there is joy on earth among the faithful servants of God.

The father of this family received from God this new life. He began to consider and reflect upon his conduct and circumstances. "Now, mother," said he to his wife, "we are all wrong." To the sincere conviction that all was wrong succeeded, by the grace of God, the desire for all that was right. He went no more to the public-house: the money that was formerly spent there was employed in buying decent furniture for their home soon, in the place of the shavings, was seen a bedstead and a bed; instead of the old basket, a deal-table; instead of the saucepans, six rushbottomed chairs. The rags which covered their bodies were thrown away; and in their stead might be seen decent, comfortable clothing.

So true is the observation that has been made, that there is always a relationship between the character of an individual and his outward circumstances. Wherefore we earnestly endeavour to urge upon those who desire to discharge to the poor the duty committed to them by the Lord, to begin with considering the spiritual state of those whom they wish to serve. "Take care of the pennies," says the old proverb, and the pounds will take care of themselves.""Take care of a

man's soul," say we, "and that will take care of his body." We do not say that the poor do not need relief, help, comfort in temporal things, but only that such help is the lesser gift. In the case of the family whose story we have been relating, it does not appear that any pecuniary help was given. Their temporal comfort was produced by the change in themselves; and this, according to the words of scripture, "Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is

to come."

FRUITS OF FAITH*.

WHEN you have been enabled to lay hold of Christ by faith, you must ever keep alive an humble and prayerful spirit. Forget not that your course will ever be, whilst in the world, a constant contending against the stream. The progress of one rowing up the strong current of some rapid river altogether depends upon a persevering and diligent use of the means in his power, however abundantly they may have been provided. Thus, if he relax in his exertions he finds himself going rapidly back, it may be towards some expansive waters, or to the edge of some deep cataract, and in either case beset with many perils, and likely to prove his destruction. A place of safety is before him: he needs not the resting-places which present themselves on his right hand and on the left, however beautiful or captivating they may appear, for he knows their treacherous nature, he can place no confidence in them, they have no charms for him, he cannot tarry by the way; there is, in fact, no safe anchorage. These, however, as he leaves them behind, become gratifying land-marks and tests that he is getting nearer and nearer the appointed refuge. So, if you would reach the haven of eternal rest, keep your face turned Zionward, steer your bark right up the stream; for, the less deFrom "The Root of the Matter." London: Seeleys. 1852.

viation there is in the course of a boat going against a stream, the more rapid and easy is its progress. Keep, therefore, a straight and an undeviating course, use diligently the means provided, relax not, or you go rapidly back: you cannot with safety stand still; if not growing in grace, you will be falling from it. Be instant in prayer, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. v. 17). Study God's written word deeply it is the Christian's chart, and must be constantly looked into; and Christ says, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me" (John v. 39).

makes by noting how he passes by degrees some As the rower only judges of the progress he stationary object, so do you likewise use the things of this world as your tests, to see whether not doing so; but where are your affections? Do you are progressing. You may think that you are you find them gradually becoming removed from the things of this world? If so, know that you of a full assurance of faith; for the attainment of are getting nearer and nearer the smooth waters which be diligently striving. It may be that God ment of this assurance; nay, even sometimes it is may see fit to keep you long from the full enjoyall their days. Thus, an eminent writer says, “A never granted; and many, therefore, go mourning man may have saving faith in Christ, and yet To believe and have a glimmering hope of acceptnever enjoy an assured hope like the apostle Paul. ance is one thing; to have joy and peace in our believing, and abound in hope, is quite another. All God's children have faith: all have not assurance. I think this ought never to be forgotten." And again he says, "I do not shrink from saying that by grace a man may have sufficient faith to flee to Christ, really to lay hold of him, really to trust in him, really to be a child of God, really to be saved; and yet to his last day be never free from much anxiety, doubt, and fear". But for all this it is attainable; and we have in scripture many instances of God's people being in full possession of this blessed state of mind. Thus, Job he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that and though after my skim worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job xix. 25, 26). David also says, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me" (Ps. xxiii. 4). And St. Paul says, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (2 Tim. i. 12).

says,

As a tree is known by its fruit whether it be good or bad, so will you be enabled to judge of your state by the fruit brought forth in your life. "By their fruits ye shall know them" (Matt. vii. 20), says our blessed Saviour; and, unless these testify that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you, you can never possess either a saving faith or an asof Christ, he is none of his" (Rom. viii. 9). It sured hope; for, "if any man have not the Spirit will be well, therefore, to lay before you some of the most prominent and marked evidences of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Of these there are

Rev, J, C. Ryle, on Assurance.

Let me beseech you, as one anxious for your welfare, and grieved to see God's house so much deserted, to pause and consider, ere it be too late, what a fearful condemnation you are incurring. When laid on a bed of sickness, racked with pain, with the fearful and dread certainty that death standeth at the door, what will your feelings be at the thought of the many opportunities you have despised for worshipping your Maker? Time is fast rolling on. It waits for no one. Add not another neglected sabbath to the many that have passed. Delay not one instaut. Determine in God's strength that you will for the future be found in your place at the house of prayer, Earnestly implore the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that you may be kept from falling back into your former neglect. None can expect the blessing of God unless found in the way without doubt he is everywhere; but it is expressly said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. xviii. 20).

You possibly say, we can worship God at home. Read the following passage in Heb. x. 25: "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is:" these words are plain, incontrovertible, and cannot be explained away. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. iii. 16). You are therefore left without excuse.

If you are the master of a family, or have some control over others, either by influence or command, be not satisfied with coming yourself: if so, your work is only half done. It is a beautiful thing to see a whole family worshipping God together. Say with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (xxiv. 15).

In conclusion, a few words may be addressed to those who are in the practice of attending regularly at the house of prayer, in the way of encouragement and caution. You are fulfilling a Christian duty. You are in the way, and therefore may expect a blessing. Read for your comfort the words of holy writ: "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it" (Isai. Iviii. 13, 14).

NOTICE OF BOOKS.

Among the books which have reached us are the following:

"Mercy to the Chief of Sinners: a Narrative." By the rev. W. Blood, M.A. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. This little work is the history of a remarkable work of grace in two guilty persons who suffered for a murder. Generally speaking, we far that the accounts of the repentance of criminals are too highly coloured; and we think that much caution should be exercised in the publication of them. But we consider the one before us an exceptional case, and trust that the view given in it of the mercy of Christ may be profitable to the readers. It has already, it appears, had a large circulation. The author is the clergyman so wonderfully preserved from the catastrophe of the "Amazon." We may add that this edition is accompanied by an introduction by Dr. Brownlee, an American clergyman, which we think injudicious and in bad taste. Mr. Blood's narrative needs no recommendation. We should advise the omission of Dr. Brownlee's observations in any future edition.

"The Future; or the Science of Politics." By A.

Alison, esq., author of "The Second Reformation." London: Rowsell. 1852. When this writer's "Second Reformation" appeared, we had to caution our readers against it. The present work is equally objectionable. In proof of what we say, we will extract one short sentence : "Instead of one class of miracles, let her (the protestant faith) protest against all unscriptural miracles; and, instead of justification by faith alone, let the banner of the reformed protestant church be justification by faith in the love of God and in the obedience of man (pp. 230-1). Mr. Alison is a superficial writer; and his productions are not of a nature, we think, to attract many readers. "Protestant Catholicism: being an attempt to investigate the true marks or characteristics of the catholic and apostolic church." By the rev. J. D. Schomberg, B.A., vicar of Polesworth, Warwickshire. London: Wertheim and Co. 1852. We cannot agree with Mr. Schomberg on all points; but there are some useful remarks in his little volume.

"Lectures on the Typical Character of the Jewish Tabernacle, Priesthood, and Sacrifices," preached during Lent, 1850. By the rev. F. D. Simpson, B.A., curate of Ickworth, Suffolk. London: Thompson. 1852. This book reached us so late in the month that we have not had time, as yet, fully to examine it; but with what we have seen we are much pleased. We shall hereafter notice it again.

We have also received "Ritual Worship: a sermon preached at the consecration of the church of St. Thomas, in Leeds, on the Feast of the Purification of St. Mary, 1852." By the rev. C. Dodgson, M.A.,

"What

rector of Croft. Leeds: Harrison. 1852. "Rome's

must I do?" London: Seeleys. 1852. Treatment of the Word of God: a lecture delivered in the Trinity school-room, Islington." By the rev. J. R Stock, M.A., incumbent of All Saints', Islington. London: Wertheim and Co. 1852. A good lecture, but we wish Mr. Stock had noted his authorities. "Do thyself no Harm: a tract." By the rev. B. H. Blacker, M.A., St. Mary's, Donnybrook. London: Wertheim and Co. 1852. Mr. Blacker's productions are always sensible and earnest. Messenger," parts VIII. and IX. Bradford: Parkinson. And the very useful and acceptable" Bradshaw's Railway and Steam Navigation Guide," for March. London: Adams.

"The Fraternal

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