THE FILTHY CLEANSED.

"I think it not unsuitable, since it is to commend the Grace of God, and witness the reality thereof, who of all kind of sinners, as well as of all kindreds, and nations, hath brought some to glory, that I set down one very strange instance in this country, of a poor sodomite, who not many years ago, was put to death in the town of Air, for that horrid wickedness, he had been a most stupid, and brutish person, such an one, who looked to all that knew him, as if he had been above the reach of ordinary means; but in the prison, the Lord did marvellously witness the power of his grace, and in such a measure, discovered to him his sinfulness, that, after much serious exercise upon his soul, and sore wrestling, a most kindly work of repentance did appear, with great assurance, so that when he came to the stake, he could not cease from crying out to the people, under the sense of pardon, and that comforting sunshine of the presence of God; "O, he is a great forgiver! He is a great forgiver!" and had therewith these words; "Now hath perfect love cast out all fear; I know God hath: nothing to lay against me, for Jesus Christ hath paid all, and these are free whom

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the Son makes free." Thus, in a transport of wonder and joy, did he die; the marvellous grace of God raising him then above other men, who, not long before, seemed in some respect, below a beast.

From Flemming's fulfilling of the Scriptures.

REFLECTIONS.

With this most surprising instance of the grace of God before us, we should not utterly despair of the foulest transgressors; but direct them to a deep and serious repentance; and an earnest address to God by prayer, who can cleanse from the blackest stains; and break in pieces the fetters of the most inveterate habits, and the most abandoned practices. Jesus is mighty to save-saves to the uttermost, all that come unto God by him. O, the blood of Christ is precious blood-it is sacrificial blood-blood, which becomes to the penitent believer, a propitiation. It covers, or overspreads him, because, by an act of pardon, obtained through faith in that blood, his sins are covered, so that they no longer appear to the eye of Divine Justice; and hence, he, himself, is covered, or protected, from the stroke of the broken law. Blessed, blessed truths! O for more faith, and more love! then will follow more holiness and more joy.

How delightful to hear this miracle of the power and grace of God, ex press his wonder, gratitude, and love, "O, he is a great forgiver! He is a great forgiver." We here see the truth of our blessed Saviour's words, "To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much." Of the abusers of themselves with mankind, at Corinth, some afterwards were washed, were sanctified, were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. vi. 11. These detested creatures, rescued from the most infamous and deplorable state, are encouraging examples to faith on earth; and exciting causes of triumph in heaven.

THE PRODIGAL RESTORED.

"Mr. John Welsh, son of the Laird of Coliestoun, in the shire of Nithisdale, was born about the year 1570. He was a most hopeless, extravagant boy; it was not enough to him, frequently to run away from the school, but after he had passed his grammar, he left his father's house, and went and joined himself to the thieves on the borders, who lived by robbing the two nations; amongst them he stayed till he

spent a suit of clothes.

Then when he was clothed only with rags, the prodigal's misery brought him to the prodigal's resolutions, he resolved to return to his father's house; but durst not adventure till he should interpose a reconciler; so, in his return homeward, he took Dumfries in his way, where he had a friend, one Agnes Forsyth, and with her he diverted some days, earnestly entreating her to reconcile him to his father. While he lurked in her house, his father came providentially to the house to salute his cousin, Mrs Forsyth; and after they had talked a while, she asked him whether ever he had heard any news of his son John? He replied with great grief, O how can you name his name to me! the first news I expect to hear of him is, that he is hanged for a thief. She answered, many a profligate boy has become a virtuous man, and comforted him. He insisted on his sad complaint, but asked whether she knew his lost son was yet alive? She answered "yes, he was;" and she hoped he would prove a better man than he was a boy; and with that she called upon him to his father; he came weeping and kneeled, beseeching his father for Christ's sake to pardon his misbehaviour, and deeply engaged to be a new man.. His father reproached him, and threatened him; yet at length by the boy's tears, and Mrs. Forsyth's importunities, he was

persuaded to a reconcilation. The boy entreated his father to put him to the college, and there to try his behaviour, and if ever thereafter he should break, he said he would be content his father should disclaim

him for ever; so his father carried him home, and put him to the college, and there he became a diligent student of great expectation, and so he proceeded to the ministry. His first post in the ministry was at Selkirk, while he was yet very young, and the country rude. While he was there, his ministry was rather admired than received by many; for he was always attended with the prophet's shadow, the hatred of the wicked. Yet it was thought his ministry in that place was not without fruit, though he stayed but a short time. there. He boarded himself in the house of one Mitchel, and took a young boy of his to be his bed fellow, who to his dying day, retained both a respect to Mr. Welsh, and his ministry, from the impressions Mr. Welsh's behaviour made upon his apprehension, though but a child. His custom, was when he went to bed at night, to lay a scotch plaid above his bedclothes, and when he went to his night prayers, to sit up and cover himself negligently therewith; and so to continue, for from the beginning of his ministry to his death, he reckoned the day ill spent if he stayed not seven or eight hours in prayer; and this

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