Scripture Illustrated. From the London Methodist Magazine. Spiritual Arithmetic; or the numbering of our Days-A Calculation of the greatest importance. "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm xc. 12. "Each moment has its sickle, emulous Of time's enormous scythe, whose ample sweep Of sweet domestic comfort, and cuts down TIME, the stream of time, is in motion, in swift, incessant motion; we are sailing on its surface, and shall soon be launched into the shoreless ocean of eternity; and if in the leaky vessel of our own righteousness, shall be absorbed and lost for ever. Very striking is the thought," that when a few years are come, we shall go the way whence we shall not return." Then, as time is thus rapidly performing its momentous revolutions, let it be the prayer of our hearts to the God of our life, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." He who numbereth his days, or taketh a right account of the shortness of the present life, compared with the unnumbered ages of eternity, will soon become a proficient in the seminary of true wisdom. Let me seriously call the attention of the readers of this article, to the following particulars: First, death is the destiny of man. "Man that is born of a woman, is but of few days; he cometh up as a flower and is cut down." The illustrious prophet declares in language at once elegant and emphatic, "We all do fade as a leaf.' Yes, "How rapid pass the fleeting hours! The decree is gone forth, "Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return." This decree, is like unto that of the Medes and Persians, it altereth not. Neither rank, nor age, can claim exemption from the shafts of this destroyer. The residence of man is not in a castle, but rather in an inn: 'We have here no continuing city." We are pilgrims, we are strangers, we are sojourners, as all our fathers were, and are rapidly moving towards the house appointed for all living." Death is the destiny of man; whether he resides in a splendid palace, or a dusky cottage. "There is no discharge in this war. Where is Goliath with his immense armour and brazen boots? Where is the Macedonian 66 monarch Alexander, who thirsted for universal empire? Where are the Cæsars, Pompey, Hannibal, Titus, Vespasian, &c.? Are they not gone the way of all the earth? and the " weapons of war are perished;" they are fallen from their hands. Death is the destiny of man. Hath wisdom delivered, strength rescued, or wealth ransomed any from the power of the grave? The greatest heroes, with all their boasted confidence, have been compelled to yield to the king of fear. Absalom could not outride him; Pharaoh's chariot-wheels fell off when in the chase; Jonathan and Saul, swift as eagles, strong as the lion, yet how were they slain with the mighty! Secondly, The time of human existence is comparatively short. How short is human life, when compared with the duration of the world? It is near six thousand years since this terrestrial ball, the visible creation of the mighty God, arose to view. What an immense number of generations have passed away! But, O how short is the span of mortal existence, when compared with the boundless ages of eternity. What can we say of endless duration? It confounds our thought, and petrifies our powers! We may keep footing in the shallows of time, but, how soon are we swallowed up in the stupendous ocean of eternity. David the king might well exclaim, "Behold thou hast made my days as a hand's breadth, and mine age is as nothing before thee." The vast ages of eternity can only be measured by him, who is sublimely said by the most eloquent of prophets, to "inhabit eternity." To number our days then, is seriously to reflect upon the infinite disproportion our time bears, either to what preceded it, or to that endless duration which will follow after. Thirdly, The attainment of true wisdom should be the primary and grand object of our pursuit. Wisdom is a word, which has different acceptations in the sacred Scriptures. Sometimes it signifies natural sagacity, or quick invention. At other times it means an acquaintance with various arts and sciences. So "Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians." But it is a superior kind of wisdom, to which the motto at the head of this article refers, and to which it is our duty to "apply our hearts." The wisdom there must be understood in the highest and best acceptation of the term, as denoting knowledge, combined with saving faith and solid utility. Hence St. Paul prays in behalf of the Colossians, "That they might be filled with the knowledge of God's will, in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding." When Moses, the man of God, beheld the degraded state of the Israelites, he piously prayed in their behalf, "O that they were wise, that they understood this; that they would consider their latter end." Properly considering our latter end, is "numbering our days ;" and this is the best method of "applying our hearts unto wisdom." The person destitute of this wisdom never rises above the world on the wings of holy desire. It is only the wisdom of heavenly origin, "the wisdom from above," that will lead the soul thither from whence it came. Other attainments are but dross, when compared to the excellency of heavenly wisdom, or the knowledge of God through Christ Jesus the Lord."Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding; for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the chrystal cannot equal it; and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls; for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold." If such is the transcendant worth of Divine and heavenly wisdom, as exhibited in the preceding magnificent description; let it henceforward be our ardent supplication, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." This prayer is directed to the Majesty of Heaven; every other teacher will be found incompetent to instruct us fully in the important science of salvation; the grand and sublime doctrines of heavenly wisdom. "For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. None teacheth like him." Incessantly then, should this solemn petition be put up to God our instructer: "So teach us to number”- "Teach us to number." What? the sum of our earthly treasures-the number and magnitude of our estates-the lands we have called by our own names- -O! no; these things are not admitted into this calculation, Few require any stimulus, as it respects matters of this kind. Then, what is it that we are here called upon to number? Not the radiant stars in the splendid vaulted arch of heaven, nor the drops of water in the stupendous briny ocean, nor the multitudes of sands upon the sea shore. But the grand subject of calculation here is, "to number our days;" not that we are to reckon upon the length, but rather upon the shortness of our lives. Not the great number, but the fewness of our days. That, reflecting upon the shortness of life, we may endeavour to improve it to the best of purposes. It is essential to our present and future happiness, "that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Yes, as the industrious student applies himself to his studies; as the philosopher applies himself in exploring the deep recesses of nature; as the general of an army applies himself in laying his plans to meet a hostile foe. But we must apply ourselves with greater earnestness and solicitude, it must be the application of the heart. Let then, the hand be applied to labour, the head to knowledge, and the heart to wisdom and spiritual understanding. The numbering of our days, and applying our hearts unto wisdom, will be attended with many peculiar and solid advantages, as, 1. It will inspire us with different sentiments of all those acquired outward distinctions amongst men. What is a magnificent retinue, or costly equipage? The breath of the king of terrors blows away at once all beauty, and draws a curtain over the splendours of life. Look at the greatest men that ever governed; how affecting the sight, to behold a dead general, or an expiring monarch! By numbering our days, we shall form a right estimate of persons and things. 2. Numbering our days aright will be a convincing proof to us of the vanity of the world, and all terrestrial objects. 3. Another chief piece of wisdom, which such a numbering of our days will teach us, is the proportion we should bestow of our time, and affections, and labours, upon this world, and that which is to come. For if the amount of our days here be infinitely exceeded by those endless ages, so far should our diligence, in what relates to eternity, surpass our anxiety for the present world. Let us then devoutly pray, "So teach us to number our days," that we may be happily numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting. Amen, and amen! The Attributes of God Displayed. THE following remarkable instance of Divine Providence, was copied for the London Methodist Magazine, from Turner's Wonders of Providence, chapter 27, page 107, published in 1697, and is a full exemplification of the truth of that Scripture, which saith, "Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Major Edward Gibbons, of Boston in America, with others, sailed from Boston to some other parts of America; but were, through contrary winds, kept long at sea, so that they were in、 very great straits for want of provisions; and seeing all other hopes of relief were cut off, they applied themselves to heaven in humble and hearty prayers, but God, no doubt, for the trying of their faith and patience, did not immediately answer their supplications "In this desperate condition, one of them made this sorrowful motion, that they should cast lots, which of them should die first, to satisfy the ravenous hunger of the rest. After many a sad debate, they agreed to it, the lot was cast, and one of the company was taken, but where was the executioner to be found to perform this office upon the poor innocent? It appeared worse than death to think who should act this bloody part in the tragedy; but before they fell into this involuntary execution, they once more had recourse to prayer, and while they were calling upon God, he answered them, for there leaped a large fish into the boat, which was the cause of great joy to them all, not only in relieving their miserable hunger, but also they looked upon it as sent from God as a token of their deliverance. But, alas! this fish was soon eaten, and their former exigence came upon them, which sunk their spirits into despair, for they knew not how to procure another morsel. To the lot they go the second time, and it fell upon another person, but still none could be found to sacrifice him; they again offer their fervent prayers to heaven, and God graciously again answers them: a great bird lights, and fixes itself upon the mast, which, one of the company observing, went, and it stood until he came to it, and secured it. This was as life from the dead the second time. They feasted themselves herewith, as hoping that this second remarkable providential relief was the forerunner of their complete deliverance. But, alas! still they could see no land, and they knew not where they were. Hunger increased again upon them, and they had no hope to be saved but by a third miracle. They were reduced to the former course of casting lots; but when they were about to proceed to the heart-breaking work, to put him to death upon whom the lot had fallen, they applied to their former friend in adversity, by humble and hearty prayers. Then they looked and looked again, but there was nothing. Their prayers were concluded, and there was no appearance of relief. Yet still they hoped and stayed, till one of them observed a ship, which put new life into them; they used every means in their power to approach the ship, and humbly supplicated to be received on board, which they were permitted. The ship proved to be a French pirate. Major Gibbons petitioned them for a little bread, and offered ship and cargo for it. But the commander knew the Major, (from whom he had received some signal favours formerly at Boston,) and replied readily and cheerfully, 'Major Gibbons, not a hair of you, or of any of your company, shall perish, if it lie in my power to preserve you. And accordingly he relieved them, and set them safe on shore." The Grace of God Manifested. MEMOIR OF MRS. ANNA DOW, LATE CONSORT OF THE REV. JOHN DOW, OF BELLE-VILLE, NEW-JERSEY. To the Editors of the Methodist Magazine. DEAR BRETHREN, In requesting you to give the following brief memoir of my departed companion, a place in your Magazine, I have, among others, two particular objects in view; first, that by giving publicity to the gracious dealings of God towards the object of my |