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answer. In a short time the aged oflicer died, and the colonel waited upon his Majesty to inform him of the vacancy, and to remind him of his intention to raise Sergeant Thomas to the situation. No, no!" said the King, "he shall not have it; he does not go so often to William-street as he used to do." Surprised at this peremptory refusal, the colonel withdrew, and on his return found the sergeant waiting for the confirmation of his appoint

the matter with the King to-day," said the colonel, "but he will not give you the situation. He says you do not go so often to Williamstreet as you used to do. I do not know what he means; but I suppose you do."

Soldier. A sergeant of the name of Thomas, who was very successful in training his men, and whose whole deportment pleased the great Frederick of Prussia, was often noticed by him. He inquired respecting the place of the sergeant's birth, his parents, his religious creed, and the place of worship which he frequented. On being informed that he was united with the Moravians, and attended their chapel in William-street, he exclaimed, "Oh, oh! you are ment. "I do not know what is fanatic, are you? Well, well, only take care to do your duty, and improve your men." The King's common salutation after this was, "Well, how do you do? how are you going on in William-street ?" His Majesty at length, in conversation with Thomas's colonel, mentioned his intention of promoting the sergeant to an office in the commissariat department, upon the death of an aged man who then filled it. The colonel, in order to encourage Thomas, told him of the King's design. Unhappily this had an injurious effect upon the mind of the sergeant; for, alas! such is the depravity of the human heart, that few can endure the temptation of prosperity without sustaining spiritual loss. Thomas began to

147. Inconsistency of Character. - Pliny the younger, Proconsul under Trajan, is a striking illustration of the truth, that goodness and amiableness towards one class of men is often turned into cruelty towards another. hardly show a more gentle and History can lovely character than Pliny's. While pleading at the bar, he always sought out the grievances of the poorest and most despised persons, entered into their wrongs with all his soul, and never took a fee. Who forsake the assemblies of his can read his admirable letters withChristian brethren; and when re-out being touched by their tenderproved by his minister, he said ness and warmed by their benignity his heart was with him, but he and philanthropy? And yet this was afraid of offending the King." tender-hearted Pliny coolly plied The minister told him to take good with excruciating tortures two spotheed that his heart did not deceive less females who had served as him. Soon after the sergeant's re-deaconesses in the Christian church, ligious declension, he was again hoping to extort from them matter accosted by the King with "Well, of accusation against the Christians. how do you do? how are your friends He commanded Christians to abjure in William-street?" "I do not know, their faith, invoke the gods, pour please your Majesty," was reply. Not know! not know!" answered the King; "have you been ill ?" No, please your Majesty," rejoined the sergeant; "but I do not see it necessary to attend there 148. Judson and the Convert.-Dr. so often as I used to do." "Then Judson sent once for a poor Chrisyou are not so great a fanatic as tian convert who was about to I thought you,' was the royal engage in something which he

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Emperor, burn incense to idols, and curse Christ, If they refused, he ordered them to execution.

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feared would not be for her spiritual 151. Professor Rebuked. - An good. "Look here," he said, atheist, being asked by a professor snatching a ruler from the table, of Christianity how he could and tracing a not very straight line quiet his conscience in so desperate upon the floor; "here is where you a state, replied, "As much am I have been walking. You have astonished as yourself, that, believmade a crooked track, to be sure-ing the Christian religion to be out of the path half the time; but true, you can quiet your conscience then you have kept near it, and not in living so much like the world. taken to new roads; and you have, Did I believe what you profess, I to a certain extent, grown in grace. should think no care, no diligence, And now here you stand. You no zeal enough." know where this path leads. You know what is before you: some struggles, some sorrows, and finally eternal life and a crown of glory. But to the left branches off another very pleasant road, and along the air floats, rather temptingly, a pretty bubble. You do not mean to leave the path you have walked in fifteen years; you only want to step aside and catch the bubble, and think you will come back again; but you never will." Thus put, the matter was eventually blessed by

God.

152. Reformed Card-Player. The Rev. Thomas Scott, early in life, was exceedingly fond of cards, but was induced to leave off the practice in the following manner: -One of his parishioners said to him, "I have something which I wish to say to you; but I am afraid "I anyou may be offended." swered," says Mr. Scott, "that I could not promise, but I hoped I should not. She then said, 'You

know A— B—; he has lately appeared attentive to religion, and 149. Power of Consistency. sacrament; but last night he, with has spoken to me concerning the Mr. Innes, in his work on Domestic CD, and others, met to Religion, mentions a fact strikingly keep Christmas; and they played illustrative of the power of consis- at cards, drank too much, and in tent conduct. A young man, when the end quarrelled, and raised a sort about to be ordained as a minister, of riot. And when I remonstrated stated that at one period of his life with him on his conduct, as inconhe had been nearly betrayed into sistent with his professed attention principles of infidelity. "But," he to religion, his answer was, "There added, "there was one argument is no harm in cards-Mr. Scott in favour of Christianity which I plays at cards." This smote me could never refute-the consistent to the heart. I saw that if I played conduct of my own father." at cards, however soberly and 150. Profession and Practice.-quietly, the people would be enThe Queen of Madagascar, gather-couraged by my example to go ing some of the Palace officers farther; and if St. Paul would eat together, said to them, "I am aware no flesh while the world stood, that many of you are numbered rather than cause his weak brother among the praying people; I have to offend, it would be inexcusable no objection to you joining them if you think it right, but remember, if you do so, I shall expect from you a life worthy of that profession. I know that praying people profess to be truthful, honest, and upright, to fear God and benefit their fellowmen: if you do so, that will be right; if not, you will not be worthy of the profession you make."

in me to throw such a stumblingblock in the way of my parishioners, in a matter certainly neither useful nor expedient. So far from being offended at the hint thus given me, I felt very thankful to my faithful monitor, and promised her that she should never have occasion to repeat the admonition. That very evening I related the whole matter to

the company, and declared my fixed it, and make out the yard. Come, resolution never to play at cards Adam, take one end, and pull again." against me." Adam had neither ears nor heart for the proposal, and absolutely refused to do what he thought a dishonest thing. A long argument and expostulation followed, in which the usages of the trade were strongly and variously enforced; but all in vain. Adam kept to his purpose, resolving to suffer rather than sin. Mr. Bwas therefore obliged to call for one of his men less scrupulous, and Adam retired quietly to his desk. Soon after Mr. B―, in the kindest manner, informed his 66 young friend," as he always seemed proud to call him, that it was very clear he was not fit for worldly business, and wished him to look out for some employment more congenial to his own mind; and with wha result he did so is well known.

153. Tricks of Trade.-A linen merchant in Coleraine offered the famous Dr. Clarke, when a youth, a situation in his warehouse, which was accepted by him with the consent of his parents. Mr. B knew well that his clerk was a religious man, but he was not sensible of the extent of principle which actuated him. Some differences arose at times about the way of conducting the business, which were settled pretty amicably. But the time of the great Dublin market approached, and Mr. B was busy preparing for it. The master and man were together in the folding-room, when one of the pieces was found short of the required number of yards. "Come," says Mr. B-,"it is but a trifle. We shall soon stretch

CONTENTION AND WARFARE.

and, after saluting his General, answered, "I was thinking, my lord, how many widows and orphans I have this day made for one shilling."

Prov. xviii. 6, xxii. 10, xxvi. 21; Matt. xii. 25; 1 Cor. i. 10; James iv. 10. 154. Horrors of War.-A soldier while around him lay mangled in Spain, a German by birth, was, thousands of French and English; during the great French war, with it was a few hours after the battle his company of the rifle corps of Salamanca had been won by engaged in skirmishing with the the British. The soldier started, enemy's outposts. From a sheltered position, he had an opportunity of taking aim at a detached individual, belonging to the Continental auxiliaries of the French army. He fired-the enemy fell. He ran up to him, and seized his knapsack for a prey. On opening it, a letter dropped out; he had the curiosity to take it up and read it. He glanced at the close of the letter, and found it was subscribed by a person of the same name as his own father. His interest was increased;

he read the whole letter, and found that he had shot his brother.

155. Mournful Results of War."What are you thinking, my man?" said Lord Hill, as he approached a soldier who was leaning in a gloomy mood upon his firelock,

The thirst of renown sometimes 156. Prince Eugene on War.

insinuates itself into our councils under the garb of national honour. It dwells on imaginary results; it suggests harsh and abusive language; the people go on from one thing to another, till they put an

end to the lives of half a million of men.

A military man becomes so sick of bloody scenes in war, that in peace he is averse to recommence them. I wish that the first Minister who is called to decide on peace and war had only seen actual service.

158. Religious Contention. It is well known that Joseph Bishop Horne was decidedly opposed Bradford was for some years the to religious contention. He used travelling companion of Mr. Wesley, to illustrate its general nature and for whom he would have sacrificed results by an anecdote of two health and even life, but to whom physicians and a countryman, who his will would never bend, except in meekness. sat down together to dine at an "Joseph," said Mr. inn. A dispute was carried on Wesley one day, "take these letters between the two doctors on the to the post." B. "I will take them W. "Take nature of aliment, which proceeded after preaching, sir." to such a height that it spoiled their them now, Joseph." B. "I wish to meal, and they parted extremely hear you preachi, sir; and there will indisposed. The countryman, in be sufficient time for the post after the meantime, who understood service." W. "I insist upon you not the subject, though he heard going now, Joseph." B. "I will W. "You the debate, heartily ate his dinner, not go at present." gave God thanks, digested it well, won't?" B. "No, sir." W. “Then returned to his labour, and in the you and I must part." B. "Very evening received his wages. good, sir." The good men slept over it. Both were carly risers. 159. Strife Concluded.- ArisAt four o'clock the next morning tippus and Eschines quarrelled. the refractory helper was accosted Aristippus came to his opponent, with, "Joseph, have you considered and said, Eschines, shall we what I said that we must part?" be friends?" "Yes," he replied, B. "Yes, sir." W. "And must we "with all my heart." "But re- part?" B. "Please yourself, sir." member," said Aristippus, "that I, W. "Will you ask my pardon, being older than you, do make Joseph ?" B. "No, sir." W. "You the first motion." "Yes," replied won't?" B. "No, sir." W. "Then Eschines, "and therefore I con- I will ask yours, Joseph." Poor clude that you are the worthiest Joseph was instantly melted; smitman; for I began the strife, and ten as by the rod of Moses, and you began the peace." forth gushed the tears, like the water from the rock.

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160. Stubborn Heart Melted.

CONTENTMENT.

Prov. xvii. 1; Psalm xxxvii. 1; Eccles. iv. 6; Phil. iv. 11; 1 Tim. vi. 6, 8. 161. Cato's Contentment.-Cato | hands, and, after three triumphs, the Roman was very early taught the happy art of contentment by the following circumstance:-Near his country seat was a cottage, formerly belonging to Marius Curius, who was thrice honoured with a triumph. Cato often walked thither, and, reflecting on the smallness of the farm and the meanness of the dwelling, used to meditate on the peculiar virtues of the man, who, though he was the most illustrious character in Rome, had subdued the fiercest nations, and driven Pyrrhus out of Italy, cultivated this little spot of ground with his own

retired to his own cottage. Here the ambassadors of the Samnites found him in the chimney-corner dressing turnips, and offered him a large present of gold; but he absolutely refused it, remarking, “A man who can be satisfied with such a supper has no need of gold; and I think it more glorious to conquer the possessors of it than to possess it myself." Full of these thoughts, Cato returned home; and taking a view of his own estate, his servants, and his manner of life, increased his labour and retrenched his expenses.

162. George III. and the Stable worldly wealth; how soon we may Boy.-King George III., walking be stripped of it! How loose, thereout one morning, met a lad at the fore, we should sit to it!" stable-door, and asked him, "Well, 165. Secret of a Quiet Mină.boy, what do you do? what do they The following anecdote is taken pay you? "I help in the stables," from Ce of our old English morareplied the lad; "but I have lists:- "I knew a man that had nothing except victuals and clothes." health and riches, and several "Be content," replied the King; "I houses, all beautiful and well have no more." All that the richest furnished, who would be often troupossess beyond food, raiment, and bling himself and his family to habitation, they have but the keep-remove from one of them ing or the disposing, not the pre- another. On being asked by a sent enjoyment, of it. A plough friend why he removed so often from boy who thinks and feels correctly one house to another, he replied, has enough to make him contented; It was in order to find content in and if a king have a discontented some of them.' But his friend, spirit, he will find some plea for knowing his temper, told him, if indulging it. he would find content in any of his houses, he must leave himself behind, for content can never dwell but with a meek and quiet soul."

163. Luther's Prayer.-In the last will and testament of this eminent reformer occurs the following remarkable passage:-"Lord God, I thank Thee, for that Thou hast been pleased to make me a and indigent man upon poor earth. I have neither house, nor land, nor money to leave behind me. Thou hast given me wife and children, whom I now restore to Thee. Lord, nourish, teach, and preserve them, as Thou hast me."

to

166. Wise Bishop.-An Italian Bishop struggled through great difficulties without repining or betraying the least impatience. One of his friends, who highly admired the virtues which he thought it impossible to imitate, asked the prelate if

he could communicate the secret of being always easy. "Yes," replied the old man, "I can teach you my 164. Matthew Henry and the secret with great facility; it conThieves. When Matthew Henry sists in nothing more than making resided at Hackney, he went one a right use of my eyes." His friend Lord's day evening into the City to begged of him to explain himself. preach for his friend Mr. Rosewell."Most willingly," returned the On his return he was met by four men, and robbed of about ten or eleven shillings. Instead, however, of indulging in useless regrets, he entered in his diary the following remarks:-"1. What reason have I to be thankful to God, who have travelled so much, and yet was never robbed before! 2. What a deal of evil the love of money is the root of, that four men would venture their lives and souls for about halfa-crown a-piece! 3. See the power of Satan in the children of disobedience. 4. See the vanity of

Bishop. "In whatever state I am, I first of all look up to Heaven, and remember that my principal business here is to get there; I then look down upon the earth, and call to mind how small a place I shall occupy in it when I die and am buried; I then look abroad into the world, and observe what multitudes there are who are in all respects more unhappy than myself. Thus I learn where true happiness is placed; where all our cares must end; and what little reason I have to repine or to complain."

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