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himself, as he slowly proceeded to his home, "men do not gather grapes of thorns nor figs of thistles; error does not generate

meekness and humility, nor truth engender arrogance and self-conceit; and here is at least a presumptive evidence that my former simple confidence was not misplaced, and my present doubts are without any just foundation. My own mind, too, supplies another argument of the same sort; for when I hesitated not to embrace the whole truth, but rested with full confidence in its infallible teachings, my soul found repose and satisfaction; but my rationalism has been the parent of nothing but bewilderment to my imagination, confusion to my judgment, and distressing anxiety to my heart." That evening the minister preached an excellent discourse on the incredulity of the apostle Thomas, in which the unreasonableness as well as the sinfulness of unbelief was made very apparent, and the young man felt himself convicted of folly as well as of sin in the presence of God.

These gracious impressions were strengthened by subsequent reading of the Holy Scriptures and private prayer; so that ere the period had arrived for meeting with the superintendent, his mind was relieved of its perplexity, and his former composure and confidence had returned. They met at the appointed hour, and spent a short time in pouring forth their united thanksgiving to God that the snare was broken, and in supplication for the grace necessary to establish and preserve his young servant in the way of truth; nor did they forget to pray for those whose feet were still wandering in the paths of error and sin.

On arriving at the minister's residence they were cordially welcomed, but they found him just preparing to attend a missionary meeting about two miles' distant. Though his time was limited, he required them to take a seat; and on learning that they had somewhat important to communicate, took them into his study, where the facts of the case were related. The good minister, though deeply pained at the results of evil counsel, mingled with them his tears of gratitude to God for the signal deliverance he had wrought out for his young servant. Time, however, would not admit him at this interview to enter at length into such conversation as seemed necessary to fortify and establish the young man's mind, but he handed him a copy of Jenkins "On the Reasonableness of Christianity," and appointed that evening week for another interview. The superintendent observed, "But, sir, there are four or five others who, it appears from our brother's statement, are in some degree infected." "I am sorry, indeed, for that," said the minister; we must at once adopt some kindly and effective measures for their restoration. We had better meet them all together in the school library. You have their confidence and affection," addressing the superintendent; " will you have the kindness to see them during the interval, and get their consent to meet me, with Thomas and yourself, next Thursday evening, at seven o'clock, in the school library, when we will enter at length upon the subject; and I trust, with God's blessing, we shall have the satisfaction of setting their minds at rest? Meanwhile, let us look up to God for his guidance and help!"

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PADDINGTON CHAPEL.-OLD SCHOLARS' MEETING.

THE usual Annual Tea Meeting was held in the school-rooms, and was more numerously attended than on any previous occasion. The Rev. J. STRATTEN presided. Tea being over, Mr. CHAPPELL engaged in prayer.

Mr. MORRISH (Secretary) read two communications from Old Scholars; No. 1, might be called a Hint to Teachers. The writer stated that she was in the school several years; that she had felt uneasy in reference to the salvation of her soul; that she had wished to make this known to her teacher, but had not courage. She would suggest to the teachers, as others might be in a similar position, that they should take the opportunity of speaking first with any in their classes who appeared to be seriously impressed. She had waited long for her teacher to speak, but had been disappointed. No. 2 related an account of a young woman, who had formerly been in the school. Sarah was fond of excitement, and, in gratifying her desire, gradually became the slave of strong drink. Two things were studiously kept out of sight-her school Bible, and her reward books. Her impressions had been strong, but, in her course of sin, became fainter and fainter. Being dismissed from her situation, she took lodgings with a girl who was not aware of her propensity for drink, and who shrank from her with horror on discovering it. She remembered that "the whole need not a physican," and that it was her duty to do good, if possible; and, after prayer to God for guidance and aid, she endeavoured to persuade Sarah to revisit the school and chapel she had formerly attended. After much entreaty she succeeded, and Sarah went to Paddington chapel;

her old impulses revived, and, by Divine grace, she is now a consistent member of the church of Christ.

Mr. PATCH (Teacher) reviewed the past, and saw great cause for gratitude. He rejoiced in Sunday-school operations, because they began at the right time-childhood; in the right way-the voluntary principle; no paid agents; the right weapons- the weapons of our warfare not carnal, but spiritual. They had also the right object in view

the glory of God, and the salvation of souls. Not one of those who were teachers when he entered the school now remained. Some had grown weary, others had removed, and some had fallen asleep. While the removal of teachers was a source of sorrow, it was a source of gratitude that the Lord of the vineyard had supplied other labourers.

Mr. F. BENHAM, after some excellent remarks, read a note from one who had been a scholar, and was now & member of a Christian church.

Mr. MORRISH informed the scholars of some changes which had been made since they were in the school: the Bible was now the only class-book, even for the infants; and the teachers hoped by extending the library, the occasional delivery of lectures, and the formation of singing-classes, to confer greater benefits on the children. He stated, that eleven of those present were teachers in Sunday-schools, and twenty-three were members of churches.

Mr. EVANS strenuously urged those present to be careful in their selection of companions and choice of books.

F. E. THOMPSON, Esq., and Mr. HUDSON, also addressed the meeting. After prayer, by Rev. J. STRATTEN, the meeting separated.

Two philosophers fell into a discussion about motion. The difference rose into an angry dispute. It grew wider and wider, till all hope of agreement seemed lost, and the parties were in danger of becoming personal enemies. Pausing to take breath, one waved his cane in the air, and said, "That is motion: do you assent?" "Yes." So they shook hands, and the breach was healed. [We leave the moral to be drawn.-ED.]

The Children's Separate Service.

SERMON II.

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THE Custom of writing out the laws of Moses was observed by all the pious princes of the Jewish people. It was intended that these laws, being impressed on their minds, should lead them to govern righteously. If this Psalm was written by David, it is evident that he understood and loved the law of God; while we have his own express testimony, that "it is more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." I hope some of my young friends love the word of God; but there is no need to borrow or write it out in the present day, since you may all possess this invaluable treasure.

Above 300 years since a Bible was sold for the large sum of 40l. Very few people, and scarcely any children, then, either read or possessed the Scriptures. One copy was chained up in the different churches; but it was seldom read, as people could not understand its language, value, or meaning. What a change has taken place, the Bible may be bought for forty farthings! Every boy and girl may soon learn to read and understand it in the Sabbath-school. How thankful, and happy, and holy ought you to be, uttering that beautiful

verse

"Holy Bible! book divine,

Precious treasure, thou art mine! Mine-to tell me whence I came, Minc-to teach me what I am." Men take great care of their treaIf one of you had a valuable pin or brooch given to you by a friend, how you would esteem it!

sures.

Perhaps you would put it into your bosom, or lay it up very carefully in some secure place. Now, the Bible is worth more than all the treasures of earth. The Psalmist took special care of this jewel, by hiding it in his heart. My dear young friends, is it hid in your heart?

Let me direct your attention, by noticing

I. THE JEWEL: "THY WORD." Precious.-Some people love any thing but the word of God. It makes them uneasy, because it speaks against their wicked practices, and declares, "The soul that sinneth shall die." But still it is an invaluable jewel; it is beyond all price. The Queen has many valuable jewels in the Tower of London; but, though one of these gems might build a handsome chapel, not all of them could be compared in value to that precious gem you can purchase for tenpence. Job said, "It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls:, for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold." So also the Psalmist wrote: "The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver." If such good men thought part of the Bible so precious, how thankful we ought to be for such a jewel as the Old and New Testaments! We read of a man finding a pearl, and selling all he

had to purchase it. Do you wish such a precious gem? Some of you like the sparkling jewels. Well, here is one for you; it may be yours; take it, and say with the Psalmist, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart."

Tried.-Jewels are never destroyed by the heat of fire. Some time since a fire took place at the west end of London, where a rich lady was living, who had a box of jewels; the box was burnt, and the gold was smelted, but the jewels were all the better for passing through the fire. So this jewel: it has been through the fire many times, but by this it has become more precious. Jehoiakim, a wicked king of Judah, cut up the prophecy of Jeremiah, and cast it into the fire; but do you think it was destroyed? Oh, no! it is now among the words of the prophet Jeremiah. Before the Reformation, they used to burn the Bibles in Smithfield : infidels and wicked men, and even some Roman Catholics, have put this jewel into the flames; but you see they have not destroyed it: no, it is a tried word; it cannot be destroyed,- -"The word of the Lord endureth for ever." Some people are very anxious to possess earthly jewels, but I want you to possess this heavenly jewel, saying,

"Lord, I have made thy word my choice,

My lasting heritage; These shall my noblest powers rejoice, My warmest thoughts engage."

II. THE CASKET: "THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MY HEART."-Some persons hide and conceal. I have known people read a novel or newspaper after coming from a place of worship, because they wished to hide or forget the sermon. I met a man a few days since, who said he wished he had not gone to church, because, when he was

tempted to swear, it made him so unhappy. I hope it is not so with you. A good man once said, "I found thy word; I did eat it, and the fruit was sweet to my taste." But other persons hide and preserve. So the writer did; he hid the word of God. Look

Place. His heart- Not in his box or his hand, but in his mind. A physician was lately called in to see a young lady, who was ill, in a Roman Catholic nunnery. After he had asked her some questions, he found, by her features, she was in great pain, so that she fainted away. "That she might recover, he opened part of her dress, when, to his surprise, he saw a crucifix placed on the breast of the nun, with spikes that entered the flesh." How wicked it was to lacerate this young lady's flesh, to make her think she was religious! This is popery in 1848!

The Psalmist did not mean this kind of superstition, but to have the word lodged in the memory. When Mary, queen of England, was dying, she said, Calais would be found engraven on her heart. Why was this? you may ask. Because she thought so much about it. So, if you love this jewel, you will hide it in your heart.

"Here would I learn how Christ has died,

To save my soul from hell; Not all the books on earth beside

Such heavenly wonders tell."

Security. If put in the heart nothing can take it away. You may lose your parents, friends, and all your earthly jewels, but you can never lose this heavenly jewel. How rich is every child with this treasure! it is invaluable, if put in the heart. The bank may fail, the mine of gold or silver may be exhausted, but here is desirable riches

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III. THE USE: "THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST THEE."-All jewels are not useful; most of them are worn for ornament. This jewel is for use; it intimates

Danger. The Psalmist knew the danger, and wished to escape it. How often people sin when they neglect the precepts of this precious book! You have heard of charms: well, the Pharisees thought if they tied slips of parchment, with texts written on them, around their foreheads and wrists, they could not sin; but with all this superstition they were the greatest sinners. Oh! my dear young friends, I want you to carry it about with you in your heart, saying, with the sacred writer, "Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." Then you need fear no danger, because it

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says, "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not:" and again, 'Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life:" and again, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."

Remedy. This is an invaluable remedy for sin: it cures as well as preserves; it tells you of a great Physician that can cleanse and make you whole. If you had a prescription that would cure some fatal disorder, how you would value it! Such is the Bible. It tells you how sin may be pardoned, your hearts renewed, and your spirits fitted for heaven: it is an universal remedy for the wants of mankind. If every one of you were to follow this prescribed remedy, it would make you happy in time and triumphant in eternity.

My beloved young friends, do you wish to possess such a jewel? Do you wish to hide it in a place of security? Do you wish to be kept from sinning against God? Then say with the Psalmist, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Farringdon. J. M. S.

Sabbath Evenings at Home.

BY THE REV. J. JORDAN, VICAR OF ENSTONE. (Continued from page 53.)

B. C. 1804.

THE FOURTH PROMISE OF A

SAVIOUR.

GENESIS XXVI. 1-5.

P. After the great promise given to Abraham, immediately after the offering of Isaac, in obedience to the command of God, we do not read of any other, either temporal or eternal, made to him. The next, therefore, that we shall find in Scripture, is that given to his son Isaac; for which we must turn to Genesis xxvi., and read the first five verses of the chapter. Tell me, then,

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to whom do these circumstances relate?

C.-To Isaac, Abraham's son. P. And where do they take place? C.-At Gerar, in the land of the Philistines.

P.-How came Isaac there?

C.-He had left Canaan because of the famine there.

P. And thus is it ever with God. The greater our trouble seems to be, the more gracious is he to us. Since Isaac is driven out of Canaan by the famine, and is on his way into Egypt, God stops him, and commands him to

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