220 LETTERS TO THE AGED. BY THE REV. DR. ALEXANDER, OF AMERICA. DEAR BRETHREN,-The autumn of our life has actually arrived. The scenes of our youth have fled for ever; and the feelings and hopes of that period have passed also, or are greatly changed. When we take a retrospect of the past, several weighty reflections cannot but press upon our minds and sadden our hearts. How true do we now find that trite remark, that the longest life in the retrospect appears exceedingly short, though in prospect the same period appeared almost interminable! Old age has come upon us (though its approaches were very gradual) by surprise; and even now, except when feeling something of the infirmities of age, or when viewing our altered image in the mirror, we are prone to forget that we are old; and often are impelled to undertake labours to which our strength is no longer competent. Truly our life of threescore or more appears like a dream when we awake from sleep. And as the past years have passed so quickly, the few that remain will not be less rapid in their flight. Indeed, to the aged, except when they are suffering protracted pain, time appears shorter than it did when they were young. Thus at least it seems to the writer; the year, when its days, and weeks, and months are numbered, is as long as ever, but to our sense it seems to grow shorter. We are less absorbed and interested in passing scenes than the young. Life has with us become a sober reality. The enchanting visions of a youthful imagination have now entirely vanished. But it brings a solemn and tenderly melancholy feeling over the minds of the aged, to inquire for the friends and companions of their youth. How few of these can we now find upon earth? The ministers, whose labours were made useful to us, and the very sound of whose voice was sweeter than the richest music, are now lying beneath the clods of the valley. The beloved friends with whom we were wont to take sweet counsel, and to whom we could confidingly open our whole hearts, have been torn from our side. Many dear relatives, loved it may be as our own life, have slept the sleep of death. Time may have healed the painful wounds made by such bereavements, but their loss often leaves a chasm which can never be supplied; and, at any rate, a scar which we shall carry to the grave. There is one reflection connected with this subject still more sad; it is, that some in whom we once delighted, and in whom we reposed strong confidence, have turned aside from the ways of truth and righteousness in which they appeared to be walking, and though they may be still walking up and down upon the earth, are dead to us, and to those interests which once seemed to be common to them and us. And of those who remain stedfast, and have continued their pilgrimage without turning aside into crooked ways, what a sad change has time made upon their persons! Where is the bloom of youth, the robust strength of manhood, the eye sparkling with intelligence, and the countenance beaming with animation? Alas, they are fled; and in their place we see the decrepit body, the sunken eye, the withered countenance, and the tottering gait. All are not equally changed by the ravages of time. Indeed, to some the access of grey hairs and old age brings an addition of comeliness. There is something peculiarly lovely, as well as venerable in the silvery locks and placid countenance of a good old man. There is in his countenance a chastened expression of benignity and sobriety, which long experience alone can produce. But the bitterest of all reflections to the aged is that of sins committed, duties omitted, time wasted, and opportunities of doing good neglected. Reflections of this kind, at certain times, become insufferably painful. And although we could not wish to go a second time through such a pilgrimage, yet we cannot but wish often that, with our present views, and with the aids of experience, we could enjoy again the opportunities of usefulness, which were suffered to pass without improvement. But even in these painful regrets and bitter repentance our deceitful hearts often impose upon us; and we give ourselves more credit for present good feelings than we deserve. For let us only ask ourselves whether we now avail ourselves of all the advantages of our situation to do good. Are we not now guilty of as gross neglects as when younger? The probability is, therefore -yea, the certainty-that left to ourselves as much as we were we should do no better, if we were permitted to live over our unprofitable lives a second time. But while we should lay aside all fruitless wishes, we ought certainly to reflect upon our sins and shortcomings, until our godly sorrow is so enkindled within us as to work a repentance not to be repented of. We cannot atone for our sins by tears of penitence; for this we must have recourse to another fountain, even the blood of Christ which cleanseth from all unrighteousness; but the flow of ingenuous, godly sorrow, has a tendency to soften and purify the heart; and our iniquities are rendered by this means odious; so that while we are penetrated with unfeigned gratitude to God for pardoning mercy, we are rendered more watchful against our besetting sins, and made to walk more tenderly and circumspectly, and humbly too; for I have thought that the reason why a covenant-keeping God sometimes permits his children to fall into shameful acts of transgression is, because nothing else but such a sight of themselves as these falls exhibit, would sufficiently humble their proud hearts. The recollection of such sins serves all their life long to convince them that they ought to. place themselves among the "chief of sinners" and "the least of saints." And this view of our exceeding depravity of heart, serves to show us the faithfulness and loving-kindness of God in the strongest light. According to that which he speaks in Ezek. xvi. 62, 63, "And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: that thou mayest remember and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God." My aged friends, permit me to counsel you not to give way to despondency and unprofitable repining at the course of past events. Trust in the Lord, and encourage your hearts to hope in his mercy and faithfulness. Your afflictions may have been many and sore, and your present circumstances may be embarrassing, and your prospects for the future gloomy. Providence may seem to have set you up as a mark for the arrows of adversity. Stroke upon stroke has been experienced. Billow after billow has gone over you, and almost overwhelmed you. Truly the time has come when you can say, My joys are gone." But though friends have been snatched from you, or have proved unfaithful; though children, once your hope and joy, are numbered with the dead, or, what is far worse, profligate or ungrateful; though your property has wasted away, or your riches suddenly taken wings and have fled like the eagle towards heaven; though bodily diseases and pain distress you; still trust in the Divine promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Though friends die, God for ever liveth. Though your earthly comforts and supports are gone, you are heir to an inheritance "incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away." Take for your example the prophet Habakkuk, who triumphantly declares, "Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Learn to live by faith; no class of people need the supports of faith and hope more than the aged. And not only believe, but act. Work while it is called today." "To do good, and communicate, forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Your work is never ended while you are in the body. It is a sad mistake for aged persons to relinquish their usual pursuits, and resign every thing into the hands of children. Many have dated their distressing melancholy from such a false step. The mind long accustomed to activity is miserable in a state of stagnation; or rather having lost its usual nutriment, it turns and preys upon itself. Lighten your burdens, but do not give up business or study, or whatever you have been accustomed to pursue. Imbecility and dotage are also prevented or postponed, or mitigated, by constant exercise of the mind. Keep also as much of your property in your hand, if you have any, as is necessary for your own support, and make not yourselves dependent on the most affectionate and obedient children. They will be more affectionate and more respectful when you are not dependent. Dismiss corroding cares and anxieties about what you shall do to get a living. How strange it is, that the nearer men come to the end of their journey, the greater concern they feel as to the means of future subsistence. His hand will provide. His command to us is, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanks giving, let your requests be made known unto God." "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Yours, &c., A. ALEXANDER. AN AMERICAN PRAYER-MEETING ANECDOTE. PRIVATE individuals who would never have been heard of by us, but for their Christian zeal, have effected that which entitles them to honourable notice. A revival was brought about by one who well deserves the title of an "honourable woman." Religion was at so low an ebb that it was determined to give up the prayer-meetings. The evening which was wont to be set aside for prayer arrived. It was dark and tempestuous. All adhered to their eventful resolution, except an old woman, who lived at some distance from the house of prayer. She could not give up the privileged hour, but threw her cloak about her, took her lantern, and made her way to God's deserted altar. There she spent her hour alone, yet never less alone. On her way home she called on a sister in the Lord, who, in astonishment, exclaimed, "Mother, where have you been in such a stormy night as this?" "I have been at the prayer-meeting," replied the mother in Israel. "Why, I understood the meeting was given up." "No, nor shall it be," rejoined the good old woman. "But who could be there ?" continued her friend. Well, I read, and prayed, and meditated, and there was present, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; and we have had such a delightful meeting! It will be held again next week, and I hope the place will be then full." It was so. Her prayer was accepted. The heavenly assurance was registered, "From this time will I bless thee." "That which this woman hath done shall be spoken for a memorial of her."- Colton on American Revivals. COMFORT IN AFFLICTION. A series of Meditations, by the Rev. JAMES BUCHANAN, North Leith. 12mo, pp. 254. Nisbet. THE substance of these meditations was delivered in the parish church of North Leith, and the leading design of the author is, "to turn the attention of every sufferer to the Bible, as his comfort in affliction," which, while it spreads out to our view the whole scene of human life, chequered with every variety of shade, it raises the eye above it, and reveals a superhuman and spiritual system, which stretches over and comprehends every part of it—a system founded on principles which are as fixed as the incidents of human life are fluctuating -a system which overrules every event that may happen, and determines them all, however casual they may seem to be, for some great and lofty end-a system which, although in its immensity is incomprehensible, and in many of its bearings mysterious, is nevertheless, when in any measure understood, a great and lofty system, obscure only because of its transcendent grandeur." Besides, in unfolding his design, the author says, "the Bible cannot be known in its excellence, nor its truths relished in their sweetness, nor its promises duly appreciated and enjoyed, until, by adversity, all other consolation is lost, and all other hopes destroyed; but when we carry it with us into the fiery furnace of affliction, like the aromatic plant which must be burnt before the precious perfume is felt, it emits a refreshing fragrance, and is relished in proportion as our sufferings are great." In accomplishing his design, the author of this interesting volume sets before the mind of the afflicted believer strong consolation-1. From the government of God, showing that all things are under his direction and control. 2. From the rectitude and the moral excellence of the Divine nature. 3. From the doctrine of redemption by Jesus Christ. In bringing this great subject to bear on the character and state of suffering believers, he says: "This scheme of redemption is complete in all its parts, and adequate to the supply of all our wants; being framed by the unerring wisdom of God, and sealed with the precious blood of his Son, and administered by the agency of his Holy Spirit, its efficiency is guaranteed by every attribute of the Divine nature; and while it throws an interesting light on the present scene, it is a system which stretches forward into eternity, and presents a remedy, not only for every present sorrow, but also for every future fear. What sin is there which this redemption will not expiate-what sorrow which this redemption cannot soothe-what want which this redemption cannot supply -what fear which it may not dispel-what holy hope which it does not sanction-what Divine attribute which it does not illustrate-what human exigency for which it does not provide?" 4. From the Gospel method of salvation, which, Mr. B. shows, fully meets the case of the anxious inquirer, who, in the season of affliction, and in the prospect of death, is impressed with the transcendent importance of the question, "What must I do to be saved?" In the discussion of the evangelical answer to this inquiry, the author has some most important statements, some powerful reasoning, which, had our limits permitted, would have greatly enriched our pages. He states "That our warrant to come to Christ, and without delay, is not only in Scripture the matter of permission and of encouragement, but the subject of an express and positive command. It is not a mere privilege which we are at liberty to enjoy it is a duty which we cannot neglect or trifle with, without incurring guilt and condemnation." 5. The covenant of grace, and its everlasting blessedness, he represents as bearing on the safety, peace, and happiness of believers, and he devoutly exclaims : "Gracious God! hast thou reared above us such an economy of grace—a covenant which, like the bow of heaven, spans the whole horizon of time, and casts or its troubled atmosphere the rays of peace and hope; and shall not we see thy bow in the clouds, and be glad?" He then shows, that great consolation may be derived-6. From the sympathy and sufferings of Christ. 7. From the source and end of the afflictions of the people of God. "Divine love is the source from which they proceed; and the end for which they are designed is the gradual improvement and ultimate perfection of their moral nature." Then, 8, From the rays of light and glory which Christianity throws over death and the unseen world. In this section there are several most beautiful illustrations of the august yet amiable character of the Son of God, " as he that liveth, -as he that was dead,-as he that lives for ever, as he that hath the keys of death, and of the unseen world;" extracts of which we should gladly make, but this article is already too much extended. The highly respected author proceeds to furnish materials for everlasting consolation to the afflicted-9. From the character of the heavenly inhabitants; their former history, " they came out of great tribulation;" their blessed enjoyments. The happiness of heaven he shows will consist in fully satisfying the desires and the capacities of man, considered in several distinct aspects, as a sentient, intellectual, moral, social, active being. In this chapter there are some splendid passages, but we must not enlarge, although the mind of the author evidently rises with the grandeur of the subject, and our own feelings of admiration and sacred delight have been raised higher and higher, as we advanced in the perusal of this interesting volume, which is closed by showing the Divine consolation that is derived from that deliverance from suffering, and the perfection of our physical nature, which is realised at death, being released from all defects, from all encumbrances, from all sufferings. The CHRISTIAN'S DAILY TREASURY, a Religious Exercise for every Day in the Year, by EBENEZER TEMPLE, Rochford, Essex. 2nd edit. pp. 464. Thomas Ward and Co. Among the numerous publications of the present day, intended to aid the exercises of a devotional hour, this volume is not below many of its contemporaries. The sentiments are evangelical, and generally so expressed as to indicate the amiable spirit of the author. To that class of persons whose avocations leave them little time for consecutive reading, and who may wish to lodge in the mind the leading thoughts of a passage of Scripture, as materials for meditation, the volume will be found useful. It consists of three hundred and sixtyfive papers, each being "the ground-work of a sermon," delivered, we presume, in the course of the author's ordinary ministrations. One paper is assigned to each day in the year but as, with two or three exceptions, there is nothing appropriate to one day more than another, it has the advantage of being equally suitable to all occasions. In such a number of " exercises" inequalities of thought and style are to be expected; but the author has followed a plan which creates a tiresome sameness, and compels him to adopt terms which do not always express a definite idea. The thoughts, consequently, are sometimes crude and undigested. To this plan we were somewhat attached in our boyish days, and it is what is usually termed pretty; but while it produces, in the announcement, a gingle that pleases the ear, it does not so powerfully grasp the attention or strike the heart. Nor does it, except in a very few instances, in which the text may afford peculiar facility, accord with a correct taste. We advise the respected author to break the trammels with which he has encumbered himself, and he will appear to more advantage. In the preface, a hope is expressed that this volume will be found useful to lay preachers and young ministers. We honestly confess we cannot recommend it for this purpose. Our churches are under great obligations to those brethren who kindly undertake to help the ministry, by their services in village and other congregations. But we would rather recommend those brethren occasionally to test their own powers; and when this cannot be done, or is found to fail, to read the finished sermons of others, as better adapted to edification, and more agreeable to Christian simplicity than an attempt merely to eke out something like a sermon from borrowed materials of this kind. With respect to young ministers, we entreat them to adopt such a course of reading as will compel |