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Narratives and Anecdotes.

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TISH COVENANTERS-THE MEN. re is a difference between even k of a brave man and the back of rd. The Covenanter had often to it it was before a superior forcee turned round upon his pursuers etired, as well as advanced, like a kill, sagacity, self-possession, dished and secured his retreat, and last extremity he was more ready t and die than to yield. Sometimes, g that the dragoons were approache, like Thomas Brown, the cousin in of Priesthill, went out calmly is their track, passed himself off for nger, and when asked if "the fanaown" was at home, truly answered he was not, and was permitted to n his way. Sometimes like John lement, pressed hard by his purwhen he turned the corner of a seeing a sheep lying dead on the he took off his coat, lifted the on his back, met his enemies, who ok him for a shepherd-entered into ersation with them, and succeeded ding them on a false scent in purof himself. Sometimes, like John pster, when pursued so hotly that orse of the nearest dragoon was ing on his shoulder, he turned 1, plunged a large pair of scissors, ly weapon, into the horse's forehead, hmade him rear, throw his rider, enable John to escape into the ow of an adjacent wood. Sometimes, John Fergusson, when chased to the of a dark, deep pool, in a river unded by thick willows, he first ▾ his bonnet and a rake with which ad been working in a hayfield, down -tream, and then plunged under the r, screened by the shade of the ws, and keeping his head above the es-his pursuers imagining, from the et and rake, that he had drowned self and been swept down by the ent. The whole annals of romance, short, contain no adventures more ing, no incidents more intensely resting, no such "hair-breadth" -pes, as those which abound in the ory of the Covenant, and which corrate the well-known statement,

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SCOTTISH COVENANTERS THE WOMEN. They were high-hearted women, those of the Covenanting times! true, full of a noble simplicity, blended with yet a nobler guile-most disinterested in their attachment, most devoted to their principles, and equally brave and sagacious in the use of means in their husbands' or lovers' rescue or defence. Their ornaments were not of gold, or pearls, or costly array-the simple snood, the coif, the plaid, were their dress, but there was that within which passed show, and the enthusiasm which pervaded Scotland nowhere beat more powerfully than in the hearts of her daughters. Now, they concealed their husbands under beds, or in lumber-rooms, and they went out and firmly met the pursuers, and answered their questions. Now when their husbands were away with their babes to be baptized at conventicles, and when the dragoons came in search, they filled the empty cradles with rags, and continue to rock them, lest the absence of the infants should awaken suspicions as to the errand of the parents. Now, like the immortal Bessie Maclure, in Scott, they sate at the turning of two ways, at the even-tide, and warned the lonely fugitive that there was a lion in the path. Now, they assisted their husbands in scooping out hollow spots of refuge among the hills. Many a time and oft did they keep the midnight-fire burning in their cots, and have a midnight-morsel ready, that their husbands-cold, and wet, and hungrymight steal in and spend an hour or two, in trembling joy, at their own hearthside. Often, when this was impossible, whenever the darkness fell, and the darker the better-and better still if the wind was loud, and the rain falling thick

did these gallant matrons lift up their small bundles of provisions, draw their plaids closely around them, and set out to visit the dark caverns, or pits, or the sides of precipices, where their husbands were lurking, and feed and comfort them there. When tried by horrid tortures to reveal the spots of their retreat, they refused. When led out, as was often the case, to die beside them, they took it right iovfully. And many

a drink of whey and piece of oat-cake did they, standing at the door of their dwellings, give, at the hazard of their own safety, to haggard wayfaring-men, who were pursued by the voice of the blood of Magus Muir, or fleeing from the echo of the rout of Bothwell.

THE GRAVE OF LAZARUS.-I perceive four strong men on their journey toward Lazarus' grave, for the purpose of raising him to life. One of them, who is eminent for his piety, says, "I will descend into the grave, and will take with me a bowl of the salt of duties, and will rub him well with the sponge of natural ability." He enters the grave, and commences his rubbing process. I watched his opera tions at a distance, and after awhile inquired, "Well, are there any symptoms of life there? Does he arise, does he breathe, my brother?" "No such thing," replied he, "he is still quiet, and I cannot salt him to will-and besides this, his smell is very offensive." "Well," says the second, " 'come you out; I was afraid that your means would not answer the purpose; let me enter the grave." The second enters, carrying in his hand a whip of the scorpions of threatening, and, says he, "I will make him feel." He directs his scorpion and fiery ministry at the dead corps; but in vain, and I hear him crying out, "All is unsuccessful; dead he is after all!" Says the third, "Make room for me to enter, and I will see if I cannot bring him to life." He enters the grave, and takes with him a musical pipe; it is melodious as the song of love; but there is no dancing in the grave. The fourth says, "Means of themselves can effect nothing, but I will go for Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life." Immediately he leaves to seek for Christ and speedily returns, accompanied by the Saviour. And when the Lord came, he stands at the door of the sepulchre, and cries out, 66 Lazarus, come forth!" and the dead body is instantaneously instinct with life. Let our confidence be in the voice of the Son of God. And let us turn our faces toward the wind, and say, "O breath, come from the four winds, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live!" Christmas Evans.

PETER NEVER prove that Peter shall have forged great chain of tr working the do After our Lord's a stayed about a yea he went down to S after this we find h In the two follo Lydda and Joppa. to Cesarea. Soon at Jerusalem, whe into prison by Her death by the angel is kept of the plac next three or four A.D. 48, presiding of the church at J this council broke famous contest wi after that apostle and, from this time is altogether silent So Peter never was the founder of the that city. Indeed never positively ass Bishop of Rome, bu first bishop; and Pa to the Roman christ does not mention t having ever been at

"UNCLE TOM."flesh, and the devil, Great was the victo glory. In this wor a greater army tha commanded. Lord him a place in The poor give him a by their fire sides. him. Angels honor hi Tom out of their hea very well in. The two men after their d distinction as their ton's honors are a g roar of cannons. U are not show and n tears. Wellington's are within. Wellin nation, Tom's are in lington's are temporal "Thanks be unto Go Victory through our Wellingt

FOREIGN.

Baptisms.

IA, Khári.—On sabbath-day, the f May, four persons were baptized ded to the church at this place. aurá.-Mr. Smith informs us:he first sabbath in May, I had the re of baptizing the Gosáin I ht from the Bhuteshwar melà last aber. He promises to be a most man in connexion with our Mission. vife and son have joined him, and e family are, in appearance, both

table and sincere."

ore.-Mr. Parry writes:-"In the of April, ten disciples put on the Jesus Christ by baptism. Six were zed at Sátberiyá, and four at this The latter belong to the Jessore school."

agepore-Mr. Smylie writes:-"On st of May, I had the pleasure to ze one person. He was a Musalformerly. His faith in Christ was essed with much simplicity. He is d man and cannot have very long to

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the very gate of heaven; that here Jesus
the King of Zion meets his people,

"unveils his lovely face,

And sheds his grace abroad."
The service soon began, and was attended
to with much interest throughout. Many
found it to be an affecting and refreshing
season. Mingled emotions were expressed
by tears and songs. Sacred sorrows and
joys have their peculiar sweetness; it is
sweet to weep and sweet to rejoice when
Jesus manifests his mercy and kindness.
Some whom Jesus loved and had given

himself for them were constrained that

day by his love to make a public pro-
fession that they were not their own, but
were bought with a price, the precious
blood of Christ, and therefore desired to
glorify him in their spirits and their
bodies, which were his. Agreeable to his
command and example they were im-
mersed in water in his name before
many witnesses, while the glowing senti-
ments of their hearts were-

"Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead,
We'll follow where he goes."

They were all comparatively young.
Grace had distinguished them as the
converts of Jesus, and on this, the day
of their public espousal, they enjoyed the
sweetness of union with him, and of fel-
lowship with his people, and said, "It
was the happiest day of their lives."
Blunham.

W. A.

E BAPTIZING DAY.-The walk to
illage chapel was remarkably plea- INSKIP, Lancashire. We had an in-
; it was one of the finest mornings teresting service on August 7. The dis-
mmer; the rural scenery surround- course in the chapel, from "If ye love
s, and as seen in the distance, was me, keep my commandments," was at-
htful, displaying the varied wisdom tentively listened to by a large congre-
goodness of God. It was a summer's gation. At the water-side, the pastor
e, and a sabbath-day, and the heart announced that one of the candidates
grateful for the mercies connected had been restrained, by an injunction
such happy associations. Our from her parents, not to be baptized that
ghts, however, were chiefly occupied day; and hoped that those who had
the solemn and interesting services caused the delay would reflect on their
it to be engaged in. Many fervent conduct, and display a more christian
weis had been offered to God that spirit. Having read the narrative of the
ning, who, in answer, crowned the eunuch's baptism, and briefly addressed
with loving kindnesses and tender the spectators, he proceeded solemnly to
cies. After a few miles walk we immerse, into the names of the Sacred
hed the chapel. The seats were Three, a young female disciple, the
fly occupied; persons of various daughter of pious parents who are mem-
composed the congregation, divers bers with us. This is the third child of
ghts occupying their minds. Some that family which has thus put on Christ.
e true worshippers, others came Oh, for an increase of family religion!
ely to see. We felt that this was We hope to report further additions
e other than the house of God, and shortly.

1

SHIFFNAL, Salop-Zion Chapel.-Being on a visit to this place on Lord's-day, July 24, I went, as in former times, to the above place, where I was agreeably surprised to find that

"The sacred flood was full in view,"

He

for the boards covering the baptistry were off. I could wish they were always off, every sabbath day. Mr. Crumpton, of Oswestry, preached from the question, "What mean ye by this service?" observed that every religious observance has a meaning-that it is lawful and right to inquire that meaning-that we ought to be able to tell the meaning. Baptism is a religious ordinance; it is, 1st, a test of obedience. 2nd. An introduction into the christian church. 3rd. An emblem of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He then immersed a candidate, who had been for some years a local preacher amongst the New Connexion Methodists. At the water-side, this friend confessed his faith in Christ Jesus, and told us why he had so long delayed to follow him in his appointed way. In the afternoon we surrounded the Lord's table, where our newly-baptized brother was united to the little church, and we enjoyed a season of delight and holy communion with God. This church is, at present, in a low condition, and without a minister. We pray that better days may come. They have a nice chapel, but it is not by any means well attended. I found, from brief inquiries, that disunion is the alleged cause of their depressed state. When will churches learn that union is strength? T. M.

SOUTHSEA.-On Wednesday, July 27, our pastor, Mr. Cox, baptized eight believers on the profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; four were males and four females: four were of one family, two brothers and two sisters; and two of them were members of an Independent church. These were all added to our fellowship. May the good Lord bless them; and send us soon another such a day, yea, many more such days. T. T. BLACKBURN, Branch Road.-On Lord'sday evening, July 10, we again witnessed the pleasing sight of six disciples following the example, and obeying the command, of the Saviour, by baptism. We rejoice that God is thus answering our pravers, and blessing Mr. Barker's labours

LIMPLEY STOK any of our fello through the grace their sin, and se cross for salvatio among the glorifi and many on ea glorious change rej prompts me to inf lieving and willing and three females, of the dear Redeen honoured ordinanc in the river Avon, our village, on Lor 24, when about 10 on its banks to wit We commenced by

"In Jordan's tide and after prayer, a pressive address u design of the ordina Mr. Wassell of Ba and then our minis the candidates into mersed them into th and of the Son, and Many felt it to be a great the contrast b sprinkling! Our with attentive liste day. In the after tized were taken i with our church. O ing one of them, sta seventeenth of that been now so united church. Two of ther in our sabbath sch done great things f are glad!

CLEVEDON, near B day evening, August pleasure of witness obey their Lord's d down into the water him in baptism. On the other seven we them young. It wa believe more will so work is going on.

BEDALE. Our pa after a discourse on portance of christian two believers on a pro in Christ, on sabbatl On the following sal ceived into fellowship May they walk worth

ORPE-LE-SOKEN, Essex.-On Lord'suly 17, one young man was bapat the above place after a sermon "What mean ye by this service?" was listened to with marked attenThe candidate, who had for several been connected with the Wesleyans, for the last eight years a local her, gave an interesting address at ater side, stating the reasons which duced him to take this step. We et the following-He had been, early life, of a studious and indeent turn of mind, but having been rted to God through the instrumenof a Wesleyan minister, the subf believers baptism had not occuhis thoughts until the last three or ears. This was brought about by yerful study of the New Testament. ead much on both sides of the quesand his conviction became stronger the baptism of believers by immern water was the only scriptural way filling the command of Christ. He he had been a baptist in principle ome time, but now he should be a ugh baptist. He felt much regret aving his former friends, some of indulged a sarcastic smile or a nt jest; still the idea of honestly ing out his convictions, through the e of Christ, overcame all opposition, now his willing footsteps were moving e way the Saviour trod. A solemn ng pervaded the audience while the ce was conducted, and many said never witnessed a more interesting 2. In the afternoon the newly bapcandidate was received into the wship of the church, and the Lord's er was administered. J. B. ILFORD HAVEN.-June 26, Lord'sat nine o'clock A. M., an immense d of spectators had assembled to witthe baptismal scene. Mr. Thomas, esteemed pastor, delivered an approe address, based on the words, "Why izest thou then ?" after which he ized eight young persons in the tide ur splendid harbour, each of whom = members and fruits of the bible ses. We are happy to be able to add our prospects at present are very uraging. There are several more irers. J. W. HAMMERSMITH. On July 3, two evers were baptized into Christ, and ook with us at his table afterwards. J. H. P.

PADIHAM, Lancashire.-On the first sabbath in May, our pastor, Mr. Wood, baptized three young persons, who were received the same evening. On the first sabbath in July, four others were baptized and added-all females. Three of these also are young, and, with the former, are likely to be very useful in the cause of their Redeemer. Out of the above seven, six of them are from the sabbath school, and five of them are now teachers. This, I think, shows the benefit of sabbath schools, and the importance of early instruction in christianity. For, alas! too many of those who are grown to years of maturity have hearts which seem to be hardened against the truth. On sabbath afternoons, Mr. Wood teaches a class of young men, and then gives a lecture to the whole school on the history of some of the most prominent characters in scripture, which seems to have a very beneficial effect. J. A.

WIGAN, Lord Street.-On Thursday evening, July 28, four young females put on the Lord Jesus Christ by baptism. They had been connected with our sabbath school from their infancy, and made proof of their attachment to it by becoming teachers. Though young in years, they had long been, both as scholars and teachers, a pattern to others. Their attainments in scriptural knowledge, and the marked consistency of their conduct for a long season, has afforded the church much pleasure in admitting them to membership. May they be long spared for further usefulness; and may their example induce many others to "go and do likewise."

W.

CHELSEA, Paradise Chapel.-We had an interesting service, July 31, in the above place. The sermon was preached by Mr. Cole, who enforced the duty and privilege of every christian to attend to the ordinance of baptism. The ordinance was administered by Mr. Whimper. One of the candidates was the wife of one of the deacons; the other was a young female. May they go on their way rejoicing!

SANTHILL KENTISBEER, Devon.—On Thursday afternoon, June 30, Mr. Pulsford baptized three believers on a profession of faith in Christ: and on Thursday, August 4, three more; two of them teachers. These were received into the fellowship of the church. Others are inquiring, and we hope will soon follow their example. C. B.

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