sounds, by dresses and processions, by intoning. In vain! These are the artifices of men, not the institutions or the breathings of God. The fire is not in the postures. The fire is not in the colour. The fire is not in the sounds. It must originate in the heart. The fire is by the Holy Spirit.' Lord, let the fire descend upon us from heaven. Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire. So shall our services be what they ought to be, what they are intended to be. So shall we convince the gainsayers, and put honour on our wholesome words,' while our hearts, as well as our lips, declare, Jehovah! He is the God; Jehovah! He is the God."" SOME HANDFULS FROM "THE GLEANER." To the Editor of the Gospel Magazine. DEAR SIR, My soul has been much refreshed and melted this morning in the first seven verses of Exodus 25th. Many times have I read them, but never so en joyed them before, for therein I saw that where the Lord has given a willing heart, He will accept a very humble offering. Those who had not gold and silver to offer for the tabernacle might bring a little brass, and it would not be rejected; those who were too poor to have blue, or purple, or fine linen, might present a little goat's hair, and the Lord would be well pleased with it; and such as felt as if they had no sweet spices, might bring a few drops of oil in a cruse, and it should be accepted. So lovingly has the good Shepherd cared for the poor of the flock; and, thus encouraged, the gleaner ventures to join her more able brethren in testifying that "the memory of the just is blessed;" and in praising, not Mr. TRIGGS, but his Master, of whom he used so constantly to sing, "The Lord liveth, and blessed be my Rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted." He was one of the sweet singers of Israel, though it was often with a thorn at the breast. He trod the paths of tribulation, but it was all by weight and measure, for "Thou most upright dost weigh the path of the just." And now, the waves of trouble having all rolled over, he "bathes in seas of heavenly rest," amongst that glorious multitude who came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. He sleeps in Jesus, who abolished death, and swallowed it up in victory; all praise to our loving, conquering Head, He endured the sting of death and left but a harmless, quiet sleep for His body, the church. As dear Mr. TRIGGS so often said, "We are the living side of death; neither can we die any more, being the children of the resurrection." He has proved it true, notwithstanding all his sufferings; in the taking down of the tabernacle, the bitterness of death was indeed past; and in the midst of dying pains of the body, he was in eternal life-"Eternal life! Lord, what is this? Tis more than heaven; 'tis more than bliss. "Eternal life is this I see; 'Tis me in Christ, and Christ in me." I became acquainted with Mr. T. many years ago, when he first visited Nottingham. It was a few months after my soul had been brought out of long and dreary bondage. It was also just after my recovery from an illness, which was to me as the gate of heaven, the suburbs of glory, and then to come forth and hear this dear servant of the Lord speak of "our most glorious Christ," and of His beauty, and His love, and our perfection in Him, and oneness with Him, was indeed marrow and fatness; for he told out, to my astonishment, the very secrets of my soul, just what the Lord had been opening to me Himself from the blessed Scriptures. I feasted in public worship, and we communed in the social circle, being truly of one heart and soul in Jesus, and having there all spiritual things common. My soul was burning with the love of Jesus when he came; nor did intercourse with him tend to cool it. I remember one day saying to him, "Many tell me I shall not be happy long, but must go back into bondage. Do you think so?" His reply was, "I read of the children of Israel being sent into Babylon, but I never read of them being sent back into Egypt." This told upon my heart, and renewed its praises to Him, who had most surely brought me into the good land of gospel liberty. Though we have many instructors in Christ, yet have we not many fathers; but Mr. TRIGGS was one truly, for he ever sought to lead the children on in the privileges of their high and holy standing in Christ. His teachings did not gender to bondage, and had no secret drawings towards Mount Sinai, He was a free-born citizen of Zion, and feared not to declare it before friend or foe. Oh! I have longed that many of the dear, living family, who cavil at his expressions, did know the blessedness of living and walking, experimentally, in that perfection of Christ which they hold doctrinally; then would they not be so angry with the man of God, who ceased not to declare to the church, "Ye are complete in Him." May the Lord inspire many of his servants with holy zeal to set forth the liberty wherewith Christ maketh His people free. He does, He will; for though His veterans are taken home, He will still have faith ful witnesses who shall deliver souls. When the beloved reaper had finished his visit to our Sion, he departed; but still kindly remembered the gleaner, and sent her handfuls of purpose at the Master's bidding. And oh! what glorious things did he set before her of that "mighty Him" (as he used to call our adorable Immanuel). He was very great upon the person of Christ, a theme which makes the finest and inmost chords of my new heart vibrate in a moment. I never expect to get to his depths of knowledge in that subject on this side Jordan; but the wide cracks in this mortal tabernacle intimate that soon I shall put it off; then shall I see as I am seen, know as I am known; "Shall o'er His endless beauties rove; He has lovingly gathered the reaper as a And yield my Saviour love for love." shock of corn fully ripe; I praise and adore Him for it, and humbly look for Him to gather the gleaner also in the appointed season as a little ear of his handful, which, with the rest, shall wave to the praise of the glory of His grace, in eternal ripeness before the throne, who hath made us accepted in the "to Beloved." Bless the Lord, O our souls, for His favours to Mr. TRIGGS in life, and in crossing the river; and favours through him, which will live blessed be His holy name, for His warmly in the hearts of many so long as they sojourn below. them in the flames, as the Lord directs Dear Sir, use these poor lines, or put you. May precious Jesus shine in you, In much affliction my soul is made glad and speak through you more and more. in Him, and His finished salvation. Here is solid Rock, when all besides proves shifting sand. In our lovely and loving Ishi, WHY WEEPEST THOU? WHY, My brother! If f you are not dead | pathy. The Lord's dear people are too in sin; but if you are the subject of apt to forget that all that which brings hourly spiritual needs, arising from the them into their condition of felt need, is presence of spiritual life in your soul, the work of the Lord's own hands. Not, and issuing forth in true spiritual desires of course, the sin and evil which makes after a clearer manifestation of your in- the child of God groan, but the life and terest in Christ Jesus, such considera-light which enables them to discover and tions as these should make your heart feel what they are in their own contami leap for joy, and fill your mouth with nated natures. It is the new creature praise. Yes, in spite of all you feel of in Christ is the needy one; but this your own poverty, unworthiness, cold-new creature is the work of the Lord's ness, deadness, and emptiness; since it own hands! Will he, can he forsake it? is the presence of these very needs-for Listen, dear brother, "Even to your old the supply of which your own weakness age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will forbids your ever looking to self-makes I carry you; I have made, and I will you more peculiarly the object of the bear; even I will carry, and will deliver Spirit's tender care and watchful sym- you" (Isa. xlvi. 4).-Gospel Lecturer. PLEASING RECOLLECTIONS OF THE REV. JAMES HERVEY. "GENIUS sublime! what powers of mind, With learning were in thee combined; Thy virtues, graces, writings, worth, Made thee a blessing great on earth." -KNIGHT. Whether it is impolitic on the part of anyone, and more especially the Christian, to venerate the relics of a departed favourite author, or minister, is a question which may be answered both in the negative and affirmative. The ascetic may call it a weakness; but if it be such, it is one from which few or anyone is exempt. Indeed, it is often the case, that the more one appreciates literature and knowledge, the more susceptible are we to veneration. But there is a great difference between the enthusiasm which the worldling experiences for another of the same character, and the moderate, temperate veneration which a Christian feels for the relics of a departed saint. The deep enthusiastic veneration of a great dramatist may reasonably be objected to; but that of a moderate reverence for a sincere, godly-minded man, cannot possibly be rightly censured, even by the most strict disciplinarian. . the deadly venom, not from our veins, but from the immortal part of our nature; and not at the hazard, but at the loss-the certain and unavoidable loss-of His own most precious life? He opened His breast-opened His very soul-to the keenest arrows of vindictive justice, that, transfixing Him, they might drop short of us. The poison whereof drank up His spirits,' that the balm of peace might refresh ours. Let our memories be the tablet to record this unexampled instance of compassion and goodness. Let our affections dwell upon the tragical, the delightful history, till they are inflamed with love, and melt into contrition. If we want an inscription, let us make use of those noble lines, which, in the finest climax imaginable, describe the magnificence and grace of this most astonishing transaction :— "Survey the wondrous cure, And at each step let higher wonders rise; Pardon for infinite offence! and pardon Through means that speak its value infinite, A pardon bought with blood!-with blood divine !With blood divine of Him I made my foe! Persisted to provoke!-though woo'd and aw'd, Blest and chastised, a flagrant rebel still! It must be impossible for anyone living so near as Northampton to the birth-place (Hardingstone), and the scene of his ministrations (Weston Favell), but what would feel an inward Nor I alone! * pleasure in beholding those relics which were once in the possession of, and stood connected with, this amiable, modest A rebel universe! My species up in arms! Not one exempt! Yet for the foulest of the foul He dies !'"* The house at Hardingstone, in which HERVEY was born, calls forth many pleasant thoughts; as it is but a natural feeling to be delighted in seeing the spot where he first burst forth upon the world," and where he received his earliest instructions. It is also pleasing to think, that perhaps the very place upon which we sat was the scene of his, and his sister's "pleasing hours spent together in reading holy and edifying books, or discoursing on pious and useful subjects." Contiguous to the house is the nursery, where a wholesome and profitable instruction was imparted by his parents. On the wall, at the back of the house, is cut his own name, which * Young's Night Thoughts. probably he did in his boyish days. which is mentioned in Theron and Does not this put one in mind of those Aspasio. names which are inscribed by the eternal pen in characters which do not require, like the present one, to be occasionally re-cut, that they may be preserved and rendered legible; and cannot we hope with the poet,— The first thing that claims our attention in the village is the church, in which he laboured so diligently in so good a cause. There stands the little placenot possessing any outward decorations, or architectural beauties that would recommend it to our notice; but the fact that the voice of one who preached the pure, unmixed, and unadulterated truth in such earnest, commanding, and simple strains, that the hearts of the hearers were won, is sufficient to give a special interest to the edifice. There is the same old-fashioned, carved pulpit, in which he preached and explained so eloquently the word of "the blessed God." Our imagination reverts to the time when HERVEY Occupied it, when it could be said,— "There stands the messenger of TRUTH, The legate of the skies; his theme divine, WESTON FAVELL is the scene of his when truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth was preached. But now "how has the fine gold become dim ?" Instead of free grace, and a pure gospel, Puseyism has taken its place, and the air is contaminated by its influences. On the hangings of the pulpit are these thrilling words, "Take heed how you hear," with the date 1715 attached, the work of HERVEY's sister. Under the communion-table his body is resting, and there is a flat stone nearly effaced at the top, with these lines upon "Reader, expect no more to make him known, Vain the fond elegy and figured stone; A name more lasting shall his writings give, There view displayed his heavenly soul, and live." But to return from our digression. The scenery around Weston is of a delightful character, and well calculated to raise the mind in contemplation of the kindnesses of a bounteous God. There is no doubt but that the rural There he rests in peace. The muchscenery suggested the "Descant upon admired author-the amiable Christian Creation," as well as the walk in the the eloquent minister-the laborious churchyard at Kilkhampton, in Corn-visitor of the parish-has gone to his wall, suggested the "Meditations among home above the skies. It is folly to the Tombs." And he who is well ac- wish him back, however much we should quainted with the scenery which sur-be delighted to hear the precious gospel rounds the place of the ministrations of of Jesus Christ from his lips. We can this heavenly-minded man, can appreciate but desire that many would take a lesson the truly-delightful and luxurious des- from this inimitable model Christiancantations upon certain beautiful spots, this truly evangelical preacher, who "preached Christ all in all in the commencement of his sermon, all through it, and finished with His name and love. The doctrine of imputed righteousness was his darling theme, as may be evinced from his writings. A biographer, and an admirer of his life and works, has said, "Had Mr. HERVEY heen placed in a station more public and more eminent than Weston Favell, he would have been less diffusively useful." The excellences which HERVEY ascribes to the Puritans may equally be said to be found in his sermons, "To settle faith on its proper basis, the meritorious righteousness of the Redeemer; and to deduce obedience from its true origin, the love of God shed abroad in the heart; to search the conscience, and convince the judgment; to awaken the lethargic, and comfort the afflicted soul; and all from a thorough knowledge, joined to a masterly application of the divine Word." The easy chair in which this man of God expired, with the words "Precious salvation! precious salvation!" upon his lips, is still preserved. There are many trifling articles once in the possession of this amiable character, scattered amongst the villagers. I know of a good Christian family who have in their possession a couple of old-fashioned wine glasses which are treasured for the respect in which they hold the memory of their late possessor. The rectory-house, which HERVEY built at his own expense, is situated in a charming retreat from "a jarring world." The following passage in his "Meditations" of young Atticus, who "lived to see his ample and commodious seat completed, but not to spend one joyous hour under the stately roof," applied especially to him; for before the building was ready for occupation, he was in another "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." "The sashes were hung to admit the day; but the master's eyes are closed in endless night. The apartments were furnished to afford refreshment or invite repose; but their lord rests in the more peaceful chambers of the tomb. The gardens were planned, and a thousand elegant decorations designed; but, alas! their intended possessor is gone down to the place of skulls '-is gone down to the valley of the shadow of death." O Death, how great is thy power! At one moment we may see a friend and enjoy their friendship, and their delightful conversation, and the words which fall from their lips may be treasured up in our hearts; but, however much we may love and esteem them, yet the ironhearted Death merely breathes, and they are gone from us. What frailty there is in man. No less tender is he than the flowers of the garden, or the grass of the field; but the thought of their occupying a superior dwelling-an everlasting mansion is calculated to ameli orate the grief: for this assurance only can mitigate the sorrow of parting with a beloved friend. وو As a private man and a Christian, HERVEY was an exemplary character. He thought of the Lord always. His cause was next and dearest to his heart. He sought Him "constant as the returning sun. He remained a happy bachelor all his days; but he loved Christian society, although he lived secluded from the busy world. He devoted his time, not to man, but to the service of God. His was a delightful occupation. Never was there a man who obtained the respect and the love of so many in such little space of time; and even those who did not agree with the distinguished doctrines he held so dear, could not but love his most amiable character. دو HERVEY'S works, regarded in a literary sense, are worthy to stand in a parallel with the best productions of our ablest writers. They are "the delightfullest things in our language," a wilderness of sweets" to the Christian reader. They contain a luxuriance of beautiful and deep thoughts, which, combined with the free, flowery brilliancy of his style, render them of such intrinsic value. Whatever may have been said respecting the "peculiar doctrines which he so ably advocated, every one has admitted the superior style of his writings, characterised as they are with such fluency of ideas, and elegance of expression, which cannot even fail to attract the educated ear. Outward decoration of language may please, but it is of no value without a deep insight into the subject; it is not either in the multitude of the words, or in the flowery expressions, but in the gem that lies in the casket. |