THE TWO BROTHERS AND THEIR CHRISTMAS VISIT.

"My brother Edmund talks of visiting us at Christmas," observed Mr. Cox to his wife, as they sat at breakfast, after reading two or three letters which the postman had just left.

"Let me see, do I know him ?" enquired Mrs. Cox.

"You have seen him once, and only once," replied Mr. C., " and that was as we were returning from our wedding tour."

"Oh, yes, I recollect now," said Mrs. Cox, though that is several years ago. From the little I saw of him, I believe he was rather sceptical in his opinions."

"Yes, I am sorry to say, he is," rejoined the husband; "and I was just thinking that some of our practices would not suit him at all, but very likely call forth his sneers."

"I hope you were not thinking about putting them aside when he is with us,' Mrs. C. said.

"Not exactly," replied the husband; "but are we not cautioned against casting pearls before swine?"

"But we ought not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ," observed the wife, "for it is the power of God unto salvation; and recollect Christ says, Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will I be ashamed.""

"Yes, that is solemn language," replied the husband, "and may we always have grace to act upon it."

"I hope we shall before your brother," said the wife; "who can tell what good it may do him? Pray don't let us make the least alteration in our religious services whilst Mr. Edmund is with us; if anything, we ought to be more zealous in them."

Now, Mr. Cox was an intelligent man and christian, but of a nervous temperament. This had a visible influence upon his christian conduct. His desire was to act in accordance with his profession; but his timidity sometimes tempted him to put his light under a bushel. His wife, in christian matters, was indeed his better half. She was a very spiritually-minded woman, and had great boldness in the faith. She had learnt to cease from the fear of man, and to put her trust in the Lord. She would decide in matters where her husband wavered. Often when he, like Peter, would have followed afar off, his wife kept up to

the mark, and was the means of keeping him there too. She was, in every sense of the word, especially in a spiritual one, quite a helpmate to him; and both of them gave proof that they were giving good heed to the making of their calling and election

sure.

Mr. Cox and his brother Edmund were two of a large family, who in early life were bereft of both their parents. These two brothers were taken care of by an uncle of theirs, whilst other relations provided for the other brothers and sisters. This uncle was a christian man, and office bearer of a Baptist church in Wiltshire. But, good man as he was, he was too relax in his views respecting human and christian responsibility. The ministry which he attended was decidedly hyper-Calvinistic. It is true, that he took the lads with him to the house of God, and this was about all he did for their salvation. Under the too common plea, "It is the Lord's work to convert sinners," he neglected to train them up in wisdom's ways. Therefore, as might be expected, they passed their boyhood, not only destitute of the one thing needful, but with very few religious ideas, and those of the crudest character.

Well, the two lads were apprenticed, but at different places. John's master was a truly christian man, and sought to christianize all with whom he came in contact, especially those of his own household. The exhibition of Christianity which he gave had a favourable influence on his mind, and this, with certain stirring sermons which he heard, was the cause of leading him to an experimental acquaintance with divine truth. Edmund's master was a man of much the same stamp as his uncle; he was a christian, but then some of his views exercised a blighting influence upon his general character. Antinomianism was preached at the chapel which he attended, and as Edmund grew in years he became disgusted with such a manifestation of Christianity. Taking it to be a true illustration of the teachings of the Gospel, he began to despise revelation. Step by step he went forward in a career of doubt, and then became a confirmed sceptic, and he continued such until the Christmas of which we are writing.

Mr. Edmund, according to promise, visited Mr. John Cox at the appointed time. The

religious exercises and practices of the family were attended to as usual, although with a little fear and trembling on the part of the good master. And what were these religious exercises, does the reader ask? Family worship twice a-day, including prayer, reading the Word of God, and a suitable exposition of it, and singing; the regular reading aloud, during some part of the day, of some interesting religious work; punctual attendance at the house of God on Lord's-day; and attendance at the weekly lecture and prayer-meeting. Reader, are you a christian master? and, if so, are you careful enough about these things? Do you see that your household is provided with suitable reading? This is an important matter, do not neglect it. You may have family prayer,-but do you aim to conduct it in a way interesting and profitable for all?

You go up to the house of God with your family on the Lord's-day, but are you and yours to be seen there at the weekevening service? In travelling through the country, I have found the prayer-meetings sadly neglected, especially by the more respectable members. Are you guilty in this matter, or in any other? If so, see to it that the present year does not close without your turning over a new leaf.

Mr. Edmund became an eye and ear witness of all these things. He even attended the humble prayer-meeting in the vestry, and heard supplications poured forth before the Most High by labouring men. This was something new to him, yea, it appeared very strange; so one evening, on returning, he put the question to Mr. John Cox,

"Do those poor men learn their prayers before going to chapel ?"

"What do you mean ?" enquired the brother.

"I want to know whether they learn the prayers from a book, and then repeat them," said Mr. Edmund.

"Oh, no, their prayers are real impromptus. Very often when they have finished one sentence, they do not know what the next will be,' replied Mr. John.

"I am surprised to hear you say so," said Mr. Edmund, "but your word is sufficient for me."

"It is true, in a sense, they learn them," observed Mr. John, "but in a different manner to what you supposed."

"How is that, then ?" enquired Mr. Edmund.

"The Bible is the source of their learn

ing, and it has made them wise unto salvation through faith in Christ."

"But, then, does the Bible contain a set form of prayers?" was Mr. Edmund's question.

"Oh, no," replied Mr. John, "but then it affords matter for prayer, and by it they are guided when they come before God."

"How is it, then," enquired Mr. Edmund, "that they do not all pray alike? All their prayers are different; and I have heard some of them twice, and even the same individual does not use the same prayer at different times."

"Oh, no," observed Mr. John, "their feelings and their wants are different at different times. Then as people think and speak differently, so different worshippers, in a measure, pray differently; yet with all true worshippers, though there is a diversity of operation, there is but one spirit."

"Yes, it struck me," replied Mr. Edmund, "that there was similarity of purpose in what they and the other persons said in their prayers."

"Yet their outward circumstances are different, very different," observed Mr. John. "One of them is a retired tradesman,-another a man of much business,another dependant upon parish allowance, -and three or four others labouring men in different employments, whilst one has just entered upon his apprenticeship to a grocer. All of them, I believe, are spiritual worshippers,-sincere people, and all feel Christianity to be the one thing needful, because it is just adapted to their circumstances and wants. In God, through Jesus Christ, are all their hopes centred; by the aid of his Spirit are they able to pray; by the Scriptures are they guided, and by its truths are they sanctified and prepared for immortality."

Another Christmas came, and found Mr. and Mrs. John Cox visiting at the home of their brother Mr. Edmund Cox. Before going, they prayed that their visit might be sanctified to him, and they determined to do what they could to direct his attention to the all-important verities of Christianity. Yes, for they felt that they had not been sufficiently alive to his soul's best interest when he sojourned with them. It is true, that they did something to direct his attention to this matter, but still they thought that all that could have been done had not been brought to bear on his spiritual behalf. With these feelings, they arrived at

at the breakfast table, the great change was the subject of conversation. To relate the conversation as it took place, would occupy too much of our space, therefore we will condense Mr. Edmund Cox's statement in the following shape.

"When you and I were left orphans we were placed with our uncle. He was a religious professor, and a good man; but I could never understand his religion. He seldom, if ever, corrected us when he knew that we did wrong. No, one time I recollect when he was spoken to about our misbehaviour at chapel, he said in reply, 'It is the Lord's work to change their hearts, and I must leave them to him.' Under him we were not all qualified to go forth into the world, at least I was not, for I had no respect for his religion. You were placed with Mr. Edwards,-a gentleman whom I have heard you speak very highly of,-and you know the result. I was placed with a man of the same way of thinking as my uncle. At first I went to chapel with him, and there I heard nothing but the crudest Antinomianism. When I began to think a little for myself, I was disgusted with his statements respecting religion, and, confounding them with Christianity itself, I became a doubter, and afterwards an infidel. I looked upon Christianity as I looked upon other religions. Business and other duties of life now claimed my attention. I never went to a place of worship, but spent my Sundays attending to my accounts, and writing business letters. I read, but then I always avoided religious matters. My views of religion I always kept to myself. Although in my business transactions I have had to do with clergymen, dissenting ministers, and professors of different denominations, scarcely a word ever fell from their lips respecting religion. Wanting a change, I decided to pay you a visit. I had not been with you long before I began to feel rather uneasy, because I thought perhaps you might be right, and I wrong, in

religious matters. The prominence which you gave to religion in your different arrangements struck me, and it seemed to produce an air of serenity and satisfaction in your establishment throughout. I thought it very different to anything I had ever been accustomed to, especially when a youth living with religious people. I accompanied you to chapel, and the minister spoke with soberness and truth; his ideas seemed intelligent, and his mind educated. Then I went to the prayer-meeting, and this surprised and interested me as much as anything. You know we had some conversation respecting it, and what you said opened my eyes a little respecting the nature of worship. Although I said nothing, I left your house with the determination, on my arrival at home, to study the New Testament for myself, in order to know what Christianity really was. I did so, and my prejudices were removed. I now determined to attend a place of worship. I went, and soon had the minister call upon me, and an intimacy was commenced between us which I hope will never end in this world. He lent me several books, all of which I read with profit and pleasure; but one especially was of great service, Fuller's The Gospel its own Witness,' that fully decided me, and placed my feet upon a rock, where, by the grace of God, I hope ever to remain."

The hearing of these things, we need scarcely say, was a source of gladness to Mr. and Mrs. John Cox. They could now look upon their brother as a brother indeed, -redeemed not with incorruptible things, as gold and silver, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, as a lamb without blemish. Oh, yes, and this caused much joy to them, and their visit was exceedingly pleasant. Mrs. John Cox blessed God that he had enabled her to urge her husband to relax nothing in their religious habits. Her husband thanked God that through the assistance of his pious wife he had remained unmoveable, and abounding in the work of the Lord, and received encouragement to act for the future with greater boldness in the kingdom of grace. Whilst Mr. Edmund Cox felt grateful that he had been induced to visit his brother, and that when with him he received those influences which were stepping-stones to his salvation. Yea, all of them praised the Lord for his great grace, took courage, and went on their way rejoicing towards the new Jerusalem, their final destination.

Christian reader, Christmas is coming. You will have intercourse with your friends and relatives, and mind that you do not keep your religion in the back ground. Recollect whose you are, and whom you serve. If you are a master of a family, mind that the presence of ungodly relations does not lead you to put aside family worship. That will never do, for perhaps their salvation may depend upon it. To all we say, do not let Christmas feasting keep you away from the prayer-meetings. Do not say, "I have a few friends this evening, and therefore I cannot go." No, no; but go yourself, and take as many of your friends as possible, and it may be that they will have to bless God throughout eternity that you constrained them to go.

"THY KINGDOM COME."

A LESSON FROM THE LORD'S PRAYER. Linda was a schoolgirl,-a wild, frolicksome schoolgirl. Everybody loved her. Her uncle was a stern old deacon, one of the old fashioned, rigid formalists, who thought it unseemly to smile, and a positive crime to laugh aloud. He was a holy, Godfearing man; but he had been "trained in the strictest sect," and-there are spots on the sun, you know, but they do not sully its brightness. This uncle mourned in spirit over little Linda. "She will certainly come to some dreadful end," he would groan, when her wild, frolick some nature overleaped the boundaries of her dread for him.

Gradually, no one ever could tell when the change took place,-Linda went aside to pray, and to study the pages of her little Bible. She was still a merry girl; but a softer light came to her eyes, a tenderer tone to her voice. This beautiful bird of promise had learned to love the dear Saviour.

"Thy kingdom come," murmured the young girl, lingering on the sweet words. "What can I do," she whispered, "to bring this glorious kingdom on the sinful earth?"

A

Suddenly she clasped her hands. thought, born of the Holy Spirit, filled her soul with joy. "I can go to the heathen. I can teach the little children about Jesus Christ. I can be a missionary!"

Blessed tears fell on her pure, spiritual brow, as she knelt at her mother's feet and told her wish.

Time passed, and a white-winged ship bore the fair girl to heathen shores. Swiftly fled the years, bringing glad tidings of great joy to the native land of sweet Linda Gray. And what of her work?

In a crowded city church, one sultry afternoon, a stranger from the land of Burmah stood in the sacred desk. His form was commanding, his face full of intelligence, his dark eye beaming with christian love. Genius held sway over that vast multitude as he expounded the Word of God, and, amidst tears and breathless silence, spoke as follows:

"My friends, I was a poor ignorant boy, with my idols about my neck. Debased, cruel, full of evil. I knew no good,-no God. You sent a gentle woman to my home. Her face was like the stars, mild but shining. She took me by this tawny hand, and, while tears fell from her lovely eyes, told me of Jesus. She led me to the Cross. I fell at its foot, and cried for

mercy.

God heard me. And here I am to-day, a man;-no idols,-no cruel rites, -no hate in my heart,-all is peace there. My friends," and his voice sank to low music tones, "there is a little grave in Burmah, and the birds sing around it, the flowers grow above it, and many a Burman child goes there to weep. Her form rests under the rich mould, and I am a living monument of her christian love. Oh, blessed be God that he put it into the heart of the gentle christian maiden to lead me into his kingdom!""

And in many homes that day Linda's name was written as with a pen of fire. Her life had been a living commentary on the petition," Thy kingdom come."

THE MODE OF ADMISSION TO CHURCHES.

To the Editors of "The Church." Dear Sirs,

A practice obtains in many of the churches of our order, in admitting mem

bers to their fellowship, for which I should desire to know either the authority or use. I refer to that of bringing candidates before the church-meeting, for the purpose of relating their religious experience, or answering sundry questions relative thereunto.