there not a clergyman in the city would meet him in the streets; now nearly all of them will do this in a friendly manner; and even the Dean has been seen to go across the street to speak to him. His 'well-doing' has overcome them. He is the Lord's bishop there." The writer of this memorial has often felt it an honour to walk with him through the city, while he was re Rev. John Graham, Incumbent of St. Chad's, in a letter to the Rev. G. Greatbatch, announcing the recent decease of Mr. Salt, wrote "I need not tell you how all here, whether of his own or other communions, loved and esteemed him, as a faithful servant of Christ; and now he sees and serves, without a cloud, and without imperfection Him, who was, in his esteem, 'the chiefest among ten thousand.'ceiving marks of respect and reverence May we follow him now in his faith- from all classes of persons who met fulness and humility, that so hereafter him. He was an Israelite indeed;" we with him may serve and see the and "not a dog moved his tongue same Lord." These testimonies are as against him." honourable to their authors as to the subject. "Laudari à viro laudato." To be applauded by those who are admired, is certainly the most valuable species of commendation. Mr. Salt was thrice married. By his first excellent wife, who was, after a few years, removed from him by death, he had one son, now residing at Toronto, in Canada. His second wife was a truly devoted Christian lady; consecrating her time, and energies, and substance to the spiritual and temporal welfare of all within the reach of her influence. Her removal was a loss, not only to her beloved husband, but to the church and congregation, to the Sabbath-school, and to the town at large. His surviving widow greatly ministered to his necessities during his last painful affliction. As a Christian, our departed brother was characterized by his sincere and humble piety; by his amiable and loving disposition, and by his desire and endeavour, "as he had opportunity, to do good unto all men." could be more respected by his fellowcitizens than he. No man About thirty years ago, Mr. James of Birmingham, when on a visit to Southport, said to Mr. Greatbatch, "Your relative at Lichfield has surprised and delighted us all at Birmingham. During the first years he was 66 As a preacher, his abilities were not striking. There was wanting, in his pulpit exercises, power, originality, and fulness. But in his preaching there was always evangelical truth; and God will bless that, in whatever manner communicated; especially if there be manifested a sincere desire to do good, and an impression produced upon the audience, with regard to the speaker "This is a holy man of God." It was, however, as a pastor, rather than as a preacher, that Mr. Salt succeeded. His sphere of labour, in each place that he occupied, was but limited. But in that circle he moved as a counsellor to those who needed advice; as a friend to those who could appreciate the blessings of friendship; "rejoicing with those who did rejoice, and weeping with those that wept." He was as one that comforteth the mourners." The city of Lichfield contains several interesting monuments and other memorials. In its market-place is the house in which the great lexicographer, Dr. Samuel Johnson, was born; near which stands a singular monument, exhibiting on its three sides, in bas-relief, three incidents which occurred in the great man's life, during his residence in the city. In the cathedral is a mural tablet and bust to his memory; corresponding with which is a memorial of his pupil and friend, David Garrick. Here too, is a monument of • See Obituary in EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, Anna Seward, a distinguished poetess; Sept. 1814. and here is the masterpiece of Chantry, so admired both for the classic elegance of the design, and the taste and beauty of the execution. But in the suburban solitary churchyard of St. Michael's, there is an humble grave, covered with only the green sod, on which the eye of many will rest hereafter with peculiar interest, containing the precious dust of the humble, devoted, beloved, and lamented pastor of the Christian church in Wade-street. "Peace to the good man's memory! Let the light Stream on his deeds of love that shunn'd the sight Of all but heaven; and in the book of fame The glorious records of his virtues write, And hold it up to men, and bid them claim A palm like his; and catch from him the hallow'd flame!" Coventry. J. S. THE PASTOR'S DIFFICULTY. WHERE is the Christian minister who has not had occasion to notice the profound significance of the words of "the Faithful and True Witness," addressed to the Church of the Laodiceans? "I would thou wert cold or hot." Hearers of the Word, who assent to everything, but feel nothing; who applaud the preacher, but neglect the Saviour; and who admire sound doctrine, but practically deny its influence; are everywhere to be found. They are cumberers, stumblingblocks, a perpetual drag upon the wheels of progress, the joy of the devil and the woe of the pastor! They are regular in attendance, generally a few minutes late in coming in, attentive to all that is said, among the first to leave at the close of the service, are never seen at the prayer-meeting or weekly lecture, are sure to find fault with an occasional supply, think the Established Church a great abomination, praise the voluntary principle as the perfection of ecclesiastical arrangements, wonder that the quarterly pew-rents are so often called for, believe their own minister one of the cleverest men, and from Monday morning till Saturday night, every week of the fifty-two in the year, act the part of the most sordid, selfish worldlings, living without grace, without Christ, and without hope in the world! Verily, they know not what intense pain they cause to the man who despises their empty praise of his ability, and mourns over their awful insensibility in relation to the tremendous realities of judgment and eternity! The man who has felt the love of Jesus filling his soul and send. ing a thrill of holy joy through his whole being, and who has tasted already some of the drops that overflow the cup of pleasure which will be put into his hand at the marriage supper of the Lamb, cannot but look with pity, mingled with awe, on such gospelhardened men. Ay, "awe," that is the word; for is it not awful—a spectacle fitted to make angels wonder-to see intelligent and accountable human beings, sitting from year to year listening to the highest truths in the Universe of God-truths, the establishment of which brought the Prince of Life to an ignominious death, and truths, moreover, in which their eternal salvation or perdition is involved -unmoved, unimpressed, unaroused, unsaved? If this be not awful, what is? Anything else will move them, by anything else they will be awakened to attention, in anything else they will take an interest. How to deal with such men is the perplexing question. You are distressed, your hearts are torn, at the idea of their departure to the world of spirits with the rejected ministry of reconciliation ringing in their ears, to be exchanged into the everlasting toll of the second death to them! With the reckless profligate, the bold infidel, the foolhardy denier of God and His Christ, you can do something; of the publicans and harlots you are not quite hopeless; but these men, who believe everything you say, and yet in fact believe nothing, put you to your wit's end, try your faith and patience, and constitute, emphatically, the pastor's difficulty. On I think the minister of Christ is not only warranted but required to use extraordinary means with such persons. "Out of season" is the law for them. I remember a specimen-Alas! too many of this class of chapel-goers. Peter Stone lived in the town in which I laboured at that time. Peter Stone was a hardware merchant. And Peter Stone was making money fast. one or two occasions he was chosen a town councillor, and that he felt his own importance is only a matter of course. As a matter of conscience, when visiting his family, I always endeavoured to say something in the hope of reaching his conscience; but all in vain. Peter Stone was an honest man, a town councillor, and a chapelgoer. "What would you have more ?" ask the multitude. Respected multitude! a great deal more, as you shall presently hear, if you will listen to the following conversation between Mr. Stone and myself. It was a calm autumnal evening. We were sitting in a well-furnished room, whose windows opened on a scene of rare loveliness. The sun was setting in a sea of molten gold. To the right stood a field of sheaves ready to be gathered in. Right before us in the distance lay a lake of crystal water, tranquil as the cheek of a sleeping babe whose soul has not been ruffled by the passion of sin. On the left an extensive orchard hung its arms earthward, bending beneath the weight of their delicious burden. And many little birds were circling in the air or passing to and fro in the exquisite enjoyment of life, and undisturbed by any fear of to-morrow. "Mr. Stone," I said, "you have chosen a pleasant situation for your house." "Yes, very good, very good, Sir. Rather too far from business. Handy though for the Town Hall." "Mr. Stone, a singular question has occurred to me whilst looking out of this window, and I should like your opinion about it." "Certainly, Sir, certainly. What is it ?" "Do you think," said I, speaking in a whisper, and looking round the room as if afraid some one else would hear, "do you really think there is a God ?" I shall not attempt to describe his look. Suffice it that surprise, consternation, and incredulity were all in that look, the last-named arising from a doubt whether he had heard me aright. "What did you ask, Sir ?" "Do you really think there is a God ?" "Can you, Sir,-no, you cannot, be serious!" On a "Deeply serious, Mr. Stone. subject of this nature levity or jesting would be irrational, I shall not say impious, for if there be no God, there cannot be impiety, in the highest sense of that term." Blank bewilderment now sat upon my neighbour's face, and I noticed a movement of his hand as if he meant to ring the bell. "Stop a moment, if you please," said I," and I will tell you why I ask your opinion on this question. I know two gentlemen, one of whom says he is not satisfied with the evidences in favour of the being of God, and the other not only professes to believe in the existence of a glorious Creator, but he also attends a place of Christian worship and teaching every Lord's-day. He readily assents to every evangelic doctrine, considers an atheist a fool,'— which undoubtedly he is,-talks freely of the corruptions of ecclesiastical establishments, praises the voluntary principle, and respects his minister for his fidelity to the true sayings of God. No. 1 has no Bible in his house. No. 2 has several copies of the inconceivably valuable book, but they are opened only at intervals, and that quite formally, or as a matter of respect to the Christian minister, or other avowedly religious person, who may happen to spend a night in his house. No. 1 is an honest trader, so is No. 2; No. 1 goes to no place of worship, because he says there is no Being to be worshipped; No. 2 believes there is, or at least says so; but when he goes he does not worship God who is a Spirit in spirit and truth. No. 1 says that he is only waiting to find satisfactory proof of the existence of God to give Him his heart; for, as he justly remarked to me the other day, "It is the clearest lesson of reason that the creature should adore the Creator; No. 2 says that he is not only confident of the being of a Creator, but that God is in Christ reconciling the world to himself, yet to my certain knowledge he has never given his heart to Him. And lastly, No. 1 says that as he has no proof of a future life he means to make the most of this; and No. 2 says there is a future life, but is, if there be any difference between them, more intensely devoted to the world than the other. Now, Mr. Stone, my question is, Does No. 2 really think there is a God ??? The sun had set. His departing glories were reflected on the heavens. The earth lay in the dreamy repose of twilight, that blissful season when thoughts of home, and rest, and peace, and love, follow the roar and rattle of the restless day. It was just the moment for the communion of spirits, for holy thought, for happy worship. I felt that God was near. Mr. Stone remained silent for some time, looking out of the window; I saw signs of emotion on his countenance, and silently but fervently I prayed that the quickening Spirit might operate upon his soul. "Really, Sir," he said, still, however, without looking at me; "I don't know what to say. Of course I know who you mean by No. 2. But why do you put the case in that way? And what would you have me do?" "Pardon me, my friend, I put the case in that light because I wish you to look within, to deal honestly with yourself, and to be really and truly happy. I wish you and all who hear me to be Christians in heart, and soul, and life; I think if I could say to them all next Lord's day- Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,' I would lay my head upon my pillow, and utter the words of Simeon, 'Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace.' I should feel that I had not lived in vain, and that I should have a goodly company of special friends to love, and to be loved by, in the eternal state. As to what I would have you do-yield yourself to Christ, be HIS. That is all I ask.” "Do you wish me to join the Church?" "No, Mr. Stone, not until you are, by voluntary personal consecration to the Lord, one of His servants; but then without a moment's delay avow it." "Well," said he, evidently under the influence of feeling,-"I must wait a little longer; but what you say is very important. I have never been spoken to so closely on the subject before, and I feel obliged to you. But I have so much to do in business; besides, there is the corporation, and—but you know how I am engaged." "Yes, I do," I replied; "you are diligent in business-I should wish, for your own sake to complete the verse. You are of service to your fellow-townsmen, and gladly would I add, a member of the Church of Christ adorning the doctrine of God your Saviour, in all things. But, O my friend, why did you let that fatal word 'wait' escape your lips? I am confident you don't use it in business matters. It is blessed to wait upon the Lord, but what is it to wait away from him? Would a hungry man wait, when an abundant dinner was placed before him? Would a thirsty man wait, when a glass of pure water was put in his hand? Would a man shivering with cold wait, when invited to the side of a brightly-burning fire? Would a drowning man wait, when the friendly rope was thrown to pull him ashore? Would a poor man wait, when offered a large fortune with immediate possession? Would a condemned felon wait, when a royal pardon was put into his hand ? Ah! see how he grasps it! How firm that hold! See how he looks at it! How earnest that gaze! It is his life, his all! He is safe, he is free! His whole frame trembles with joy! The prison bars will no longer hold him, his life has been given to him, and with it his liberty. Look! he kisses the blessed document, and in his heart, for the first time in his life, there springs up a feeling of love to his sovereign. He has been pardoned by the very Ruler whose laws he had violated, and, as a matter of course, hated; and he vows in his heart-how deep and earnest is that vow!--that he will never again trample on the laws of his country, and herd with the enemies of his gracious king. I have read of people who waited, but the effect was very unsatisfactory. Some of them had lamps, but no oil, and when they went to buy, which they should have done before, the door was shut. Others lamented in this sorrowful fashion, 'The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!' Another makes our ears tingle with the useless lamentation, 'How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!' But I need not multiply instances. 'Wait' is a liar, a thief, and a murderer. Let none who regard happiness, honour, safety, eternity, and God, have anything to do with him!" On parting that evening, Mr. Stone pressed my hand significantly. Feelings to which he had previously been a stranger had taken place. The pastoral visit was not a failure. INFLUENCE OF THE SEEN AND THE UNSEEN. "Vexatious world, thy flattering snares On aught below. "Enchanting prospects court the eye, And gay, alluring pleasures smile; But in the fond pursuit they die. Ah, fruitless toil!" EVEN Christians and devout men are too much affected by present things, and yield themselves too readily to their undue influence. We are so material in our nature and so much the creatures of sense, that we are to a great degree more moved by that which is taken cognizance of by our eyes and ears and tastes than by that which is designed to touch the hidden springs of the soul, and move our hearts. The splendour of earthly glory seems to men so transcendent, because it is palpable to their senses, and can be understood and enjoyed. They are so much enchanted with it as to be unable to conceive of anything greater-the glory that excelleth. They cannot imagine that heaven has glories infinitely surpassing those of earth. "That which is made glorious" by the skill of man, will be "done away," while the uncreated glory of God will remain for ever, and will never lose its lustre. The scenes and objects of nature are to some men the ultimatum of perfec |