I would not ask to be of them
Whom Thou shalt place on high;
It were enough if at Thy feet
I might forever lie.

Could I but dimly see Thy face,
Thy voice but faintly hear,
The light of heaven were on my soul,
Its music in my ear.

A FABLE AND ITS APPLICATION.

M. W.

HERE is an ancient fable,", east, and all the valor and authority of the

says Bishop Heber, "told by the Greek and Roman Churches, which, fable as it is, may for its beauty and singularity well deserve to be remembered, that in one of the earliest persecutions to which the Christian world was exposed, seven Christian youths sought concealment in a lonely cave, and there, by God's appointment, fell into a deep and death-like slumber. They slept, the legend runs, two hundred years, till the greater part of mankind had received the faith of the gospel, and that Church which they had left a poor and afflicted orphan, had kings' for her nursing fathers, and queens' for her nursing mothers'. They then at length awoke, and entering into their native Ephesus, so altered now that its streets were altogether unknown to them, they cautiously inquired if there were any Christians in the city? Christians!' was the answer,

western world were exerted to protect and endow the professors and teachers of their religion.

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But joyful as these tidings must, at first, have been, their further inquiries are said to have been met with answers which very deeply surprised and pained them. They learned that the greater part of those who called themselves by the name of CHRIST, were strangely regardless of the blessings which Christ had bestowed, and of the obligations which He had laid on His followers. They found that, as the world had become Christian, Christianity itself had become worldly; and wearied and sorrowful, they besought of GOD to lay them asleep again, crying out to those who followed them, you have shown us many heathens who have given up their old idolatry without gaining anything better in its room; many who are of no religion at all; and many with whom the religion of CHRIST is no more than a cloak of licentious

And thus they returned to their cave; and there GOD had compassion on them, releasing them, once for all, from that world for whose reproof their days had been lengthened, and removing their souls to the society of their ancient friends and pastors, the martyrs and saints of an earlier and better generation."

we are all Christians here!' and they heardness; but where, where are the Christians?' with a thankful joy the change which, since they had left the world, had taken place in the opinions of its inhabitants. On one side, they were shown a stately fabric adorned with a gilded cross, and dedicated, as they were told, to the worship of their crucified Master; on another, schools for the public exposition of those gospels, of which, so short a time before, the bare profession was proscribed and deadly. But no fear was now to be entertained of those miseries which had encircled the cradle of Christianity; no danger, now, of the rack, the lions, or the sword; the emperor and his prefects held the same faith with themselves, and all the wealth of the

The reproof of this legend has a palpable application to the present day. Christianity has the name of reigning in all parts of the world. Not only is the controlling influence in political affairs with the nations which profess and call themselves Christian, but a kingdom that is not in theory a supporter of the gospel and adorned with edifices supposed

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the things which are God's." Far from it. They indicate nothing better than a prevailing conviction that might and right are identical-that it is better to be powerful than virtuous, and that it is both allowable and wise to practice on the odious maxim that "the end sanctifies the means." How inconsistent with the teachings of the Prince of Peace are the wars which Christian states wage against each other! How basely unchristian the acts with which they despoil territories adorned with as many ecclesiastical edifices as their own! How utterly savage the cruelty with which they slaughter the professors of adherence to the same religion that they pretend to uphold and support!

to be sacred to the diffusion of the knowledge of the doctrines and principles of Christ, is a clear and almost disgracefully marked exception. Among the titles princes arrogate to themselves, the most common are such as "Defender of the Faith," "Most Christian" Most Catholic Majesty." The very forms of legal documents are made to run "In the name of God, Amen," while every where the legal oath has to be administered on "The Holy Evangelists." Architecture, painting, sculpture, music, poetry-each and all find their best patronage in the Christian Church, and their most desired applications are those connected with Christian worship. The very regiments that are drilled and trained for the desperate and bloody deeds of { The application of the reproof contained in war, and the ships which as so many floating the legend is very far from being confined to fortresses are sent in search of foes and to governments and their operations. The destroy them, are provided with their Chris- pure simplicity which characterized the tian chaplains. So prevalent is the opinion primitive days of Christianity has so far vanthat we must all be adherents of the once de-ished as to find illustrations and even apolospised Saviour of mankind, that the right to be gists in very few, and they generally living called a Christian is claimed by even the reck-in unobtrusive and nearly unnoticed retireless evil liver who has not as much as passed through the sacred baptismal entrance door of the Church. He deems himself insulted if the title be denied him. A sort of fashion for speaking respectfully of evangelical institutions and the instructions of our LORD has been established, and as a consequence, ladies in the ball-room and gentlemen with oaths will assure you that there are no adherents of CHRIST more steadfast than they.

ment. We have an occasional and highly honorable exception; but, as a general rule, the piety of the higher classes, as they are called, is the piety of ostentation. In their hands, the Christianity which was to reform and save the world, has become worldly. Though appointed to occasion and help to

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righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness," it is actually made to contribute to "the love of the world," "the lust Such is the state of things in its outward of the eyes, and the pride of life." Though aspect. In other words, such is the Chris- its Divine Author both set an example of tianity of the world, according to its own or self-denial, and orders "whosoever will come external representation. But what says the after me, let him take up his cross and follow prevailing spirit? Most unequivocally and me," it is caused to further the most narrow decidedly this-The world, in spite of its and selfish schemes for individual agrandizearrogant assumption of the duties of protect- ment or other secular profit. Its doctrines or of faith and its pretentions of devotion to are explained away, because they do not Godliness, acts upon its own principles still. flatter sinful man with a pleasing picture of By what motives are statesmen controlled? himself; or because they are so far above or What are the governing rules and maxims in beyond the efforts of human intellects to diplomacy? What do the transactions of sound them that they teach us a lesson regovernments with each other indicate? Not, specting our comparative littleness. Hence, surely, that they believe it true that it is best the freedom with which many so-called to “Do justice, love mercy, and walk hum- Christians disallow the divinity of the Rebly with God," and to "Render unto Cæsar deemer, and so " deny the GoD who bought the things which are Cæsar's, and unto GoDthem." Hence, too, the alarmingly operative

disposition to indulge and countenance schism.] every thing which has transpired on the By the prevalence of the idea of a "spiritual earth since he was martyred, should now be Church," as something different and superior to "the visible Church"-a something with which the visible Church may have no connection,—a spirit of rationalizing worldliness is as much disclosed, as is inconsistency by the fashion and folly which seek to clothe themselves in religious garbs. The constant and nearly general effort is to explain away what Christ and his Apostles have ordered to be conformed to and retained. And so it is that where St. Paul, for example, contemplated only obedience and unity, we have now self-will, and discord, and divisions. Some are of Paul; some of Apollos; some of Cephas: and it has come plainly to this, CHRIST is divided! His holy body is rent in pieces; and the deed is the work of his professed servants and friends.

permitted to return to life. His whole soul was given to "the Church of the living God." To it, therefore, his attention would at once be directed. He would say that so far as it is an institution or society, it is perfect still. But what would he say respecting the spirit animating the members?-what respecting the worldliness that seeks not only to disregard its teaching, but also to subvert the doctrines on which it is built and by which it stands? It is easy to comprehend how completely his righteous soul would be deluged with grief, at the sight of the perversions and arrogant misconduct he would behold. But he probably would not, like the seven fabulous youths of Ephesus, ask to be again withdrawn from earth. His love for Christ, and his devotion to the cause of righteousness and truth, cannot have abated; and therefore we may be certain that, with his old intrepidity, he would give himself to the

Even among those who have not directly aided in the desolating operations which successively have torn limb after limb from the Church, there is a restlessness, and captious-work of bringing back from the error of their ness, and jealousy, and distrust, which prevent sound doctrine from having a free course, and does not allow it to prevail. The evidence is, that far too many do not like to be bound by scriptural precepts, and the things which the Church, under scriptural authority, enacts. They would like to do only what is right in their own eyes, claim to have another liberty than that "wherewith Christ has made us free," and will "call no man master"—not even those chief ministers" which properly "have the rule over them." Among the deacons and priests, the disobedient are popular; among the people, the reckless and indifferent are praised," for all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's."

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Suppose, in the spirit of the legend we have quoted, that the great Apostle to the Gentiles having, by special arrangement in the abode of spirits, been kept ignorant of

ways the many who have gone astray. Perceiving that, according to his own prophecy, the time has come when the people" will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts keep to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and turn away their ears from the truth, and are turned unto fables," he would, in the language of his direction to Timothy, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine." And what words of admonition would he be more likely to use, as applicable to the deplorable inconsistencies among Christians, than, "Now I beseeech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

R. C.

THE ORPHAN'S FRIEND.

UPPOSE, mother, that you,
and father were to die, as
uncle John did, who would

take care of me, I want to
know?"

moment was never forgotten during the whole of her life.

Some months passed on, and Jane Hopkins was sent to the parish school, where she was a quick scholar and a good girl, though sometimes rather careless, and a little inclined to be obstinate. Winter came, and in her hours of play, Jane, though not a strong child, enjoyed with her school-fellows a game at snow-balls, or running about in the snow, almost as much as she had enjoyed her summer sports; but yet, while full of happy, harmless gaiety, she did not lose her thoughtful turn of mind, nor forget her mother's teaching; often would she repeat to herself a text which her mother had shown her, and made her learn by heart: When my father and mother forsake me, the Lord taketh me

"God Almighty would take care of my dear child," was the good mother's reply; and from this she took occasion to teach her child somewhat respecting the goodness and care of her heavenly Father. Jane Hopkins, the little girl who had put this question to her mother, was only about six years of age, but she was thoughtful beyond her years; and though of a cheerful, was yet of a very serious turn of mind. To many persons it may seem strange to speak of her being both cheerful and serious; but I know not why these two feelings should be con-up." trary to each other; indeed, the same apos- One day, when Jane came home from tle, St. Paul, who bids us to rejoice ever-school, she seemed very much out of sorts. more," tells us, almost in the same breath, as It was one of those cold-blowing days in it were, to "pray without ceasing."

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Jane had been playing merrily on the little green by the road-side, in front of her father's cottage, and thinking (happy girl!) to herself, what a good father and mother she had, when, all at once, she heard the church-bell beginning to toll. The solemn sound was, she well knew, a warning that somebody in the parish was dead; and it called back again to her mind the recent death of her good uncle, who had lived not far from them, and had always been very kind to his dear little niece. In the midst of her play, Jane stopped to listen to the distant bell, and then, wiping away her tears with her pinafore, she ran to her mother to ask her the question, "Who would take care of me, if father and mother were to die?"

That the Lord would take care of her, that "He is a father of the fatherless, and the God of the widow, even God in His holy habitation," was a truth which the little girl's mind was in a fit state to receive; and the lesson which her mother taught her at that

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March, against which a strong man scarcely knows how to stand, much less a delicate child. But it was not only with laboring and beating against the wind that our little scholar was vexed and tired; she was vexed with herself, she was angry at her own conduct, for having been a careless and naughty girl; she was angry also (though without just cause) at her mistress, who had been obliged to put her down to the very bottom of her class. Quite out of breath with the wind, and half choking with mingled feelings of anger and of shame, she ran into the cottage, and, sitting down upon a chair, began to cry violently. Her mother was up stairs when she came in, but hearing a noise, she hastened down to see what was the matter; and, after a little while, Jane, who wanted a good deal of quiet talking in order to bring her to herself, confessed to her mother that she had been behaving very ill, and promised to try, with God's help, to be a better child in future.

much for her to bear to

for your poor father and I have only you, ( it was almost too and it will be sad indeed for us if you do not think about at all. And yet she must think turn out to be a good child. Besides, you of these things-she could not help thinking know, Jane, what a sad cold your father has of them. One only comfort, but that was a had ever since just after Christmas; well, he sufficient one, was still left for the mother and has been obliged to leave his work to-day, her weeping child. They knew that they and to come home and go to bed. And Dr. had a Father, a Saviour, a Friend in heaven. Davis has just been here, and ordered a blis- They were sure, they were quite sure, that, ter and some leeches, which I must go down whatever might happen to them, God and fetch directly; so don't you add to our Almighty would take care of them. And in troubles by behaving yourself ill; pray don't, the strength of this assurance, they watched there's a dear little girl." the gradual decline of a husband and a father; supported by faith in God, they stood upon the edge of that grave wherein they saw the remains of one they so dearly loved committed to the ground,—“ earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust;" but they looked upon the mournful sight with the eyes of Christian faith; they beheld it "in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ."

So saying, the kind mother kissed her daughter, and, leaving her to wait upon her father, went out to fetch the blister to the village, which was about a mile distant. The evening was very boisterous, and before she could get back again, Jane's mother was nearly wet through. Altogether, that night was one of the most unhappy nights that Jane Hopkins had ever spent; and one great reason why it was so, arose from the remembrance that her troubles had been partly caused by her own faults.

But this evening proved only the beginning of her troubles; for her father, whom the blister and bleeding had eased at the time, continued still to grow weaker, rather than stronger; her mother, too, had caught a very bad cold on the night when she had been forced to go to the doctor's through the rain; and so Jane had but a sick house to come home to, and was obliged to ask leave of her mistress to stay away from school for a few days, while her mother's cold was at the worst. That, however, after a time, became better, and her mother was pretty well again by the end of April-only, very weak. But Jane's father was evidently getting worse and worse, until at length the doctor said that he did not think it possible that his life could be saved. Poor little Jane! what a shock was this to her affectionate heart! To think how often she had sat upon his knee, and talked to him by the hour together; how often, when she was little, he had carried her to church or to the Sunday-school; to think how much he loved his only child, and how dearly he was beloved by her; to think of losing him! to think of what was to become of them when he was taken from them!-oh,

It was little more than a twelvemonth since Jane's thoughts had been led by the sound of the funeral-bell towards the possibility of her losing her kind and good parents, that she found this had actually taken place with regard to one of them. The sun shone as brightly, the birds sang as merrily, the fields looked as richly, as they had done on the day when she was sporting so gaily upon the fresh green turf: but now, alas, her father was no more; "the dust had returned to the earth as it was, and the spirit had returned to God who gave it." Jane's neat black frock, her altered looks and heavy heart, bore witness to the greatness of the loss that had befallen her. Every thing, indeed, served to put her in mind of the change that had taken place. The house in which she had been born, the little room in which she had so often rested, the green on which she used to play so gaily, the school where she had learned so much that was good, the church where her parents had always taken her to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;" all these beloved and well-known objects, which seemed to her to be, as it were, parts of herself, were to be left; and her mother, unable any longer to pay the rent of their cottage, was preparing to move into another parish, which, although only six