speaking of this part of his history, Mr. Baldwin remarks as follows: "This family were Methodists, and the father had much outward zeal. He observed the forms of religion, but I have now good reason to believe had none of the true and genuine spirit of Christ. I then knew but little of the Methodists, and my impressions far from being favorable, were not changed for the better by my acquaintance with this man. I saw in him personal and family pride, vanity, petulance, avarice, anger, ill-will, and a spirit of resentment-in fact almost every thing but the fruits of the Spirit, which are meekness, humility, patience, gentleness, goodness, long-suffering, and truth; the characteristics of all true disciples of Christ. The preachers were in the habit of stopping at his house; the table groaned with luxuries; the topics of conversation were not religious. I regret to say the deportment of some of those ministers who visited that house was light and trifling. Surely their conversation was not 'with grace seasoned with salt

PICTURE WITH DARK LINING.

65

good to edifying.' But I forbear to dwell here. The picture, although shaded with a dark lining, is truthfully drawn. It is very true that 'charity that never faileth,' should deter us from a censorious spirit, or from harshly 'judging others.' Yet it is still true, 'By their fruits ye shall know them."

What a solemn and instructive lesson we are taught in this part of the narrative. We see there is a wide difference between a mere profession of religion and the daily practice of its sacred duties. If religion consisted simply in a profession of the belief in the existence of God, and imposed no restraints upon the actions and passions of men; if it required the performance of no moral duties, or self-denial, probably all men would soon become religious. Alas! many do not go beyond a simple profession, and their conduct is so inconsistent with the morality of the gospel and the precepts of the Savior, that they furnish subjects of ridicule for the skeptic and infidel. Conduct is the true test of religious

character. The question is not what does the man profess, but how does he live? Does his practical observance of moral duty quadrate with his theory of religion. If we would honor and recommend religion to our fellowmen, we must practice and illustrate its precepts in our own lives. We must be kind, generous, and benevolent; just in our acts and words. We must cultivate the graces of the Spirit, and be upright in all the relations of life. If we fail to do this, our religion is but an empty name. Aye, we are as "sounding brass and tinkling cymbal;" yea, it is worse, our "religion is vain."

The real character of the engraving on the seal may easily be determined by the impression on the wax. Giving precept is a good thing, but living upright before our fellow-men is much better. A great part of mankind are instructed and more deeply impressed by objects which appear to their outward senses, than arguments addressed to their understandings. A good godly example has done what the most

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convincing speech" has failed to do. Exemplary christian deportment has led many a poor sinner to Christ. While on the other hand, many “who were not far from the kingdom of God," have been disgusted and shocked at the very "threshold," and deterred forever from entering in by the light and trifling conduct of some inconsistent professors of religion. "And when one shall say unto him: what are these wounds in thine hands? Then shall he answer: Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends."-Zech. 13: 6.

"How careful then ought I to live,

With what religious fear,

Who such a strict account must give,
For my behavior here."

SANDY FOUNDATION SHAKEN.

CHAPTER VI.

AT this period in the history of Mr. Baldwin, there were seasons of unrest and disquietude. His mind at times would become greatly agitated. Perplexing and harrassing fears would arise in his soul, despite all his philosophy and infidel reasoning. There were hours of sober reflection, during which he felt himself insecure. Could infidelity succeed in destroying the hope of the christian, has it anything better to offer as a substitute? Nothing that is worthy the consideration of an intelligent creature. This solemn thought often rested with powerful weight on the heart of Mr. Baldwin. He began to realize daily, that a state of doubt and uncertainty in regard to a future life was a most painful one. He felt it difficult to dismiss the whole subject