pare them for Sunday School instruction? Who reverence the Sabbath, and feel anxious to cooperate in the exertions lately made to effect a due observance of it? Who commiserate in any measure as they ought, the sad condition of the Jews, the Heathens, or even the poor in our own land? What is contributed by you towards the spread of Christ's salvation throughout a miserable world? The present is a period of unprecedented inquiry, and it is the bounden duty of every individual who acknowledges the divine inspiration of the holy scriptures, to lend his aid in every possible way to publish them throughout the whole earth. The societies which are labouring to promote this object have shared largely in the divine favour; and their beneficent spirit is at this moment commending itself to Jews and Gentiles abroad, and to our fellow-subjects at home; but more ample means are wanted: and will you hesitate whether you will assist in the relief of sinners perishing for lack of knowledge; 29 whether

you will convey the bread and water of life, spiritual and eternal, to those who are hungry and thirsty, "whose souls faint in them ?" What sacrifice have you ever made in this righteous cause? What time have you ever spent in meditation upon the worth of never-dying souls ? What anxiety have you ever manifested to make known to sinners, in 66 the language in which they were born, the wonderful works of God?" What would have been your present condition if Christian love had not influenced some devoted Missionary to visit your shores and to make known the unsearchable riches of Christ? Learn the scriptural lesson of "doing to others as you would they should do unto you;" and while you bask in the sun-shine of privileges, beware of a doom similar to that which is threatened in Judges v. 23. "Curse ye Meroz (said the angel of the

Lord), curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty."

It has long been my anxious wish that you should possess the Homilies of our Church, which most deservedly claim the attention of all her members, especially at a period when infidelity and tradition are putting forward such bold claims. In the Homilies the unscriptural pretensions of both are detected and unveiled; the divine inspiration of the Bible is firmly maintained; the 'truth which is worthy of all acceptation" is urged with the earnestness its importance demands; and whether we seek the confirmation of that truth or the refutation of error, we may consult them with the certainty of meeting solid argument; and as is stated in the 35th article, 'godly and wholesome doctrine, necessary for these times.' The Association for discountenancing Vice have made a very liberal reduction in the price of the Homilies, and I would most strongly recommend you to purchase this valuable work, whilst you can obtain it on such reasonable terms.*

The year 1825, which was ushered in with such gloomy forebodings, has had a peaceable termination, and has left behind it a proof of no small value, that it is a vain thing for man, who cannot look before him for a single instant, to expect the fulfilment of any prophecy, save that which is contained in the word, and designed to exhibit the glory of God. What He foretells will most assuredly come to pass; for Almighty Power can accomplish whatever infinite wisdom appoints to be done. The purpose of Jehovah cannot be defeated; and although the kings of the earth were to set

* Persons residing in England may obtain the Book of Homilies, either from the Prayer Book and Homily Society, or the Bartlett's Buildings Society, at a very low rate.

SIR,-In perusing an article in a former number of your miscellany, headed "On the duties of a Christian Minister," I was very much struck, in not perceiving any mention made of what I conceive to be a highly important part of his sacred office. It is most readily acknowledged, that he who ministers in holy things, and feels the awful responsibility that rests upon him, will be most anxious in a clear and scriptural manner, to preach among men "the glorious gospel of the blessed God." He will also be conscientiously concerned to adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour, by manifesting, at all times, a conduct accordant thereto; while, at the same time, he will seek, by fervent supplication, for the divine benediction to accompany his labours. All this I willingly admit forms a part, and a very important part, of his duty, as a Christian minister; but in our conscientious regard to attend to that which is more public, we should not be unmindful of that which is confessedly of a more private nature. It is, I conceive, of great moment to a minister of the gospel, that he should become acquainted with the spiritual wants of his flock, so that he may be able to give "to every man his portion of meat in due season." If he is ignorant of these things, his preaching must be of a general kind, and not adapted to the circumstances of his congregation, and consequently edify but a few. The remedy for this, is the performance of that part of his duty, which is much neglected in these days, namely, visiting the people. It is unnecessary to advance any remarks, in order to

prove that it is his duty; but some advantages may be mentioned, which to one who wishes to be a faithful steward of the "mysteries of the kingdom," will be argument sufficient to induce him to give to it that attention which it requires. He will thus become acquainted with the spiritual necessities of his flock, obtain much matter for his public discourses, have many opportunities afforded him of doing good, and more closely bind the affections of his people to himself and ministry. Allow me one remark on the last of these advantages. It is, I fear, to the neglect of this duty that many ministers have to see almost empty pews from Sabbath to Sabbath, and find but little cordial attachment from those whose spiritual welfare ought to be near their hearts. It cannot be imagined surely, that to discharge his public duty is all that is required of a minister of Christ, and that when this is accomplished, all is done. The Apostle went from house to house, and those whom his public discourses could not reach, were taught and edified by his private conversations. And if the Apostle were imitated more, in this respect, than he is, I doubt not but many would derive great benefit therefrom, and many members of different families be induced to come and listen to the " glad tidings of great joy." These observations are presented for insertion in your miscellany, as some addition to what I conceive is wanting in your former correspondent's remarks on the duties of a Christian Minister,

I. D.

"No affliction for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, yet afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness to those who are exercised thereby." Such was the language of one "who spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost," and daily experience furnishes ample demonstration of the truth of the position. Sorrow is indeed the universal portion of humanity, and the draught however bitter, all are compelled to drink. To some characters it is all bitter, with no intermingling sweet; but there are others to whom the severest trials of life, though, like the nauseous medicine bitter to the taste, are healing in their influence. Have the storms of life, and the darkness of tribulation lowered terrific above our desponding heads? yet when the darkness was fled, and the storm was over and gone, we have probably discovered some temptation avoided, some difficulty escaped, and some blessing obtained. Have we been suddenly deprived of any object, the possession of which we had once imagined essential to our happiness, and inseparably blended with our peace, yet perhaps the brightest hopes we have ever indulged, the most substantial happiness we have ever enjoyed, have been the result of what we had thought could only be replete with agony and distress? Has the destructive shaft of death removed the dearest objects of our love, or burst asunder those tender ties which twined in sweet affection round our hearts? yet if fellow-citizens of the

saints, we could resign them with a hope full of immortality," and look forward to the time when our souls will be reunited in ties which death can never separate, or eternity dissolve ;-while their decease has weaned us more from the world, has elevated our affections from its perishing trifles, to that "land of pure delight" where our treasure is deposited, and whither all our hopes converge. Or if we were still" aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenant of promise," yet perhaps as we closed their lifeless eye, as we kissed their chilly brow, or followed their inanimate remains in tearful sadness to their tomb; the spirit of God was operating upon our souls with energy divine, and rendering even their decease instrumental in introducing our souls into spiritual and renewed existence; then it is that we realize the truth of the poets assertion, that

"Smitten friends,

Are angels sent on messages of love; For us they languish, and for us they die."

And thus reviewing the dealings of providence, how even trials are made productive of good, and the rod of affliction is made the sceptre of mercy; we are led to exclaim with the bewildered apostle, "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the power of God; how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out."

One morning that I had just finished my breakfast, and was arranging my diversified engagements for the day, I was aroused by a knock at the door and was informed that Betty Hwanted

to speak with me.

Well Betty, said I, as she entered the room, what is the matter?

thing for you that lies in my power, Betty, let me hear your request. Why sir, my son Jem has been along with them vile soldiers, and they have listed him.”

I am very sorry to hear it Betty, but I do not see how I can serve you in this affair.

"Oh sir! they'll hearken to a gentleman like you, and let the poor lad go again. I am sure if they don't I shall break my heart."

Well Betty, I will do what I can for you, but I assure you I have little hope of succeeding; in the meanwhile I would entreat you to pray earnestly to God, not only to support you under the trial, but to make it beneficial to your soul; and then you will have reason to bless Him that He sent it. With this I dismissed the disconsolate woman, and began to consider what means would be most likely to obtain the liberation of her son.

With how melancholy a picture, thought I, as I walked into the village where the company was then quartered; -are we furnished by war, of the degradation and depravity of human nature. Ambition stifles every finer sensibility; removes humanity from its possessor's bosom; tramples without remorse upon every social and public enjoyment; and slaughters thousands, to feed the sordid appetites of a few. And the man who lives and acts according to its dictates, will seek to realize his towering schemes through fire and pestilence and blood, till like another Alexander he would weep that there were no more kingdoms to destroy.-Oh! when we behold, not only the peace of families for ever blasted, but whole nations sinking by its accursed influence into desolation and contempt, who does not pray that the glorious epoch may approach when the divine Melchisedec shall sway his peaceful sceptre from the river to the ends of the earth," and all mankind shall feel and exemplify the pacific spirit of the

gospel. Let us rejoice that the period is hastening; for "the mouth of the Lord of Hosts" hath declared that 66 he will judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree and none shall make them afraid." Yes

"The dawn will burst, the glorious sun arise,

When, as the night, will fade each dark disguise;

No more destruction's thunderbolt be hurl'd,

Nor tyrants longer desolate the world; No more pale murder raise her standard high,

And blood-stain'd trophies charm the jaundic'd eye,

That time shall come, blest be the prospect fair,

When friendship's shout shall rend the ambient air,

When no dark policy shall discord fan, But man, behold a brother's face in

man.

Betty H—was born and brought up in the village of D- and though her life had been an uniform course of sorrow and trial, she had never yet been compelled to quit the village of her birth; she was married quite young to a man who made a much better companion at the ale house than at his own home, and from whom she had received little else than unkindness, and neglect. By him she had six children, four of whom were now sleeping, with their father, beneath the clods of the valley,

66 Where hearts never sorrow, and where eyes never weep."

The first time I became acquainted with her, was by accidentally hearing of her distress in the following manner. I was one day, shortly after my settlement at D—, walking slowly along when I overtook