tion. We desire your peace, your joy, your consolation, your exceeding usefulness, your possession in due time of that crown of glory which fadeth not away, which the Lord the righteous judge shall give to them that wait for his appearing. Now, is this an unreasonable desire ? O brethren, we witness many, many painful scenes. There lies a poor, ignorant, dying man, racked with pain, oppressed with poverty, harassed with sickness, not likely to live, unfit to die; could we wish any of you to be like him? We desire you to give diligence, that his case may not be yours. We see another; there is an alarmed conscience, an agonized frame; a soul filled with terror; a spirit of anxious enquiry, O that I knew I should be saved. O, I care not what I suffer now, if I am safe at last. Should we not desire that this important question be settled, before those hours come, when nature's weakness and suffering incapacitate from that attention, which the case so urgently requires ?

There is a third, and what are his declarations? I am growing weaker every day, but I thank God all is peace. I have fled to Jesus Christ for refuge; I have sought for pardon through his blood; I depend upon him alone

for acceptance with God; he is my sure foundation; my all-atoning sacrifice; my perfect and unspotted righteousness, my everlasting salvation, my all-prevailing plea. I know whom I have believed; would you not wish for such a frame? for this then give diligence.

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Be followers, imitators of them "who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Imitate their serious inquiry; their deep repent ance; their simple dependance on Christ; their diligent use of the means of grace; their faith in the divine promises; their patient endurance of trials, persecutions, sufferings, reproach, ignominy; and say with them, None of these things move me; neither count I my life dear unto myself, that I may finish my course with joy." O blessed termination, may it be mine, may it be yours. Be it our grand object now at the commencement of another year, so to know, so to believe, so to embrace and ever hold fast that blessed hope which is set before us, that if of us it is written, "This year thou shalt die;" an abundant entrance may be administered unto us, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and so we may be for ever with the Lord. 1840.

T. W.

SIR-In a Sermon lately preached in this city, the subject to which the following narrative holds a close analogy was strongly and with much eloquence pressed on the attention of the congregation.

Before entering upon the facts below stated, permit me to make one or two remarks. When the head of a family is so little affected by religious knowledge as to desire that any member of it should pass into eternity without being timely ap

prized of his danger: there is little room for hope on the part either of the officiating clergyman of the parish, or of the seriously-minded friends of the dying person. In this case neither of them (it is most probable) shall be afforded any opportunity of acquainting the perishing sinner with his state. Or if such an opportunity should be presented, it shall be at a period when they find their efforts altogether vain. I will not anticipate

the description of the following scene, in which the patient discovers her state accidentally; but I would inquire whether, if the attending physician be a person under the influence of Scriptural knowledge and understanding in the fear of the Lord, he should not feel himself bound by every claim of charity to his patient, of charity to the very heads of the family themselves, and of zeal for his Master's honour, to acquaint the invalid with his state. If you reply that he is bound by such claims to administer in his Saviour's cause, I can furnish you with facts sufficient to outweigh the puerile and unholy arguments of expediency until they make the balance kick the beam. For the present let this suffice.

In conclusion I request permission to state, that as it must be evident to the most simple understanding that statements made which had no foundation in reality must necessarily afford room rather for reproach than conviction, I will not (excuse the term) pollute your pages by any description for which I shall not be ready when called on to deliver up to you the names, dates, residences, &c. &c. of all parties concerned.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

Amelia V. was the younger member of a large and highly respectable family, which had been long remarkable for gaiety.

According as each of her brothers or sisters arrived at that age when it was usual for young persons to enter into general society, they were in turn introduced; and were permitted to drink as deeply of social enjoyments as worldly propriety and some respect for character would allow. As Amelia grew up, it was not therefore to be supposed that a mind, the cultivation of which did not engross too much of her parents' attention, and

left as it often had been to the tutelage of those who never failed to hold up to her view in glowing colours all the delights of a prospective campaign amongst the world's votaries, should imbibe almost with every breath she drew the tastes, desires, and even the very habits of a wicked world. She was handsome, and had received such an education as enabled her to set off her natural abilities to some advantage. Among her young friends she was looked up to as an oracle in matters of etiquette and polite society, being in fact the echo of the opinions of those with whom she associated in her own family.

Of religion she knew nothing more than what was to be learned during a weary (and often a sleepy) attendance at the house of God on the returning Sabbaths. Her mind used to be occupied with other thoughts than the dangers or the glories of a world into which she must eventually enter. Filled as

it was with the well remembered accounts of her sisters' or her brother's exploits at the last evening's party, she would envy not only the cause of their absence from public worship, but the luxury of spending those hours in bed which she, as a matter of form, was expected to waste in the weariness of church service. But even these despised opportunities were des

tined to have a termination.

It is a most extraordinary fact that the long-suffering and patient forbearance of God is so little regarded by those who are daily and hourly putting them to the proof; nay even by the very people of God to whose eyes truths should be apparent as the noon day-even by them is his great patience so often trespassed against, as to make the heart tremble, lest the next hour should prove that his endurance can hold no longer. It almost seems as if all consider themselves privileged; as if purity of

thought, of speech, and of actions were only a word to be used occasionally as convenience requires. Where is the mind that was in Christ Jesus to be found in this privileged country? We may well ask where-and yet it should be forthcoming if God's word is not a dead letter ! Is it not beyond reach? Oh, what a country would this prove did even one tithe of its professors enjoy the mind of him who became flesh, and dwelt among us!

The period at length approached in which this young lady was to make her debut into society. It need scarcely be remarked, that not only the days but the hours seemed heavily to move. towards the period of her hopes. But at last arrive it did. Another week was to add the handsome Amelia to the already crowded list of candidates for the world's favour and fortune.

'A week, alas 'twas too much time to trust

The fashion of this cheerful world! 'twas time

Enough to sicken and to dle: '

Two days previous to the expected ball, she complained of a slight cold, and was advised to confine herself, if she expected to recover sufficiently to appear at Lady H-'s, on the ensuing night. She did so ; was apparently better; went to the party; fainted, and was carried home to her deathbed!

'It was so very provoking, Mamma; just as I was beginning to enter into the full enjoyment of all that was going forward! I never felt myself better; what could have been the cause of it?'

Most likely, my dear, it was the agitation and excitement; but it will do you a great deal of good; it will make you less nervous the next time, and it has brought you into notice at once! There were some who would have gladly changed places with you merely to have attracted attention!

Well, perhaps it was not so bad after all! But I cried with vexation when I got home! I will soon be well however, and I hope do better the next time, as you say. Whose will be the next party, Mamma?'

'You shall go to it on to-morrow week, so make haste and get well!'

The following day this young lady was evidently worse. Still the fears of her medical attendant were considered to be nothing beyond the evidence of his great caution in pronouncing a favorable opinion. The ensuing day she was worse still!

'She had better be made acquainted with her situation!' he urged.

No, no!' cried her mother: 'I would not have her alarmed for the world! It is time enough! It would kill her at once! Do you want to destroy her, Sir? She shall not be alarmed on any account. It is no reason because you think fit to indulge unnecessary fears that you can be allowed to torment the poor child with the idea that she is going to die!'

It would not be for my advantage, Madam, in any respect, that Miss V-- should die so suddenly as you seem to think she would if made aware of her situation; therefore I would not urge it, if I had the most remote apprehension of such a result!' replied the doctor. She must know it ere she dies, and the later it is, the greater will be the shock!'

Why do you say, before she dies?' one would think that you quite give her up! do you give up all hopes of her recovery, Sir?'

While God permits life to remain in the frail body, no man has a right to despair; but I would recommend her being informed of her situation!'

ger was evident to all parties. On entering her room, however, the objects which first attracted attention, were her ball dress laid before her view, in every possible attractive and deluding situation. Upon these her eyes were fixed with an excited attention.

Madam!' said her physician, addressing her mother, This is most unkind to your daughter, as well as most injurious. Setting apart the unhappy tendency of such objects to lead her mind to what is least befitting a state like hers, the effect of such excitement is to increase her danger ten-fold !'

I believe, Doctor, that there are very few things which can add to her danger now!' replied she, considerably agitated.

• If that be the case, madam, and that you are convinced of it, there should be no time lost in informing her of the fact !'

'Doctor, I told you before that I would not permit her to be alarmed by speaking of death to her at all! I am her mother, Sir, and I will exercise my own judgment as to what is best for my child; you may think differently, but your opinion is no rule for my conduct ! I request that there may no more be said on the subject!'

While this conversation was going forward, a third person entered the room unobserved, and fixing his eyes intently on her he said with great solemnity," And what wilt thou do in the end thereof?'.

• Mr. W.' screamed her mother, 'what brought you here?'

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A message of life to the victim of death,' he replied, still keeping his eyes fixed upon the dying girl. I wish that had waited you until you were sent for; although you are a clergyman, you are not

'Mother, Mother,' screamed the girl, as loud as her weak state would permit, What is that? oh mercy! mercy! Doctor, am I going to die? Oh, no, sure I am not: won't you tell me that I am not? Can't you do any thing for me?' Amelia,' said the clergyman, 'Do not waste your precious time in seeking for the life of this world; but-

Why did you not tell me this before! Why did you let me die without one thought about any other life than this? Mother, do you hear me?' she cried, half frantic; It was you who should have told me ! Die! I will not, I cannot die! I am not prepared to die! Mother, my curse, the curse of your lost child shall rest on your head.* Why did you let me die ? I won't-I won't-I won't! she screamed louder and louder, then stretching out her hands as if to shut out some object from her sight, she groaned, fell back, and died.

*This may appear exaggerated, but the expressions as well as the scene, were those of reality. Language much more repugnant to the feelings, was used towards her parent, but I consider what is here transcribed as enough to prove the awful responsibility which those parents assume, who act the part of such a mother'!

SIR,-Calling a few days ago upon a gentleman, he informed me that he had taken his son to a military college. Now it has long been a matter of surprise to me that persons really under the influence of religion, should breed up their sons to the profession of arms. I hold with our church, that • It is lawful for Christian men, at the command of the magistrate, to wear weapons and serve in the

wars.'

But it is a stern necessity, to be avoided if possible, and not sought after by "all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." They who sigh and pray for the time when "nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more," ought rather to endeavour that their children may cultivate the arts of peace, may choose those professions and trades by which " peace on earth and goodwill towards men are preserved. The following observations on Military Parade and Costume, by a celebrated American Unitarian, seem to place the subject in a proper light, and if one who denies the divine mission of our Saviour feels so strongly, that feeling ought to be increased tenfold in the breasts of those who are the decided and faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, "who is over all, God blessed for ever." Amen.

'Men's sensibility to the evil of war, has been very much blunted by the deceptive show, the costume, the splendour in which war is arrayed. Its horrors are hidden under its dazzling dress. To the multitude, the senses are more convincing reasoners than the conscience. In youth, the period which so often receives impressions for life, we cannot detect, in the heart-stirring fife and drum, the true music of war, the shriek of

the newly-wounded, or the faint moan of the dying. Arms glittering in the sun-beam, do not remind us of bayonets dripping with blood. To one who reflects, there is something shocking in these decorations of war. If men must fight, let them wear the badges which become their craft. It would shock us to see a hangman dressed out in scarf and epaulette, and marching with merry music to the place of punishment. The soldier has a sadder work than the hangman. His office is not to dispatch occasionally a single criminal; he goes to the slaughter of thousands as free from crime as himself. The sword is worn as an ornament, and yet its use is to pierce the heart of a fellow-creature. As well might the butcher parade before us his knife, or the executioner his axe or halter. Allow war to be necessary, still it is a horrible necessity, a work to fill a good man with anguish of spirit. Shall it be turned into an occasion of pomp and merriment? To dash out men's brains, to stab them to the heart, to cover the body with gashes, to lop off the limbs, to crush men under the hoof of the war-horse, to destroy husbands and fathers, to make widows and orphans; all this may be necessary, but to attire men for this work with fantastic trappings, to surround this fearful occupation with all the circumstances of gaiety and pomp, seems as barbarous as it would be to deck a gallows, or to make a stage for dancing beneath the scaffold. I conceive that the military dress was not open to as much reproach in former times as now. It was then less dazzling, and acted less on the imagination, because it formed less an exception to the habits of the times. The dress of Europe, not many centuries ago, was fashioned very much after