do you see equally clear that all must be brought to judgment? You seem to understand that all will die a natural death; do you understand also, that all who are dead in trespasses and sins will die an eternal death, if they have not obtained pardon?

It may be that this matter may have escaped you; that you have not given it due attention; let me press it upon you urgently and affectionately.

It may be that you have been so much taken up in insuring the lives of your fellow-men in this world, that you have thought very little of Him, who alone can insure your own life in another.

Men commit strange mistakes, and you may have been calculating on the length of human existence, as if it depended entirely upon man, without bearing in mind that God alone is the Author of your existence and preservation, and that he only can loose the silver cord, and stop life's pendulum. Till the almighty decree goes forth, no man will die. Then, and not till then, "shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."

And shall Old Humphrey, while he believes it possible that you are under such a sad mistake; shall he smile, and speak pleasant things to you,

and allow you to go unmolested down the slippery pathway that leads to so fearful a precipice? No! rather will he seize you by the arm, and compel you to listen to his remonstrance.

Did you never read the words, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” Rom. iii. 23. "The soul that sinneth it shall die," Ezek. xviii. 4. "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish?" Luke xiii. 3. These

are not the words of Old Humphrey, a fellowsinner; a poor, unworthy, mutable, dying worm of the earth; but the words of the living God; and so sure as we shall lie down and moulder in the dust, so sure as the high and lofty One sits on the throne of heaven, his judgments and his promises will both be fulfilled. I ask you, then, have you insured your life?

Surely you will never urge another to buckle on his armour, to brave the temporary evils of time, and go yourself unarmed to encounter the never-ending evils of eternity! This, if done without reflection, would be thoughtlessness; but with reflection, folly and madness. Again, then, I urge the question, Have you insured your life? If not, hasten to the Author and Giver of life, present and eternal, with the inquiry, "What shall I do that I may have eternal life?" Matt. xix. 16. And the liberality of the terms will

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surprise you. Hear, and your soul shall live. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him," Isa. lv. 3. "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners," 1 Tim. i. 15. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," Acts xvi. 31.

The words of a weak, erring old man may be disregarded, however affectionately they may be spoken; and, therefore, Old Humphrey will not calculate on doing you all the good he willingly would do; but if his weak words should be attended with a Divine influence, they will be powerful enough to dispose you to reflection. At all events, refuse not an old man's blessing, who desires, with his heart and soul, that when you cease to be a director of a life insurance office on earth, your name may be found written in the Lamb's book of eternal life, and your voice be heard among the triumphant throng, saying, "Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God, for ever and ever," Rev. vii. 12.

ON USING AND NOT ABUSING

THE

THINGS OF THE WORLD.

Ir sometimes happens, that, in reading the word of God, Old Humphrey meets with a text that seems exactly to suit the case of some neighbour or friend. It reproves an error, or consoles an affliction, that wanted just such correction or consolation; and then Old Humphrey is quick to apply it. If the text be a rebuke, he takes it up, and applies it to others. If it be a cordial, he pours it out with a willing hand and heart. This is an occurrence that not unfrequently takes place.

It happens, too, at times, and, perhaps, as often as the other case, that Old Humphrey meets with a text that seems written on purpose for himself. It comes like a sharp arrow, aimed at one of his own numberless faults; or, like the voice of a faithful friend and counsellor, to direct him in a season of difficulty. I have just been reading a chapter in Corinthians, wherein are the words,

"And they that use this world, as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away," 1 Cor. vii. 31. Now, who is he that uses the things of this world without abusing them? Whoever he may be, I feel at this moment that he is not Old Humphrey. The words, therefore, come home to me; and, as it is possible they may come home to you likewise, let us give them a little consideration.

We need not trouble our heads about the unlawful things of the world, because we are not permitted to use them at all without disobedience and sin. When we meddle with them it is all abuse-when we touch them, it is all defilement. The lawful things of the world are those which we will consider.

We may venture to lay it down as a rule, that when our earthly desires darken our heavenly hopes; that whenever the love of any created thing lessens our love to God and his Son Jesus Christ, we are not merely using, but also abusing the things of the world. And now, then, to this standard let us bring ourselves.

Dear as our relations and friends may be, they are too dear when they draw our hearts from God. How is it with you? do you use these good things without abusing them? Is there no wife, no husband, no child, no friend, that has an