late upon a subject which has already been very well handled; but to make some remarks upon another, which has some affinity to it, viz. The choice a Christian should make of a situation, when he is wearied with the concerns of business, and wishes for retirement. I am afraid that many estimable and useful persons are much too selfish in this choice. They inquire for a place where the Gospel is preached; where there is a delightful country, an agreeable society, and a flourishing interest, and then feel satisfied. Whereas, though I would not undervalue any of these things, I should think the first inquiry ought to be,- Where can I do the most good? How can 1 best employ the leisure I am now likely to have for the glory of God, and the good of my fellow-crea made a very extensive blessing to a whole neighbourhood, and thousands have risen up to call him blessed. Is the objection raised that I do not possess talents sufficient for such employments? We may reply, That we know not what we can do till we have tried; that we serve à Master who accepts us according to what we have, and not according to what we have not; and, that the greatest good has often been done, not by the greatest talents, but by the most diligent exertion of all that we possess. In the situations I have mentioned, there is no good man who might not be usefully employed, while in larger places, or in older and more flourishing churches, many individuals are allowed to remain idle, because there are enough to do the work without them. And, if we are to An answer to these questions be always abounding in the work will not, I imagine, be difficult. of the Lord, surely then princiHow many places are there where pally, when our time is altogether the gospel is not yet introduced, at our own command, and and where a person of respectabi- have much of it to devote to the lity and influence might bring it service of our God. tures? THE VALUE OF we RUFUSI THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. with the fairest prospect of success, as his countenance would materially abate the prejudices usually accompanying the entrance of the "new doctrine !" Other causes are in their infancy, perhaps are as yet without a minister, and require the fostering care of some one who SOME have frivolously attempthas had a long acquaintance with ed to shew their high regard for men and things, and can direct the Bible, by expensively adorning and guide those who are just en- it with silver, gold, and gems. tering upon the duties and difficul- Others, with superstitious credulities of the Christian warfare. In- ty, have carried it about with them numerable other places seem lan- as a sort of mystical spell, to proguishing, and the things that remain are ready to die. A little London-activity might renovate the church; and one person of wealth, and activity, and piety, who could shew them what ought to be done, and direct them how to set about it, might cause a moral revolution in the town. And we need not go far to find instances, in which a single individual has been tect them from demons and all kinds of dangers; or, laid it under their pillows as a certain cure for inveterate diseases. Reader, do you not smile at these instances of childish and pitiable weakness? Yet we may safely assert, that the Bible possesses a sacred charm, capable of preserving us from ten thousand mischiefs and miseries; but its efficacy arises from the ex ercise of faith, not from the dreams of fancy. "Thy word," says the Psalmist, "have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." The Scriptures are valuable to the Christian as a Directory. We are involved in darkness,-exposed to error and delusion. The Bible reveals those important truths which unassisted reason could never have discovered. With this Directory you may enter and explore that world within, which to most men is as unknown as the regions of the Moon. How many hideous and abominable idols, how many vile detestable thieves and robbers lodge in the secret chambers of the heart, which ought to be consecrated as a holy temple for God! The Scriptures are valuable to the Christian as a repository. The Bible resembles what Hezekiah calls "the house of his precious things." Isa. xxxix. 2. The Bible is a repository of spiritual food. Here is milk for babes, and strong meat for those who are able to receive it. Here is manna that never perishes, and honey that never cloys. word," saith the prophet, found, and I did eat it; and thy word was to me the joy and rejoi cing of my heart." Thy was The Bible is a repository of spiritual medicine. The Scriptures are able to disperse the tumours of pride, to extract the stings of envy, and to heal the gangrene of malice. With this Directory you may Here you find the true aqua vita, cheerfully pursue your journey or water of life: a cordial to revive through the wilderness to the pro- you when faint and weary. There mised land. Many ways marked is no spiritual malady for which out by vain philosophy, and cover- you may not here obtain a remedy; ed with the flowers of learning no poison for which it contains and eloquence, still lead to perdi- not an antidote. tion. Would you be preserved The Bible is a repository of spifrom the paths of the destroyer, ritual armour. Do not startle at follow the infallible guide prepared the thought of enemies, for, as a for you. 66 Thy word is a lamp Christian, you must fight the good unto my feet," says the Psalmist. fight of faith; but you are not sent This lamp is always ready trimmed; on a warfare unprepared; for the and since the days of David, it has Captain of Salvation has furnished been furnished with a fresh supply you with a breast-plate, helmet, of oil, by which it gives a clearer light, and discovers every frightful snare. Take it with you, and say, Lord, thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. With this Directory you may fearlessly pursue your voyage over the ocean of life, to the fair haven of eternal rest, Here is your compass, which is liable to no variation; but at all times, and in all climates, constantly points to that city whose Builder and Maker is God. The inspired book is your chart, in which the fatal rocks, and quicksands, and whirlpools, that have proved the ruin of thousands, are accurately marked, that they may be shunned. XXIV. shield, and sword. With these well-tempered arms you shall be able to hold fast your profession, and defeat all the confederate powers of Earth and Hell. The Bible is a repository of spiritual treasures. Compared with ! them, all the gold of Peru and Mexico, all the pearls and gems of the East, are but dross. Robert, King of Sicily, said he valued the Bible more than his crown; and if he were compelled to part with one, his diadem should go. Let then the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,' that you may be thoroughly prepared for every good work, C B. I. T. THE CHRISTIAN'S DAILY MONITOR. Dear Sir, Abbeville, Jan. 4, 1770. HAVING an opportunity, by an Italian gentleman with whom I RISE in the morning early: have travelled, I thought a few lines in holy aspirations, heavenly con- would not be unacceptable. After I landed in France, my first object was Geneva, where I spent some time before I went into Italy. The ENGAGE in all the duties of luxury and wickedness of the inhathe day with scriptural sobriety, bitants would ever give a thinking magnanimity, and zeal in the mind pain, amidst the richest counexercises of the closet be conscien- try, abounding with the noblest protious, devotional, and unwearied :- ductions of human power and skill. in domestic concerns be economical I was seven days re-crossing the and methodical: in worldly en- Alps. The weather was very cold: gagements and transactions be up- the thermometer 11 degrees below right, prudent, and diligent:-in the freezing point. The quick debenevolent exertions be unostentatious and liberal:- in sanctuaryservices be regular, attentive, and in earnest to obtain the blessing:in all manner of conversation be chaste, courteous, cheerful, and irreproachable. RETIRE from the ordinances of God's house, from the business of the day, and from all the cares of life, for examination, humiliation, and unreserved dedication to the Most High, of all you have and owe for time and eternity. Phil. i. 12. AN OLD DISCIPLE. scent by sledges on the snow, and other particulars, may perhaps afford a little entertainment some winter's evening. I returned to Geneva. There are some exemplary persons: yet the principles of one of the vilest men (Voltaire) with the corruptions of the French, who are within one mile of the city, has greatly debased its ancient purity and splendor. I spent about ten days at the dirty city of Paris. The streets are so narrow, and no footpaths, that there is no stirring out. but in a coach: and as to their hackney-coaches, they are abominable. There were but few English at Paris. I dined with about twenty at our ambassador's (Lord Harcourt). I am now on my route to Holland, a favourite country of mine; the only one, except our own, where propriety and elegance for religious liberty. are mixed. Above all, I esteem it 1 Thus, dear Sir, I am travelling. from one country to another; and I trust, with some good hope, through abundant grace, to a yet better. My knowledge of human nature should be enlarged by seeing more of the tempers, tastes, and dispositions of different people; - but shudder, my soul, at the glimpse of a thought of its dignity and excellence, for "how is the gold become dross!"? The Sufferings of our Protestant Bre- "I AM thankful for an oppor'tunity of writing to you on things regarding the kingdom of our Lord; and shall be yet more thankful to maintain with you a religious correspondence, which I much need, and in which I should greatly delight. pointed expression, and appropriate effect. It was merely to select passages adapted to these purposes that I consulted the Bible. I was, alas! a blind leader of the blind. But it pleased God, that, in such circumstances, I became acquainted with some who were truly his children. Of these, the most eminent were Mr. Bernard, then pastor at Mapillargues, now Professor of Hebrew at Montauban, and Mr. Encontre, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Montpellier (where he resided) now Professor of Divinity at Montauban. The latter (who was no less distinguished by the extent and solidity of his learning, than by his sincere and lively attachment to that Saviour, whom his father had faithfully served amidst the preceding national troubles) was willing to honour me with his friendship, to assist me with his advice, and to teach me the foundation on which I ought to build. From that time I directed my labours to a nobler purpose; and it has pleased the Lord to grant an increase from the few seeds which I have sown, that covers me with shame and confusion. "There was formerly a school at Montpellier for indigent children, which had nearly become extinct; and I have had the consolation of being a feeble instrument, in the Lord's hand, for its revival: but "I was born in Geneva; and was numerous imperfections yet remain, only prevented from gratifying my and many obstacles are still to be desire of visiting your country, by surmounted. We have not, in this my ordination in 1808, when I was country, books that are requisite for 25 years of age. The professors re- the children of our community. quired me to serve the church at The usual method of teaching is Montpellier; in the charge of which tedious, expensive, and ineffectual. I am now joined with the Rev. H. To obtain the needful sacrifices from M. At that time I regarded people who (as Isaiah complained) Mthe Bible only as a book which con- prefer spending their money for that tained the best system of morality which cannot profit, proves to be that had ever been discovered by very difficult. We have to encour◄ philosophers. I had unhappily de- ter indifference in parents, as well voted my youth to a multiplicity of as insubordination in the children, studies, unconnected with the one who are habituated to freedom from thing needful. In preaching, I all restraint. Such are, briefly, aimed only at rhetorical ornament, the general circumstances of our schools! I have, nevertheless, prevailed on twelve ladies of our principal families, to superintend the girls' school; and, I thank God, this department begins to prosper. For that of the boys, I need instructions from persons who have. conducted this branch of public institutions; and on this account I take the liberty to address myself to you. "We can, blessed be God, procure Bibles; but at so high a price, as to preclude a distribution of nearly the requisite number. Many families, notwithstanding, that were strangers to the Bible, are now furnished with it. Religious books are, in general, greatly wanted. Doddridge's Rise and Progress, for instance, is not to be purchased. Uninformed people need books adapted to their very limited capacities; but of such we have none in France. The people confined in our prisons are, above all, in need of instruction: and though it is a great pleasure to me to afford them a taste of the bread of life, I can do little, merely by preaching to them ence a week. They apply to me for books to read; and it is with difficulty that I get them a few Testaments and Prayer-books. 66 Experience has long taught me what is likely to be within the reach of various capacities; and if I had English books adapted to supply the deficiency I have lamented, I would strive hard to translate them; for persons would more willingly contribute toward the publication of such works, in proportion as their reputation is already established. I might perhaps, in this manner, excite in the public a taste for books so important to the progress of truth, and the benefit of the church of Christ. "Be not surprised, therefore, reverend and honoured brother, that I presume, though a stranger, to address you on these subjects; but from love to the Master whom you serve, condescend to instruct a so litary individual respecting your institutions for the religious and gene ral good, to favour me with your advice, and to accept the assurances of esteem and brotherly love; with which I have the honour to be, "Yours, &c. "A. L." ILLUSTRATIONS of SCRIPTURE which occurred to Mr. CAMPBELL in the Course of his extensive Journies in Africa. Communicated to the Editor, for the Benefit of Young Persons. No. I. AFRICAN COMMENTARY ON SELECT TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE.. Genesis i. 14. "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the Heuven, to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years." "For signs," they are eminently so to persons travelling in a wilderness, and in unknown regions. The rising Sun is a sure sign or token that the direction in which it lies is east; at noon, on the north side of the Torrid Zone, it is a sign of the south; and on the south side, indicated the north and sunsetting is a sure sign of the west. In the same way is the Moon a sign to travellers in the night-time. When the Moon is absent, the stars supply her place. While travelling in Africa, on the going down of the sun, we fixed on some large star immediately above where the sun set; and when that star set, we fixed upon another, and so on. Knowing one direction, the other three are easily discovered; for if you look west, east must be behind, the north on your right hand, and the south on your left. By means of the stars we generally travelled as accurately in the night as in the day. At sea, these heavenly bodies |