but he seems to have been mistaken. Venus' vicinity to the sun seems to render the services of such a companion unnecessary. Just as in the world of the blessed, the saints will need no ministry of the word, nor other means of grace; because they will then walk in the light of the Lamb, and, with open face, behold the glory of the Lord.

*

9. Towards the beginning of the present century, Monsieur De la Hire descried some mountains in Venus; which, on accurate investigation, he found to be considerably larger, not only than the largest on earth, but than even the largest mountains hitherto discovered in the moon itself. Does any man ask, "Wherefore, and for the accommodation of what intelligent beings, is the surface of Venus, like those of the earth or the moon, diversified with mountains, vallies, and plains?" The only answer which can at present be returned, is, that the Almighty Creator both wrought, and continues to order all things, according to the counsel of his own will: which will is but another name for infinite rectitude and unerring wisdom, operating by sovereign and omnipotent power, through the fittest means, and to the noblest ends.

10. During part of the year, Venus smiles as a t morning star; considered in which capacity, she was called by the Greeks, Phosphorus; and, by the Latins, Lucifer: both which appellations signify, a brighter light. She never acts in this character, nor

*The lunar mountains are much higher in proportion to the body of the moon, than any mountain upon our globe (for the geometers can take the height of them, as easily as they can find the measure of a mountain upon our earth). The height of St. Katharine's hill, in the moon, is nine miles: which is three miles higher than the tops of our highest hills on earth." Keill, Lect. x.

For the manner, by which the height of the lunar mountains is measured and demonstrated, see Keill, ibid. and also Derham's Astro-Theology, book v. chap. 2. note (i).

This year [1777] Venus was the evening star, until June 1st. From which day, she became the morning star; and will continue so to the end of the year.

sustains this appellation, except when she is rather to the westward of the sun; and, consequently rises before he does. Then, and then only it is, that she sparkles as the mild and beauteous harbinger of the day. When she is to the eastward of the sun, and sets after his disappearance, she enters on her short vesperian regency, and shines by the name of Hesperus, or the evening star. Milton has given us a fine description of her, under this title:

-Now glow'd the firmament

With living sapphires. Hesperus, that led
The starry host, rode brightest: 'till the moon,
Rising in clouded majesty, at length

Apparent queen, unveil'd her peerless light,
And o'er the dark her silver mantle threw *."

Again:

"The sun was sunk; and, after him, the star
Of Hesperus, whose office is to bring
Twilight upon the earth: short arbiter
Of day and night †.”

Thus this lovely planet, like a ready and faithful friend, hastens to bring us the good news of approaching sunshine; and, at other times, like a disinterested brother, that is born to soften our adversity, stays with us, when the sun has left us; exerting the utmost of its light, to cheer the widowed earth, and to brighten the gloom of the incumbing shades.

1

11. There is another particular, whereby Venus preaches an important lesson to the followers of Christ, viz. that the earth was never yet known to come between her and the sun. Whence the languor and the spiritual declensions, the darkness, and the soul distresses of many a child of light? Come they not, + Ibid. book ix.

*Paradise Lost, book iv.

very frequently, from giving way to earthly cares, earthly joys, and earthly pursuits? No wonder that we move heavily, and walk in the dark, while we cultivate that friendship with this world, which is enmity with God *. But if, on the contrary, our affections are set on things above; if our treasure, and our hearts, are with Christ in heaven; we shall probably walk in the light, as he is in the light, and enjoy an abiding perception of interest in his precious blood, which cleanseth from all sin. With regard to our worldly accommodations, if his kind providence vouchsafes to give us such a competency as may enable us to pay turnpikes, and to do some good to others, as we travel through the wilderness; we are rich, amply rich, to all the real purposes of sublunary happiness.

* James iv. 4.

263

OBSERVATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. *

ABASEMENT.

THE Sweetest seasons on this side heaven, are, when the soul sinks, as into nothing, before the face of God, and is absorbed in the sight of Christ and the love of the Spirit: when we feel the presence of Deity, and silently wait on him, at the foot of the cross, with weeping eyes, melting affections, and bleeding hearts.

When Christ entered into Jerusalem, the people spread their garments in the way. When he enters into our hearts, we pull off our own righteousness, and not only lay it under Christ's feet, but even trample upon it ourselves.

ACCEPTANCE.

What coming, and what returning sinner need despair of acceptance? No man can be worse than

*These considerations by Mr. Toplady, and the extracts, are arranged under their respective heads. Diamonds never appear so splendid, as when set in a crown. However, when thrown in confusion, they are still jewels, and therefore worth the gathering.From these brilliants a boquet is made up, for the gratification of the reader. EDITOR.

St. Paul was, before his conversion; and no man can be worse than St. Peter was, after his conversion.

ACTIONS.

Where scripture is totally silent concerning the lawfulness or unlawfulness of any action, consult the book of your own conscience, and follow its dictates. Observe also, what does, or does not, tend to take off from your mind that exquisite sense of divine love, which a believer would ever wish to cultivate and cherish.

AFFECTIONS.

A believer's affections are too often like a cascade or waterfall, that flows downward; instead of being like a fountain, which rises and shoots upwards toward heaven.

AFFLICTIONS.

If you thoroughly exhaust a vessel, of the air it contains; the pressure of the air on the outside, will break that vessel into (perhaps) millions of pieces: because there is not a sufficiency of air within, to resist and counteract the weight of the atmosphere from without. A person who is exercised by severe affliction, and who does not experience the divine comforts and supports in his soul, resembles the exhausted receiver, above described; and it is no wonder if he yields, and is broken to shivers, under the weight of God's providential hand. But affliction, to one who is sustained by the inward presence of the Holy Ghost, resembles the aërial pressure on the outer surface of an unexhausted vessel. There is that within, which supports it, and which preserves it from being destroyed, by the incumbent pressure from without.