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SELIGMANN; OR THE LEAVEN OF THE GOSPEL IN A JEWISH FAMILY.

(Concluded from page 82.)

SOMETIMES the Christian spends many years as a pilgrim, amid the changes, the trials, and the conflicts of the present life; sometimes he is summoned to enter into rest, and is spared all the toil and the sorrow which accompany the course of the travellers whom he leaves behind.

At one time childhood, in its opening intelligence and growing beauty, is called away to add its treble in the songs of the Redeemed: at another time manhood, to swell the chorus, which, like the sound of many waters, pours forth the praises of the great Redeemer. God will have all ages, as well as all ranks of men, to fill his many mansions, and cause the glory of his goodness and grace to be manifested by the lisping speech of babes, and the articulate and full-voiced praises of the man of might.

At all stages of the Christian pilgrimage, and at all periods of the course of time, he gathers in his jewels, that they, removed from the dulling influences of an impure atmosphere, may perfectly reflect his glory, as they shine in the mediatorial crown of his beloved son.

In this brief history we have seen how soon Seligmann was removed to his rest. Weh ave now to record that his beloved sister and affectionate nurse Mary, who entered with him into the Church militant, was speedily summoned to join him in the Church triumphant. "Her delicate frame had been much weakened by her unwearied attendance on her beloved brother, and in less than two years, she was taken ill and

confined to her bed. God blessed her with cheerful spirits, a peaceful frame of mind, and perfect acquiescence in his all-wise, though painful dispensation. His holy Word, and the sympathy of friends, greatly refreshed the dear sufferer.

"When the cherished plant had been watered by the dews of the Spirit, quickened by the beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and strengthened by the storms of affliction, the heavenly Husbandman fetched her home, and on the 10th December, 1827, transplanted her to the paradise above, where, sheltered from the storm, and shaded from the heat, she might for ever bloom in unfading beauty. It is well with this beloved disciple; she loved much, and now she tastes the fulness of joy in the presence of Him, in whom she had believed.

"Thus four of the members of this favoured family had obtained peace with God, through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Two had already entered their everlasting home, two were humbly walking in the faith of the Gospel, but the youngest brother, Ernest Traugott, was wandering abroad as a journeyman, and, alas! still far from the Lord and from the covenant of his mercy, which had brought joy, life, and salvation to his brothers and sisters.

"While these important changes were taking place in his family, Ernest, who had learned the trade of needlemaker, was pursuing the travels which a German journeyman is obliged to perform for a certain number of years, at the termination of his apprenticeship. Although absent from the happy home circle, he was not forgotten by them. Mary, Simeon, and Johanna, earnestly pleaded

that their brother also might participate in those blessings, the possession of which now truly rejoiced their hearts. They maintained a constant correspondence with him, and related to him, in the most touching manner, how they had, one after the other, been brought to a knowledge of Jesus, how calmly and peacefully Seligmann had fallen asleep; they endeavoured with gentleness and affection to persuade him to read the Holy Scriptures, and to seek for himself the way that leadeth to eternal life. These endeavours, which they accompanied with continued prayer, were not in vain; and the object of their solicitude began to study the Bible in order to convince himself from the sacred pages whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah, as the Christians affirmed, or whether the Jews were right in still expecting his advent.

"After Ernest also had received the truth, in the love of it, he wrote as follows to one of his friends, on the 24th July, 1825 :- I have diligently searched the Scriptures, and on Sundays, when not compelled to work, I have attended service at the Protestant Church. I am now fully persuaded that Jesus is the true Messiah, my Saviour and my Redeemer, and that through him alone I can be saved. I shall henceforth endeavour to become such a decided Christian as our beloved and sainted brother desired that I might be.'

"At Glauchan he could not be baptized, on account of the opposition of his master. He went from thence, with the intention of going to Berlin. On his journey, he met with the Rev. Mr. Hildner, a laborious Missionary of the Church Missionary Society: with him Ernest arrived at Dresden, where he met with a friendly reception

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from the missionary Goldberg. man,' he writes, 'is so kind as to instruct me every day, from eleven till twelve, in the doctrines of Christianity. These hours fly away very swiftly; they are the most delightful part of my existence, and I am very happy. Oh that all unbelievers might soon be converted, then would they also be happy, even as we are.'

"Being unable to meet with employment in his own trade, he willingly entered the service of a tinman, and discharged the duties of an apprentice without murmuring, for five months, the period allotted for his instruction, and by his Christian conduct gained the esteem of his master and of many persons of superior station.

"On the third Sunday in Advent, December 15, 1825, this amiable youth was admitted by baptism into the Christian Church, to the great joy of his spiritual instructor and all his friends.

"After he had embraced the Christian faith, he returned to his former calling; he quitted Dresden, and for two years worked at Leipsig, where he strengthened himself in his Christian resolutions, by associating only with like-minded young men. "Still contentedly labouring as a journeyman he pursued his consistent course. His travels brought him to Vienna; there he was preserved amidst the many temptations which beset his path. He remained steadfast in the faith. From Vienna he went into Switzerland, and from thence, with a heart longing to rejoin his beloved family-one with him in the Lord, he turned his steps homeward and reached them in safety.

"Here, in the happy circle of those most dear to him, he enjoyed great refreshing of spirit, and soon made arrangements to commence business

for himself, which, by God's blessing, he was enabled to accomplish. He was permitted to dwell with his family for some years; but he was not long to sojourn in this unsatisfying world. He had a secret pining after his home in another and a better country: and blessed are they that have this longing, for they shall reach their Father's house!

"Ernest Traugott was long in an ailing state, and at length became very seriously ill but his Heavenly Father did not try him above that he was able to bear. Oppressed with pain, and in anguish of body, he cried to the Lord out of the deep, and the Lord delivered him out of his distress. He called to his child suddenly, loosed his bonds, and permitted him to enter into his rest. This took place on the 3d of June, 1836, the day before the thirty-second anniversary of his birth.

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Blessed are they who early seek God in Christ Jesus, who dedicate themselves to him, who serve him in love and remain faithful to the end! Such are also blessed in their death; for the word of truth declares, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Rev. xiv. 13.

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"Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God."-ISAIAH lxii. 3.

"Lord, when thou mak'st thy jewels up,
To adorn thy glorious crown;
When all thy sparkling gems shall shine,
Proclaimed by thee thine own;

May we-a little band of love--
Be sinners saved by grace;
From glory into glory changed,
And see thee face to face.'

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