who could sec. Thus, instead of raising a widow's son, he could, in an instant, have taken one away with his stroke. And instead of feeding thousands by a miracle, he could have bid the earth open, and devour as many of his enemies. In a moment, and with a word, he could have filled the guilty city of Jerusalem with death, or sent to the grave the whole Roman Empire. Such deeds would as well have proclaimed his power, but his benevolence, his mercy and grace, would have been wanting.

This lovely character of Jesus is vastly important. Like our Lord, let us who believe in his name, distinguish ourselves by good actions. The distinctions that mark very many characters, need no alteration to be worn by Beelzebub. But like Christ, oh let us aim to be great in all that is good. In all that fulfils the divine word, promotes the divine glory, and benefits man. Leave it to the world to seek honour one of another, do you, christians, seek that which cometh from God, by an exact resemblance to him, whose glory it was to do all his Father's will.

And since we have such a Redeemer, let us patiently bear all his allotments in the dispensations of providence. Surely he who always pitied when on earth, does so while in heaven; for he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. He does not willingly afflict the children of men. He who could raise the dead, who could feed so many with such means as he did, can give his children any good thing; and he who could perform such miracles of love will deny no blessing to christians. We have what is best, we should be resigned.

Above all things let this character of the Son of God exalt your conceptions of the eternal destiny that awaits you. He is gone to prepare a place for you! And what a place will such power and love prepare? His gracious character assures us that his eternal power, all his wisdom, and all his riches will be employed to make the heaven of his children. But here I despair; on this subject all eloquence is mute, the whole book of God has not been able to give a full idea of it; and angels and arch-angels might attempt, in vain, to set it forth. Like our Father's essence it is unsearchable, and past finding out. Oh let the prospect kindle delight in every christian's soul, and produce a song in the house of our pilgrimage, to him who hath loved us, and purchased the sublime and holy possession with his blood. The affectionate man on whose heart love is engraved, with labour climbs the last mountain in his way, and before the sun has left him, in the calm summer evening, though

impatient to reach his dwelling, pauses for a time, to view the beloved spot, far on his way. The habitation, the trees that surround it, the smoke that leaves it to seek the skies, are each seen with rapture; nor are the eyes of his mind less charmed, as they view his family, in whose bosom he soon expects to find rest and joy. Christians, you are approaching, every mo ment, your Father's house, in which are many mansions, a place your affectionate Saviour is gone to prepare for you. It may often require toil to ascend the hill of faith, yet the view of canaan from its summit, will reward your labour, and while it comforts your soul, will quicken your step, as you journey home. Look not, then, at things which are seen, for they are temporal, but at things which are not seen for they are eternal. Falmouth. T.G

Watchfulness.

It is not sufficient that you pray, but you must also watch : both these united will not be found, more than sufficient to guard you against the snares of the world, the assaults of the devil, and the lusts of the flesh: these are powerful enemies, and to withstand them will require all your vigilance. Remember, also, others are watching you, the wicked are watching for your halting, this should make you the more watchful of yourselves. "The devil,' also, 'your grand adversary, as a roaring lion, "walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; therefore, be 'sober, be vigilant.' The eyes of other professors are also upon you and above all remember, the eye of a holy God is always upon you, beholding all your conduct; let these considerations excite you to watchfulness. And be careful to watch the first motions of sin in your hearts, that you may quench the spark of sin, before it be kindled into a flame. Watch and 'pray,' then, that ye enter not into temptation.' Let me add, it is your duty also to watch over one another; not with a view to pick up something in order to reproach each other, but let it be in love, and with a view to prevent any disgrace that might be brought upon the cause of Christ, thro' the misconduct of a fellow-member. I'll conclude this article with the words of Christ; 'What I say unto one, I say unto all, WATCH.' Trivett's Christian Dutics.

A Father's Advice to his Children,
Particularly occasioned by the Death of their Mother.

My dear Children,

Now your honoured mother is dead, I am left as your only earthly parent, to give you advice and counsel I therefore feel myself bound in duty to be faithful to you; and this is not a new thing with me, for I have felt the weight of my duty in this respect, more or less, ever since you had an existence : but now it seems a double duty lies on me. I contemplated to have addressed myself to you, when you were all convened at my house, (except one) at the time of the burial of your deceased mother; but being overwhelmed with grief, I could not speak, to give you the counsel and advice with which my mind was filled; therefore concluded to write the substance. of it, to be communicated to each of you before my death, which may be so sudden, or so circumstanced, that I may not have an opportunity to speak to each of you then.

I must tell you, that I have had a continual concern for each of your soul's happiness, in the enjoyment of God, in the world to come. My unceasing secret prayers have ascended towards heaven for you; often calling upon God in the name and for the sake of Christ, to give each of you a new heart, and a right spirit, and sanctify you wholly, bringing every thought into obedience to Christ.

You may each of you now be reminded, that you have been instructed, from your youth, both by precept and example, in the knowledge of the right way of salvation, which is by Christ and his righteousness alone. You have been shewn that you were not born holy, but in a corrupt and sinful state, even with a principle of unholiness, and alienation from God and his law; so that whatever you have done, or can do, while in that state, has a curse with it. You being under the law, are necessarily under the curse; "for it is written, cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." And although you knew that you were not safe one moment, remaining in that condition, yet I have reason to fear that you all have rested too long in that state, yea, liked it too well, were too well pleased with it, if you could only. soothe and case your consciences, from time to time, under it. But, O my children, as heretofore, so I must now assure you, that this will not do ; it is not a safe state to rest in; for the law is always cursing them that are under it. You must know also, that it is impossible for any mere man, in his own strength,

to do or keep the law perfectly; and that you do break it continually, while you remain under it; and therefore must be cursed eternally, if you are not delivered from its condemnation.

I once more give you my advice, which may be the last; and that is, for all of you to consider your ways, and search and try your own hearts, and know whether you have fled from the law to Christ for shelter, by believing in him. Try yourselves. by the scriptures, whether you have been "born again," and do really love Christ; whether your eyes have been opened, to see what you are by nature, and to see the spirituality and strictness of God's law, and that you never fulfilled any part of it while under it; and also whether your sins have ever appeared very great to you, so that you have judged and condemned yourselves as being exposed to the wrath of God; and that you had no rest, until Christ with his healing balm was manifested to your souls, as a willing and all-sufficient Saviour. Did you then find that your souls were filled with the light of God's countenance; with love, joy, and peace in believing; whereby you were led to search after wisdom, even the hidden wisdom of God? Have you been enabled to fly to Christ, as the ark of safety, and city of refuge; the covenant of grace, to cover you with his righteousness? This is a safe state indeed; yea, eternally safe and happy: a prepared state to join with your parents in praising God, if they are accounted worthy, through grace, to be partakers of the glory that shall be revealed; and sing with saints and angels hallelujahs to God and the Lamb forever and ever, for electing and redeeming love. I greatly long for this salvation to become yours; and hope that the God of all grace will give it to you, as a free gift in Christ. Salvation, from the foundation to the top-stone, is wholly the gift of God. But it is my duty to exhort and to stir you up to look towards Christ, like as the children of Israel were directed to look to the brazen serpent, that was set up upon a pole, for them to look to and be healed. Christ can cure all your maladies, therefore look to him in all your distresses and wants ; for in him is everlasting strength.

When I am gone the way of all flesh, I hope you will be faithful to each other; to reprove, rebuke, exhort, and stir up each other to attend to religion, which is the one thing needful. Be at peace among yourselves, and love one another; and hearken to each other's good counsel and advice, especially the younger to the elder and more experienced.

When the messenger of death shall call me away, you can Vol. III.

D

have no more helps from me; no more warnings, counsels, nor reproofs; no more advice nor instruction, in the things concerning the kingdom of heaven. Then you will be left in the wilderness of this world, liable to many temptations from Satan and worldly snares; having no earthly parent to go to, under outward difficulties, nor to give advice under spiritual distresses and troubles. But I hope you will have a Father in heaven to go to; if so, you will be far better provided for, than to have only an earthly father. God is a father to the fatherless, and a guide to the youth, to such as put their trust in him. Endeavour to live a humble, holy life. Few in the world live thus only "here and there a traveller.'

The greatest part of mankind appear to be going on in the broad road, contenting themselves with the fashionable religion of the gay and worldly minded; who love legal prea ching, and a little outward dry morality, just to ease their consciences and soothe themselves in a sinful state. Such heap to themselves teachers of Arminian doctrines, calling them teachers of piety and morality; having itching cars for such, to build them up in their natural state; thereby pleasing their carnal taste and fleshly desires, but starving their souls, by losing the privilege of hearing the free, sovereign grace of God, revealed in the gospel of Christ.

Now I commit you all into the hands of God, praying that he will send down his Holy Spirit into each of your hearts, to convince you of sin, and lead each one to holiness; that you may share in the first resurrection for "blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on such the second

death hath no power." Rev. xx, 6. And again, xxii, 14. "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

If you have believed in God, be careful to maintain good works; thereby manifesting that, you are believers in him. Christ says, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Hereby try yourselves, whether you are the children of God; and not only by this, but by all that is written in the fifth chapter of Matthew, from the third to the thirteenth

verse.

Do not neglect Christian duties. Attend upon reading and hearing the scriptures, and upon prayer, morning and evening, with the family; for family worship is agreeable to the mind and will of God. See Jer. x, 25. Attend upon secret prayer, and self-examination. Contemplate daily upon the