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discontent for many years. I had received a soldier's wages without ever once returning thanks to him who alone could have made me contented and happy with my wages, and given me a blessing with them. These reflections, Sir, shewed me that I had been guilty of the other two sins, namely, violence, and false accusation. In the first place I found that I myself was the man against whom I had committed the greatest violence,-and not only against myself, for often have I in my drunkenness committed violence against the dear wife of my bosom, whom I now love better than ever I did, and many a time had I, when in my drunken state, accused her falsely-when I think of the awful violence I have committed against myself in so long neglecting to attend to the duty which I now begin to see I owe to God, it makes me indeed wonder at His mercy and goodness in thus sparing me to see the awful danger I was in.

I cannot, Rev. Sir, express my feelings to you on this occasion as I should wish to do: you will see by these few lines that I have spent my time in sin and wicked ness, instead of improving it in learning to live to the glory of God. May God help me now, and strengthen me against all temptations, and against the corruption of my own deceitful and wicked heart.

I remain, Rev. Sir,

Your obedient, humble servant,

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I hailed with unfeigned joy and thankfulness the title and object of your useful Periodical, The Beacon—and I trust that this little Magazine will, from time to time, be (as it were,) raised up, "as an ensign on an bill," its moral light blazing conspicuously, to alarm our neighbourhood and country against the inroads of spiritual foes. Ay, may it be a permanent and steady-burning light upon our coast-eminences, to warn religious Navigators against rocks and shallows and sandbanks, that there be no shipwrecks of faith, no damage sustained by our Christian character and consistency; but, that our Ark and stately Vessel, the Church of Christ, may ride out every storm, and reach "the Haven where we would be."

If I mistake not, this name of your Publication, (I think very happily selected,) and your design in giving it circulation, were explained to this effect in, what a certain modern phraseology would allow to be termed, a Leading Article of your first number. Under these circumstances, therefore, and from expressions which have escaped me already, you are prepared for my assurance that I cordially" Wish you God speed," and shall feel obliged if you will allow me the privilege of contributing, in any small degree, to your "work and labour of love."

You will guess, from the motto which I have taken from a very favourite author of mine, and placed at the head of this paper, what little beam of warning-light I am anxious, with your permission, to throw into the Beacon on the present occasion: viz. against an existing danger, lest our every-day and practical godliness should not keep pace with our Sunday Church and Chapel goings, our increasing knowledge and profession of religion:-in a word, lest it should be with us, as of old-"God in the Sanctuary, but Mammon in our Shops and Household:"--or as "Trees having leaves only." And although a fear of this sad evil has not unfrequently haunted my own mind; yet, I shall here out with the secret, that I have been more

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immediately prompted to put pen to paper on this par ticular subject, by reading the following passages in the published "Essays and Letters" of that eminent Christian and man of God, the Rev. Thomas Charles, of Bala. In his beautiful Essay, "On Walking with God," he writes: "From some professors' conduct one would be induced to imagine, that they think to grow in grace and to go to Heaven, merely by hearing, reading, and talking, without any endeavour to live to God in any sense. But such miserably deceive themselves; we are created unto good works, that we should WALK in them." Again, addressing a young Clergyman on the necessity of Activity, he says-" I find it much easier to draw tears from their eyes than to stir them up from their sloth to vigorous activity and assiduity in the cause of Religion." I am afraid that Charles" being dead yet speaketh”—that his rebuke might have been levelled at the age in which we live. Do not however suspect, much less condemn me, unheard out; as if I were about to underrate the essential importance of God's ordinances of prayer and preaching, or the benefit of Scriptural knowledge, and sober, humble professions of faith and hope in the cross of the Lamb. Far otherwise I would solemnly revere, and observe scrupu lously, all Heaven's sanctioned means of grace and salvation. We have inspired authority for our belief, that "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," that "it pleaseth Him by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." And as to prayerwe may safely adopt the Judicious Hooker's aphorism, that "It is the first thing wherewith a religious life doth begin, and the last with which it ends." Thus, God witnesseth of an elect and called monument of his mercy"Behold! he prayeth ;" and, of his dying Martyr breathing his last, saying "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." So again: we read that a people "perished for lack of knowledge;" and it seems therefore to follow that knowledge, turned to practical account, shall be a saving blessing. "From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." And lastly, as to humble and chastened expressions of hope and experience of the Lord's goodness, "following us all the days of our life," we have a striking example and a precious promise on that subject, recorded in Malachi iii. 16, 17. I exhort therefore all Christians to hallow God's Sabbaths, and to reverence his sanctuary. And, having taken heed how and what they hear from those that "bring glad tidings, that publish peace"-let them, like the Bereans, more noble than those of Thessalonica, not only receive the word with all readiness of mind, but also "Search the Scriptures daily, whether those things are 50." And such being my impression and sentiments on these points, I shall be exculpated at once from even the unhallowed thought of "making light" of the means of grace. But-with this understanding, suffer me to record on the pages of The Beacon, a warning against idolizing, or dependence upon the external "forms of Godliness." That which has been said of too much reading and too little meditation, may be as truly said of too much sermon-hearing and Bible knowledge, undigested and turned to no practical account:-viz-that it will produce the effect of a lamp inverted, which is extinguished by the very excess of that aliment whose property it is to feed it. It is like some cases of gross indulgence of the appetite by Epicurean indolence personified, and will produce a kind of moral apoplexy. Whereas, moderation in food, followed by due labour or exercise, or both, would bless man with a healthy system, and make him a blessing to the whole circle of his active life. This applies as forcibly to our moral as to our temporal existence and welfare. And so-to allude to the other similitude introduced-the "oil in our vessel" is for use-our lamps are to be trimmed

and burning. Such is the mandate of our Lord---Let your light, derived from the Sun of Righteousness, "So shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." We remember that Aaron's rod was distinguished by bringing forth buds, and blooming blossoms, and yielding almonds: and so Christ saith of his people---" By their fruits ye shall know them." It is remarkable, too, that God appeared to Aaron's Brother, Moses, while he was tending his sheep: and Bishop Hall observes upon this, that the Lord "never graces the idle with his vissions. When he finds us in our callings, we find him in the token of his mercy." But I see that my first scribble to you is swelling out to an unpardonable size, and I will therefore just here bring it to an abrupt conclusion, by copying an anecdote that I read the other day in "Richmond's Fathers of the English Church." It will I think, at once illustrate and establish the opinions 1 have attempted to express intelligibly and satisfactorily.

"I once read a story," writes good Bishop Latimer, "of a holy man---some say it was St. Anthony, who had been a long season in the wilderness, eating and drinking nothing but bread and water. At length he thought himself so holy, that there should be nobody like unto him. Therefore, he desired of God to know, who should be his fellow in Heaven. God made him answer, and commanded him to go to Alexandria; there he should find a cobbler, who should be his fellow in Heaven. Now, he went thither and sought him out, and fell in acquaintance with him and tarried with him three or four days to see his conversation. In the morning his wife and he prayed together; then they went to their business, he in his shop, and she about her housewifery. At dinner time they had bread and cheese, wherewith they were well content, and took it thankfully. Their children were well taught to fear God and to say their Paternoster, and the Creed, and Ten Commandments: and so he spent his time in doing his duty truly. I warrant you, he did not do many false stitches, as cobblers do now-a-days. St. Anthony, perceiving that, came to knowledge of himself, and laid away all pride and presumption. By this example you may learn, that honest conversation and godly living is much regarded before God, insomuch that this poor cobbler, doing his duty diligently, was made St. Anthony's fellow."---I am, Mr. Editor, your obedient and obliged servant. JAMES i. 22.

The Ancient People of God. Perhaps of every subject interesting to the Christian reader, none is more so than what is connected with the early or present history of the Jews, and perhaps there are few people with the history of whom in modern times, the generality of Christians are less acquainted; we read accounts of civilized states in far distant contries, of the gradual approach of civilization in barbarous lands, of the successful results of missions to savages who know not God; but we hear little of the state of those around us, within our reach, indeed close at hand, who, knowing that there is a God, are ignorant of the only way by which they may approach Him acceptably; who, suffering alike with ourselves from the fall of the first Adam, know not the way of peace and reconciliation offered through the second Adam; a wandering, outcast race, without country, without priesthood, and to the converted it may almost be said, without an earthly name; a race bowed down by their wilful rejection of their Deliverer, and to be bowed down, until humbled they sue for pardon through Him, whom they so awfully refused to receive; to such, this suffering race, I would draw the attention of those interested in their present welfare, and anxious for their conversion to the faith of Christ, and their restoration to the land of their forefathers.

Few indeed of the generality of Christians are aware of

the numerous conversions which have taken place in the last few years, and still less perhaps of the dreadful, and were it not for the supporting power of God, the overwhelming persecution which follows their conversion. Having no rulers to whom to apply, in some foreign lands a converted Jew can be deliberately murdered without its being considered illegal, and the murderer, far from being called to account on earth for his direct breach of a Divine command, rather glories in his success at removing from the face of the earth, one, who, believing in the crucified Jesus, was not worthy longer to be a dweller on its surface in England, happily for the Jew, the laws of the land protect him from direct murder, but if there is one kind of persecution more than another likely to bring him near death, or to cause death, without the actual spilling of blood, from it the converted Jew is sure to suffer; and if there is one insulting appellation more annoying than another, to him it is applied. Few perhaps among Christians could with composure hear of their relations mourning and weeping for them as for the dead, or see them clad in the garments of woe, or know that all whom they once esteemed and valued upon earth, spoke of them as of the dead; and yet, alas, when we repeat these touching truths, we mention what is trifling in comparison of the real suffering of the forsaken Jew. Christians, generally speaking, are careful, both whose history they believe, and whom they relieve, when an application is made to them, and to whom then on earth can the Jew turn for relief? there are Jews now in England who would be thankful, most thankful, for assistance so trifling that a Christian could almost hesitate to send it to them; not to speak of those in London, but merely of the state of the Jews in the two largest, and most wealthy towns of the north of England, their misery in these two places is greater than would perhaps be believed, were it fully entered into here.

Let us for a moment consider what has been done of late years among the Jews scattered in the north, and then draw the inference of what may be done for thosea round us. In the last twenty years more than 3,000 Jews have been converted; it may damp the ardour of some to think no more have embraced our religion in that period, but let them remember the difficulties which in that time have been overcome; difficulties, which we trust, are now so overcome, that by the blessing of God, we may hope to reap in the next twenty years, an abundant and multiplied harvest. It is calculated, that since the commencement of the revolution in Frnace at the close of the last century, the Bible has been translated into 150 languages and dialects; since the same period, more than seven millions of copies of it have been circulated, and in the last twenty years have been felt the labours of those, who having learned the different languages, and dialects, have been able to preach Christ crucified to the Jew scattered in those nations, and spread the glad tidings of the Gospel to the wandering, outcast Israelite. The Society in London, for the promotion of Christianity among the Jews, have circulated in the last year, besides tracts, Pentateuchs, and other works in great numbers, nearly 4,000 copies of the Old Testament in Hebrew; they have twenty-three stations in Europe and the East; forty-nine missionaries and agents, twenty-four of whom are Jewish converts, and ten schools, two in London, and eight in the duchy of Posen. In almost every considerable town of Germany there are to be found some baptised Jews; we learn by official accounts from Silesia, that between 1820 and 1834, 455 persons were added to the Church; in East and West Prussia, 234 in the same time; and from 1830 to 1837, in Berlin alone, no fewer than 325:

In Poland the average amount of baptisms during the last ten years has been about fifteen annually, exclusive of the great number baptized by the Roman Catholics, to

whom the proselytes are attracted by the hope and assurance of temporal support in the event of their conversion. At the Hebrew Episcopal Chapel in London, seven adult converts and three children were baptized last year, thereby making a Total of 246 baptisms from the commencement, 85 of whom were adults; and among the converts in this country may be reckoned four synagogue readers, of whom two have lately received orders in the Church of England. and six others who have taken part in her apostolic ministry.

Let us now enquire what remains to be done for hose who sojourn among us; the number of unconverted Jews in Manchester alone is about 1,000, and in Liverpool about 1,200, and in what a state are they? It is well known by those now become Christians, that in both these towns, there are numbers anxiously, but in many cases secretly enquiring to know the truths of the Christian religion; desirous with most in the present day to obtain knowledge they are enquiring whether there is any truth for the foundation of our faith, or if it be merely a fiction, and "cunningly devised fable," and what shall become of us either as a nation, or individually if we help on their delusions, instead of endeavouring to clear away their doubts? In the two towns above mentioned it will be almost impossible to give an adequate idea of the suffering and persecution which ars at this time endured by the converted and the wavering; they are not merely hindered from pursuing the occupation they may have had, but any fresh attempts to earn a livelihood are in most cases rendered useless; and cast out by their own friends, where shall they, humanly speaking, turn for assistance, but to the Christians whose faith they have embraced? And how do we assist them? we do not subscribe funds sufficient to give them only temporary relief; we do not, with rare exceptions, seek to countenance them in any fresh trade or occupation; what do the generality of nominal Christians do to aid the converted Jew?

But it is not generally known that it is not merely from their brethren that converts receive persecution, the lower classes of Christians in our own land regard them with great dislike, and oppress them much; for instance, the workmen engaged in the same employment will refuse to work with a converted Jew; the instances are frequent, and even where they will continue their occupation, they so oppress them by their tyranny and insulting language, that the poor Jew is glad to leave even that (and often his only) means of procuring a livelihood. A very distressing case recently occurred in my own neighbourhood; a journeyman who became converted, was without any means of procuring a maintenance, he was literally starving; by the interest of one who had been himself converted, he was allowed to work in the employment of a friend, but, after for some time bearing every species of insult and tyranny from his fellow labourers, he was at length obliged to give up his employment; and without means to purchase even a morsel of food, and unable to procure occupation, he was thrown upon the charity chiefly of his converted and poor brethren, and received relief from the friend who had exerted himself to procure him employment. Awful indeed is the picture presented by the facts continually recurring in the two towns above mentioned, and weighty indeed the responsibility of Christians.

(To be continued.) RURAL SKETCHES.

To the Editor of the Christian Beacon. Sir, I am happy to find that the principle upon which your valuable Luminary is constructed, renders it capable of universal application: that it is equally adapted for the verdant hill of the most retired Hamlet, as the lofty

I hope it will be seen,

Tower of the crowded City. ere long, occupying every elevated spot in the country; blazing forth its friendly and monitory light for the benefit of our enquiring and fast increasing population. As a humble member of the Rural community, I hail the ap pearance of the Beacon with unfeigned pleasure. For though, we, in the Country, are generally free from those fearful Maelstroms, which are known to abound in popu lous Towns, and by whose absorbing currents so many of the inhabitants are continually hurried to destruction. Still, Sir, are we in the country surrounded by dangers of a formidable and threatening nature. Some of these are prominent and apparent, and may be seen at a considerable distance, even without the aid of a Beacon. Other dangers there are, however, which are much more destructive, because less obvious and discernible, and which will require all the light which your Beacon can dispense, in order to point them out, and warn the unsuspecting mariner of his perilous situation. These are the "Shal lows and Sand-banks," mentioned in the admirable Ad dress, in which the object and design of your undertaking are so beautifully explained. Many are the wrecks that occur in these places, and laudable must be every effort that is made with a view to diminish the number of such melancholy disasters. One of the shoals upon which the inhabitants of Rural Districts are very liable to be driven, is the profanation of the Sabbath-or the devoting that sacred day, to secular purposes. With the intention of guiding my country friends in their course, and of enabling them to shun all perils of this nature, I have taken the liberty of submitting for your approbation the following ADDRESS-the first of a series---which is written, as its Title intimates, from a country Pastor to his Flock, with reference to a practice that but too generally prevails in all the agricultural Districts, and which the good Pastor conceives to be totally inconsistent with the duties of the Sabbath, and the spirit in which it ought to be spent. When young men leave home for service, their Parents generally undertake to wash and mend their clothes: and the former avail themselves of the leisure which is afforded them on a Sunday morning, to visit their Parents for the purpose of having whatever wants they may experience in this respect supplied. Recollecting the class of per sons who the objects of this address form, I trust the more erudite Citizen will find no difficulty in making every allowance for the very plain and simple style in which it is written.

(The Address will appear in our next.)

Post Offices on the Lord's Day.

My Christian Friends,

This Nation has long been called a Christian Nation, and, such indeed it should be, for like unto the Jewish Nation of old, it has been highly favored of God, but like unto them it has become a sinful hard-hearted ungrateful Nation; which may indeed boast of its Christian laws, based upon the bible, while it openly violates week after week the Sabbath, which God in mercy appointed, and in wisdom and justice commands to be kept holy-start not, reader, when I tell thee the sin lies at thy door equally with others, if thou liftest not up thy voice against the weekly desecration of the Sabbath by the Post Office-owing to the lax state of practical Christianity among too many, this is little thought of, yet, when it is considered that what to others is a day of rest-a day to attend the means of grace-a day to meditate, unshackled from the toils and cares of the world, on the things of God, is to more than 20,000 of thy fellow mortals employed by the Post Office, a day of almost double toil-thousands of whom cannot attend the House of Prayer, from one year's end to another.

You who have the happy privilege of resting on the Sabbath, of attending the means of grace, and delight in making it a day holy unto the Lord,may indeed feel with a Christian brother,who, though not wholly debarred from those privileges, yet must attend the duties of his station-going from the House of God to worldly occupationscommencing and ending the Sabbath with all the toil and bustle of another day. Only look at the number of persons throughout the United Kingdom, at the lowest calculation, 250,000 who have letters and papers delivered to them on that holy day, to conceive the amount of labour with which it is desecrated, this fact alone should be a sufficient answer to those who say there is no harm in receiving or sending a letter on a Sunday. Besides the thousands who are drawn to inns, and public houses, and beer-shops to read the news, and thus take a step to a greater sin, instead of hallowing the Sabbath. Think of the 10,000 horses; who. to take or bring those letters, toil day after day under the cruel lash, without any intermission, till death at last winds up the whole, adding another stain to that greater one, with which this so called Christian Nation is dyed. Oh, that I had but the pen of a ready writer to show how great the guilt of this highly favoured but sinful nation. But will not God avenge his broken laws? Yea, as sure as Jerusalem was overthrown, and those horrid calamities brought upon it, so sure will this nation be punished, and that punishment, is the "sure word of prophecy," doth plainly show is now at our very doors. Oh, then, my Christian friends, unite. Confess the sin; put it away from you-lift up your voice against it, and use those means that are within your reach to put an end to this great national sin-let not the false cry of expediency deceive you, for Satan is using it to blind your eyes, do not deceive yourselves as too many professors do, by receiving their letters, and think they have done no sin, because they pay not for them on that Holy Day. Do not deceive yourselves by saying you wish not for your letters, but to prevent confusion you receive them, for a quiet receiver of stolen goods hath greater guilt than the thief. By professors so acting, the enemies of religion have brought this forward, as a proof on their side that there is no harm, they are therefore trying to get the London Post Office opened on the Sabbath. Do not deceive yourselves, but remember the words of Christ, "Till Heaven and Earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Oh, then, my Christian friends, you who are indeed looking for the rest appointed for the people of God, of which the Sabbath is indeed the type, bear with a brother who counsils you to lift up your voices at home and abroad, that the mails may be stopped, and the offices closed on that Holy Day, and be not a partaker of other men's sins, but neither send nor receive letters or papers on that day, so shall you be called of God "great," because you both do and teach his commandments, so shall you receive his blessing for hallowing His Sabbaths.—I am, your faithful brother in the Lord, A WITNESS.

P.S. According to a report of a committee of the House of Commons, there are in the United Kingdom, 1192 Post Towns.

1993 Sub-Deputy and Penny Post Offices.

194 Mail Coaches.

1397 Mail Carts, Riders, and Walkers.

1,550,620 Letters passed thus through the Post Office for

the week ending 29th Jan. 1838.

859,927 Ditto Newspapers.

In 1837 the Mail Coaches in England and Scotland only travelled over 6,643,217 miles.

A Conversation between two Friends.

Being desirous to ornament a small plat of ground fronting my parlour window, I proceeded down Bridge street, on my way to the nursery ground of Widow Rogers, to purchase a few evergreens which are always so refreshing to the eye, especially in the dreary winter months. It was a lovely morning, and I was wishing to be out of the shadow of the Rows to enjoy the genial warmth of the sun, so delightful when spring is expected, when all nature seems as if awaking out of its long wintry sleep. I was fast stepping quickly forward when I heard the well known voice of my friend Mr. J. calling after me to walk more slowly, and as he came up, almost out of breath, said, Really, friend W. your long legs carry you so fast over the ground this fine morning, I am forced almost to run to overtake you."

W. Why, yes, friend J. when we are seeking self gratification we are earnest enough in the pursuit. I was walking fast out of the Rows to enjoy a little sunshine, having a plesant walk before me to the farther end of Handbridge.

J. You are very just in your observation of the earnestness with which we seek our bodily gratification; but if you have no objection 1 should like much to bear you company, having an hour to spare.

W. I shall be most happy to have your company, for to me there is no enjoyment greater than a Christian Brother's converse; though I cannot but make the remark in all charity, that I do wish the followers of Christ would but make their conversation turn upon the things of God, instead of idle and profitless small talk which is so much indulged in.

J. Is it not shameful that in these enlightened days of Christianity such things should be permitted by those in authority, said Mr. J., pointing to several placards hanging in the opposite Row (for we had arrived at the steps leading into the road to Feathers' stables) advertising Sunday Newspapers and infidel publications; on one of the boards was a large wood engraving of what was intended to represent Satan writing "Fun and Frolic."

W. I am grieved to say these are days of much profession, but little possession-they are days of what the world calls great liberality; but, I believe, I speak in accordance with the Word of God when I call such liberality infidelity.

The

J. I am sorry to say your observation is too true. liberality of the present age knows no bounds, and to go contrary to it is considered the height of bigotry. W. We might deem it strange that men should be so infatuated, did not the scripture tell us that the natural man is " enmity against God;" and religion is a system of bindings-whether to God as supreme, to the State as subjects, or to our neighbours in all the various relationships of child to parent, wife to husband, servant to master. It inculcates control of ourselves, and the submission of the will and inclinations of the individual to the well being of another.

J. This is the very reason why it is so displeasing to the natural man, who likes not to be under control in any way, therefore is ever crying for "liberty."

W. "Liberalism is the very opposite of religion, for it is a system of unbindings---of setting free from all ties; therefore its true name should be infidelity for a more dangerous principle never pervaded the world than this very unsanctified benevolence, for it inculcates that religion is only an affair between man and his Maker-that we should not distrust the creed of another-it teaches its disciples to say, "Let me do as I like, and you shall do as you like "-it is the very essence of selfishness; self its motive-self its end-self its all-its very principle of action springs from the narrow confines of its own sensibility."

J. Yet instead of being sorry for men who are so blinded by such narrow principles, how apt we are to draw ourselves up in self-righteousness, and almost say with the Pharisee of old, "I thank God I am not as other men;" and if we are drawn into argument by such, how often do we shew all the pettishness and warmth of the natural man, and yet think we are doing God service.

W. This is, indeed, too true. Oh that we would but make Christ more our pattern in all our actions, instead of looking at fallible man. We profess to be children of God, and joint heirs with Christ of the kingdom of heaven; but our actions too often belie our professions, for "God is Love ;" and if we acted always under the power of God the Spirit, as our "Elder Brother" did, love, would be the main-spring of every action, and we should mourn and pray over the present evil state of the world, instead of shewing that proud, contentious spirit we so often display, especially when striving to obtain the victory in controversy.

J. The Owenites profess to make love the principle and end of their Godless system.

W. But, Oh, how different what they call love to the love which animates the child of God. "Greater love bath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends," which was so beautifully exemplified in the anecdote of the two Heathen youths spoken of in history; one of which being condemned to death, the ether took his place while he went to see his family, on the condition of dying in his stead if he returned not---But where is the Owenite who would even do this much for a friend? yet the love of Christ was far greater than this, for He laid down His life for His enemies; and every true child of God, being animated with His Spirit, is ready to do the same, or else he is none of His.

J. This is, indeed, placing the very highest kind of what the world calls love as the dark background of a picture, only to fetch out the bright lights of Christian love.

W. Looking at the Owenite system on their own grounds, that of natural reason, in connection with the Christian Religion as being so far superior, only shews baseless it is---the union the Christian Religion inculcates, is not as friend to friend, or even as brother to brother; no, it is still higher, even as members of one body animated by one Spirit, which Spirit is that pure love I have spoken of; its end is to gain eternal bliss, and its threatenings to the disobedient, never-ending punishment. Owenite system is not only a hopeless, but a Godless system, having neither reward to offer, nor punishment to fear, the love which it boasts so much of, is not even so high as that of friend to friend, it is in fact only all self and self-thinking, without hope and without God.

The

J. And yet its advocates presume to talk of its beauty, its superiority to the Christian Religion, and the effects it will produce on the world!

W. Are you aware that it is announced they are going to have a shop in this city, on purpose for the sale of their infidel publications?

J. I did hear something to that effect, but hoped it was only an idle rumour, as far as regards their public meetings I think it best to let them alone, for there is nothing they desire more than the notoriety of their public discussion. In fact the very Tracts that have been issued against them, they have distributed with delight as a means of disseminating their infidel principles.

W. Satan is indeed acting in these the last days in his true character of a deceiver, aud not only so, but as an angel of light, knowing that his time is but short. I myself have seen abstracts from various authors, severed from their connexion, and so used as to support that abominable system.

J. Do you not think it wise to let them alone?

W. By no means, yet it requires the greatest circumspection in every publication against them, so to overturn

their theories, without bringing them fully forward. The "Christian Beacon" is an instance in point, in that we find the working of their principles practically shewn forth as producing misery in this life, both in mind and body.

J. I believe that in most errors there is a portion of truth, which truth it is that makes the error so captivating. W. Yes, I have hinted at it in reference to love, but the question is, what is the best way of convincing those who hold the Godless principles of Owen, not only of their absurdity as a whole, but of the misery such principles entail both on body and soul.

J. I was much pleased with an extract in the first number of the Beacon on fulfilled and unfulfilled prophecy. The work from which that extract was made shews forth, with awful plainness, that infidelity is coming on the world and the Church, like a flood. The Church of Christ is the only barrier to withstand the mighty torrent of Infidelity, which, under the most specious forms, is ready to overwhelm all the institutions of this our country. W. Dr. Keith, in a work of his I have just began, speaks most beautifully, yet fearfully, upon an approaching con vulsion, "The face of the sky," he says, "never indicated more clearly an approaching convulsion---not partial, but universal. It is not a single cloud surcharged with electricity, on the rending of which a momentary flash might appear, and the thunder bolt shiver a pine, or scathe a few lonely shrubs, but the whole atmosphere is lowering, a gathering storm is accumulating fearfully in every region; the lightning is already seen gleaming in the heavens, and passing in quick succession from one distant cloud to another, as if every tree in the forest would be enkindled, and the devastating tempest spread ruin on every side."

J. This perfectly agrees with a work I have been reading, wherein it says, "The mystery of the second coming of the Lord would not have been hid unless when revealed it was to meet some mighty end. This end is to stem infidelity, which is more destructive than even superstition. This tide has set in with undiminished force since the French Revolution: and whereas superstition is like a mist that obscures the view, but which does not require so powerful an influence to disperse; this is like the deluge which threatens to carry away every thing before it, and which the fulfilment of prophecy is the only evidence to withstand." But as we have arrived at the gate leading into the nursery-ground, we will pospone further conversation until our return. WATCHMAN.

Bourdaloue was called the king of preachers, and the preacher to kings and Louis the fourteenth himself declared, he would rather hear the repetitions of Bourdaloue, than the novelties of others. In preaching, he generally kept his eyes half closed, and penetrated to the very hearts of his heaters, by the sound of a voice uniform and solemn. On one occasion, he turned the peculiarity of his manner to a very memorable advantage. After depicting, in soul awakening terms, a sinner of the first magnitude, he suddenly opened his eyes, and casting them full on the king, who sat opposite to him, he added in a voice of thunder, "Thou art the man." The effect was confounding. When he had finished his discourse, he went and threw himself at the feet of his sovereign, and said, "Sire, behold at your feet one, who is the most devoted of your servants: but punish him not, that in the pulpit he can own no other master than the King of kings".

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