and what are intended to be witticisms at the expense of God's holy Word, are sins of greater prevalence and magnitude than, perhaps, many who are beguiled into their commission are aware. We can scarcely conceive of anything more grieving to the Holy Spirit of God than the manner in which some people deal with His inspired Word. Nor is the low spirituality which this solemn trifling with the Bible betrays, less painful. A heavenly mind will guard with holy jealousy the sacredness and purity of God's Word, as the source of its spirituality. How can it be otherwise? To the instrumentality of God's truth the believer is indebted for his quickening,' for his sanctification, and for his comfort. To trifle, then, with that holy Word, to quote it flippantly, to speak of it irreverently, to 1 1 Pet. i. 23. 2 John xvi. 17. 3 Rom. xv. 4. 2 3 jest with it profanely, would seem a crime from which a mind stored with its precious treasures, and imbued with its hallowed spirit, would recoil with holy dread. Such was David's experience. With what holy reverence and solemnity he speaks of God's Word: "How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth. My heart standeth in awe of Thy word. rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil." And God, speaking of the humble, with whom He delighted to dwell, designates them as those who " tremble at my word."" O beware, reader, how you sport with, or pervert in any way the Scriptures of truth. "Every word of God is pure." "All Scrip I ture is given by inspiration of God." "Holy men of God spake as they were 1 Psalm cxix. 103, 161, 162. 3 Prov. xxx. 5. 4 2 Tim. iii. 16. moved by the Holy Ghost."" O, it is a fearful thing to quote with sportive lip, to touch with unhallowed hands, the holy Word of God! How beautiful and in structive is this trait of Elizabeth's piety her jealous regard for whatever was sacred and holy! Possessed of great personal attractions, of rare abilities, and of superior accomplishments for no pains or expense had been spared in the cultivation of her mind and taste-yet so entirely did the lovely robe of humility veil all from her own view, she seemed totally unconscious of possessing anything worthy of admiration, and was always grieved when undue adulation was paid to her person or her singing, in which accomplishment, such was her power of execution, she became the admiration and 1 2 Pet. i. 21. the pride of the regiment. One evening, on entering the room dressed for a party, her mamma, enraptured with her appearance, rose, and throwing her arms around her neck, lavished upon her some expressions of admiration and affection too extravagant and fond. Elizabeth gave her a most solemn look, and said "O my darling fond mother, begging your pardon, you ought not to say these things to me; you might make me vain; recollect I am human." Observing that her mamma appeared disconcerted, she laid her hand her upon arm, and press ing it, said—“I know, my dear mamma, you will not be hurt at what I have said. One moment's reflection will convince you that I am right." Her mother was desirous that she should sit for her picture, from a secret, trembling apprehension, that this lovely flower would soon be transplanted to its native skies. But such was her profound humility of mind, nothing could prevail upon her to comply with the request. She would playfully resist all her mother's entreaties by saying, "And what would you do with it if you had it? You would place it over the mantel-piece, and every person coming into the room would naturally say, 'Ah! I suppose this girl fancies herself pretty.' Thus, to the inexpressible and lasting regret of her parents, they possess no 'faithful remembrancer of one so dear,' save "the image on the heart bestowed, To dwell there, beautiful in holiness.” In the absence of any such specimen of the art that can immortalize,' a pen and ink sketch of her personal appearance and literary acquisitions may not be inappro |