schoolboy is glad to bid farewell to his appointed tasks; and the terror of the ferula is no longer any cause of dread to one, rejoicing when he meets his former companions that he is now free. The manners of the man are suddenly assumed by him, who a short time before was the foremost in all boisterous games and mirth.

The world, with its many allurements, is an untried scene, and the mind of the youth is still under the influence of that training received either at home, or elsewhere, which causes him to have a secret respect for the Holy Bible, and the ordinances of God's house. There is a simplicity, so to speak, in a youth just entering on the busy scenes of life. To that period he has been under control, and he was liable to be called to an account, at any time, in what manner he had spent his time.

Would that the writer's voice could reach those who are accustomed to take apprentices, urging them to reflect seriously on the responsibilities belonging to such a trust. There would be fewer instances of the ruin of the once promising boy, if masters only acted the parent's part, as far as moral control is concerned, over those who have been incorporated as temporary members of their families; but it is to be lamented, that many drown the voice of conscience, by exclaiming, "Am I my brother's keeper!" and will blindly allow an immortal soul to run riot, until all that is excellent and praiseworthy has disappeared, and the once promising youth becomes the sinful and hardened man.

I well recollect Charles R. His father died when he was very young, and his mother, who was an excellent woman in every respect, placed him with an elder brother at a respectable boarding-school, where he continued several years. Charles had many advantages: at home he received the counsel and prayers of a mother, whose heart was truly given to the Lord, and at school he had instilled into him those principles which are the only safeguard for youth, in a world beset with snares and temptations. He was considered a very

promising and hopeful boy, when he was bound apprentice to a working goldsmith, in his fourteenth year. He had manifested a strong predilection for the business; and though his mother was not satisfied, in a religious point, with the person to whom he was bound, yet as he bore an upright character, Charles was placed under his control.

care

During the week, Mr. fully attended to his business, in the hours appropriated for it, and strictly initiated his apprentices into their required duties. When closing-time arrived, he who had scarcely allowed himself sufficient time for the ordinary meals of the day, adjourned to a neighbouring tavern, and, in the company of others, like-minded, increased his love and thirst for the intoxicating cup. Would that respectable tradesmen could only see the folly and criminality of such conduct. To leave a quiet home and happy children, and heedless of the remonstrances of a patient and enduring wife, frequent scenes where the selfish feelings are gratified and fostered, is enough to show that man is a fallen creature, and until Divine grace reaches the soul, can only find solace and temporary comfort, in a course of gratifying the senses and passions of body and mind.

Charles's master had long been infatuated to such a course, and the Lord's-day morning unhappily found him examining and posting his books, and the remaining portion of the sacred hours was spent either in a party of pleasure, or at his favourite tavern in the evening. It is lamentable to find how many there are in our large towns, that habitually neglect Divine worship. The steam-boats and railways, and the tea-gardens, afford a ready outlet to those who, living in a christian country, live as totally regardless of the duties and obligations of religion, as if their lot had been cast in a heathen land.

The wife of the jeweller was a thoughtless and extravagant person, and so long as she had ample means for luxurious living, and expensive and showy attire, cared but little for her husband's absence of an evening,

when she found remonstrance was unavailing; and the same indifference to religion she shared with him. To the apprentices she was kind, and their domestic comforts were attended to; but from the time the men left the workshop, they were at liberty to do as they pleased, until ten o'clock, and when their master had left the house, they were soon found strolling about the town.

Happily for the best interests of young men, a feeling of sympathy is now manifested; and the establishment of societies where their evenings can be profitably spent, and their minds improved, is becoming general in all our large places. But such was not the case at the period of our narrative; with the exception of a week-evening religious service at a few of the churches and chapels, there was nothing peculiarly calculated to stimulate the youthful mind to farther improvement; and courses of lectures, and classes for mutual instruction, were unknown. The mother of Charles had removed to a distant village soon after her son was apprenticed, and there was no parent's eye to watch over his conduct, and administer les sons of counsel and instruction to the fatherless boy, and unhappily several of the men held loose principles, and were infidels at heart.

Let a parent reflect, Can I place my boy with a person that does not fear God and reverence his Sabbaths, let him be ever so clever in his trade or profession? Is it not my bounden duty to consult my child's moral and religious welfare; and whilst selecting a trade or profession, that his own mind particularly desires, and my own judgment considers desirable, should I not be quite satisfied that his immortal soul will not be endangered by the conduct of one to whom I am entrusting so important a charge during the most critical period of life?

The instruction that Charles R had received from his affectionate mother, and the training at his excellent school, acted most beneficially in restraining him from "following the multitude to do evil." Surrounded as he was with men that scoffed at religion, anddespised the precepts of

the Holy Bible, owing to its injunctions interfering with their evil practices; yet he still adhered to his mother's request to read the Word of God daily, and prize the book of Proverbs as the " young man's best companion." The Holy Spirit was pleased to visit the heart of Charles with His gracious drawings, when in his sixteenth year, and he was enabled to rely on the Saviour to preserve him in the paths of righteousness whilst with the ungodly.

From his worldly-minded master and mistress he endured much scorn and sarcasm, which encouraged his fellow-apprentices in their attempts to get him into their company of an evening. But instead of going with them to scenes of dissipation, he would retire to the bed-room to read the precious Bible, and pray to Him who seeth in secret, and yet rewardeth openly. The Lord's Day was hailed by him with feelings of the greatest joy; and during its sacred hours, his mind was refreshed and supported by the preached Word. Having become a teacher in his pastor's Sunday-school, he was more immediately brought in contact with those who were decided in their reli

gious profession. After a while, a christian friend, in remembrance of his mother, and greatly respecting Charles, arranged that he should have a place at the family dinner, and continue their guest until the usual time of the apprentices being expected in at his master's house.

Whilst this interesting youth was thus, through Divine grace, dedicating himself to the service of God, the other apprentices were running into every kind of sin and vicious indulgence. The eldest, who had nearly completed his seven years, was detected in purloining some valuable jewellery, for the purpose of defraying a pressing demand, connected with his having unhappily pursued, for some time, a course of licentiousness and sin. Mr.

manifested a determination to have him punished to the very extent of the law; and though his own wilful neglect of the morals of his apprentices, had been the chief cause of this young man's ruin, yet he prided

Charles R-continued, through Divine assistance, to walk with God during the remaining part of his apprenticeship; and, after leaving Mr.

he entered into business on his own account, and Providence so greatly favoured him, that, in the course of time, he became possessed of considerable substance, and his mother had the satisfaction and comfort of ending her days with so excellent a child. As a man of business he was scrupulously correct in all his dealings, and few were more highly respected than Charles R. Many an interesting youth who was placed under his care, had reason to be thankful, in after-life, for the pious instructions and careful watching of so rare a master. In religious and benevolent societies he took a prominent part, and the widow and fatherless found in him a sympathizing and assisting friend. After a long and useful life, he departed in the peace and hope of the Gospel, triumphing in that Saviour on whose righteousness he had relied for acceptance with God, and who had imparted strength

to enable him to walk consistently as one of the purchases of the atoning blood.

The end of Mr.

was widely different to that of his apprentice. A series of heavy losses in business so preyed on his spirits, that instead of looking to HIM who can give comfort amidst the bitterest of earth's trials, he sought relief in the revelry and excitement of the thoughtless tavern guests. Business was totally neglected, whilst his days and nights were thus spent, and, as a necessary consequence, became bankrupt in character and property. As is often the case with men who have lived neglectful of the duties and obligations of the Gospel, Mr. M- became entirely reckless, and, with a sad infatuation, at length associated with low and abandoned characters. A few years afterwards, he did not return to his now wretched home at the accustomed hour at night, and the next morning his body was found in some water at a distance from the road. Much mystery was connected with the circumstance; but as there were

no

marks of violence, and as his watch and the contents of his pockets were not disturbed, the great day of final account will alone reveal the awful secret.

Dear Reader," MARK THE PERFECT MAN, AND BEHOLD THE UPRIGHT: FOR THE END OF THAT MAN IS PEACE.

Psalm xxxvii. 37. "THE WICKED IS

DRIVEN AWAY IN HIS WICKEDNESS: BUT THE RIGHTEOUS HATH HOPE IN HIS

DEATH."-Proverbs xiv. 32.

SIGMA.

HOWEVER the mass of the Roman people might at this time have outwardly joined the Church, and professed themselves Christians, we may infer from this prophecy, that true

Christians as approved by God's judgment, would be but a very small election out of them.

By the 144,000 sealed ones, we must understand the faithful ones of

the christian body, the true Israel of God; and by the twelve tribes, the whole professing Christian Church in the Roman empire.

Let us consider on the one hand the description of the true Israel, God's servants or sealed ones; on the other, that of the outward Israel, the professing Church.

The initiation and first entrance of the members of the true Israel into the holy body, is effected by an angel ascending from the east, who is described as sealing them. The seal he bears is characterized as the seal of the living, or life-giving God; (the epithet is not unmeaning;) and designates evidently that " Holy Spirit of God, whereby believers are sealed unto the day of redemption." This delegation from the life-giving God, and his ascending from the east, as evidently intimate his bringing lite and light with him. And both these characteristics, and his registering the sealed ones, and his language, too, to the tempest angels, alike indicate him to be no created angel, but the Angel of the Covenant, the Lord Jesus. For to whom but to Him belongs the symbol of the “Light of the world," the "Day-spring from on high" visiting us? Of whom but Him is it the prerogative to baptize with the Spirit? By Him then God's servants are represented. as noted amidst the multitude of the professing Israel; illuminated, quickened, sealed with the Spirit, and numbered, without the omission of a single one, in the register of the true Israel, the Book of Life. Thus initiated, and with their garments made white in the blood of the Lamb, the mark on their foreheads implies the consistent and open testimony of a holy life and conversation, bearing witness to their being indeed, what they are called, the Lord's ser

vants.

Such is the initiation and consequent character and history of the true Israel.

Let us now look at the portraiture of the outward Church.

The initiation of its members was of course by the rite of baptism, Crowds were regularly admitted by the bishops and presbyters, into the congregation

of the visible Church, after Constantine's accession to the undivided supremacy. And thus far it was well. But what is said of the faith in Jesus, whereby to secure the spiritual grace and blessings shadowed out in the scramental rite? Of this we read little. On the other hand, it is scarce possible for an investigator of the Church history of the times, not to be struck, as he reads, with the unscriptural notions then widely prevalent, of the virtue attached to the outward baptismal rite, as if in itself sufficient to secure them,-that is when duly performed by the ministering presbyter; or as, in Levitical phrase and with Levitical functions attaching, he was now generally designated, priest! Throughout the whole of the preceding century, and even earlier, a preparation had been making for these views by the accumulation of titles of honour on it. Bingham tells us it was entitled the seal, the Lord's mark, the illumination, the phylactery or preservative, the investiture of incorruption, the salvation. In the language of an eminent bishop of the day, it was the ransom to captives, the remission of offences, the death of sin, the regeneration of the soul, the garment of light, the holy seal indissoluble, the chariot to heaven, the luxury of paradise, the procuring of the kindom, the gift of adoption, (Cyril.) A magical virtue, as Neander expresses it, was thought to attach to the rite. Not only all sins, it was supposed, were ipso facto washed away by it; but all evils as by an amulet averted. The ceremonies now superadded to the simple form prescribed and practised at its original institution, added to this impression. The custom is recorded how the candidate turned to the west while priestly words of exorcism were uttered, by which it was supposed that he was now at length delivered from the dominion of the prince of darkness; then to the east, as to receive, together with the baptismal immersion, the illumination of the Spirit. And then he was enrolled in the Church register, as being of the number of the Christian Israel. A crown,-it might be a palm branch,

was borne by him, in token of his

victory over sin and the world; and a white dress put upon him, as on one washed from sin, and robed for immortality. Further, as Gregory Nazianzen tell us, he was led up before the altar in token of the beatific vision of the life to come, and received with psalmody as in foretaste of the hymnings of the blessed. Thus were the members of the twelve mystic tribes of Israel initiated into the Christian Church; thus its consequent blessings intimated to them. After which initiation, besides the title of EKλEKTOι, or chosen (a title already attached to them from the time when they were accepted by the bishop as fit candidates for baptism,) they were further designated as axio and TISOL, the saints and faithful. For as Bingham says,—with special reference to the earlier practices of the Church, as far back as the century under consideration,-The names of saints, believers, elect, names which occur frequently in ecclesiastical writers, signify not any select number of Christians, (as now the words saint and elect are often used to signify only the predestinate,) but all Christians in general, who were entered into the communion of the Church by the waters of baptism.

And now is it needful that I draw the reader's attention to the parallel, or rather contrast in the way of parallel, which, point after point, meets the eye between this historical picture of the professing Church Catholic of the æra of Constantine,-specially in respect of their initiation,—and that of the 144,000, the election of grace chosen out of them, as in the Apocalyptic vision sketched to us? In the ecclesiastical phraseology of the times, —a phraseology continued, it is to be observed, from Constantine's time downwards, the former were the elect, holy, and faithful. In the vinely inspired language of the Apocalypse, these same titles, elect, holy, faithful, are attached to the latter, and to them distinctively and alone. The former, we read, claimed to have been marked with what they called the Lord's seal and mark upon the forehead: it was the seal of water baptism, and impressed on them by the

officiating bishop or presbyter. The latter are here represented as marked with God's true seal on the forehead, even the seal of the Holy Spirit's baptism, and which was applied by Christ Himself. The former, looking to the east at the time of baptism, were supposed to receive from it, and perhaps by angelic ministration at the font,-both life from the death of sin, and spiritual illumination. The latter are here symbolized as receiving those heavenly gifts in reality; and this through the spiritual revelation of Himself to them of the Lord Jesus, —the only true angel from the east, the "day-spring from on high," the life and light of a lost world. The former, we read further, after receiving the mark of the baptismal seal, were enrolled by the priest in the diptychs or registers of the earthly Church Catholic, the professing Israel. The latter are here described as numbered and enrolled by Christ in His own register of the Israel of God,—an enrolment of names the same as that which is elsewhere called their being written in heaven. The former, in the outward act of baptism, had, as they supposed, a phylactery, or amulet of defence from evil. The latter are here represented, in vision, as alone and already possessed of the one real phylactery from evil; even in His recognition and care, who stays the angels of destruction in their defence, and, as in Lot's case, shews that He can take no step in the way of judgment until he has first provided for their security,

The former are described as having appeared before their fellow-men in their white garments, as those who by the act of baptism had been both justified from guilt and made innocent and holy. The latter are represented, in the second and appended vision, as having the white garments of their justification recognized before God and His holy angels in heaven; but as made white through another and a different washing, the washing from the fountain opened in Calvary, the blood of the Lamb.

Finally, the former are described to us, as in their white robes, and with crowns of victory, introduced into the