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guage, for the glosses of men do but widen it."

His patience, both in illness, and under the faults of others, was exceedingly great. He seemed, through mercy, continually kept low at the foot of the cross. Being favoured with a deep sense of his own unworthiness, and also of his Saviour's infinite condescension and long-suffering towards him; he was enabled, from the heart to forgive others, and to think all too good for him.

It was astonishing how many persons applied to M. d' Alêt respecting their spiritual concerns. Some of the most eminently pious characters who lived in the same century as himself, were formed under his direction; and he was instrumental in the conversion of not a few of the rich and noble of this world, who thereby happily became rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God hath prepared for all who love him. He appeared continually impressed with the worth of immortal souls, and very often said to different members of his flock: "Souls, my brethren, are of equal value, O! that we were but deeply persuaded of it! A poet has said, that the beetle which is crushed unheeded, feels a pang as great as when a giant dies. Though this is more poetic than philosophic as it respects the body, how true is it in the second death, in the death of the soul! There the wretch who expires on the dunghill, or the prince who departs from a silken couch, alike feel the relentless gnawing of the worm that dieth not; and writhe in equal torture on the bed of flames that will never be quenched! An equal hell awaits sinners of every rank; an equal heaven invites every seeker; an equal Saviour died for every individual soul. O! let us go to Calvary and Golgotha to learn how very precious is the very least and meanest in the sight of Christ

our Saviour. Let us go daily to Gethsemane and to the sepulchre, to learn how we ought to love and bear on cur hearts every soul of man!" M. d'Alêt knew both the temporal and spiritual wants of every single individual throughout the whole of his extensive diocese. This was actually the case respecting even children above ten years old; and there was not, even the meanest shepherd's boy, whose situation he did not thoroughly inquire into once every year. If any lads appeared to have good parts, he placed them in seminaries, which he had established in every town; and he kept a peculiarly watchful eye over any who seemed seriously disposed; and if they showed talents, he reserved such for the ministry. He often watched over them for years; nor did he ever regard expense in their education, when they appeared likely to prove a blessing to the church. Perhaps it cannot be said with truth of many other bishops, besides M. d'Alêt, that he never ordained ANY individual, who was not a decidedly religious character, He often said, that he considered that bishops could have no power to ordain, but where they saw those fruits, which prove the Spirit of God to have first called.

Nothing could exceed the pastoral care which M. d'Alêt bestowed on those young men who were candidates for the ministry. He required of them, above all, a deep and assiduous study of Scripture. He was not fond of encouraging young divines in philosophical speculations and controversial discussions. He often said, he wished them not merely to be well versed in the letter of Holy Writ; but to have a knowledge of Scripture by the science of the heart; for it is with the heart only that man can believe unto righteousness. "It is not," he observed, "in order to obtain a reputation for learning, nor yet

from the mere pleasure of acquiring knowledge, that we should study; but simply and practically in order to learn the science of salvation, and to be enabled really to serve our brethren. Study and prayer must be conducted in one and the same spirit; and they should be constantly and inseparably united. We should read comparatively little; but meditate much and pray much. That is the way, and the only way, to become solidly grounded. Rapid studies only glide over the surface of the mind; and often increase ignorance, by the confused traces they leave. Only that which is deeply engraven upon the heart and mind, can ever be ready for immediate

use.

M. d' Alêt's information respect ing the female part of his flock was equally extensive and correct. This accurate investigation was accomplished by means of numerous societies, which he instituted in the different towns in his diocese, and superintended himself; although they chiefly consisted of ladies of high birth and fortune. The objects of these societies were peculiarly those of instructing and relieving their own sex; uniting the offices of nursing the sick, instructing the ignorant, and giving spiritual help to the distressed. Two of their most important aims were, teaching domestic management to the poor, and forming schools for girls. It was greatly by means of these societies, that the good bishop acquired so extensive an acquaintance with his diocese, and it was truly astonishing how great a blessing accompanied the labours of those truly devoted women. Their footsteps might be traced almost by the reformation visible. Perhaps few since the Apostles days better fulfilled the object they had in view, viz. a conformity, through a loving faith, to both the active and contemplative life of Christ. They pos

sessed a deep experimental knowledge of their own unworthiness, and of Christ's fulness; and though they felt that they were nothing, yet they found Christ to be their all in all, and looked continually to him with a lively loving faith. They confessed themselves so destitute of every good thing, that they were compelled moment by moment to go to the Saviour, and draw out of his fulness. From him who never spake as man spake, did they seek a mouth and utterance; from him who is a wonderful counsellor, and who is made unto us wisdom, did they ask spiritual wisdom. On him that was strong, did they wait to renew their strength; and from the Lamb, who bore our iniquities, and was slain for us, did they seek true love and patience. He was their Redeemer; and while they desired every moment to rely on his strength, they felt the absolute necessity of continually applying for fresh forgiveness through his precious blood. The Bishop of Alêt formed very similar institutions among the men; nevertheless, as he considered that he must himself be accountable for his charge at the great day, he did not blindly trust the report of any persons, however excellent.

He divided his diocese into ten districts. When upwards of seventy, he always resided one month in the year in each; so that he was every year three months at Alêt, and nine months in making the tour of his diocese. During these pastoral visits, his labour was almost incredible. He saw and spake to every individual himself; and laid down a plan of instruction for the pastor of the place till the next year. The difficulties and dangers through which M. d'Alêt was carried in these visits were striking proofs of the unspeakable love of our Saviour: of his pity to the poor of his flock; and of his faithfulness to those who put their

trust in him, and who have been sent forth by his Spirit to preach his dying love and quickening power to poor ignorant sinners.

The diocese of Alêt or Alais is situated near the foot of the Pyrenees. Whoever may have seen the dreadful passes in these mountains, will be convinced that grace, and not nature, could alone have induced an aged man, when above seventy, to tempt them every month. Some of the places had no road, but a path scooped out of the rock; in others, the footing was washed away by torrents, and only a few loose stones remained. Over these tremendous passes, the litter of M. d' Alêt was constantly seen to traverse. Frequently the road was too narrow for its width, and it was seen overhanging precipices a quarter of a mile in perpendicular depth; in which one false step of either mule must have infallibly precipitated him. On such occasions, it was delightful to see the people's love for their aged pastor; the young shepherds fell on their knees in prayer for his preservation, whilst the hoaryheaded ones, whose faith was stronger, seemed to chide their doubts, exclaiming, "God is with him! his footsteps shall not slide." There are several hamlets belonging to the village of Alêt, which are both remote and difficult of access. A poor woman who was exceedingly ill, desired her husband to go to the curate and request him to come, and to administer the sacrament immediately. It was very late in the evening and quite dark. As the roads were besides covered with snow and exceedingly dangerous, the curate did not like to go at such an My good friend," said he, perhaps your wife may not be so ill as you imagine. You see the weather; besides, at this late hour, consider the imminent danger of falling over the precipices. I will wait on your wife early to-morrow,

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but it is out of the question tonight."-The poor man, almost in despair, ran to the Episcopal Palace, and stated his case. M. d' Alêt was gone to bed. He, however, immediately rose. On look→ ing out of the window, and seeing that the weather was really bad, he ordered the torches to be lighted, and prepared to go himself. The grand vicar, astonished, asked if he had not better order the curate to go, and do what was in fact his duty. "No," said the Bishop, "not for this once; a Bishop, a Christian overseer at the head of his flock, like Cæsar at the head of his legions, should, if he mean to succeed, oftener say venite (come) than ite (go)."

The Bishop possessed a very happy way of explaining himself in a few words. A person, who had long practised many austerities, without finding any comfort or change of heart, was once complaining to the Bishop, “Alas,” said he, "self-will and self-righteousness follow me every where; only tell me where you think I shall learn to leave self. Will it be in discipline, in study, in prayer, or in good works?" “I think,” replied the prelate," the place where you will lose self, will be that where you find your Saviour." Another person pleading in behalf of uniting worldly acquaintance with religious professions, said, "Believers are called to be the salt of the earth." Yes," said M. d'Alêt, "and yet if salt be cast into the ocean from which it was originally drawn, it will melt away and vanish entirely." A person once excusing his non-attendance on public worship, by pleading the disagreeable appearance and manner of the minister, "Let us look more at our Saviour, and less at the instruments," said M. d'Alêt; "Elijah was as well nourished, when the bread from heaven was brought by a raven, as Ishmael, when the spring of water

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was revealed to him by an angel. Whether then we are fed immediately from God, as the Israelites, with manna in the wilderness, or by the glorious instrumentality of those who may seem to us as angels; or by the base one of those who appear to us contemptible, let us be content and thankful, if they are but appointed of God, and if it be the bread and water of life that they bring."

M. d' Alêt's manners were uncommonly sweet and prepossessing: and he strongly recommended Christian politeness to others, as a constant exercise of love, patience, humility, and self-denial. He looked as constantly to Christ in little things as great; nevertheless, no one ever bore with greater kindness the entire want of these things in others, or was more united in heart to them where they were so with Christ. " My dear friends." he used to say to his flock, "never forget it is your glorious privilege to be a chosen generation; a holy nation; a peculiar people; and a royal priesthood. Let us then resemble the high Priest, who when he was anointed with that sacred unction, let the oil run down to the very hems and fringes of his garment, that even the smallest parts might shed the fragrant perfume of the sanctuary. But, do not cultivate a fastidious delicacy towards others, in making requisitions you find it so hard to comply with yourselves. Be content, if by a living faith they cleave in sincerity to Christ our Saviour; even if their manners are sometimes rough and unpolished. Remember, though their hands be those of

Esau, you will find their voices and their hearts are still belonging to Jacob.”

All M. d' Alêt's household appeared to partake in different degrees of the same spirit. The ministers who resided with him were all men of genuine piety; some of them also possessed deep learning. Those chiefly assisted the Bishop in drawing up instructions for his diocese. Even the very servants breathed the same spirit. Their recollection, silence, humility, obedience, and exactness, was truly edifying; and they performed their business with wonderful attention and seemed to live in a constant spirit of prayer and praise.

Such was the house of the Bishop of Alêt; such is a brief view of the character of that excellent man, that apostolic pastor of a Christian Church, and that humble saint rejoicing in persecution for Christ's sake: whom the great of this world treated as the very offscouring of the earth, and that because he refused to sign an iniquitous formulary of persecution-a formulary which denounced banishment, imprisonment, and death against the true servants of our Lord Jesus Christ-a formulary, which, whilst it was the means of bestowing the crown of martyrdom on some, has been a stumbling-block to thousands.

The court never forgave him for refusing his assent to the persecutions of the Jansenists; and he died in disgrace in the year 1677, having attained to the venerable age of eighty.

CHRISTIANA..

HINTS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION.
FROM A CLERGYMAN TO HIS PARISHIONERS.

IF Christians were every night to call themselves to a strict account for the actions of the past day, and were also at all other suitable opportunities seriously to examine into the state of their hearts before God; they would greatly promote, through the merits of Jesus Christ and the gracious influences of the Divine Spirit, the best and eternal iuterests of their souls.

It is good for me to draw near to God.-Psa. lxxiii. 28.

I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. - Psa. cxix. 59.

Thus saith the Lord of Hosts; Consider your ways.—Hag. i. 7.

At those times let some such inquiry as the following be made :

Now that I am retired from the world, and am seen by no mortal eye, let me solemnly ask myself; Whether I approach God with profound reverence, with a deep and awful sense of the greatness of his Majesty, the purity of his Holiness, the wonderful extent of his mercy, and the immutability of his justice;-Exod. iii. 5.; Eccles. v. 2.; Exod. xv. 11.; 1 Chron. xxix. 11.; Isa. xlv. 21.

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that they make known to us the only means of salvation; and that they testify of Christ?—John, v.

39.

Do I ever make any irreverent mention of the name of God?Exod. xx. 7.; Isa. lii. 5.

Do I religiously observe the duties of the Sabbath day?-Exod. xx. 8.; Isa. lvi. 2.

Do I abstain from the holy ordinance of the Lord's Supper, from a consciousness that I live in allowed habitual sin, or in the neglect of enjoined duties; or from illfounded apprehensions of the peril of the unworthy receiving thereof? -1 Cor. xi. 29.; Acts, viii. 22.

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Does my act of communicating in this Holy Sacrament imply an confession of my guilt and ruined state; my faith in the atonement of Christ, and in the necessity, reality, and suitableness of his sacrifice and vicarious sufferings; and is it a strong expression of my love and gratitude to him? Is it a declaration that I forgive those who have injured me, and that I am desirous of living peaceably with all men?-Rom. v. 11. ; vii. 24.; xii. 18.

Am I careful to exhort my children and household, to keep the way of the Lord; to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God?—Gen. xviii. 19.; Micah, vi. 8.

Do I call my family together every morning and evening, to joinin prayer to God?—Josh. xxiv. 15.

In what sinful pleasure or pursuit have I denied myself this day for Christ's sake?-Luke, ix. 23.

Am I a companion of them that fear God and keep his precepts; or do I associate with wicked and ungodly men?-Psalm cxix. 59.; Prov. xiii. 20.

Have I transgressed or neglected any of the duties of my station, as

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