cherish the "good seed" of divine grace in the soul, whilst equally dreading whatsoever would tend to the exaltation of self, or the promotion of that awful 'giant Slay-good '-spiritual pride. I trust I have written guardedly, and that weakly as it is, it may encourage some gentle feeble spirit, who, because she could not keep pace with the fluent but not more stedfast follower of Christ, has been ready in despair to sit down and weep, crying, "My leanness, my leanness!" Peace be to all such! It is my firm persuasion that it is amongst them we should look for the choice lambs of the flock; and that theyunfit possibly to shine on earth-will yet be lucid gems in heaven, the brightest in their Redeemer's

crown.

A. T. N.

[We fully concur in the view taken by our correspondent, of the inexpediency of such public exercises as those alluded to. Many spiritual persons, we are aware, crave the aid of broken cisterns, rather than to draw near to the ever-flowing fountain of all true encouragement and consolation. To them we recommend the foregoing observations.]—EDIT.

LUKEWARMNESS.

MADAM,

THE great evil of the present day appears to me to lie in the general lukewarmness which pervades every class of the community in the cause of religion. True it is that here and there we meet with zealous and energetic champions, who are willing to "spend and be spent" in maintaining the principles they have ever been taught to hold sacred. Soul-stirring pamphlets have been written, and forcible public appeals are made; but how are they received? Alas! people for the most part seem to consider that they are by no means the individuals addressed; they read them and cast them aside, without once considering, How deeply am I implicated in the growing evil? If not by my example, am I by my unconcern and indifference virtually injuring the cause which I ought to be defending?

In no cases are the consequences of this neglect of duty more lamentably obvious than in the inroads which are daily made on our holy church. Yes! she is in a state of fearful jeopardy! Would that all her members who are willing to allow it, deeply felt it also! We know, indeed, that nought that is ordained of God, ever can fail; but as of old, he oft permitted the enemies of the Israelites to carry with them (as a punishment for his people's sins) the ark, the sacred symbol of his presence and mark of his

divine favour; may we not also fear, that if we do not humble ourselves, and rouse and arm us for the conflict, he will be provoked to remove from its place that light which hath hitherto shone through the length and the breadth of our beloved land? Then indeed shall we deeply feel the extent of the affliction we have sustained.

Let the members of our church but examine for themselves the signs of the times, and they willthey must be convinced that no terms can too strongly express the danger that surrounds it. A goodly and magnificent structure truly it is, fitly framed and compacted together and adorned with every perfect gift by Him who in Zion laid its foundation-stone. But, alas! the inhabitants seem to take no account of it, and scarcely appear to notice what stones are removed from its walls, or how it is stripped of its treasures. Strong and numerous too are the armies arrayed against it, and vigorously are they pressing forwards, to level it, if possible, with the ground. On one side are set in battle-array the armies of the open infidel and scoffer, while Romanism, with her blood-red standard, surrounds another station, and seems victoriously to be carrying all before her. Within, alas! the members are resting in indolence and ease, as if they were deaf to the noises without, and knew nothing of the danger which menaces them. The watchmen too, seem in a fearful lethargy, and those who are not actually sleeping at their posts, either from fear or carelessness, give such an uncertain note that the soldiers know not whether to prepare themselves for the battle. Nor is this the worst: mark that breach where Popery is holding a conference with some within. Yes, there are secret enemies amongst

those who should be faithful soldiers; and not only are the deserters numerous, but the most important station is about to be surrendered to the enemy; for Puseyism is betraying us, and 'tis amongst the leaders that this infection has broken out. Oh! let this negligence continue no longer,-let us unfurl our standard, and buckling on our well-tried armour, prepare us for the warfare. Are we not every one of us, by profession, soldiers? Let us then faithfully fight under the banner of our beloved Master, and with his guidance gain a complete victory. "One man of you shall chase a thousand; "-let us remember who is our General, and though numbers may be against us, despair not of success.

But to drop all metaphor; allow me, Madam, to urge upon your readers their individual responsibility to pray for the safety of the spiritual Jerusalem. Fearful is the picture I have drawn, but faintly indeed does it pourtray the reality. Numerous have been our sins, and justly hath the heavy wrath of our God fallen upon us. Oh then, let us humble ourselves while there is hope. The danger is not an imaginary one; and every one who professes to be a member of our church is called upon to act as her defender. Let none cast aside the "Christian Lady's Magazine," assured there is nothing in it that concerns them, until they have all, and each for herself, examined whether she is doing all in her power to avert the threatened blow; whether she is daily wrestling in prayer with God, that he would look upon his church, purify it from every sin, and enlarge its borders; whether she is setting an example of earnestness and zeal in this sacred cause, and exhorting others also to rise and join with her in imploring the divine

blessing and favour. If such a course were universally followed, I doubt not that God, who is merciful and long-suffering, would, as he did the Ninevites of old, spare us from destruction, let the light of his countenance shine upon us, and again visit with his glory the temple dedicated to his name.

To you, Madam, I know this subject is an interesting one; your warm sympathy and prayers are already engaged in it; and I feel you will pardon me for bringing it before your readers, although the same sentiments have been already far more forcibly urged, in the pages of this periodical. A crisis of momentous import is approaching; and guilty indeed is that individual who, viewing the coming storm, and hearing the rolling thunder, forbears to raise his voice, however feebly, to warn others of its approach.

I am, Madam, with every sentiment of respect and esteem,

Your obedient servant,

A LOOKER-ON.

A GENTLEMAN whose views on justification are by no means clear, made the following remark on a clergyman who preaches justification by faith alone-' Mr.

,' he said, 'is most inconsistent; he preaches that good works cannot save a man, and yet no one abounds in good works more than he.'