ger but in pity: for "as a father pi- "Blest is the man thy hands chastise, openly and boldly sin against God, who are at their ease; no pain racks their body, or anguish distresses their souls: they seem all joy and prosperity, while I am full of trouble, trials, and remorse." Let such banish for ever these false ideas, and look well to God's testimony. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons: but if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons" (Heb. xii. 6—8). A father would only punish because he loves, and whom he loves. So is it with God; he chasteneth because you are his son. And thus, instead of being a matter of surprise and grief to the true "children of spiritual Israel," it should be received and looked upon as one of their greatest blessings, and they should Thank God for his afflictions sent, And pray him more bestow, Grieve not then, suffering Christian, God's saints are, I fear, too apt to attribute his corrections more immediately to his sovereignty, than to their own sins. It was a very important question that Eliphaz asked Job: "Are the consolations of God small with thee? is there any secret thing with thee?" (Job. xiv. 11). Every afflicted Christian should examine himself, and ask his conscience if that thou art afflicted, but grieve for there be any secret sin of omission thy sins; and thank God that he has or commission dwelling in his heart. not dealt with you after your transAnd his prayer should be that God gressions. Remember that it is your would enable him to trace the cause heavenly Father that holds the rod, of his affliction to its right source; and not Satan, your enemy; he canfor, blessed be God! "if we confess not touch thee, but as he is permitted our sins, he is faithful and just to by God. Fear not, for "as thy days, forgive us our sins, and to cleanse so shall thy strength be"-thou art us from all unrighteousness" "cast down but not destroyed," Jesus (1 John i. 9). will bear you up and comfort you under every sorrow. Thou art God's son, by adoption, therefore thou must be dealt with as a son: God's word is positive, without wavering : many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent" (Rev. iii. 19). "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (Jam. i. 2——4). Satan often tempts the child of God when suffering under the chastisement of the Lord; and he is led to reason thus with himself:-I had hoped that I was a child of God, and that the Holy Spirit had begun the work of regeneration in my soul. I have experienced some sweet moments of heart-felt joy and peace: but, alas! what is the result? I am now a sufferer-the hand of the Lord is heavy upon me—I am nigh unto death while there are many, who "As God's corrections must not be thought lightly of. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction" (Pro. iii. 11). Reflect upon what your state would be, were God to deal with you after your deserts. "Consider him that endureth such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Heb. xii. 3). A wise father doth not punish his child merely because it is his duty, without watching for an effect. Remember, God punishes us for "our profit," and that he endureth much of our offence, and yet pardoneth us. Every day do we offend him, and yet are forgiven! Of a truth "the Lord is gracious, for his mercy endureth for ever." But let the Christian draw, and constantly keep, the greatest distinction between the chastening trials of God, and the temptations of his own lust, and not mingle his own sins with God's mercies (James i. 13-15). "Now, no chastisement for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them that are exercised thereby" (Heb. xii. 11). Beloved reader, art thou a child of God-born again? Pause, then, for a moment, and reflect-canst thou not call to thy remembrance some by-gone chastisement of thy God and Father? And although it was not pleasant to you, was it not very blessed? Was not that the time when thou wert led more fervently to the throne of grace? Did it not call into operation the principle of faith accompanied by hope, within your soul? Did it not lead your thoughts to the saints' eternal rest, and make you long "to be with Christ, which is far better?" Did it not teach you the uncertainty of life, and the certainty of your safety in Christ? Did not God's word, his doctrines, his blessings, his exhortations, and his instructions, appear more beautiful to your sight, and more delicious to your taste than ever? Was not Jesus then of a truth your "Friend in need?" "He will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger for ever." And, surely, every true (not every professing) Christian can exclaim, from heart-felt experience, “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord; that thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity (Ps. xciv. 12, 13). And now, 0 blessed Comforter, grant thy essential blessing upon these few remarks, and grant thy unction upon reader, writer, and the whole Israel of God, for Christ's sake, Amen. City of Ramah. GOSPEL HUMILITY. ZOAR. Walk humbly with thy God."-Micah vi.8. To be clothed with humility, is the most befitting vesture a poor, helldeserving, and sensible sinner can appear in at all times, and under every circumstance. In these garments he shines brightest, and is indeed most exalted; and though the hill of Zion lies directly through the valley of humiliation, through which every pilgrim a painful, though too common truth, travelling thither must pass, yet it is that many a real pilgrim entertains erroneous views of this heavenly grace. it, it is not my intention to say a word In making a few observations upon about the mere hypocrite in Zion; but shall proceed to point out a few errors into which some of the Lord's family have fallen in reference to this matter, while attempting to make some remarks on gospel humility, or what it is to "walk humbly with God." FIRST.-It consists not in that outward appearance which discovers itself to every one, and renders the person singularly conspicuous among his brethren; for instance,calls to see me, who, after sundry -a brother bows, with hat in hand, and considerable inviting on my part, enters the apartment; when requested to be seated, he looks around for a chair farthest off from the domestic circle, as though he wished to exhibit his lowly mind. He then begins to stammer out an apology for the liberty he has taken, and puts on a countenance so sad, that you would imagine him in great distress of mind, but by which he intends to portray humility! Surely such conduct is painful to the minds of those connected with such a character, and gives too much reason to suspect, amidst so much show of humility, that a latent principle of pride is lurking beneath. I will suppose we walk to the house of God in company; we enter the sanctuary; the pewopener stands with the open door, offering us a seat; but no, my brother cannot think of it! he looks round for some obscure back seat; and if one out of sight cannot be found, he leaves the place! All this while he persuades himself he has a large share of humility; and when he reads what our Lord hath said about "the lowest room," he is confirmed in his persuasion. But who, that has had any experience of the deceitfulness of the heart, does not see that he may be as far off as ever from lowliness of mind, even when he imagines he is so remarkably humble! I think it is good Mr. Adam remarks, "We are never so near sitting down in the lowest room as when we know as suredly that we are not in it." SECOND-Gospel humility does not consist in a vain display of what is misnamed heavenly-mindedness before the world, or in the midst of business. Now, I hope not to be misunderstood. I love and hope always to contend for the necessity and privilege of decision for God, both before the world and the Church; but what should we say of that person, who, while engaged in his secular avocations, retires to a corner, as though absorbed in meditation and thought? and when (as may naturally be expected) his associates level the artillery of their ridicule, and it may be blasphemy, at him, he contents himself with a solemn silence, no doubt admiring his amazing humility all the while! Or if, at any time, he has to transact business at other houses, you may see him with an open Bible in his hands as he winds his way through the crowded city, regardless, nay, proud of the contumely heaped upon him by the numerous passengers! All this he fancies to be humility; but I have strong fears that such proceedings issue from a very opposite quarter, and that such conduct comes under the severe censure of our Lord, as did the Pharisees, who so prided themselves upon their broad phylacteries, and who loved to display them in the public streets: at all events, of this I am certain, that if such an one on returning home were to have the Divine precept laid upon his heart, "Diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord," he would be a better servant, and a brighter Christian. I might go on multiplying instances of this sort, but I forbear; enough has been said to show the utter absurdity of such a procedure, as at once making our own cross, and bringing in an evil report of the good land, whereby the truth of God is evil spoken of; as one observes, "Self mortification, or crosses of our own choosing, are often only a more refined species of pride and self will." Surely, true gospel humility consists in lowliness of heart and mind, in poverty of spirit. Those who know most of Christ, and the depth of their depraved nature, are the most humble; it must needs be so. Who can be led, as Ezekiel was, from one chamber of imagery to another, and yet see greater abominations still, things that he never thought of, depravity in his heart that he dreamt not of-I say, who can experience this, and not be thoroughly humbled before God? This was the method the Lord took to bring down the pride of poor Job; rienced, to sink us to the lowest hell. May every trial, every affliction, and every cross that we are called to bear, be instrumental in the hands of a covenant God in Christ, of making us more lowly in our own eyes, and cause us to "to walk humbly with our God." it was not his losses, it was not his sufferings, neither was it the reasonings of his miserable comforters; but it was when the Lord took him in hand, and shewed him what he never thought of before, unveiled to him at one view the hidden source of iniquity within, then it was, and not before, poor Job falls prostrate, and cried out, "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth ACCOUNT OF THE CONVERSION OF thee, wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." And who that has had a faith's view of the sufferings of the God-man, with a sight and sense of the majesty of the Holy One, but has felt his own nothingness, and fallen prostrate in the dust of self-abasement? Even the seraphic Isaiah upon such a discovery, cried out, "Woe is me! for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips!" These are discoveries that constrain a man to walk humbly with his God. And besides this, the Lord hath various methods of humbling the pride of his people; such as trials, losses, crosses, and mortifications, which we meet with from within and from without; these are a blessed means of humbling us; they teach us the emptiness of all created good, and strip us of our supposed selfsufficiency; that we may betake ourselves to the rock that is higher than we are. One well observes, "that if we had nobody about us to plague and vex us, God would send an angel from heaven to do it." So indispensable are trials, as an ingredient in every believer's cup! But fear not, my brother : "For though our cup be mixed with gall, There's something secret sweetens all." And be assured of this, that He, who knows the thoughts he has towards you thoughts of good and not of evil-has an end in view in all his dispensations. They are good and gracious; for there is enough in you and me, at this moment, notwithstanding what we may have expe Mitcham Grove, Surrey. MARY S. C. SLIM. ABOUT five years ago, I visited the town of E— and in my walks I often met a poor boy carrying a basket containing pen-stands, trays, and matches. He generally asked me to buy something. There was something pleasing in his appearance and manner, which led me to question him a little one day. He told me his father supported himself, his wife, and seven children, by cutting out the contents of his basket from rough pieces of wood. His mother, he said, was dying. I asked where they lived, and was directed to a miserable hovel, where the family was crowded into one room. The poor woman was in bed, and had been unable to move or assist herself for many years. She appeared, indeed, very ill; but there was a calmness in her pale countenance that is not the fruit of mere bodily illness. I spoke a few words on the Lord's purposes in affliction ; and from her manner I was rejoiced to find that I had been led to one of the Lord's people, who had been taught of him, and was still learning patience by tribulation. I asked if she suffered much? She said, "No tongue could tell how much, for she had several inward complaints; but it was the Lord, and he knew best.' I said, "You are very poor in this world's goods." "Yes," she replied; "but the Lord will provide. He has fulfilled that promise to me, 'Bread shall be given, water shall be sure;' and I trust he will never let us want. Sometimes I see the children crying round me for bread, and they say, 'O mother, we shall starve !' but I answer, Wait a little, and see if the Lord does not send us something,' and so he always does. Yesterday a lady came in, and we were just then distressed for a bit of food, and she gave us a shilling. I said to her, "That is sent me by the Lord in answer to prayer;' and she said, 'I believe it is so indeed, for I had set out to walk another way, when, all at once, you came into my mind, and I felt that I must visit you.' So you see how the Lord provides for us." I asked, "Do you feel sorry to leave your husband and children ?" "No," she replied; "I leave them in his hands who has said, 'I will be a father to the fatherless.' I do feel anxious about their souls; but I pray for them, and I trust the Lord will make them partakers of his grace." After this, I visited Mary S several times, and took down from her own words a few particulars of the way in which the Lord was pleased to lead her to himself. She was so weak that she was often obliged to pause in her recital. curiosity. He was called a fool and a madman; so are all true Christians, they have all a name. So I went, out of curiosity, as I thought; but when I got there, I was quite taken by surprise. Every word seemed spoken to me, and me alone. The sermon was upon prayer. The minister told us that prayer was not saying over a form night and morning, but lifting up our hearts to God at all times-as we walked by the way, as we stood at the wash-tub, as we sat in the house, or went through our various duties. If that be true (thought I) then I have never prayed; and what will become of me, a lost, miserable sinner? God help me! I shed many tears, and returned home in a state of misery, afraid lest any one should see me. I immediately went up stairs, and threw myself on my knees, and uttered the first real prayer to God. I had often prayed with my lips, but never before with my heart. My prayer was this, Lord save me, I perish; but in those words I poured out my whole soul to God. My husband wondered what had become of me, and called me down. I tried to appear cheerful, but my heart was broken for my sins. I went through my business as usual, but I often did not know what I was doing. It was more than a year before I dared tell my husband what I felt, for I was afraid he would laugh at me, but he did not. I think I walked in darkness for nearly ten years, and was under a spirit of bondage all the time. My health suffered from my trouble of mind, and my husband took me from place to place, till our means were much reduced. At length we came to Plymouth, and there the Lord laid his hand upon me for good. Under Dr. Hawker's ministry, that blessed man of God! my bands were all loosed. "I was not always a servant of God, nor am I now what I desire to be. I desire to love my Saviour more, to find Jesus more and more precious, to cling to him as the limpet clings to the rocks. I could tell you many things in my experience that would astonish you; but I must cut it short, for I feel my hours are numbered. I was once a lover of this world: I was not rich, but I had much of this world's goods. We kept a shop, and took money in plenty now I have scarcely a crust, but (and she looked up and smiled) I have Christ, and he is all-he is the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. At that time I feared not God; I lived only for the world: I went to The Lord said to me, 'Woman, thou church, but it was a mere form to me. art loosed from thine infirmity.' He One day my husband asked me to go was preaching on the new birth, and with him to hear a new minister preach pointed out what the change was, how at the chapel close by, just out of wrought, and the safe and happy state |