out a penny in our purse; nor is it possible to borrow. Oh! the necessity, the awful necessity and importance of providing for this tremendous scene!— How shall we account for the conduct of mortals who know this, and are as sure as they have a place and being, that this awful scene, or period will overtake them: yet, shocking to reflect on, are running on headlong, like the horse to the battle,-snuffing up the wind, and crying ha! ha! in pursuit of their lusts and momentary gratifications. Momentary indeed! for the sting, the envenomed sting which these leave, soon annihilates all their sweets. This, their constant experience loudly declares; yet such is the stupidity of mortals that they continue repeating the experiment, with ardent expectations of extracting sweets from wormwood and gall: and yet while they are spending their hopes and wishes on the transient, uncertain, and fading things of this world, the most delicious honey lies at their feet unnoticed, though offering itself to their taste, and suited to appetites which were given to reach after and feed upon things eternal, permanent and unchangeable. These are plants of that soil where happiness grows, and is only to be found, affording sweets which neither tongue nor pen can describe. The path that leads to the mansion of bliss, is calm, resigned, and humble: in this path the mind is brought into a state of acquiescence with the dispensations, and the will of heaven; and into a cheerful and steady observance of his precepts who called us into being, and whose all-sustaining power preserves us these few hours from mixing again with our mother earth. On his almighty arm the whole creation leans, and is supported. His all-seeing eye is con stantly surveying his rational creatures and taking cognizance of their conduct. He beholds the inmost intentions and secret desires of mortals. He knows them that love, fear, and obey him,-gratefully acknowledging his goodness, and seeking opportunities to serve him, and to do good to his creation.— It is these who sow the seeds of joy, and reap the balm of the harvest of peace;-peace in life and in death; in joy and in sorrow; in prosperity and in adversity; a peace which the world cannot give, neither can it take away. This is indeed a continual feast. Oh! the sweet and self-approving thoughts which abound in the hearts of these dedicated children. It is a treasure of more worth than all the glory and glitter of this world, and all the sensual pleasures here to be enjoyed, even if there was no hereafter. But when eternity,-awful and tremendous eternity, is contemplated, and that those who sow pleasure in this world shall reap misery in the next, how trifling and insignificant do these momentary gratifications then appear! O my soul! though others dote upon these fading, transient pleasures, do thou soar above into the regions of light, the place of thy nativity, and look down with pity and compassion upon these creeping insects of the earth. While they are striving after, and destroying one another in the pursuit of, polluted pleasures, do thou mount above them, and labour for heavenly riches,-treasures which cannot be corrupted, nor taken away; but which will remain through the endless ages of eternity, as a river of pleasure, a fountain of joy,—an inexhaustible source of delight; where thou mayst solace thyself, and adore thy Creator, with living praises to thy King and Redeemer. These are the riches and pleasures worth seeking,-the treasures worth coveting--a possession worth labouring for. It is the one thing needful for us poor, dependant creatures to strive for. - -a If I have an assurance of this pearl of great price, what matters it how I fare during these few moments here? or what the trifling, vain world says, or thinks of me? whether I am called a fine man,rich man, a wise or powerful man, or the reverse? Is it not folly to be affected with a name? A pleasure that lives upon the breath of mortals can last but a few days, and will soon be annihilated, as to myself. But Oh! when I am bidding adieu to time, and stepping into eternity, my ever-during habitation, then will appear the advantage of having treasure in heaven; then,--then, the smiles of conscience will be of more worth than millions of worlds.-An age of labour will appear but trifling for such a purchase. May the procuring thereof be my chiefest aim in all my labours. May it ever be my morning's earliest wish, and my evening's latest desire, to be in favour with him that made me;--a Being, to whose mercy I owe all my blessings, and to whom may gratitude ascend for his fatherly compassion, in that I have not been cut off in my sins. And in my future life, may I live to his honour, that so praises may ever acceptably ascend-a tribute eternally due to the universal Father from all his works. DAVID COOPER. 210 Some of the Last Expressions of Lettice Pugh, Wife of Elijah Pugh, of Unionville, Chester County. On first-day afternoon, being a little revived, and a neighbour present, she requested him to take a seat by her bedside, and said, "I do not know that I have much to say, but on hearing thou wast here, thought I would be glad to see thee once more. Thou hast been with us several times during my illness, and appeared interested on my behalf." Then, fixing her eyes very earnestly on him, said, "I have often been concerned for thee and thy dear family, exposed as you are to the conflicting opinions of the present day. I have desired thee may do the best thee can. Oh! this of depending on reason alone, what gloom has the consideration thereof brought over my poor soul; why, on looking towards it for support, I have turned and turned and found no ray. There must be a God, a pure God, nothing else could have changed me from such feelings of gloom and distress, to my present state of enjoyment and happiness. Oh! the immortal soul is a glorious thing. I wish the world knew how it has been with me; what my Saviour has done for me, an atom of the dust. I have heard there are some who dont believe in future rewards and punishments; and flattering themselves with this idea, think they may do as they please while here, as after death they will sink into annihilation. Why I would rather be a beast of the field, or the meanest worm that crawls on the ground, and live, than be what I am, and sink into annihilation. That there is a God, a gracious God, the African knows, the Indian of the forest feels it, and they worship him in their way, and he blesses them." She then lay still a few minutes, when she extended her hand towards him, wished to be remembered to his wife, and bade him farewell. Shortly after, two of her brothers, their wives, and one sister, arrived; and after speaking to her, took seats. She looked round the room, and thus addressed them in great tenderness; "I am very glad to have you with me, to have the help of your spirits. I hardly expected I should see you again. Oh! my dear brothers, comfort poor Elijah. I have felt what an awful thing it is to die. I thought the stroke of death was upon me, and I was not prepared. I was all weakness, and had no hope; every ray seemed closed up; I turned, and turned, and could find no comfort;- but the Lord did bless me with feelings better than all the world before. Now what can this be but the hand of the great God? I had no strength of my own; I felt like the hindermost of -the flock; I was afraid I was going to be cast away; but now I feel better. I have nothing of my own, but God's grace I hope will be sufficient. Oh! my dear brothers, comfort my poor husband; come and see him; visit him often; help him out all you can; you can do a great deal, and I know you will. O Father, suffer me not to say too much, but if it is possible for me to do any good at this late period, I want to do it. 0 my dear brothers and sisters, I want you to do all the good in the world you can; do better than I have done; seek the Lord. I have dear neighbours here who seem to know little about religion, yet they all have that, that supports me now. I do believe in a pure God, and that he ought to be worshipped. There are several of you; you might |