With respect to your present situation, I dare say you often feel much anxiety, and perhaps, at times, some depression of spirits, lest your labours should be ineffectual to answer the important object proposed. It is, however, a considerable relief to the mind when we know that we are in the path of duty, and performing the will of Providence; and submission to the divine determination respecting the success or the failure of our effects, and the time that we may be called to labour without effect, is a disposition, the possession of which is invariably connected with tranquillity of mind. Perhaps you may be called to spend your time and strength for years without seeing any good resulting from it: it may be, that, after all, you will leave the scene of action before any effectual attack has been made on the enemy's forces: you may be designed only to prepare the way for others, to sow the seed of which they will reap the harvest to lead the army close up to the opposing host, and then, called to a higher scene, to survey from your elevated and happy station, the contest and the victory. But, however this may be, if, in your ministrations, you faithfully hold forth the word of life, and strive with all your might, according to your opportunity, to stop the progress of error and vice, you will not lose your reward. Success is desirable. Who loves to toil in vain? Who loves to plant, and water, and see no increase? And, in general, God blesses his servants with some considerable degree of usefulness. But a useful ministry is not necessary to a valid one. Our Saviour himself preached with very little effect, and said, "I have laboured in vain; I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain.” "Yet," he adds, "yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God." And so may every minister say, under discouraging appearances. We serve a good Master: he does not make us answerable for success; he knows infinitely better than we do, that conversion is his own prerogative, and does not depend upon us. Duty only is ours; and, even with regard to this, he allows us to depend upon him for ability to discharge it; and, in estimating our services, he admits into the account, not only all we do, but all we try to do, and wish to do, but in which we are hindered; and says, "It was well that it was in thy heart." The language of promise is, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." We go further; we are persuaded that there are many cases in which ministers are dearer to God in their disappointments, than in their successes. It is pleasant to labour when we succeed; and there is always some danger, lest pride should mix with our pleasure, and, while we acknowledge God to be the author, we should feel some little importance at least, in being the instruments. The trial of principle is, to labour without success. To bear the burden and heat of the day without murmuring; to abide at our post under every temptation to leave it; to say, "If He is pleased to use me, I shall deem it an honour; but if He refuse me, I have no reason to complain; He has a right to choose his own instruments; to be willing to lay a foundation upon which another is to build; or to set, as another rises, and without envy or regret, to say, 'He must increase, and I must decrease."" Here is the true spirit of a servant-here is real greatness in the sight of the Lord and such magnanimity shall not lose its reward. But, my dear brother, though our discouragements are numerous, our supports are great. We have the promises of our Lord, the examples of the saints, the certainty of a happy termination; the faithfulness and omnipotence of Jehovah are engaged on our side; our cause is the cause of truth, and must finally prevail; our office and employment are the most honourable in the world; and, if we are found faithful, we shall "shine as the stars for ever and ever." Having, therefore, such a ministry, such prospects, let us not faint. The recollection of past mercy and grace afforded in times of great perplexity, will lead us to say, “Hitherto the Lord hath helped us; and will induce us to hope, that He who has hitherto delivered, will yet deliver. I find, that exalted views of the importance and responsibility of the ministerial office have a very beneficial effect upon my mind; they tend to produce solemnity and seriousness, and to stimulate to greater and uniform activity. Indeed, who can be idle and trifling with such a momentous charge? O that we may be so kept by the power, and so directed by the grace of our God, as ever to keep his glory in view, and rejoice in the happy prospect of doing good to immortal souls! Whatever others do, let it be our aim to study hard, pray hard, and labour hard for the good of our fellowcreatures. I think we shall not have to complain on our dying day, that we have done too much for Him who hath done so much for us; but, in all probability, we shall have to regret that we have done so little. Let us not be discouraged if we meet with difficulties in the way. They will be all needful, and will not make us preach the worse, but the better. If our hearts be but in the work, we may hope we shall have comfort in it also; for, as Baxter, in his "Reformed Pastor," well observes, "God seldom blesses any man's work so much as his, whose heart is set upon the success of it." That we may be made faithful, laborious, and active ministers of the New Testament, and be preserved from every snare, my earnest prayer is. I remain your's sincerely in the Gospel. CHRISTIAN TREASURY. Prayer, the Believer's support in Death.-Is the believer the victim of disease, and is he immured in a sick-chamber, stretched on a bed of pain, full of tossings to and fro till the dawning of the day, hark! what are these whispers ?-they are expressions, soft but broken,-sent forth from his suffering spirit, to Him, whose comforts, amidst the multitude of his thoughts within him, delight his soul-expressions of undiminished hope, and confidence, and blessing; for, draw aside that curtain, and say, as you behold his diseaseworn person, say, if you ever saw more meekness of eye, more placidity of countenance, a face combining in it a greater assemblage of contrarieties, exhibiting a more beautiful picture of the triumph of grace over nature, of prayer over trial, of pain of body subdued by peace in believing, and of the damps of death itself, dried up by the light of life? Oh it is not the softness of the couch on which he languishes, it is not the solacing sympathies of the friend who sits beside it; it is not the reflective survey of his past life, it is not the hope of fresh coming strength that occasion this composure: No, it is the effectual fervent prayer which availeth much; it is the answer given to that prayer by him who hath heard it, the peace of God which passeth all understanding, keeping his heart and mind in Christ Jesus, sent unto his soul from the excellent glory.- SOSTHENES. (On Union with Christ and abiding in Him.) The Guilt and Evils of Covetousness.-Covetousness instigated Judas to betray the Son of God, the Saviour of the world, for thirty pieces of silver. It induced Ananias and Sapphira to tempt the Holy Ghost, to "lie, not unto men, but unto God." It has even assumed the sacred office, trod the courts of the Lord, brought in damnable heresies, and with feigned words has made merchandise of men. It converted the Jewish temple into a den of thieves; and among the articles of merchandise, in the mystical Babylon, were seen "the souls of men."-HARRIS. (Mammon.) SACRED POETRY. ON LEAVING SCOTLAND FOR A FOREIGN SHORE. My native land! I bid thee hail! ere yet the mighty sea But never loved them with a love so deep and pure as now. I loved thee when, with lightsome heart, in youth's sweet sunny days, sea, But dream't not that it e'er would part my own loved land and me. Land of my birth a thousand looks concentred into one,— But dearer far than aught of these,-than fairest scene of earth, Land of my fathers' faith! how sweet thy humble village spires, Sir; I have always believed in God's Providence. I think I am just fitted for the situation which he has appointed to me, and that what he has fixed is best. I am, duty which daily falls to me, and to be careful of my therefore, satisfied and thankful. I endeavour to do the earnings: I have always had enough, and I have no fear about years to come." "Yet, my friend," said the gentleman, "if illness were to come, and you had not a provision made for the supply of your need in helpless age, ought not this to give you some uneasiness?" "No, Sir, that is not my business. Future years are not my business. That belongs to God, and I am sure that, doing my duty in his fear now, and being careful in what he intrusts to me, he will supply my need in future in that way which he shall think best." The gentleman then said, "We have heard, that teaching the poor to read has a tendency to make them discon tented with the station in which Providence has placed them. Do you think so?" No, Sir; quite the contrary. All that I have read in the Bible teaches me to be content with the dispensations of Providence, to be industrious and careful. A Christian cannot be an idie or an ungrateful man." 66 The Origin of the Moravian Mission.-At a missionary meeting in London, in May 1831, James Montgomery, Esq. of Sheffield, stated, that nearly one hundred years ago, the first missionary fund was formed among the Moravians, or United Brethren. Its amount was indeed small; for when the first two persons offered themselves to go to the West Indies, their patron went with them through the forest of Lusatia, and when they had come to the verge, he comforted their minds, knelt down with them, and commended them to God, and to the word of his grace. When they rose, he said, 'Brethren, how much money have you?" They open 66 Favoured of heaven, my native land! thou seem'st the golden source course; Till light shall break on distant tribes, and great Messiah reign Away, to haste that promised time, to distant isles I go, THY KINGDOM COME. HAIL to the Prince who in triumph advances, Soon may the glorious sound ring from earth's utmost bound, May his heralds of peace with all grace be adorned, And soon may the banner of Christ be unfurl'd On plains where huge Juggarnaut sits on his car. Then the days shall be happy beyond all that has been, shillings and sixpence if they were Spanish, or if they were German only ten shillings and sixpence. He gave them two ducats, eighteen shillings, more: so that with about thirty shillings these men went forth to preach the Gospel. Such was then the amount of the missionary funds of these good people. The thirty shillings thus lent to the Lord, and vested in his service at St. Thomas's, has been so accumulated by providential circumstances, that now the missionary station there, not only supports its own expenses, but has at times realized as much as three hundred pounds surplus funds. Vain-Glory.-John Fox, the author of the "Book of Martyrs," was once met by a woman who showed him a book she was carrying, and said, "See you not that I am going to a sermon?" The good man replied, "If you will be ruled by me, go home, for you will do little good to-day at Church.' "When then," asked she, "would you counsel me to go?" His reply was, "When you tell no one beforehand." Just Published, Volume II., Part I., Containing Numbers 45 to 70 inclusive, and extending from 7th January to 1st July, elegantly bound in embossed cloth, Price 4s. 6d. Also, Volume I., for 1836, in same style of binding, Price 75, or in Two Parts, Price 8s. Published by JOHN JOHNSTONE, at the Offices of the SCOTTIE CHRISTIAN HERALD, 2, Hunter Square, Edinburgh, and 19, Gl ford Street, Glasgow; J. NISBET & Co., HAMILTON, ADAMS & Co and R. GROOMBRIDGE, London; W. CURRY, Junior, & Co., Dubliny and W. M'COMB, Belfast; and sold by the Booksellers and Local Agents in all the Towns and Parishes of Scotland; and in the principal Towns in England and Ireland. Subscribers in Edinburgh, Leith, and Portobello, will have their copies delivered at their own residences regularly, by leaving their addresses with the Publisher.-Subscribers in Glasgow will, in like manner, have their copies delivered, by leaving their addresses at the Publishing Office there, 19, Glassford Street. Subscription (payable in advance) per quarter, of twelve weeks. 15. 6d.-per half-year, of twenty-four weeks, 3s.-per year, of fortyeight weeks, 6s.-Monthly Parts, containing four Numbers each, titched in a printed wrapper, Price Sixpence CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE, AN EVIDENCE OF THE TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN BY JAMES GLASSFORD, ESQ., ADVOCATE. THE value of what is called the inductive or experimental method of inquiry, in the various departments of science, and the superiority of this instrument for the discovery of truth and the enlargement of knowledge, when compared with those methods which are theoretical, is well understood by philosophers, and generally allowed in the present day. By reasoning from that which is particular to that which is more general, from what is nearest, and therefore, most obvious, to what is less apparent, because more remote, the truth is in many subjects ascertained even by persons of ordinary mental powers, with greater precision and a firmer conviction, than by those who pursue the opposite process, whatever talent may be exercised in conducting the inquiry. And the advantages of the method referred to have been fully verified, not only by the progress of discovery to which it has led in physical science, or the field of external nature, but also by the improvement of logic, or the art of reasoning, itself. But what is thus good in philosophy or human knowledge will be found equally so in that which is religious and divine, although it is not sufficiently considered in the latter case. The truths of Scripture, and above all the sublime doctrines and pure precepts of the Gospel, are denied or disputed by the world; for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God." 1 Cor. ii. 14. Now, there are two general methods by which, in the use of those faculties with which man has been endowed by his Creator, the revealed truths of Christianity may be acknowledged, and come with conviction to his mind; for we do not at present consider the direct and immediate influence of the Spirit of God to produce that belief, but rather the means through which he operates upon the understanding and the heart, as instruments for that purpose. One of these means, as distinguished from the other, is of an outward nature, and consists chiefly in the evidence of testimony, although we include under VOL. II. PRICE 1d. it here all those proofs by which the books of Scripture are attested to be a genuine and authentic record. And this evidence, when received by the understanding, is in itself conclusive of the question as to the authority of what they contain and enjoin. For if God has spoken, and the Bible is the revelation of his word and will, man's duty to believe and obey is a necessary and undisputed consequence. The examination of the ground and warrant of Christian faith, through the medium of this external evidence, has been conducted by writers of every class, and in every age, since the introduction of Christianity, with a minuteness and jealousy of search to which no other question or any other inquiry has ever been subjected. And the evidences upon which the authenticity of the Scripture record rests, and by which it is established, have been adduced and exhibited with an accumulation and force which no argument would be able to withstand, if unassisted by the natural prejudice and blindness of the unrenewed heart. But reference is more especially made at present to the other medium of evidence above alluded to, and in contradistinction to this external proof; namely, that which is personal to the individual inquirer-or the evidence of experience. And here we confine our attention chiefly to those motives and inducements which recommend this method of investigating the truth of the Gospel as a message from God to man. Let him, then, who hesitates in his belief of its doctrines, whose intellect and reason is still suggesting doubts regarding its external evidence, whose natural reluctance or philosophical habits of thought would call in question the proofs by which that revelation is attested, or who is entangled and perplexed by the objections of the sceptic, or cavils of the infidel, have recourse to this experimental process, and try the truth of Christian doctrine by obedience to Christian precept. This is a method of inquiry which the divine Author of our faith himself permits and authorises, in these words: "My doctrine is not mine," not mine only, or in the character in which the unbelieving Jews regarded him, "but His that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself." Christ was thus graciously pleased that the truth of what he taught, and the reality of his divine mission, should be tried by this test; and thus plainly declares that by an experimental knowledge of his doctrine, and its effect and influence, its reality, as a message from God, would be manifested and confirmed. Trial of the Christian life is thus appealed to, as affording, even of itself, a satisfactory evidence of Christian truth and doctrine. This evidence, indeed, on account of its more private and personal application, does not admit of being imparted in all its force to others. Upon them it can only be reflected as from a mirror; for it consists in the state of mind and disposition of the individual. Nor can the modes of its operation be fully understood, except by those who actually make the experiment. It is true, that the influence and results to be expected are plainly intimated by the Scriptures themselves. In the keeping of the law "is a great reward ; even a present recoinpence in the act. The joy of the Christian is said to be "unspeakable and full of glory;" his peace to "pass all understanding;" his hope, and joy, and peace, "to abound;" with many other declarations of the same encouraging import. And the testimony of all who have made the trial, has avouched and sealed their truth. But we are now considering the fruits of a Christian life, rather as connected with the question of evidence to the Christian system, than on account of their intrinsic excellence; and referring to them as a proper ground of belief to the reasonable mind. And with this view it is only necessary farther to notice, very shortly, some of the considerations and inducements which plainly recommend this experimental proof of the doctrines and precepts of the Gospel. even on the extreme supposition that it should not produce that full conviction of the truth, which, according to the experience of all who have engaged in it, may certainly be expected, there is no ground to suppose that it ever can be an occasion of suffering or of loss. On the contrary, while thousands have regretted, and in the end bitterly lamented not making the trial, in a question of so great moment, it is allowed that there is no instance upon record of a single individual who, having made it, has afterwards repented of his deed., Fifthly, It is in all respects a fit and satisfactory test, suited to the case; for the question to be resolved is not of a physical or logical nature, but a moral question; and the evidence offered is therefore, with strict propriety, a moral evidence. The Gospel assumes, that it will produce in those who receive it, and yield obedience to it, a certain state of mind, and certain dispositions and affections, excellent in their nature, but peculiar to its influence, and that these will follow as its infallible results; and the point to be ascertained is, whether, upon a fair trial of obedience to the Gospel precepts, these effects will be found actually to flow from it or not. In order to answer that question, Christ has said to his disciples, try my doctrine in this way, and judge accordingly for yourselves; if any man will do the will of God, he shall know whether the doctrine which I teach comes from God. The Saviour vouched his divine mission chiefly by two kinds of evidence, in confirmation of that afforded by the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning himself. One was the evidence of miracles which he wrought, and which was directly addressed to the outward sense of those who witnessed them. The other was the evidence afforded, more indirectly, but not less powerfully, by the excellence and divine character of the doctrine which he taught, and particularly by the fruits of peace which the reception of it First, It is a test of truth open and accessible to all; to the high and low, the rich and poor, the learned and unlearned. This universal adaptation, which is of so much value in every other case, gives a peculiar advantage here also; for, while it speaks not less to the most enlarged and power-produces. Both these characters of the Messiah's ful intellect, it brings the question and its answer equally within the reach of others, who are not accustomed to follow a train of reasoning, or enter into a comparison of extended proofs. Secondly, It requires no previous study, or instruction, no reading and collection of the testimony of other men, no machinery or apparatus to conduct the experiment. The materials for investigation are few and simple, and are alike in the power and possession of all. Thirdly, It is a kind of evidence which has its effect and result at once, and from the beginning. It is brought inwardly home to the individual, and therefore immediately apprehended; free from suspicion, and liable to no mistake. For, though the evidence will acquire greater force and clearness the longer that the experiment is continued, and the more frequently that it is repeated, still it throws its light upon the question at issue even from the first hour. Fourthly, It is a safe experiment; one which cannot, in any case, be productive of injury, or attended with danger, or followed by evil consequence. For, kingdom had been specially and distinctly foretold, alone, but to that of the inquirer himself. It is | an evidence also in perfect consistency with every declaration and precept of the Gospel, and detracts from none of the methods prescribed in Scripture for attaining knowledge of divine truth, whether by the influence of the Holy Spirit, or the instrumentality and efficacy of prayer. On the contrary, it accords with these, and corroborates them, being a channel of the former, and working together with the latter. Can it be doubted, from these and other considerations, that if the case was one where the discovery of truth was the sole object, one which did not compromise the wishes and desires of the inquirer, where the partial judgment was not already enlisted on one side of the question, the appeal referred to would be considered fair by every reasonable mind, and the test be resorted to with the same readiness which is shown in the experimental researches of the naturalist and the man of science? And is it not also plain that they who refuse to make proof, in this allowed way, of a matter, the truth of which they desire to ascertain, but with the evidence of which they are not yet satisfied, are confessing themselves to be under the power and constraint of a prejudice which, in every other subject of inquiry, they would consider most unphilosophical, and would unequivocally and without hesitation condemn? In closing these remarks, it may be observed that, for rightly conducting this inquiry, and applying this experimental test, there is one condition indispensable to success, and which is common to every other investigation, physical or moral, applying not less to all the researches in science and philosophy, than to those respecting the evidences of Christianity; namely, that it should be fairly made, with scrupulous honesty and watchful care; not partially but fully, not with a desire to suppress or evade the conclusion, but with a desire to ascertain the truth. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF WIFE OF THE REV. WILLIAM ELLIS, MISSIONARY TO WHEN it was known at Huahine that Mr and Mrs Ellis had complied with the invitation sent from the Sandwich Islands, a general feeling of deep regret was felt among the natives. Mrs Ellis had endeared herself to the females by the warm interest which she took in their improvement, both temporal and spiritual; and the harmony which had uniformly subsisted between her and Mrs Barff, her sister missionary, rendered the separation peculiarly painful. But obedient to the call of duty, Mrs Ellis prepared for her voyage. At length, on the 31st December 1822, accompanied by her four children, she embarked with her husband on board the Active for the Sandwich Islands. The native women who had been under her care, and had enjoyed the privilege of her kind instructions, flocked to the shore to witness the departure of one whom they had ever regarded with veneration and esteem. One woman, in particular, was very deeply affected, and anxious to get a last look of her instructress and friend, she went out on the rocks at the edge of the harbour, and stood waiting till the vessel had put out to open sea, when she waved her hand, and with a heart heaving with anguish, sighed farewell. After a safe and tolerably pleasant voyage, Mr and Mrs Ellis reached Oahu on the 5th of February 1823, where they were greeted with a cordial welcome by the chief natives of the settlement, as well as by the American Missionaries, whom they had come to assist. The feelings of Mrs Ellis, in entering on this new sphere of operation, may be learned from her remarks in the following extract of a letter which she wrote, immediately after landing, to one of her former associates in Huahine : "We were welcomed with the greatest cordiality by the Missionaries, the king, and principal chiefs, and Mr Ellis was here; though there is plenty of room we were happy to find things greatly improved since for amendment still, but the people give the hearing ear, and seem willing to receive instruction. Let us hope and pray that the Spirit's influence may be showered down in rich abundance, and that the words spoken fully cold, and I think would agree well with you; I may profit those who hear. have wished you here ever since I came: I could not have supposed that three or four degrees of latitude would have made such a difference in climate. I was quite delighted with the view of the snow-topped mountains of Hawaii, but felt glad to be at a respect The climate is delight ful distance from them. It certainly is a most beautiful sight to behold the sun rise on them, and worth coming from Raiatea for. We are at present with the Missionaries, but the king has promised to put us up a native house, to live in till we get our own built. You will have a nice opportunity of coming by Captain Charlton, who intends to return, and by that time I hope we shall have a comfortable place for you. I do not like these people so well as those of the Society Isles, but perhaps I may like them better when I know more of them. There is a great work to be done here, and plenty of room for many more labourers. I trust the Lord will send more faithful men into this part of his vineyard, and cause a great shaking among these dry bones." In the month of April following the mission received a considerable accession to its strength and efficiency by the arrival of a reinforcement of Missionaries from America. The condition of the Sandwich Islands was, at this time, in a state the most favourable for the diffusion of a knowledge of the Gospel among the people. Idolatry had been, to a certain extent, renounced, and several of the chief men had declared themselves decidedly in favour of Christianity. In these favourable circumstances, Mr and Mrs Ellis directed their efforts to the acquisition of the Hawaiian dialect of the Polynesian language, that they might be prepared to enter on their work as speedily as possible. The prepossession which many of the chief natives entertained in favour of religion, was very encouraging to the Missionaries. The females more especially connected with the royal family were most earnest in their application for instruction, and Mrs Ellis, as soon as she was able to converse in the language, became their favourite teacher. Scarcely a day passed in which some of them did not visit her for the purpose of learning the truths of Christianity. Such seasons of delightful employment were pecu.' |