The thirsty imagines it is water, till he comes and finds it is nought." It is also used in the Arabic Proverb : "He is hunting the prey of the Serab." The reader who wishes to see more on this subject, may consult Gessenius's And in the Concessus of Hariri, the caution is given : "Be not deceived by the quivering of the Serab." Comment. on Isaiah, and Gilbert's Annalen. B. 28. St. 1. S. 1., which contains some interesting observations by Professors Erdmann and Frähn. IMPURE AIR IN PLACES OF WORSHIP. THAT atmospheric or common air is one of the principal instruments of animal and vegetable life, is universally admitted. Exclude this air from any animal or vegetable, and death is the inevitable consequence. Though, therefore, it cannot sustain life of itself, it is one of those agents of nature which God has provided as essentially necessary to preserve and perpetuate that life which he first gave to his creatures. It follows, as a necessary consequence, that the purer this air is, the freer from all foreign admixtures, the more perfectly will it answer its great and beneficent end. This air, in its passage through the lungs, parts with its oxygen, which is its chief vivifying principle: that part being detained, and mixing with the blood, supplies the gradual wastes of nature, and invigorates the energies of the animal system. Those parts of the air which are thrown from the lungs by respiration, being divested of their vivifying and life-giving principle, lose their nutritive and elastic qualities, and have a deleterious effect upon the animal system. When, therefore, this air is received into the lungs in this state, instead of feeding and enlivening the animal functions, it relaxes and weakens them. Now, let any house or close room be filled with people, or any living animals, who are continually inhaling the air, and throwing it out again, deprived of its oxygen, it must be come more and more impure; and the oftener it thus passes through the lungs, the more deleterious must be its effects on the animal system. Being deprived of its natural elasticity and buoyancy, instead of enlivening, it has a deadening influence ;-and bence in a large assembly, where the air is reduced to this state, the involuntary yawning, stretching, gap. ing, and oftentimes swooning or fainting, which are witnessed. Apply this reasoning to places of worship. Although they may not be so perfectly tight as to prevent all external air from rushing in, yet being closed principally through the week, the air, more especially in warm weather, losing its natural elasticity by becoming, like fixed air, stagnant and unhealthful, is totally unfit for respiration. Now, let a congregation assemble in a house in this state, without its being ventilated; and for two hours, perhaps, they are taking in and throwing out this air: is it not a wonder that they come out alive? In addition to their retaining that part of the air which feeds and supports animal life, they are throwing out with the other parts more or less of impurities from the lungs, which mix with the external air, and then this, taken again into the lungs, becomes foul and loathsome. What an element this to breathe in -But suppose that on the departure of the congregation, the chapel is left closed until they re-assemble, and that three times in the course of the day: in what a contaminated state must the air in that house be ! The writer of this article has often witnessed with extreme regret, on entering a place of worship, particnlarly in the evening, the deadening influence this impure air has had upon his whole frame, and has long and often expressed an unavailing wish to have those evils corrected, which might be easily done by a little attention to a few plain directions. There can be but little doubt that many diseases are contracted by sitting in a crowded assembly, while the room is filled with air thus rendered impure and unhealthful by being so often taken into and thrown out of the lungs; and then, after breathing and perspiring for an hour or more in such a place, by exposing oneself suddenly to the cool atmosphere without, the effect is doubly mischievous. To remedy evils of such magnitude, the writer humbly submits the following directions: 1. Let every chapel-keeper be instructed, as an indispensable part of his duty, every morning that there is to be worship in any chapel, to see that a sufficient number of windows be raised, and doors opened, to ventilate it thoroughly before the people assemble. This must be done at all seasons of the year, in every house of worship that is not furnished with a regular ventilator. 2. At all seasons of the year, as soon as the house is emptied of the people, he should raise the windows and open the doors until the house is ventilated, and the atmosphere within restored to its natural state; and if the weather be either damp or cold, he should close them again as above directed. 3. In cold weather, where fire is necessary for the comfort of the people, it should be kindled early in the morning, that the proper tempe rature of the air may be obtained before the people assemble. There is no need of a large fire after the people are assembled, when the room has been previously warmed; and therefore, during the worship, no additional fuel is required,-neither should the congregation be disturbed by the noise of the poker and shovel during the solemnities of divine worship; not only because it is indecent and irreverent, but also because it is altogether unnecessary. Always regulate the quantity of fire by the degrees of cold. Less artificial heat is necessary in a full house, than in one only partially filled. 4. In warm weather, be sure to have the windows raised early in the morning; and, if the wind be not vehement, let them continue raised; but if it be, close those only on the side of the house from whence the wind blows. It should never be necessary to open a window after the congregation is convened; because a current of air suddenly rushing on a person in a close room, especially if he be in a perspiration, will induce a cold, and perhaps lay a foundation for an inveterate disease. 5. All places of religious worship should be kept clean. Let them frequently be cleansed by pure water, often swept, allowing no dust to cleave to the seats. Unless this be attended to, it is not possible that the air can be either pure or healthful. The observance of these plain and easy rules will contribute greatly to the health and convenience of worshipping assemblies, and prevent that coughing, yawning, and drowsiness, so disagreeable, and so often witnessed in public assemblies; for most of those sensations are induced, to the no little annoyance of Preachers and people, by the impure state of the air, in the houses of worship: and certainly, over and above mere considerations of comfort and health, houses which have been consecrated to the special service of Almighty God, should, for this very reason, more than all others, be kept as clean as possible; allowing no filth of any kind to remain either within or about them. What an unfit place is a filthy house, filled with impure and stagnant air, in which to offer the incense of prayer and praise to a pure and holy God! This is not all. The man of God can preach better, and the people, of course, be more edified, when the house in which they are assembled is in a suitable state. The impure and stagnant air, divested of its enlivening properties, has such a relaxing and deadening effect on the animal functions, and especially on the organs of speech, that a speaker on entering such a place, feels his nerves on a sudden relaxed, and is often unfitted for his duty; while he witnesses a corresponding effect on his hearers. It must have a similar effect on the humán system to be immersed in such an atmosphere, as it would on fish to take them from pure water, and plunge them into a muddy pond. The quantity of poisonous matter re ceived by this means into the system, in the course of the Sabbath, no doubt contributes to weaken the constitution, if not to lay a foundation for a premature death; especially in those who are already, in some measure, enfeebled by disease. It is, indeed, a scandal to the Christian name, that any body of people, professing to worship the Lord Jesus, should, through sheer neglect, carelessness, or want of knowledge, suffer their meeting-houses to remain from one week to another in this shameful situation. It would be far more becoming, much better comport with that reverence which is due to God, and much more conduce to health and comfort, to assemble in the open air, than in a house contaminated through the culpable neglect of those to whom the charge of it is committed. While we take much pains to cleanse and purify our dwelling-houses, shall the houses of God be allowed to become so filthy, that it is an offence, and even dangerous, for people to assemble in them? American Methodist Magazine. ORIGINAL LETTERS OF MR WESLEY: addressed TO MR. GEORGE MERRYWEATHER, OF YARM. (Communicated by the Rev. David Stoner.) London, Jan. 16, 1758. MY DEAR BROther, Ir the work of God does so increase at Yarm, we must not let the opportunity slip. Therefore let the Travelling Preacher be there either every Sunday evening, or at least every other Sunday. No person must be allowed to preach or exhort among our people, whose life is not holy and unblameable: nor any who asserts any thing contrary to the Gospel which we have received. And if he does not own his fault and amend it, he cannot be a Leader any longer. Peace be with you all. I am your affectionate Brother, J. WESLEY. Brentford, Jan. 24, 1760. MY DEAR BROTHER, I RECEIVED yours, with the Bill, a day or two ago. I wish you would every where recommend two books in particular, The Christian Pattern, and the Primitive Physic. It is a great pity that any Methodist should be without them. I wonder Brother Mather does not write to me. He should not forget his friends: I hope the gentleman with whom I breakfasted at Yarm, has not forsaken you. Even the rich may enter into the kingdom: for with God all things are possible. See that you stir up the gift of London, Oct. 5, 1763. MY DEAR BRother, YOUR letter was sent from hence to Bristol. But I had left Bristol before it came. I have no objection to Mr. Jaco's coming to Yarm, to open the house: But I suppose he cannot stay long. He will soon be wanted again in his own Circuit. It is strange that the number of hearers should decrease, if you have regular preaching. I hope the morning preaching is never omitted. If it be, every thing will droop. What relates to the account, I will give to Mr. Franks. Probably he will find where the mistake lies. O affectionate be in earnest! I am your J. WESLEY. Brother, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, May 7, 1764. MY DEAR Brother, I THANK you for the receipts. There is nothing more sure, than that God is able and willing to give And it always what he gives once. is most certainly his design, that whatever he has given you, should But this abide with you for ever. can only be, by simple faith. In this, reasoning is good for nothing. See that both of you be as little children. Your help is all laid up above, in the hand of Him that loves you. Look unto Him and receive what you want! Believe yourselves to heaven! I am your affectionate Brother, J. WESLEY. Feb. 8, 1766. MY DEAR BROTHER, WHERE Christian perfection is not strongly and explicitly preached, there is seldom any remarkable blessing from God; and consequently, little addition to the Society, and little life in the members of it. Therefore, if Jacob Rowell is grown faint, and says but little about it, do you supply his lack of service. Speak and spare not. Let not regard for any man induce you to betray the truth of God. Till you press the believers, to expect full salvation Now, you must not look for any revival. It is certain, God does at some times, without any cause known to us, shower down his grace in an ex LATIMER AND KING LATIMER, in preaching before the King, spoke his mind very plainly; which some of his enemies thought to make their advantage of, by complaining of him to the King, that so they might get him out of the way. Soon after his sermon, he and divers others being called before the King to speak their minds on certain matters, one of them kneeled before his Majesty, and accused Latimer of having preached seditious doctrine. The King turned to Latimer, and said, "What say you to that, Sir?” Latimer kneeled down, and turning first to his accuser, said, "What form of preaching would you appoint me to preach before a King? Would you have me to preach nothing concerning a King, in a King's sermon ? Have you any commission to appoint me what I shall preach?" He asked him divers other questions; but he would answer none at all: nor had he any thing to say. Then he turned himself to the King; and, submitting himself to his Grace, said, "I never thought myself worthy, nor ever sued traordinary manner. And he does, in some instances, delay to give either justifying or sanctifying grace, for reasons which are not discovered to us. These are some of those secrets of his government, which it hath pleased him to reserve in his own breast. I hope you and your wife keep all you have, and gasp for more. I am your affectionate Bro ther, J. WESLEY. Lewisham, Dec. 10, 1768. MY DEAR BROTHER, THE matter is short: all things in divine worship must "be done decently and in order." Two must never pray at the same time, nor one interrupt another. Either Alice Brammah must take advice, or the Society must be warned to keep away from her. These are the very things which were the beginning of poor George Bell's fall. I am, with love to Sister Merryweather, your affectionate Brother, J. WESLEY. HENRY THE EIGHTH. to be a Preacher before your Grace. But I was called to it; and would be willing, if you mislike me, to give place to my betters. But if your Grace allow ine for a Preacher, I would desire your Grace, to discharge my conscience, give me leave to frame my discourse according to mine audience. I had been a very dolt to have preached so at the borders of your realm, as I preach before your Grace." These words were well received by the King, as Latimer concluded, because the King presently turned to another subject. At that time certain of his friends came to him with tears in their eyes, and told him, they looked for nothing but that he should have been sent to the Tower the same night. The matter I suppose was this: Before the abbeys were dissolved, the King had charged certain of them with the maintenance and care of some of his horses. The inconvenience whereof was, that hospitality and feeding the poor became much hindered; the King's horses being maintained out of the revenue. For this did Latimer, in a sermon at the Court, take the confidence to blame the King. "Abbeys," he said, "were ordained for the comfort of the poor : wherefore it was not decent that the King's horses should be kept in them, as many were at that time; the living of poor men thereby 'minished, and taken away." Afterward a nobleman said to him, "What hast thou to do with the King's horses?" He answered, he spake his conscience, as God's word directed him. The nobleman said, "Horses are the maintainers and parts of a King's honour, and of the realm also; wherefore, in speaking against them, ye speak against the King's honour." Latimer replied, " God teacheth what honour is decent for a King." He said moreover, "God hath appointed a sufficient living for his state and degree, both by lands and customs; but to extort, and take away the right of the poor is against the honour of the King." Thus we have found out his seditious preaching. It was indeed ordinary to charge him, and other Gospel Preachers, with sedition. A certain person having heard Latimer preach before King Edward, on being asked how he liked the Preacher, replied, "Even as I liked him always. A seditious fellow. "-Strype. HUMAN NATURE. I HAVE seen the worst natures, and the most depraved minds, that have not affected all kinds of sin: but some they have condemned in others, and abhorred in themselves. One exclaims against covetousness; yet he can bear riotous living, and extravagance. Another inveighs against drunkenness, and excess; not caring how cruel he is in usury and oppression. One cannot endure a rough, quarrelsome disposition; yet he gives himself over to effeminate and sensual courses. Another hates all wrongs, except wrongs done to God. One is a civil Atheist; another, a religious usurer; a third, an honest drunkard; a fourth, an unchaste practiser of justice; and a fifth is a chaste quarreller. I know not whether every devil excel in all sins: some of them have their denomination from sins of a more special nature. Let no man applaud himself for those sins which he wanteth; but condemn himself, rather, for those sins which he hath. Thou censurest another man's sin; he censures thine; and God curseth, them both.Bishop Hall. REVIEW. Biblical Researches and Travels in Russia; including a Tour in the Crimea, and the Passage of the Caucasus: with Observations on the State of the Rabbinical and Karaite Jews, and the Mohammedan and Pagan Tribes, inhabiting the Southern Provinces of the Russian Empire. By E. Henderson. 1 Vol. 8vo. pp. 538. 16s. THIS volume contains the narrative of a journey, performed in the years 1821 and 1822, by the author, in company with Dr. Paterson, in the service of the Bible Society. It adds little to geographical knowledge; nothing to natural history or science; and there is but little more in the account of the countries passed through, than a much less talented traveller than the author could have furnished. VOL. V. Third Series. JULY, The local descriptions are neither ample nor very graphic, and there is much of the common-place of travelling adventure, and of the discomforts and pleasures which would occur in a journey any where in civilized or semi-civilized countries. We are, however, led through regions with which the public are not very familiar, and are able to collect satisfactory general views of their lo1826. 2 L |