forth in this work gradually impaired his strength, and entailed on him the symptoms of premature age. The diminution of his strength led to the devising of measures for the choice of a co-pastor, and he and the church were eventually guided to one whom he regarded with paternal confidence and affection, and who as a son with a father served with him in the Gospel." During my ministry at Chatham, my revered father visited me twice, and had frequent opportunities of preaching to my flock. His services were held by them in the highest estimation, and he was cheered by the marks of acceptance and usefulness he received.

For some years his physical strength was gradually declining, though his mental energies, and the faculties of sight and hearing remained unimpaired, but from the excellence of his constitution, hopes were entertained that he might yet be spared to us for years to come. About three months before his death, he was seized with an attack of influenza, which greatly reduced his strength, and from the effects of which he never fully recovered. About three weeks preceding his decease, he complained of faintness and weakness, but no apprehension was entertained of the fatal issue of his illness, until two or three days prior to his dissolution. For only six days he was confined to bed, but still attended with his usual punctuality to his duties, until Saturday, the 12th February. At four o'clock on Sabbath morning, his symptoms became more threatening, but afterwards he revived and partook of some refreshment. About nine o'clock, he became worse, and seemed to have the consciousness of approaching dissolution. He then called for my dear mother and sisters, to come quickly to him, saying that it was only a few minutes he would be able to speak. He then said, "I am dying; but God is the strength of my heart, and will be my portion for ever," and then offered a short prayer for all the family, that God would grant them all that they needed for this life, and that they might all meet a family unbroken in heaven. He expressed his sorrow to part with them, but added, "it is the will of God." After a season, he asked my mother what day it was. She replied, "it is the sweet day of rest of which you loved to speak." He observed, "I am restless." It was answered, "There is a nobler rest above," and to this he nodded assent. He then quoted the verse,

"A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,

On thy kind arms I fall;

Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My Saviour and my all."

About one o'clock he spoke for some time, but the complaint in his mouth and tongue prevented him from articulating so distinctly as to be understood by his family, and his countenance was expressive of regret that his meaning was not apprehended. Stupor and hardness of breathing then came on, and about for o'clock he closed his eyes, his breathing becoming fainter and fainter, till within twenty minutes after, without a struggle or a groan, he "fell asleep in Jesus." Mercifully he was spared from severe pain,

and from that decay of the faculties under which many suffer, and which, in the case of some of his brethren, he felt to be so humiliating and affecting. Some have inquired whether any signal was asked as to his state of mind in the prospect of departure, but to this inquiry, it is replied by those who knew him best, and who had daily opportunities of observing his character and habits, no such signal was required. They had abundant evidence of his preparedness for heaven, and cannot entertain the shadow of a doubt that, as to him to live was Christ, so to die was gain.

He

I profess not to attempt a portraiture of my father's character, but the following features were very prominent. Ardent love to the Saviour was the ruling passion of his life: "The love of Christ constrained him." No one could delight more in the Word of God, or bow more reverently to its authority. He studied it not only critically and professionally, but devotionally, and for the aliment of his spiritual life. With Jeremiah he could say, 16 Thy words were found of me, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart." His memory was remarkable, alike for quickness and tenacity, and remained unimpaired to the close of life. Few surpassed him in acquaintance with the Bible. He stood in no need of a concordance, and after hearing a discourse he could recapitulate its leading thoughts and illustrations with the greatest accuracy and ease. was a lover of good men, and though conscientiously attached to his own distinctive views, he breathed a most catholic spirit, and could say, from the fulness of his heart, "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." For the long period of half a century his character and reputation were without the shadow of a stain, yea he illustrated, by his life the lessons he taught with his lips, and could say to his flock, "Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ." Gratitude and humility were most conspicuous in his character. He had a deep sense of his personal unworthiness, and a grateful appreciation of every kindness shown him by others, and traced the great goodness of God towards him through all his life. He was diligent in the improvement of time, and took much delight in communion with God in the exercises of private devotion. He was distinguished for the warmth of his domestic and social affections, and was powerfully affected by the separations occasioned by death among his brethren and friends. His children will ever remember his fervent prayers and affectionate counsels.

Few were more sensitive to the sorrows of others, or more desirous to alleviate their distresses. He was bland and affable in his intercourse, and displayed much of "the milk of human kindness." Punctuality and order characterised all his movements, and by his consistency and benevolence he won the respect and affection of all. May we follow him so far as he followed Christ, and meet him in that world "into which no foe shall ever enter, and from which no friend shall ever depart!"

It

I. AT THE CHURCH IN A STATE OF DEPRESSION.

Now the Church may be viewed as a whole, or only as a part. Number has no necessary connection with it, although, in the present case, the language of the Prophet would seem to comprehend the entire community of Jacob. But as we are not to limit the language to Jewish times, it may be proper to observe, that the Church, in this depressed state, may either be great or small,-comprehensive of hundreds, or of thousands, or of millions. Neither has it any connection with worldly circumstances. It may be labouring under State persecution; or it may be the subject of state patronage. To understand the thing aright, it is necessary, therefore, to look at it a little more closely; and here the points may be taken in the following order:

1. The Pastor.-The shepherd of the flock may be himself depressed, and prostrated in spirit. In that condition he may be uneasy, and anxious to raise himself up, or he may be acquiescent. The danger is less or greater, according to circumstances. If he be acquiescent, the danger is the greater, lest he could make up his mind to pine on and die, instead of bracing himself to struggle with the foe, and calling upon heaven for help. He may, in the end, become indifferent, and view the condition of things as almost a matter of course. Such may be the fate of even good men -men who have undoubtedly the root of the matter in them. But the tendency of such a state of affairs will be to wax worse, so that Jacob will come to be afflicted with the heaviest of all calamities -shepherds of low piety, or of an absolute worldly spirit, who have taken to the office as they would to medicine, or to law, or to the profession of arms, simply as a mode of subsistence. In

VOL. X.

this case, doctrinal statements will not long retain their purity, and their power on the human heart will cease to become matter of public instruction or delineation. Preceptive instruction-mere morality-will take the place of Christian doctrine, and Christian experience, while the necessity of conversion to God, and of the grace and power of the Holy Spirit as the Author of that saving result, will cease to be regarded. When such a state of things comes to be realized, Jacob will be small, indeed, and the aspect may well excite in the breast of the trembling saint the question, " by whom shall he arise?" But in this state of depression, we must also look at

2. Office-bearers.-In the Church of God, as in the armies of kings, strength and efficiency mainly depend upon Office-bearers, not only generals-in-chief, but all in authority, down to the humblest, must be men of loyal hearts, brave and courageous. Under the condition of affairs suggested, however, by the Prophet, they will be found shorn of their strength; their spiritual attainments will have sustained serious loss. Even where grace is real, it will be found that those are babes who ought to be young men, and those young men who should be fathers. There is a peril lest the test of fitness for office should become gradually changed, and social rather than personal attributes determine the choice of office-bearers. In the days of the Apostles, the primary qualifications were, that men should be "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," '-men of wise hearts, and ready speech. When such men fail, the tendency will be to look to mere worldly respectability, so that the Apos tolic qualities will not be sought, but those which appertain to the world. The result will be serious. Such men will, on the one hand, contribute nothing to raise the spiritual tone of the ministry; nor on the other, to animate, and cheer the people. We have next, then, to look at

His

of Gospel doctrine, and the things pertaining to salvation will be dull. The Head of the Church will, in personal esteem, be no longer what he was. work will cease to be viewed as precious above rubies, and himself as the "joy of the whole earth." Indeed, the general system of doctrine will have come to be viewed as a mass of abstractions,-things to be held and contended for rather than believed, and possessing little importance for personal purposes.

That which constitutes the very essence of spiritual life-love-will then be cold; cordial affection will have sunk into decent civility. There will be an absence of sympathy with those who "sigh and cry" for the condition of Jacob. For a season, courses which have been formed into habits may be continued, and, continuing, they may remain the only bond which keep professors together. The unity of the Spirit will then be broken; but still the path of custom may continue for a time to be tried, till a variety of events have occurred to draw one to this side, and draw another to the opposite, till the banded host has become a miscellaneous multitude. Any law that remains will be the mere law which has been originated by early associations, the power of Christ and his cross will be little felt.

Where love waxes cold, or expires, it is in vain that we look for zeal of a godly sort, zeal for the glory of Christ,-not for a dogma, or a party, or a polity. Now in the absence of this zeal, it will be found that the machinery of piety and philanthropy will go deranged, and before it absolutely break in pieces the power which impels it will have waxed so feeble that it will almost come to a dead stand. The history of religion presents cases innumerable, illustrative of this. But when zeal decays or expires, the work of conversion cannot be expected to advance. The necessity of it will gradually be lost sight of by pastors, by parents, by teachers, and by leaders in prayer, and the world "that lieth in wickedness," will take the Church at its word, and lie still. As there is no call to surrender, the idea of rebellion will scarcely be thought of. What the Church does not seek, she is not likely to find; and hence, not endeavouring to be replenished by "men as with a flock," she will not obtain the blessing.

Now comes the crisis; occasions will at length arise presenting opportunities for unhallowed tempers to display them

selves, whereby peace will be disturbed and affection cooled. Unholy passions will get the ascendency. The meekness and the gentleness of Christ will give place to emotions directly in opposition to his own. Churches will no longer exhibit the beautiful harmony, which Paul describes as represented by 66 one mind, and one mouth." Love once cooled, there will be nearly as many minds and mouths as there are men and women! Minorities and majorities, cliques and factions, heresies and schisms will make their appearances. When this state of things occurs, it will be a proof, a sad proof, that Jacob is "small,"—that is, that the Church of God is in a state of deep depression! It is time, therefore, to glance at

II. THE CHURCH EXALTED.

When this happy state of things is about to arise, the claims of eternity will once more come to be realised; men will begin to see the "things that are afar off," and to seek "the city that hath foundations." The soul will again come to be turned inward upon itself; believers will sigh for a fresh baptism of the Spirit of the Lord. The doctrine of Christ crucified will obtain a species of resurrection. Men will see the evil of sin, and the danger of it; the folly and guilt of backsliding, and the beauty of holiness will again command attention, while the justice of God will at once occupy the conscience, and the mercy of God the heart. The soul of the Church will be visited as with the gale of a reviving spring. There will be a general

revival of the life of God amid the tribes of Jacob, and every soul will share in the benediction.

The Person and work of the Holy Spirit will now much concern the Church. -She will feel that she has been "sensual, not having the Spirit;" that she has been "grieving" and "quenching" the Spirit, and that she has been "doing despite to the Spirit. This state of things will continue till she is brought to apply afresh to the blood of sprinkling, and to wash in the "Fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness." Guilt removed and peace restored, she will then return to her first love, and betake herself to her "first works;" and, rejoicing. in God's salvation herself, she will have pity upon a lost world. Conversion will, therefore, begin again. Pitying the world, she will warn it, and teach it, and beseech it, as in Christ's stead to be "reconciled unto God."

1. The shepherds of the flock will share in the blessing. They will begin to realise their obligations and responsibilities. It will be felt, that a dispensation of the Gospel has been committed unto them, and that a weighty woe is on them if they preach not the Gospel! Brought near again to the throne, they will behold in their Master the Priest and the King; and, in these lights, will exhibit him to all around. They will now rise into strength, which the "joy of the Lord" will not fail to impart. The unction will now again abide upon them. Words of love will melt the hearts of those on whom they fall.

2. The Officers will share in the blessing of the change.-Those who are truly men of God will experience a revival of grace in their own souls. They will seek and find; they will knock, and it will be opened unto them. Asking the Holy Spirit, they will receive a blessing, full of faith and the Holy Ghost, and they will again become mighty in prayer, wise in Christ, and skilled in the mysteries of the human heart, a blessing to the pastor on the one hand, and to the Church on the other, seconding his endeavours, going before the people, uniting, harmonising, and setting an example in every good work. With such a ministry, and such officers

3. The Church will put on a new face. -Once more alive, they will walk by faith. They will love as brethren, being peaceful and courteous. With hearts purified, consciences at rest, their hands will be "strong through the mighty God of Jacob." Experience will again assume a deep and thorough type-men will "know in whom they have believed." The love of God and of Christ will be "shed abroad" in the soul, and believers will know that "they have passed from death unto life because they love the brethren." Joy will take place of discomfort-hope of despair-liberality of niggardliness-heaven of earth—and once more, "all the places" round about the "Hill" of God will become a blessing." ARCHIPPUS. June, 1853.

CHRIST ANIMATING HIS FRIENDS TO ACTION.

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Ir is through much tribulation we enter the kingdom of heaven. Every Christian is enlisted in a warfare, is called to "the

fight of faith;" "to wrestle not merely against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers.' He is equipped in the dress, and armed with the weapons of a soldier under the banner of the cross; conversion is as the first step to the field of battle. Present peace and joy as the fruit of young faith in Jesus, somewhat resemble the pleasant emotions of the recruit, who, on just being robed and accoutred, is apt to lose sight of the coming conflict in the attractions of his novel apparel. But enemies are a-head, are on every hand, and are pressing closely and fast around the soul of every disciple of the Son of God. Hence the exhortation, "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." "Take unto you the whole armour of God; let your loins be girt about with truth, having on the breast-plate of righteousness; let your feet be shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication and watching thereunto with all perseverance."

The

Suffering and conflict are inseparable from the experience and lot of Christians in this world: "In the world ye shall have tribulation." The temple of God is in ruins, and, as in ancient times, must be rebuilt as with sword in hand. garden of the Lord has withered under the curse of sin; has become a desert and a wilderness, and can only be restored to its original beauty and fruitfulness by patient cultivation and skilful pruning: The demons that Christ expelled from the bodies of men were unwilling to depart; sometimes first throwing down their victims, tearing, rending and mangling them. So now Satan never quits the citadel of man's soul without making desperate struggles to keep his hold and to retain his sway in the human heart.

It is a sight deeply interesting to witness an army of immortal spirits struggling through darkness and sorrow, and in earnest and solemn march striving to reach the "better country." There is such a sight. It may be seen by the eye of faith, and, perhaps, is an object of clear contemplation to heavenly beings. Thousands, yea millions of souls, headed by patriarchs of old, and led on by prophets, apostles, martyrs and reformers, have all received the promises, have seen

them afar off, were persuaded of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They sought "a city out of sight;" and relying on the word of their Lord, and on the might of his Spirit, have fought a good fight, have kept the faith, and have received a crown of life.

There is still a host of "the faithful" doing battle daily and hourly with sin and trial; encountering foes from without and fears from within, but yet ever urging its way forward through fire and through water, and in sunshine and storm. The order from the great Commander is to march, and to fight, and no cessation till the weapons of warfare drop off into the grave, and the spirit is forever free on the immortal plains of victory and song: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

The followers of Christ, though certain of conquest in the end, if they hold fast their profession, may yet for the present often be "in heaviness through manifold temptations," and "faint and weary" in their minds by the length and roughness of the journey. With reference to changes perpetually occurring, some may be ready to say, "all these things are against us, and shall bring down our gray hairs with sorrow to the grave." There are times when the harps of Zion are hung on the willows, when the melody of song dies away, and the voice of weeping is heard. Occasionally it may seem as if the sun had forgotten to rise to diffuse its wonted light and gladness over all things; as if now no star shone to relieve the gloom of night, and as if every foundation of hope and security were sapped and rapidly giving way. Paul's voyage into Italy may, in some points, illustrate what Christians more or less experience in crossing the ocean of life to the shores of immortality. The sailing to all appearance becomes dangerous; quicksands are near, breakers are ahead, the ship is caught "by the tempest" and can no longer "bear up unto the wind," and so she is let drive, and for a time "all hope is taken away of being saved." The believer whether on sea or land is in ceaseless conflict with warring elements and resisting forces; and, his faith growing weak, he is either ready to sink into the waves or to fall crushed before the enemy. It is then he requires to be reanimated for the battle and the storm, and afresh to gird up the loins of his mind to tread

with firmer step and brighter eye the rough but only path to heaven. And there are many considerations fitted to rouse his courage, to brace his heart, and to nerve his arm to hold on in the glorious struggle till the song of victory shall be sung in the skies.

The eye of his Divine Commander is upon him.

The army in which the Christian serves is led on by Him whose name is "Lord of lords and King of kings; "the Lord great and mighty; "-" the Lord mighty in battle; the heavens his throne, and the earth his footstool. The captain of "God's enlisted host" has himself gone the way in which all his followers must tread; the way of suffering and toil. He is not seen by the bodily eye, but he ever lives making intercession for those who love him and are now fighting in his cause. He does not forget them. His eye is ever upon them. He has been tempted as they are now, and is "touched with a feeling of their infirmities;" and in the precious words which have dropped from his sacred lips, and which are safely preserved to his disciples through all ages, we may hear a voice fitted at once to annihilate despondency, and to animate to action: "Lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."-"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne."

The voice of Jesus comes home to the believer with a cheering and stimulating effect.

There are voices that terrify, but the voice of Christ is music to the soul. It breathes life, and hope, and gladness into the drooping heart, and into the despairing mind. Sheep trembling with fear in the deep, dark valley,-"the valley of the shadow of death," are glad to hear the Shepherd's note. The child amongst strangers hails with joy his parent's voice. The soldier in the fight is roused to renewed action as his commander salutes his ear with words of encouragement and hope. The disciples in the storm were frightened by the sudden appearance of Christ walking on the sea; but his voice and his words soon allayed their trepidation: "Fear not, it is I." Jesus speaks, and the weeping disciple at the sepulchre lifts up her head in hope and delight. Christ utters a word, and the penitent sinner obtains pardon and peace. His voice is heard in pleasing