WORKS OF J. A. JAMES.

SIR,-A short time since I took the opportunity at a church-meeting to recommend to the members of the church James's "Pastoral Addresses," as a valuable book, which should be in the possession of every member of a Christian church. About fifty gave me their names, in answer to my suggestion, and I had the pleasure of ordering these precious little volumes, whose contents are calculated to strengthen, animate, and encourage the believer, in his onward course towards the heavenly Jerusalem. At the last church-meeting our minister spoke highly of James's "Church Member's Guide," and recommended it to those present. I took down the names, and this week sent off an order for three dozen and a half copies, which I shall in a few days distribute. If ministers in every church would adopt a similar course, and bring Mr. James's cheap volumes before the members, what an amount of good would be obtained! what a blessing might be expected! what an unction of divine truth would spread through our churches ! DIACONUS.

Tiverton, Dec. 15, 1847.

ON LETTER-WRITING. WHAT I have found to be useful would I cheerfully recommend to others. It has been my practice for many years to watch for opportunities of addressing, by letter, words of comfort to those who are in affliction-inviting others to seek earnestly the salvation of their souls-and giving counsel to others who are going out into life; nor have I been left without proof of the utility of such means, while looking unto God for his blessing. I have also availed myself of the excellent publications of the Religious Tract Society, whose tracts and handbills have accompanied my letters. I will give you the outline of one attempt which I made many years ago, the result of which filled my heart with joy and my lips with praise. I was at that time occupying a post under the Government, and had under me some young men ; one of them was of very delicate habit, and after continuing at the desk a short time, there was reason to believe that he was not destined to be long an inhabitant of this world. He obtained leave of absence from his duties for a few weeks, at the expiration of which time there was no improvement in his health, and his leave was extended. My heart was drawn towards this young man, and I felt impressed that I ought to address to him a letter of affectionate inquiry, not only after the health of his body, but respecting the well-being of his soul; at the same time urging him to look to the Saviour in earnest prayer. I received a kind and respectful reply, encouraging me to conclude that my solicitude had not been in vain; this led to further correspondence, which cheered my mind. At length a letter with a black seal arrived from a relation, containing the affecting news that my young friend had finished his course. During part of his absence from duty he had been under the roof of a Dissenting minister, and it was from him that the communication came, to tell me there was reason to believe that my letters, with other means of grace, had

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been blessed by a gracious God, to lead his young relative to the only refuge presented to us in the gospel. A letter from another branch of the family also bore kind testimony to my labours in seeking the welfare of the departed I have often looked back on this interesting circumstance with gratitude and delight; and I believe the relations of the young man still feel an affection for me, as having been owned by a merciful God in leading the departed into the way of peace. This is an easy and simple method of trying to do good; and if the appeal be made with affection, looking to the Holy Spirit for a blessing, surely there is ground to hope for success! AMICUS.

THE EARTH.

"IT is this earth," says Pliny, "that, like a kind mother, receives us at our birth, and sustains us when born; it is this alone, of all the elements around us, that is never found an enemy to man. The body of waters deluge him with rains, oppress him with hail, and drown him with inundations; the air rushes in storms, prepares the tempest, or lights up the volcano; but the earth, gentle and indulgent, ever subservient to the wants of man, spreads his walks with flowers, and his table with plenty; returns with interest every good committed to her care, and though she produces the poison, she still supplies the antidote; though constantly teazed, more to furnish the luxuries of man than his necessities, yet, even to the last, she continues her kind indulgence, and, when life is over, she piously covers his remains in her bosom."

THE NECESSARY OBEDIENCE OF GOD'S

CREATURES.

THE world's first creation, and the preservation since of things created, what is it but only so far forth a manifestation, by execution, what the eternal law of God is concerning things natural? And as it cometh to pass in a kingdom rightly ordered, after a law is once published, it presently takes effect far and wide, all states framing themselves thereunto, even so let us think it fareth in the natural course of the world. Since the time that God did first proclaim the edicts of his law upon it, heaven and earth have hearkened unto his voice, and their labour hath been to do his will. He "made a law for the rain," Job xxviii. 26. He gave his "decree unto the sea, that the waters should not pass his commandment," Jer. v. 22. Now, if Nature should intermit her course, and leave altogether, though it were but for a while, the observation of her own laws; if those principal and mother elements of the world whereof all things in this lower world are made, should lose the qualities which now they have; if the frame of that heavenly arch erected over our heads should loosen and dissolve itself; if celestial spheres should forget their wonted motions, and by irregular volubility turn themselves any way, as it might happen; if the prince of the lights of heaven, which now, as a giant, doth run his unwearied course, should as it were, through a languishing faintness, begin to stand and to rest himself; if the moon should wander from her

beaten way, the times and seasons of the year blend themselves by disordered and confused mixture, the winds breathe out their last gasp, the clouds yield no rain, the earth be defeated of heavenly influence, the fruits of the earth pine away as children at the withered breasts of their mother, no longer able to yield them relief; what would become of man himself, whom these things do now all serve? See we not plainly that obedience of creatures unto the law of nature is the stay of the whole world ?Hooker.

AN EXAMPLE.

SIR,-During the past year there died in the city of Gan aged disciple of the Redeemer. In early life he was apprenticed to a country shoemaker. Being unable to read, he was anxious to learn; but no sabbath-school was then in existence. He, however, determined to instruct himself; and for this purpose he was accustomed, after he had finished his work in the summer and autumn evenings, to take the New Testament, retire to the fields near his master's house, and there, sitting between the rows of standing corn, study with earnestness and diligence. Though hidden from the eye of man, or, if seen, seen only to be mocked, the eye of God was upon him, and that to approve and bless his endeavours; for he not only acquired the art of reading, but-unspeakably greater blessing!-obtained a knowledge of the science of salvation. For upwards of sixty years he walked in the fear of God; for more than half a century was a consistent member of a Christian church; and trusting and glorying in the cross of Christ, entered into rest in the seventyeighth year of his age.

Youthful reader! by these simple facts be instructed and encouraged to seek the improvement of your mind, and humbly study the word of God, which is still able to make souls wise unto salvation.

J. S.

GOD TO BE SEEN ONLY IN CHRIST. A MAN cannot behold the sun in an eclipse; it so dazzleth his eyes. What doeth he then? He sets down a basin of water, and seeth the image of the sun shadowed in the water. So, seeing we cannot behold the infinite God, nor comprehend him, we must then cast the eyes of our faith upon his image, Christ Jesus. When we look into a clear glass, it casteth no shadow to us; but put steel (qy. quicksilver ?) on the back, then it casteth a reflex, and showeth the face in the glass. So, when we cannot see God himself, we must put the manhood of our Lord Jesus Christ, as it were, a back to his Godhead, and then we shall have a comfortable reflex of his glory.-Holdsworth's Sermon at St. Paul's, 1624.

AIMING AT GOD'S GLORY.

A FRIEND gives me a ring-I'll wear it for his sake; a book-I'll use it for his sake; a jewelI'll keep it for his sake; that is, so as may best express my love and report his goodness. And were we truly thankful to our God, we would then use all his tokens for his sake; do all things for his glory. We would eat our meat to him; wear our clothes to him; spend our strength for him; live to him; sleep to him; die for him, &c. Thus we should do; but, alas! we use his blessings as Jehu did Jehoram's messengers;

David, Goliath's sword: we turn them against their master, and fight against Heaven with that health, wit, wealth, friends, means, and mercies that we have from thence received.Harris' "Hezekiah's Recovery."

EDUCATION OF CHILDREN.

WE acknowledge that the great God does not confine himself to work by this way and that; he sometimes displays his sovereignty in visibly turning out of it. We acknowledge that he sometimes leaves those who had been, as it were, born and brought up in his family, to forsake it in a very scandalous manner, while he seems to go into the territories of Satan, into ignorant, carnal, profane families, and takes from thence persons whom he erects as trophies of free, surprising, and (as Mr. Howe justly expresses it) "unaccountable grace." But you well know that these are more rare and uncommon cases. And though some of you, my friends, are (and I hope you will never forget it) happy instances of the singular Divine goodness, yet most of you, as I apprehend, were from your childhood trained up in the knowledge of God, and are living monuments of the success which has attended the care of parents or masters in this particular. The greater part of those who have of late been admitted to your communion have, to my certain knowledge, mentioned it with thankfulness; and I rejoice to think how many of the rising generation amongst us, if ever a child may be known by his doings, are like to increase the number, and give us an encouraging hope that they will at length be set as olive-plants around the Lord's table, as well as yours. I persuade myself it is so elsewhere, and I think I may pronounce it with some confidence, that the families of God's children are, generally speaking, the nurseries of his church. Solomon, no doubt, had observed that a good education had generally been successful, or we could by no means account for the remark in the text, Prov. xxii. 6; and a very accurate writer of our own age (Locke) has carried it so far as to say, "that of all the men we meet with, nine parts in ten are what they are, good or bad, useful or not, according to their education.". - Doddridge's Sermons on the Education of Children.

IT is said of Alexander the Great that, spying in his army a lusty, proper fellow, yet, when he came to trial, he proved a very coward, he asked him what was his name? He answered, “Alexander." "Nay, then," said Alexander, "either deny thy name, or by some valorous exploit or other redeem thy credit; I will not have a coward of my name." Thus it may be said of many Christians-such as by outward profession are so accounted-If ye be Christians, why are ye drunk? why are ye covetous ? why are ye proud, envious, malicious, uncharitable? Either waive your names, or change your manners in life and conversation.

WORKHOUSE BAPTISMS.

IT is a case of not very unfrequent occurrence for a poor woman to take refuge in the workhouse, and remain there till after her confinement; and there are also many other circumstances under which children are brought into the world within the walls of these bastiles. Now it is the custom of the parochial authorities

to send these unhappy infants, in small lots, to the parish church, there to be baptized. One or two godfathers or godmothers, as the case may be, are supplied from the inferior officers of the workhouse, or those connected with the church. The number are examined; the answer received, "Oh, he'll stand for them all ;" and the service performed.

Another clergyman reports, on his own observation, that the usual fee to the godfather on such occasions is "the promise of a pint of ale!" This is the Poor Man's Church !-From a Correspondent of the "Churchman," signing himself "Anglo-Catholicus."

THE CREATURE FINITE, HOWEVER EXALTED.

A CREATURE even in glory is still a creature, and must be treated as such. After the blessed

God hath elevated it to the highest pitch, he must infinitely condescend; it cannot otherwise know or converse with God. He must accommodate this glory to the weaker eyes, the fainter and more languid apprehensions of a poor finite thing. I had almost said, nothing; for what is any creature, even the whole creation in its best state, compared with the great "I AM," the Being, (as he justly appropriates to himself that name,) the "All-in-all ?"

Their expressions, who over-magnify, even

deify, the creature assumed into glory, must be heard and read with caution and abhorrency, as the high-swelling words of blasphemous vanity. Is it not enough that perishing wretches, that were within one hand's-breadth of hell, are saved, except they be also deified too? that they become happy, unless they also become gods? The distance even of a glorified creature from the glorious God, is still infinitely greater than between it and the silliest worm-the minutest atom of dust.

The blessed in heaven shall have the glory of God so presented, and their minds so enlarged, as to comprehend much at one view; in which respect they may be said, in a great degree, "to know as they are known;" inasmuch as the blessed God comprehends all things at once, in one simple act of knowing.

The knowledge the blessed have of God is not infinite. Pure intuition of God, without any mixture of reasoning, is acknowledged peculiar to God alone. But as the blessed God shall continually afford (if we may speak of continuity in eternity, which yet we cannot otherwise apprehend,) a clear discovery of himself, so shall the principal exercise and felicity of the blessed soul consist in that less laborious and more pleasant way of knowing-a mere admitting or entertaining of those free beams of voluntary light by a grateful intuition.-Howe.

MR. ROBERT CROSS, MERE, WILTS. To preserve the memorials of departed worth in our churches, seems eminently befitting the "church-members' guide,' and is one effectual means of promoting its object. With this view a page is sought to record the incidents and excellencies pertaining to the subject of the following notice:

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As the son of a respectable farmer, Mr. Cross was born at once to comfort and industry. But, alas! labour for the bread that perisheth was their only toil, and comforts springing from earth were the highest they knew. Religion, except in its outward forms, was totally disregarded: they were a family without God. About the time, however, of our departed friend's majority, by a singular providence, arrangements were made for building a small chapel. A retired tradesman, a native of the town, having very unexpectedly recovered from an alarming illness at Bath, undertook, at the suggestion of the venerable William Jay, to give this substantial expression to his gratitude. Such an event, where Dissent was a thing unknown, or known only to awaken the bitterest hate and scorn, was a source of general excite

ment and unkind remark. Yet, with that generosity which always characterised him, Mr. Cross looked with some pleasure on the movement; gave some slight assistance in the erection; and was inclined occasionally to attend its services. To us who can review the past, and see the absolute necessity for such an instrument, it seems as if the commission had been issued as of old, "the Lord hath need of him;" for gradually and insensibly he was impelled onward, till his soul received the truth as it is in Jesus, and he associated himself with the small band of believers in Christian fellowship. These steps, however, were not taken without conflict and cost. those days, for persons in respectable society to frequent the meeting, was an offence that almost threatened the loss of caste. To a young man, therefore, mingling of necessity much with the world, the trial was not slight. The look of proud contempt, and the words of unhallowed rebuke, had he often to meet; and occasionally the unaffected but ignorant regret, "It is a thousand pities such a young man as you should thus throw yourself away!" Still worse! he became an alien in his father's house; parental

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authority and influence were exercised to turn him from the right path. This he bore with meekness, yet resisted with uncompromising firmness. More than once the appeal was constrained, "Father, am I a worse son to you than before? Do I neglect your business? Have you any fault to find?" And the reluctant admission made, "I don't know that I have; but I hate these Methodists!" Nevertheless, members of the family became obedient to the faith; and, from standing alone in the centre of a godless circle, our friend had the happiness to see some more immediately, and others more remotely, connected with him, the subjects of vital religion.

About this time Mr. J. Hyatt, who became the first pastor of this church, frequently supplied the pulpit, riding over, for the sabbath, from Sherborne, where he then resided. This instructive and faithful ministry Mr. Cross highly prized. He numbered it with his greatest privileges, and most endeared associations. His memory seemed to have received the exactest impression of his person and his labours. Often would he picture to himself, and represent to others, the dark flowing locks and piercing look of that devoted man; while his texts and sermons were referred to, at this remote period, with the greatest readiness and pleasure. Thus, by increasing knowledge and deepened piety, our now sainted friend discovered qualifications, of which the church showed their appreciation by electing him to the deacon's office; in which, by more than forty years' diligent and self-denying service, he "purchased to himself a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." It was his honour to have been the chief agent in establishing the sabbath-school. The

band of devoted teachers which has since been raised up, had no existence thenMr. Cross laboured almost alone; often watching the door each time it opened, lest there should be no helpers to sustain the work. How was he rewarded, in seeing that school made so extensively a blessing to the town and a nursery to the church! In him this cause found " friend that loveth at all times." If danger threatened, instead of shaking, it served but to rivet his attachment. One incident especially, to which he would often refer, in proof that liberality to God's cause is always repaid with interest, is worthy of record. The chapel property was still in the hands of the individual

a

who originally purchased it, when circumstances arose which led to its being offered for sale. It was supposed impossible for the worshippers to provide the necessary means; and it was, therefore, confidently reported that the sanctuary would soon be converted into a workshop or a stable. Our friend saddled his horse, and took counsel. The county ministers with their churches hoped to be able to raise a sufficient sum; but immediate payment was required. Mr. Cross had the precise sum (£600) in the bank of an adjacent town. He withdrew it, and redeemed the house of the Lord; and in the very same week payment was stopped, and every deposit sacrificed to the utmost farthing. "What comforts and advan

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tages," our friend would say, are lost by those poor, narrow souls, who have no heart to do good, and cannot trust God!"

Nearly twenty years since he was the subject of an affliction which threatened a fatal termination. Surgical skill had exhausted its resources. The limb was pronounced already mortified, and his medical advisers enjoined quiet and repose. "How can I," said he, "be silent? with only a few hours to live, I must entreat those around me to seek salvation." In the possession of the calmest assurance, and with the expression of the most enlarged benevolence, he awaited his great change, but which, in great mercy, was so long deferred. Having but one son, Mr. Cross somewhat early retired from business, and, by residing nearer, was enabled to give more time and care to the place of his affection. For more than fifty years he was a delighted attendant on gospel ordinances. To him the sanctuary was truly a banqueting-house; he hungered and thirsted after righteousness, and was therefore filled. He was no selfish hearer; the interests of others seemed precious as his own. The ministry, which evidently aimed at saving souls, received his warm approval. The earnest appeal, the persuasive entreaty, the soul-arousing shock, spread over his countenance a glow of hallowed satisfaction, and sometimes constrained a slightly audible expression of his benevolent emotion. At the usual meetings for prayer, until prevented by infirmities, he took a promi nent part. Venerable in appearance, and uniting patriarchal power with heavenly unction, his addresses at the throne of grace seemed a type of "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man, which

availeth much." The last time of his being thus engaged was on the occasion of the public fast. Deeply touched by his country's woes, he poured out the fulness of his soul, that natural evils might be sanctified for spiritual good. For some months previous to his decease, excepting being occasionally present at the Lord's table, his privileges were limited to the sabbath morning; but his earnest inquiries relative to all matters pertaining to the cause, and the unfeigned delight he discovered when told of sinners converted, and of additions made to the church, showed that his love to Zion underwent no decay. Instead, too, of the petulance which not unfrequently marks advancing years, his looks and words always betokened the most undissembled kindness. Intercourse with Christians always afforded him peculiar pleasure. He was emphatically "a lover of good men.' Not to have a few minutes' conversation with visiting ministers or pious friends, was sure to call forth his friendly rebuke; for, truly,

"These were the company he kept;

These were the choicest friends he knew."

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His days, however, were numbering. The crisis of a constitutional malady, from which he had often suffered, approached. This," he said to his now sorrowing widow, when seized, "is my last illness;" yet, in conversation with his pastor the day following, he thought his symptoms not so alarming as on a previous occasion. Through the pressure of engagements, and the absence of apprehension, the next day passed without an interview. "I thought," said he, addressing his pastor as he entered his chamber on the Friday, “I should have seen my friend before this." On learning, however, that some hours had been occupied in visiting a case of great spiritual distress, he was more than satisfied. That," said he, emphatically, the path of duty; you were much more needed there than with me.' With one of his fellow-officers he conversed with much earnestness the same evening, on subjects connected with the spiritual and temporal condition of the cause. To the very last, in its prosperity his soul seemed quite absorbed. During the night he grew rapidly worse, and suffered exceedingly; so that, to their great surprise, those who had left him the previous evening without any fear of a fatal issue, were summoned on the morning of Christmas-day,

VOL. V.

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was

1847, to witness his last moments. Many assurances had fallen from his lips of the unwavering confidence which he reposed in the atoning sacrifice of his Saviour God; but now, though his hand was extended to give the accustomed welcome, the power of utterance was gone. In answer to the question, "Is this the dark valley? are you near heaven?" there was no response. It was affecting to see the capacious chest of that athletic frame heaving with unusual energy. An effort to rise upon the pillow, and compose himself for death, was the last. Still, however, the countenance wore its wonted benignity. There was the absence of all strife and distress; not even the faintest sigh disturbed the stillness of the scene; when, closing his eyes, and drawing a deeper breath, without a struggle or a groan, he gently fell asleep, in the seventy-ninth year of his age.

"Softly his fainting head he lay
Upon his Maker's breast;
His Maker kiss'd his soul away,
And laid his flesh to rest."

The event was improved in a discourse by his pastor, from Prov. xiii. 22: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children." The distinguishing feature of Mr. Cross's character could not have been more appropriately expressed. Goodness beamed from his countenance, dwelt upon his lips, guided his decisions, and stamped its impress on his whole conduct. On the side of charity he might err, but never on that of consciousness. He was known as the peacemaker; delighted to see all "of one accord, of one mind." The benevolence which imparts happiness by promoting that of others, he constantly exemplified; and showed, by a consistent devotement of his substance to the cause of God, that his natural inclinations were turned and sanctified to the highest purposes. Yet his own sense of deepest unworthiness and imperfection, was most apparent. The "sin that dwelleth in us,' оссаsioned many a conflict between faith and fear. But while compelled to the exclamation, Oh, wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?" he could add, "I thank God [there is deliverance] through Jesus Christ my Lord." Delightful is the thought that he has "washed his robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb;" his excellencies all matured; and the evils he deplored all eradicated,

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"without fault before the throne." Truly, "the memory of the just is

I