the storm as it comes rolling onward, I dare no longer lay my ear to the ground and listen to the rumbling of the coming earthquake. Not because I have any fear for Christ's blood-bought Church! no, against her the gates of hell shall never prevail: not that you or I should fear for ourselves! no, rather we should "rejoice and lift up our heads, for our redemption draweth nigh." But for my country-for my Church-for apostate Christendom-for the enemies of our Lord and of his Christ, I am, I must be, "horribly afraid."

But my thoughts, I am thankful to say, dwell not here; no, they are still much directed to the Person of Christ God-man! And oh, what a subject is this! The arcana of Divine wisdom, the wonder of angels, the great mystery of godliness. Oh what a Christ is ours! I pant for clearer, closer visions of Him. I long to feel Him in my arms, to say more intensely with the poet,—

"Jesus! the vision of thy face,

Hath overpowering charms;

Scarce shall I feel death's cold embrace,

If Christ be in my arms.

As I write the fire kindles: pray for me, dear Brother, on this behalf. I embrace you in the Lord, and remain, ever your's in Him,

A CHRISTIAN SOLDIER ON THE BATTLE-FIELD!

INTENSELY anxious, as we of late have been, about the present extremely critical and perilous position of our country, as well as the sufferings of our army, it is with inexpressible pleasure and satisfaction we give insertion to the following letter, just received from one of the 93rd Highlanders. The letter speaks for itself. It needs no comments of ours. It proves to a demonstration that Christians are no cowards! Show them the path of duty -give them to feel that they are where GoD would have them-and then mark the issue!

Camp in front of Balaklava, Dec. 22, 1854.

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the bottom of the heights. Well, in we (the 93rd) | field of battle; but to attempt to give you plunged to the river, and got into the vineyard anything like description of the dreadful the other side, where we remained for about scene, would be impossible. I have read a ten minutes, sheltered from the enemy's fire great deal about war, with its misery and by an embankment, the top of which formed horrors, and have heard people talk about it; the basement of the part of the heights of but until I saw a specimen of it on the battleAlma, we were soon to ascend; the command field of Alma, I had no idea of it; my heart to climb the embankment, and ascend the felt quite sick at such a sight. You will have heights, was given, a command which I assure been informed by Mrs. how the you was quickly and cheerfully responded to. Lord preserved and protected me in the day When we had got to the top of the embank-of battle; although the bullets were flying ment, we found the 77th Regt. in line, whose about me like hail, yet I never for a moment ranks we rushed through, and without halting thought that I would be as much as touched. for a moment, until we had bouuded up the I felt God was my refuge, and was entirely heights, and scattered the enemy with the ignorant of what the feeling of fear was. Some speed and fury of a whirlwind. When as of our men congratulated me next day on cending the heights, we were exposed to a several escapes, which they said I had met perfect shower of round shot, shell, grape, with, they having observed me much exposed, and canister, from a battery of eleven guns and wondered how indifferent 1 was about my on our left, and musket-balls from about safety. I was not indifferent about my safety; 5,000 infantry composed of the Imperial I sought the Lord to direct me in the path of guard in our front. During our onward duty, and having committed my person to his movement we never fired a shot until within keeping, felt all would be well with me. The about 50 yards of the columns we attacked, feelings and exercise of my soul during the nor uttered a word until half-way up, when action you will find recorded in Psalm xlvi. a loud shout burst forth from every man ; and 91, and 93. when we had taken our stand, another cheer was given, and levelling our pieces at the same time, commenced the work of destruction until the enemy had fled before us. Their battery of eleven guns was evacuated, and their columns in our front, all which, with a squadron of cavalry forming the enemy's extreme right, was now turned. Victory was now evidently accomplished, but not unto us Lord, not unto us, but unto thee be all the power, honour, and glory. I believe that the special canse under God's blessing, of so few casualities in my Regt. was the rapidity in which we moved forward, and which evidently tended to paralyze and confound our opponents. Had we not been restrained by the general and officers of the Regt. we would have rushed forward and ploughed through their columns with the bayonet. There was no wild confusion among our men, they were quite collected, but their blood was up, if I may so speak, and they wanted to crush the enemy with the rapidity of lightning; they fought as if the fate of the day entirely depended upon themselves. The Russians called our men savages," and our cheers, "yells," which their prisoners said, when they heard, they felt the day was lost; some of them said, we must be either drunk or mad. I have merely attempted to give you a faint description of the part which my own Regt. had taken in the action, knowing that you feel a special interest in the Regt. When the shout of victory had ceased, I went forward to look at the enemy's position in front of our Regt. ; but oh! what an awful sight was presented to my view, the enemy's dead and wounded lay strewed as thick as sheaves of corn on a field, and in some parts they lay in actual heaps. On the following day I went over the whole

I now pass on without referring to our various movements after the battle of the Alma, until the 26th October, on which day we fought the battle of Balaklava, an action which has been very imperfectly described in all the papers, in which I have seen written any account of it, especially the part the 93rd took in the engagement. At 4 a. m. we were under arms, as is our usual practice, and having piled our arms, were walking about, until about 6 o'clock, when we heard a shot from No. 1 Redoubt, which the Turks had possession of with three others. We immediately stood to our arms, and formed into line, with our right towards No. 1 Redoubt, and by the time we had got formed, the fire became general from each and all of the batteries, and it was evident that the enemy were replying. In a short time we could perceive the Russians advancing to the number of between 20 and 30,000, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and at the same time the Turks evacuating the different redoubts, and the cowardly tellows running in the utmost confusion, the reserve who were sent to their support following the example. The 93rd, who became thus forsaken by the dastardly Turks, and who were now the only infantry Regt. left on the ground, were at this time in a very critical position indeed, every man of us was intelligently convinced of this; yet to a man we resolved rather to die ou the spot than flinch, or give up our position. Our general, Sir Colin Campbell, who found himself thus deserted by the Turks, said, (drawing his sword at the same time) "Highlanders, hore is the spot where we are to die." He then changed our front to the right, so as to face the enemy, and if they should advance beyond the redoubts, to give them

WORKS ISSUED FROM THE BONMAHON PRINTING SCHOOL.

129

would have been in imminent danger, as another large body of the enemy's cavalry were ready to rush upon them, had we given way, and Balaklava would have been open for the enemy to enter it, and set our shipping and stores on fire; but the Lord had in mercy ordered it otherwise, and I have been sorry to observe that God's hand in the matter, has not been so much as acknowledged.

battle. Here was certainly an interesting sight, a little band numbering only about 750 men, attempting to dare and give battle to such an overwhelming force. Having remained in this position for some time, the enemy at length got up their guns to bear upon our left flank, and we seeing that there was no appearance of their infantry advancing upon us, we resumed our original position; still keeping in line, and lying prostrate on About two hours after we had defeated the ground, to protect ourselves from the the enemy's cavalry, they again appeared in shells which the enemy were pitching at us. great numbers, and advanced towards our In this posture we remained for about twenty cavalry, when a dreadful encounter took place. minutes, when we observed an enormous mass The Scots Greys being in front, dashed in of cavalry advancing along a ridge about 1200 through them in a most daring manner, folyards in front of us. We thought at first lowed by the other Regt. of the heavy brithat they were making for our cavalry, who gade, and although the Russian cavalry were were in position about 1600 yards to our about six to one of ours; yet our men made left, but rather in front of us. However, we them fly before them like chaff before the were not long deceived, for having got directly wind. By the time the enemy's cavalry in front of us, they wheeled to their right, and were put to the route, reinforcements had stood for a few moments to view us, appa- arrived from Sebastopol. The Greys, who rently very minutely. Seeing this, and are very powerful and daring men, with exjudging what their intention was, we sprang cellent horses, did dreadful execution among to our feet, and coolly awaited their approach. the Russian cavalry. You have no doubt At last they began to advance at a walking read an account of the bold, though disaspace, then halted, afterwards rushed upon us trous charge of our light cavalry, which took at full speed; still we stood motionless, until place during the latter part of the day. We within about 300 yards of us, when we opened could have taken the redoubts when the upon them a well-sustained and most-destruc- Turks evacuated; but not depending upon tive fire. Still, forward they came, evidently the Turks now, we could not spare sufficient intent on breaking our line; but having found men to occupy them. Their loss is no loss this impossible, they quickly wheeled to their to us, but rather a gain, we having less left, with a view to turn our right flank; but ground to occupy. As to Sebastopol, I am this attempt we also foiled, by wheeling with really of opinion, that before the present the swiftness of deers to our right, and pre-month expires, we shall be in possession of senting to them again our front, still keeping it. In a few days a new battery intended up a tremendous fire, which had the effect of making them take to their heelt as fast as they came. Having left a number of men and horses dead and wounded behind them, besides many who had fallen after they had removed to a distance; and what will no doubt appear surprising to you, is, that not a man of us was killed during the whole day, and only two were wounded. Now as to the result. Had we failed to repel this charge, the consequence would have been, that a battery of horse artillery posted on our left, would have been cut to pieces. The fugitive Turks would have been slaughtered. Our cavalry

for the destruction of the shipping will be
ready; when it, with our other batteries, will
open a more tremendous fire than at the
commencement of the siege, and which will
no doubt, finish with the storming of the
place; the result is not doubtful; complete
victory must, with God's help, crown our
arms. We dare not retreat without proving
traitors to liberty, and basely selling every-
thing that is dear to us as freemen. There-
fore, rest assured that Sebastopol will fall;
but enough, my time is limited.

Your most affectionate friend in Jesus.
H. McP.

WORKS ISSUED FROM THE BONMAHON PRINTING SCHOOL. MY DEAR DOUDNEY,—I cannot but write out ( to have 40. The poor gladly give 2s. 6d. for of the fulness of my heart, in order to express them; the books are beautifully got up. It to you my great gratitude for having given is possible that I may dispose of many more to the public, such works as GILL, KEACH, copies, as Collingridge will give me them for and HAWKER'S PORTIONS, in a cheap form. distribution at 2s. 6d. each. I have them all; I fird great Gospel matter in GILL'S COMMENTARY. The sermons on the SONG of SOLOMON, are sweeter than honey to the spiritual palates of the Lord's people. KEACH is invaluable in opening out the personal beauties of the Lord's Christ. And with you I quite agree, that none can read Hawker's Portions without some movement of the heart.

May the Lord abundantly bless your la bours. Adversaries you have many, because you are doing the Lord's work. I trust that the promise will be realized in your case, "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."

Yours affectionately in Christ,
BASIL D. ALDWELL.

We have now 36 in the Parish; hope soon Fulbourn, Cambridge, Feb. 14, 1855.

K

SCRIPTURE SPOKEN HOME; OR, WORK FOR FAITH AND PATIENCE.

MY DEAR EDITOR,-In obedience to the word of the Lord, who says, "Make known His deeds among the people," and in com pliance with your wishes, I again take up my pen to address you.

It was in the month of June, 1853, that I found on my breakfast-table a new Bible from a dear Christian friend. The very first verse that met the eye on opening it, and arrested the attention, was, "Arise ye and depart, for this is not your rest, because it is polluted." It seemed to speak to me, but I knew not how, and I began to turn the words, as you so justly remark we often do, to suit our own purpose, and for a time I was cheered by the idea that the Lord might be about to take me, for at that time I was mourning in the flesh the loss of a beloved husband; but rejoicing in spirit that he was with the Lord; and as my bodily weakness increased, I used to think this verse was sent to prepare me for my removal. I little thought of the manner in which it was to be applied, or the severe trial that would precede it; neither can 1 enter fully into particulars, as the parties are still living who caused me so much uneasiness; but suffice it to say, that a circumstance occurred which called loudly for me to leave this abode to which I was clinging-my dear husband having spent his last days in it, and whose remains were close by. Never shall I forget the contest that arose in my mind to know if I was really taking a right step, and so powerfully did the enemy set in upon me, in order to keep me there, that he almost made me doubt the reality of what I had seen.

Being too agitated to "order my speech," before the Lord, I could only cry in short broken sentences for direction and decision, which I did by night and by day. At this period I opened my Bible on 1 Tim. v. 5, and blessed God for allowing the word "desolate "" (which so fully expressed my feelings) to stand in His precious book. Deprived of my earthly protector, alone in the house with those with whom was the contest, I realized, as I never otherwise could have done, what it was to be a "Widow indeed;" but with this portion of comfort that spoke powerfully to the heart, that such a one "trusted in the Lord," and in no other way could do so as fully.

Continuing to cry for deliverance, and praying to be kept from a like evil (for who hath made thee to differ?) this promise came, “And the Lord shall deliver thee from every evil work, and will preserve thee unto His heavenly kingdom," (2 Tim. iv. 18.) Still in consternation to know what steps to take, having only a few days to decide, as I was on the eve of taking a long journey, these words came and spoke volumes to me -and I was so swallowed up with the love and condescension of the Lord, that I mentally

exclaimed "Surely it is as with Abraham of old the Lord, speaking face to face with me, for here is the circumstance and the word meeting-" and shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night, unto him, though He BEAR LONG WITH THEM? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth ?" (Luke xviii. 7, 8.) The first application was comfort,like a parent kissing away the tears from his child, ere he begins to question it-the second, reproof. Comfort, in being told I was not alone in the trial, he was bearing it with me; and in his own time would make a way for my escape, by defeating the enemy and carrying out His own purposes through it; reproof by the question, "but when He cometh shall he find faith on the earth ?" "Will you be looking out for him or will you be so busied in your trouble as to cease to be on the watch ?"

Thus was this Scripture applied, and one more text explained, ere the Lord appeared to set me free. It was this, "Is there evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?" No, for "He bringeth to light the hidden things of darkness." Thus He opened up one portion of His word by another, and referring me back to what had taken place in the house (which I believe, though carefully concealed had been an old practice) He showed me the suitability of the word to meet this case, and made clear a text I had often puzzled over, but was obliged to leave, the time for explanation not appearing to have

com e.

Shortly after this, as I was walking home feeling worn ont, mind and body, at not knowing what to do, and fearing that leaving would be an unkind and harsh step to take, (which was continually presented to my mind that it would be) and yet conscience seeming to forbid my remaining, these words were again spoken after a lapse of six months," Arise ye and depart, for this is not your rest, because it is polluted."

My mind was instantly made up-I saw clearly why this verse was given in June, and answered in December. I was strengthened for all I had to contend with in being evil spoken of for this act, and the morning I left this was my portion, "Having a good conscience, that whereas they speak evil of you as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ, for it is better, if the will of God beso, that ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing," (1 Peter iii. 16, 17.) So great was the kindness of the Lord, that he took off the sharp edge of poignant grief on my leaving the spot dearest to me on earth, where I had hoped always to have remained; and I looked back upon it with but half a sigh and scarce a tear.

AN OBSERVER.

VISITS TO THE BRETHREN.

(Continued from page 75.)

Sunday Evening, Oct. 15, Trinity Church, Southampton.-Isaiah lxi. 1, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." The line of thought that the mind was led into on these several occasions, has altogether passed from our recollection; but we remember with respect to this Church, that there is a Magdalene Asylum connected with it. We felt therefore, a fervent desire that the Lord might carry home his word with power to some of these poor erring ones. It is so unspeakably blessed to know and testify of the freeness and the fulness of grace. Jehovah's "uttermost gives such a wondrous scope. "He saveth unto the uttermost all that come unto God by Him." "This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them," is as fresh at this moment, as when first recorded by the Holy Ghost. "Woman, where are these thine accusers? Doth no man condemn thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee; Go, and sin no more." And could she go again and sin, under the freshness and fulness of such a declaration ? Not she indeed. She never hated self or sin, nor did she ever so admire and adore a precious Christ, as at that moment.

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Sin! ere yet the melody of mercy, full and free, has died upon the ear; when Jesus stands revealed in love and blood divine? Impossible! I know, at least in part, my nature. Not a sin there is of which, alas! I am not capable. My heart is base and bad enough for blackest deeds. But there are moments when self and sin are crushed, and Satan skulks away to hide his blushing countenance. Those moments are when Christ is seen! Back in review I'm led to ancient day. There in eternity before creation was or angels had a being, Jehovah sat in council. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost held sacred conference. Man was conceived in the eternal mind. Moulded by a holy God, pure he must be. But, capable of falling, that fall was seen beforehand, and a remedy provided. In sovereignty-a prerogative who dares dispute ?-a certain number were selected from the ruins of the fall; and thence presented to the Lord Jehovah Jesus, who undertakes their rescue. This involves a Suretyship-this, again, assumption of the fallen's natureand, in that nature, death! Time rolls round upon its mighty axis, and at length this glorious Christ appears in human form. The Babe of Bethlehem at first; thence the Man of sorrows, despised, rejected; though Lord of all, yet not where to lay his sacred head. He stoops beneath the ponderous weight of sin. And when admitted for a moment within the sacred precincts of Gethsemane, where the Lord of life and glory sweats great drops of blood, and cries in agony beyond compare, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,' I feel in humble measure and degree what sin is abhor it, and "repent in dust and ashes." Not merely so; but, alas! I see that self-same Lord betrayed-seized by rude hands -borne off to Pilate's hall-there ridiculed, maligned, and buffeted. Again, arrayed in scarlet robe, a crown of thorns thrust on his sacred brow, thence led to Calvary, bearing his cross. Anon, amid the throes of that ignominious death, exclaiming, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And, withal, feeling that He left his heavenly throne-took human nature into union with his own-suffered, bled, and died—and this for me! SIN NOW! Impossible! 'Twere worst of martyrdoms to sin when Christ is thus beheld. Sin for the time becomes. that hideous monster from which one's soul recoils with holy indignation and abhorrence. Not more emphatically does Jehovah say, "Do not this abominable thing that I hate," than does the soul born from above! *

*

If we mistake not, it was during the following week, we took a day's run from London down to Oxford, thence to Olney-places we had long desired to see. Two churches were open at Oxford; and in each two of the Clergy read morning prayers to a congregation not exceeding ten or twelve. Those efforts at devotion reminded one of a Crimean winter. There was a spot, however, produced a very different emotion-the spot where blessed Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer, suffered for the best of Masters, and in a glorious cause! Who knows how soon there may be si