ment. But I always indulge, with fear and self-suspicion in these most interesting contemplations; and doubtless, the enjoyments arising from them, belong rather to the advanced Christian, than to the doubting, wandering beginner. I am afraid I feel practically, rather than piously, on these subjects; and while I am indulging in vain conjectures on the employments, and enjoyments of a future state, I must envy the humble Christian who, with juster views, and better claims, is longing 'to depart and to be with Christ.' Nor would I mistake a fretful impatience with the fatigues and crosses of life, for a temper weaned from the world. I could, indeed, sometimes sing: return, and find their best entertain- | supposed that I was frightened into it by my complaint. But I feel thankful that this was not the case, for it was not till after I had consulted Mr. Clyne that I felt any alarm about it; nor had I, before, any idea of its being of a formidable kind. My mind, all the summer, had been much in the state it has been in for years past, that is, unable to apply the offer of the gospel to myself, and all confusion and perplexity when I attempted to do so. One evening, (about three weeks before going to London for advice,) while alone in my room, and thinking on the subject, I saw, by an instantaneous light, that God would, for Christ's sake, forgive my sins.The effect was so powerful, that I was almost dissolved by it. I was unspeakably happy; I believed, that had I died that moment, I should have been safe. Though the strength of the emotion soon abated, the effect in a great degree remained. A fortnight afterwards, I told Isaac what had taken place, and he urged me to be proposed immediately to the church. It was in this state I went to Londonand when I heard what was to me wholly unexpected, I could not but consider the change in my feelings as a most kind and timely preparation for what, but a few weeks before, 'I long to lay this painful head, And aching heart beneath the soil; To slumber in that dreamless bed From all my toil!' And I have felt too these lines : The doubt, the danger, and the fear, But in these feelings, though they may afford occasional relief, I could not indulge."-Vol. i. p. 100. would have overwhelmed me with In 1817, Miss T.'s distressing doubts as to her personal religion forsook her, "and she admitted joyfully the hope of salvation." She immediately improved this gracious interposition on the part of her heavenly Father, by publicly professing her consternation and distress. As it faith as one of Christ's disciples; and was, I heard it with great composure, in the month of October, 1817, was and my spirits did not at all sink till united to the church at Ongar, in after I returned home. Since then, I Essex, under her father's pastoral have had many desponding hours, Upon this solemn occasion she from the fear of death. The happiwrote the following impressive letterness I enjoyed for a short time, has to her sister:given place to a hope which, though faint, secures me from distress."Vol. i. p. 164. care. "My mother told you of my having joined the church. You may have During all this, while the seeds of disease were making rapid progress in a frame naturally delicate, she was much affected by the death of her uncles, the Rev. James Hinton, of Oxford, and Mr. Charles Taylor, of London; and thought within herself that these heavy strokes had not come alone. Her anticipations were but too correct; for in a few months after the death of her uncle in London, she was herself conveyed to her long home. She bore her afflictions, though of the most excruciating kind, with most exemplary fortitude and patience: Calm and tranquil to the last, she breathed her redeemed and happy spirit into the bosom of her exalted and compassionate Saviour. Thus lived, and thus died, one of the sweetest of writers, and one of the most "Though she had, at this time, become incapable of long-continued re-interesting of young Christians. ligious exercises, yet, to the last day of her life, her stated times of retirement were observed by her usually in the evening. By her request, her brother read to her some portion of Scripture, and a few pages of Bennett's Christian Oratory-a book she highly valued. On these occasions her conversation, though not elevated by the language of unclouded hope, frequently contained expressions of a humble and growing trust in the power and grace of our Saviour."-Vol. i. p. 187. admirable "Memoirs of Miss TayWe would again recommend the lor," just published by her brother, from which we have gleaned the preceding sketch. We can assure our readers that the work is written in the first style of biography, and does equal honour to the head and heart + of the esteemed writer. Mr. Cuyler's Charge delivered at the [Concluded from p. 369, vol. 1.] Nor are the duties arising out of In her last moments one of her the polemick branch of your office brothers arrived from London. To light or unimportant. Every Theohim she spoke with the most emphatic logical truth has its opposite error; earnestness, professing, very distinct- and the mind can think of few errors ly, the ground of her hope, and the which have had no advocates, and deep sense she then had of the reality which have not been wielded against and importance of eternal things.the truth with more or less skill. It Her voice was now deep and hollow, is the business of the Christian Miher eyes glazed, and the dews of nistry not only to teach the truth, but death were on her features; but her to defend the truth against every sperecollection was perfect, and her soul cies of error by which its purity may full of feeling. While thus sitting become contaminated, and its influup, and surrounded by her family, in ence hindered. The defence of the a loud but interrupted voice she said, truth requires not only a correct and "Though I walk through the valley accurate knowledge both of the truth of the shadow of death, I will fear and its opposite error; but of the no evil; for thou art with me: thy arguments by which the one is suprod and thy staff, they comfort me. ported, and the other confuted. This is not unimportant with respect to any the prophets" able and skilful preachof the truths of religion; and especi-ers. The science of Theology is the allyis it important with respect tothose main furniture of the preacher. Syswhich are leading and vital. This is tem is the hand with which knowdoubly important to a Professor of ledge is grasped-the crucible in Theology, for he is a teacher of teach- which it is concocted and prepared ers--and his errors, or his want of for use. The systematic knowledge skill in the defence of the truth, may of Theology is the preparation necescarry their influence through a whole sary, rightly to divide the word of church, and affect many generations. truth, in order that the preacher may Every age has its peculiarly promi- be qualified to give to every one his nent errors; and the present age is by portion in due season; opening the no means destitute of them. It is lively oracles of truth, and carrying not my present business even to enu- home the truth to the hearts and conmerate them, much less to give them sciences of his hearers. They are a detailed consideration. The promi- ever to be considered as but taught, nent ones impugn the character and who are best qualified for the proper work of the Divine Redeemer, and the and peculiar work of the ministryequally Divine Spirit; the doctrine of winning souls for Jesus, and edifying total depravityof human nature, and the his mystical body. Let it never be justification of sinners by faith, only forgotten that there is a wide differthrough the imputed righteousness of ence between preaching the gospel, Christ. The life and soul of these and delivering lectures on systematic errors lie in the corruption and pride theology. The means should never of the human heart-putting them- be mistaken for the end. selves forth as a spirit of philosophy, refusing to believe, or receive any thing which will not submit to its selfenacted laws. The church looks under God to her Theological Professors to teach and defend the truth, by the instruction, which they give to her future pastors. This work, my brother, the church, with which we are mutually connected commits to you-and she gives you her text book, the bible, and her views of what is taught in the bible, in her Catechism, her Confession of faith, and the Canons of the Synod of Dordrecht, which she has adopted as her own. She expects you to seek out the good old ways, and teach her sons and future pastors to walk in them-paths in which confessors have walked to glory, and truths for which martyrs have bled. She looks to you to train them in the knowledge of Theological science, and to form them to be well instructed scribes. But they are expected to be more than systematic Theologians. The church expects from this "School of VOL. II.-2. It has been said, that the heart as well as the head, may be cultivated. It may be added, that grace is certainly as important as knowledge, for those who minister in holy things.The church needs instructors who are full of the Holy Ghost-who have tasted that the Lord is gracious; who have had experience of the grace of God in their own hearts-who know, because they have felt, the power of the truth-who, having themselves had fellowship with Christ, can feelingly commend him to others, as the chief among ten thousands, and altogether lovely-who can tell of a Saviour's love, because his love has subdued and constrained themselves. Such men are infinitely more desirable than mere guide posts by the way-mere scaffolding about the temple, to be taken down, and burnt up when the edifice is completed. It is true, our youth come to the Schools of the prophets, with characters for piety, of which, we hope, they are really worthy. But still, being young in the divine life, and in christian experience, and standing as much in need of enlargement in grace as in knowledge; much, very much, will depend upon the cultivation which their-but to march in triumph through the hearts may receive while preparing for enemies' country, conquering and to the work of the ministry. In proportion conquer. His American Israel forms to their moral culture and spiritual a division of his army, and her sons growth, will be their efforts to increase already occupy some of the outposts, in the knowledge of our Lord and not only in the wilds of their native Saviour, Jesus Christ; and the inter- country, but in Asia, Africa, and the est which they will take in the glory islands of the sea. The kingdom, of God, and the salvation of souls. and the greatness of the kingdom, are, It will, therefore, be an important ere long, to be given to the saints of part of your business to cherish and the most High. Zion is not only cultivate, in those committed to your strengthening her stakes, but lengthcare, a spirit of sound and fervent ening her cords. The place of her piety. Labour, and pray, as the tent is becoming too straitened, apostle did, that your precious charge and she is breaking forth on the right nay have Christ dwelling in their hearts hand, and on the left. And can we by faith; that they, being rooted and believe that none of the leaders, as grounded in love may be able to com- well as soldiers of this host, are to be prehend with all saints, what is the trained in this School of the prophets? breadth, and length, and depth, and Much, very much, will depend upon height, and to know the love of Christ, those to whom this sacred trust is which passeth knowledge, that they committed. And we expect much, may be filled with all the fulness of from you, my brother, who have alreaGod. Thus cultivated, they will come dy been so extensively engaged in warm and animated to their great this work of faith, and labour of love. work, and will bear along with them Inculcate that spirit, which cries, an unction from the Holy One To "Here am I; send me." this end, mingle the spirit of vital religion with your ordinary Theological instruction. And not only so, but devote special attention to this particular leading object. Consider your pupils as your own children in the Lord, whom you are training up to the stature of men, not only in the knowledge, but in the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To this you will be impelled by all the interest which you take in the glory of God, and the salvation of your fellow men; for both are very deeply involved in the success with which you may be crowned in this particular part of your work. sus is putting in array his sacramental host, not only to defend the truth, and occupy the ground already gained Remember, also, that while your pupils will require large and solid Theological attainments, and a spirit of fervent piety, to fit them for their work; the present is an age of peculiar enterprise and activity. Jehovah Je You are Your work is before you. called to occupy a post of high honour, of arduous labour, and of deep responsibility. And now, called to your post, and occupying your alloted station, in the name, and by the authority, of that Church which has called you to this work, and of our common Lord, we cordially and affectionately greet you, and wish you, God speed. Guided by her Lord, she has already given you the most unequivocal pledges of her confidence, and her affection-earnests of her support and her prayers in time to come. Nor will the Head of the Church, who has so long been with you in other spheres, deny you his love, his direction, and his help, in this new work to which he has called you.Only rely upon him, and follow him; and he "will never leave you, nor forsake you." Therefore, my beloved brother, be thou stedfast, unmove- | could melt him to tears. CHRIST THE GLORY OF HIS CHURCH. "The glory of this latter house shall be of Hosts."-HAGGAI ii, 9. And to this love of Zion ever warm and an- The Jewish Rabbins enumerate The five things, in which the second, was inferior to the first Temple. These words were spoken, con- ark of the covenant and mercy-seat, cerning that temple, which the Jews both of which had been lost during erected, after their return from the the captivity. The "Urim and Thumcaptivity of Babylon. This house, min." The sacred fire kindled from though much inferior to the Temple Heaven on the brazen altar. The of Solomon in outward magnificence. cloud of glory, or visible presence, they were assured, should, notwith- overshadowing the mercy-seat-and standing, surpass it in glory, by being the spirit of prophecy, which ceased honoured with the presence and min- about this time. Each of these, it istrations of Jesus the Messiah. The must be confessed, added no inconsidesign of the Prophet is to give them derable lustre to the Temple of Solocomfort in their affliction and wretch- mon. And yet, notwithstanding that edness. The condition of those who the hearts of the old men were sad, returned to Jersalem, after a captivity, when their minds rested on the glory of so long and wasting, was so impov- the first temple, amid whose ruins they erished that they were unable, suit- laboured with sighs and tears, to ably to decorate the house of God build a house for God, the Prophet which they were then engaged in re-assures them that the glory of the building; and feeling this disgrace, as sensibly as they did, their hearts were filled with anguish. Josephus relates that the sorrow of the elder Jews, who had seen the first Temple in all its splendour, as it stood previous to its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, was so great, when they returned and beheld the comparatively mean appearance of the second, that they could not refrain from tears. The happiness of their former state, and the departed grandeur of their city and temple, pressed with an insupportable weight on their minds. The glory of God, it seems, was so dear to the heart of a pious Israelite, that even the want of external magnificence, in the house dedicated to his worship, latter, should exceed that of the former, because "the Prince of life" would honour it with his presenceand by his coming confer upon it more glory, than all the decorations or divine manifestations, possessed by the former, could possibly give."For thus saith the Lord of Hosts; yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens and the earth, and the sea and the dry land, and I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory saith the Lord of Hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of Hosts. The glory of this latter house, shall be greater than of the former saith the Lord of Hosts." |