THE BOOK OF THE PEOPLE.

moon, and stars. As the child grows in stature and wisdom, he is presented with the panorama of the Garden of Eden, with its groves of evergreen and silvery streams; but the serpent entered, and then followed in rapid succession the judgment of God-the angel's flaming sword-and the expulsion from Eden. The Bible was the standing library of the soul, with its sixty-six volumes of inspiration. The earth never had two suns, nor the Church of God two Bibles-but one sun and one Bible. The sun and the book had shone on together in the same heavenly light throughout all generations. There was never yet heard of a man tired of the light of the sun, so there never was yet a man that understood it who grew tired of the light of truth in the Bible. The world had never wearied of either, and both were equally essential to the natural and spiritual world. After referring to the futile efforts of freethinkers against the Bible, and stating that the same press which voided the poison of Voltaire by thousands of tomes a year, was now employed in printing the Bible in French,-the house of Gibbon had been for some years past a depot of the Bible Society, that the first meeting of the Edinburgh Bible Society was held in the house in which Hume, the infidel, formerly resided, the lecturer proceeded to speak upon the allegories of Scripture. The rending of the vail at the crucifixion, was to intimate that there was an end of mysteries in religion, that the wall of partition was broken down, and that henceforth, Jew or Gentile, bond or free, were to be one in Christ. In addition to allegories and metaphors, they had numerous enigmas in the scriptures. The lecturer said he could not conclude without recommending all to the regular, daily, earnest, and devout study of this holy and beautiful book. Was theirs a literary society?-This book was the only inspired specimen which the library of the world possessed of the literature of heaven. Was theirs an association for intellectual culture?-This book would aid them there; for it bore the impress of the grand central infinite Intelligence of the universe. Was theirs an historical institute?-This book presented authentic chronicles thousands of years beyond the dates of secular annals. Would they trace the human mind to its source, like a mighty river?-It mapped out the genesis of man. Would they study poetry?-The Bible contained the most sublime poetry. Moses, the bard of Midian, was the world's first poet. Would they cultivate morals?-Here was a sublimer code of morals than the loftiest school of philosophy

THE BOOK OF THE PEOPLE.

ever dreamed of forming: a system of society, which claimed an heavenly origin, vindicating its plea by the tender loving spirit which it breathed on every page; like a father telling his children-Ye are brethren, why do ye wrong one another? King and subject, master and servant, husband and wife, parents and children, you are all of one family and one bodyone of another.' The Bible first proclaimed that equality of rights, duties, and responsibilities, each in their proper sphere, which constitute the true and only practicable fraternity of man. It dignified and ennobled every man with the tradition of his creation and of his restoration by the grace that is in Jesus Christ. Did they seek religion?-The Bible was the theology of God, who became man to exemplify and teach how man might become like God. Here was a religion that had its converts amongst the loftiest and mightiest intellects that had existed. The Bible was the book for all-rich and poor, learned and unlearned, those who could translate and those who could not; for it subdued, reformed, and saved all who believed its solemn truths. Was there any who, like the son in the parable, had played the prodigal, and therefore played. the fool with his time and opportunity? For such a one, wearied with his past conduct, and willing to get back on any terms to his father, that he may find a resting place to his soul, this book welcomed the youth and whispered to him the spirit of forgiveness. Was there a mourner among them to night? Perhaps there was some bereaved widow weighed down with poverty The Bible had a domestic parable for her grief in the story of the widow's barrel of meal that wasted not, and the cruise of oil that did not fail. He was reminded of an incident related in an American paper, of a widow who resided on the banks of the Wabash. She had been very religiously and tenderly reared, and in course of time married a respectable man, worldly and prosperous. The anxieties of this life increased upon her, and she forsook the God of her fathers, the guide of her youth, and mingled in worldliness of every description. She had seven children on her hands when a reverse of fortune overtook her husband, and he failed in business. He struggled on with difficulties, but at every frantic effort to extricate himself, he only sank deeper in the mire, and under the accumulating burden of liability dropped into the grave. His wife became an insolvent widow, the goods and effects were seized for rent. The day of sale found her seated among the furniture in her desolate home. Every

POETRY,

blow of the hammer seemed to reverberate a blow upon her bosom, whilst her memory reverted to her loved parents, to whom she had been a dutiful child, and never forgotten until they were translated to heaven. Just that recollection that they were dead completed the picture. The widow was alone and felt alone in the world. But stay, there was one memorial of her parents in the auctioneer's hand at that very moment; it was a large Bible with silver clasps and gold edges, which they gave her on her wedding day, when all the world appeared in gold and silver, full of bright and joyous anticipations. Spare me that book,' she said, 'it was my mother's.' No notice was taken, it was 'going-going.' Take everything,' she repeated, but let me let me have that book.' In her despair she bid for it; they jeered at her. She said she would have something to recollect it, and snatched at the old brown paper covering; she tore it off the book, and a soiled piece of paper fell to the ground-it was a bank note for 1000 dollars. On the back was written, in her mother's well-remembered handwriting, in that unsteady hand that betrayed where a tear had dropped, her name, and underneath, as if in presentiment, this passage was written :--' He is a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow, even God in his holy habitation."

Poetry.

ANECDOTES AND SELECTIONS.

We wont give up the Bible,

Nor heed the crafty tongue

That would this treasure take away

Ye evil ones, begone;

For you would fain condemn our minds
To gloom of mortal night;
But we defy your baneful power,

And "God defend the right."

We wont give up the Bible,
But could you force away

That which as our life blood is dear,

Yet hear us joyful say;

"The words which we have learn'd while young,
We'll follow all our days;

And these engraven on our hearts

Ye never can erase."

We wont give up the Bible,

We'll shout it far and wide,

Until the echo shall be heard

Beyond the rolling tide;

Till all shall know that we, though poor,
Withstand your treach'rous art;
Ard that from God's own sacred word
We'll never, never part.

Anecdotes and Selections.

THE ACCUSATION OF THE BIBLE AGAINST MR. NEGLECTFUL MADE BEFORE JUDGE CONSCIENCE.-My Lord,-The person o whom I complain became acquainted with me many years ago his attachment to me at that time, and for several years afterwards, was very strong; he loved me as his own soul, and often declared his willingness to suffer even martyrdom in my defence. I was then his most intimate companion; seldom did he travel but he took me along with him: when riding, or walking, he often consulted me upon the most important and interesting concerns, and I always gave him infallible directions; nor was he ever disappointed when he faithfully attended to my advice. We were almost constantly together, and the strictest friendship subsisted between us; even David and Jonathan were not more sincere in their attachment to each other. I was his beloved companion in the field, in the garden, in the house, and in the closet; indeed in almost every place I was suffered to accompany him; nor would he at any time hear me traduced by an enemy without vindicating, in the true spirit of a friend, my reputation. He has often been so greatly affected with the seasonable advice I have given him, and with the exceeding great and precious promises which I have made

ANECDOTES AND SELECTIONS.

to him, that he has bedewed some of my pages with his tears of joy, and then he would place me in the sun, or by the fire, to dry me, least I should sustain the least injury. He well knows that I have never given him the least occasion to neglect me; I have never, at any time, in the least degree, slighted him, but have always been his steady friend. He never consulted me in any difficult matter, but I immediately gave him advice. He never applied to me for assistance, but I cheerfully assisted him. Often have I given him milk, meat, honey, and whatever he needed to comfort, to encourage, and to strengthen him. After what I have stated to your lordship, it will evidently appear that I do not complain without cause when I inform you, that for some time past he has treated me with the greatest disrespect. He has past me by as though I had been a total stranger to him, and has avoided me as if I had been his avowed enemy; instead of taking me along with him from place to place as once he did, I am always left at home; instead of consulting me in his difficulties, as heretofore, he listens to the advice of imposters; instead of making me his ccmpanion at breakfast, he has formed an acquaintance with one whose name is "Newspaper," who often laughs at and ridicules both me and my best friends; indeed he seems much better pleased with almost any company than with mine, especially if they are witty, and can tell funny anecdotes. Profane authors, and others of their diabolical and soul-destroying fraternity, are his bosom friends. My case, therefore, is now truly pitiable; I am almost buried in dust, and am become the prey of an enemy, whose name is "Moth,” and if I am not speedily rescued from my perilous situation, I shall be totally consumed. I hope, my lord, you will lay this matter before the king, and that you will exert all your influence in endeavouring to restore mutual friendship between us. You well know that I have given no occasion for this neglect of me; and you know also, that MR. NEGLECTFUL was much happier when I was his companion than he now is, or can possibly be, till an acquaintance be renewed. The closet also intends to bring, at some future period, a very serious charge against MR. NEGLECTFUL; but, in the meantime, hopes will be indulged that the above accusation will, by the blessing of God, prove a word in season" to his poor benighted but precious and immortal soul.

66

THE BOOK, usually called the BIBLE.

THE OUTSIDE PASSENGER.-Some years ago a young lady who was going into a northern county, took a seat in a stage-coach. For many miles she rode alone; but there was enough to amuse her in the scenery through which she passed, and in the pleasing anticipations that occupied her mind. She had been engaged as governess for the grandchildren of an Earl, and was now travelling to his seat. At mid-day the coach stopped at an inn, at which dinner was provided, and she alighted and sat down at the table