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PEARL OF PEARLS.

image must this family present of squalid and disguisting wretchedness! The scene may be conceived. Observation and experience too, alas! may aid imagination in recalling it. But we are impatient of the subject. Our heart is warm with sympathy for the injured, pity drops her tears over the scene of their wretchedness, but indignation boils, wrath becomes furious, contempt rises into maddened rage, in beholding the conduct of the monster, who, for the darling liquor, will sell the birth-right of his family, the honour and happiness of his wife, the comforts, and interests, and prosperity of his children. And yet can we hold the drunkard in wrath? Are we justified in viewing the man with the feelings which his conduct inspires? No! The principles of humanity and the gospel for

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bid. We love him as a fellow mortal. We appreciate him as a subject of immortality. And why shun our society, why shrink from our intercourse and friendship, oh unfortunate brother? Thy virtues we have admired, thy intellectual attainments we have long acknowledged with pride. Thy weakness we pity and compassionate, and in love to thee as a fellow and a friend, we point you to the consequences of your sin, and would that conscience would impressively acquaint thee with thy folly. Who hath wo? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babblings? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.' Prov. xxiii. 29, 30.

Poetry.

"Methinks such lovely flowers as these Should never know decayThat look so beautiful and fair,

And such bright tints disclose: Then, dear mamma, oh! tell me why So quickly fades the rose?

"I've often heard you say, mamma, How life is like a flower,

Which, though it passing fair doth seem,
May wither in an hour:

But why, mamma, is life so short?
And why do flowers decay?
And why is every joy on earth
Destined to pass away?

Pearl of Pearls.

Evening

A WEALTHY lady of Java, having been married to an English gentleman, came to reside in Britain. Being unacquainted with the English language and manners, she spent a large portion of her time in decking herself with her jewels, of which she had a large and costly collection, and in often turning them over and admiring them in the glitter of the sun. "This poor place-poor place!" said she one day to one of her servants, who was a Scotchwoman. Why, madam?" asked the servant. "Me look out of the window," replied the lady, "and me see no women with jewels onno jewels to be seen. My country all

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"You said when little brother died-
That child we all did love-
That he was gone where brightest flowers
Deck the sweet meads above:
But why, mamma, did brother die,
And leave us here to pine?
And wherefore must we sigh in grief,
And every hope resign?"

"My sweetest child," the mother cried,
"We will no more complain,
Since mourning never can restore
The lost one back again;

But rather let us joy, my love,

At this assurance given,

That all which fadeth here on earth Blooms yet more sweet in Heaven." L.M. THORNTON.

Talk.

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covered with diamonds and pearls. We dig into hills in my country, and we get gold, and silver, and precious jewels. You dig into your hills, and get nothing but stones.' "O yes, madam," replied the servant; "we have a Pearl in our countrya Pearl of great price." "Pearl of great price!" exclaimed her mistress; "have you, indeed? O that my husband was come home: he buy me this pearl: me part with all my pearls when he come home, to get this Pearl of so great price." but," said the servant, "this Pearl, madam, is not to be had in the way you think. It is a precious Pearl, indeed; and they who have it cannot lose it; and they are at peace, and have all they wish for."

"Ah,

"Say

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NOTICES OF NEW WORKS.

you so?" asked the astonished lady; "what can this Pearl be?" "It is the Lord Jesus Christ," replied the servant; "it is the blessed truth that he came into the world to save sinners. All who believe this truth, and have Christ in their hearts, possess what makes them rich and happy; and so precious is Christ to them, that they count all things but loss for the excellency

of knowing him." The Javanese lady was so struck with her servant's remarks, as to be thrown into serious reflection. She fell under the hand of affliction; and, on her sick bed, she directed that her jewels should be sold, and that the money obtained for them should be expended in sending messengers to proclaim the Pearl of great price in such countries as her native land.

Notices of New Works.

NONE BUT JESUS; or Christ All and in All. By JABEZ BURNS, D.D. Third Thousand. Houlston and Stoneman, 65 Paternoster Row, London.

THE religious public are already well acquainted with the authorship of Dr. Burns, through the medium of the many practical works issuing from his pen; they will therefore prepare to expect from him something decidedly useful in this treatise; nor will they be disappointed. The same skill in construction, the same evidences of experience, the same kindly feelings which distinguish his other writings, are to be met with in this little work. The volume

is designed to extol the Redeemer; and it does this in a manner at once masterly and captivating. It may be read by all classes with interest and profit. It deserve an extensive circulation, and we have little

doubt but that it will meet with one.

YOUTHFUL PIETY. Exhibited in its Princi

ples, Excellencies, and Happy Results. Designed to promote Early Religion. By JABEZ BURNS, D.D. 2nd Series, pp.160. THIS is a nice little volume, got up in a handsome form, adorned with several impressive wood-engravings, on a subject of supreme importance. For what is comparable to youthful piety? Nothing so lovely-so valuable. And the treatment bestowed upon this transcendent theme is worthy of its author-chaste, simple, varied, eminently adapted to the capacities of that large and important class of readers to be found in our home circles, in our Sabbath and Daily Schools. It has merit sufficient to render it a great favorite with Christian parents as a present to their children.

DOCTRINAL CONVERSATIONS. On Predestination-Free Will-Election-Universal Atonement-the Work of the Holy SpiritFaith, and the Final Perseverance of the Saints. Designed to illustrate the Universal Love of God, and the Responsibility of Man. By JABEZ BURNS, D.D. pp. 68. THIS was a most happy thought, and it is admirably executed. Perhaps the most

absurd and injurious adage that has ever gained currency among mankind, is, "that it is no difference what a man believes, if he only be sincere." Now, the truth is, that the more sincerely a man believes falsehood, the more destructive it is to all his interests, for time and eternity. Clear and correct views on the doctrines of Christianity are of prime importance to all, and especially to those entrusted with the instruction of the young. To Sabbath School teachers, therefore, this is a book of great value. It is written in a compact and condensed, yet familiar style; and, if read with care, can hardly help removing some of the difficulties they may have experienced, and enabling them to hold and teach in a more tangible form the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel. The author's studied condensation of style, has in some instances exposed him to misconception; but still we very cordially recommend the book.

HINTS TO CHURCH MEMBERS. On the Duties and Responsibilities arising from Christian Fellowship. By JABEZ BURNS, D.D. pp. 32.

THIS is a monitor for the times, and in its publication Dr. Burns has performed good service. Some such thing was greatly wanted. It is a kind and faithful exposition of the Church Member's duty in all its principal bearings. We wish a copy of it were to be found in the hand of every member in the kingdom.

THE SABBATH TREASURE. Containing a Passage of Scripture, an original Hymn, and Questions and Counsels_for_every Lord's Day in the Year. By JABEZ BURNS, D.D. pp. 61.

AN admirable help to the peruser, in the delightful work of improving the Lord's day.

Printed by JOHN KENNEDY, at his Printing Office, 35,

Portman Place, Maida Hill, in the County of Middlesex, London.-October, 1850.

Theology.

DUTY OF PARENTAL INSTRUCTION.

BEYOND all doubt, the duty of training the young in the fear of the Lord, devolves on parents. Reason itself may teach us this. Does not reason tell a parent, that if there be aught in religion which does himself good, or gives him pleasure, any thing which fits him for acting his part in life, prepares him for enduring its trials, and for enjoying a nobler state of being,-be should exert the influence which God has given him over his children, and embrace the favourable opportunities which are daily occurring, for teaching them a knowledge of its nature, and bringing them under its hallowed power? By neglecting this, he disregards the dictates of nature herself, and shows himself to be destitute of genuine affection for his dear offspring. If he would part, with the very morsel which should satisfy his own cravings, rather than that they should die of hunger; should he not be more willing to feed their precious souls with the bread of life? He who should suffer his children to die of hunger, while he has the power of preventing it, is justly pronounced a monster, destitute of natural affection. How much more is he a monster, who possessed of the knowledge of salvation, and professing to have felt its power, suffers his dear offspring to grow up as ignorant and immoral as pagans! Kind he may be in other respects, but in this respect he is cruel as the ostrich. The immortal beings whom God has intrusted to his care, are verily to be pitied. They are like sheep without a shepherd, perishing in a barren desert, and ready to be devoured by the ravening wolves.

The religion of Jesus strengthens these obligations. It constitutes every parent the prophet over his own family, and solemnly charges him, as he values his own soul, and the souls of his offspring, to be diligent in imbuing their minds with the knowledge and the love of religious truth. It lays him under an awful responsibility, if he neglect them, and assures him that, if they perish through his neglect, their blood shall be upon his head. The wisdom of this appointment must be evident to all. The early and familiar intercourse which a parent has with his children, gives him the most favourable opportunities of teaching them the way of the Lord. The hold which he has on their affections gives a charm and a weight to his instructions, which none else can lay claim to. No master can teach so successfully as a parent. Providence has placed him in the most favourable circumstances, and incalculable is the good which might be done, were these conscientiously improved. The obligations under which a Christian parent is laid to discharge this duty, are of the most solemn kind. The Bible, which he recognizes as the rule of his faith and practice, commands him to train up his child in the way he should go. By a regard to consistency, and to the future well-being of his child, he is bound to instruct him, both by precept and example, according to the ability and the opportunity which God giveth him.

This is a duty which has been attended to by the people of God in every age; and for that, many of them have obtained a name and a memorial in the records of truth. "I know my servant, Abraham," saith God," that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do judgment and justice." "As for me and my house," said Joshua, we will serve the Lord." Cornelius, though a Gentile and a soldier, feared God, with all his house. The jailer was not content till his

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household, as well as himself, were baptized. The following passages warrant us to believe, that the instruction of their children was a common duty, with Jewish parents. "These things which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children.” The Lord established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known unto their children, that the generation to come might know them, even the children that should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children, that they might set their hope in God." The sin and danger of neglecting this duty were marked out in a very signal manner, in the judgment executed upon Eli, in the death of his impious sons.

But, must it not be confessed, and is it not deeply to be deplored, that there is a grevious deficiency in this department of duty in modern times? Is it not to be feared, that there are multitudes, even of professedly Christian parents, who take no interest in, and use no exertions for the religious training of their children? While they cheerfully pay for such an education and such accomplishments as shall fit them for the world,—the education of the heart, the training for eternity, is lamentably neglected. Their children might be heathens for them, ignorant even of the existence of a God; for even that, they do not teach them. The good old practice of catechising the family on the Sabbath evening, so faithfully kept up by our pious ancestors, and in consequence of which they were, generally, so deeply versed in Scripture truth, is fallen into almost total disuse. Parents, awake to a sense of your duty! Let not the burden of instructing your children be entirely rolled over to Ministers and Sabbath School Teachers. Forget not, that in the chain of instructors for the rising youth, the parent forms the staple ring. Let mothers, who have the best of all opportunities to rear the tender mind, and teach the young idea how to shoot, breathe into the ear of their nurslings, the name of Jesus; and let fathers aid them in instilling into their tender minds, the lessons of heavenly wisdom. Next to having secured your own salvation, it will afford you comfort on a dying bed, that you have been instrumental in the conversion of your children. You will leave them on earth, in prospect of meeting them in heaven, where your bliss will be consummated for ever.

ON PRAYER.

PRAYER is the application of want to him who alone can relieve it, the voice of sin to him who alone can pardon it. It is the urgency of poverty, the prostration of humility, the fervency of penitence, the confidence of trust. It is not eloquence, but earnestness; not figures of speech but compunction of soul. is the "Lord save us, or we perish," of drowning Peter; the cry of faith to the ear of Mercy.

It

Adoration is the noblest employment of created beings; confession, the natural language of guilty creatures; praise, the spontaneous expression of pardoned sinners. Prayer is desire; the abasement of contrition; the energy of gratitude. It is not a mere conception of the mind, nor an effort of the intellect, nor an act of the memory; but an elevation of the soul towards its Maker. It is the devout breathing of a creature struck with a sense of its own misery, and of the infinite holiness of Him whom it is addressing, experimentally

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convinced of its own emptiness, and of the abundant fulness of God, of his readiness to hear, of his power to help, of his willingness to save. It is not an emotion produced in the senses, nor an effect wrought by the imagination; but a determination of the will, an effusion of the heart.

Prayer is the guide to self-knowledge, by prompting us to look after our sins, in order to pray against them; it is a motive to vigilance, by teaching us to guard against those sins which, through self-examination, we have been enabled to detect.

Prayer is both an act of the understanding and of the heart. The understanding must apply itself to the knowledge of the Divine perfections, or the heart will not be led to the adoration of them. It would not be a reasonable service, if the mind was excluded. It must be rational worship; or the human worshipper would not bring to the service the distinguishing faculty of his nature, which is reason. It must be spiritual worship, or it would want the distinctive quality to make it acceptable to him who is a Spirit, and who has declared that he will be worshipped "in spirit and in truth."

Prayer is right in itself as the most powerful means of resisting sin and advancing in holiness. It is above all right, as everything is, which has the authority of Scripture, the command of God, and the example of Christ.

There is a perfect consistency in all the ordinations of God; a perfect congruity in the whole scheme of his dispensations. If man were not a corrupt creature, such prayer as the gospel enjoins would not have been necessary. Had not prayer been an important means for curing these corruptions, a God of perfect wisdom would not have ordered it. He would not have prohibited every thing which tends to inflame and promote them, had they not existed; nor would he have commanded every thing that has a tendency to diminish and remove them, had not their existence been fatal. Prayer, therefore, is an indispensable part of his economy and of our obedience.

It is a hackneyed objection to the use of prayer, that it is offending the conscience of God to suppose he requires information of our wants. But no objection can be more futile. We do not pray to inform God of our wants, but to express our sense of the wants which he already knows. As he has not so much made his promises to our necessities as to our requests, it is reasonable that our requests should be made before we can hope that our necessities will be relieved. God does not promise to those who want that they shall "have," but to those who "ask;" nor to those who need that they shall "find," but to those who "seek." So far, therefore, from his previous knowledge of our wants being a ground of objection to prayer, it is, in fact, the true ground for our application. Were he not knowledge itself, our information would be of as little use as our application would be, were he not goodness itself.

We cannot attain to a just notion of prayer while we remain ignorant of our own nature, of the nature of God as revealed in Scripture, of our relation to him, and dependence on him. If, therefore, we do not live in the daily study of the Holy Scriptures, we shall want the highest motives to this duty, and the best helps for the performing it; if we do, the cogency of these motives, and the inestimable value of these helps, will render argument unnecessary, and exhortation superfluous.

One cause, therefore, of the dulness of many Christians in prayer, is their slight acquaintance with the sacred volume. They hear it periodically, they are contented to know it historically, to consider it superficially; but they do

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