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that his apostacy had been discovered, he had been suspended from the Lord's Supper; but all appearing to be in vain, the church had been summoned to meet that evening, for the awful purpose of totally "putting away from among themselves that wicked person." To prepare them for this painful, though necessary service, the morning sermon had been preached; and the good man expressed a fear that the kind, conciliating doctrine of the afternoon, though by no means in reality opposed to the other, might operate unseasonably on the minds of some of the members, to urge a further delay, which, in this case, was not likely to answer any valuable end. Mr. X, with great sincerity, avowed his previous ignorance of these circumstances; stated the manner in which the subject of his discourse had occurred to him the preceding evening; and added, that he had been confirmed in his design to preach on it by the morning sermon, thinking the contrast between the two, while both were equally consistent with evangelical truth, might render each more beneficial. Had he previously known of the peculiar reason which influenced his friend's choice, he should have deemed it a call to turn his thoughts into some other channel; but as he did not know it, he could not but regard it as wisely ordered by Providence for some good end, which did not yet appear.

In the evening, when the church met, the pastor soon found that he had not mistaken the probable tendency of his friend's sermon; for when the sad evidences of the unhappy man's apostacy, and the methods which had been unsuccessfully tried with him to bring him to repentance, had been recapitulated, and the vote of exclusion was solemnly proposed, several of the members strongly urged the expediency of a little longer lenity, and mentioned the general impression produced by Mr. X—'s sermon in the afternoon; an impression the more to be regarded, as it could not be supposed that he knew anything previously of the affair before the church. After a long and interesting debate, some pleading the necessity of maintaining the purity of the church by an immediate excommunication, others urging, from the example in the parable, in favour of longer suspense, the latter arguments prevailed; and the sentence passed by the majority of the members was,

"Let him alone once more. If he bear fruit, well; if not, then, after that, let him be cut off." A deputation was also appointed to acquaint the man with this result, and to endeavour to impress his mind with a sense of his guilt on the one hand, and of the compassion of God and the Redeemer on the other.

The members who were commissioned on this important errand, found, when they visited the offender, what they little expected. They met with a cordial reception, which no others who had visited him from the church had done. On briefly relating their business, and declaring the continued forbearance of the church, he received the communication with tears; and called on them to join in adoring the wisdom and grace of that kind Shepherd, who has such various ways of bringing back his wandering sheep into the fold which they had deserted. He then informed them that his wife, a serious woman, who had maintained her steadfastness, on returning from public worship in the morning, had, contrary to her expectation, found him at home, a heavy rain having prevented him from joining a Sabbath-breaking party, to which he had engaged himself. In her way home, she had been informed by some friends that Mr. X--was to preach in the afternoon. The unhappy man having been very partial to his preaching in his former and better days, she persuaded him, as the day continued wet, and he could not go out on his pleasure, to accompany her to the meeting. Reluctantly he complied. The text, "Let it alone this year," &c., powerfully struck him. The display of divine compassion melted his stony heart, showed him the heinousness of his guilt, and led him to apply for pardoning and sanctifying grace to Him who is exalted on high a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins."

In this frame of mind the messengers of the church found him. The lenity of christian friends, so like the compassion of a Saviour's heart, completely overcame him. The impression was deep, and it was lasting. He became once more a consistent professor of the gospel, walking more steadfastly and more humbly than ever with God; and continued to "adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour."

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Notices of Books.

THE STUDENT'S MANUAL. By the REV. JOHN TODD. WITH A PREFACE BY THE REV. T. BINNEY. Pp. 284. London: Knight and Son.

We presume that most of our young readers are already acquainted with this excellent work, which, after deduction is made on account of certain imperfections, well pointed out by Mr. Binney in his Preface, is just the thing for intelligent young men and students of all professions. The chief characteristics of this edition are, that it is cheap, well "got up," printed without abridgment or "revision" from the author's own copies, and contains one of Mr. Binney's racy, suggestive essays, for an Introductory Preface. We know scarcely any book which has been the means of doing more good than this. We ourselves recollect reading it and re-reading it long ago, and we have not forgotten the impulse which it gave to our intellectual activity, nor the economy of time and effort which its wise practical suggestions enabled us to exercise. If any of our young readers have not seen it, they may be assured that they cannot spend three shillings better than in buying this edition, nor three weeks better than in reading and studying it with

care.

WORK; OR, PLENTY TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT. By MARGARET MARIA BREWSTER. Pp. 243. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

"Idleness, has no place in the busy and beautiful creation of God: it enters not into his thoughts and ways: it is opposed to all that he has said, and all that he has done. Work,-various it is true in kind and degree, is one of the laws of the universe," Thus begins one of the most beautiful, and at the same time useful and impressive, little books which we have read for a long time; full of tender thoughts, and animating motives, presented too in a simple yet captivating style. "Every-day Work," "Home Work," "Waiting Work," "Praying Work," "Sabbath Work," "Reward of Work," are amongst the somewhat quaint yet appropriate titles of the twentysix chapters into which the work is divided. We have done our best to recommend the book to our readers, by making an extract from it on another page.

GLIMPSES OF JESUS. By W. P. Balfern. Pp. 278. London: Ward & Co.

The writer of the papers included in this volume, informs us that most of them were written in ill health, and under the impression that he should soon die, and that they originated in a desire "to leave something behind him that would, with God's blessing, exalt CHRIST when he was gone." This desire is shown in every page. The writer finds in Jesus an embodiment and manifestation of all the great teachings of his gospel; and he brings out those teachings, in connexion with the Saviour's history, with much tenderness and considerable power. Those who love to "see Jesus," will find him here portrayed with a loving hand; those who are seeking "how they may find him," will not question this oracle in vain.

THE POWER OF THE CHURCH, AS PROMISED AND SECURED BY CHRIST, THE LIVING SAVIOUR. A Sermon, preached at Sheffield, before the Yorkshire Association of Baptist Churches, June 6th, 1854. By SAMUEL G. GREEN, B.A. Pp. 28. London: Benjamin L. Green.

The Yorkshire Association has done honour both to itself and to Mr. Green, by requesting the publication of this admirable Sermon. The passage upon which it is founded is John xiv. 12; and the topics presented are, first, the Promise itself; secondly, its Guarantee; and, thirdly, its Condition. All these topics are very impressively and appropriately presented. The course of thought is one which we should rejoice if this Sermon could bring before all the more thoughtful and intelligent members of our churches; we are sure it would be to their personal advantage, and to that of the cause of God in their respective neighbourhoods, and, consequently, throughout the world.

GLEANINGS FROM A PASTOR'S PORTFOLIO. By H. J. Betts. Pp. 92. London:

Bigg & Son.

We shall probably enrich our treasury, by some of these gleanings, some day. Certainly the Pastor's Portfolio must be a very valuable one, if these are a specimen of its average contents. We hope the sale of the present volume will induce him soon to open it to us again.

A Page for the Young.

ADALINE GREEN, THE PRAYING

GIRL.

CHAPTER VII.

It was again autumn, a bright autumnal evening, and the round, clear harvest moon had risen, though as yet daylight had not faded from the western sky. There was unusual commotion at the cottage of Mr. Green, for Joseph was expected home that evening. His uncle had written that they should start the morning before. There was a bright fire burning in the grate, and the round table was set out, and dressed with unusual care; the pretty china, that had not been used since uncle was there before, was brought out; and the waterpitcher and the silver spoons, which were the gift of Mrs. Green's mother on her marriage day, and were kept more for ornament than use. A nice supper, too, was prepared, which Mrs. Green found great trouble in keeping warm, as the travellers were much later than she had calculated.

Slowly jogging up and down the long hills (for the horse was tired, and had a humane driver), came the same old gentleman and little boy, that had left the family one year ago. Yes, it is the same beautiful boy, his eyes as bright, and his curls as clustering, as ever. How tall and straight he is, and how free and bounding is his step as he leaps from the carriage to walk up hill; surely his uncle's stringent regimen has operated wonderfully. He looks now as though he might do his part towards a "living" (as his cousin Sally would say). Yes, Joseph has found out "what little hands can do," and he is coming home, determined to act his part in this busy world. He has learned, too, the value of a mother's counsel, of a sister's love, and he means to be a good boy, and a comfort to them.

"It is a fact," said he mentally, "I was a cross, good-for-nothing, idle fellow then, and how patient and pleasant mother was with me. Pity she hadn't knocked me down a few times. It would have sharpened my ideas a little. Ada, too, how good she was to everybody; but then Ada prays, and it is easy for her to be good; of course I can't be like her, but I can be a brave, industrious boy, and I will."

"Hilloa, boy, are you dreaming?" said the uncle, as the cottage came in sight. "Not dreaming, uncle, but thinking. But there is Ada at the gate, and mother at the door. Here we are-Mother, Ada, how are you?" And the impetuous boy leaped from the carriage to their arms.

There were exclamations, and shaking hands, and a few tears.

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"How you have grown, Ada!" "And how big you are, Josey!" "And here is father walking round the room," And, brother, how well you are looking," came from the happy group, and then they subsided into a calm, and very soon took their places at the tea-table.

After supper, Adaline removed the teathings, and then sat down by her brother, where they conversed in an undertone till bed-time. Mrs. Green would at times join in their conversation, and then she would listen to their brother's history of his new house, and the progress of events in his town, or answer enquiries relative to their own affairs.

"I suppose you've found it hard getting on," said he, "and your doctor's bill must be considerable-we will see to that tomorrow,"

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"No, brother," said Mr. Green, "I can't permit you to do anything more for us; I am now able to work, and, with the blessing of God, can discharge all my debts. Thanks to my wife's economy, they are but few."

There was something in his father's manner that struck Joseph as singular. What was it made him so gentle, yet attentive to all around him? How had he pressed him to his bosom, and pronounced a deep," God bless you," when he entered; and now, when he spake of the blessing of God, it was solemn, and with reverence, Even his uncle paused and hemmed, as though it sounded strangely to him.

"Well, well," said the old man, "considering all things, I think you've got on very well. You look quite hearty now, and sister, I see, is handsome as ever. This girl here is one of a thousand, and as for the boy, I reckon he is none the worse for living a year with his uncle. What do you think, brother?"

Joseph's eyes were fixed on his father as he answered.

"I think with you, brother," said Mr. Green, "that considering all my unworthiness, God has been wonderfully good to me. I have spent many long years regardless of his commandments, unfaithful to the trust reposed in me, and unmindful of his goodness. Oh, it is of his mercies that I am not consumed!"

Mr. Green paused to regain his composure; the brother looked up in astonishment. Not so Mrs. Green or Adaline; each of them had discovered that he had believed with the heart unto righteousness, and they were daily expecting that confession of the mouth which is unto salvation.

After a while Mr. Green continued, "My past life has been one of entire neglect of the interests of the immortal soul; not only so, but I have wickedly sought excuses for my neglect. I have set human reason against the requirements of God, and darkened my own understanding by its sophistry; and yet the loving kindness and longsuffering of God has been extended to me. Oh,' what shall I render to Him for all his mercies to me!'"

Mr. Green again paused, while Adaline leaned toward him and whispered,

"What did the Psalmist say he would do, father ?"

"Sure enough, my child," said the father, "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.' Bring the Bible, Ada, and let us consecrate this evening by prayer to God."

Adaline wanted no second bidding; she placed the holy book upon the stand, and in a faltering voice her father read select portions. He then knelt down and offered his humble, grateful petitions to Heaven; thanked God for that goodness and mercy that had followed him all the days of his life, for that affliction that had given him opportunity for reflection, and for the dear child who had been the instrument of leading him to the Saviour, and then closed with an humble consecration of himself and his household to the service of his Maker.

From that time Mr. Green's family were of those who called on the name of the Lord. Adaline and het father soon united with the church to which the wife and mother belonged. But not long did the pious child labour in the vineyard of her Lord. Before her sixteenth birthday she was summoned to her reward. Her end was glorious. Ada reposes beside the remains of her little friend. Her parents, too, have gone to sleep with the righteous dead. Joseph long ago left for a foreign land, but not till he, too, had chosen "that good part which shall never be taken from him."

Little reader, would you be like Adaline Green? If so, learn to pray in childhood, in sincerity, and in faith, through Him who hath said, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven!"

Miscellaneous.

CROOKED TRACKS.-A native christian woman told me that she was at one time about to engage in something which Dr. Judson considered not conducive to her spiritual good. He sent for her, and remonstrated, but she would not give up her darling project. "Look here !" said he, eagerly snatching a ruler from the table, and tracing not a very straight line on the floor," here is where you have been walking. You have made a crooked track, to be sure,-out of the path half of the time; but, then, you have kept near it, and not taken to new roads, and you have,-not so much as you might have done, mind, but still to a certain extent,-grown in grace; and, now, with all this growth upon your heart and head, in the maturity of your years, with ripened understanding and an every-day deepening sense of the goodness of God, here," bringing down the ruler with emphasis to indicate a certain position, "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,-fifteen long years, -altogether; you only want to step aside and catch the bubble, and think you will come back again; but you never will. Woman, think! Dare you deliberately leave this straight and narrow path drawn by the Saviour's finger, and go away for one moment into that of your enemy? Will you ? will you? WILL YOU ?" "I was sobbing so," said the woman, "that I could not speak a word; but he knew, as he always did, what I meant; for he knelt down, and prayed that God would preserve me in my determination. I have made a great many crooked tracks since," she added, tearfully; "but, whenever I am

unusually tempted, I see the teacher as he looked that day, bending over in his chair, the ruler placed on the floor to represent me, his finger pointing along the path of eternal life, his eye looking so strangely over his shoulder, and that terrible ⚫ Will you?' coming from his lips as though it was the voice of God; and I pray just as Peter did, for I am frightened."-Memoir of Dr. Judson.

"NONE OF HIS."-" If any man have not the spirit of Christ "-oh, what an if! How it tries the hopes of the christian? Am I meek as he was? when reviled, do I revile not again? when smitten on one cheek, do 1 turn the other also? do I pray for my enemies, "Father, forgive them "? do I go about doing good? is it my meat and drink to do the will of God? Such was the spirit of Christ, and if we have it not, we are-oh, what terrible words, brief, simple, but on that account most terrible-"none

of his!"-no place in his household,-no home in his heart,-an alien from Christ, a stranger to pardon, "having no hope, and without God in the world." Better sink into annihilation than live unreconciled, unrenewed, out of the covenant of grace, while death is so busy, and the grave yawns under every footstep. It is not enough to have a name on the church records,-a seat in the sanctuary,—a fair reputation among our fellow-christians. All these give no assurance of safety. Am I Christ's ?-a branch of the vine, a lamb of the flock? Have I the certainty of a living union? The answer is easy. Seek it not from imagination, or memory, or the emotions, but in the Word of God. The spirit, the spirit of Christ,-this alone determines the great issue. He who has this, will know it, and will manifest it. Christian, irritable, selfish, uncharitable, whose are you? Can you be His?

THE MONTH.

Entelligence.

"Heaven," says Robert Hall," is attracting to itself whatever is congenial to its nature, is enriching itself by the spoils of earth, and collecting within its capacious bosom whatever is pure, permanent, and divine." A few months since we announced to our readers the serious illness of Mrs. Emily C. Judson, the widow of the late Dr. Judson, and the writer of a number of tales and sketches-some of which have appeared in our periodical under the signature of Fanny Forester-most beautiful in composition, and full of tenderness and an elevated piety. We have now to announce that her illness has ended in death; she died in Hamilton, U.S., on the evening of Thursday, the first of June. Her illness had been long, and for months there seemed to be no hope of her recovery; but gradually and gently she sunk to rest, fully relying on that Saviour whom she had loved and served so .well. To quote her own words, in her beautiful tribute to the memory of a departed sister, "It must be very sweet to sleep in Jesus,' after such a life of care and suffering as hers. It must be glorious to tread the courts of heaven, untrammelled by the sin-wrought manacles of pain and woe."

Our readers will have heard of the Church Rate Victory in the House of Commons on the introduction of Sir W. Clay's Bill for their total abolition. Notwithstanding the opposition of Lord John Russell and the Government, the first reading of the Bill was carried; and though on the proposal for its second reading on the 21st ult, it was rejected by a small majority of 27, it is gratifying to know that 182 members came forward boldly to vote for it, and that a measure was promised by the Government to be introduced next year. This vexed

question, it is evident, must be now settled. We have full confidence in the Nonconformist members of Parliament, who are now evidently a power in the House, that no measure will be carried on any such principles as have been suggested by some parties lately. Even if a measure be carried in accordance with full Nonconformist principles we shall not now be surprised.

Dissenters have gained another Victory. On the 22nd ult., on the discussion of the Bill for the Reform of the Universities, a clause was proposed liberating candidates for matriculation in either university from the necessity of taking any oath involving a religious test,-any oath, indeed, except the oath of allegiance. This was carried on a division, notwithstanding the opposition of the Government, by a considerable majority!

The War, like a serpent, "drags its slow length along." Nothing of any great importance has occurred in the Baltic; and in the Danubian territories, so far, the Turks have been left by the English and French armies to get along as best they could. Really, there does seem to be great delay on some account or other. As we go to press, the rumours which have been afloat some time, seem to be confirmed, that the Turks have had an important victory in Silistria, and have compelled the Russians, who were besieging them, to retire with great loss. The saddest news of the month is the destruction by fire of the Europa, about two hundred miles from Plymouth. She was on her way to the East, with men and horses. Many lives and much property was lost.

A movement is going on in some parts of the country in favour of the Closing of Public Houses on the Sunday. We wish to commend this movement to the earnest support

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