Left our beloved friends reluctantly on the Saturday evening, and almost for the first time in our lives felt nervous on a railway. It was an express train on the Great Western line; and there being no stoppage between Leamington and Birmingham, and the train (if we mistake not) consisting only of two carriages, the oscillation was fearful. Thought in how brief a moment our career might be closed; tried to realize we were on our Master's service, about to deliver His message; that the life-the imperishable" life was hid with Christ in God." Found wait ing at the Birmingham station our beloved brother in Christ, GEORGE COWELL, and the Aged Pilgrim's Widow; and that evening was but the introduction to much sweet communion. Walked next morning with our dear brother to Edgbaston, and took for our text the last verse of the 107th Psalm, the passage spoken home (as before stated) in the neighbourhood of Leamington. Although the Lord's sustaining power was realized at the moment of preaching-felt it was God's incontrover tible truth; yet never remember Satan to have been more busy during the time of speaking. We know not how others may be affected in this respect; but we have oftentimes-as on the occasion referred to-marvelled at being enabled to keep up anything line a connected line of thought and expression. Such a complete jargon has Satan produced, and, for the time being, maintained, that one has been astounded at the present vouchsafing of Divine strength to resist him. On this Sabbath morning, having found his attempts at compromise were abortive, and that Jehovah enabled his feeble dust and ashes to maintain his own truth, towards the close of the service he adopted another course. "Ah, you'll say all you have to say this morning. Better not engage to preach again to-night. You'll have no text. It will be a complete failure; and what a fool you'll appear. Better make an excuse, and say, after so much speaking and travelling, you are not equal to preaching again.' "We doubt not these things will be ridiculed by those whose consciences are so pliable as to disregard God's word, "Behold I am against the prophets that steal my words every one from his neighbour;" or who can go time after time and deliver the same cut-and-dried story. But where a servant of God wants food for himself as well as for the people, the manna of yesterday will not suffice. It has lost both savour and virtue; and he stands in need of something fresh, and homespoken by the Lord. Dined-retired-turned over the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and visa versa. Not a word. All shut up. Satan grinning Time passing; nervous head-ache. Called upon the Aged Pilgrim's widow. No text yet. Not a spark of holy fire. "Where is thy God now" Begged to be alone. Still restless. The very heavens like brass. No more interest in the word than if it had been some old law-book. Talked again. "The Bishop of -," said Mrs. M. "preached in that church last summer; and at the close of his sermon, a lady went into the vestry, and said, 'I heard your lordship many years ago from such a text, and it has been a staff to my mind ever since. "With this staff I passed over this Jordan, and now, I am become two bands," came rolling into the mind with a power and a preciousness indescribable. "That will do," said we to ourselves. "We have a text; and head-ache, darkness, misery, were all gone in a moment; and such a view of Divine sovereignty, faithfulness, and power, was given as made one long to stand in the pulpit, again to testify of a covenant and complete salvation to a covenant people.-Oh, reader, it is worth the contrast; it is worth encountering Satan and all the infernal powers of unbelief, to realize experimentally anew the delivering hand-the timely interposition-of the great Captain of salvation. More is taught in this simple way-in these short seasons of soul-travail and subsequent succour, than in days or months of mere human research. It is when the gospel thus comes, not in word only but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that it is so unspeakably precious; and invests the soul with such a holy boldness as defies Satan and all the artillery of the bottomless pit. It is this special application-this dropping the word into the renewed heart-that produces that perfect fearlessness in times of need, or in the hour of danger, of which we had so sweet an example in the soldier's letter from the field of battle, which appeared in our last Number. Next day, visited the dear old Pilgrim's tomb, and passed some hallowed moments in the contemplation of his-and of the general-resurrection. Evening, attended a Bible-class at Rev. Mr. LILLINGTON's house. It was a most gratifying spectacle to see twelve or fifteen of some of the most influential men in Birmingham, each with their open Bible before them-their beloved, devoted, and truly affectionate Minister at their head; discussing in the most kindly and brother-like way the precious fundamentals of our most holy faith. We know not when we had felt a scene so much. It is vividly before us at this moment. Our spirit-though in person we are so far away-unites with theirs; and we pray our God that He may yet more and more manifestly be in their midst. Oh," thought we, "here, here is one feature of the real strength of our country. Men of business-men of standing Bible-readers, Bible-searchers. Here bending the knee together, and unitedly joining in the holy ardent entreaties of their Minister, following him as it were into the holy of holies, in that blessed access with which he was indulged; pouring out the childlike simple breathings of the soul into the very bosom of our great and sympathizing High-priest. Reader, it was a sacred season. On the following forenoon visited our beloved correspondent, "M. R." She had by a severe affliction been brought down to the very gates of death; but in her extremity the Lord gave her this word, "I shall not die, but live; and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord fulfilled his word [and when does He not?] He raised her up; but she was troubled in mind about the "declaring the works of the Lord." Our sister had overlooked the varied method of "declaring the works of the Lord." There is the private as well as the public testimony for God and truth. There is the living testimony as well as the verbal testimony. There is the personal as well as the preceptive witness. In the very fact of a dear child of God who was known to be looking to the Lord, and leaning upon the Lord, being raised up, when all human help and hope failed, we behold [irrespective of utterance] a blessed declaration of Divine faithfulness and power. Evening. Accompanied by our dear friend, G. C., proceeded to Wolverhampton, and attended a meeting on behalf of our Schools. From the simple circumstance of our friend's going to Wolverhampton on that evening, has arisen the publication of the deeply-interesting tract, "OLD JAMES THE COLLIER," the old miner being present at the meeting, and returning with G. C. by the same train. May the Lord make that little work a blessing. Wednesday Evening, Nov. 1.-St. Paul's, Nottingham, Matt. xiv. 31, "Oh, thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt ?"-Mingled next day with some of the Lord's troubled ones, to whom Jesus and salvation were unspeakably precious. Had no expectation of preaching again on this evening, but was arrested by the words, dropping sweetly into the heart, "Of whom the world was not worthy." This, therefore, was our evening subject. Friday Evening, Nov. 3, Meeting at Warrington.-In our last we adverted to a conversation with our beloved brother, "T. O.," upon business matters. In their ignorance of the vicissitudes and responsibilities of trade, we believe that many of the children of God are apt to overlook the peculiarly trying position of their brethren thus circumstanced. How little do many imagine what a man of principle has to grapple with in his daily contact with the world. How difficult he finds it-and what a work of faith-to "keep a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men." Still if he has his difficulties, he has his deliverances-if his foes, he has a Friend also that sticketh closer than a brother; and, as the Overruler and Controller of all circumstances, as well as the Holder of all hearts; he sometimes is the eye-witness of little less than miraculous interpositions, proving beyond a doubt that "if God be for him, who [in point of real injury] can be against him ?" may illustrate this by a circumstance which occurs to the mind at the moment of writing, and for the truth of which we can vouch.-A certain sum was to be made up within two hours. Money upon the books is one thing at the Banker's, or in the cash-box, is another. There was an unusual let or hindrance upon the mind. No leading hither or thither, as at other times, in quest of what was due. The tenor of thought at that particular juncture seemed to be, "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." However, time passed, and at last at the moment of starting upon a money-seeking errand, a customer called full of anger. "His directions," he said, "had not been attended to;" but, he added, "to prove I do not want to keep you out of your money, here is £10 on account"-the exact sum required to make up the amount. His account had never been sent in; he had never been asked for money; and, upon examination, it was found, according to his We own admission, his orders had been strictly attended to. The work was completed, but neither the balance of his account, nor himself, ever seen afterwards. "The wrath of man shall praise him; the remainder of wrath he will restrain." God feeds his servants with ravens now, as well as in the days of the prophet; and many a poor widow knows what it is for "neither the barrel of meal to waste, nor the cruse of oil to fail." Some of God's servants have spent their last pound, aye, and their last penny; but when, in return, they have needed a penny, or a pound, aye, or even a thousand, their blessed Banker has lent (?) no, GIVEN it. "Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord."-Reader, it is better to draw upon the Bank of Faith than upon the Bank of England. This reminds us of another fact, which came to our knowledge in our recent "Visits to the Brethren." We will mention this, and then for the present close. Certain changes placed a £1000 within the power of one member of a family; other members of the said family were, in consequence, concerned; but, being a child of God, and having a large and liberal heart-the brother in question said, "You need not fear-I will not take advantage." Within a few days, an aged friend, altogether ignorant of these facts, called, and, in course of conversation, said, "I wish to apprize you, for your future guidance, that I have put you down a £1000 in my will."-Reader, "There is that scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and tendeth to poverty. "The liberal soul deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things shall he stand." وو (To be continued.) COMPOSED BY REV. - THE JUDGMENT HYMN, BATTEN, AND COPIED A. D. 1806, BY E. G., WHO THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION ENTERED THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, A. D. 1854. HARK! 'tis the trump of God Yields up her store! Changed in a moment's space, Now they attempt to fly, Dreadfully near! Quick reels the bursting earth, Hurl'd from her sphere! O my Redeemer come, High on a flaming throne Thousands of thousands wait Glorifi'd there! Lo! I draw near. O my approving God, Through the expansé ! A PAGE FOR THE AGED; OR THE OLD MAN OF SHAPINSHAY, in "There is a period known to God, When all his sheep, redeem'd by blood, Glory to God, they ne'er shall rove Beyond the limits of his love; Fenced with Jehovah's "shalls" and "wills," "Th' appointed time rolls on apace, So sings the dear old poet (Kent), and so testifies the experience of God's saints every age. Perhaps, however, it would be difficult to find a more striking instance of this preserving care and sovereign mercy, than the following, recorded in the "Lives" of those great and blessed men of God, Robert and James A. Haldane. In the year 1797, the latter of these gentlemen, in company with his friend, Mr. Aikman, made his first memorable missionary tour to the Orkney Islands, and it was while staying at Kirkwall that the circumstances mentioned occurred. "Mr. J. A. Haldane," writes his biographer, "who was always the first to undertake the more laborious duties, for which his physical health and energy also better fitted him, crossed over to Shapinshay, in a boat sent for the purpose by the people, and preached twice by the sea-side, to congregations comprising the greatest part of the population of the island. But this visit was rendered memorable by the conversion of an old man, of ninety-two, who had been born in the reign of Queen Anne, and was now confined to his bed. Mr. J. A. Haldane visited him after sermon, and found him hardly able to speak, although quite sensible. In his Journal he says, 'Asked him what was to become of him after death? He replied that he was very ignorant, could not read, but had sometimes prayed to God. On being asked, whether he knew anything of Christ, he acknowledged his entire ignorance.' The old man stated, that he remembered how, when a lad, herding cattle, under a sense of darkness as to his future state, he once prayed to God that some teacher might be sent to enlighten his ignorance. This prayer seems to have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and, after being treasured up for nearly eighty years, was answered almost at the last hour of parting life. James Haldane was to the old man as the messenger of peace, and preached to him the Gospel, declaring that now the Lord was waiting to be gracious, and that if he believed what the word of God testified of his guilt and misery, and of the Person and work of Christ as that of an Almighty Saviour, he should be saved. He "seemed much affected, and grasped the speaker eagerly by the hand. He cried to God for the pardon of his sins; and being informed that his prayers could only be heard through Jesus Christ, who came to save the very chief of sinners, he called upon that Saviour for mercy, and repeatedly exclaimed, I believe, I believe. This recalled strongly to our mind the case of the blind man, who, as soon as he knew the Son of God, worshipped Him." This was on the 13th of August: on the 23rd they left Kirkwall, but before he did so, Mr. Haldane failed not again to visit Shapinshay, and see the poor, solitary, dying nonagenarian."Once more," we are told, "he visited him, but found him unable to speak, although still sensible and capable of expressing intense pleasure in once more seeing his instructor. He was supported in his bed while Mr. Haldane spoke, and showed that he understood what was said, by clasping his withered hands, and raising them to heaven as if in the attitude of thanksgiving. Upon asking him whether he wished that prayer should be made, he evinced his desire, as far as possible, by attempting to speak. His wife said that he had wept much after our leaving him on the former day. She had occasionally read to him parts of Scripture. He died on the next Lord's day, and the joy with which he received the Gospel, the earnest delight with which he welcomed the second visit of his spiritual teacher, and the devout peace in which he departed, left no room to doubt that he slept in Jesus." Surely, beloved, this is a surprising and delightful narrative, and one richly fraught with instruction and consolation to the aged sinner. In truth, we hardly know which should excite our admiration the most: the power which preserved this "chosen vessel" in Christ for ninety-two years-the grace which called him then at the eleventh hour-or the faithfulness which answered his dark cry for mercy eighty years after it was uttered! How great was the power that preserved him! To that extraordinary age; in that cold and inhospitable region; amid all the dangers of its tempestuous seas; through all the hardships of his humble lot. Oh, think of him, ninety-two years of age, trembling on the very border of the grave, heart and flesh failing, but not allowed to die, till, at the appointed hour the appointed messenger should be sent to declare to him the joyful tidings of his salvation. Reader, who need despair? Art thou an old man ?-yet scarcely we may suppose so old as him of whom we speak. Art thou ignorant in thy age ?-yet hardly, we may hope, so ignorant as him who at ninety-two had never heard the story of peace. Does death seem very near? not nearer perhaps than it was to him who heard and received the Gospel within a few days of his death! "Is anything too hard for the Lord ?" How matchless was the grace that called him! Grown old in sin-the slave of Satan for ninety-two years" having no hope, and without God in the world," till he lay now as it were, within the very grasp of death. And yet saved at last! saved even then! plucked as a very brand from the burning, though like an aged tree upon time's extremest verge, which the axe of death was cutting down, and which inclined already fearfully over the pit of hell, he seemed the certain prey of Satan. Saved then. Oh, matchless grace! Oh, glorious Saviour! Aye, reader, and the same now as then, remember: as full of power and as full of grace to save you, if you are willing, as the old man of Shapinshay. How wonderful was the faithfulness which answered such a prayer after such an interval! Hast thou ever, my reader, in some dark season of trial, in some hour of awakened conscience, upon some bed of sickness which seemed likely to be a bed of death, uttered some such a wild vague cry for mercy, for light, for salvation? And has no answer come? has that prayer seemed like an arrow shot into the air? have months and years rolled on, and still thou art without any hopes of heavenand still thou art full of fears of hell? How long hast thou waited?eighty years? If not, an answer may yet come. That prayer may have been heard and treasured up in heaven like that of the old man of Shapinshay, and its answer, like his, descend at last in rich, and sovereign, and eternal blessing. Reader, Jesus "is able to save them to the uttermost "-to the uttermost of sin, the uttermost of ignorance, and the uttermost of life-"that come unto God by Him" (Heb. vii. 25). "Come unto me," He says, "all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. xi. 28). "Even to old age I am and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you" (Isa. xlvi. 4). May the Lord the Spirit enable you to rest your soul upon these sure and precious promises of God. Liverpool. He; M. M. on them. Protestant Beacon. ROMANISM AND CRIME. STATESMEN hate discussion on religious doctrine. Well, we are not about to inflict one We shall speak not of opinions, but of their results; not of faith, but of works. Our quarrel with Maynooth is, not that it gives forth some strange doctrines, to which we can give no credence, but that it helps to fill the world with crime and wickedness. Perhaps this fact, often adverted to before, has never been so fully established |