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CHRISTIAN IN DEX~AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST. VOL. 46-NO. 2. A RELIGIOUS AND FAMILY PAPER, PUBLISHED WEEKLY IN ATLANTA, GA. •T. J. TOO X, Proprietor. FOK TERMS REFER TO SECOND PAGE. Commnnicaticas. Tliong-hts. SUGGESTED BY I JOHN III: 1, *2, 3. “ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be call ed the sons of God ; therefore the world know eth us n*>t, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the »*ns of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that bath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” . « TTiehistory of the world, as exemplified in the rise and fall of nations, and in the punishment of crime in individuals, presents God to our view as a just God ; one who can not look upon sin ! bat with abhorrence, and who, though long suffering, will certainly punish the wicked. Sodom and Gomorrah have been destroyed; Babylon ha* (alien ; populous No is empty ; Nmeveh is no more; Tyre and Sidonhave been swept awa\ ; Bosrah, the city hewn out of a rock by Edom, has been overthrown ; Philistia ha* fallen, and Jerusalem has been laid waste. But in the gospel we see him exhibiting ar.other of his attributes. “God is Love.” Oar Savior in his conversation with Nicode rnus, proclaimed, “ God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that i whosoever fcelieveth on him might not per- i ish, but have everlasting life.” And the | apostle here takes up the theme, “The won- j dert'ul love of God;” and to attract our at tention more forcibly, he says, “ Behold”— well may we stop to ponder, to admire, the | astonishing love of God—“behold whatman- | ner of love the Father has bestowed.” Our Savior says, “ The Father himself loveth j you”—“ bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God.” Not only called, but are, by adoption, sons of God, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. “ Now,” says the apostle, “ are we the sons of God ; and it doth ! not yet appear what we shall be.” If sons, j what more can we desire ? Sons of God ! j Let us walk worthy of our high vocation, j sons of God I And as though that were not enough, he adds, “ And it doth not yet appear what w e shall be.” Something more glorious, \ if possible, is in reserve for those who love j God. Well might the apostle exclaim, “ Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath en tered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” “It doth not yet appear what we shall be.” Oh! if we*could by faith realize the certainty of these things, should we not with Paul, for getthij, tiii thing! wtiicli are behind, press to ward the mark for the prize of our high call ing of God in Christ Jesus. “ But we know,” he adds, “ tha when heshall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” What a reason! “ V. c shall see him as he is.” This mortal shall put on immortality; these vile bodies shall be changed and become like his glo rious body ; changed from glory to glory as by the soiritofGod. Like Moseson the Mount, we shall be changed ; our faces shall be resplen dent with the reflected glory of Jesus. Our souls, no longer sin-defiled, but washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, shall be spotless. Our affections, no longer drawn to the transitory things of time, shall be centered on Jesus, and unitedly we shall join the ransomed in love to and adoration of our adorable Savior. Worthy is the Lamb, will not only be the language of our tongues, but also of our hearts. The apostle further adds, “ And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself even as He is pure.” Let us pray for faith to believe, to grasp these glo rious truths, that we may purify ourselves, and that our affections may be habitually set on things above, that we too may see him as he is and be like him. L. P. A Short Sermon. Clifton Hill, Marietta, Doe. 23, 1866. “ Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” The writer intended, many months since, to offer the readers of the Index and Baptist a few thoughts on the above text, but, having practiced too energetically the first injunction of the above passage, has been prevented the development of the whole subject. It is ev ident that there exist extremists on opposite sides of this subject. For example, there are persons whose entire religion seems to consist jn their industry and diligence in business, and whose boast is that they eat not the “ bread iof idleness.” These have but little charity for any who are not equally energetic in their worldly avocations. On the other hand, there are to be found many persons who at once Cindemn an energetic business man as being orldly-minded and covetous. This class of persons think that an enterprising business loan can not be a spiritualljt-minde.d .Christian. Sow, it is clear that tlfe. ; rWtthout making any ■s the true basis of Christian' I Siy say of Christian character. Gospel m Christ regards man as a perishable being, weeding food and raiment, and subject to phy gical want. Therefore, it demands of him en "Srgy and diligence in providing for himself and those under his care. The Gospel regards man as a humane being, moved upon by be -wyplent impulses, and therefore requires that kh&Jahor that he may have to jfive to those who need. The Gospel looks upon the world as a great field of immortal souls, whitening for an eternal harvest that must be gathered by the use of meats ; and therefore urges dil igence in business that means may be obtained to propagate the Gospel and send out the reapers. But, lest the man of business should become too much enamored with his busi ness, fie is equally urged to pursue his avoca tion with fervency of spirit, and make his very business subservient to the service of God. The true principle, then, is that no man is *an efficient apd. mature Christian that fails to FRANKLIN PRINTING HOUSE, ATLANTA, GA.; THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1867. pursue with diligence some useful occupation, unless he is prohibited by providential cir cumstances. On the other hand, no man can be a useful and exemplary Christian who is so engrossed in business as to omit the latter | injunction of the text —viz., fervency of spirit |in serving the Lord. To develop the Chris ! tianity of the text requires that we should | be much in communion with God leaning upon him in our weakness, and praying his gracious strength that we fulfill our Christian destiny with triumph over the world, the flesh and the devil. A Christian should never engage in any kind of business upon which he can not consistently ask the blessing of God; and having begun by asking the direction and fa vor of the Lord, he should, while in part de voting his time to his employment, devote the employment itself and all its results to God. He should act and feel as if he were God’s steward, working for God’s cause and ready, in all that he is and all that he has, to promote the honor and glory of God. Let these thoughts prevail with all Christians, and there will be no vagrants in the church ; neither will be found any professors of religion pros ecuting unholy traffic in those things which tend to drown men’s souls in perdition. W. L. M. Eufaula Correspondence. Dear Brother Toon :—The church in this city is again without a pastor. Some weeks ago we extended a permanent call to Rev. W. N. Reeves, who has served us as pastor for some six or seven years. He declines, and hence we are without a pastor. Learning that the health of Rev. A. J. Battlg was de clining under the arduous labors of the presi dency of the Judson Female Institute, which he is now occupying, and hoping that he might be induced to return and settle among those with whom he spent the early years of his life, the church unanimously invited him to be come her pastor. We earnestly hope that bro. Battle may accept; for certainly no one could come here under more promising circumstan ces of usefulness. Should he decline, I know not where the church will look next. Under the efficient superintendence of brother R. D. Mallory, now president of the Union Female College in this city, we have a large and flourishing Sabbath school. On yes terday afternoon the Sabbath school and friends met at the Baptist house of worship to enjoy our annual Christmas tree. It far exceeded all former occasions of the kind among us. There were too large cedar trees, extending their branches to the ceiling of the house, placed at the front corners of the plat form. There was a beautiful arch spanning the entire space between the trees. On this arch was printed in large letters, “ On earth peace, good will to men.” Then back of the platform and just above the sofa was a small er arch. On this arch were the words, “Glory to God in the highest.” All over these trees, suspended to every branch, were various ornaments and presents. Many of these pre sents were most valuable—articles of wearing apparel of the most useful and substantial kind. The house was then made as dark almost as night, and the lamps lighted. Just in front and in the center of the first arch, was a beau tiful and brilliant star, ingeniously made of lighted candles. This was to represent the star which appeared unto the wise men and led them to the place where the infant Jesus lay. Then a row of brilliant candles was placed upon the top of the front arch, and also placed in various parts of the trees. The whole presented one of the most beautiful and striking scenes 1 ever beheld. When all was ready the excited and anx ious children entered at the back door, the girls filing to the right, and the boys to the left, and filling the middle seats. Next prayer was offered by brother Reeves, and then comes the heart-stirring and soul cheering music in which most of the children united. This school sings well, and is fast improving under the untiring efforts of brother Mallory. And now and last comes the distribution of the presents. The articles were taken one by one, and the name written ; then, on being called aloud, the fortunate one would come forward and receive it It was most interesting to witness the oper ation, to see the great anxiety and interest visible in the faces of more than one hundred pupils as each article was taken down apd the name read out. Those who managed it endeavored to ob tain the name of every scholar and to have something for every one. Most of the teachers shared in the presents, and some friends who had been active and liberal in arranging for the occasion. The scene closed about sundown, and all returned home with light hearts and happy faces, wishing that Christmas would come oftener. * Such occasions much encourage the children, and do much toward sustaining an interest in the school.* And now. brother Toon, before closing this hastily written article, permit me to say a word about brother Reeves. Do you know any church wanting a pastor ? If so, that church might secure the services of this broth er. For reasons satisfactory to himself he de clines the call of this church. Still he is anx ious to devote his energies and his life to the work of the ministry. Unless Some such opening should present itself soon, 1 brother Reeves may be lost to the ministry. He must do something to sustain his young and grow ing family; and if he can not do it by preaching —the way he prefers—he must do it in some other way. Brother Reeves has been unfortunate. He had two good business houses, the rent of which did much toward his support; but in the late fire here, these’buildings were burned down, and his last means cf support—outside his personal efforts—cut off. And permit me to congratulate you on your success in obtaining trie services of Dr. Shaver as editor of tiie Index and Baptist, and express this hope that the denomination will now come up ; and liberally sustain the paper. Yours truly, s * A. VanHoose. Eufaula, Dec. 25, 1866* Sew Sunbury Association —A Ministers’ In stitute. I have recently witnessed what to me was new : the dissolution of an Association, and the constitution of anew one. The Sunbury Association, next, perhaps, to the Georgia in age, is no more. It was sad to witness its death and burial; it was dear to us for the good it had accomplished, and for the fathers’ sake. The result was brought about by the recent w’ai. Nearly half of its churches were colored, and since the war, these have with drawn and formed the Zion Baptist Associa tion. The remaining churches have become so feeble as to preclude the hope of much ef ficiency in their associated capacity. Other churches, having withdrawn from the Union and Piedmont, agreed to unite with us in forming anew Association. We have united upon the platform of the Old Georgia Asso ciation, and adopted the name of New Sun bury. May the glory of this latter body be greater than that of the former, and its end less sad. What say the brethren to a Ministers’ In stitute for Georgia 1 Our brethren of South Carolina are agitating the subject, and will probably form one next summer. The idea strikes me favorably, and I think it is practi cable. The ministry of Georgia need a more intimate acquaintance and sympathy—more of the esprit de corps. Then, great benefit would arise from the discussion of important points in theology, church order, ecclesiastical history, and pastoral duties. Who doubts but that a week spent insuch exercises as are proposed by a ministers’institute, would be largely bene ficial to the ministers and the churches? Why not hold one next summer at Penfield, the week after Commencement? The build ings there are ample ; and board could be provided for a comparatively small amount. Then it would bring our ministers to Com mencement, and thus afford a better acquaint anee with the college, resulting in a deeper interest and a larger patronage. We can se cure men in our own and from other States, whose lectures would be deeply interesting and full of instruction. 1 throw out the suggestion. If there should exist sufficient interest to justify the forma tion of an institute, the practical details can be worked out. * S. L. Savannah, Dec., 1806. Domestic Missions. With the opening of the new year, we wish to see anew opening of the hearts and pockets of our brethren with reference to Do mestic Missions. It is truly a great work. When I think of the ninety self-denying min isters of Jesus whom the Board is now sus taining—of the one thousand souls they have been instrumental in rescuing from eternal woe during the year just past (as per their reports)—and of the dark unu benighted por tions of our land they are filling with gospel light and gospel privileges—l can but feel, in common with the popular heart of our de nomination, that the Domestic Mission Board is accomplishing a great and glorious work. During the year 1867, I want every body to give something to this cause. What is more, I want to call on every body ; and those lean net call on I wish to send word to. Let us have your tens, fifties and hundreds, accord ing to your several ability. These Macedo nian fields are all white to the harvest, and every time you give you thrust a sickle in whose reaping will inure to the filling of the great granary of the Lord. M. B. Wharton, Agent D. M. B. Macon, Jan. 1,1867. To Subscribers to Domestic Missions. January Ist has arrived—the time at which all pledges fall due. —and many have failed to send in their contributions. This has been owing, in some instances, to ignorance of the proper channel through which to transmit it. I now say to all brethren whose pledges I hold, that my head-quarters are at Macon, and all communications will reach me here, if sent either by mail or express. When the amounts are large send by express. It is time all these amounts were in, as our needy mis sionaries are now to be paid for their labors among the destitute. Brethren will please send on their contributions without further notice, and they will be duly acknowledged. M. B. W BARTON, Agent D. M. B. Macon, Jan. 1, 1867. “ Nicodemus with Jesus.” A little work bearing Rev. J. M. R. Otu, u s Gr J fallen into my hands, in Jm it to y>« ll r readers, ft “W 1 considered discussion volved in that interestii/' , , , T „ _ . . relief of the jwm*-**~ blessed Lord’s teaching. . infew words, what has evidently the result of much study, and exhibits, in a very impress ive way, the great truths of regeneration and redemption. It will be a valuable addition to our Sunday School and Bible Class libra ries. Yours truly, B. Manly, Jr. Greenville, S. C. Go to Christ.— Jesus Christ is always near you. Go to him as your Master for grace to study, to love, and to follow his In structions. Go to him as your Lord, that, you may love and serve him faithfully, and : fulfill all his commands. Go to him as your Pattern, that you may follow his example and imitate his virtues. Go to him as your Savior, that he may cleanse your heart from sin, and make you pure in his blood. Go to him as your King, that he may give laws to- your soul, and that you may obey his laws, and never rebel against his author ity. Go to him as your Shepherd ; for you are one of the lost sheep he came to seek, that you may be kept from straying from his blessed fold. I , ; S’ride is observed to defeat its own end, by bringing the man who seeks esteem and rev erence into contempt. — Bolingbroke. , ) = Political Religion. The humorist of the Baltimore Episcopal Methodist happily illustrates “ the fundament al error, that God, having made certain retired from the enforcement of them, and left the Northern churches to be his general po lice officers, with plenary powers to determine what is wrong and correct it in whatever way may seem to them good.” We quote a par agraph : “ In the Pittsburg Christian Advocate, one of the official journals of the New England Northern Methodist Church, under the head ‘Special Notices —Quarterly Meetings', we find an invitation to be cured of the itch; with assurance of successful treatment at the hands of an operator from Massachusetts. At first we did not know what to make of this strange quarterly meeting ‘business. We knew that asking questions *§ sometimes pushed very far on such occasions, but we had never heard the state of the skin inquired into, nor seen a Presiding^Elder vo around the room in the style with spoon and sulphur. jjfl^Hhcrefore, it must have been a p? ; or may be, as nobody commits blunders in the North, it might have been a sharp trick of the brim stone vender, to draw attention to his wares by presenting the revolting matt*?* under a religious introduction. But upcu? reflection, we see no reason to seek extranei jfs explana tions. The system under whifehxhe Church is working makes the itch a very proper mat ter for discipline. It is an evil —ail evils re suit from sin—they are opposed to the will of God—the church is in God’s will; whatever is wrong, is sjn-Jthe church hates sin—is established to root Aut sin—and chooses to fight it separately ; intfll its forms and details. For turning the Ethiopian white, the church has a bureau ; for cm biy itch, why should it not have a quarterly meeting? Its mission is to put things right. Every body knows itch is not right. It is th ’retire rebel lion against God, who made all 'lands equal and free of -eruptions. Itch is aw<rk of Satan. Is ho not ‘ Old Scratch ?’ Seriously we do not see why the church that has undertaken, in ’he name of God, to take care of politics and civil matters, should not extend tXieir care to physical evils too. They have as, much war rant fur one as the other, and as much ability too. The itch comes particularly ivithin their province, for they seem to have no confidence in any remedy but sulphur.” We would fain hope that those who have shown themselves proof against tie massive sword of argument, would be readied by this lighter shaft of wit. But no. Asti he Metho dist says : “ It is easier to be a Reformer than a Christian, precisely as it is easier to be proud and censorious and tyrannical, thr humble and charitable and just.” Neiti '-u wit nor argument will suffice when grace has failed, to rectify the political religionism of '.he times. Praying Every Where, y We are not like children that must go- out from our Father’s house in, the mUrning, to spend the working,,.day awa# from J4i.“ only to come back rung. nd; we are with Him, and Iw with us,ydl the day through. We never leave His presence; He is beside us through all ou • wjork, cur weari ness, our perplexity, our '* orry, day : - and we may tell Him wh#“we Want, and how we are feeling—not stiffly and formally, twice. a day, at morning and -evening, b> as often as we please. He will not weary < f listening?; to us, if we do not weary of speakffg to Him. We need not limit ourselves, to morning and evening prayer. Twenty times, and far more than that, as you go through your day’s work, the eye may look up for a moment, the heart may be lifted, the brief word may carry up to God’s ear the story of your need, and of your trust in him. Sitting down at y:>ur desk, and taking up your pen—if t/ia f be your work — O, you do not know how much better you may do it for just covering your, eyes with your hand for a minute, and asking God’s blessing in prayer. Or dealing with your fellow-men —some of them impracticable and wrong-headed enough—some of 'hem sharp set and low-principled enough—some of them provoking and stupid enough—how much bet ter you will keep your temper amid the pro vocations of business —with how much clear er head and kinder heart you will treat with your fellow-sinners, for a word of silent prayer! If you desire to influence any one for good, remember how wisely it has been said that the shortest road to any human heart is round by God, and explain to your Heavenly Father all you wish to do. Every little pain will be better borne, and every lit tle joy enhanced, by a moment’s silent men tion of them to God. You can, alone with him, speak of a host of little things which really make a great part in your thoughts and in your life, yet which are less suitable for speaking of in united prayer with other peo ple. — Watchman. Dying Testimony. » The following extract is taken from the ac count given by the editor of the N. W. Pres byterian of the emi i befsLV the Second Bapt^B and en of ' quoting Scripture la; *} it when minted in ■#, »“T dicin' God said jftthhttt a fear, because I dte jn Christ.” “* die in the strength of the Lord Jesus Chrbt, the eternal Son of God, who redeems us fror<& iniquity and the damning evil of sin, by us a new spiritual nature. Seekjhim and put your trust in him.” He repeated morq than once the passage, “ Thanks be unto God, who giv eth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” He said, “the time of my depart ure has come; l have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; 1 have kept the faith ; henceforward there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,” &c. As the closing scene approached he said, “ Into thine hands, O, Father, 1 commit my spirit, through Jesus Christ, thy Son.” As he lay with his eyes intently looking upward his brother said to him, “ What are you looking at so intently, brother?” He said, “I see heaven opened, and Jesus sitting at the right hand of God.” “ Is Jesus with you ?” he was afterwards asked. “ Yes; O, yes.” After a while he vas asked again; “Is Jesus still withyoo?” “Yes, yes.” ; Church Sociability. —The SchuylkiiS Falls Baptist Church have semi-annual chu/cl tea parties and semi-annual Sunday school festi vals, so arranged that they alternate qun-Udrly. Thus, four times a year, the whole church as sembles in a social meeting as one grert fam ' ily, enjoy free conversation over an evening j meal, and afterward mingle in songs, payers, I and speeches. The Grace of Lending. A man may be your noble benefactor who ; never gave you a dollar, and another may be j a terror to you though he has given you gold j in your hour of need ; the kind word of the | first being like balm to the heart, while the cold patronage of the other may be as spears and arrows. An aged, earnest minister of Christ, speak ing of the trials of the past, said there had been none so sore to him as those petty ones connected with paying his bills when they ex ceeded his power to do so. His was a noble soul,above the influence of meanness; and his inability to prove it to others, made him wretched, destroying at times both his peace of mind and his usefulness in the church. “ The want of ten dollars to meet some obli gation,” he said, “has thrown, at times, such a cloud over my mind that my pulpit prepara tions have been hindered, and my Sabbath’s joy, if not its work, lost.” At one time this man labored most vigor ously And with great self-denial to build up a church in an important field where the helpers were few and mainly poor. He had, howev er, one rich man who owned about a tenth of the property in the village, and who was very generous in great things. lie built half the chapel, paid a quarter of the salary, gave well to Foreign Missions, and—stopped there ! It was no use to present the case of a poor church, a distressed family, or even of an Indian or Canadian Mission in our own land. He re plied that he “ did all this work in a lump, that ‘ Foreigti * meant ‘Asiatic;’ and that ‘ Home’ meant ‘ Our Chapel,’ ” in his vocab ulary. Butin justice to him we will say that the last field covered a turkey for the minister, every Thanksgiving! By and by the time came to this minister —as it does occasionally to others—to leave; and he began, like the honest man he was, to to call in and to pay his bills. It required a wondrous skill to make a little go so far; but he accomplished it within twenty dollars. This small amount was due at his rich broth er’s store; he had paid all outside the fold and all poor men first, feeling, that as he should ask only u little time to meet this, there could be no difficulty in the matter. What was his amazement to be met with a cold re fusal ! “ You must think lam made of gold, sir;” the rich man said. “How do you ex pect me to carry on this church and give as I do to Missions, if my creditors do not meet their.obligations ? I sincerely hope, sir, you will not leave, for the church’s sake, till every farthing you ow'e is paid ! I want my money.” The minister was dumb with mortification. But he was not one of those who trumpet abroad their necessities, and atone for their wants by denouncing the church. He iiad long ago accepted anxiety Mnd poverty as part of his fellowship with Christ. He went thence to the house of an old man whose eye was ever on him as he preached the word, and whose heart had taken in the blessed teachings of Christ in all humility. He told him his necessity, but not of his late rebuff; and said, “If you can lend me that little sum—the first loan 1 ever asked in this town —it w'ill greatly relieve my mind, and God will acknowledge it in your favor. I yill give you my note for the payment in two months.” “Your note!” cried the old man, putting his hard hand into his pocket. “ I’d rather have your word ).h|m aip niece of paper { Here’s jus? the sum—waiting lor you, I guess, iWhen you can pay it as w'ell as not, do • and if that time never comes, let it go! What is that between thee and me?” This man was a real benefactor, a friend in need, and God remembered the gentle act, though it cost him nothing ; and the loving words fell like dew on the parched heart of the anxious of God. “My brother,” replied the minister, “ this little loan is of more value to me now r , than the gift of a hundred dollars would be sometimes. I trust the day may come when 1 can return the kindness, as I shall soon do the money. Till then, I will ask God daily to give you what most he sees for your good. We may never meet again, so I have a w r ord to leave with you which may cheer you in some hour of despondency ; it is this : W hatever of success God has granted me here, in allowing me to build up his church and to gather in souls, will in part, be ascribed to you. For you have always held up my hands and encouraged my heart; your presence and attention have cheered me, in all weathers, in the sanctuary ; and your sym pathy and prayers strengthened me in the so cial meeting. Your voice has always been for peace —a righteous peace ; and no incon sistency of yours has ever given the lie to my words—that the Christian is “ anew man.” That daily prayer for “God’s best gift” ascended a little while from the pastor’s new home, and then came the news that prayer was no longer needed fur the dear, humble old man. God had come very gently ana saved him from his life-long fears of dying; translating him from the lowly room where he daily toiled, as unto the Lord, and crown ing him among the sanctified in glory. It is not probable that ever that faithful disciple was able to give away, at one time, twenty-five dollars; but the little sums came and went as the drops of water do which, in the end, make the river. None was ever sent from that little shop, empty away; if the money was low, the love was not; and kind words and aid in some other form was sure. From him that would borrow, this man never turned away; and thus he often relieved want while he spared humiliation. voice that says, “ He that giveth to the Lord,” says also, oKat would borrow of thee, turn u r-ft"requires more grace to lend than to give; and one duty can not be substituted for the other simply becausg it is more agreeable. The borrower may be as well off as the lend er, and therefore he neither needs, nor would he accept, actual charity ; but in some peculiar hour of trial an act of brotherly kindness which costs nothing may relieve him and make him a grateful friend as well as a ser vant to the lender.— Christian Era. “Tiie Promised One.” —Men may be in sane for opinions, but who can be insane for ffiets! The coming of Christ was prophesied a thousand years before. From the begin ning of his ministry, he lived wholly before the eyes of mankind. 11 is life corresponds with the prophesies in circumstances truly beyond the scope of conjecture, contrivance or power. The virgin mother—the village in which he was born—the lowliness of his cradle —the worship paid to him there—the hazard of his life —all were predicted. Could the infant have shaped the accomplishment of these predictions ? The death that he should dig the hands by which it was to be inflicted even the draught that he should drink—the raiment that he should be clothed in the sepulchre in which he should be laid—all were predicted. Could the man have shaped these accomplishments? The time of his resting in his tomb —his resurrection —his as cent to heaven—the sending of the Holy Spirit after he was gone —ail were predicted. All were beyond human collusion —human power —even beyond human thought. All were accomplished ! Is not here the finger of God 1 Christian Observer. A Wonderful Mill. The owner of a certain mill took pains in building it to use only the best materials. The owner intended it to grind wheat for his own use, and charged the man who took it to use none but the best of ivheat, to keep the mill in repair, and to make it his aim to see how perfect would be the flour produced. It would be difficult to describe this mill accu rately. It was so constructed that it was al ways well housed, yet so portable that the oc cupant could move it around wherever he chose. There is no need at present of my telling you the name of the miller, but you know him. The mill was also so constructed that it was always grinding something—if not flour something else—a most productive con eern. It so happened that it must be fed of ten, and it required great care to tend it. Passing this mill one day, I heard a conver sation between the owner and the tenant. “ What is the matter with our mill ?” asked the owner. “Why, nothing that I know of. It keeps grinding all the time, and consumes a great deal, and produces a great deal.” “ Yes, but what awful flour it produces ! It is not fit for use.. It can’t be used for bread, pies or cake. Now you know 1 have taken great pains to have this mill produce none but the very best of flour.” “ 1 know it, sir, but it don’t work well. I know it don’t produce what it ought to make.” “Do you feed it ?” . “Yes, 1 always keeD the hopper full.” “Full of what?” “ Wheat, si;, if I can get it. Butyouknow that real good wheat is dear to buy, and heavy to lift, and so 1 don’t always feed the mill with wheat.” “ Indeed ! May 1 ask you what you do grind up in place of wheat ?” “Well, sir! sometimes find it convenient to put in chopped straw, and much chaff with little wheat. And sometimes when lamina hurry, l throw in dirt, and even ‘filthy rags.’ If the mill clogs, I pick it out as well as I can, and let it grind on. Chaff and straw are so light that I like to use them. Sometimes I smoke the machinery with tobacco, or oil it with whisky, but never let it stop. Indeed, you know, sir, it w<-n’t stop. I hope you are satisfied with the quantity it grinds.” “ Perfectly. But what a perversion to make my beautiful mill receive all these use less and foolish and hurtful things, and put me off with the results and call them flour!” “It doesn’t seem quite right, I know. But it is so much work to watch the mill, and see that wheat is put in just at the right time, that I want to take an easier way.” The abused owner, seeing that there was nothing but dishonesty and indolence, had the tenant cited to appear before a judge. Now, this court was held in a great hall, and there Judge ■Conscience took his seat, and heard the case, and gave an awful sentence against the occupier of the mill. He was condemned to eat nothing but the filthy stuff he had been running through the mill ever sin#e he took it; and as the heap was enormously large, it was thought that he would never get through with the punishment —especially as, after all this, he continued to scrape in chaff and dirt and stones, and every thing he could get hold of with his hands. The owner was grieved exceedingly, and offered to remit the sentence and the punishment, if he would even thVn jjrlnd only wheat. Butanol the. jpnn .‘promise no-such thing, and there the pour ruined mill keeps on grinding -and be Uylng to eat its produce ! » " J . My reader, do you understand my parable 1 The mill is the human heart. The wheat is truth and light from the Bible, and good thoughts. But when, as you know, the heart will be ever, like the mill, grinding what you. put into it, you fill it with chaff in the shape of foolish novels and works of fiction, or fill it with books and bad thoughts of bad men, you are putting dirt into it. When you sin, and fill the heart with your sins, you are put ting in stones and all manner of evil. Purity of heart and holy thoughts are the wheat of the soul, such as God seeks, and such as" he intended the heart to produce. Your heart, dear reader, is a machine of great capabilities, and it can be fed with the finest of wheat, or with the filthy things of sin. With which are you daily filling it? And when the great owner comes, what will be the reward you will receive for your use of that heart.— Rev. John Todd, D.D What Made Him Say That? A little boy’s Testament lesson was the story of Zaccheus. When he had read the verse where Christ calls to the man in the tree, “ Zaccheus, make haste and come down, for to-day 1 must abide at thy house,” he paused, and inquired, “ What made him say that when he wasn’t invited ?” u “ Because,” answered the teacher, “ Jesus, being God as well as man, knew every thing about Zaccheus. He looked into his heart, and knew his thoughts; aqd he saw that he would be welcome.” The child was satisfied that it-was proper for the Lord to speak thus to a stranger, and went on with the lesson ; but I kept thinking, “ What made him say that?” For Christ never goes to a house where he is not wanted. The chief of the publicans was eager to see the wonderful prophet) he was willing to take much pains for the privilege; and his heart was ready to respond to the Messiah’s call. It is a beautiful thought, that, without a word on the publican’s part, the Savior should re cognize a waiting friend. j Zaccheus was rich ; and, in' his new Sense of honor and of glory? he .gave, no doubt, a noble entertainment to his distinguished guest. A most blessed season they enjoyed over the repast and in the hour of communion and re pose, yet not for the costly fare, or the sump tuous couch, or the rich perfumes, or the cour teous attendance; the sweetness of the inter view was in the holy, loving looks, the words of truth, the peace and rest, which had never before found place under that roof. Zaccheus was a sinner, and he never saw how vile was his heart and how small his possessions until he felt the presence of infinite purity and goodness. Jesus was a Savior, and he de lighted to draw his generous host to himseif in forgiveness and reverence and love. So Jesus is ready now to come to every house and every heart; he never waits, if he but sees we are willing to receive him. And the day of his coming is the sweetest of the year, the most blessed of the lifetime. Ho offers to be an abiding guest; to make his home wherever he is welcomed; ta shed the fra grance of his peace and love and beauty through all the chambers of the soul. He does not call in audible speech, as he did to Zaccheus in the sycamore-tree; but the heart recognizes the silent voice; and, if it is long ing iike the publican, for intercourse with the Lord, it will respond at once and receive him joyfully.— Christian Banner. A Paper kor Every Family.—A Presby terian minister of Cincinnati was asked by the editor of the Western Christian Advocate whether his people generally took their church paper ? “ Every family of them,” was the reply. “We find that there is i*either health nor progression where the religious newspa per is not taken; hence, one of our rules is to see that every family, however poor, is supplied." WHOLE NO. 2322. ffortrg. God. O Thou Eternal One I whose presence bright All space doth occupy, all motion guide— Unchanged through time’s all-devastating flight! Thou only God —there is no one beside! Being above all beings ! Mighty" One, Whom none can comprehend and none explore! Who fill’st existence with Thyself alone— Embracing all, supporting, ruling o’er— Being whom we call God, and know no more! « In its sublime research, philosophy May measure out the ocean-deep—may count The sands or the sun’s rays—but, God! for Thee There is no weight nor measure; none can mount Up to thy mysteries; Reason’s brightest spark, Though kindled by thy light, in vain would try To trace Thy counsels, infinite and dark: And thought is lost ere thought can soar so high, Even like past moments in eternity. Thou from primeval nothingness didst call First chaos, then existence—Lord I in Thee Eternity had its foundation; all Sprung forth from Thee—of light, joy, harmony, Sole Origin—all life, all beauty Thine; Thj' word created all, and doth create; Thy splendor fills all space with rays divine; Thou art, and wert, and shalt be 1 Glorious 1 Great! Light giving, life-sustaining Potentate. Thy chains the unmeasured universe surround— Upheld by Thee, by Thee iuspired with breath! Thou the beginning with the end hast bound, And beautifully mingled life and death ! As sparks mount upward from the fiery blaze, So suns are born, so worlds spring forth from Thee; And as the spangles in the sunny rays Shine round the silver snow, the pageantry Os heaven’s bright army glitters in Thy praise. A million torches lighted by Thy hand Wander unwearied through the blue abyss— They own Thy power, accomplish Thy command, All gay with life, all eloquent with bliss. What shall we call them 1 1 Piles of crystal light: A glorious company of golden streams — Lamps of celestial ether burning bright— Suns lighting systems with their joyous beams t But Thou to these art as the noon to night. Yes ! as a drop of water in the sea All this magnificence in Thee is lost: What are ten thousand worlds compared to Thee? And what am I then ?—Heaven’s unnumbered host, Though multiplied by myriads, and arrayed In all the glory of sublimest thought, Is but an atom in the balance, weighed Against Thy greatness —is a cipher brought Against infinity ! What am I then ? Naught 1 Naught! But the effluence of Thy light divine, Pervading worlds, hath reached my bosom too; Yes! in my sprit doth Thy spirit shine As shines the sun-beam in a drop of dew. Naught! but I live, and on hope’s pinions fly Eager toward Thy presence —for in Thee Hive, and breathe, and dwell; aspiring high, Even to the throne of Thy divinity. I am, O God! and surely Thou must be! | Direct fnymndtrstanding then to Thee; Control my spirit, guide my wandering heart; Thtougg 1 but an atom midst immensity, Still I am something, fashioned by Thy hand ! I hold a middle rank ’tfrixt heaven and earth— On the last verge of mortal being stand, • Close to the realms where angels have their birth, Just on the boundaries of the spirit land! The chain of being is complete in me— In me is matter’s last gradation lost, And the next step is spirit—Deity! I can command the lightning, and am dust! A monarch and a slave—a worm, a god! Whence came I here, and how ? so marvelously Constructed and conceived ? unknown ! this clod Lives surely through some higher energy; For from itself alone it could not be. Creator, yes! Thy wisdom and Thy word Created me ! Thou source of life and good ! Thou spirit of my spirit, and my Lord ! Thy light, Thy love, in their bright plenitude Filled me with an immortal soul, to spring Over the abyss of death; and bade it wear The garments of eternal day, and wing Its heavenly flight beyond this little sphere, Even to its source—to Thee—its Author there. O thoughts ineffable! O visions blest! Though worthless our conceptions all of Thee, Yet shall Thy shadowed image fill our breast, And waft its homage to Thy Deity. God! thus alone my lowly thoughts can soar, Thus seek Thy presence—Being wise and good! Midst Thy vast works admire, obey, adore; And when the tongue is eloquent no more The soul shall speak in tears of gratitude. G. R. Derzhavin (Rue.) Trans, of J. Bowring. An Affecting Scene. The Richmond Enquirer, of a few days since, has the following : An affecting scene took place a few days ago at the police station, which melted more than one stern heart to tears. A young man of most respectable connections had been ar rested for drunkenness and disorderly con duct, and was raving like a maniac in his cell, when his aged mother, attired in widow’s weeds, entered the station house, and request ed to be allowed an interview. The request was granted, and she stood face to face with her erring son. The surprise almost sobered him for a morpent, and he greeted her witn manly tenderness, but the demon of intoxica tion soon broke forth in fresh ravings. The mother endeavored to calm and soothe him, but without avail; his dulled ear was deaf even to the tones of maternal love, and retir ing from the cell she sank into a seat while the sobs so long choked down, burst forth with passionate vehemence for her son—her fallen son, her fond hope and pride, the prop and stay of her old age—for whom she would willingly have laid down her life. For two hours* her uncontrollable agitation had full sway, and then, with an effort at calmness she departed. It was a scene which none could view with out emotion, and spoke in thunder tones of the evils of strong drink. For your own sake, for your mother’s sake, for God’s sake, spurn the intoxicating bowl. It is fraught with ruin to body and soul; it is a liquid fire; distilled damnation, the strongest weapon of all the devil’s potent enginery. Don’t drink. The ruby bowl may invite, but there is death in every sparkle; tears and sighs in every glowing drop. It will deprive you of health, fortune, reputation and friends; mar your every prospect, blight your every hope, bring down the gray hairs of your parents in shame and sorrow to the grave, and finally consign you a poor, ldoated, disgraced wreck to a paupers trench in Potter’s Field. Boys, don't drink.— S. C. Advocate. To be able to bear provocation, is an largu ment of great reason, and to forgive it, of a great mind. — Tiilotson.