feared would not be for her spiritual good. "Look here," he said, snatching a ruler from the table, and tracing a not very straight line upon the floor; "here is where you have been walking. You have made a crooked track, to be sureout of the path half the time; but then you have kept near it, and not taken to new roads; and you have, to a certain extent, grown in grace. And now here you stand. You 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.

151. Professor Rebuked. - - An atheist, being asked by a professor of Christianity how he could quiet his conscience in so desperate a state, replied, "As much am I astonished as yourself, that, believing the Christian religion to be true, you can quiet your conscience in living so much like the world. Did I believe what you profess, I should think no care, no diligence, no zeal enough.”

him,

"I an

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 "I have something which I wish to say to you; but I am afraid you 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. has spoken to me concerning the sacrament; but last night he, with 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 cat 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 in me to throw such a stumblingyou think it right, but remember, if block in the way of my parishioners, you do so, I shall expect from you in a matter certainly neither useful a life worthy of that profession. I nor expedient. So far from being know that praying people profess to offended at the hint thus given me, be truthful, honest, and upright, to I felt very thankful to my faithful fear God and benefit their fellow-monitor, and promised her that she men: if you do so, that will be right; if not, you will not be worthy of the profession you make."

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 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 what 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.

66

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 shel- and, after saluting his General, antered position, he had an opportunity swered, "I was thinking, my of taking aim at a detached indi- lord, how many widows and vidual, belonging to the Continental orphans I have this day made for auxiliaries of the French army. one shilling." He fired-the enemy fell. He ran up to him, and seized his knapsack On opening it, a letter dropped out; he had the curiosity to take it up and read it. 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.

for a prey.

He

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. suggests harsh and abusive lanIt dwells on imaginary results; it guage; the people go on from one end to the lives of half a million thing to another, till they put an 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 scen 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 sat down together to dine at an meekness. "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 preach, 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 the debate, heartily ate his dinner, not go at present." W. "You 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 early risers. At four o'clock the next morning

159. Strife Concluded.― Aris

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 remember," said Aristippus, "that I, W. "Will you ask my pardon, part?" B. "Please yourself, sir." being older than you, do make Joseph?" B. "No, sir." W. "You the first motion." Yes," replied won't?" B. "No, sir." W. "Then Asclrines, "and therefore I conI 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.

66

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.

165. Secret of a Quiet Mind.The following anecdote is taken from one of our old English moralists :-"I knew a man that had health and riches, and several houses, all beautiful and well furnished, who would be often troubling himself and his family to remove from one of them another. On being asked by a friend why he removed so often from one house to another, he replied,

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, boy, what do you do? what do they pay you?" "I help in the stables," replied the lad; "but I have nothing except victuals and clothes." "Be content," replied the King; "I have no more." All that the richest possess beyond food, raiment, and habitation, they have but the keeping or the disposing, not the present enjoyment, of it. A ploughboy who thinks and feels correctly has enough to make him contented; and if a king have a discontented spirit, he will find some plea for indulging it.

to

It was in order to find content in some of them.' But his friend, knowing his temper, told him, if he would find content in any of his 163. Luther's Prayer. In the houses, he must leave himself last will and testament of this behind, for content can never dwell' eminent reformer occurs the follow-but with a meek and quiet soul." ing remarkable passage:-"Lord 166. Wise Bishop.-An Italian God, I thank Thee, for that Thou hast been pleased to make me a Bishop struggled through great diffipoor and indigent man upon culties without repining or betraying earth. I have neither house, nor land, nor the least impatience. One of his money to leave behind me. Thou friends, who highly admired the hast given me wife and children, virtues which he thought it imposwhom I now restore to Thee. Lord,sible to imitate, asked the prelate if nourish, teach, and preserve them, he could communicate the secret of "Yes," replied the old man, "I can teach you my secret with great facility; it consists in nothing more than making a right use of my eyes." His friend begged of him to explain himself.

as Thou hast me."

164. Matthew Henry and the Thieves. When Matthew Henry resided at Hackney, he went one Lord's day evening into the City to preach for his friend Mr. Rosewell. 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 half. a-crown a-piece! 3. See the power of Satan in the children of disobedience. 4. See the vanity of

being always easy.

Most willingly," returned tho 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 tho world, and observe what multitudos there are who are in all respec's more unhappy than myself. Thus I learn where true happiness is placed; where all our cares must end; and what little reason I havo to repine or to complain."

CONVERSION.

Psalm xix. 6, cx. 3; Isa. i. 25; Matt. xviii. 3; John v. 24; Acts xxvi. 18; Col. i. 12, iii. 9.

167. Bookseller and Sceptic.Robert Aitkin, a bookseller of Philadelphia, was the first person who printed a Bible in that city. While he kept a bookstore, a person called on him and inquired if he had Paine's "Age of Reason" for sale. He told him he had not; but having entered into conversation with him, and found that he was an infidel, he told him he had a better book than Paine's "Age of Reason," which he usually sold for a dollar, but would lend it to him, if he would promise to read it; and after he had actually read it, if he did not think it worth a dollar, he would take it again. The man consented; and Mr. Aitkin put a Bible into his hands. He smiled when he found what book he had engaged to read, but said he would perform his engagement. He did so; and when he had finished the perusal, he came back, and expressed the deepest gratitude for Mr. Aitkin's recommendation of the book, saying it had made him what he was not before-a happy man; for he had found in it the way of salvation through Christ.

whom God had made the instrument of it. Mr. Whitefield added that he had that morning received a letter which informed him that on his brother's return to Gloucestershire, where he resided, he dropped down dead as he was getting out of the stage coach, but that he had previously given the most unequivocal evidence of his being a new man in Christ Jesus.

169. Carrying Religion too Far. -The famous Mr. Wilberforce was in the twenty-fourth year of his age when he was elected member of Parliament for Hull. He afterwards attended the county election, and such was the charm of his eloquence on that occasion, in the large Castle area at York, that the people all cried, "We will have that little man for our member!" He was then one of the gayest of the gay: not an openly vicious man, but peculiar for his wit and his distinction in the fashionable circles. His wit became innocuous under Christian principles. He was said to be the "joy and crown of Doncaster races." He went to pay a visit to a relation at Nice, and was accompanied by 168. Brother's Prayer.-White- the Rev. Isaac Milner, afterwards field, in the course of a sermon, Dean of Carlisle. Mention was exhorted his hearers to give up the made of a certain individual who use of the means for the spiritual moved in the same rank, an ecclegood of their relations and friends siastical gentleman, a man devoted only with their lives; remarking to his duty. Mr. W. said, regardthat he had had a brother for ing him, "that he thought he carried whose spiritual welfare he had used things too far;" to which Mr. Milner every means. He had warned him said he was inclined to think that and prayed for him; and appar- Mr. W. would form a different estiently to no purpose, till about then, mate on the subject, were he carewhen his brother, to his astonish- fully to peruse the whole of the ment and joy, came to his house, New Testament. Mr. Wilberforce and with many tears declared that replied that he would take him at he had come up from the country, his word, and read it through with to testify to him the great change pleasure. They were both Greek that Divine grace had wrought upon scholars, and in their journey they his heart, and to acknowledge with perused the New Testament togratitude his obligation to the man gether. That single perusal was so