book. If pictures were always well selected, they might be useful as a mode of instruction, but they need to be chosen as studiously as a book. Suppose, for instance, on one page is the picture of an elephant; on the next, or on one soon after, is one of a uren, of nearly the same size. Accordingly a false impression is communicated, that a wren and an elephant are of equal size. I think that the best sort of pictures for children are those which represent things correctly, and are generally representations of things which they have already seen. Upon this system, a child ought not to see a picture of a tiger till he has seen the creature alive. What can any child make of those pictures in spelling-books, in which there are twenty-six figures in different costumes, the initial letters of which correspond to the letters of the alphabet, as Armenian, Bohemian, &c.? I equally object to all fables. It is in vain to say that no child is deceived when he reads or hears of a lion, or a mouse, or a cock, or a wolf and a lamb, taiking and moralizing. This is more than can be proved. The child may for months be under the impression, that there may be animals so gifted in some of the forests and countries of the world. Besides, why teach any thing which needs to be unlearned? Why so needlessly communicate impressions which you must remove? How needless, when the universe is replenished with so many interesting realities, in the contemplation and description of which, ample employment and amusement may be derived. What ill taste, to prefer the degrading task of teaching a fable, before the sublime employment of the intellect upon pure truth, upon the perception of the qualities of extern nature the source of our perceptions, the works of God, the manifestation of the Divine attributes! Contrast yourself in the two situations,- of explaining to your child the web of the spider, so curiously reticulated, which he has affixed between two shrubs in your garden, the spider himself situate apparently in repose in the centre, the quality of the web to entangle a fly, the speed with which he darts upon it, how he rolls a line of web around it to prevent its fluttering, the poisonous bite by which it is instantly dispatched from suffering; objects so curious, so replete with demonstrations of the intelligence of the Creator;-contrast with this, being occupied in hearing or teaching the fable, Come up into my chamber, said the spider to the fly; 'Tis the prettiest little chamber that ever you did spy.' In the former case, you are teaching your child a variety of the external world, a phenomenon which the Creator has obtruded on our view, and which is ever replete with a moral and a spiritual lesson; and in the other case you are teaching a falsity. Why ever let your child know the fatal secret, that the qualities of external things can be misrepresented? Why wilfully and needlessly administer to him the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? When I look into books for children, and see the useless difficulties so perversely adopted, the strange impediments thrown into the way of the infant mind, the lessons in lying with which they abound, the monstrous falsities and fictions more degrading than ever deluded the savages of New Holland, and think that these are put forth as the instruments of the intellectual culture of immortal beings, I have often surmised, that the father of lies had exerted his most cruel and successful artifices over the minds of the writers, in order to involve the minds of children in perversion and obliquity, and to excite in the dawn of its existence the distaste of intellectual pursuits, and to foment the ill-temper and the indolence, and even the duplicity, which often characterize the infant while learning to read by such means. The composition of first books for children would be a dignified undertaking for the most exalted intellect. They alone are equal to the task, whose minds are free from ill habits, cleansed from false perceptions, delivered from the influence of custom, and who know the modes whereby the human mind understands and acts, and who believe that pure truth, in every instance, is the only fit occupation of an immortal mind, from the dawn to the close of life. I am, dear Madam, yours, &c. CLERICUS. ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE SLAVE TRADE. THE Rev. Mr. Johnson, in a letter dated Sierra Leone, June 18, 1822, depicts the horrors of the trade in human blood in the following terms. "The day before yesterday, a slave schooner, with four hundred unhappy fellow-creatures on board, was upset off Cape Sierra Leone. Only seven men were saved they had got into a boat, and were picked up by the Myrmidon. Nineteen sailors and two officers of this vessel were on board to bring her into Sierra Leone, who have all perished with the rest. A tornado came on suddenly, and turned the vessel over. "Oh! my dear brother, how many poor creatures fall a sacrifice to the inhuman traffic in human blood! I have been filled with horror ever since. Numbers were landed from another vessel yesterday, in the most deplorable condition. "The hospital at Leicester is overflowing. Some are but just alive; and others are walking about with a deathlike look, and will to all appearance fall also a sacrifice. One poor creature in the girls' school died just now, and five or six more will soon follow. My heart is full ! "What do the good people of England know about the real state of Africa? They can have no idea of its misery, unless they are eye-witnesses, as we are. Oh! when shall an end be put to this trade? O Lord, have Church mercy, have mercy upon afflicted Africa!", Missionary Report. DELIGHTFUL PROSPECTS AT MADAGASCAR. Thirteen thousand copies of different books, or parts, of the Bible have been printed in the language of the natives of Madagascar. “At present," says Mr. Baker, "all the scholars who have been in the schools previous to August, 1832, have been dismissed, on proof being given of their knowledge of reading and writing: they, with others previously dismissed, amount to ten or fifteen thousand, and were all anxious to possess themselves of any thing printed as they are liable to be again taken into the schools, if they forget their learning; and many of them are sincerely anxious to obtain a knowledge of divine truth. About 6000 new scholars have been put into the school; and very many voluntary learners learn to read in their own houses, and at the prayer-meetings of the native believers.” PALM SUNDAY. MARCH 31. This day is called in the Romish Missals, or Prayer Books, Dominica in ramis Palmarum. The Lord's day with branches of Palms. It receives its denomination from the circumstance of Palm branches distributed in Popish times, in commemoration of our Lord riding into Jerusalem. Our readers will be interested in reading the following account of the absurdities of Popery, with which the people at Rome are deluded, instead of being instructed in the doctrines of salvation from the Scriptures: it is given by an intelligent traveller, who was present on the occasion in 1817. "About half-past nine in the morning, the pope en tered the Sistine Chapel, attired in a robe of scarlet and gold, which he wore over his ordinary dress, and took his throne. The cardinals, who were at first dressed in under-robes of a violet-colour (the mourning for cardinals), with their rich antique lace, scarlet trains, and mantles of ermine, suddenly put off these accoutrements, and arrayed themselves in the most splendid vestments, which had the appearance of being made of carved gold. The tedious ceremony of each separately kissing the pope's hand, and making their three little bows, being gone through, and some little chaunting and fidgetting about the altar being got over, two palm branches, of seven or eight feet in length, were brought to the pope, who, after raising over them a cloud of incense, bestowed his benediction upon them then a great number of smaller palms were brought, and a cardinal, who acted as the pope's aidde-camp on this occasion, presented one of these to every cardinal as he ascended the steps of the throne, who again kissed the pope's hand and the palm, and retired. Then came the archbishops, who kissed both the pope's hand and toe, followed by the inferior orders of clergy, in regular gradations, who only kissed the toe, as they carried off their palms. : "The higher dignitaries being at last provided with palms, the deacons, canons, choristers, cardinals, train-bearers, &c., had each to receive branches of olive, to which, as well as to the palms, a small cross was suspended. At last, all were ready to act their parts, and the procession began to move: it began with the lowest in clerical rank, who moved off two by two, rising gradually in dignity, till they came to prelates, bishops, archbishops, and cardinals, and terminated by the pope, borne in his chair of state (sedia gestatoria) on men's shoulders, with a crimson canopy over his head. By far the most striking figures in the procession were the bishops and patriarchs of the Armenian church. One of them wore a white crown, and another a crimson crown glittering with jewels. The mitres of the bishops were also set with precious stones; and their splendid dresses, and long wavy beards of silver whiteness, gave them a most venerable and imposing appearance. "The procession issued forth into the Sala Borgia (the hall behind the Sistine Chapel), and marched round it, forming nearly a circle; for by the time the pope had gone out, the leaders of the procession had nearly come back again; but they found the gates of the chapel closed against them, and, on admittance being demanded, a voice was heard from within, in deep recitative, seemingly inquiring into their business, or claims for entrance there. This was answered by the choristers from the procession in the hall; and after a chaunted parley of a few minutes, the gates were again opened, and the pope, cardinals, and priests, returned to their seats. Then the Passion was chaunted; and then a most tiresome long service commenced, in which the usual genuflections, and tinkling of little bells, and dressings, and undressings, and walking up and coming down the steps of the altar, and bustling about, went on; and which at last terminated in the cardinals all embracing and kissing each other, which is considered the kiss of peace." "The palms are artificial, plaited of straw, or the leaves of dried reeds, so as to resemble the real branches of the palm-tree, when their leaves are plaited, which are used in this manner for this ceremony, in the Catholic colonies of tropical climates. These artificial palins, however, are topped with some of the real leaves of the palm-tree, brought from the shores of the Gulf of Genoa."-Rome in the Nineteenth Century, vol. iii, pp. 130-132. MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 4, is called by the Catholics dies mandati, or the day of the command, referring to our Saviour washing his disciples' feet. The ceremonies observed on this day at Rome, are described by the traveller above referred to. "There are thirteen instead of twelve; the one being the representative of the angel that once came to the table of twelve that St. Gregory was serving. The twelve were old priests, but the one who performed the part of the angel was very young. They were all dressed in loose white gowns, and white caps on their heads, and clean woollen stockings, and were seated in a row along the wall, under a canopy. When the pope entered and took his seat at the top of the room, the whole company of them knelt in their places, turning towards him; and on his hand being extended in benediction, they all rose again and re-seated themselves. "The splendid garments of the pope were then taken off; and clad in a white linen robe which he had on under the others, and wearing the bishop's mitre instead of the tiara, he approached the pilgrims, took from an attendant cardinal a silver bucket of water, knelt before the first of them, immersed one foot in the water, put water over it with his hand, and touched it with a square fringed cloth; kissed the leg, and gave the cloth, and a sort of white flower, or feather, to the man; then went on to the next. The whole ceremony was over, I think, in less than two minutes, so rapidly was this act of humility gone through. From thence the pope returned to his throne, put on his robes of white and silver again, and proceded to the Sala di Tavola: the thirteen priests were seated in a row at the table, which was spread with a variety of dishes, and adorned with a profusion of flowers. The pope gave the blessing, and, walking along the side of the table opposite to them, handed each of them bread, then plates, and, lastly, cups of wine. They regularly all rose up to receive what he presented; and the pope having gone through the forms of service, and given them his parting benediction, left them to finish their dinner in peace. They carry away what they cannot eat, and receive a small present in money besides."-Rome in the Nineteenth Century, vol. iii, p. 139. GOOD FRIDAY. APRIL 5. As this is regarded by the Romish church, and by the church of England, as the day on which our blessed Saviour gave himself a propitiation for the sins of the world, ceremonies are observed corresponding with the character of each communion. Our readers are all acquainted with the service of the Church of England. The Dissenters, as there is no precept or example in the Scriptures, relating to a religious observance of this day, do not all regard it with any particular service. But, we believe, in most of their places of worship, sermons are delivered on the glorious atonement of Christ. We believe all our readers will be interested in the following account of the ceremonies of the Romish church, as given by the traveller before referred to. "The upper part of the church is arranged like a theatre, with painted trees, and pasteboard rocks and thickets, representing Mount Calvary. A little way down, two Roman centurious, large as life, dressed in military uniforms, and mounted on pasteboard horses, flourish their pasteboard swords. Higher up on the mount, on three crucifixes, are nailed the figures of Christ and the two thieves; so correctly imitating life, or rather death, as to be taken for wax-work. Catholics say, Christ spoke seven times upon the cross, and at every saying a dagger entered the heart of the Virgin, who is therefore painted with seven daggers sticking in her breast, and adored as 'Nostra Signora de' sette dolori '-Our Lady of the seven sorrows. The service of the Tre Ore is therefore divided into seven acts, between each of which there is a hymn. In every act, one of the seven set dissertations, upon the 'sette parole' of Christ, is read-or begun to be read by a priest, who goes on until his lecture is interrupted by the preacher, who breaks in upon it at whatever part he pleases with a sermon (as they call it), or rather a tirade, of his own, which seems to be extempore, but which is previously learnt by rote. These dissertations drawing to a close, and the three hours having nearly expired, Ecco il momento' cried the priest, and every body sank prostrate on the ground in tears; and sobs, and groans, and cries, and one loud burst of agony filled the church- Ecco il momento! Già spira Gesu Christo! — Già muore il nostro Redentore! finisce di vivere il nostro Padre !'-(The moment is come! Now Jesus Christ expires! Now our Redeemer dies! Now our Father ceases to live!) Già "At length the preacher cried, 'Here they comethe holy men- -to bear the body of our Redeemer to the sepulchre;' and from the side of the scene issued forth a band of friars, clad in black, with white scarves tied across them, and, gradually climbing Mount Calvary by a winding path among the rocks and bushes, reached the foot of the cross unmolested by the paper centurions. But when they began to unnail the body, it is utterly impossible to describe the shrieks, and cries, and clamours of grief, that burst from the people. At the unloosening of every nail, they were renewed with fresh vehemence, and the sobs and tears of the men were almost as copious as those of the women. Five prayers, separately addressed to the five wounds of Christ-first, the wound in the left foot, then that of the right foot, and so of the two hands, and, lastly, of the side-were next repeated. They were nearly the same, and all began, Vi adoro, piaga Santissima'-(I adore you, most holy wound.) The body of Christ being laid on a bier, decked with artificial flowers, and covered with a transparent veil, was brought down Mount Calvary by the holy menas the preacher called them-who deposited it on the front of the stage, where all the people thronged to kiss the toe through the veil, and weep over it. The congregation consisted of all ranks, from the prince to the beggar, but there was a preponderance of the higher classes." Lady Morgan describes the Illuminated Cross of St. Peter's, and the adoration of the pope and the cardinals, as forming the attractions on the evening of Good Friday. She says: "On this occasion, thousands of all ranks and countries pour into the church, where no tickets of admission are required; yet the mighty temple, made for the universe, still seems half empty. Many of the dim aisles afford an asylum for retiring piety; and the vastness of the whole, contemplated through a well-managed obscurity, seems to extend beyond its usual limits, and to be lost in immeasurable distance. The hundred lamps, which, in their bright brazen sockets, burn day and night round the sepulchre of St. Peter, are this day extinguished. A cross of flame suspended from the cupola, before the baldachin of the high altar, alone lights the immediate space over which it hangs, and leaves all else in the majesty of darkness, here and there faintly dispersed by a twinkling lamp. That illuminated spot seemed like a magic circle. It is hermetically closed by three files of armed men, and the beans shed from the cross fall only on spears and bayonets. This place is kept clear for the pontiffs, princes, and cardinals, who now appear, accompanied by a guard, to clear a passage through the gathering multitude. The troops that await them open their files, and close again upon their charge. The Pope falls prostrate before the Cross, on cushions of down and velvet. The princes and princesses, with their attendant courtiers, take their station on his right; on his left kneel the cardinals. "During this singular prostration the most profound silence reigned. The Pope seemed unfeignedly absorbed in holy abstraction; and as the light fell upon his venerable head and faded face, and tinged his flowing robes, there was something mystic and ideal in his appearance; and to a faith which fancy had warmed, or fanaticism deranged, his translation from a mortal coil at that moment might have appeared possible. In the centre of the church crowded the beau monde of London, Paris, Vienna, and St. Petersburgh, laughing and chattering, through all the philological varieties which might be supposed to make a conversazione in the tower of Babel. There, too, Roman beauties, who disdained the flaunting rites of noonday ceremonial, moved in their long black veils; and there, in true sincerity of heart and faith, knelt within view of that cross, to which alone her eyes are directed, one alike the world forgetting, by the world forgot.' Whole families of the middle classes were seated on the steps of altars, or at the feet of monuments, gazing on the varied spectacle; and there bands of peasantry, breathing aves, were seen walking about, and added much to the effect of the scene, whose grotesque groupings they aptly filled up. "As night thickens, and St. Peter's thins, the slow return of the varied multitude, and above all of the pilgrim bands and confraternities, afford a picturesque and curious addition to the Good Friday sights. These pilgrims are wretched ragged creatures, led on by some Roman lady of condition, who gives out the penitential psalm as she moves along, and is answered by her followers. As their dark bands sweep along the banks of the Tiber, and their red torches flash on the walls of the castle of St. Angelo, they raise the deeptoned, and, when softened by distance, occasionally melodious psalmody, that with exquisite skill they suffer to die away along those waters, over which Pagan priests have raised their lo Pæans, or chaunted the funeral obsequies for the death of Adonis."—Italy, vol. ii, p. 300. DR. SPENCER'S DYING COMMANDS. SOME days before his death, he gave order that nothing (not so much as a thread) of black should be in his coffin: "For," said he, "I have been a sorrowful man these many years, lamenting the deplorable state of Christ's church militant here on earth; but now, being upon the point of retiring into the church triumphant in heaven, I will not have the least mark of sorrow left upon me; but my body shall be wrapped up all over in white, for a testimony that I die in expectation of a better and more glorious state to come." I have just printed my Address to Mr. Eustace Carey, delivered at his designation at Northampton. It consists of about fifty pages, printed by Mr. Combe in precisely type and form as my sermons. The price must be two shillings, as I am informed. I hope it will not be thought inordinate. I have spared no pains in making it as perfect as I could; but I fear to little purpose Mrs. H. was brought to bed of a son yesterday morning, and is, through mercy, as well as can be expected. Let me beg an interest in your prayers, that she may be raised up again. My other dear lovely boy I think you know I lost: it was a great stroke to us both; especially to his poor mother, of whom he was the darling. I hope dear Mrs. Button is recovered, and will be long spared to you. wonders have we lately seen. The events which have taken place appear enchantment, or a dream. What I hope to print some sermon or sermons before long; but every thing I do in that way costs me immense labour. I am, my dear Sir, your affectionate Brother, R. HALL. * He was named Robert. Some months after the decease of his lamented father he went abroad, and a few weeks since, his amiable mother received the afflicting intelligence, that he died in Batavia; but the particulars of the distressing event have not yet arrived. ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. It was a question asked of the brethren, both in the classical and provincial meetings of ministers, twice in the year, "If they preached the duties of the times?" (1648.) And when it was found that Leighton did not; he was quarrelled with for this omission; but he said, "If all the brethren have preached to the TIMES, may not one poor brother be suffered to preach on ETERNITY?" Leighton came up to London at the end of the year 1673, to resign his archbishopric; his resignation was accepted. He retired to a private house in Sussex, where he lived in a most heavenly manner, and with a shining conversation. When Lord Perth came to Londou to be made Lord Chancellor of Scotland, Dr. Burnet (bishop of Salisbury) had a very earnest message from him, desiring by his means to sec Leighton. Burnet, who wrote so earnestly to him that he came to London, was amazed to see him, at above seventy years of age, look so fresh and well. His hair was still black, and all his motions lively. He had the same quickness of thought and strength of memory; but above all, the same heat and life of devotion he had ever seen in him. When Burnet took notice to him, how well he looked, he said, "He was very near his end, for all that; and his work and journey were now almost done." The next day he was taken with an oppression, and, as it seemed, with cold and with stitches, which was indeed a pleurisy. The next day, he sunk so, that both speech and sense went away of a sudden; and he continued panting about twelve hours; and then died without pangs or convulsions, in 1684. There were two remarkable circumstances in his death. He used often to say, that if he were to choose a place to die in, it should be an inn; it looking like a pilgrim going home, to whom this world was all an inn, and who was weary of the noise and confusion in it. He added, that the officious tenderness and care of friends, was an entanglement to a dying man; and that the unconcerned attendance of those that could be procured in such a place, would give less disturbance. He obtained what he desired; for he died at the Bell Inn, in Warwick Lane. Another circumstance was, that while he was Bishop in Scotland, he took what his tenants were pleased to pay him so that there was a great arrear due, which was raised slowly by one whom he left in trust with his affairs there; and the last payment he could expect from thence, was returned up to him about six weeks before his death: so that his provision and journey failed both at once.-Life, prefixed to his Select Works. And some fell among Thorns, Mark iv, 7.-The third is thorny ground. This relates to the cares and pleasures, and all the interests of this life. All these together are the thorns; and these grow in hearts that do more deeply receive the seed, and send it forth, and spring up more hopefully than either of the other two, and yet choke it. Oh! the pity. Many are thus almost at heaven, so much desire of renovation, and some endeavours after it, and yet the thorns prevail. Miserable thorns! The base things of a perishing life drawing away the strength of affections, sucking the sap of the soul. Our other seed and harvest, our corn and hay, our shops and ships, our tradings and bargains, our suits and pretensions for places and employments of gain or credit, husband, and wife, and children, and house, and train, our feastings and entertainments, and other pleasures of sense, our civilities and compliments; and a world of those in all the world, are these thorns, and they overspread all. The lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. And for how long is all the advantage and delight of these? Alas! that so poor things should prejudice us of the rich and blessed increase of this divine seed. Abp. Leighton's Select Works, p. 193. S. J. B*****. PIOUS WIT OF A YOUNG WOMAN. A Practical Illustration of Matt. x, 16, "Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." IN the short but inglorious reign of James II, when Popery was making rapid strides to power, the king had his agents and emissaries in every part of the kingdom, to harass, vex, and weary the Protestants into a compliance with the measures he was endeavouring to bring about; and where persuasion and threats had no effect, sometimes force and violence were had recourse to. One of his agents, with a party of soldiers (rather ruffians, I should say) went out on a Sabbath morning "to hunt down the Protestants," as they termed it. They met a young woman, a servant-maid, running along the road, early in the morning, without either shoes or stockings on. The captain of this band asked her where she was going so early in the morning; and what was the urgency of the business that made her run so fast. She told him, that she had learned that her elder brother was dead; and she was going to receive her share of the riches he had bequeathed to her, as well as to her other brothers and sisters; and she was afraid she should be too late. The commander was so well pleased with her answer, that he gave her a half-crown to buy a pair of shoes, and also wished her success. But if he had known the real business she was going upon, which was to a sacrament, he would most probably have prevented her from going that day to the place where she hoped to receive durable riches. ،، MY DYING SISTER. Mother, has noontide pass'd away, And is it twilight dim? Ah! now I know it is not night, What bitter tears you've shed, And pray'd and watch'd as none but thou "I see thee thro' a mist of tears, Thy words are chok'd by sighs; My father looks like one in years, Since last he help'd me rise; And our sweet home so chang'd appears, All blest, where tears are never shed, It seems a clime of doubt and dread, "Alone I cross the dreary sea; But when thou leav'st the shore, Mine, mine the holy task shall be, To guide thee safely o'er; THE SCRAP BOOK, Containing a Variety of Articles in Prose and Verse, chiefly Original, by the Author of "Einma and Sophia De Lissau," &c. &c. 32mo. silk. Seely. London, pp. 116. This is one of a class of beautiful literary works suitable for presents to young persons. The Author of "Emma De Lissau," a Christian of the Hebrew nation, is well known to the public by her interesting works; and we are sure that the SCRAP BOOK will procure for her a still higher degree of respect, with those who have "received the grace of God in truth." "THE CHRISTIAN LADY'S FRIEND," And Family Repository, Edited by the Author of "Emma de Lissau." Vol. I, for 1832. 8vo. cloth, pp. 572. The volume before us includes the first year's numbers of this truly "Christian Lady's Friend." We think it well deserves the patronage of those for whom it is designed; and we understand it receives the cordial approbation and literary contributions of some of the most distinguished ladies of the British churches. Among its patrons, is included that ornament to her sex and preceptress of the world, Mrs. Hannah More. That production which is approved by a person, so competent to form an estimate of a work of this kind, must be worthy of recommendation to Christian Ladies. To pay back through eternity Thy love's unbounded store." MARY. THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE IMPORTED FROM INDIA. THIS "Miniature of Buddhism" will afford a high gratification to its Christian visitors at Exeter Hall; while it will serve as an occasion of calling forth their sympathy towards the multitudinous tribes of India who are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, ignorant of the only true and living God, and of his Son our blessed Redeemer. The Temple itself is twenty-four feet long: it was consecrated about five years ago, and "whilst in its native country, was visited by their Excellencies the Commander-in-chief in India; the Governor of Ceylon; and the late Dr. Turner, Bishop of Calcutta, with their families and friends, and the principal civil and military officers of that island; who considered its removal to England highly desirable, to afford the British public an opportunity which would otherwise be unattainable without a voyage across the ocean.' Before visiting the "Buddhist Temple," we beg to request our friends to refer to No. 14 of the Christian's Penny Magazine" for an account of GUADAMA, as then they will be better prepared to inspect this interesting exhibition. The temple contains, besides numerous idols, representations of Guadama, Vishnu, &c. &c., a colossal figure of Buddha, eighteen feet in length, carved in wood, in a recumbent posture, indicating his eternal repose, surrounded by images of his attendant spirits. We would respectfully suggest to the proprietors of this truly interesting exhibition, the policy of announcing, that young persons and working people will be admitted at half price. ON REPROVING SIN. : Few things are more difficult than to administer reproof properly but while the professed servants of God sometimes need reproof, the avowed servants of Satan need it much more frequently, and on different grounds. One day, a person being in the room of a poor aged Christian woman, and lamenting a want of firmness to reprove the abandoned when travelling, and as an excuse having recourse to an hackneyed passage, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine," she seriously and hastily replied, "Oh, Sir! keen and just reproofs are no pearls: were you to talk to a wicked coachman respecting the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, and the pleasures of communion with God, you would cast pearls before swine; but not in reproving sin." JUDGMENT OF GOD UPON PRIDE. SIMON TOURNAY affords a memorable and affecting proof of the truth of that scripture, "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." In 1201, after he had outgone all Oxford for learning, and became so eminent at Paris as to be made chief doctor of the Sorbonne, he grew so puffed with pride as to hold Aristotle superior to Moses and Christ, and yet but equal to himself! In his latter days, however, he grew such an idiot as not to know one letter in a book, or one thing he had ever done. London: Printed and Published by C. WOOD AND SON, Poppin's Court, Hawkers and Dealers supplied on Wholesale Terms, in London, by STEII., |