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approaching terrors of death. It is fickle, variable, and unstable as the wind; there is no steadfastness in its honours, riches, pleasures; it is all a lie-all a lie for ever. The world! it never satisfies; we ever wish for change, whether we are high or low, rich or poor; we are always wishing for some new variety to cheat the imagination; the witchcraft of polluted pleasure decays in a moment, and dies. The world! its pleasures are exceedingly limited, and under most painful restraints, attended with bitter remorse, and followed with a horrible dread of bad consequences; the pleasures of impurity are mixed up with cursed disgusts and self-loathings, and have most dreadful damps and twinges of mind, when the momentary witchcraft of pleasure is gone for ever.-Ryland.

CHRIST THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

"I am the Light of the world: he that fol loweth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."-John viii. 12. GOD is light, and Christ is "the image of the invisible God;" God of God, Light of light. The visible light of the world is the sun, and Christ is the "Sun of Righteousness." One sun enlightens the whole world; so does one Christ, and there needs no more. It is the happiness of those who follow Christ, that they "shall not walk in darkness." Follow Christ, and we shall follow him to heaven.-M. Henry.

Christ and the Gospel are light, and there is no darkness at all in them; if you say that you "know Christ" and his Gospel, and yet keep not "Christ's commandments,” but dearly hug your private darling corruptions, "you are liars, and the truth is not in you;" you have no acquaintance with the God of light and the Gospel of light.-Cudworth.

Christ "is the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." "In His light shall we see light"-light to see and eschew the ways of sin; light to see and walk in the paths of truth.-Wagan.

Let us be an example of godliness. Let us be a light to them

that yet abide in darkness. Let not the name of God be evil-spoken of through us. His name is holy. "Woe be unto the world," saith Christ, "because of offences; for it must needs be that offences come; but woe be unto that man by whom the offence cometh." The light of God shines in the darkness of this world. It is the sweet incense and savour of God. Wheresoever the breath thereof is received it bringeth life. -Bishop Jewel.

Lord Jesus, thou Light of truth and Sun of Righteousness, shed thy bright beams upon my heart, that I may know, and, knowing, love thee. Help me, my Strength, by whom I am sustained; shine upon me, my Light, by whom alone I see; and quicken me, my Life, by whom alone I live. For thou only art my Help and my Light, my Life and my Joy, my Lord and my God!— St. Augustine.

PREPARATION FOR DEATH. WHEN lie down at night, comyou pose your spirits as if you were not to awake till the heavens be no more; and when you awake in the morning, consider that new day as your last, and live accordingly. Surely that night cometh, of which you will never see the morning, or that morning of which you will never see the night; but which of your mornings or nights will be such, you know not. Let the mantle of worldly enjoyment hang loose about you, that it may be easily dropped when death comes to carry you into another world. When the corn is forsaking the ground, it is ready for the sickle; when the fruit is ripe, it falls off the tree easily. So, when a Christian's heart is truly weaned from the world, he is prepared for death, and it will be more easy for him. A heart disengaged from this world is a heavenly one, and then we are ready for heaven, when our heart is there before us.-Boston.

THE TEST OF FAITH. Do you fetch your joys from earth or heaven? From things seen or un

seen? Things future or present? Things hoped for or things possessed? What garden yieldeth you your sweetest flowers? Whence is the food that your hopes and comforts live upon? Whence are the cordials that revive you when a frowning world doth cast you into a swoon? Where is it that you repose your soul for rest, when sin and sufferings have made you weary? Deal truly; is it in heaven or earth? Which world do you take for pilgrimage, and which for your home? I do not ask where you are, but where you dwell? Not where are your persons, but where are your hearts? In a word, are you in good

earnest when you say you believe in a heaven and hell? And do you speak, and think, and pray, and live as those who do indeed believe these things? Do you spend your time, and choose your condition of life, and dispose of your affairs, as a man that is serious in his belief? Speak out: do you live the life of faith, on things unseen; or the life of sense, on the things you behold? Deal truly; for your endless joy or sorrow doth much depend upon it. The life of faith is the certain passage to the life of glory; the life of sense, on things here seen, is the certain way to endless misery.-Baxter.

Notices of Books.

The Two Thousand Confessors of Sixteen Hundred and Sixty-two. By Thomas Coleman. 12mo, pp. 204. London: John Snow.

THE twenty-fourth of August is distinguished as Black Bartholomew Day; receiving its appropriate designation as "BLACK" from the wholesale murder perpetrated by the adherents of Popery on the Huguenots of France, in the year 1572, when not less than 30,000 or 40,000 Protestants were cruelly put to death on account of their religion. Strange to say, ninety years afterwards, on the same day in August, an act of cruel persecution was practised by the dominant Protestant Church of this country, in the expulsion of 2,000 conscientious men from their functions as ministers, because they could not subscribe to the intolerant "Act of Uniformity." As Dissenters, we owe a debt of profound veneration and gratitude to the memory of the nobleminded men who suffered for the rights of conscience at that time. The

volume before us gives a clear and succinct view of the events which led to the rejection of these conscientious ministers; of the principles on which they acted; the oppressive measures under which they suffered; of facts and anecdotes characteristic of the men and the times in which they lived; of their eminent piety and useful preaching; of the influence they have had on succeeding times; and the present

state of the question between the Conformists and Nonconformists. These are subjects of great and general interest, but on which too little is known by the great mass of readers in the present day. Mr. Coleman has done good service to the cause of Protestant Dissent by collecting and comprising, within a cheap and portable form, the materials which constitute this volume. The bulky volumes of Neale and others will not be read by one in a thousand; but here the leading facts and principles involved in the Nonconformist controversy are presented within a size and price suited to the limited means and opportunity of the humblest Dissenter.

Life at Bethany; or, the Words and Tears of Jesus. By the Rev. Edwin Davies, Author of "Our Heavenly Home." Pp. 135. London: A. Heylin.

THIS little volume is a gem-radiant with light, and precious in the truths it unfolds, and in the instruction and consolation it affords. Our author has selected for his theme one of the loveliest scenes in the wonderful history of the Redeemer's life-Bethany; that sequestered spot where nature had shed its most attractive beauties; where dwelt the holy family, consisting of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, whose domestic virtue and piety so oft attracted the presence of Jesus; where affliction

and bereavement produced for a time the deepest sorrow; where grace afforded its richest consolations; and where the Conqueror of Death displayed one of his greatest triumphs. Mr. Davies has traced and pencilled every incident with accuracy, beauty, and graphic power; the scenes pass before you with a life-like reality; and the artistic excellence of the work is only surpassed by the sublime and gracious truths it unfolds. We cordially recommend it to our readers, as adapted to illustrate the teaching of Holy Scripture, to comfort the sufferer, and edify all who peruse its pages.

The Ultimate Principle of Religious Liberty. The Philosophical Argument; with a Review of the Controversy, as conducted on grounds of reason and expediency, in the writings of Locke, Warburton, Paley, Dick, Wardlaw, Gladstone, Martineau, and Miall. London: Ward and Co.

WHOEVER may be the author, he is a vigorous thinker and a fluent writer. He understands first principles, and how to defend them. He can detect the fallacies of an opponent, and has the art of exposing them. He is, moreover, as keen in sarcasm as powerful in argument; and presents in this volume a formidable attack on both the principle and expediency of a State Church.

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Haworth, 1742-63. By R. Spence Hardy. London: John Mason, THANKS to Mr. Spence for this volume. It will do good wherever it is read, and we hope its readers will be very numerous. It is more than thirty years since we read "Grimshaw's Life," by good John Newton; but this is far superior. It has been prepared with great care, and embodies much information of a highly interesting character, not only unfolding the remarkable life and labours of that hardy apostle among the bleak hills and sequestered vales of Yorkshire, but illustrating, from authentic sources, the state of society in that day, and the early struggles and wonderful successes of Methodism. Grimshaw was

a wonderful character, distinguished by rough power, daring enterprise, fervent piety, and extraordinary labours. There was a quaintness and sometimes a spice of queerness in his composition, with strokes of wit and sallies of humour in his preaching; but the elements of a noble nature were always predominant, sanctified by Divine grace, and directed to the highest purposes. The style is good, the spirit catholic, and the matter deeply interesting.

Revival Hymns and Spiritual Songs. By P. J. Wright. London: Methodist New Connexion Book-room, 21, Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row ; may be had of all Booksellers. WE have here 92 hymns, beautifully printed on superior paper, and bound in a good stout wrapper, for sixpence. Many of the hymns are truly excellent both in sentiment and poetry. On some others opinions may, perhaps, be diversified, even as taste itself is different, and as individuals are affected with a lively or sombre piety. Some such manual was wanted in the Connexion, and Mr. Wright has supplied a useful and welladapted variety.

Church Psalmody-Hymns v. Psalms. An Essay. By J. A. Mowatt. Published by request. Second Edition. Sixth Thousand. Belfast: G. Phillips, and all Booksellers.

MR. MOWATT is a Methodist, and is therefore warmly attached, as he ought to be, to Methodist usages. He is a New Connexion Methodist, and is attached to its principles as well as its usages: hence he seldom allows to slip an opportunity of defending and promoting its interests. In this tract he successfully advocates the practice of singing hymns in preference to the Psalms of David. Nor does this view involve a want of reverence for Holy Scripture, for Mr. Mowatt clearly shows that many portions of the Psalms are fraught with recognitions of obligation to the rites, ceremonies, and duties of a dispensation that is obsolete, as well as being obscured with a haze which the full light of the Gospel has dispelled. A second edition being called for already, shows that the little work has found much public favour.

THE NEW YEAR.

ONE by one life's sands are flowing,

Poetry.

One by one its moments fall; Strive, as swift they're coming, going, Grasping each, to save them all. One by one life's duties wait thee; With thy strength each one fulfil; Let not idle dreams elate thee;

Live for God-thy rule his will. One by one bright gifts from heaven, Joys are sent thee here below: Take them thankfully when given;

Murmur not when each may go. One by one life's griefs shall meet thee;

Shrink not-they're no armed band:
Each shall fade ere others reach thee-
Shadows passing o'er the land.
Faint not 'neath the expected sorrow;
Swift will pass the moment's pain:
God will help thee on the morrow;

Bright its sun shall shine again.
Linger not, the past regretting,
Nor for wasted hours despond;
Nor, your daily toil forgetting,
Look too eagerly beyond.
Every hour that passes slowly
Has its task to do or bear;
Bright shall be thy crown, and holy,
If thou set each gem with care.
Soon thy years for ever ended,

Thou before thy Judge shalt stand; So improve them that they'll bear thee Safe to joys at God's right hand.

THE CLOUD.

WHY should yon dark, unlovely cloud
Obscure the golden ray,

And with its sudden gloom o'ercast
The brightness of the day?

Safe in its folds a treasure lies,

A store of glittering rain,

And God, in mercy, brings it forth
To cool the sultry plain.

Vain were the beams of summer suns

To paint the mellow fruit,
If God withheld the gentle rain
That nourishes the root.

And thus across Life's fairest day
Some cloud of grief will roll,
Unwelcome to the heart of man,
But wholesome to the soul.
Oh, think not God's most precious gifts
In beams and smiles are given;
What drowns our joy is often sent
To ripen us for heaven.

Charlotte Elizabeth.

GOD SEEN IN HIS WORKS. THERE'S not a leaf within the bower, There's not a bird upon the tree, There's not a dewdrop on the flower, But bears the impress, Lord! of thee. Thy hand the varied leaf design'd,

And gave the bird its thrilling tone; Thy power the dewdrop's tints combined, Till like a diamond's blaze they shone. Yes; dewdrop, leaves, and birds, and all, The smallest, like the greatest things; The sea's vast space, the earth's wide ball,

Alike proclaim thee King of kings.

THE WITHERED ROSE. FAIREST flower, the pride of spring, Blooming, beauteous, fading thing, "Tis as yesterday, when first Forth thy blushing beauties burst; And I mark'd thy bosom swell, And I caught thy balmy smell, Fondly hoping soon to see All thy full-blown symmetry. But I came, and, lo! around, Sadly strewn upon the ground, Lovely, livid leaves I seeOh! can these be all of thee? I would weep, for so I've known Many a vivid vision flown, Many a hope that found its tomb Just when bursting into bloom; Many a friend-ah! why proceed? See afresh my bosom bleedRather turn my thoughts on high, Hopes there are which cannot die: Yes, my Saviour, thou canst give Joys that will not thus deceive. Eden's roses never fade,

Eden's prospects know no shade. Hugh Stowell.

EARTHLY JOY.

LADY, wouldst thou be blest? Then plume thy wings,

And seek with all thysoul eternal things. All worldly bliss is but an empty breath, That fails in life, and fades away in death.

Fortune may favour, Fancy may beguile, Hope wave her golden wings and sweetly smile;

But sad Experience, with a brow o'ercast,

Sighing with grief, and pointing to the

past,

Whispers, the fair illusion to destroy, That "joy unmingled is not earthly joy."

THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

FEBRUARY, 1861,

Essays, &c., on Theology and General Literature.

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THE Constitution of man necessitates the use of material objects in religious worship. Under the Jewish economy these objects were numerous and impressive. At Jerusalem were seen a magnificent temple, an altar for sacrifice, a golden censer for incense, a visible mercy-seat, wonderful cherubim, and a glorious symbolic cloud. Under the Gospel dis nsation, material objects are neither numerous nor ostentatious; they are few in number and simple in development. This accords with the high spirituality of the New Testament. Among the material objects used by Christians in the worship of God, the Lord's supper holds a prominent place. Its frequent observance and its benevolent design render it a remarkable means of edification, holiness, and enjoyment. Nevertheless, there is nothing splendid, nothing pompous, nothing imposing, nothing to dazzle the eye, to charm the imagination, to thrill the sensibilities, in this symbol of sacred things. The Lord's supper does not appear before us like an exciting royal spectacle, but like a quiet home scene. A little bread and a little wine are the unpretending, yet expressive emblems of the body of Christ slain, and the blood of Christ shed, to atone for the sins of the human race. Thus, the things we see and taste do not hide the Saviour from us, but bring Him full before us as our Atoner. They excite also the faith, gratitude, purity, and love, inculcated by the solemn command:-"This do in remembrance of me.'

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The account given by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, of the appointment of the Lord's supper is definite and comprehensive. Matthew "Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover ? And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

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