SIMPLICITY, OR WANT OF UNDERSTANDING. Be not children in understanding. 1 Cor. xiv: 20. DEEP in a meadow of rich verdure green, She's much affrighted, and bursts forth in tears; The engraving shows a little child, | in her simplicity, she courts death, and all alone in a field. In its simplicity it fondles a deadly serpent; attracted by its brilliant and shining colors, the artless child takes hold of it without fear. She is about to take it to her bosom, when the cricket's merry chirp is heard; she is startled. In a moment the lively insect, with one spring, stands before her. Now she cries out for fear; she is greatly terrified. Thus, embraces it; while she is frightened at homeliness, accompanied by inno• cence and song. This is an emblem of the young and inexperienced. The term simple, or simplicity, has a twofold meaning in Scripture. There are "the simple whom "the Lord preserveth," and "the simple" who "pass on and are punished." In the first instance, it The signifies sincerity, innocence; in the follow the godly admonitions of parsecond, folly, or want of understand-ents and guardians. This would save ing. It may, therefore, be applied to them many a false step, and much the young, and the inconsiderate of misery in after-life. all ages, who, for want of knowledge Appearances are deceitful. and experience, act without consider- ignus-fatuus looks like a friendly light, ing the consequences of their actions. but it betrays the unwary traveler The youth knows not how to judge down to the secret chambers of death. of objects that present themselves be- Poisoned berries sometimes look like. fore him. Inexperienced, he knows tempting grapes; ice, though it may not how to choose aright. He is in seem firm, oftentimes breaks in, and constant danger of putting evil for plunges the rash youth into a watery good, and good for evil; bitter for grave; wine, when it giveth its color sweet, and sweet for bitter. Hence, in the cup, at the last it biteth like he needs the instruction of God's a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Holy Word to enable him to discern It was when Eve saw that the tree the things that are excellent; to prove was pleasant to the eyes, that she all things, and hold fast that which took of the fruit thereof, by which is good. Above all, he needs the en-act she lost Eden, and brought death lightening influences of the Holy into our world, and all our woe. Spirit to "give him understanding,' and guide him into all truth. This want of understanding, moreover, displays itself in the wrong choice that is often made of companions; while the homely person, who may have much of wisdom and goodness, is rejected, the accomplished villain is selected as a bosom friend. The youth, deceived by his showy exterior and smooth tongue, unbosoms himself to him without reserve. The villain laughs at his simplicity, betrays his confidence, and leads him into ruin irreparable. Hence, how necessary it is that the inexperienced youth should seek the counsel of the aged and the wise, and If, then, an act seem to be right, be sure it is so before you do it. If any thing appears to be good, be sure it is so before you touch it. If any of your acquaintance seem to be virtuous, be sure they are so ere you take them for bosom friends. "The simple pass on and are punished; but he that trusteth in the Lord shall be delivered." "Ye simple souls that stray Far from the paths of peace, And throng the downward road, ! THE PERSECUTED CHRISTIAN. My soul is among lions. Ps. lvii: 4.0, that I had wings like a dove! for then I would fly away and be at rest. Ps. lv: 6. Lo! where the Christian walks in sore distress, The engraving shows poor man | in great distress. Far from home, and apparently unprotected, he is beset with enemies on every side. He knows not which way to turn. Behind, he fears the bellowing of the furious bull, maddened with rage, threatening to overtake and destroy him; while the dastard cur yelps after The adder envy lies along his path, And works in secret with its sting of death; him, close at his heels. Before him is the ferocious lion, gloating himself with the blood of his innocent victim; while the adder coils itself about his path, ready to pierce hit with its deadly sting. On one hand is seen the hungry wolf, ravening for prey; on the other, the insidious crocodile, waiting to seize upon him, and drag face, until suffocated with the abom- | life, he finds himself enchained. Now he follows the links of his chain, and discovers the body of corruption to which it is secured. inable stench; in loathsome embraces they gave up the ghost." This mode of torture was considered more appalling than that of burning alive, breaking upon the rack, or even crucifixion itself. It is, no doubt, to this custom that the Apostle Paul alludes in his Epis. tle to the Romans. No other image could so well illustrate his meaning. His readers were familiar with it. Peter, sleeping in the prison, bound with chains to the bodies of two lire men, would not suit the apostle's purpose. It is very important that we try to make out his meaning. I am brought, he says, into "captivity to the law of sin," and wounded, conquered, and chained to this body of death. The soul is under the law or power of sin, and chained to a body of death-a mass of corruption. An evil heart, unholy passions, depraved affections predominate. The light of the Holy Spirit shines into the soul, and the man discovers that the law of God is holy, just, and good, and fain would keep it; that God himself is indeed altogether lovely, and he would acquaint himself with him. He now sees the path that leads to endless life, and he desires to walk in it. But when he would do good, evil is present with him; when he would approach the seat of Divine perfections, something keeps him back; when he would walk in the path of He tries to free himself by some good things he did years ago; this only makes the case worse. He calls on his friends for help; but vain is the help of man. He calls upon Moses, he tries to reform his outward deportment; but by "the deeds of the law" he can not extricate himself. At length, in the bitterness of his soul, he exclaims, "O, wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?" And now the angel of mercy directs him to the Breaker of chains, the Abolisher of death, the Conqueror of the grave, the glorious Giver of life and immortality-Jesus Emanuel, God with us. The Savior is propitious, deliverance is obtained, and the soul, like a bird escaped from the snare of the fowler, sings triumphantly: "What though I could not break my chain, "Love only can the conquest win, "Faith. mighty Faith, the promise sees, And cries, It shall be done."" DANGER OF SELF-INDULGENCE. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. Prov. xvi: 25. WITH cheerful step, at blush of early day, This engraving represents a traveler fatally bitten by a serpent. With a light heart and a firm step he started on his journey at early dawn. Every thing looked lovely around him; he thought of nothing but success. He journeyed on very well until the hour of noon arrived, when he began to grow somewhat tired. He looked round for some cool, sequestered spot, The traveler, wounded, in the forest dies. where he might while away a few hours. At a little distance from the path, he discovered a pleasant, shady grove. For a moment he hesitated; but his love of ease prevailed. Now he forgets every thing except his present convenience; he enters the grove; he is delighted with its cool air and agreeable fragrance. Suddenly he is bitten to the quick. |