Christ, boldly asserting, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation." He knew that the gospel was a theme, wonderful and interesting. As a revelation of the Eternal mind, it developes a mystery long kept secret, wrapped up in types and figures, but at last fully made known by Christ THE REVEALER, who came from the bosom of his Father to proclaim the glad tidings of the kingdom, took our nature in alliance with his own, fulfilled the law which we had broken, made an adequate atonement for sin, and wrought out an everlasting salvation for all true believers,— "Theme how transporting! breathing hope,to him Who, stung with sense of guilt and wrath Divine, This blessed gospel unveils the plan for counteracting the designs of the infernal powers. "For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." Hence the Saviour exclaimed, (John xii. 31.) "Now is the judgment, (xplots) the crisis of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out." It discovers the means of diffusing happiness through the world, by promoting unity, peace, harmony. On its banner is inscribed, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill towards men." Salvation is its constant theme. Herein are all the perfections of Deity honoured, the law of Jehovah magnified, the rights of justice fully maintained, and mercy benignantly inviting the lost, the ruined, and the helpless, to come and partake the blessings of pardon and eternal life. Paul gloried in the gospel, on account of its surprising efficacy displayed in the conversion of sinners, whom it influences to turn from darkness to light, from sin to holiness, from the world to God; separating them from long accustomed habits, comforting them in their distress, supporting them under afflictions, and cheering them with its promises, while passing through the dark valley of the shadow of death. The weapons it employs in subduing sinners are not carnal; not the power of the sword, not the force of human eloquence, but the power of the spirit of God, by which alone they are brought to believe, repent, rejoice, and persevere in the ways of holiness, "till they all, as with open face, beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the spirit of the Lord." The characters to whom the gospel is efficacious are believers, true believers. There are some who believe theoretically; their minds are enlightened, but their hearts are unsanctified. Some seem to believe, but their faith is transient and destitute of that root which is essential to its permanence and increase. It effects no change. They have the habit of hearing the truth, not for the truth's sake, but as a mere system which pleases them more than any other. No alteration is produced upon their hearts, their temper, their conduct. Their faith does not unite them to Christ, consequently, not being in him, they are not "new creatures." The spectator admires the vessel, but it does not carry him across the ocean. The philosopher analyzes the bread, but is still hungry. The antediluvians helped to build the ark, but Noah and his family only entered into it and were saved. The true Christian, however, believes with the heart unto righteousness; warmed by the love of God, he is joyful, zealous, active; he lives to Christ, and shall live with him eternally. The courage of St. Paul appeared in his readiness to suffer and to die, as well as in his bold defence of the principles of the gospel. See his intrepidity, and mark how the judge trembles at the language of his prisoner! Hear the confession which his words educe from the monarch before whom he pleads his cause. "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Listen to his avowal made in the prospect of martyrdom, and mark the composure and the confidence which characterise it. "I am now ready to be offered, the time of my departure is at hand-I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith-henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." And such is the courage that Christians should display in their profession of the glorious gospel, in the face of the world that scorns it, of sin that opposes it, and of infidelity that endeavours to undermine its strong foundation. To every temptation to abandon it, to every solicitation to compromise its holy tendency, our reply should be, "None of these things move me," through God I shall do valiantly. Young Christian! take courage, and go forward. Difficulties and opposition will flee before you. Aged disciple! already grey in the service of Immanuel, press forward still, the captain of salvation leads you on. If the contest be arduous, the victory is sure. Yonder are the peaceful abodes of the followers of Christ, there you will rest from the labours and toils, and dangers of the warfare, and, "There you shall wear a starry crown, And triumph in Almighty grace, Join in your glorious leader's praise." Penryn. EXCITEMENT. R. C. THERE is a form that has tracked my course, ever since I can remember; though on different occasions it takes such different appearances, that I am but just beginning to recognize, and call it by its right name. It can suit itself to every varied pursuit, flourishing in its native soil of gaiety and worldliness, or preserving its own earthly character, amidst the most heavenly accompaniments. Many a time has she invested with ridiculous importance, some scheme of trifling moment, which, having either failed or succeeded, has left me to wonder at the emotion I had experienced. And even when engaged in nobler undertakings, how often has she stood disguised beside me, clad in the garb of religious zeal or holy energy. But while I have been congratulating myself on my more heavenly guide, she has suddenly resumed her real character, and raising her well-known mirror, has presented that self-same resemblance of my soul, which I had long since seen and despised. Then, spreading her light flimsy wings, she has departed, laughing me to scorn. My reader is aware, from the title of this paper, that the form intended is-Excitement. Having found her the fruitful author of much evil, and the occasional cause of good in my own case, I resolved during one week, to keep especial note of her appearance, and observe the effect she had upon others. I was visiting a relative at the time, whose large family (excepting its calm and dignified head) were all in no small degree excitable; so that had not only an opportunity of coming often in contact with the object of my attention, but of forming a right judgment also, by observing the manner in which Mr. Edmonstone met her. In the evening after my arrival, I heard a clamour of little voices, succeeded by the inquiry-"George, William, what is the matter?" "O papa!" cried both the boys, in a breath. "One at a time, if you please. George, as you are the eldest, you may speak first." "Well, papa! we were going to ride, and William says we shall use the new whips; and uncle said expressly, they were for us when our others were worn out.' "And this, George, is the cause of your vehement agitation. Now, William?" "Look at my whip, papa! Is that fit to ride with? Can I make the pony mind me? If it is not worn out now, I wonder when it will be." "Well, whose fault is that?" interrupted George. "The reason is, that you have been so careless, and gone cutting about upon everything." "And, now, perhaps," observed Mr. Edmondstone, “you will give me leave to speak. In the first place, I do not at all like your manner, either to each other or to me. If you, George, were to drop those wells!' at the beginning of your sentences, it would be a considerable improvement; while in William, a modest explanation of his conduct would have been far more becoming, than such rude interrogations. It is quite certain, that you have both forgotten yourselves. And now let us see, how much of all the excitement was really called for? I suppose it never occurred to either of you, that each might follow his own inclination." The children looked as if a new light had broken in upon them, and though their countenances bore an expression of shame, they could not help laughing when they saw how easily the matter might have been settled. There was something so irresistibly droll in this sudden burst of good temper, with which they turned to each other, that their papa, who had hitherto been very grave, laughed too. "I was going," he added, "to set aside your ride, as an impossibility amidst such serious difficulties; but, perhaps, now you will be able to adjust them. If so, I have no wish to exercise authority." "Why, papa, it was only because I did not like to spoil my new whip, when I had such a good one; but, to be sure, William may do as he pleases." "And I don't want George to use his, if I may but take mine. I am sorry we have been so silly." "And so naughty you must add," rejoined Mr. Edmondstone; for the Bible tells us, that foolishness is sin. When we do ill for want of thought, while we might easily have known better, we displease our heavenly Father. Half the disputes in the world are of as little importance as this; but we suffer ourselves to be guided by passion and misled by excitement, till we place our happiness and holiness at the mercy of the most trifling occurrences. Do not forget, my children, in your evening retirement, to seek pardon for the faults you have committed, and grace to avoid them in future. When angry tempers are ready to start forth, think of your meek and lowly Saviour; lift up your heart to Him, and say 'Lord, lay thy hand, and keep them down.' And by-the-bye, William, do not needlessly spoil anything, for we may always find a better use for money, than to employ it in replenishing waste." The next intrusion of excitement I should probably never have observed, had not my mind been particularly disposed to detect her. We were sitting in the drawing-room before tea, when we saw Frederic (Mr. Edmondstone's eldest son,) enter the garden, accompanied by two or three of his young friends. Emma, a lively girl of eighteen, almost unconsciously arranged one or two of her careless ringlets, while an unbidden flush suffused her cheek. It would have escaped most eyes, but not those of her kind and watchful parent. Without appearing to notice it, he said—“Emma, I am at leisure now, for your half-hour of Mrs. More's works. I will not detain you longer, and we shall be quite in time for tea." Emma cheerfully accompanied him, and returned to the party with a countenance that showed how well he had succeeded in interesting her mind, and elevating it above all the petty excitements of female vanity. She was really agreeable, because perfectly at ease. Her spiritual feelings had been quickened, her mental powers had received an impetus; and, free from all thoughts of self, and the littleness of seeking admiration, she was ready to enjoy and improve by the superior conversation of her brother's friends, and to behave with that simplicity which is one of the sweetest ornaments of the female character. It was some days after, when the above circumstance was probably forgotten by them all, that in the course of conversation Mr. Edmondstone observed I have often been struck with the beauty and completeness of that portrait which Milton, in the space of two lines, · |
