artistic toil, of much poverty, ignorance, and sin. In the very midst of it I stand and preach Christ's Gospel, with all the ability and power I possess. But I need a position and place of more extensive capabilities. I will not be ambitious for myself, but for the Gospel's sake, and for the furtherance of its blessings, I will, if spared and helped, work on in prayer and persevering toil until the work is done; and even more than was said of David, I do pray may be said of the Village Preacher; for Stephen said of David-" He found favour before God; and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob; but Solomon built Him a house." May our heavenly SOLOMON build us a house. Amen.

THE

SEARCH THE SCRIPTUES.

(FROM THE GERMAN.)

HE Holy Bible is older than any other book, but it is not given to the world merely to make us acquainted with the events that occurred in former times-"Whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning." (Rom. xv. 4.)

Imagine a father to write to his son living at a distance a letter containing such advice, and such rules of life, as would conduce to his success and happiness; would it not be extremely ungrateful if the son did not choose to open the letter, or were to despise its contents? In the Bible God speaks to us with far greater condescension than a father uses when addressing a son. Without this book we all find ourselves in darkness with regard to His will and being; we all find ourselves in uncertainty respecting our own future state. To "this sure word of prophecy," we "do well if we take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place." (2 Peter i. 19.)

Avoid, then, anything like neglect of this sacred volume. A learned man, named Salmasius, exclaimed, upon his death-bed, "I have lost a world of time. Had I my life to live over again, I would devote myself to the study of the Psalms of David, and

the epistles of the Apostle Paul." "That Scripture is given by inspiration of God," we have proof in prophecies, which are already fulfilled, in miracles which have been worked, in threatenings which have met their accomplishment, and promises which meet with daily fulfilment in the experience of all in whose hearts true faith reigns. Add to these proofs the elevation, purity, simplicity of the sacred writings themselves, the wonderful concord and harmony between all the separate books, both when they treat of the being of God, and the natural tendencies of the human heart, and the fulfilment of prophecy in the present condition of the Jewish people, and every humble truth-seeking heart can, and will acknowledge that none save God could have given such a book to the world.

Unbelievers have nothing to offer which can be put for a moment in comparison with the Bible. Uncertainty and torturing doubt in this world, and misery in the life to come, will be the lot of every one who rejects this book. Such unhappy beings resemble the maniac, who, having been seen incessantly busy in polishing a piece of brass, was asked what he meant to do with it, and answered, "I mean to make a sun out of it, which shall give more light and warmth than the sun up yonder in the sky." In the word of God there is something to suit all our needs, something adapted for every curcumstance and every condition of life.

Let him who loves the world search the book of God. and turn to Ecclesiastes, the wise preacher; there will he learn the vanity and nothingness of all things earthly. Let him who desires to know what true morality is, read the Proverbs of Solomon and the sermon on the Mount (Matt. v. 7), and he will there be taught the meaning of true virtue. Let him who trusts in his own righteousness and his blameless external conduct, read the epistles to the Romans and Galatians, which will acquaint him with the true method of justification before God.

Professors of the Gospel who bring forth no fruit, should study the epistles of St. Peter and St. James. The reckless and the unbelieving will find many solemn warnings in the epistle of St. Jude and the second epistle of St. Peter, as to the miserable consequences of sin and unbelief.

Those who are in danger of backsliding we would send to the Prophet Hosea and the epistle to the Hebrews, that they may learn the fatal results of " drawing back unto perdition." The silent, patient watchers of God's providence, we would send to the book of Esther, where, though the name of God is not found there, yet the hand of the Almighty can be visibly traced. Those who are occupied with great undertakings for the benefit of Church and State, should read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, in order that their work may be carried on in the fear of the Lord and in humble reliance upon Him.

Let the prayerful and devout study the Psalms of David, in order that their own prayers may be purified and elevated.

Let sufferers read the books of Job and Jeremiah, that they may learn how trials are to be borne.

True believers should read the epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians, that they may know what it is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah, that their hearts may be gladdened with the future glories of the Church and the everlasting triumphs of Christianity.

The minister of the Gospel should read the epistles to Timothy and Titus, that "he may take heed unto himself and the doctrine; and continue in them, for in so doing he shall both save himself and them that hear him."

We do not, however, wish it to be inferred that readers are to limit themselves to one or two portions of God's word, however appropriate to their particular case these passages may be; but let every one search every part; the doctrines for edification, the promises for comfort, the precepts for guidance, the invitations for encouragement, examples that they may be followed, and bad examples that they may be shunned, questions for the proving and awakening of their souls, and threatenings to affright them from sin and unbelief. Do not be frightened because some parts seem dark and mysterious. One by one, all the difficulties will vanish. Only read attentively, only read as one thirsting for salvation. Compare one part of Scripture with another, towards which exercise the marginal references under each verse will give

you some useful hints. And when you read, do not fail to examine yourself carefully. Ask yourself, "What especial lesson is taught us in this chapter? Do I believe it? Am I inclined to follow it? What especial promise is contained here? Do I need, do I long for this blessing? What precept do I find here? Do I take it as the rule of my life? Is there any good example here? Do I follow it? Any bad one? Do I avoid it ?" And when you read, pray thus, "Lord, give me faith in the truths which Thou hast taught us! Cause me to walk in the path of Thy commandments. That which I see not, teach Thou me. Let Thy word be a light to my feet, and a lamp to my path. Write Thy law in my heart, and inscribe it in my mind, and remember no more my sins and my iniquities, through Thy gracious promises which are all yea and Amen in Christ Jesus." When you examine yourself in this manner, apply everything to your own heart, and pray that your path shall be "like the shining light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Prov. iv. 18.) The Bereans compared the doctrines which St. Paul brought them with the Old Testament Scriptures already in their hands. (Acts xix. 11.) "It is," says a pious writer, "incredible to all who have not yet tried the experiment, what rapid progress may be made in that knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation, by the study of the word of God, without any other aid than the interpretation which one passage of Scripture gives of another. Yes; I feel no hesitation in saying that the most unlearned Christian, if he can only read his Bible, and will only take the trouble to adopt this method, will be able to obtain all the strengthening, vivifying knowledge which is needful for his soul's salvation. Yes, he will become so wise through God's blessing, in everything connected with his religion, that the most sophistical temptations and worldly arguments of those who endeavour to torture and wrest the word of God to suit their own opinions, will be incapable of shaking his faith. In this sense, also, does the peace of God which keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, pass all understanding, all mere human wisdom, springing from the corrupt will of man, how profound soever his reasoning powers may be. (To be continued

ELIJAH.

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