grcund : but he is made upon the battle field amid the clangor of arms, the fierce struggle of contending foes, and the loud roar of the death dealing guns. We find it equally true as regards the soldier of the Cross. His powers are developed in marching forward, taking the Bible for his rule of action, and waging war against the arch fiend of humanity. Thus it was that the Captain of our salvation, thrice armed with this sacred panoply, repelled the arch enemy of man, and thus forever established the superiority and excellency of the Christian Armor. Philosoi)hers and Poets may flourish in seclusion, but characters like Bonaparte and Washington, like Luther, Calvin, Wesley and Judson are born only amid the upheavels of society and the mighty throes of revolution. But nevertheless, the great law of use cannot be for a moment denied, neither can it be violated with impunity, for inaction leads onward to misery, to weakness and decay. The same law of growth which gives to the arm of the blacksmith its jjon- dorous strength, and which causes the mind of the thinker to expand, will, if applied to the moral or spiritual nature, inevitably lift us from the lowest depths of misery, ally us toangela and bring us near »') THE BAPTIST KKf'ORDEI!. to God, where we can view t'ue dim ontline of the everhistiiig hills, listea to the siibliiiie strains of melody rolling along the plains of paradise, sweeter far than the dying notes of an a'olian harp, amid its rich valleys and giishing foiintains — the dew upon its Hermon — the light upon its Zion — and the glory which rested upon its Tabor. There is certainly much in this age, the influence of which will be felt forever, and will bless humanity extending in the far ages of eternity. But 0, how much will perish forever. For in the period through which many of us have already been ushered, what thrones have been shaken — kingdoms and dynasties have passed away, and the knell of great changes has been tolled. And then, how many hearts have bled — millions have perished and their groans and agonies have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. But one of the grandest facts or doctrines of the present age is that of LIBERTY — liberty of conscience, — liberty of speecli and liberty of the p"ess. A little more than two centuries ago the in- ventor of the telescope, Galeleo, was imprisoned for uttering the discovery that our earth or globe revolved on its axis. And in those days, and long afterwards, eclipses of the sun and moon — the appearance of comets and the lurid glare of aurora boreulis, were regarded as supernatural phenomena, tokens of some direful calamity which was about to occur. Yet scientists at the present day not only account for these phenomena, but calculate their periods ; even that of comets in their eccentric and inconceivably extended orbits. A corresponding advancement has also been made in everything else. Each in their turn have been marching onward with gigantic strides. The rubbish and superstition, mist and darkness which brooded over the minds of humanity as regards religion during the dark ages, have also gradually passed away as the dew of evening at the opening day, " • • i,- . , , To prove that there has been a corresponding advancement in the church, and to impress it more fully upon your minds we refer you to the following extract from an old magazine, and is an authentic account and copy of an ancient document : Account of the hanging and parboiling Friar Stone at Center bury in 1G39, Paid for half a ton of timber to make a pair of gallows to hang Friar Stone, 28. 6d.; to a carpenter for making the same gallows and the dray, l.s. 4d.; to a laborer that digged the holes, 3d.; the other expenses of setting up the same, and carriage of the timber from Stablegate to the Dun- arVDY THE UlULL. ( geon, Is ; for a hurdle Gd.; for a load of wood and a horse to draw him to the Dungeon, 2s. 3d.; paid two men that nat at the gate and ))arboil('d him, Is. ; to three men tliat carried his quarters to the gate and sat them up, Is.; for halters to hang himand sand wioh cord, and for screws Is.; for a woman that scoured the kettle, 2d.; to him that did execution, 3.s. fid., total 14.s. 8d. Now all this was done in the name of religion. But thank God those days are passed away to be numbered with those beyond the flood. They are gone, and we trust, they are gone forever. The nations of the eartli are now realizing the important fact that the world was made for all mankind — that society is to care for each other while they progress in knowledge and virtue, and enjoy the health, comfort and happi- ness which God designed that they should when He placed in the penetralia of their hearts an immortal spirit which alone constituted them in the image of the Deity. This, indeed, is to survive the present age. Few, it is true, think of it, but it is nevertheless true. The immortal spirit will outlive the unfolding of every age and is to dwell forever in that land of umlying bliss, of undecaying health, or dwell in that pit of everlasting woe. The day is not far distant. Soon will be seen the light of the approaching millenium flashing along the horizon while the exultant shout of the saved will go up ; IT IS DONE, Those then that have done the will of God will enjoy the everlasting age forever. STUOr THE BIBLE. study tho Biblo, study it well ; Deep in the hciirt lot its rich pro(;oi)ts dwoll : Slight it no longer, but timo wi'll improve. Up tuid a doing while forward yon movi-. Tliiuk of its contents by day nnd by night, , I'ondor its riches unci you will do right ; Heed not the tempest, the stonn nor the strife, " ' • But trust thou in Josus the giver of life, ■ ; . , , Follow its teachings — its mandates ob(\y ; ,jr ;j^.„r ,' . Learning its lessons of love every diiy ; Hear the kind welcome — respond to tlie call, ''j'^wli JesuB is calling — Ho died for us all. ,,.f; t,i = iv,^^;,:,!: O. the glad message, receive it with joy ; Heavenly antliems your tongues should emp.oy; Thou in the blest harbor, to God will bo given, Authoms of glory forever in Heav'n. ;- ',.„,•.' O THE IlAl'TISI' UECORDKK. LIFE A JOURNEY TO THE TOMB. How solemn the tliouglit. Day after day we are passing away-- wc are travelling throngh the valley of tears and hastening on to tho deep cold grave. IIow trne it is, and O, how sad to think that our hearts are always boating funeral marches as we pass along. And when we think that such is indeed the case, what saddened gloom comes creeping o'er the soul. Ah I how gloomy is the grave. But we are journeying thither. 'Tis true, alas ! 'tis true we're journeying to the tomb. We are journeying as all those have been wort to do who have tread the earth since time began. One after another reach the end of their journey, having travelled alone through the dark, dreary shades of death ; but of nil those that have passed tlwough the'stygian flood, none, ever return to us again, to tell the secrets of the great unseen-the many dangers on the road through which they passed to reach their long sought home above. That lionio — (). how swoct It tliiillH upon tho himrt ; ' IJonii' whoilil{. gone on before you. Eternity with its mysterious flow 1ms swept them all away. And O, how many times have the plaintive, mourn- ful sighs of a bleeding heart, tender as the wailings of an infant, mingled with the solemn music of the melancholy chant of time. Ah! and bitterest tears have too been mingled with its rushing mad- dened billows, as they have borne upon their bounding forests loved ones and dear, until their voices were hushed by the deafening roar of this turbid stream. Oh! how long we have listened to the sigh- ing, mournful cadence of a' farewell requiem over those who in silence sleep in their dreamless beds, while the prolonged notes died in the embrace of the wind whispers, and borne gently onward into the measurless depths of eternity. Roll on then thou mighty river, roll! for life's dusky eve to all will soon arrive ; and O, how dark and mysterious is that state of unconsciousness and inactivity, that gloomy and terrible state we call death. But the soft, silvery light emitted by the day star of eternity, enables us to see in the shadowy distance the dim outlines of the glorious mansions — the lofty spires within the golden gates of the beautiful Zion to which we are journeying. Life it is true, is desirable. The teeming beauties that cheer our vision and charm our ears ; the ten thousand pleasures and sweet associations of life we long to retain. But we are assured that from all these' we must be severed, for all earth-born pleasures fade, droop and die. The dark and cheerless waters of the Jordan lie before us, and we are plunging onward towards this fearful stream, beyond which all is darkness and disi)air. Thousands and tens of thousands of our race have entered those dark and silent realms; but none of them ever return to us again. This far we can see them, but beyond we wonder and conjecture. Not one ray of light or bliss — not one beam of hope comes back to us through that long night of dark- ness; and yet we must some day enter it with all its gloom and fearful forebodings. Not one moment of this vast eternity is known to us. It is dark as the night of death and in many respects as fearful. But in our darkest moments the sweet gentle voice of Hope, whispers to our stricken spirits dreams of endless happiness. Yes, we'll soon quit these mortal coasts for that invisible, but heavenly world, where the rewards will be great and eternal. There lovliest flowrets bloom in faultless beauty fair ; and richest music swells in sweetest notes, to cheer the happy hearts in Heaven. There on those golden plains, the fragrant odors float in rich profusion sweet, like incense from LU'E A JOLUNEV TO THE TOMlt. 11 aromatic groves ; while the redeemed ones catch the glory of the gate, und behold the seraphs bright, on golden jiinions moving, singing songs of praise which tremble o'er the Jasper sea, and fill the con- cave of Heaven with loud alleluias forever. Oh I precious hope, how dreary were life without tliee I Oh I for a home where trials never come — where sorrows never enter — where bereavements are never known— where mutation and change never take place — where the heart never grows cold, and the soul, mind and life never becomes weary^ Yes, U, yes, we long, day by day for that Heaven and that home, where we shall meet the lost ones of earth. And when the great day comes, Ho who is death's conqueror shall give the signal ; His ineQable light will then be seen flashing along the horizon. And as He makes his glorious approach, accompanied by an innumerable multitude of angels, His mighty power will then prevail in raising the bodies which are slumbering in death's gloomy vale. "Perhaps we then shall have long been buried — long decayed. Perhaps too our friendS; our nearest friends and relatives may cease to rt .lember where they have laid us. The broad earth will doubtless have undergone a wondrous change — some mountains leveled, some valleys filled. The seasons will then have chased the earth over in many a fitful round. Oceans lashed into furry by the gale of to-day will to-morrow have sunk like a spoiled child to their slumber. Broad trees with broad roots will have interlocked them hard and knobbed as they are above our ashes, as if to conceal the fact of our having lived ; and after long years of life, they too, will have toppled down to join their remains to ours, thus obliterating the poor testimony that man has ever lain there. So shall we be lost to human sight. But the eye of God neverthe- less will mark the spot, green with the everlasting verdure of faith, and when the trumpet's blast shall shake the hills to their bases, our astonished bodies will rise impelled upwards by an irresistable im- pulse, and stand face to face with our Redeemer." Yes, dear christian pilgrims we are journeying, journeying to that land unditamed with tears, undarkened by sorrow, where adieus are never spoken and farewells are never heard. But oh 1 are you prepared to accomplish the last lonely reach in life's rugged journey} In other words, are you prepared for death? Are you prepared when your last change shall come to see the King Eternal, immor, tal and invisible, and join in the songs of rejoicing as the sound 12 Tin; lIAl'TlsT HECOUliEU. (louts (III tlic aiiiliiM!-:si:il air and falls gfiitly nnoii llio ravlslu'vl car '. Jl'not, now is tlio iiccopted time. Today is tlio day of sahution. The Savior ia daily cullinjj to travollcis on lifo's jovirnoy, if they His faco would sec, to licar His voice, His lav obey and live with Ifiiii in HcavcM. Ohl happy thought, though lifo is a journey it is ilootiiig and will Boon he ended. O, yes, for what is this that .vo now fool creejjing o'er our trembling frame I Is this not dfuth ? We sink I wo sink, yet our soul struggles for freedom, while the portals of Heaven are opened to receive the weary pilgrim. We come ! we come to join your cverhistitig song. Bright angels in glittering plialanx will accompany our freed spirit, while the glories of eternity will be un- veiled before our longing, wondering vision amid the antliams of angela and the music oftho heavenly choir. O! what a welcome hour ! Our soul anticijjates the day and on eagle wings would soar away to that laud of i>Iiss, where we shall enjoy the far more ex- ceeding and eternal weisiht of glory, and wliere all our sorrows left below, and earth exchanged for Heaven. FORGOTTEN. 'tMc Sp.iI it is to think of parting With the onos \va so much lovo ; Bnt how hard to bo forgotten lu a brighter worltl iibovc. The souuil falls upon us liar.shly, Anil our hearts arc thrilled witli fenr, Am wo think of tlio forgotten ■\Vluui the night of death ilrawa ueur. Oil! how many joyous Bumniers, • ;• Storm and suushine hero will come, WTiile we in the grave shall moulder, With no thoughts of going homo. -•. ^ (■Si vi'iS'' : • ' There forgotten 1)0 onr ashes — • '("ij.'>».j . . .: ,. ., ,,, ' , ,. As wti slumber in the grave ; ;,^,, ,,, ^.,,,,. '■ '■ ' ' Eut we'll not in death forever ' ^>»(,(./ft>i; /. „j;;;, - ■ Sink beneath the surging wave. ■ ■ ;• ( ' ' " fi'l ''■ i ,.i-!i/t .■"», ' ''■ C ' Still vain hopes must perish ever, ' '" ' ' ■'"'•■-'* t','t. .!.'•• .■ But the Lord will leave us never, ,, i i , .,i4.:.;* '-M .it. y,:: If we but his word obey. '' ''' -'' ''"'• '*'' SEIIMOXIZINU. (1(1,1 will licit f()l;;i t his cliililirii, 'riionijli tlii'y 111! fni'Koltrli lirl'c; ^\]lill• they sltimlttr in ()l'li\iiiii — ■ 111 tliMt laiiil SI) c.ilil ami drciir. No hulocil, tlio grftvo will oiicii, Iiooso tli(! Imniln wliirli Mud us tlicrc AVliili! uur sjiirits iiliimc tlicir luiiiuUM l''i)l' :i wcjllil that's fli'd I'lulii or.n', N.) niori' tlu'U to hi; furt^fittcn, Stciiins luiil triiil^i all mo o'er ; And th(! dreary word Foikioitkn Will there taunt um uuveruiuro. 13 SERMONIZING. Preaching slioulil bo like other work. And thoro is intloed three errors commonly conmiittcd by preachers, 1.* Tattlo work. II. Science to do everything. III. Instruction making masters. There arc also three divisions to sermonizing, vi/ : invention, arrangement and style. I. Find the Text. 11. The Subject, and III. The ^Matter. It is not absolutely necessary to ha\e a text, but on the whole it is certainly better. We can in the first [)lace teach the beauties of the gosjiel, II. AVo ought to give mora! weight and speciBc point to the great truths of the religion of Jesus. Young preaciiers are generally afraid that their subjects will run out ; but in preaching many sermons, subjects multipl}'. We ought, there- fore, to deal very reverently with the text, and especially most ten- derly with the peoi)le, that the hard hearts may melt and proud nature crash into submission. We ought in the first place to choose the subject, and afterwards to select the text, and speak in such a manner that the very atmos- phere of our being is imiiregnatcd with love and sympathy, that the living testimony of converted souls might be clothed with almost resistless power. The Bible ought to bo studied so much tliat Bible thoughts would glide smoothly, and permeate the whole discoui'se. The subject matter should be taken from our own labo- rious achievements, draM'n from the eternal fount, which moves the mind to generous deeds and noble aspirations. It is generally best not to borrow from others, inasmuch as it cultivates a laziness of mind. And it is also quite certain that it is not as interesting to l4 THE BAPTIST ItElORDE*. ourselves as it otherwise would bo when taken from our own re- sources. As a rule to borrow wo ure sure to bring something dry and common place, and consequently injure our sermons more than what we benefit them. We also ought always to preach the word of God plainly, and never contend about words to no profif. In so doing we should preach our own thoughts and never throw out in- sinuations, or slur other denominations. It is ungentlemanly and unchristian. Sermons are very powerful upon some propositions ; and absolute unity in subjects should be most carefully maintained. We ought to found a proposition upon some declarative sentence, and end with imperative remarks. The text is unlike the proposition. We should not read entirely for matter, inasmuch as it developes no mental mussle ; and wo should develop thought to a regular system. Still it is well to read for matter about which to think, and we cannot read too much, as a general thing for that purpose, I. Knowledge is truly what wo all want, and we get it by reading, and also by observation. II. Meditation, too, is absolutely necessary. There are many things within our I'each with which we are partially or wholly unacquainted, and upon those things we must certainly think. Yes, think till our heads ache — Think until every part is transparent and the result will, indeed, astonish us. III. Analysis is also requisite. We must reach to the bottom of the subject, and find the most simple form in the presentation of the discourse. IV. Division, too, is a necessity. If we divide our subjects, our thoughts will multiply, V. Exercise Ls also of great importance. It strengthens the power of invention. VI. A Chip Baskkt is truly of great use. A soak will never run dry, like the mind of man. If we take the trouble to |block up the stream with a fleece of wool, We will catch specks of gold. So note down thoughts copiously, and arrange them in order similar to the army with its commander, compared to our thoughts, leading thoughts and subordinate as in the al'my. In a written production we loose the inspiration of the audience ; consequ sntly it is better not to read our sermons generally, but to speak i Vom the inspiration of the moment understanding the subject well before we appear before the audience. And we must labor so as not to scatter our thoughts, but arrange them systematically, each in its own place. Now every sermon has seven points. I. The text. HEAVEN. 15 II. The explanation of tlio text. III. Tho introduction, which we inugt have, though it ought to be short. IV. Tho propoHitioni which iB tho backbone of a Kovrnon. V. The division. VI. The treatment. VII. Tho conclusion in which wo should bring our nr- guments to bear upon the laojjosition. The object of all our preaching should be two-fold, viz: Ist the upbuilding of the church, laboring to maintain a growth in grace, and consequently increase tho piety and dtvotion of th« individual members. II. The conversion of sinners, and this will very much depend upon the religious standing of the clnirch. Every sermon should be full of Christ and contain enough of the Gospel to save a soul from death. When this is done we will see a erradual increase, and sinners will be weekly flocking to the Saviouf, rejoicing in the sweet anticipation of living beyond the grave, when time shall be no more. We should indeed be in earnest in this matter, or the blood of souls will rest upon our garments. How many are perishing, and yet we speak not to them of Jesus. How many sermons are cold and lifeless, and fall upon the hearers as being naught but empty formality. This is one of the causes of infideliety spreading so rapidly at the present time. Therefore, we cannot be too careful in presenting the claims of the Gospel to a dying world ; and in the language of the poet we should preach. As a dviiip man to (lyinR iiu-n ; To those to whom wc might never speak again. HEAVEN. Towards that hlest land we'll journey on, Nor pause in all the way ; Till we shall reach that home ahove, Where all the good shall stay. There, on that lovely golden shore, All sighing will he o'er, No tear drops ever trickle dor,-u, For we shall weep no more, Nor shall wo ever htmgcr there In that bright home above ; And tongues are never parched with thirst, Where all is light and love. The Bun is never needed there, No darkness dims the way, 16 TlIK JiAI'TlM' iti:cOKJ)EIt. But ^'lory from the sacivil tliroa.-', Hi)ro;uls cvcrliistisig il;iy. ' Doiitli cannot mnr tlint ])(>n;'iful liojiio, To fill the. heart with jtiiin ; For KoiTdws tlicy aio nil unkiiov.u, Aihl oaiiuot conio jiyain. (roil is onv (lniJ(\ our S.iviour, Friciil, l''o!ov>'i' still tlio .s:;ni,i ; Oji Hi>u wo always can dciionil, Th')u;^'h halt, ov blind, or lauic. Tlioro shall we dwell with those wo luv.', ^Ylu'l■(' iiartint,'s will he o'lr, TliPi'o no iari'wclls arc cvor lisped, On Canaan's lir.pin- shore. Tlievi) wo will sin;;; the sonj; of joy, (ilory to (iod he yiven ; Wisdom and lionrr, riohes, power, In tliat lilest Lome in Heavi'n. WE ARE PASSING AWAY. The i^postle Peter has chosen the gr.iss of the field to ilhistiMte the fact that we are rapiilly passhig away to that bourne " Wliere one dark, raylcss curtain covers all." We know, too, full well that the grass of the earth i.s of shoit duration. It comes forth in Spring, ripens in Sumuier and withers at the apj)roach of Autumn. Yet scarcely do we realize, even in our calmest reflections, that we are thus passing away. But it is against the laws of Him wlio s])()ke a world into existence that any- thino should remain still. Onward is the voice of all nature as well as that of ()uinii)otence. Still, for a short time we are bound in sorrow to this world of sin, while death is continually before us, day by day warning us of our imi)oiuUng fate. Nevertheless we struggle on, and frcfpuntly it would ai)pt'ar that we are only wanderers jiitching our tents here and there, having no jiermanent abode. And then too, how often do the fierce storms overshadow and encompass us around and about ; but amid it all we Journey (>ii, and journey' to our final resting place. O, how dark is this world 'even with all its joys, inasmuch as those joys are fleeting. How dreary, too, at tinii's is our ])atli\VHy through life to the lonely gi'ave. We shudder and shrink at the WE ARE PASSIXO AWAY. 17 thought of ever beinp; an inmate of the cold dark grave. Yet not- withstanding each one of us must die and pass away ; for wo are all mortal. Our delicate frames contain tho seeds of dissolution, and must finally return to atoms. There is no escape. We cannot reach Heaven in the chariot of Elijah, neither can we follow the track of our Sariour's ascension. Even could wo make the wind our chariot, or go " On the lightning's fiery wing,"' it would be all in vain, inasmuch as there is no reprieve from death's stern decree. There is no messenger from Heaven, sailing on the pinions of love, having authority from the upper courts con- taining a full pardon from death's cruel mandates. Alas I that such should be the oase. Alas I that there should bo no hope of being liberated from tlie jaws of death. And every day, too, gives signs of his near approach, and wo are finally compelled to conclude that all — all must die and pass away. Nevertheless, how natural it is for us to think all men mortal but ourselves. And therefore in view of this would it not be well for each of us to ask ourselves the fol- lowing question : — and jiust i die too ? We pause for a reply ; but while we pause our soul is filled with unutterable anguish. A hollow voice, like the distant moan of the autumn winds, comee forth from the " High pole tombs that gleam iu uight ;" whispering in the most solemn accents, All, all must die, and pass to the dreary regions wfiere all things are forgot. One of the ancient prophets was at one time led to exclaim, " We do all fade as a loaf." And we all know how the leaves fade, wither and die away. Let us in our imagination take a walk through the woods in Autumn, and notice tho dry and withered leaves, which tell us that we are passing away ; and that all along life's pathway are strewn withered hopes — hopes that were once as full of life and beauty as the leaves in Spring, but now, like them, they are wither- ed and dead. The bare branches of the trees remind us of the homes once the abode of youth and merry voices, but one after another left that home, time passed away, and finally all, ali was gone. 'Tis thus that our brightest hopes perish, The fairest and fondest decay, While all that we tenderly chcriBh Arc continually passing awtiy. And when we are walking over Nature's dry carpet of leavee, 18 WE ARE PASSING AWAY. rustling beneath our feet, with the sky of a sombre color, and the once green hills now brown and bare, we have an indescribable feeling of loneliness. In pensive sadness we ponder over the past, and listen to (he sighing breezes, which seem to bo engaged in toll- ing the funeral bell, while on everything — earth, air, and sky — is written, passing away. Of course this feeling comes only at times, and is brought up generally when memory recoils the past with the loved voices long silent in the tomb. 'Tis then our longing spirit breathes an earnest wish for the touch of a vanished hand. 1 " And the bouucI of a voice that is still." Yes, each of us can truly say, we are 2^aising aivay. Some in infancy and childhood ; others fall as by a sudden blast, a strong, healthy leaf; others reach their three score years and ten, going through the different stages of life, showing little by little strong marks of decay. Oh ! how blessed is old age when it is ripe for eternity. Their hoary locks are to them crowns of glory, and like pious Jacob of old, they are waiting to cross the tide. To all such passing away will be but the decay of a little while. For They shall never perisli — uover — Glory to our God on high ; Keep, keep ua, Blessed Saviour, Satan then we can defy. Come what will we're safe forever, Trials, cares, or failing health ; If our trust is in the Saviour, We'll not fear the monster death. No, for 0'" bodies will one day rise to the full fruition of manhood's powere, clothed in garments fairer than the fairest flowers that ever bloomed, and unlike them, not to fade, wither and die, but as the countless ages roll on to grow in beauty and holy fragrance. Oh ! how vast and incomprehensible are such thoughts. What a sublimity in that one word immortality ! What glowing, what rapturous emotions heavo our bosom. Even when in imagination we are free from mortal mould — released from this short existence, this prison house of cla^' ; and on seraph's wings may soar away, and travel on through intt-"minable boundaries of endless space. O, what enchanting scenes we view ? What delightful prospects lie before us ! What grandeur ! What sublimity in infinite wisdom ! Ah ! what is life here on earth, c.-aniped, chained and fettered as it is with its earthy casket, crushing, trammf^iUiig soul-life, confining spirit existence to so small a sphere. It orliibita only the mirrored NVE AKK I'ASSlXli AWAV. • !!• of the inilivicUial identity, reflecting every hue on life's broad diiil plate, and each shade, hue and coloring, will become wider and deep- er ; and more indeliblo, and ultimately more brilliant and lasting when reflected from mind's canvass in the far ages of eternity. But then the thought rushes back, we arc passing away. We see it pictured in the changing seasons — behold it in the countenance of weeping friends — trace it but too plainly in the marble form of departed relatives, and feel it too, in our own trembling frames. O, how true it is that we must soon bid adieu to earth and all her ten thousand charms. We must gaze for the last time on the form of loved ones, break the heart strings asunder, and be laid away to await the morning of the resurrection. Yes, die, and be forgotten by all, save perchance, some dear friends who may sometimes think of us when we are gone. But all this will avail nothing. It may be soothing now for a while to think that we will not be forgotten, yet our heart's desire should be to have our names registered in the sacred archives of Heaven, in the Lamb's Book of Life, where it can never be obliterated by eternal ages. Solomon said in his day, that he had seen all that was under the bun, and behold all was vanity and vexation of spirit. Mutability we find indelibly inscribed all over the world's pussessious. Pass- ing away is written on earth, air and sky, in characters too U'gibly penned to be misapprehended. The world is almost yearly shaken by war, and pestilence rides with lightning speed upon the wings of the wind, visiting alike the rich man in his purple robe, and the bcgg'ir in his poverty. Very justly has it been remarked that we are like clouds that veil the midnight moon, which pass so swiftly by. And O, how the echo of departed existences continually remind us that we are of a few days and full of trouble. Like all our fathers, we have here no continuing city. They have passed away, and now ThocolJ cloJs aro roatiug ■ 111 the grave ujjou thuir broast. But bhall they sleep forever ] Is it a dream that ends and never — ■ never — awakens. Creation, in thundering tones, exclaims No ! The word of Him whose voice is as the sound of mighty waters responds, No ! Child of immortality laid down in attenuated iovtliuf.ss only to awaken in a fairer clime. Why then should we fear death, "the gitto to endless joy V Have we not the strong assurance that the sun- 20 We aue passing away. t)6am8 of light, all radiant with celestial glory, will in due time visit our last resting place, and call us to our eternal homo ? Let us then i^repare well for it. Oh ! that we would all realize the great necessity of living so as to be ready for dying. Our object should continually be to secure an inheritance amons; the sanctified in the Golden City. Evidently it is not worth our while living so short a time in the service of Satan. He promises no reward, and wo are sure of endless death. On the other hand, we are promised an incorruptible inheritance ; a land pure and holy, a home of joy, whore sorrow is unknown, where peace, tranquility of soul, and unbounded felicity, will bo enjoyed by the redeemed for- ever. O, glorious truth ! 0, joyful thought, that we can one day meet and live , " Wlioro everlasting spring abides, And never withering flowera " Then, while we are on the stage of action, papsing away day by day, let us not only labor to save ourselves, but all those with whom we associate. And the sweet soul-stirring heart-cheering thought will continually inspire ua on, and notwithstanding we pass away, it will be our privilege to meet again. Though we part with friends near and dear to us, by doing the will of God we will meet them again on the other side of the dark river. True, it is always hard to part with those we love, yet how often the dearest ties of human affection are severed in an hour, and we in bitter sorrow reluctantly submit, looking forward to that meet- ing that knows no parting, while so frequently we are led to exclaim, " Yea, we part, but not forever ; Joyful hopes our bosom swell ; They who love the Savior, never Know a long, e last farewell. Blissful unions lie beyond this parting vale." We part with all around which entwine the tenderest sympathies of our nature. We meet on earth, and though our unions are sweet, they are not lasting, and i-emind us of a meeting beyond the region of earth. Yet i " Sweet the hour of benediction, ^ When such unions come to mind ; Wlicn each holy heart-conviction, With the promises combined, Tells of meetings by the Lord for us designed* Ves, wo will meet again and unite in the songs of rejoicing which SPEAK KIXULV. 2l i'oll on, and on forever without a dying cadence. Oh! how joyful will bo that meeting that knows no parting, and triumphant will be that song which will noTcr end I " what meetings are before ur ! Brighter far tlmn tong'ie can tell ; Glorious meetings to restore us Him witli wliom wo long to dwell. With what rapture will the siglit our bosoms Bwell. Our meetings here are only partings, and cause us often to drop the silent tear. We look upon the dear ones spared, and see stamp- ed on their forms passing awni/. Dark locks are changed by time's silvering-touch — the steps that were once accustomed to spring with elasticity are now more slow and measured. Even the voices in their deep toned fondness impress us with the solemnizing truth — • all, all are passing awav. "Now indeed, we meet and sever ; Chequered is our transient day ; Lile's best flowers perish, over Tending to a long decay, Fairest dowers bud, ijnd bloom, and die away." We are here to day enjoying the pleasures of earth ; but as our heritage is time, these pleasures of necessity must soon pass away. Yes, " Soon will ceaso such short-lived plrjisnr?s, Soon will fade this earth away ; Brighter, fairer, nobler treasures Wait the full redemption day. Hail the rising of the wished-for ncfw-bom ray." SPEAK KINDLY. Just speak kindly, just speak kindly — Every human heart must bear — Bear enough of sorrows daily. Bitter pain, and anxious cnrc. Just speak kindly to each other In your iuttircourso each day. It will joy, and comfort bring you ; Cheer you on while here you stay. Just speak kindly — iust speak kindly— Add not to annther,8 woo ; For each path i:, strewn witli briars In life's journey here below. 22 IIAPIMNESS. Tlion spp.ik kindly, God will bli^ss yon ; It will choor the faintiiiR heart ; For a word in liiiidiioss Kpokcii, Oft has soothed tho acliiug smart. It has brought sweet consolation; Quelled the anj^riest passions lioro ; And prepared tho heart that's dro()i)iiif,', For a brighter, holier sphere. HAPPINESS. No rank, or position in life can make the gulty soul happy. Diouysius,the great tyrant of Sicily, was far from being happy, not- withstanding he possessed great riches, and all the pleasures which wealth and power could procure. Haim'INESs, in the scriptural im- port of the term, consists in doing the will of God. Then our peace will flow on aa a river and our i*ighteousn<333 will be as the waves of the sea. Every feeling ought to be repressed that leads to unhappy results. And how often pleasures untold, are lost when ease is consvilted. We should by all means rise with confidence and tranquility, and press on with resolution. Many think if they were only rich, they could enjoy far greater happiness. But even if they were rich there would be something else to annoy. There is much truth in the re- mark, '* Man never is, but always to be blessed." The poor, it is true, possess not soma of the conveniences of the rich ; but in re- turn they are free from many embarrassments to which the rich are so frequently subjected. By the simplicity and uniformity of their lives, they are delivered from the variety of cares which perplex those who have great affairs to manage, intricate plans to pursue, and many enemies perhaps to encounter in the pursuit of greater wealth. In the tranquility of home they enjoy a peace which is often unknown at courts. The rich man who sits down to his luxurious banquets, may not enjoy as much comfort as the one who partakes of a plain meal. His sleep is not as sound — his health is not as Arm, and often times more perplexed with the cares and anxieties of life. All the beauty of the face of nature, all the en- joyments of domestic society — all the gaiety and cheerfulness of an easy mind, are as open to the one class a,s to the other. The splen- dor of retinue — the sound of titles, the appearance of high respect, KOKSAKE LS NOT. 23 are indeed soothing for a sliort time to the groat, but becoming fami- liar, they are soon forgotten. Custom pfTaces their impression, and they very soon sink into the runk of those things that are ordinary, which daily occur, without raising any sensation of joy. Let us therefore never look up with unhappy feelings to those whom birth and fortune has placed above us. Let us then adjust the balance of happiness fairly ; and whenever we think of the enjoyments we want, we should also think of the troubles from which we are free ; and strive to live as becometh the redeemed of the Lord, and then Heaven will bo ours to enjoy forever and over. Anion. FORSAKE US NOT. Finsake us uot! O Savior, dcur, When trials throiii,' our way ; And all around seems dark and drear, Do thou then with ub stay. Forsake uk not ! kind Saviour here, But with us still abide ; And lead nsgentlv Oveu Theue To dwell beyond the Tide. Finsake ns not! cruel thouj.dit ! To dwell away from Thee ; With cure ."jnl [iniii our lives are fraught, And we witli Thee should be. Forsake us not ! Lnmb of God ! Thoii knowest how grent our care ; And oft we pass beneath " rod, Mid trials hard to boar. Then let Thy spirit with us dwell, And joy will be our lot ; Wliilo we to all will gladly tell, That Thoul't forsiiko us not. . n»; ;(' 34 THE NEW UIKTll. THE NEW BIRTH. While visiting at tlio liouso of a fii-nid ono evening, on Jlount Dorehostiiv, duiinf; the winter of 187r> and 1876, he introduced the sul'ject of //t« new birth. His theory of the mutter was this : Whereas the cliildren of parents that are citizens of any country, are by natural right citizens of the same country, so are the children of Christian parents citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. We asked him why he thought thus, and what led liiui to arrive at such a conclusion 1 To our great surprise, he was like the old Scotch gentleman, he want- ed the figure complete. Shortly after the foregoing transpired, wo wore interrogated by an elderly gentleman in Jordan after the evening services at the Church, if wo ever heard a chihl cry before it was born ? Or, again if we knew anybody that ever had, or if God himself, ever heard the like 1 These questions were undoubtedly propounded with a view of proving that those who are anxious to be born again — born of the spirit and of the water, have nothing to say, or in other words, have no right to pray before they are Baptized. How strange, indeed, that so many peophs are thus inclined to run figures and illustrations into extremes. It should be borno in mind that each parable, figure or comparison, is designed to illustrate and teach one very important fact, and when that is accomplished the object or design of the wri- ter has been fully att&ined. For instance, our Savior has been com- pared to the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley ; to the erreat apple tree bowing under its fruit. But then it is quite obvious, tliat in every respect^ He is not like these different objects. Such a view of the neio birth would run us into various extremes. It is truly very evident that with a large number of people the question is not so much. What do the Scriptures teach 7 as, what is your opinion ] And opinions, too, are ofttimos formed without even consulting the Scriptures. A sulyect oiight certainly to be thoroughly investigated before the formation of any just conclusion respecting it. This would j)rcvent the propogating of a great many false theories and people generally would become more thoroughly enlightened in matters pertaining to their everlasting destiny. How slow the generality of mankind are to recognize the truth contained in the couplet : " They who trust in tJoil nnil love His word, Ihiild on that Rock which none cart move." A IIUNDUKD YEARS TO (;OMK. 25 EXAMPLE. Oh ! tho blessod thought of liviu)^ Just iiH ChriHt Willi wont to do ; Setting forth a good example, That tho World might dnily view. Seeds wo somotimos sow with weeping, Bearing thou tho precious grain, Will spring up and grow with vigor, For it gets tho latter rain. But tho foul seed that is scattered — Strewn around on every hand ; Needs no oao to guard and cherish, For 'twill grow on any land. Oft good deeds that wo are doing. Seem to float into the air. But they will not perish — never- Still, tho thought seems hard to bo;ir. In tho distant coming Judgment, All our acts we'll meet again ; Some of which will cause us sorrow While our hearts will thrill with pain. Oh! then, set a good example In this world of jiain and strife. And by earnest 8U]>plication, You will lead a Christian life. A HUNDRED YEARS TO COME We all within our graves shall sleep, A hundred years to come ; No living soul for us shall weep A hundred years to come ; But other mon our land will till ; And other men our streets will fill ; And other birds will sing as gay, As bright the sunshine as to-day, A Imndrod years to come. But where shall then our portion bo? Where shall wc spend eternity ? This ia indeed a solemn question. Ifc is truly a solemn tliouglit. In the language of tbe Editor of the Christian, " Where shall we be a hundred years from now ] A humble mound in some cemetery will mark the resting place of most of our bodies, ere half that time is passed. But our spirits — that part of us which thinks, reason?, chooses, loves, liates, regrets and remembers — where will they be ? Certain it is, that the resistless current of human destiny that rolls everonward will have borne us oc to new conditions, new scenes, and 26 TIIC UVEULASTINU SONU. new snrrouniUngs. But what shall those ba ] It can scarcoly be doubted that wherever we may then bo, tlieso immortal natures of ours, if so bo that consciousness still remains, will have a greatly en- larged vision of human affairs and their issues." How small will seme of the questions that agitate us now, appear to us then ! How unworthy of man will then appear all the petty jealousies and bit- ter strifes that now estrange hearts and lives ! Our dreams of great- ness, our mad struggle for wealth or fame — all our vain ambitions — how infinitely small and contemptible will they be found to bo, when wo shall view them from the realm of the absolute and the eternal ] How mean and worthless a thing is human life, if it secures noth- ing which shall bo kept and valued by us one hundred years from now ! But within that time, all tho wealth, the honor, the pleasure, the glory of the world — things for which most men arc striving — will have faded from before the eyes that now gazo upon then., as the bright-hued rain-bow fades from the summer sky. Fellow traveller are you building for eternity ] Of all the labors of your hands and brain, what will remain, one hundred years from now? Faith and hope, and love — these shall abide forever, and the im- mortal deeds which ai*e boi'n of them shall constitute a part of your eternal treasures. Seek then for immortal wealth. Build against the ravages of time. For tho things which are seen are temporal ; but the things which are not seen are eternal. THE EI/ERLASme SONG. lu yondor bright anil starry lauil, Besido the ^rj'stal sea, There stands tho great white throue of God, From all eternity. Before it bows the angelic host, And loud their voices raise, In hon'ring Him, who sits enthroned, With endless notes of praise. One everlasting song they sing, To him all honor be ; Worthy tho Lamb who died, they cry, All praise be unto thee. Eiches and wisdom, strengtli and power, Unto our God be given, ' Holy, holy, Almighty Lord, ,^ And endless praiso in Heaveit. mK'/.'. Tui; DYiNu six.vniw 27 Boliold tlio Savior on tlio tlirono, Wio likp a kmb wna slain ; And round Him conntlesH myriadu stand, KinKinR in coasolcHS strain. Olio overlastinf? sonR they siTif* It trcmblos over tlio nea ; Worthy tho Lninh who died for ub, All proise be unto Thcc. The orclicJ domes re-echo back The everlastinj: Bong ; Unto our Lord all lionor now, And endless praiso belong?. \ray we, too, catch tho liuR'ring noes The Savior died for mo ; And loud re-echo bank tho song Through nil eternity. THE DYING SINNER- Oh ! thcro is a pang that thrills the very heart with sorrow whenever we think of tho sinner's death. And as we oft have stood beside the dying bed of those doomed to destruction, we could not but feel a pang of anguish at the bitter wails on life's stormy billows. Oh ! kind Heaven, ehed a tear of pity over the lost ones of Earth. We have one in mind now whose death we propose to describe. His summer of life had glided swiftly away. He had passed across Time's continent, and stood on "ife's last shore. His mind was filled with vain regrets. There was a wildness in his thoughts, a dread, a torturing fear that swallowed up his very life in wretchedness, more dreadful than words could express. " Oh ! if I had my years to livo over again," he mourufally uttered, as his life was ebbing fast away. He then became somewhat delirious. His frame was bath- ed in the sweats of death ; and his eyes half open, rolled w^ith wild affright in phrenzy. Despair seemed indented on his haggard cheeksj and his cries for mercy were enough to pierce a savage demon's heart. ITe looked for a moment onward with a fixed gaze ; and ap- peared to see the very arch fiend of hell with gnashing teeth, hor- rid mien and eyes flaming with voageanco. He shrieked with hor- ror saying, " I cannot, I cannot face it !" Ho turned his eyes to us exclaiming," Can't you help me 1 must I go to hell 1 " We burst in tears of sympathy and cried, my God ! Heaven look in pity v">\y 1 He then sprung forward, apparently conscious that the gates of the Golden City were barred against hira forever. He sobbed, and in t^ d$ THE DVINU CltltlSTlAN. low quivering inoai», followed with an audible cry, ho Bcroamed in tones for mercy, but screamed in viiin. His spirit was raging round in the broken wreck of mortality, shrieking for help, but help never came. With wild anguish and dismay, ho seemed also to see the winding shout, th» coffin, and the grave yawning to receive his casket ; and the worms anxiously waiting to feed upon his cold clods of corruption. He again screamed with his utmost strength, and said, " I cannot face it. Oh ! Oh ! must I a;o to hell V He continually grow worse, and his mind became more frantic. He was hastening on to Judgement. Torment awaited him on every hand. The great fires of hell, were to him evidently flaming up in the distance, and he shrunk back and shrieked again," I dare not die." Thus with a shuddering groan — a horror which seemed too great for utterance, he passed away to meet his God. THE DYING CHRISTIAN, The hope of enjoying hapjuness in that land immortal and un- fading, is a source of unbounded consolation to the dying Christian. Ofttimes it has been our privilege to stand by the bedside of the dying, and to witness scenes of holy triumph which no pen can adequately describe. One scene of joy where the king of Terrors was transformed into a smiling angel of light, we will endeavor, though it must be but faintly, to portray. His hopes of Eartn were like the fading grace of inspiring autumn, vanishing and dying away one by one till all is gone. We were with him when t)ie pallor of death wag passing gently over his features ; while the shodows of time were flitting away and the glories of Eternity bursting in upon his wondering vision. The placid serenity of his countenance changed by degrees, and became radiant with resplendent glory. He was strongly iifcited by desire, and animated with the blissful hope as he passed swiftly thiough the swellings of Jordan, and the things of earth gradually faded from his view. He was indeed sweetly fanned by the last flutter of the sinking breeze, and his brow was sprinkled with the dew of Heaven. His spirit was wrestling with dissolving nature, struggling to be free, and shrieking to take its final flight. Hark ! they whisper, come, come, away. Who 1 who is calling 1 God in mercy calls me, responds the dying Christian. I THEY 8UALL KEVKR I'EP.IHH. 29 coino, I come, continued he. Be patient, wo replie«J, it will aoon bo over. Oh ! I am patient — I am patient—I know — I know it will soon be over — I am ready — Yes, wo answored, Jesus is with you. He has gilded the grave with the light of Heaven, Ho has passed into the tomb and conquered our grctvtest foe. Thank God, was faintly uttered amid dying sighs, and dying groans. God be with Tou we still repeated, and ho sweetly died in the triumphs of the Gospel, with the firm hoiM) of a glorious resurrection. The grass will soon grow over his new made grave, and the rose will bloom with fragrant beauty. Years may roll around, but the eye of God will mark the spot green with the everlasting verdure of ^aith. We have the assurance that tho trumpet shall sound and the dead shall arise incorruptible. Therefore may the riches of divine grace be the consolation of all those who mourn ; and may tho Shepherd of Israel walk with ua all through the '.'old flood ; and ultimately save us in that home Over Yonder. WJj.ere amid the shininft numbris, Cares aa4 trials oil nro o'er ; Wliero the' (jFuaf^afa never slumbers, We sliall meet tp part no more. THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH. They shall no^r perish — never — 8aid the Savior of mankind ; They who livoth and belioveth In mo life eternal find. Tliey'll not taste of death, said Jesua Those that will in mo believe, I will be their guide and keeper, If they will my words receive. They shall never perish, — never — O what precious words of lovo ; They revive our drooping spirits On the road to Heav'n above. Oft they bring sweet consolation To the weary heart oppress'd ; Pointing to a happy meeting Mid the holy and the blest. They shall never perish, — never — Though they pass into the grave ; For the Savior, Death has conquered, Ho has triumphed, man to save. Long had Death defied his victim, And but little hope remained Till tho Savior came in person , And then, what was lost, rogaincdi THE MAX IX THE MOON*. Thoy shall never periali,— never- Light iiTadiates the grave ; It cheers up the faintiiifj Hjjirit. Christ has calmed the troubled wa^e. He has answered the great question, SJiall we ever live ae^iain ? And Ho said to those wlio loved Hini, Here, yoiu' labor 's not in vain. They shall never perish, — never — Do these things you'll never fail ; I am with you, I will guide yon, Glorious words that will avail. All our fears arc dissipated. When wo do the Saxnor's will, ■\^'e can safely rest in Jesns, For his words, He will fulfill. They shall never perish, — never— Glory to our God on high ; Keep, Okeep us, kind Saner, Satan then, we can defy. Como what will we're safe forever. Trials, cares or failing health ; If our trust is in the Sanor We'll not fear the monster Death. They shall never perish, — never — Christ has scaled it with His blood ; And His promises are lasting, Tis the promise of our God. Glory be to Him forever. He's our trust, our Friend so dear; Thank Him for those words of comfort, They shall never perish hero. THE MAN IN THE MOON. Nothing oiiglit to be received or admitted as true without good authority ; and it is quite probable that some may object to this subject being here discussed, regarding it as a step towards apostacy and mere sensationalism. Others again may consider it at variance vith the Gospel contending that it is not wholesome food for the soul hungering and thirsting after rigiiteousness. We shall not however, stop to discuss the correctness, or the feasibility, of our un- dertaking the handling of this theme at the present time. Suffice it to 3ay, that it is quite astonishing that so few people will pause to consider and weigh carefully what they hear. Humanity, generally speaking, follow in a great measure the footsteps of their parents. Ask an individual, why he is in politics a Reformer, or THE MAN !N TUE MOON. 31 Consci'vative, and he ■will gonorally say it was the way in which ho was bronglit up. Again, if the parents liave believed and advocated u particular school of niodicino, the children are apt to follow their example. In regard to Christianity, it is especially very nauch the case. Whatever is instilled in the minds of childhood usually remain, notwithstanding it may lie dormant for awhile and apparently fade from the memory, yot it is destined to revive again. The ancients believed that the earth was flat, and ijf they went far enough they would reach the jumping oft' place. It is only about two hundred years ago that Galaleo was imprisoned for as.serting the fact that the earth turned round on its axis. The or'gin of the belief that there existed a man in the moon extends to the most remote ages of antiquity. The ancients had many fabn- lous notions, and they worshipped many gods. When Paul and Barnabas were preaching at Lystra we sire told that Paul cured a lame man, and the people wcr? so much astonished that they shouted in the speech of Lycaonia TJifi Gods are come doiun in the likeness of W'fi?i! When Paul stood on Mar.s' Hill he exclaimed, F« men of Alliens, I ■perceive that in all Ihlnjs ye are too superstitious, for as I passed ly and hehsld yoiir devotions, I found an altar vnth this inscription, 'fo The Unknown God. And when Paul was shipwrecked in the Mediterranean on an Island then called Melita,now Malta, on account of his shaking off of his hand a venomous serpent without injury, the barbarians regarded him to be a Cx >d. But Paul was ever ready to declare tin; whole coiinpiol of tiu.t ; and in ids letter to Timothy, he exhorted him to refuse profane and old wives's fables, or in other words, to disregard them. You will also please notice how he spoke to Elymas, the sorcerer who had bewitched the people, seeking to turn them away from the faith. He says " O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteous- ness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord 1 The Apostle Peter declares in his tirst letter that they had not v followed cunningly devised fables when they made known the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Clirist, but wei-e eye witnesses of liis majesty. Now the question may arise, what is a fable ? We an- swer, it is an idle and groundless story. The heathens had fables innumei'able cnncerninn; the rise and exploits of their gods. The most famoiis was Herculo/t, tlie Thebun. He performed twelve great exploits. 1. He subdued the Nemean lion in his den, and clothed 32 THE MAN IN THE MOON. himsolt" in his skin. 2. lie slew the Lerncnn Hydra with a hundred hissing heads, and dipped his arrows in th« gall of the monster to render their wounds incurable. 3. lie took alive the stag with golden horns and braz>';n feet, which was famous for its incredible swiftness, after pursuing it for twelve months, and presented it un- hurt to Eurystheus. 4. He took alive the Eriraauthean boar, and killed the Centaurs which opposed him. 5. He cleansed the stables of Augias, where three thousand oxen had been confined for many years. 6. He killed the carniverous birds which ravaged the country of Arcadia and fed on human flesh. 7. He took alive and brought into Peloponnesus, the wild bull of Crete, which no mortal durst look upon. 8. He obtained for Eurystheus the mares of Dioimdes which lived on human flesh, after having given their owner to be first eaten by them. 9. He obtxined the girdle of the Queen of the Amazons, a formidale nation of warlike females. 10. He killed the monster Geryon king of Gadesand brought away his numerous flocks which fed upon human flesh. 11. He obtained the Golden Apjdes from the garden of Hesporides, which were watched by a dragon. 1 2. He finally brought up to the earth the three headed dog, Cerberus, who guarded the entrance to the infer- nal regions. Well now it should be borne in mind that The Man in the Moon, like the labors of Hercules, is only a fable. It is true people often imagine they see him, and gome have actually contended that they have seen him piling brush. Now if there were a Man ill the Moon, with the naked eye, it would be unreasonable to sup- pose that we could see him inasmuch as the mean distance of the Moon from the Earth is two hundred and forty thousand miles. The same side of the Moon is always presented to the Earth ; the reason of this, is doubtless owing to the fact, that the center of gravity is not in the center of the Moon, as it revolves on its axis only once in its revolution around the Earth, ib continually presents the sam« side to us, consequently there would be only one day and night in each revolution of the moon around the Eirth ; or the day and night would be nearly fifteen days long. In viewing the moon with the naked eye, the surface appears diversified with dark and bright spots, which on being examined with a telescope, arc dipcovered to be mountains and valleys. The whole surface of the moon is covered with these .'pais, which is evident from the fact that the line of separation l)ctween the illumi- TllK MAN IN THE MOOX. 33 imti'd and diirk lieiuisplioros is at all tiirios oxtroiunly ruggcid and im- (^ven. 'riic lUduntains on or noar this lino cast behind them lon;^ dark ■sliadoWK, liko tho mountains on tho ciarth when tlio sun is rising. The moon is a much moro mountainous l)ody than tho earth, and tho mountains arc vastly higher comoared with its size than those on the earth. One of the mountains named Tycho situated in tlie south u.'vat [KU't of the moon is- apparently n voloanie crater. According to the measurement of Maedler, tho height of ten of the principle moun- tains is from three miles and a half to four and tliree quarters. Tho nunuitains of the moon do not run in ranges liko those of the earth. 'J'liese facts subsbintially prove the mo\intains of the moon to be of volcaiuc origin. There are no largi; bodic's of water oa tho moon, especiidiy on tho side visible to us. The moon has very little atmos- phere, and indeed it has none; of sutlicient density to refract the rays of light in their passage through it. h'rcjm this it follows that tliero are no clouds lloating around the moon, and indeed if there were any, they would at times bo visible to us ; but it is supposed that it pn;- sents the same at)iiearance now that it did two thousand vears a<'o A s yet there has no discovery been made of any change of seasons, neither has there been found any trace of vegetation, therefore every- tliing apjiears desolate and unlit for the support of either animal or vir of the book of Genesis we are told that (Jod created two great lights, tho greater light to rule tho day and the lesser light to rule the night. Again we are referred to this matter by one of the ius^)ire(l penmen* and wo are told th.it({od erciatcul tln^ moon and stars to ruh; the night. The moon is the nearest body to the earth of all the celestial bodies, and is a co-stant atlendaut upon it at all timei-i, juid foiiiis a most 34 THE MAN IX THE MOON. beautiful ai)iiondage to our globe. Wlion the sun is gently sinking beliind the western hills, the moon lights up her lamp in the azure tirmanient and difliisos a mild radiimcc over the landscape of the world. She jiours her luster on the spacious cities and lolty mountains, glittering on the ocean and the beautiful landscape, and opening up a l)rospect wide as the eyo can reach which would otherwise be involv- ed in the deepest gloom. The proi)hct tells us, " She is the beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the high place of the Lord. " Thus the moon is ever and anon giving us joy, serving as a magniiicent lamp to guiile our footsteps. While the ai)parent revolutiens of the sun mark out the year, and the courae of the seasons, the revolution of the moon round the heavens mai'ksoub our months, and by regulaily changing its figure at the four (juarters of its course, subdivides the months into regular |)eriods of weeks, and thus exhibits to all the naticms of the earth a watchlight or signal, which every week presents a form entirely new for marking out the shorter periods of duration. It being so near tho earth and the consequent increase of its gravitating power it produces currents in the atmosphere, which direct the coui-se of the winds and purify tho air. It raises tho waters of the ocean, and perpetuates tho regular return of ebb and How by M-hich the water is preserved from iilth and l)utrefaction. It extends its sway over the human frame, and our health in a great measure depends upon its influence. There are ter^ restrial scenes presented in moonlight which in point of solemnity, grandeur and j)ictures(jue beauty, to a poetic imagination, far Buri)as8 in interest all the brilliancy and splendor of noonday. The heathens have generally worshipped the moon under the name of Queen of Heaven, Venus, Urania, Succothbenoth, Ash- torath, Diana, Hecate, itc. Great was Diana the goddess of tho Kphesians. Then again the Church is likened to the moon. How comely, useful and illuminating to the world in the dark night of time. Outwiiid prosperity and subjecting grace are also likened to the moon ; they boiTow all their glory and usefulness from tho Sun of Itightcousness. Isaiah GO, 20. This is truly the way witli the moon. She is an opa(|ue, or dark body, but reflects the light of the sun to us. She exerts a strong influence on the ebbing and flowing of the sea, and was the great marker of the time of the Jewish feasts. The (|uestion may now bi^ asked, what has the man in the m-^'on TIIK MAX IX Tin; MOOX. '60 to ilo with our siilvivtion / Ami again, ring n^proacli on the ChrLstian religion. But jtist reliect for a few moments upon the fables and vain babblings which are so prevalent almost everywhere. Pcmder tliis matter a little, and we think you will see a picture or two of the man in the moon. We know somi^ have curiously in- terrogated lis to give them a picture, not only of himself, but also of his wife and children. Now if such will ))e a little ))atient we shall cndeavf)r to present a few pictures of the fjimily, and woidd ask you not to bo startled at tho pictures drawn. i)oubtlo.ss you have all seen individuals turn up their cups at the table, and heir remarks something like this: There is a bird up there, you are going to hear some good news ; There's a horse and carriage, you're going oft on a journey. There's a crowd of people and theie'.s going to be some great doings. Or you are going to gi^t mai-riinl be- fore long, I see your beaux there. Now this is truly om; picture of the man in the moon. While preaching in Jordan and Clinton, an old fortune teller passed through Beamsviile and some paitl as high as a dollar, and a dollar and a halt to see what was in reality notlii?ig more than the picture of the man in the moon. We will now present you the same picture for nothing. He told some who were silly enough to be duped by him that thoy were going to hear bad news — some of their friends were going tc die soon. Ho told them also how many children thoy had, and how many they were going to havo. Others again were told that thoy w(>r» going to get mar. ried and therefore they received a description of the color of tho eyes and liair, the complexion, &c. He told likewise iiow many years they M-ere going to live and whether they were going to get rich or not. We have often known intelligent people just simple enough to be led away by such fables. And we havo often been astonished to sec profe.ssing Christians go aeveral miles to liavc their fortunes told, in other words to see the man in tho moon. The moon to this day is venerated more than any of the heaverily iU) Tin; MAN IX Tin; moon. IkuHcs. Jlenw, many dread to soo it over tlicir loft .sliouldesfs, on account of thinking it a sign of bud luck. Tlioreforo yon will often SCO tliom nuvnifest great care to prevent themselves from seeing it over the left shoulder. Now this is, indeed, another picture of the man in the moon. Some time since a preacher of the (io.sj)el told us that he could tell something of a person if ho only knew tin; day of the numth in which they were horn ; by reading in tlie book of Proverbs. He told us, if we rightly remember, that ours was this : There are two things which I cannot answer, yea three things which 1 know not. Now, it is very obvious that all such are picturiis of the man in the moon, and the more enlightened and the better people live in this world, the less will they believe in such silly fables. Alany think it a sign of bad luck if they on leaving a place forgot something and have to return. At such times you will he.T it r(>- niarked, '• \'ou are going to have bad luck. It is a bad sign to go back." Ves, and even if a knife, fork, or dish cloth happens to fall to the floor, or the olil i-ooster comes up to the door and crows you will hear it ejaculated, 'I'here, we're going to have visitors today or .something else is going to occur, or if the ears bvirn .somebody is talking about you. What iionscuise I what a picture is this of com. mon occ\u'rence. We hope some of you will take it home and hang it up where you can see it and every time you look at it remember the man in t/ui moon. We heard an individual a short time ago remark, that were it not Friday, he would begin a certain piece of work. Why not begin it on Friday / (), Friday is an unlucky day. Now this is not strictly true. It has been proven that Friday is not animlucky day ; and all such notions are in fact nothing but falBes. Now these f.ibles are spoken against by the Ai)ostle Paul in his letter to Timothy, jjuke tells us in the Acts of the Apostles of one Simon, a sorcerer, who had bewitched tlu; people. Now it is quite astonishing how many people are bewitched with fables and false notions. It pervades all society, and even linds its way into religious circles and ])roduces at times a sort of fanaticism. Wo do most certainly b(> lieve that there is a certain amount of fanaticism exi.sting in nearly every denomination of Christians on the face of the earth. You will notice it at times in the countenance, manifested in the long face. At other times yovi may observe it in the hair hanging down over the for<;ucad ; or in the style of the dross, as tliough style con- tllK MAN IN Tin: MOdN. 37 stiL>it(!il tlio nsligitMi of Jusus. Otlicii's iv^n'ui if they sec anything (lillercnt from what thoy usually have seon, why it is just awful, for they know not how to tra^ °1 except in the rut of their predecessors. Why, at times the sound of un organ in Chuicli would drive them from the house, and cause tliem to whine for a week. Why, even a silver conununion sot has shocked some people's faith in Christ, and jiiado them to shrug u]i their shoulders in wild dismay. And, in- (l(!('d, singing in some of the churches has, at times produced the same result, and they fancy they see you going on the lightning express towards Home. Such people strain out a gnat and swallow a camel in corresponding deeds, and if they will stop to look at themselves — or rather at their notions of the fitness of things, they will sec in themselves correctly delineated, the man in the moon. It is natural for people to ride a hobby, and all these hobbies are like the man in the moon. 8ome i)eople think that if they believe certain facts, why, thei/ are sound— sound to the core sound in the i'aith. We asked a lady one day, if licr husl)and was a church mem- ber. " yes, he's been baptized," was the reply. Just as if baptism was the principle thing in uuxking a church member. Baptism is all right in its place, but there is something more to be done beside being baptized. " I am one of Bro. Benedict's pills," said an old gentleman from York State to us one evening at the Church in Jordan. One of Benedict's pills Hashed through our mind. What I one of Benedict's ])ills ; and while we stood in amazement he ejaculated, "Did you ever hear a child cry before it was born !" This he kej)t repeating, meaning to teiich a very importtmt lesson, as he thought, on baptism. What (juackcry ! Too many such i)ills in the world. We have no faith in such pills. There are other pills like him and they are liorior stricken if they see or hear anything different from their l>eculiar notions of medicine. Such peoi)le imagine that they hear some things that is not said, and see some things that does not ex- ist. Now this is the way the man came to be in the Moon. And some iiave been simple enough to imagine that at times, they have actually seen him burning brush. To ftu'ther improve on the occasion, allow us to remark that there ai'e those who will contend, and contend about the meaning of words to no profit, and if the term church is applied to tlic building in which they worshij), or if reference is made to the organ, tln^y are 38 riiowN MY niiow wrrii ri.owKiis. liorror stricken, ami soo you at onco with tlio drum, tlio nddle, the l)anjo, the piviHil chair and the " big toe." Coiiscijuently you will see llioin going around couibating this is not right and that is not right, and tht^y sec a great bugbear, in other words ; they see tlio uian in the moon. But time would fail to ])oint all the various ways in which is manifested the fiibles, and fanaticisms, and false notions of life. In taking a summary view of what we have said, we conclude that the ])robal)ilities relative to the moon being inhabited are ex- tremely do\ibtful ; while no man has ever yet been seen on its surface by any of the inhabitants of earth. The story is a fable like the others we have been endeavoring to expose ; and we hope the investigation of the subject has not been unprofitable, but that it may eventually lead to the examination of whatever you hear, for you will fre- tjuently discover that a great deal of it is only fabulous, mere gossipping, like the man in the moon. A few words in answer to the question, wliat has this subject to do with our Sah'ation 1 and we are done. It is quitt; evident thtvt it has something to do with it, inasmuch as it comes under the head of fables ; and is jirofitable for expanding the mind, and opens up new fields for investigation ; and furthermore enabling lis to see that much in every day life comes under the list of fables (Mpially as absurd as the notion, the man in the mooi. Strive dear brethcrn and fellow l)ilgrims to search the scriptures, throwing all false theories to the moles and the bats, and by yielding obedience to the will of God, you will at last reach that land of pcice and joy far beyond the moon. May CJoil grant that such may be your desire and destiny. CROW/\/ MY BROW WITH FLOWERS. Will you crown mj' brow with flowers, When the darkiu'ss thickens rouutl — tJouiid me ujid life'H shady bowers. And my lieart with joys abound ? Summer dreiuiis, they fade so early, Youthful days soon pass away ; And the sliadows fall so Reutly, Rfnuid my pathway, day by day . ^ d ClIILDHOOU. 39 Will yon (Tdwii my lnow witli ilnwiTB, W)i(>ii tliK (liiin))s of ilcatli aro lu.'iir ? And J fci'l thut incciouf) honis 'Will so soon 111! tlisiinjiciir Wli(U) I'm in death's gloomy valley, Kitting; in tin' mist iilonti ; And tlic olonds iiro Katli'rinK sndly, And yon hoar thu dying f,'roan ? Will yon I'lown my hrow with IIowcim, When my eyelids clost^ in doath ; And till* storm of ire lowors, And I faintly Kasj> for breath? Just beyond timer's hoary mountain llises Canaan's fairest land, Through which fleams the purling fountain Over in that better land. Will yon crown my brow with llowcis As I in the casket lay; And my sjiirit upward towers, To that land so far away? Just acrosK death's swelling river, Loonis up Kden's lovcjly Ijowitk, There amid tlu' glad forever, Christ will crown with fadeless flowers. (hon crown my brow with flowers Whilst I molder in th(! tomb ; When my grave is drenclu'd with .showers. Let the voilets o'er it bloom. When the lyre of life is silent. And the angel spirits move ; L't the flowers with shining raimentH Crown the brow of one vou love. CHILDHOOD Very bai»])ily has it been remarked that wo siiond a ten years bi-cath before we apprehend or four a doatli. An infant, sweet days of innocence. What hopes ai\d fears, what joys and sorrows, what prom- i.ses of good or ill, wliat a career of glory or of shame, are wrapped up in that little germ. As we gaze upon the child we wonder if tho bud will open into the fragrant l)eauty of the rose, or is it destined to be nipped by an untimely IVobt. What sym[)athy tills tha soul as we look upon tho little child. We who have scarcely finished half our voyage know .som thing of the trials that await the young adven- turer on the journey through this vale of tears. "Our childish dreams are filled with i)ainted joys, Which pliiiise our sense awhile, and waking prove but toys." 40 cinr.Dirooi). Yiit it is tjiuioriilly coiisulcroil that tho firat ton yours is ihr. most impditant period of our lives for tmiuing. The phuit is tlu^ii tciuh'r iind will yield to tho inlliienco whioh bonds it in iiny direction, (.ireat discrotiou is therefore needed to train tho chilil wisely, to discern its natural capacity, and to furnish tho niiml with profier aliment and culture, to mould tho character, the conduct, excito and •juicken tho mental |>owers, givo u practical cast to the jmlgmcnt, and above all to instill the princifile of true piety. Tho child is continually looking forward, living in the future, while on the contrary old ago is ever looking backward, living in tho l)ast. Ho says, us he looks back, •' When I was a boy." Tho boy ex- claims, " When I am a man." Tlu! om; thinks of what ho onee was, often saying tluit tho world was better then than now. The other thinks of what In* may bo when he stands upon 1if;;'s great drama. To tho boy the years drag heavily on and ho becomes restless for no- toriety, and is even longing for manhood's prime. On tho other hand, tlio old man lookn u[)onthe storms of a Hooting world, realiz- ing day by day the solemn fact that he is rapidly j)assing away. For our own j)art we are standing almost where tliu shadows aro lengthening. Tho ardent prophecies of our youthful days are nearly ended, if not realized. It reijuiros long years for us to learn what sooner or later .all must learn, viz.: that the things that are seen aro temporal, while tho things that are not .seen are eternal. The morning of life, as well as the evening, are dim and dewy, while noon alone is bright, high and strong. And thus it is in the mind of man, shadows are around our cradles wh m wo come into tho world, and shadows are around our graves when we pass henco to be no more. Fcsars and woakne.ss ai'c alike tho attendants when wc come upon tho stage, and when wo loa\e it. Between tho two points our manhood lies, and therefore it is well to let the youth, have its dreams of love and beauty in the years to come, and let ago have their retrospections and their pensive memories of years depart- ed, but nevertheless it is better for all who have high resolves and generous deeds to act in the living present. We look around and wo notice events continually transpiring — the past is gone, and tho faithfulness of memory is all upon which we can rely, while the future is alwjiys dark and uncertain. Wo should therefore constantly enjoy tho present and turn it to the Ix'st advantage. Eveiy moment ought to l)o improvnil as it comos.for when cniLDiioon. • 41 onco gone, it has passed uwuy forovor. Forever I there is contained in this word something which inspires with profound awo, something solemn, grimd and inconcciviihlo. How can wo imagine a Bories of years merging into eternity and never ending. 1 1 is impossible. A II is (hirkness and uncertainty. Hope persistently points through the gloom to an object in the distance, which wo are unable to see through any other medium than the eye of faith. It is a gate — a golden gate — which opens at times lo receive poor wayworn travel- lers, ever emitting a glorious light, while the sound of exquisite music comes floating down the highway of life, and as the eye of faith grows stronger wc perceive an inscription wrought in golden characters above the gate, which is Heaven. Lot this, then, dear youth, be your beacon and watchword. Kee[) your eye steadily upon the prize at the end of the race. Look to Jesus and you will be en- abled, from the cradle to the grave, to surmount every difficulty. Some years ago two men wero j)assing across a fiehl early in tho morning, in autumn, while tho white-frost was yet on the ground, and when they had reached the other side, they looked back upon the footprints which remained, and the one said to the other, what is tho reason your path is so straight, while mine is so crooked ? Because, said he, when we stai'ted I placed my eyes upon an object at this side of the field. Now this solved the mystery, and tho rule holds good in the Christian's journey to tho grave, — to life's last shore — the very edge of the unseen world. Press on beloved youth in the path which leads to Heaven ! Never despair. Let your motto be nil desperandum, and trusting in God you can bid defiance to the arch foe of humanity, and reach at last a better country. Then onward ! Catch up the watchwords — never /ail; but march onward in advance and lead on to victory. Never falter on the way home. Don't leave tho old ship of Zion. No, no : don't leave it youthful pilgrims, ns Paid said to those with him at the time they were shipwrecked. Yes, indeed, stay by the ship. How often we have thought of the words of Captain La-wrence, when he was expiring in the agonies of death, " Don't give up the ship." And when Commodore Perry afterwards was about to engage in deadly combat, he placed the dying words of Lawrence upon the flcig which waved over the vessel, " Dont give up the ship." This inspired the crew with greater energy, and after a hard oontesthe dispatched to General Harrison, "We have met the 42 THY WILL o (ion, nE done. enemy, and they aro oars." ^'ou, too. fired with tlic same energetic spirit may roach the goal at last to which you aro now journeying. May Clod have mercy upon you and bo with you day by day, con- stantly throwing his ahnighty arm around you, that after the storms of life are over, you can enjoy those heavenly mansions pr(^• pared for the redeemed in Hoavon. THY WILL GOD, BE DONE. Tliy will (tod, \w. donn, and 0, Help us towatcli and pmy ; III joy or Horrow, ])aiii or l)liss, 'Twill aid ub on our way. Tho flosli may fail 'iioatli sorrow's stroke AikI all Hi'A'WX dark and drtiiir ; And still amid thi; thickost gloom, We surely need not fuar. Why should wo fear the ehast'aiug rod, Or shrink the cross to bear? For good, all thinpfs tof^ethor work Throughout lifii's varied care. Why should we utter a. complaint » Since Christ has led the way ; Or dare to plead our lovi! of ease, W^bile wo our God ob of all the earth. Care for liis children dear ? Yes, we can trace his wise design In guiding footsteps here. And if in our unworthiness, W(! m(>ot tlie lieavy Mow ; Just let us j)ause, and ponder well Wo reap what e'ro wo sow. Strike lightly Master, lightly strike, Thou kuowe'st our feeble frame ; And we pray theo use the rod lu Mercy's loving name. But still Thy will (lod be done, Though sorrow only ecj.s The sombre shaped, unmarked design Which Thou, so oft decrees. And as we daily journey on, Until our race is run ; Our hearts will breath tho old refrain — Thy will God be done. I'OltdlVKNKSS. 43 FORGIVENESS. It Ih tlic duty of ;.I1 to foryive caoli other, as wo wish to be forgiven. The emotions of our heart shoiiid ho when l»oweut the lessons which we receive at the hour of prayer enables us tt) gather strength, and bear our burdens with meekness and resignation. Our hearts are then filled with benevolence and love, which like a river of good gushes from a pure fountain flowing freely forth spread- ing beauty and blessedness to all around. God honors every soul who daily lives in close communion with him, while angels hover round their jiatli, and devils tremble in their presence. Oh ! how sad that so few pay sutticient attention to the hour of pray- er when it so much calms and sooths the troubled .spirit, throwing a ladiance soft and pure over all our actions. At such a time there is truly to the Christian a sweetness in the unbreathing things of nature, while a holy influence gently rests upan the heart. It comes fresh from the hands of nature, and glows from the immediate ]>resence of the Great Spirit, enabling us to rejoice amid life's trials, lifting the spirit within us above the clouds, until it is tall enough to overlook the shadows of our own place of probation, breaking, link ai'ter link, the chain which binds us to materiality, and opens our imagination to a world of beauty and holiness. At the hour of prayer wo receive also the blessed assurance of enjoying the society of the just made perfect, beyond the grave. And is there anything of more importance than the Christian hope ? or has sweeter associations connected with it ] Wher- ever we gaze we notice its influence. And no one can enjoy this fresh blooming liope as they certainly should without attending daily to the hour of prayer. How it sheds its balmy influence over the silence and loneliness of the human heart, builds up anew the broken altars of its faith, and revives again and again the drooping flowers of its desolate affections, in the hopes of forgiveness and heralds oflove^ O yes it raises the sinking hea.'t, and restores the courage which begins to droop ; and every time we feel the magic influence of her rays we bless the God of Heaven who hears and answei*3 prayen THE HOUR OF TRAYEU. 47 111 the language of the poet. " H\v(>('t liour of prnycr, swoct hciiir of pmyor, W'hicli calls us from a world of oiiro." Truly has it bcon thus expressed, and we feel tlio foi'co and siguili- cance of tlio languajjo in a lu^ther denroo when wo tiike into consideration the influence of the Holy Spirit during the sweet hour of prayer ministering to the wants of humanity, visiting the abodes of misery ; wiping the tear from sorrows eye ; chasing away the anguish of despair, and sweetening the cup of aflliction with the all soothing, and syren song of happiness. It enables us to overlook the failings of each other ; and also to make due allowance fi)r the weakness of poor liumanity. And we well know, that often a kind word, a gentle lock, an encouraging smile may save a pereon from the abyss of dispair. And it is very certain, too, that the influence of prayer sweetens the disposition, and therefore renders the individ- ual more agreeable and happy. What pleasure is thus derived from the remembrance of kind acts 1 What a luxury, even the remem- brance of kind words I A gentle look, a tender tone of the voice, a warm pressure of the hands, an aflectionato Good N'ujhl, or a part- ing God be with yon, have often revived our drooping spirits, and cheered us on our journey home. We should never be Batisfied with })r('Sont attainments, for we are continually in need of going on to perfection, and hence we are told to "pray without ceasing," and to " piay evevywhere." And, indeed all that men can desire, all t' at nature can receive to prepare the .soul for never ending joys, God has promised to those that oboy him. And it is likewi.so very evident that tlie best patriots, ministers, i)oets and elocpient men have* derived their sublime powera, either directly or indirectly, from the holy influence of ju'ayer. Its power is felt in the cottage of the poor man and abides with him and his children, often making them contented in the midst of privations. Its power is likewise manifesteJ admidst the blandishments of relined society like a purifying* enobling and re- deeming angel. It adds dignity to the noble, gives wisdom to the wise and now grace to the lovely. O, what a precious boon to man cheering him on in the way to blessed immortality. Is there then, indeed, anything that oin throw an eipial charm over the world as benefioial to humanity as a prayerful and a religions life ] Is there anything too, that has equal power to enlighten the darkest 48 THE noun OF prayeu, lioiirs, or assuage tlio severest v/oes ? As the silent dews of aight fall gently and silently upon tlio flowers, reviving their drooping leaves, so does fervent prayer in hours of afliiction revive our spirits, give solace to the wounded heart, thus afTording that blessed assurance that gives us strength fur all our trials, that takes from miset ' its bitterness, and strips afliiction of its sting. In such an houi our souls are filled with love to (tod, and we pour out our hearts best gratitude ; and ofTor up ourselves to Ilim who is, indeed, worthy to recjive glory and honor anrl power inasmuch as He has created all things, and for His pleasure they are and were created. Love is truly the divine essence of our being. And in time of prayer it flows into the soul and is truly our life. As the sun of the natural world warms the flov/ers into life and beauty, so does the spirit of man receive the warmth which animates it into life and action. In that blest hour all the finer feelings of tho soul are brought out, the dross removed and man becomes fit for the enjoy- ment of a better country. Surely we all need a refuge in distress) a shelter from the stormy blast, and an eternal home. And indeed whenever we ai'o fleeing for refuge we go to God in prayer. And O, how soul cheering and soul elevating it is ■when we gain a shelter from the Vjitter and inclement blast. O how it sooths us in our journeying through life to know that we have a Heavenly Father to whom we can pray, and in whom we can trust, and unbosom all our sorrows. Though our hearts may be bleec'ui,.T when we go to God in prayer, he pours in the balm of consolation, and we are sure to find relief. 0, how thankful we ought to be for that comfort and consolation which we receive in prayer, and for the great power that ii gives to enlighten the darkest hours of life, and assuage tho severest woes into the valleys of cares and shadows, and light us through a thorny path on earth, and at the close of life, lights us to Heaven. The beauty of a religious life is one of the greatest recommenda- tious of a life of pvayer. It affords peace to all those who engage in it with a pure heart. It teaches us wisdom which will always render us beloved aud respected, and ■which will contribute to our present comfort as well as to our future happiness. Its greatest ornament is a meek and quiet spirit ; and it inculcates nothing but love and sim- plici^} of affection. It breathes nothing but the purest delight ; and it causes the praying one to shir.e in adversity. It gives us that THE IIOL'H OF nUYER. 49 meek and gentle spirit tliat lends us to iinother, and a botter world. Its magic iniluenco calms the rulHed sea of life, and makes them glide peacefully away. It soothes the mind in its last hours, removes the sting of death and gives assurance of the passport of the soul to an endless life of ha))])iness and bliss. And generally when the individual is dying he wishes some one to engage with him in prayer. At the hour of midnight wo have been called up from calm and quiet rei)ose to go to the bed of the dying and offer up a prayer. And it very often happens that the voice that has never before been heard in petitioning before the throne of God, now for the first time is heard to plead for mercy. At such a time the dying one wishes the prayers of the sympathetic, those that are accustomed to pray, and ever and anon going on errands of mercy, visiting the poor and the needy, and those that are alllictcd bound down in sorrow and bereft of those that are bound to them by the strongest ties of affection. Wo shall never forget one night while engaged in watchiog round the dying bed of a young man, a very important lesson of sympathy which was at that time indelibly in- scribed on the dial plate of our heart. We had been boys together and strong ties of afiection had bound us very closely to each other. It was his wish that we should be present at the dying hour, to offer him uj) in the arms of faith and prayer. During that solemn nif^ht ho wished a number to leave the room on account of their being as ho supposed, devoid of sympathy and without natural afiec- tion. We have often thought people generally, are just like this young man, when the death hour comes they want the prayers of those they love, that can in tears of sympathy offer them up to the God of Heaven, that they may be enabled to bid farewell to earth — mount the wings of light and live forever. These considerations should prompt us to live a prayerful life. And furthermore to set apart a portion of every day to attend to this important duty ; and then we will always be ready to meet any trial, tribulation or fieiy ordeal through which we so often are called to pass, and with re- newed vigor we will journey on till wo meet in that blest harbor where the good will dwell forever. Press on then fellow pilgrims. There is no time to loose. Death and judgment are just before us. Heaven hangs upon our faithfulness ; and when our trembling souls are forever into the presence of God, we will hear the welcome applaudit, " Well done " ; while our voices will mingle with the anthems of angels forever, to UEMIXISCENCES FROM MY NOTE BOOK. RAISE THE STANDARD HIGHER. Biothron raiso tlio Rtniidard liifjhcr, Holiness of heart jour aim ; And to better things aspire Tlian a mere professor's name. Always he a zealous Christian, I'larnoHt, notivo, kind and true ; Imitate tho Lord's example In what e'er you say or do. Never be a drone, hut labor With a will, both bold and strong ; For if you would pain the harbor. You must tight against the wrong. Do not always be repining, Onward lot your motto be ; And your courage still increasing. Till the land of bliss you see. Let your thoughts bo pure and holy ; Always sjieak the truth in love ; And your actions kind and godly. Then you'll gain a home above. Step by step, you'll get up higher. Nearer to the i)attern giv'n. Faith iu God, and tireless doing Vv'ill secure a home iu Heav'ii. Oh ! then raise the standard higher ; Let perfection be your aim ; And to holier things aspire Than a mere professor's name. REMimCENOES FROM MY NOTE BOOK. The day was swiftly passing by, and drawing to a close. All nature seemed to wem- a smile radiant with beauty and loveliness. The sun was calmly sinking behind the Western hills while earth and sky were tinged with all the richness and variety of colors. The queen of night, fair Cynthia, had risen with resplendent glory and lent her charming loveliness to decorate the wide spreading land- scape as she bathed herself in the golden light of evanishing day. We had retired from the bustle, and busy scenes of life, and KKMINISCENCES FKOM MV NOTK liOOK. 51 strolletl away in the deep shades of the wikhvood to recline beneath the auburn branches ; and as the gentle breeze moved sweetly on wo listened to the music of the pines — to the deep sighing of the forest trees, echoing in the deeji blue vault above. And as wo listen ed wo thought of former years — the days of infancy and childhood when our hearts beat with the fondest emotions of joy and bliss, and almost wished that we were a child again. On the wings of imagination we went back to other days and other years, and in fancy's wide domain, we enjoyed many a spoitive glee again. We sat as we -wcMe wont to do in childhood years, and playfully watched the golden sunbeams as they sweetly fell through the opening glades of forest trees, ui)on the green tiud mossy limbs like bars of gold, resting upon the ground beneath si)a -kling and dazzling as the long graceful boughs waved to and fro'v, claj)ping their hands under the joyous influence of an autumn's eve. And as we calmly looked abroad we saw the moon as she was silently pursuing her coui'se through the heavens, walking in her brightness, and taking her progress among tlie consttiUations ; she was still sending down her rills of light through the deep shades of tho tall waving elms and the ancient, venerable oaks as they stood be- fore us in stately majesty. Wo listened for a while again, and now heard the fluttering of the auburn leaves falling gently by our side. And as we listened to the rustling of the leaves, we thought of the land-locked play ground of our former years ; and O, what feelings of deep awe came over us, mingled with the recollections of the days when we enjoyed the soul's calm and gentle sunshine. W^e endeav- ored, for a moment, to banish these solemn emotions. But the mystic air of an enchanted spot was calmly resting ufion the soul ; and again, in our fancy's ideal, we wandered along the sparkling rills and babbling brooks to find a place to construct our dams, build our flutter-mills, and watch tlu; bubbles dash into the eddies, spining round most beautifully in wild fantastic glee. O, what a welcome hour I O, what blissful moments thus passed sweetly away. We were transported back to the scenes of our early life, and it called up sweet, but long-forgotten memories. And 0, how we lingered lovingly around that holy, hallowed spot and thotight of the dear old folks at home. We were again in the fond embrace of parental affection, and the fountain of filial tenderness was still full and gushing over. Along with our brothers aad sisters we 52 don't i-oiuiET Yorn ahed pauents. were engaged in leiipiug over the green earth — chasing the butter- iiies, and running along tlie glittering streams. The storms of life, however severe, can never obliterate those fond reminiscences shad- owed over in by-gonr? sunny days. They are sweet recollections that must ever entwine around the joyous homes of our childhood, and will remain throughout our earthly pilgrimage. And when the splendors of the (Jolden City shall burst in upon our enraptured souls, and we hear the thrilling commendation of the Eternal King, " Welj done, "then we shall realize the joys of an endless home forever. May such our portion be, and we shall one day meet and never, never part. DON'T FORGET YOUR AGED PARENTS. \ Don't forget your n<^c.d paronLs, Lovo them ns in ilayH of yoro, Wlion thoy K'^'itly 1('«1 you ouwnnl, I'ointiug to tho Golden Shore. Sml to know that now thoy' re fnilinr;. Their forms frail and bent witli years ; And amid eartli's cares and sorrows Often falls tho l)riny toars. How they used to teach you wisdom, Teach you that which was the truth ; W'liat they learned, and how they studied, In the hajipy days of youth. In their old ago, dont forget them. With tlhur locks all silvered o'er, , And their bodies so enfeebled, Why not love them more and more ? Though they may sometimes be childish Burdened with life's cares and woes ; Never mind but show them kindness, Do not bo their dreaded foi's. ' ■ ■ Don't forget your tender father, i : ... . Inasmuch as he is old ; With his cheeks so thin and careworn, > '■ '' .u lieady for the grave so cold. . ■ i ' Let your words be kind and gentle, ■ • '''•'■' '- ' ' Every act an act of love ; v/"^; 'urU: . * ' Let his last days be the brightest Till he gains that world abovoi • ^ i' » ■ •(.■•> lii, LiENTLENESS. S3 Pou't for).;ct your iDviiig niotlirr, For hIic wiiH your dcMiri'st friend ; ^Vll(^ oft-tinu'H inipnrtcd counsel. Ami on whom, you might deiieml. Oft she pave j'oii swcot instruction, TeiudiiuK you tho crosH to b(>ar; Then to how iH'foro your Miilvcr, Offeriug up your curliest prayer. Don't forget your dear old parents. Daily love'theni more and more ; Whilu they're Kuiling towards the harhor, Bound fur Canaan's lovely Mln)rc. GENTLENESS. Wo otight always to view our characters with an impartial eye ; and to learn from our feelings to give that indulgence which, in our turn, we claim, It is a lack of this which fills the world with so much pride and severity. We are rigorous of ofl'ence as if we had never oflended, unfeeling of distress as if we knew not what it was to suffer. Let us suspend our violence for a moment on every occasion when causes of discord occur. And we certainly ought continually to anticipate that period of coolness which of itself will soon arrive. Let us reflect how little we have any prospect of gaining by fierce contention ; but how much of the true happiness of life we are cer- tain of throwing away. How very easily and from the smallest chink, too, the bitter waters of strife are let forth, but their course cannot be forseen ; and he seldom fails of suflering most from their poisonous eflPect who first allows them to flow. Most assuredly we ought to be gentle and kind to all, even to the fro ward. Though we are surrounded with care and anxiety we should nevertheless be gentle, remembering there is no condition in life free from them. And indeed this fact ought to be indelibly stamped upon the mind, that the anxiety which belongs to a sinful course is far greater than what attends a course of well doing. If we are weary of the labors of virtue we may be well assured that the world whenever we try the exchange, will lay upon us a much heavier load. We always love the gentleness which flows from a Christian heart. It calms our rising fears, and raises us above the storms of a fallen 04 A WKUUIN'U AUDKKHS. world. Christ has left us his glorious example to follow. Shall wo not, then, follow it ? And then wo shall for over enjoy the true riches — the unsaarchable riches — the jiure gold tried in the lire, in that world of endless liai)i)iuess. Nothing there will transpire to mar our peace and felicity. Pleasure will there succeed pleasure, and discontent and sorrow will have no admission. The voice of gentleness, of love and harmony will lull us in the shady groves, which are indeed, more beautiful than those of Java. Wo will there breathe the fragrance of those vine-clad bowers, those flowers be- decked with gems of azure, sweeter, by fai', than the odor which floats from the Aromatic Groves of the East. There amid those celestial bowers we will repose upon the beds of Paradise, far softer than the down of the cygnets of the Ganges. Nay, and even more, for our enraptured strains of melody and harmony will echo immortal joys forever. Oh ! how much real enjoyment we loose by not being more gentle and kind to those with whom we associate. How much discord in the family would be prevented if the spirit of gentleness were daily inculcated. And furthermore how much peace is lost to society by disregarding this very important element in our natures. Every day we must expect the cloud to arise, but by living a kind and gentle life we will rise superior to the little cares, factions aud disputes of mankind, and in the final day treasure the end of innocOuce. A WEDDING ADDRESS, Read at the, marriage of J. U. Smith, of Colorado, U. S. A., to Itos- setta, daughter of Air. C. Prudhomme, of Ikams'cille, Ontario, March ISth, 1877. Wo have gatliored here in gladiioss ; All our hearts now beat with joy ; And we smile with deep emotion, While gay themes our tongues employ. Friends, tliis is, indeed, yoxir wedding — Day of merriment and mirth : May your pleasures be abiding - i While you sojourn here on earth. ., Early dreams, you dreamed so fondly, . ■ You enjoy them now with pride ; ,.,.• And the one each loved most dearly, Mutually stands by your side. > ■ MINISTEBINtJ SriBITS SENT FORTH. 0S Mrs. K : Of tills day, jou'vo oft l)cpu thinking, Wlipn drosHod in jdur biidnl rofx' ; How you'd cliuK to your protfctor, E'eu though he piisH'd round the glol^c. Mr. S. Now you've pledged yourself to keep her, She is tcorthi/ of your care : May no grief your prospects shadow, liut life's richest hlessings share. (iod be with you now and over, Where e'er you may make your home : May we meet in sweet re-union lu the sunny days to come. And then when your time is ended, And your trials all are o'er. May we meet again in gladness On that lovely Golden Suohe. MINISTERING SPIRITS SENT FORTH. There is considerftble said in the Bible concerning the angels. They are spoken of in various places and employed upon different missions, yet always as in intimate connection with the inhabitants of this world, and engaged in its affairs. Angels are not seen by us, neither do they minister to us as they did to God's ancient people. Isaiah .says, "Angels are oft hovering around, " and who knows but what they are around us continually ; for we are told that they are "ministering spirits sent forth to minis- ter unto them who shall be heirs of salvation." And when we are driven by the rough waves over the stream of time, and the heart grows faint and sick at the anguish of human woes, may we not then indulge the fancy that we can almo.st hear their little footfalls upon the wind as thoy hurry to and fro upon errands of mei*cy. Nothing rerv explicit is told us in reference to their nature, whether they are spiritual beings only, or whether they have any subtle and ethereal form belonging to them. Wherever mention is made of them by the in.spired writers and, where they have been j)alpable to the senses of man, their forms have been beyond conception, bright find glorious. Tho Apostle speaks of our body, after the resurrection as a spiritual body, so nearly will it ap- 5G MINISTKRINO SlMlllTS SENT FOIITII. Itroxiniato to hpirit ; and wo aro toUl Ity our Kavior tluit in llie rdsmTcctiou tlicy noitlior marry nor aro given in marriage, hut aro as tlu) angols of (iod. In reference to their moral cliuractor and intellectual nature wo aro informed that they aro beings superior to ourselves. ( )r, in other words wo draw the c;jnolusiun from tho inspired writings that they form a rank between man and his maker. Our Savour in referring to them uses the very siguidcant and coinprohonsivo title, " Jioly angels." The Bible frccjuently speaks of their rank and order together with ihc innumerable multitude which no man can number, surpassing all our powers of computation. The Apostle Paul in writing to tho Hebrews says. "But ye are come unto Mt. Zion, and unto the city of the living (tod, tho heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels." What a stupendous thought, and still they keep perfect order in all of their employments on earth, and their worship in heaven. Angela have been present and have borne an important part in all the grand aflairs, and on every occasion in which the greatest and grandest events have transpired in connection with the affairs of sublunary things. AVhen the worlds were formed and all matter be- came obedient to His reipiirement^ ; when the foundations of the earth were laid and fasteneil ; when the measures thereof were drawn and the line stretched upon it, when the corner stone was embedded, and the foundation thereof fastened by an almighty hand, then '' the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of Clod shouted with joy." They beheld the developments of creation ; the new developments of the maker's perfections, and exulted in the prospect of the wonderful race of beings to be made a little lower than the angels — a little lower than themselves ; and if obedient to the claims of Jehovah, to be raised at last to dwell Avith them in heaven, in place of their former companions who had been cast out. Can we then wonder at their joy and delight, when the Creator him- self surveyed his work on its com2)letion with pleasure 'I Doubtless he ins]»ired and accepted their rapturous harmony on that occasion. "Holy, holy, holy, Lord Cod Almighty, which was, and is to come — Thou art worthy oh Lord to receive glory and h ^nor and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure thoy are and were created." MINISTKIUNO .SI'IIUT.S .4KNT FOUTll. ')7 Agiiiii wo leiu'u that lUigi.'ls iittcndoil ut tlio 1,'Ivinij of llm law uu ]yrt. Siuui, "It was glvou by tlio dinporsitioa of iinrjcls," Hays Lho iiiui'- tyr Stcplion, jusL iHjfovo lio was stoned to ucntli. Paul, in liis liOttcv to tlio G'alatians, tellB us that it wum ordained by nngols in tlie hand of u mediator. Tho Soveroiyn of Heaven niauleod, were his angels made spirits, and his ministers a ilaia- ing tire. What voices were then heard ! What appearances were then presented ! It was tho word spoken by angels. And so torriblo was tho sight that Moses said, " I exceedingly fear and quake. Who is like unto Thee, O, Lord, among the gods 1 Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praise, doing wonders unto tho children of men," How frequently were the angels employed in attending tho incar- nate Saviour. They attended hitn in his previous descent in the early ages of mankind. They foretold his approaching actual assumption of our nature, and the birth of him who came as a messenger to pre- pare tho way of tho Lord. They airaounced to shepherds the event of his incarnation ; warned his reputed father of his danger from Herod ; strengthened Christ after his temptation in tho wilderness ; comfort- ed him after his agony in the garden ; graced his resurrection l)y their glorious appearance and glad annunciations, and attended him on his ascent, by his own pro))er might to tho mediatorial throne, where, in obedience to the Divine mandate, they adored his Godhead in the humanity, and subjected themselves, with profound and de- lighted homage, to his will and order in that capacity. We are also informed that angels will attend the Saviour at the Judgment. " The Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels." How diflcrent his appearance then, from what it was on Earth ! All those invincible hosts without number, and of inJinite variety, will appear as his vassals, or servants. And though they will not assist in raising the dead, which is his work alone, he will empower them to gather them, when raised, to his presence in tiie air, as well as a^' ^hose of his followers who will be translated without dying, and tinally all the tribes of the ungodly. They shall I)lace them in their respective classes, and after the judgment, drive down the rebellious to p-mishment, and ascend with the righteous where they will dwell forever together in tho same heavenly King- 58 SlINISTERING SPIRITS SENT FORTH. doni. " The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. The godly tire the wheat which will be gathered into the gar- ner, while the chaft' which is the ungodly will be cast into the fire." Prior to this, however, they have many offices to perform on be- half of the inkabitants of this world while dwellers upon earth, and in their passage to another state. They are sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation. We need their aid. We are encompassed by invisible foes. We wrestle not against flesh and blood only, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this dark world, against spiriritual wickedness in high places, the regions of the air abo'^e ua, where we are told Satan's seat is, " Prince of the power of the air." Now can they approach us unseen to hurt us — to inject into our minds, by outward circumstances, evil thoughts and desires without our God and Savior supplying us with such means of defence as will bo more eflectual than all which earth could afford 1 He does. And exposed and dangerous as our situation is, our defence is more than equal to it. INIore are they in number, as well as in wisdom and enei'gy, who are for us than all they who can be against us. It is as when the King of Syria sent horses and chariots to seize Elisha, but the servant of the man of God, when his eyes were opened, saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. The very title of One who is above all angels, in this connection, is assuring and suggestive. " The angel of the Loi'd encarapeth round about them that fear him and deliver- eth them !" We have great reason to believe that the ministry of angels is specially secured for the heirs of salvation in the hour of death. O, you that are not followers of Christ, what will you do in that hour ? Human friends you may have, in abundance, but what are they as helpers when we stand at life's outer gate, and go where none of them can acconqiany us 1 Oh ! to be, at that dread moment, out of Christ, with no kind angel near to waft our .spirits home, but with evil ones waiting till the final sigh proclaims us their victim, and delivers us into their power. Oh, let us strive to be ready, that when our change shall come, angels will hover round qui; he^d to waft oui; ."pirits home. WHAT IS LIFE ] 59 WHAT IS LIFE? ! what is life ?— 'Tis like the dew, How somi from earth it iipwaril Hies : Or like a taper's golden hue, It shines awhile, and then it dies. ! wliat is life ? — Tis like the leaves Wliich burst forth in l)rij,'ht early sprin;;; And O, how oft our spirit grieves O'er sorrows their departure bring. ! what is life ? — 'Tis like a flower That blooms awhile, then dies away ; It came to cheer life's passing hour, But O how brief, how short its stay. 0! what is life?— 'Tis like a flash— A meteor in the distant sky ; It came — it shone — 'tis gone— 'tis passed, And so death comes, and thus wo die. ! what is life ? — wliile liere on earth ; Surrounded by both heat and cold ; Sometimes in sorrow, then in mirth. Fettered and cramped by mortal mould. Yes, what is life ? Our spirits mourn To tlnnk that 'oft, tis wasted h(!re ; While on the wings of time we're borne From all our friends and kindred dear. It has been said, and justly too. That, life is what toe make it now, Wliatever we on eurth i)ursue, Is deeply marked upon our brow. But though we perish hero in tim^;. And always reap what e'er we sow ; There is above a better climo. Where all the good at last shall go. let us strive for to prepare To live forevermore above ; Where free from sorrow, iiain and care. We'll dwell in endless hglit and love. There shall we fully realize What life is to tiio elnld of God ; When filled with wonder and sul'i)ris(i Vh'i tread those burnished streets abroadi That life shall never, never end. To christian jjilgrims it is giv'n ; A long eternity to spend in that blest home above in Hcav'uj 60 IX MEMOUIA.M. IN MEMORIAM. A Tribute to the. Memory of Our Lamented Father, Willinm Jhirr, Es(j. Born in 'Watcrtoivn, N. Y., Oct. iiUt. ISOG. J)ied i.;. llilUer, Ont. March 10th, 1S77. Beloved Father, thou art gone, No more to meet, or greet us here ; But yet again, we hope to meet In yonder bright, celestial sphere. Dear Father, tliou from earth hast passed. Thy i)ilgrimage below is run ; Still with submissive hearts we breathe And cry, O God Thy will be done. I5ut then 'tis hard to give tlieo up, And lay thee in the ground so cold ; Tis hard to part and say, farewell, And leave thee in the grave to mould. For thou hast been so kind and true. Our guardian in our tender years, And when wo think what thou hast done, Our eyes arc tilled with briny tears. How very hard tlnu hast always toiled. To lay up yearly stores of wealth ; And for tliy childrens' comfort here, Thou didst not even spare thy healtli. Dear Father, Vv-e will miss thee here— We'll miss theo in our childhood hom(> ; But we'll not miss thee Over There, In that celestial world to come. Dear Mother, too, .she'll miss thee oft, No more to lean upon thy breast, Or journey with thee side by side To that resplendent land of rest. When the mild cv'ning's twilight hour, Succeeds the fair, the lovely day ; And the loud hum of a busy world. In death-like silence pass away. And when the sun is going down So gently in the far oif West ; When sombre shadows gather round. And wearied naturi^ sinks to rest. We'll miss thy wi41 known footsteps then, Which we so oft were wont to hear ; And tliy familiar sounding voice, Will never more salute our ear. MODERATION OF Ol'll DESIUES. 61 And o'or tLy narrow, lowly bed Wlioro niigcl forms may Kwi't^tly roam ; r>on(>w our vows with thoo to met ^Yithi^ oixr Heavenly Father's home. vrarninR of our lonely hearts To always dwell with th(>(! ahov<> ; While on their tablets are engraved. Your many deeds and acts (>f love. Dear Father, tears are falling fast. How can we say, A Last Fahewei.!, ! How can wo lay thee down beneath. The damp cold earth with worms, to dwell! Savior ! thy richest blessings send, And to our hearts some comfort bring ; 0, wipe away the falling tears. And take us 'ueath tliy shelt'ring wing. But thou'rt not lost, we'll meet again, And grasp tliee warmly by the liand, Beyond this world of care and pain. Just over in the Morning La;.d. We'll wipe oui eyes, our anguish veil. And hope and trust thou'lt live above ; And join loved ones beyond the Tide, In that bright world of joy and love. Farewell, some day, dear Father, dear — We'll meet, no more to say. Farewell I With hearts so sad — so full of grief We cry. Farewell, father ! Farewell ! MODERATION OF OUH DESIRES. The active mind of man seldom or never is satisfied with its present condition, however prosperoiis it may be. Although originally formed for a wider range of objects, for a highel' sphere of enjoyment, yet it finds itself, in every situation of fortune, straitened and con- fined ; sensible of deficiency in this state, it is ever sending forth the fond desire, the aspiring wish after something beyond what is enjoy- ed at present. Hence, the restlessness which so universally prevails among mankind ; that disgust of pleasure which they have tried, that passion of novelty, that ambition of rising to some degree of eminence or felicity, of which they have formed to themselves a distant idea. All of which may bo considered as indications of a 62 MODERATION OF OUK DESIUES. certain native original greatness in the soul, swelling beyond the limits of the present condition, and pointing to the higher objects for which it was made. Happy indeed if these latent remains of our primitive state, served to direct our wishes towards their proper destination, and to lead us into the path of true happiness. Here in this dark and bewildered state the aspiring tendency of our nature often unfortunately takes an opposite direction, and feeds a very misplaced ambition. The flattering appearances which hero so often present themselves flowing out of the distinction which for- tune confers ; the advantages and pleasures which we imagine the world to be capable of bestowing actually fill up the ultimate desires of most men. Now these are truly the objects which engross their solitary musings, stimulate their active labors ; warm and heave the breasts of the young with enthusiasm ; animate the industry of the middle aged , and keep alive the passions of the old until the very close of life. There is certainly nothing unlawful in our wishing to be freed from whatever is disagreeable and to obtain a fuller enjoyment of the comforts of life. But when these wishes are not tempered by reason, they are in danger of precipitating us into much extravagance and folly. Desires and wishes are the first springs of action. When they become exorbitant the whole character is likely to be tainted. If we suifer our fancy to create to itself Avorlds of ideal happiness wo? shall discompose the peace and order of our minds and foment many hurtful passions. Here then, let moderation begin her reign, by bringing within reasonable bounds, the wishes that we torm. As soon af they become extravagant, let us check them by jiroper re- flection on the fallacious nature of those objects which the world hangs out to allure desire. Wo do, certainly, dishonor the dignity of our souls by allowing our wishes to terminate in nothing higher than worldly ideas of greatness and happiness. Our imagination so frequently roves in a land of shadows. Un- real forms very often deceive us. It is no more than a phantom — an illusion of happiness which often conceals much real roisery. We often think that all are happy who have attained to those summits of distinction towards which our own wishes aspire. Alas ! how frequently has experience shown that whore peace •'nd happiness were supposed to reign, discord and contention destroy the happiness of the whole family. Now it is very evident, that with all that is splendid and shining in the world, it is decreed that there should bo A BIBTIIDAV ADDRESS. 63 mixed with it many deep shades of woe. On the elevated situations of fortune the great calamities of life chiefly fall. The storm spends its violence, and there the thunder breaks, while safe and unhurt the inhabitants of the vale remain below. Retreat then, from those vain and pernicious excursions of extravagant desire. Satisfy yourselves with what is rational and attainable. Always tmin your minds to moderate views of human life, and human happiness. Then will your pathway through life be rendered more easy. And if you guide your conduct by the word of Cod, crowns of gloi'y will be yours to enjoy forever. A BIRTHDAY ADDRESS. On the annivermry of Mr. Marshall Buri'n thirty-eighth birthday. IJrother wo liave met to-dny For to 'jck'bi'ato your birth ; Members of one famil\ , Bound tof,'otli(>r hore on (jarth. Oft we've met in days nponc?, Witli our hearts so full of mirth ; And to-day we're tilKvl with joy, In sweet memory of your worth. Prospprous have hci>n your days, While your years have been enjoyed, And throUKliont life's devious ways Yon have all your time employed. Therefore joy and gratitude Can but animate your soul, And increase y