tian, when he has faded and fallen here, | eulogize so loudly the umbrella, as does is " an inheritance, incorruptible, unde- his footman, who stands behind the filed, and that fadeth not away." His vehicle exposed to all the inconveniences body, too, like seed deposited in the earth, of the watery element: yet the intrinsic is eventually to burst into second life. It worth of the article is not diminished on is designed to wear no earthly form, but account of the low estimate of the one, to be "fashioned like unto Christ's glo- while the kindly shelter it affords to the rious body." And at the same moment other, secures for it a full amount of a new heaven and a new earth are to respect. start into being likewise. Not more certainly will the present season give place to another spring, than the storms and vicissitudes of time will be succeeded by that glorious event. To secure that, the Saviour died; and to accelerate it, he lives, and reigns, and triumphs. It is that to which all the affairs of the universe are hourly tending. Then a summer shall flourish which shall know no winter; then the verdure shall never wither; and the blessed who enjoy it, freed from every thing which rendered them fading on earth, shall know no change but that of advancing "from glory to glory."Dr. Harris. THE UMBRELLA. In England, at this season of the year, when the whole face of Nature has undergone a change, and creation seems wrapped in gloom; when the sky, so recently clear and bright, is not only covered by clouds, but there descends from these, in great abundance, either rain or snow, the subject of the present article will be deemed no very incongruous theme. We have heard of individuals depreciating the umbrella, declaring that to them it was of no use, since they could manage to walk in the rain without sustaining any inconvenience to either their persons or their dress, neither ever bearing traces of exposure to its moistening effects. We confess that we see not how they were thus privileged to escape, unless such individuals understand the art of creeping between the drops, -an art which we have still to learn, and which, until acquired, will not prevent our speaking in favour of that which our experience has taught us to consider extremely useful. The value of a thing is too frequently estimated in exactly the proportion of its importance to our individual selves; for instance, the gentleman safely boxed up in his carriage on a wet day, does not To the writer, so numerous, and so agreeable, are the reminiscences attaching to an umbrella, that the danger, in her case, is rather of overrating than underrating its advantages. To many, doubtless, it would appear almost trifling with morality to invest an umbrella with the qualities which seem only to belong to humanity; but we think we are not culpable, if by so doing we can extract a lesson therefrom worthy of regard. We would therefore be reminded by the uses to which this article is available, of a friend, whose kindness is not limited to one order of services, but who is ready, on all occasions, to grant whatever good he is capable of imparting. The umbrella-whether as a canopy to defend from the rain or the snow, a shelter from the heat of a mid-day sun, or a screen to the eyes, from the painful effect of a strong light; a help to the lame, or a defence against sundry pedestrian inconveniences consequent on walking the crowded streets of the metropolis, or for many other purposes to which it might be legitimately appropriated-we think establishes its claim to universal respect; and we trust that this view of the umbrella will serve to remind our readers of the many instances in which we might befriend one another, and that he is the best friend who is one in adversity; agreeably with the proverb, "Prosperity makes friends, but adversity proves them." Lest our readers, however, should, after all, consider the foregoing remarks "much ado about nothing," we will proceed to give some facts in reference to the umbrella, which we hope will obliterate from their minds such an impression. And, first, as to its etymology: we learn that "sahtrap" is the only Persian name, or title, respecting the derivation of which Rosenmüller, a German author, is silent. His translator informs us that the word is found in Persian dictionaries, but is marked "obsolete." Sir John Malcolm traces its etymology in "chattrapati,” which signifies lord of the umbrella; and this, he says, is still the title of the highest officers of state among the Mah rattas. "Chattra" signifies an umbrella, both in Sanscrit and Persic; and "pa," a contraction of pati, though lost in the modern Persic, is preserved in Sanscrit in the sense of "lord." Now the right to bear the umbrella, or rather parasol, is a well-known distinction of dignity and mark of authority throughout the east. That it anciently prevailed in Persia is manifest from the Persepolitan sculptures representing loyalty, where that sort of shade is uniformly held over the king. Comp. Psalm cxxi. 5, 6: "The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand; the sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night." "The umbrella," says Ali Bey, "is a distinguishing sign of the sovereign of Morocco. Nobody but himself, his sons, and his brothers, dare make use of it." It is, or once was, a title of the king of Ava, "lord of the twenty-four umbrellas.” China and Turkey seem to be the only eastern countries where it has descended to the common people; but in the latter, every one is still obliged to lower his umbrella on passing the residence of the sultan. A very curious instance of this fact is thus narrated by Dr. Kitto, in his "Travels in Constantinople:" "I was staying at the village of Orta Khoi, on the Bosphorus, about six miles above Constantinople, of which it was one of the suburbs, and was in the frequent habit of going down to the city, and returning by water. One morning on which I had determined to go, it threatened to rain; but I took my umbrella and departed. On arriving at the beach, it appeared that all the boats were gone, and there was no alternative but to abandon my intention, or to proceed on foot along a road which manifestly led in the right direction, at the back of the buildings and yards which line the Bosphorus. I had not proceeded far before it began to rain, and I put up my umbrella and trudged on, followed, at some distance behind, by an old Turk, in the same predicament with myself: for it should be observed, that, at and about Constantinople, the people are so much in the habit of relying on water conveyance, that there is less use of horses than in any eastern town with which I am acquainted. Nothing occurred until I arrived at the back of the handsome country palace of Dolma Baktch, the front of which had often engaged my attention in passing up and down by water. Here the sentinel at the gate motioned to me in a peculiar manner, which I could not comprehend. He had probably called previously, and in vain. Finding that I heeded him not, he was hastening towards me in a very violent manner, with his fixed bayonet pointed direct at my body, when the good-natured Turk behind me, who had by this time come up, assailed me very unceremoniously from behind, by pulling down my umbrella. After some words to the sentinel, I was suffered to pass on under his protection, till he had passed the precincts of the imperial residence, where he put up his umbrella, and motioned me to do the same. By this act, and by the signs which he had used in explanation of this strange affair, I clearly understood that it was all on account of the umbrella. This article, so useful and common in rainy climates, is an ensign of royalty in the east; and although the use of it for common purposes has crept in at Constantinople, the sovereign is supposed to be ignorant of the fact, and it may not on any account be displayed in his presence, or in passing any of the royal residences." Niebuhr gives the following account of a solemn procession of the Imaum, who then resided at Sana, in the south of Arabia, and was considered a holy personage, as a descendant of Mohammed: "It is very well known that the sultan at Constantinople goes every Friday to the mosque, if his health will at all admit of it. The Imaum of Sana observes also this religious practice with vast pomp. We only saw him in his return; because this was represented to us as the most curious part of the solemnity, on account of the long circuit he then takes, and the great number of his attendants. The Imaum was preceded by hundreds of soldiers. He and each of the princes of his numerous family, caused a medalla to be carried by his side; and it is a privilege which in this country is appropriated to princes of the blood, just as the sultan of Constantinople permits none but his vizier to have his haik, or gondola, covered behind to keep him from the heat of the sun. They say that in the other provinces of Yemen, the independent lords such, for instance, as the Sheiks of Jaffa, and those of Hashid-u-Bekil, the Scherife of Abu-Arish, and many others; cause their medallas, in like manner, to be carried for their use, as a mark of their independence." How lamentably deficient, in the common feelings of humanity, must that people be, the usages of whom lead to the restriction of any essential comfort to birth or rank, which might, with equal propriety, be universally enjoyed! There are distinctions which, for the maintenance of good order, it is desirable, and even necessary, to observe; but such as have their origin in pride or caprice, should never be classed amongst these. The Creator himself has graciously ordained offices and relationships, and these we are bound to recognise; for instance, those of the master and the servant, the child and the parent, the husband and the wife, the pastor and his flock, the sovereign and the subject. An infringement of the rights of either, would be to pour contempt on that order which may be seen to exist throughout the whole range of God's material universe. But it was never intended to exclude from any class of his creatures lawful alleviations to suffering, any more than the common blessings of Providence: high and low, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, are alike entitled to their benefit: "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." We cannot but recall the feelings of one whose heart melted at the infliction of cruelty, for which a differentcoloured skin has made to furnish excuse, and Christian principles made him shrink from the crime of extorting any costly service from those whose inferiority of station was accidental. The burst of honest indignation which fell from the pen of Cowper, when contemplating the horrors of slavery, and which indignation we wish universally prevailed,-can never, we think, cease to warm into holy enthusiasm the lovers of human kind, of justice and of mercy : "I would not have a slave to till my ground, My soul is sick, with every day's report Whilst we honour all legitimate distinctions, let us take care that we do not overlook those bands by which the whole human family are united together in one common brotherhood. There ought to be felt a community of interest, as the fallen children of the same fallen parents, as the purchase of the same glorious Redeemer, and as heirs, in him, to the same immortal inheritance! S. SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. "To be spiritually minded is life and peace." Experience proves it. Meditation on heavenly things will occasion little interruption to customary ayocations; while the frequency of the exercise contributes, in no small degree, to advance growth in grace, as well as to discover the present attainments of believers. "It is," observed the devout Caryl, "a great part of our holiness to be spiritually minded while we are conversing with God, through Jesus Christ, in spiritual duties. But to be spiritually minded and to mind spiritual things, when we are conversing with the clods of the earth, and the furrows of the field; when we have to do with corn and grass, with trees and plants, with sheep and oxen; when we behold the birds and fowls of the air, the worms and all that creep upon the ground then, I say, to be spiritually minded, and thence to have our thoughts ascending and soaring up to God, in heartaffecting and quickening contemplations, witnesseth a high degree of holiness. To make a ladder out of earthly materials, for the raising of ourselves in spirit to heaven, is the art of arts. Holy and happy indeed are they who, being taught of God, have learned this art, and live in the daily practice of it." Mrs. Savage's residence in the country was thus improved, and her diary abounds with numerous instances illustrative of the preceding remarks. The following have been selected: 66 My child being weak and unable to take its food, I am forced, at present, to have a nurse in the house. By my unconcernedness at the crying of her child, in comparison with my own, I cannot but sometimes think of the pity and tenderness of my heavenly Father towards his children. He hearkens attentively to their cry; whereas the prayer of the wicked is an abomination to him. "We had Mr. Lawrence's little boys with us, and when I consider their great loss of a pious, tender mother, my heart moves in pity to them. From whence I cannot but infer the pity and tenderness Monday. Overhearing a servant, being weary, wishing earnestly for night, that she might rest, I could not but be affected. Surely, if I were thoroughly weary of this world-which is so full of toil, labour, and sorrow-I should long for the rest of death, when my body shall sleep in the grave, and my spirit return to God who gave it. "Seeing poor beggars wait at the door for their alms, I could not but think it fit that I should wait on God for the giving of what I desire-not only what he will, but when he will. It is good quietly to wait. "The coals coming to the fire with ice upon them, at first seemed as though they would put out the fire, but afterwards they made it burn more fiercely. I had this meditation. It is often so with me. That which seems against me is really for me. Have not afflictions worked for my good? Sometimes I have gone to an ordinance, as these coals to the fire, all cold and frozen, and there I have been melted. My love and desire have been inflamed. That it hath not oftener been so has been my own fault. 66 Seeing other creatures clean and white in the same place where the swine were all over mire, I thought it did represent good and bad men in the same place; the one defiled by the same temptations which the others escape, through the grace of God and watchfulness. "An old tree in the garden was removed. We were afraid it would not grow in its new place. I could not but take occasion to bless God that he was pleased, in my tender years, to transplant me, and to take me from the common of a natural estate into his own garden. The time was a time of love.' Lord, how is it? Wherefore? What sawest thou in me to move thee? Nothing but misery. The greater was the mercy. Oh that I may bring forth fruit to God! Walking in the garden, I had this meditation. Seeing some young trees, which have all had the same soil, the same planting, the same watering, yet, some blossoming and flourishing-others scarcely alive; it cannot but make me think of the difference that there is in the growth of professors under the same means of grace. In my Father's family, how did I see some that were planted after me far more fruitful Godward. This I reflect upon with shame. This comforts me-that I am a branch in Christ, and all such he will purge, that they may bring forth more fruit,' according to that Scripture, John xv. 2. I have to-day been reading how Christ is the way to the Father; namely, to acquaintance, acceptation, relation, reconciliation with him. The way to the performance of his promises, and to the possession of his kingdom. All sweet, unspeakable privileges belonging to those to whom Christ is the way."-Sir J. B. Williams' Life of Mrs. Savage. HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS. WILL you deliberately attempt to harden your hearts? Would you blind your own eyes, and stop your own ears? Would you accustom yourself to terrors till you become reckless? Would you trifle with eternal love till you cease to feel gratitude or emotion? Would you arm yourself against the weapons of God's truth and love? When Immanuel comes to deliver you from thraldom, would you shut the gates, and barricade them, and even refuse to listen to the parley which he proposes? If you will not hearken, why then you do well to harden your hearts. But can you endure eternal vengeance? Can you bear the wrath of God? What, then, do we exhort you to do? Hear the voice of God. Give it your studious, lowly, believing, attention. Put yourself in the way of instruction, by attending the ministry of the gospel, by diligently reading the word of God, by seeking counsel of Christian friends, by consulting your own conscience. Dare to set your sins in array before you, till the multitude of them shall come as an army. Arraign yourself at the bar, and see how you can answer. Meditate terror, and say if you can endure its everlasting experience. Then turn to Christ. See his pitying eye melting over you; behold him bearing the stripes due to your offences; witness his cross when he bears the curse; hearken to his agonizing cry upon it; then follow him to his throne of glory, leaving in commission that his gospel shall be preached to you. His blood is all-cleansing. ever lives to intercede. He stands at the door and knocks, asking entrance of you. Make haste and say, Come, Lord Jesus, He enter in; take possession of my heart. Go home to your closet, to renew in silence and solemnity the act of believing surrender. Pray for mercy. Wrestle for it. Believe and obtain it. The message is "To-day;" the salvation is ready to be conferred to-day. Now he calls you. At this time he is ready to pardon and save you. Go down to your house justified. From this day he will bless you. You shall no more come into condemnation. Be not afraid to die; to-night-verily to-day shalt thou be in paradise. So for ever shalt thou be with the Lord. Do you hesitate yet? Then recollect after how long a time this message comes. Often has he warned, exhorted, besought. Often has he invited you. With your mother's milk the word entered. Instructors, ministers-many in succession have addressed you with appeal. Providences have had their force -the periods have successively passed in which you promised decision-and you are undecided still. He has been long-suffering; he is gracious still. Were he not thus, messages would not yet continue to sound. Do you hesitate yet? Then my commission extends no further than to-day. I have no authority to say that to-morrow you may hearken. I stand in the position of one speaking once for all. The trumpet sounds now in summons; next it may ring an alarm; and the whole artillery of vengeance may assault you. Perhaps death is in the train of Immanuel: his bow is drawn his arrow is on the string -the bolt is ready to fly; but it has been said-Wait till the message is delivered; to-day they may hear; if not, then shall they strike. Perhaps the unseen angel is here, his head towering in majesty aloft-his hand uplifted-his voice speaking in sounds audible to spiritual beings, and swearing-There shall be time no longer. And here I stand warning you-To-day-before time is at an end-if ye will hear his voice. Oh, it is a fearful thing to look on one who is to be in eternity to-morrow! I saw one sitting in his chair of sickness the other day; his voice was full and clear-his eye was bright-he spoke of probable recovery. I left him, and that night he expired.-Rev. John Ely. THE SUPERSTITIONS OF BRITANNY. No. IV. WHEN the married woman becomes a mother, she sends some fine white wheaten bread and mulled wine to all the pregnant matrons in her neighbourhood. Young mothers attend at her confinement, and the newly-born infant is received by them all as a blessed gift from God; each nursing woman present desires to be the first to offer her bosom to the babe, thinking that the innocent lips will sanctify in an especial manner the breast which they have first pressed, and bring good luck to the nurse. No person intentionally passes a woman suckling a child without uttering a "God bless you!" for if this benediction were omitted, the mother would fear that an evil eye had been directed to her offspring, and that demoniacal agency was at work for its ruin. The charity of the poor Bretons is as proverbially distinguished as that of the Irish. If the mother of the infant should die, some other woman adopts it; or if the parties be too poor for such voluntary generosity, the nursing of it is provided for by a contribution of the natural nutriment from many mothers, who go in turns to the cabin in which the babe is lodged. It is, however, in the successive scenes of dangerous sickness, death, and interment, that the Breton nationalities are most strongly delineated. When an individual in a family is alarmingly ill, a lighted wax candle (unless in a case of extreme poverty, when one of tallow must suffice) is placed by some relative on the altar of the Virgin, in the church; where, by counting the number of candles burning, the number of persons in expectation of dissolution throughout the parish may be ascertained; and such is the contempt which the Breton peasant usually has for medicine and physicians as means of restoring health, that the formalities of his creed are alone resorted to in the hour of sickness. The priest administers the last rites, and the dying person departs life in perfect confidence that those ceremonies will avail to his salvation. And superstition operates on such occasions in discovering the prognostics of death. A hearse, for instance, driven by skeleton postilions, in the eye of distempered fancy, is seen to approach the house of sickness; the crowing of a cock before midnight, (a very common error of cocks in France,) |