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Directions for reconciling Differences amongst Friends.

good to bear in mind-it may increase our feelings by placing something more definite before us-the more we know of what God has revealed, the more we shall value and enjoy his word-let us despise not knowledge, for it is one of the objects we come to the scripture in search of. But for our devotion we know enough, be it in faith and simplicity ever so little; and this is not the time to inquire for more, unless by an aspiration to heaven to give it when it is necessary. Now is the time to make use of what I know, and appropriate what I understand. The prophetic scriptures are good for me in sadness, for they are full of enCouragement-in doubt, for they are full of promise-in carelessness, for they are full of warning-in contrition, for they are full of mercy-nay, they are good for me in every case, for they are full of Jesus.

From the General Baptist Repository. DIRECTIONS FOR RECONCILING DIF. FERENCES AMONGST FRIENDS. GENTLEMEN,-Such is the imperfection and the depravity of human nature, that misunderstandings frequently arise among the best friends and the most sincere Christians; which, unless speedily cleared and properly treated, too often lead to altercations, offence and animosity. It is therefore highly desirable that, when such unhappy circumstances occur, they should be promptly and effectually removed. The following Directions for accomplishing this important object were found among the papers of the late Mr. John Taylor of Queenshead; and appear to have been written not long before his death. It has been suggested, that the insertion of them in your Miscellany might have a happy tendency, to assist persons, who are unhappily parties in these unpleasant contentions, to act in a manner and temper more consistent with the spirit of Christianity, than they sometimes display; and also to instruct those who endeavour to merit the blessing pronounced on peacemakers to pursue their benevolent and pious attempts, with more success than usually attends such friendly ef forts. With this view, they are submitted to your disposal. SELECTOR.

Rules to be observed by Friends who are at va

riance, if they wish to be reconciled.

1. Inquire plainly what is wrong; and wherein the offence consists. Like David to his angry brother, let the party who observes that offence has been taken, go to the offended person, and calmly but firmly inquire" What have I now done?" Or, if he cannot obtain access in person, let him inquire of a mutual friend; and like the same sensible young man say, "What have I done? What is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?" Such an inquiry will often produce an explanation that would heal the breach and restore friendship.

2. Let the offender ask what is required in

reasonable, moderate and satisfactory. especially be careful, if the requisition b plied with, that it does satisfy; and that ther concession be expected or desired not the offended insist too rigorously satisfaction; but rather give up a part just claims than exceed them. 1 Cor. v Let him be ready to forgive when he per evidence of the sincere repentance of the der; remembering who has said, "If give not men their trespasses, neither wi heavenly Father forgive you your tresp Read also Mark xi. 25. Eph. iv. 32 Col. And let the offender be ready and wil confess his fault and give reasonable sa tion to the offended. Let both parties s sincere desire and real forwardness for ciliation and peace. Let them read to and pray over, the thirteenth chapter first epistle to the Corinthians; and sedu endeavour to feel and exhibit the bless fluence of that love which is there so commended.

3. If the parties at variance can satisf ly settle the business, it is well, and oft best. But, if they cannot, then, instead cusing, reproaching and provoking each let them choose sensible, faithful and im men; and refer the whole business to Let both parties agree to regard the deci these disinterested persons as binding when they have given their decision, I matter be dropped.

4. In forming a judgment, let those to the examination has been referred, ende to ascertain the real facts of the offence has been committed; and then keep t subject themselves in investigating the tion, and labour to keep all parties con from wandering to other topics. Let the ver censure or accuse any one without f dence of his guilt. Let them take ca his accusers plainly and distinctly state fault the accused has committed; and tend their complaints to what has been ed. God alone can know the designs a tives of our fellow creatures; and it is safe for us to guess at them. Let them tious to distinguish proof from presump probability; and take into considerati circumstances of the offence; the temp causes, necessity, provocations, and a extenuations of the crime that can be pleaded. Let these have their full we favour of the offender: but expatiate i the aggravations of a crime. It very promotes reconciliation; but often ret prevents it. Let them talk no more on ject than it deserves. And, remember value of time, waste none of it in va course, which never does any good, bu produces mischief.

5. In determining the business, le consider the general dispositions and ch of the parties; their usual conduct on ot casions and towards other persons; and t tice how much of the charge is true; hov certain, how much doubtful; and in the de on which side the greatest probability lie them recommend such methods to h

good men. Let them endeavour neither to grieve nor injure any of their friends; but recollect that God is their best Friend, and be especially careful not to offend him. If he has declared his will in the scriptures, on the subject in debate, let then be determined to follow it, at all hazards. But let them be sure that they rightly understand, and impartially apply what God says. Sense, reason, gratitude, and self-interest require that the will of the Creator should be the supreme law of his creatures.

From the Sunday School Teacher's Magazine.
THE ADVANTAGES OF SUNDAY

SCHOOLS TO THE TEACHERS.
IT was the opinion of the writer who has been
designated" the poet of nature," and who has,
perhaps, exhibited to us a more faithful view of
human life and manners than any other, that

The evil that men do, lives after them,
The good is oft' interred with their bones.-
Shakspeare.

be the most degraded as well as the most dangerous members of society. These glorious institutions are however but of modern origin, and may we not reasonably predict from the results which have already taken place, that if befriended and encouraged, the next generation will be vastly superior to the present. We must however not forget that we ought to have twice as many scholars in our schools as there are now to be found.

The advantages arising from the establishment of Sunday schools, are not confined to the young, for whose welfare they are formed. Most important benefits undoubtedly result to those who are employed in imparting the instruction they are intended to afford,-but that these advantages are too frequently lost sight of there is equally little reason to doubt, and it is the object of the writer of this paper to point out some of them to his fellow labourers, and particularly with a view to the encouragement of his junior brethren.

lights can never be consumed so profitably, as when employed in lighting others to heaven.

It is a most important and gratifying consideration in reference to the instruction in question, and one which should never be lost sight of by the Sunday school teacher, that in teaching others he instructs himself. An old This may in several cases be true, with refe- writer has beautifully observed "that to direct rence to the age in which men live, but the ho- a wanderer in the right way, is only to light nour and respect which may then be denied to another man's candle by one's own, which loses superior excellence or sterling worth, is gene- none of its own light by what the other gains" rally bestowed by time, and awarded by poste--and we may go further, and say, that those rity. Thus has it been with our poet himself -within fifty years after his death it was said by Dryden, that he was become "a little obsolete," but at the close of a century longer, a noble monument was erected to his memory, amongst those of our illustrious dead-and within the last few years, when another century has nearly closed, a mulberry tree planted upon his estate by his own hands, was cut down and each single piece sold at a high price, and was eagerly sought after as a precious memorial of the planter. That a similar testimony will hereafter be paid to the excellence of Raikes, the founder of Sunday schools, there is no reason whatever to doubt. The establishment of Sunday schools even now, is considered by many, to be one of the highest honours, and there can be little doubt that it will one day be the highest glory of which our country will have to boast. Then will the name of Raikes be had in remembrance, and his grave be regarded as a consecrated spot. Sir Richard Steele I believe, about a century since, speaking merely of the benefits likely to result from the education given in charity schools then recently founded, predicted that if encouraged, there would be very few in the next generation who would not be able to read and write, and have an early tincture of religion. How far this prediction has been verified we need not stop to inquire, inasmuch as it is now a com

It is more than probable, that many relinquish the engagement in question, from a feeling that such an employment of the Sabbath is too great a sacrifice, and that its sacred hours might be devoted to purposes far more beneficial to themselves: but I would entreat the individual who relinquishes the duty on this ground, to put it to his own conscience, whether such parts of that holy day as are not occupied in public worship are devoted to purposes of devotion, reading the scriptures, and holy meditation, with a steady application and a vigorous mind. Are no visits paid or received? Is there no drowsiness, or listlessness, or sloth-Alas, the Sabbath is too often considered as an idle day, even amongst many who bear the Christian name; and if the scriptures and religious books do come under perusal, it is very questionable whether their contents are so much impressed upon the mind as when some immediately important object is had in view. Now what is the employment of the Sunday school teacher; it is in fact the perusal of the Scriptures, but with this additional advantage, that his mind is all activity, his memory is open to receive their sacred impressions, and his ingenuity is continually on the stretch to extract from them some important benefit in order to convey it to his vonthful

The teacher, as he proceeds in his work, will be called upon to engage in prayer, to give addresses to the children, and in all probability to the teachers; and though I would be the last to convey the idea that these pursuits should be engaged in with a view to secular improvement or advantage, yet there can be no doubt, that when engaged in from the purest motives, they are productive of most happy results and advantages in this point of view. The teacher becomes a better and a more useful and intelligent member of society, as well as a Christian, and undoubtedly, therefore, will secure to himself the respect and esteem, and conse. quently, the support of the intelligent and wise, and those whose good opinions are worth having

The teacher who enters into the spirit of his work, will frequently find it necessary to commit to writing many of his thoughts and sentiments. This is a singular advantage afforded to Sunday school teachers, by means of which, opportunities are furnished for exercising their pens, and interesting their brethren as well as improving a talent of vast importance.

But we will not insist upon secular advantages. If the Sunday school teacher in entering upon the important duty in question, is constrained by the love of Christ-is influenced by gratitude to God, and by an earnest desire to secure the best interests of the never dying soul, he is warranted from the testimony of Deity, to expect the communication of those spiritual blessings which will form the basis of his purest solace and comfort here, and remain imperishable beyond the grave. He will necessarily be diligent in prayer to the Most High, for the communication of spiritual blessings, both as regards himself and the young, whose friend he professes to be; and need a reference be made to the advantages which will undoubtedly follow? Has not our heavenly Father given us the amplest encouragement, and the strongest assurances that we shall be the recipients of his favours. He has told us to ask and we shall receive, to seek and we shall find; and he has encouraged us to believe, that he regards the prayer of the humble and the contrite; and he has moreover, appointed prayer to be the medium by which he conveys spiritual blessings unto us. How many after engaging in this good work, have become pious and valuable members of a Christian church, as well as honourable and useful members of society; and how many others have the same institutions eminently qualified for the sacred office of ministers of Christ. There are not only numbers in our own land who are the pastors of extensive and respectable churches, but there are numbers also who have crossed the mighty deep, and are engaged in the momentous work of evangelizing the world-enlightening the heathen-and converting the depraved, who would tell us that the Sunday school under the divine blessing, was the foundation of their usefulness, and the source from whence their acquirements were derived.

In a Sunday school, how frequently do we see all the best feelings and sympathies of our

subsisting unimpaired for a series o and where we can breathe in this hol phere, how many advantages are to be by the pious teacher. The associatio are there formed, in general resemb which we learn from the sacred volu engaged in by some of old, who spa one to another-who took sweet co gether, and who could walk to the God with pleasurable feelings; and vantages resulting, are those which inspired volume informs us, are rea brethren who dwell together in unity. borne down by sorrow, or is labourin mental distress, where is the Christian school teacher, that would withhold pathy? If another is confined to the of sickness, will they not all seek to him with that comfort wherewith th selves have been comforted of God. are oppressed by the iron hand of pov they not, like the good Samaritan, yield a portion of their temporal suppli writer once laboured with an invaluab in a Sabbath school, where the acqu was originally formed, and in him di adjutors realise a sincere, a tender hea a disinterested friend; and when he upon the bed of sickness and death. not forget him. A long and severe il exhausted his pecuniary resources, a was subscribed amongst his fellow 1 and conveyed to him by my hand. Ne I forget the grateful emotions which moments, seemed to deprive him of ut at length, and within a very short peri dissolution, he assured me that this aff token of regard, removed from his only thing which discomposed it at mentous period. He had been, he some time, an expensive burden to tionate sister, in humble circumstanc would afford him an opportunity to re her attention and sympathy, and h then spend the few remaining hours o with composure and peace.

From the General Baptist Reposi RULES FOR A PROFITABLE SA

FROM AN OLD PERIODICAL.

In the first place. Watch and pra value your souls, against a spirit of car and indifference in religion. Remen the life of a Christian is a life of self-de is a race, a pilgrimage,-a warf exercises are described by wrestling, watching, and the like. And of all th in the world, drones in God's hive least deserving the approbation of the and the most under the frown of heave scripture probably contains no expre displeasure more impressive than th is addressed to the Laodiceans, on subject," So then because thou art lu

will

The commonness of religious exercises, the ttractions of the world, and above all, the corruption of depraved nature, have a constant nfluence to produce this awful indifference. And few greater evidences can be afforded of t, than the neglecting the worship of God in is sanctuary, or carelessly trifling with the norning of a Lord's day.

Secondly. Rise early. Your enjoyment of he Sabbath, and your attendance upon the vorship of God in the morning of it, greatly de-end upon this. If you have much to do beore you can unite with God's people in his ouse, the time of your rising must be arranged ccordingly. A lazy sluggish professor, who an satisfy himself with consuming the best art of the morning in bed, is but ill prepared For the service of his Maker in the course of it. And scandalous it certainly is to any one who ames the name of Christ, that a man who would rise for a sixpence, at almost any hour on any other day in the week, should shut his ears on the morning of a Sabbath, when God is calling to him from heaven, and be lulled by he devil to sleep.

The conduct of the wicked, who can rise at ny time to unite in a party of pleasure; the conduct of heathens, who are waiting the risng of the sun, in order to pay the earliest adoations to him as soon as he makes his appearance; in a word, the conduct even of satan himself, who is always on the alert, to destroy, f possible, the comforts and souls of men, is a sufficient reproof to such individuals.

Thirdly. Endeavour to enjoy a good Saturlay-evening. It was a custom with the Jews Lo have a season of preparation, previous to the duties of the Sabbath. Their Sabbath began at six in the evening; and at three in the afternoon began the preparation. God grant us that anxiety for the enjoyment of the Sabbath, which will lead to a preparation for it, as far as we are able; and a good frame of mind on a Saturday-evening will seldom lull a person to sleep, or make him indifferent about the worship of God on a Sabbath morning,

Fourthly and lastly. Think of the rapid approach of death, and endeavour to realise to yourselves the views and feelings you will then have of what you have been, and what you have done, and what you have left undone, when you are just going to give in your account unto God. It is a lamentable fact, there are not a few in our churches and congregations, who are all their life long planting thorns in that pillow upon which at last they must lie down and die; and none are doing this more effectually than the careless and the slothful. "Ah," says one on a death bed," that I had been more actively engaged in the service of God!" "O," cries another, in the anguish of his soul," that I could but live my time over again! What a different person would I be !

From the Pulpit.

PRAISE.

For what shall I praise thee, my God and my King?

For what blessings the tribute of gratitude bring?.

Shall I praise thee for pleasure, for health, and for ease,

For the spring of delight, and the sunshine of peace?

Shall I praise thee for flowers that bloom'd on my breast,

For joys in perspective, and pleasures possess'd?

For the spirits that heighten'd my days of delight,

And the slumber that sate on my pillow at night?

For this should I thank thee, but only for this,
I should leave half untold thy donation of bliss:
I thank thee for sorrow, for sickness, and care;
For the thorns I have gathered, the anguish I
bear;

For nights of anxiety, watching, and tears,
A present of pain, a perspective of fears:
I praise thee, I bless thee, my King and my
God,

For the good and the evil thy hand has bestow'd!

The flowers were sweet, but their fragrance is flown;

They left me no fruit-they are wither'd and gone;

The thorn it was poignant, but precious to me As the message of mercy that led me to thee.

From the Christian Observer.
ENGLISH

AN
HARMONY OF THE
FOUR EVANGELISTS, disposed after the
Greek of Archbishop Newcome, with Notes,
Indexes, and a New Map of Palestine, show-
ing the Travels of our Lord. London. 1827.
WE rejoice to witness that widely increased
attention to pure Biblical study, of which the
large demand for such books as those on Mr.
Bagster's catalogue, is a splendid illustration.
Bibles of numerous shapes, sizes, and lan-
guages; Bibles with and without comments;
Bibles for the cottage, the parlour, the kitchen,
the pulpit, and the library of the student, are
multiplying around us so rapidly, that we
scarcely have time or space to discuss their
merits. Some highly useful recent publica.
tions of this class we propose to introduce to
our readers in another Number; and among
others Mr. Williams's Cottage Bible and Mr.
Boys's Exposition of the New Testament.

spectable and reasonably priced work founded on it, would receive our strongest recommendation were it not for the strange absence of ingenuousness in putting it forth, apparently as a new work, whereas in truth it is a republication, without acknowledgment, of an anonymous work published in 1802. We leave the

MATT. Xiii.

Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

4 And when he sowed; some seeds fell by the way. side, and the fowls came and devoured them up.

5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.

8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit some an hundred-fold, some sixty-fold, some thirtyfold.

editor, publisher, and reader, to settle rality of this proceeding; and shall our notice with an extract illustrati excellent plan of this useful, though tions volume. We omit the fourth John, as the parable of the sower occur in that Gospel.

MARK IV.

Behold, there went out a

sower to sow:

4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way-side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth.

6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased, and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

LUKE Viii.

5 A sower went o his seed; and as some fell by the and it was trodd and the fowls of th voured it.

6 And some fel rock and as soon sprung up, it withe because it lacked m

7 And some fe thorns; and the thor up with it, and cho

8 And other fell ground, and sprang bare fruit, an hundi

From the New Baptist Miscellany. THE IMPORTANCE OF TRIFLES. NOTHING is more common than to speak lightly of trifles. And yet, as mountains consist of atoms, and ages of moments, they are often component parts of circumstances the most important, and lead to consequences pregnant with interest. We remember an anecdote of a Quaker, who, when negotiating with a person in the way of trade, was told, with reference to certain particulars, that they were only trifles, about which they doubtless should not disagree; and they had better, therefore, postpone the consideration of them: to which the Quaker replied, "Then, friend, I think we had better attend to them first, as trifles are frequently the most difficult matters to be settled." And there was much of reason in the importance which he attached to them. For, although trifles, in themselves considered, may be unworthy of notice, and ought not to be tenaciously adhered to, yet in their bearings and results they often assume a very different aspect.

That which a superficial observer may regard, or an interested individual represent, as inconsiderable, will, perhaps, prove the key stone of an arch over chasms of difficulty, and conduct to fields of investigation hitherto un

ENCE, this is obviously the case. T gent consideration, and collateral ev facts, minute and comparatively in ble, as taken separately, constitute th that inductive philosophy to whic owes so much, and of which the BACON was the patron and father. ceeding on the data which he laid do less illustrious NEWTON engaged in tions of gigantic extent, and arrived sions characterized by all the certain thematical demonstration. The fall apple from a tree, which to an ordi would have appeared as unworthy o ration, was with him an object of int rest, involving speculations the most and leading to the establishment of trine of gravitation. In like manner, observance of light issuing through a in a window-shutter has given rise to interesting experiments in Optics. trifling circumstance of noticing so ments in the limbs of a dead frog, G or animal electricity owes its discove

The wary politician and the skilfu also, are careful to turn to advanta circumstance, however minute. Of lant Nelson, it is said that, at the bom of Copenhagen, the Danes ceased fir moment when his own ammunition v exhausted. The admiral immediate

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