may imitate it; and that was always pious. Its prevailing subjects were purely sacred, and if it ever adverted to the common concerns and objects of life, it always rendered them subservient to a sacred purpose.

the pleasures of the exercise enforce the requisition.

In

Every act of obedience proceeding from evangelical motives, and performed in an evangelical spirit, is the source of enjoyment. But this duty is peculiarly so. It brings before the view of the mind the most noble and interesting objects: the incomprehensible perfections of the Jehovah, the wonders of redeeming love, and the vast realities of eternity; subjects on which angels meditate with delight, of which the saints will converse in Heaven, and in which even God himself is, and ever will be, interested. such themes the noblest faculties of regenerated man find something peculiarly adapted to their nature, and altogether sufficient for their happiness. When the mind is in a proper frame, it lives in the contemplation of them, as in the element of its felicity, and enjoys an unspeakably greater delight in conversing of them, than the philosopher derives from the flowery walks of science, the voluptuary from the enchanting streams of pleasure, or the miser from the fascinating charms of wealth.

Religious conversation then, is manifestly a scriptural duty enjoined by explicit precept, and enforced by decisive example. Some persons, however, endeavour to justify their neglect of it by pleading their natural diffidence. "We are afraid to talk of sacred subjects "they say," lest we should degrade them, or expose our ignorance and inexperience, or seek to claim the merit of a degree of piety which we do not really possess. There is something so apparently amiable in this modest excuse that it is somewhat difficult to suppress one's admiration of it, or to see its fallacy; and most certainly, the persons who make it are far less to be censured than those conceited pharisees who are ever obtruding their religious cant, for the purpose of exciting wonder at their superior piety. Still, however, we must not forget that this excuse is opposed to a plain duty, And, in conversation, these suband therefore must be vain. The jects are presented to the mind natural diffidence on which it rests, with peculiarly favourable assoought to be regarded as an in- ciations. What heart, especially firmity, and as such opposed. This what Christian heart, can be satisfeeling is not yielded to when it fied with selfish pleasure? Who opposes the claims of business; does not find his joys increase and how much less should it be en- assume a lovelier form, when pardured when inconsistent with the ticipated in connection with a beobservance of a scriptural duty! loved friend? In the duty before In the former case, it is persever-us, the delight which sacred themes ingly opposed, until to talk of busi-afford, is enjoyed by us in conness is easy and pleasant; surely nection with our brethren and sisthen it should be much more striven against in the latter case, until to converse of religion becomes delightful.

II. While Scripture thus requires us to cultivate pious conversation,

ters in Christ. By attending to it our affection for them is excited, and we feel double satisfaction in knowing that they are enjoying the same pleasures as that which we are realizing.

May we not here decisively ap- | more so than other conversation peal to the experience of every could be rendered, if Christians good man? Will not he who has would judiciously use the means generally neglected religious dis- of giving it variety. Let them course, confess that, when he has make it their object to collect inoccasionally engaged in it, he has formation from all sources, in their enjoyed greater satisfaction than daily occupations, their general the most interesting worldly talk reading, and their attendance on affords him? We know he will. the ministry of the word, with the And all those who have been con- design of fitting them for this duty, stant and frequent in observing this and the complaint that it is tireduty will assure us, that in it their some will soon cease. The case hearts have frequently burned of the celebrated Hervey is here in within them, as did those of the point. His discourse was habitutwo disciples who talked with the ally pious, and yet his most intiSaviour on their way to Emmaus, mate friends were never wearied and that sometimes they have ari- by it; but, on the contrary, the sen as on eagles' wings, and par- more they listened to it, the more ticipated the bliss of those who diversified and interesting it seem sit on some green and flowery ed to become. mount, or walk beside living fountains of water above, engaged in this delightful employ.

is man.

III. In unison with the pleasures of Christian conversation, its benefits recommend it to our attention. Religious discourse does not, It is highly useful to believers in indeed, always produce these hap-many ways. It encourages decipy effects. Sometimes it is wea- sion and circumspection in our risome through sameness. Some daily intercourse with the world. persons always bring forward the By engaging in it, we openly same favourite doctrines, express- acknowledge ourselves to be the ed in the same orthodox phrases, servants of God, and thus bind and accompanied with the same ourselves, by the fear of gross intrite illustrations; which must ne- consistency, which will greatly cessarily render their talk tiresome assist conscience in the hour of to a creature so fond of novelty as temptation, to avoid every thing This fault, however, is that would appear like carelessness by no means a necessary accompa-or temporizing. It is peculiarly niment of religious discourse, but calculated to produce and nurture is wholly to be attributed to the brotherly love, and to aid this imprejudices or carelessness of those portant grace in its operations. For who conduct it. The purely gos- does it not afford the best opporpel doctrines, which should ever tunity for counteracting the baneform its basis, are not few, and ful effects of suspicion and calumthey may be considered in many ny, displaying our true character, different views and relations; these making known our real sentiments, are connected with numberless expressing our Christian regard, other topics of a decidedly religi- and exercising our mutual sympaous character, and all may be com- thies? And how often has it been bined with, and illustrated by, all the means of instructing the ignothat is truly interesting in the rant, confirming the doubtful, rewhole circle of human science. claiming the backslider, strengthPious conversation, therefore, might ening the weak, consoling the be rendered infinitely varied, far distressed, animating the discou

raged, and increasing the know- | controversial discourse. This often ledge, zeal, gratitude, and joy of has produced, and generally will Christians, under all circumstances! produce many injurious conseFar more adapted is it to promote quences: coldness, distance, disthese ends, than is either preach-like, doubt, dissatisfaction, resting or reading, except the book less curiosity, and other evils read be the Bible. The informa- equally great. But can controvertion derived from these last men- sial be called Christian conversationed sources, must necessarily tion? Friendly debate, where one or be somewhat general, and may or both of the parties engaged really may not suit us; but in conversa- desire to pursue truth, may deserve tion we can bring forward our own the latter title; but controversy, individual case, freely and expli- where the aim of each party is citly state our difficulties, necessi- merely to defend his own views, ties, and wishes, and our friends and oppose those of his antagonist, can suit their remarks to our spe- cannot merit it; since by it no cial circumstances, and give their pious feelings can be excited or instruction and advice with per- encouraged. sonal application and unrestrained freedom.

IV. Consistency, as well as advantage, requires Christians to cultivate religious conversation.

They profess to have had their minds sanctified, and enlarged, and raised, by the operation of the Holy Ghost. How can such a profession be reconciled with their preferring to talk habitually of the polluted, insignificant, and grovelling things of this world, rather

This duty is likewise fitted to do good to the unconverted. If they are only listeners to it, an important opportunity is offered to drop such observations as may especially meet their case, though not directly addressed to them. But the advantage is much greater when they can be prevailed on to take part in the conversation.-than of the purer, nobler, and subThen it is possible to close in with limer objects of eternity? They them, and grapple with their con- profess to have set their supreme sciences much more effectually affection on religion, and to make than a public speaker can do. it their great, and as it were only Their particular objections to reli- concern. But is this sentiment at gion can be heard and answered, all accordant with their conversing their most dangerous stumbling of religion now and then, as chance blocks pointed out, their besetting may direct? Would they regard a sin shewn and opposed, and their man's pretensions to philosophy or special perils described. In the skill in the arts as just, if he were attacks they receive from the pul- always to avoid conversation on pit, they can parry off the blow these subjects? Do we not, accorddirected against them, or take re-ing to the constitution of our nafuge in some excuse or cavil to ture, ever delight to talk most of which the preacher perhaps may those things which we most arnot follow them; but in private talk, a home thrust may be made which they cannot ward off, and they can be followed whithersoever they flee.

An objection may be made to these statements, in reference to

dently love? They profess to be here in a state of probation, preparing for the employments and felicity of heaven. What then! will they spend eternity in talking of the vanities, and business, and politics of this world? Or is it the

way to become fitted for the discourse of that blessed state, to render our present conversation altogether unlike it?

influx of water, the labour of several men is required during the night. Under such circumstances five men were engaged, when, amidst the darkness of the night, lightning more and more vivid indicated impending danger: and so tremendous was the conflict of ele

Surely the world cannot think professors sincere in their religious intentions, whilst it listens to their prevailing talk. If it hearken to the dictates of common sense, it ments when the heavy rain apmust regard them as mere pre-proached, that some of the men tenders, not really believing or felt a concern for their safety. feeling what they profess to credit One of their companions, however, and experience. who had seen the works of the If therefore professors pay any Lord and his wonders in the deep," deference to the plain injunctions seemed to set the destructive storm and authoritative example of God's at defiance; and in deriding the word; if they desire to enjoy the solicitude of his companions, said most satisfying pleasure; if they he had seen much worse lightning wish to receive or impart spiritual in the Straits. Forgetting, too, good; or if they are concerned for that the moral tendency of past consistency between their conduct deliverances is to urge men to and profession, they certainly repentance, he presumed to use should carefully encourage a habit language that added even to the of Christian conversation. They awfulness of the storm. Little, should prepare for the duty, by however, did he imagine, when he cultivating a spiritual frame of came to the conclusion of his last heart, and storing their minds with imprecation, that the oath he was religious knowledge and interest- uttering, and the lightning from ing illustrations; and they should heaven, would meet so near togeseek for opportunities to discharge ther at the door of his lips, and it, by favouring Christian inter- that the work of death would be course, and never suffer any such so speedily performed, that no conopportunity to pass away unim-sciousness would intervene beproved.

DEATH BY LIGHTNING UNDER AWFUL

CIRCUMSTANCES.

ON Saturday, the 25th of July last, between one and two in the morning, many persons in Stratford and Bow were awakened by a peal of thunder, occasioned by such a fall of electric fluid, as proved fatal to one man, and nearly so to another, and which, in three other cases, produced effects on the human frame more or less alarming. The lonely and unsheltered spot where the fluid fell was at an excavation near Old Ford; and where, in order to prevent an

tween his being a profane swearer, and his finding himself a disembodied spirit.*

In the course of the same day, after having visited the spot, the writer of this account saw the deceased, whose blackened and livid countenance and lips, dyed with the blue of burning sulphur, loudly declared, "This is the blast of heaven, so often imprecated by those who rush on the thick bosses of Jehovah's buckler."

* From the account given by those who have survived the electric shock, it seems that where consciousness ceased, it did so before the flash could be completely seen, and before the thunder could be heard at all.

and to say with the Psalmist, "As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." Ps. xlii. 1.

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Thus divested of self-sufficiency, the sincere and diligent inquirer is brought where his attention is arrested by wisdom, an ever kind and unerring guide, who invites him in melodious accents to her ways, which are ways of pleasantness," and to her paths, "" all of which are peace."+

Nor is it for us to penetrate beyond this affecting line of demarcation. It is ours to make the appropriate use of the awful visitation for the benefit of the living, How unspeakably important then after the example of our Lord, is it for those whom heaven itself when he availed himself of the cannot make happy in their present death of those eighteen on whom state, to evince a solicitude for the the tower of Siloam fell. He, in- Holy Spirit, so readily promised deed, knowing all things, could when sought; and in connection speak of those deceased indivi- with that solicitude, to dig for duals as having all perished; and truth more than for hid treathus he was prepared to address sures." survivors in these solemn words"Unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.' ." Luke xiii. 5. Nor let any one presume upon eternal blessedness, because his sins may appear to be of minor magnitude; for the irrevocable declaration of the Saviour is, "Unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John iii. 3. How Nor has God left himself withimportant then is a heartfelt peti- out witness in the book of nature tion, like that which David uttered, and in that of providence; and when he said, "Create in me a consequently even the heathen are clean heart, O God, and renew a left without excuse in their disreright spirit within me." Ps. li. 10. gard of these accessible volumes. Ask the sabbath-breaker the Let all persons, therefore, take reason of his perpetual absence warning in time: for in holy writ from a place of worship, and if he it is said concerning the wicked, speaks the truth, he will tell you," Because they regard not the that the natural antipathy of his heart to holiness is so strengthened by a life of alienation from God, that he cannot endure the place where God manifests himself to his people as he does not to the world. If then a short sabbath, though rendered less repulsive to the carnal mind by human imperfections, is nevertheless deemed by sinners an intolerable weariness, studiously to be shunned-how could they endure that "eternal sabbath which remaineth for the people of God?" Heb. v. 9. But if, by "the renewing of the Holy Ghost, old things pass away, and all things become new," (Tit. iii. 5. and 2 Cor. v. 17.) then the penitent sinner is prepared to appreciate and enjoy the bliss of heaven,

works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he will destroy them, and not build them up." Ps. xxviii. 5.

Nebuchadnezzar neglected the book of creation, and lost his reason; and Belshazzar neglecting the book of providence, lost his life. Hence Daniel, in referring to Nebuchadnezzar's signal degradation, said to his descendant, “And thou, his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this." Dan. v. 22.

God's providential dispensations, therefore, are to be regarded as counsellors for our good. In short, a wise man will learn from every thing. One would have

*See Luke xi. 13. + See Prov. iii. 17.