PREFACE.

AMIDST the various blessings with which we are so highly favoured, that of divine revelation must be considered as one of the greatest. It is the true light which irradiates the dark path of sinful men; the faithful guide which directs them in the way they should go: and the delightful medium through which they can behold the prospect of glory and immortality. Every thing therefore which has a tendency to recommend this inestimable volume,to illustrate its excellencies and impress its contents on the mind, certainly deserves

our notice.

In the following pages the reader will find such a collection of facts as will form a practical exposition of a variety of passages of scripture; and confirm him in the belief of what the apostle has declared; that it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. The biographical sketches, the numerous anecdotes, the allusions to ancient customs, and the quotations from various authors, as they are all here laid under contribution for the service of truth, so it is to be hoped they will render the work entertaining as well as instructive.

As to judicious criticisms, and commentaries on the sacred scriptures, they cannot be spoken of too highly; but we all know that facts strike the mind with peculiar force. In the instances there

fore here selected, we see how the Almighty is often the expositor of his own word by the displays of his providence, and the manifestations of his grace. Nor will this work be found unsuitable to put into the hands of young people, as it will not only afford them biographical and historical information for every day in the year, but engage them to read the holy Scriptures, and to consider them as they are, the word of God, mighty through him to illuminate the mind, direct the wavering, comfort the distressed, and a benefit to society at large.

In collecting and arranging the events contained in this volume, the writer can truly say that he has found much profit to his own mind; though it has been chiefly done in hours of languor and pain. That it may be also rendered useful to every reader is his most earnest prayer.

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THE

PRACTICAL EXPOSITOR.

January 1.

PSALM XC. 10. For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

SUCH is the description given us by the sacred writer of human life. How well, at the commencement of a new year, to stand still and consider the shortness of time, and the vanity of all things here.

The ancients, says Mr. Brooks, represented time with wings, not running but flying.

The Egyptians drew it with three heads; the first of a greedy wolf, gaping for time past; because it hath ravenously devoured the memory of so many things past recalling. The second of a crowned lion, roaring for time present; because it hath the principality of all actions, for which it calls loud. The third of a deceitful dog, fawning for time to come; because it feeds some men with many flattering hopes, to their eternal destruction.

When Popilius, by order of the Roman senate, required Antiochus to withdraw his army from the king of Egypt, and he desired time to deliberate upon it, the Roman drew a circle with his wand about him, and said, In hoc stans delibera, give a present answer before you move. Thus eternity, says Dr. Bates, whose proper emblem is a circle, a figure without end, presents to us life and death, that after a short time expects all men; and here we must make our choice. shall a mortal coldness possess us in an affair of such importance? We cannot so fast repair the ruins of the body, but that every day death makes nearer approaches, and takes away some spoils that cannot be recovered, and will shortly force the soul to leave its

And

fore here selected, we see how the Almighty is often the expositor of his own word by the displays of his providence, and the manifestations of his grace. Nor will this work be found unsuitable to put into the hands of young people, as it will not only afford them biographical and historical information for every day in the year, but engage them to read the holy Scriptures, and to consider them as they are, the word of God, mighty through him to illuminate the mind, direct the wavering, comfort the distressed, and a benefit to society at large.

In collecting and arranging the events contained in this volume, the writer can truly say that he has found much profit to his own mind; though it has been chiefly done in hours of languor and pain. That it may be also rendered useful to every reader is his most earnest prayer.