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derful pearl. Happy beings, with joyful faces and shining garments, walked those streets, and no sound of discord, no sorrow, no tear ever entered there.

"But this king had another country far away, an island across a distant ocean, where the people were not so good, or so happy. He had given them everything to please them,-a sun to give them light by day, and a moon to shine upon them by night,-birds to sing for them,-flowers to gladden their hearts and eyes; and rocks, rivers, and trees to vary the landscape; but still they did not love him, but murmured and complained against his laws. had often disobeyed him and brought suffering upon themselves, and this made them the more discontented. Still, if any were sorry, and tried to please the king, he would always receive them again as his subjects, and they would have peace in their hearts. Some of them rejoiced to do his will, and if suffering came, they bore it cheerfully, because they knew it was sent to make them better in the end.

They

"But there was one trial that gave more sorrow than any other. It was the frequent arrival of a ship that always came .unexpectedly, however much they watched for it. They could never by reckoning tell the exact time of its coming; and when it came into port, it struck terror into every heart. One solitary angel was on

board, and as he entered the house of the person he had been sent to call away, loud cries and sobs were often heard from within. It was useless to resist, the one sent for must go. Whether it was a father, or mother, a child, a brother, or a sister, that one must surely go. However much they might dread to go alone, however hard it was to part with dear friends, and sail over that cold and silent sea, yet no tears or prayers could keep them, when the king sent his messenger for them.

"But although most of the people of this island went reluctantly on board that ship, yet some there were who loved the king and his only son, and looked forward joyfully to the time when they might go home and see them. There were some whose grey hairs and feeble steps showed they had long been waiting for the messenger, and some in the spring-time of life, who, from earliest years, had loved the distant home better than the land of their birth, and when the angel came to these he met a smiling welcome.

"Calmly and serenely they bade farewell to all they loved, and drew near to the shores of that vast ocean, took their seats upon the ship, and waved a last farewell as it passed out of sight.

"No one ever returned to say whither the ship conveyed them, but the angel had said that they did not all go to the same place.

"He told them that those who obeyed the king's commands, and were good and legal subjects, were wafted swiftly across the sea to the g'orious land I have described; while those who loved him not, and could find no happiness in the society of those who did, were carried to another land where the light of the king's countenance never fell, where they might for ever mingle with his enemies and enjoy such pleasures as they could offer them. Once the ship brought a summons to a little boy who had never loved the king, and had often been heard to say that he would rather have no king to reign over him. He had wished to please himself, and thought the king's laws very hard to obey.

"When the birth-day of the prince had been celebrated by his friends, he had thought it very tedious to join in the songs that were sung in his honour, and had wished that the birth-days need not be kept. But now he was sent for to go into that ship, and in a moment he recollected all be had said and felt so many times. In vain he held fast to his father and his motherthe angel was calling for him, and could not wait. Shivering with fear, he turned away from those he loved, and bitter tears flowed down his cheeks, as he waved his last good-bye to father, mother, and sister.

"And they, too, wept as the ship sailed away from their sight, for they knew not if they should ever see him again. They knew not if, because he was so very young, the king would pardon his ingratitude, and take him to himself. They could never know, until their turn came, and they were landed safe on the shores of their glorious home."

Harry had listened to every word that his mother had spoken, and when she finished, the tears stood in his eyes, and his heart beat fast. He knew that it was an allegory he had heard, and that it contained a deeper meaning than at first appeared.

He thought if the "ship of Death" should come for him, surely he would not be ready for the voyage, that it would never take him to the happy land.

He thought of all the wicked feelings he had had about Sundays, and sermons, and Sunday schools,-he remembered how often he had wished he could never hear of religious things any more,-and now his heart was wrung, what should he do, how could he be forgiven?

Turning to his mother, he said, with choking tears, "Oh, mother, I am that little boy! I have been very, very ungrateful and wicked, do you think Jesus will

forgive me?" His mother wept with him, as she answered him that Jesus would never send away from him those who truly repented; and she knelt down with a full heart, and prayed that the Holy Spirit would renew the heart of her boy.

Harry resolved, from that time, that he would be an obedient subject to his God and King, and that he would prepare himself for his home above by living the life of a christian here.

Miscellaneous.

ON NOVEL READING.-I consider novel reading, in all the shapes which those publications assume, as very objectionable and dangerous, particularly so to young people. It is not to this or that novel, but to the principle to which I object, and therefore iny opinion is opposed as much to what are called good novels as to bad ones. Though the plot and the details may be worse in some novels than in others, the principle is alike in all. They are all addressed to the imagination, to which they present a highly coloured and exaggerated statement of incidents and events, such as never occur in the actual scenes of life, from whence the novel reader is led to form a false estimate of the probable occurrences of life, to expect catastrophes which never happen, and to look for a kind and degree of happiness which is not to be met with. This excited imagination pictures every. thing to him relating to the future through a deceitful medium,-and what is the consequence? The common events of life, which are generally of a sober and tame kind, dissatisfy him; the realities of life are dull and insipid to him. Instead of being thankful for the many little mercies which it pleased God to bestow on him,instead of being active and cheerful in performing the duties of life and bearing its disappointments,- he is discontented, gloomy, and dissatisfied. This is the disposition which novel reading, or the reading of any books which are exclusively addressed to the imagination, is calculated to produce; which, if you will consider it, you will perceive is directly opposed to the disposition which a christian ought to cultivate. And the false steps, errors, and mistakes, which a person acting under the influence of such a disposition is liable to make, with reference to his worldly prospects, cannot be calculated. I might mention fifty other objections, if I chose to enter into the subject more fully; but this one will, I hope, satisfy you, and every one whose reason is open to conviction, that novel reading should be carefully avoided. Even those books which we call religious story-books, I object to, because they are, I fear, too often the first steps of the pernicious habit of reading novels. When 1

permitted you formerly to read such storybooks, I had not sufficiently considered their tendency. I should now put my veto upon many of them which I formerly allowed.-The Rev. H. Alford in a Letter to his Son.

THE POWER OF PRAYER. The efficacy of prayer, to bring light and wisdom into the mind, peace into the conscience, submission into the will, and purity into the affections; to keep our garments clean, our armour bright, and our hearts joyful; to make us strong for the conflict, for service, or for suffering; to obtain sufficiency for our place and work, and a blessing on our endeavours; to secure peace with our enemies, or protection against them; to carry every point that is truly good for us; to bring down blessings on our families, friends, and country; to procure peace and prosperity to the church, the conversion of sinners, and the spread of the gospel; and for all things which we can desire or conceive;-must be allowed by every man who reverences the Scriptures, or knows what it is "to talk with God." Did men speculate and dispute less, and pray more, their souls would be "like a watered garden,"fruitful, joyful, beautiful, and fragrant. Prayer is the first breath of divine life; it is the pulse of the believing soul, the best criterion of health or sickness, vigour or debility. By prayer we "draw water with joy from the wells of salvation;" by prayer faith puts forth its energy in apprehending the promised blessings, and receiving from the Redeemer's fulness; in leaning on his Almighty arm, and making "his name our strong tower;" and in overcoming the world, the flesh, and the devil. All other means of grace are made effectual by prayer; every doctrine and instruction produces its effect in proportion as this is attended to; every grace revives or languishes according to the same rule. Our grand conflict with Satan and our own hearts is about prayer; the sinner feels less reluctance, and meets with less resistance, in all other means of grace, than in retiring to "pour out his heart" secretly before God; and the believer will find his chief difficulty to consist in continuing instant and fervent in this spiritual exercise. If he succeed here,

all else will eventually give place before him, and turn out to his benefit and comfort. Rev. T. Scott.

CHRISTIAN EQUANIMITY.-To preserve an equal temper of mind and tenor of conversation, in the various turns and changes of the present state, argues an excellent degree of holiness. The condition of men in this world is like the sea, the theatre of inconstancy. Their affections are like the winds; some are turbid, others serene and cheerful; some warm and comforting, others cold and sharp; some placid and gentle, others stormy and furious; and it is

THE MONTH.

as difficult to regulate the affections as to order those discordant spirits in the air. They are the most depraved faculties in man: there are some sparks of light and purity in the natural conscience, but the passions are the fountains of sin and folly. By their unruly insurrection, the understanding is deposed, and men are brought into a brutish servitude. They are sometimes jealous to rage, sad to despair, dead with fear, drunk with joy and fond hopes of conceited happiness. To free us from their vanity and tyranny is the most noble effect of grace.-Bates.

Entelligence.

The event of the Month which to our readers will be most interesting is the carrying in the House of Commons of the second reading of the Church-Rates' Abolition Bill. This result of the efforts of the last three months is the more gratifying, inasmuch as it was gained in spite of the opposition of Lord Palmerston. The Premier's opposition came indeed somewhat unexpectedly, for he had supported the bill on its first reading, and in such terms as led to the confident expectation that he would support it throughout; but at the last moment he boldly declared the bill "impossible" to be carried, "impossible" to be worked, and, in fact, that the whole subject was an "impossible" one. He had to pay the penalty of his inconsistency pretty soon, for in a House of 406 members the majority against him was 28,-even several members of his administration, and nearly all his ordinary supporters, voted against him The victory is manifestly the

result of the earnest efforts which were made between the first and second reading of the bill. Up to the time we write, 1,537 petitions have been presented, with about 145,000 signatures. We trust that these efforts will be continued. The bill

is, we trust, now safe in the House of Commons; but it is not safe to pass the House of Lords. It can only pass what has been called "the Golgotha of liberal measures, the House of the Bishops," by indications of a state of public opinion that will not be denied

The War, alas, still continues, and the probability of its continuance increases. The state of things before Sebastopol seem to be little changed, except that the strength of the allies is daily increasing. It is supposed that very shortly there will be 200,000 of the allied forces in the Crimea. General Canrobert has given up his place as Commander-in-Chief of the French army to General Pélissier. This change is supposed to be the signal for greater activity,-possibly for some new and energetic movement.

The failure and evident mismanagement of the war has led to the formation in London of an Administrative Reform As

sociation. Its object is, of course, to hasten administrative reform, by directing and concentrating public attention to the subject. It will find many illustrations of the necessity of reform in the facts elicited during the sittings of the Sebastopol Enquiry Committee. Meetings have already been held in support of the movement in various parts of the country, and Mr. Layard, the conqueror of Nineveh,-has undertaken to be its organ and champion in the House of Commons. We hope that the noble member, who has already taken one great bull," will be successful in taking also this bull "by the horns." A6suredly, he will have the sympathy of the people, however parliamentary and aristocratic place-men may try to put him down.

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"Who can tell," we said last month, "what the Emperor of France has before him?" Scarcely had the words been written "before the news arrived that he had been shot at in the streets of Paris by an Italian named Pianori. The man had not taken good enough aim, so Louis Napoleon escaped; though he accounted for the failure by saying that he was immortal till his mission should be accomplished. The doctrine is doubtless true,

"Man is immortal till his work is done" we would rather, however, not hear such language from such lips and who is to be the judge when Napoleon's mission, or any other man's, is accomplished? The assassin has expiated his crime on the guillotine, and so much, therefore, of Louis Napoleon's "mission " is fulfilled. But how uncertain are all human events! In April, Louis Napoleon was in England,-the object of universal enthusiasm, and with his bride, the guest of England, in her royal halls! In May, he was within a few inches of falling by the hand of an assassin! It was a pale and ghastly spoctre that so boldly looked the Emperor of France in the face: may it be proved that by the sight he has been led to "consider his days," and thus "to learn wisdom!"

BURNHAM, ESSEX.

Services were held on May 1st to recognise the Rev. E. Griffiths, formerly of Apwell, Norfolk, as pastor of the Baptist

church in this trading and thriving little town. The Rev. A. Anderson, of Bures, introduced the services of the day by a statement of the scriptural nature and practical advantages of congregational churchfellowship for the preservation, growth, and diffusion of the gospel. The Rev. E. Griffiths stated the principles on which he purposed to conduct his ministry, and the Rev. R. Bayne, of Langham, offered prayer on behalf of the pastor and people. The Rev. J. T. Wigner, Lynn (formerly a member of the church), delivered an address to the members from 1 Cor. xvi. 10. "See that he may be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as also I do. Let no man, therefore, despise him." The Revs. Messrs. Winter, of Southminster, and Nayward, of Rochford (Independents), took part in the devotional services. The services of the day were rendered still more interesting by the presentation of a purse of sixty-six sovereigns, together with an easy chair, and some other minor presents, to the venerable and heloved pastor of the church, who, on May-day, 1811, was ordained over them in the Lord, and who retires from the pastorate by reason of the infirmities of age, in his 80th year, and 47th of his ministry. The following inscription, written on vellum, and elegantly framed, was presented with the purse: Memorial of the presentation of a purse of sixty-six sovereigns, and an easy chair, to the Rev. J. Garrington, on occasion of his resignation of the pastorate of the Baptist church, Burnham, Essex, after forty-four years of holy life and faithful labour. The subscribers to the testimonial present it as a tribute of their affectionate regard, whilst they feel it is at best but a feeble tribute to one who has so long borne the burden and heat of the day,' and whose imperishable record is registered in heaven, in the many precious souls through his ministry who have through grace reached the home of the blessed, and others who are on the way thither. It is presented with sincerest gratitude to God, who has thus owned their beloved friend's labours, to him, with expressions of real affection, and with earnest prayer that the eventide of his life may be perfectly serene, cheered by seeing the church, now under the pastoral care of the Rev. E. Griffiths, largely blest, and animated with the assurance of the crown of life, his eternal portion."

OPENING OF THE BAPTIST CHAPEL,

HUDDERSFIELD.

This important town, although containing several strong Nonconforming churches, and surrounded in the neighbouring villages with Baptist chapels, has never till now possessed a chapel belonging to the Baptist denomination. The chapel just opened was built by the Socialists in 1839, for the promulgation of their teachings, the first stone being laid by the celebrated Robert Owen. This society, however, after occupying the place about eight years, became defunct, and the

principal shareholders leased it to the Unitarians. The Unitariaus having, on the expiration of their lease, built a chapel for themselves, this place was purchased by the Baptist friends in the town and neighbourhood, at a cost of about £1,200, and put in trust for the denomination. After considerable improvements, costing a further sum of £300, the place was opened for divine worship on Wednesday, the 18th of April. The Rev. Hugh Stowell Brown, of Liverpool, preached in the morning and evening; and the Rev. J. Stacey (New Connexion), of Halifax, in the afternoon. On Sunday, the 22nd, the Rev. S. G. Green, B.A., classical tutor of Horton College, Bradford, preached in the morning and evening; and the Rev. Robert Bruce, M.A., of Huddersfield (Independent), in the afternoon. On Sunday, the 29th, the Rev. D. Wassell, of Bath, preached in the morning and evening; and the Rev. John Stock, of Salendine-nook, in the afternoon. On Wednesday, the 2nd of May, a public tea meeting was held in the school, the tea being liberally provided by the ladies. After tea, the friends assembled in the chapel, and were addressed by several ministers and friends: William Shaw, sen., Esq., presiding on the occasion. The collections on these occasions amounted to about £100, thus leaving a debt of only £200 upon the premises. The ground on which the building stands is freehold,rather a scarce commodity in Huddersfield. The chapel is comfortably pewed: the pews in parts remote from the centre, rising above each other somewhat in the form of an amphitheatre. There is no gallery, but a convenient orchestra with neat organ over the entrance; and instead of a pulpit there is a raised platform, with baptistry beneath. The chapel is brilliantly lighted from the ceiling, with four sunlights. The church worshipping here has been established about nine years, and formerly met in the large room over Mr. Thomas's school, in King-street.

OPENING OF THE NEW CHAPEL IN
REGENT'S PARK.

This noble edifice, which, as our readers will remember, has been altered from the late Diorama, at a cost of £18,000, by the munificence of Sir Morton Peto, was opened for divine worship on the 1st of May. Sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Brock, from Acts v. 20, and by the Rev. S. Martin, of Westminster, from John 1. 50. Both sermons were worthy of the occasion. Between the sermons the friends met for dinner. Ministers and friends from all parts of the country were present. The Rev. W. Landels commences his ministry in the new chapel with the sympathies and best hopes of the church.

ZION CHAPEL, DEAL.

The Rev. W. Garwood, late of Ramsgate, has accepted the unanimous call of the church in this place. He commences his labours with pleasing prospects of success and usefulness.

THE CHURCH.

"Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone."-Eph. ii. 20.

JULY, 1855.

UNION TO CHRIST ESSENTIAL TO USEFULNESS.

A SKETCH OF A SERMON.*

BY THE REV. J. M. STEPHENS.

"Without me ye can do nothing."-John xv. 5.

These words of our Lord are true, taken in their most positive and literal sense. As the Divine Word, the world was made by him, and in him we live, and move, and have our being. Whatever power, therefore, may be possessed by his creatures, is derived from, and belongs to, him, and, naturally and physically, without him we can do nothing.

But it is evident that the Saviour here speaks of spiritual action,-the operation of a spiritual life. And in this sense his assertion is true. The soul is dead, except in proportion as it is quickened by him. There can be no true repentance, no faith, no love, no yearning for holiness, no hungering and thirsting after righteousness, no panting after God, no longing for heaven, no spiritual life in any of its manifestations, but as that life proceeds from him; for "As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will."

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But if we refer to the connection in which the words are found, we shall be led yet further to limit their application. They are addressed by our Lord directly and exclusively to his disciples, and their meaning is fully illustrated by his reference to the vine and its branches. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me," or severed from me, ye can do nothing." The fruits they were expected to yield, were alike those of personal holiness and relative usefulness. If we could suppose that either one of their number had been commanded to retire to the desert, and spend the remainder of his life afar removed from all communication with his fellow-men, yet still would he have been required to bring forth fruit to the praise and glory of his Lord. The exercise of deep repentance, and of a simple but firm reliance on the Saviour's infinite grace,-a ready, cheerful, and loving obedience to all his commands, a hatred to sin, and an earnest, watchful struggle against all its motions,—a crucifixion of the flesh, with its affections and lusts,-a habit of continued communion with the Lord, and of fervent prayer to him,-together with a hearty appreciation of his mercy, and the going forth of the soul to him in gratitude and love, while with holy joy the glory to be brought to us at his appearing is anticipated, these are fruits of holiness acceptable in

* Delivered at the meeting of the Oxfordshire Association, at Blockley, June 6th, 1855, and contributed to "The Church" at the request of the congregation.

VOL. IX.

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