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most furious battle took place that I have ever witnessed. Not thunder and lightning could excel the report and flash of the cannon, which might appal the most dauntless heart. The uproar was horrible; and it seemed as if all hell had broken loose, and was raging over the Channel. With unequal forces we oppose the enemy, but, in spite of the disproportion, I do not believe there was a single Briton who did not believe us certain to conquer the Spaniards. The enthusiasm of the men was beyond description; and when one of the sailors fell, his wife rushed on to fill his post, and actually fired the death-dealing gun.

"I must leave off, for these are busy times, and there is no room to write a long letter. The first leisure hour I have, I shall put pen to paper, and so, my dear Mary, farewell,

"Your affectionate Husband, "RICHARD EVERETT." Another number of the "Manuscrip

tomaniac" will finish Everett's ac

count of the defeat of the Spanish Armada; an event, the mere mention of which must warm every English

man's bosom.

ARTHUR HOWARD.

SOLITARY HOURS. (Continued from col.730.) No. IV.-On the Pleasures to be derived from an Experimental Acquaintance with the Christian Religion.

"Pleasure, we all agree, is man's chief good; Our only contest, what deserves the name. Give pleasure's name to nought but what hath pass'd

The authentic seal of reason, and defies

The tooth of time: when passed, a pleasure

still;

Dearer on trial, lovelier for its age,
And doubly to be priz'd, as it promotes
Our future, while it forms our present, joy."
YOUNG.

in the minds of a considerable portion of mankind, to receive their opinions at second-hand, without bestowing on them that rigid investigation which is requisite to the attainment of truth, there is reason to believe, that the above incorrect representation has greatly contributed to prepare the minds of many for rejecting the sublime and salutary doctrines of Christianity.

I do not mean, at present, to examine the various motives by which those men may be actuated who present the world with this repulsive character of our holy religion. To prove, however, how little credit deserves to be attached to their opinions regarding it, it may be sufficient to state, that this unfavourable portraiture is invariably drawn by those who have never experienced its influence on their own hearts; and, as in every other case, it is absolutely necessary that a man, previously to his pronouncing his decision, be intimately acquainted with the merits of the question under consideration; it is obvious, that such individuals can be its influence on the minds of others be but badly qualified to decide, whether of a favourable or of a pernicious nature; for, in this case, an experimental, as well as a speculative, acquaintance with it, is indispensably necessary. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

The religion of Jesus, instead of filling the minds of those who have embraced it with morose and melancholy dispositions, hath an unavoidable tendency to produce the very reverse. It will be readily allowed, that the man whose mind is beginning to experience those serious impressions by which IT has been the peculiar fate of the he is convinced of sin, may labour for Christian religion, ever since it pro- a time under an uneasiness of soul, to ceeded from the mouth of its great which he was formerly a total stranpromulgator, to be the object, not only ger; but this is only the sure prelude of the most malignant ridicule, but of a long and delightful tranquillity. likewise of the grossest misrepresenta- It will be further conceded to the option; and hence, one of the many un-ponents of our heavenly religion, that founded accusations which infidels have brought against the religion of Jesus is, that it has a tendency to generate and cherish, in the minds of its possessors, the most morose and melancholy dispositions. Now, as there is a strange propensity existing

the follower of Jesus may, owing to a variety of causes, during his Christian journey, have his feelings agitated, and his mind considerably pained; but what are these few casual interruptions of his joys and peace, to those sublime delights, that inward unut

terable happiness, which it is his distinguished privilege to enjoy, during the far greater portion of his residence in this terrestrial scene of existence ! And what are all the severe trials to which a Christian can possibly be exposed while in this world, when contrasted with that eternity of ineffable felicity, which, in the gracious_appointments of Jehovah, is reserved for him in heaven? The Christian has only, by the eye of faith, to penetrate the skies, and, surveying the glories of the unseen world, to reflect that he shall soon be an eternal inhabitant there; and all his trials and troubles will completely vanish,-leaving nothing but the name,

The philosopher, while successfully tracing the progress of nature through all her varied and intricate processes, may feel his mind exulting with emotions of exquisite delight, while he pauses to contemplate her wonderful operations; the mind of the artist may be highly gratified, while his eyes are intently gazing on some admirable production of human ingenuity; the man of science may feel his mind glowing with delight, in proportion as he becomes acquainted with those subjects which engross his attention; and the poet may be the subject of very pleasurable emotions, while,wafted on the wings of his airy imagination, he makes some lofty excursion into the regions of fancy ;-but all of these fall infinitely short of those pure enjoyments which are to be derived from an experimental acquaintance with the religion of Jesus. Nor need we be surprised at those exquisitely delightful enjoyments which the followers of Jesus derive from an experimental acquaintance with his religion, if we consider the doctrine it inculcates-the duties it enjoins-and the prospects it presents to the minds of its possessors.

The doctrines inculcated by the Christian religion are sources of unspeakable joy to the mind of the believer. And among these, the atonement-restoration to the lost favour and love of God-the promise of the influences of the Holy Spirit to the soul and the intercession of Christ, hold a prominent place.

The doctrine of the atonement is fraught with joy to the mind of the Christian. That man had, by his apostasy from his Maker, fallen from

that state of dignity and happiness in which he was originally created, is a fact which both reason and revelation concur in demonstrating. There is a faithful monitor in every man's bosom, which, if not seared as with a hot iron, or violently smothered in its workings, will unite with the solemn attestations of the Most High, in bringing this appalling doctrine to his frequent remembrance. Hence it is, that almost every nation under heaven, even though not visited with the light of the glorious gospel, presents us with so many instances of sacrifices being offered up, under the mistaken idea, that such sacrifices could atone for their sins.

We have only to cast our eyes over those parts of the world which are still enveloped in spiritual darkness, to be convinced of this fact; and our minds will sicken at those dreadful scenes which are there exhibited. We may there behold innumerable instances of infatuated beings, prostrating themselves at the foot of those inanimate deities which their own hands have formed-voluntarily subjecting themselves to the most excruciating pains, in all their possible shapes and varieties-immolating themselves on the funeral pile—and anxiously courting the supposed honour and benefit of being crushed to pieces by the wheels of some mighty car; and all this they suffer and do, from a firm conviction of their guilt, and under an erroneous impression, that they are thereby atoning for their transgressions.

If we look into our own, and other Christian countries, how many are there, who, while they affect to disbelieve the Christian revelation, feel such remorse of conscience on account of their sins, and such fearful anticipations of future punishment, that they betake themselves to acts of charity and benevolence, from a delusive persuasion, that they thereby pacify an offended Deity, and render an atonement for their sinful actions.

Now, does not all this corroborate the language of Scripture, which asserts, that man has violated the holy and righteous laws of the Supreme Being; and has consequently rendered himself justly amenable to his eternal displeasure; and at the same time prove the indispensable necessity of a satisfactory atonement for sin being made, previously to the sinner's

escaping that punishment which his guilt has merited?

interests, he can now behold him in the endearing relation of a reconciled The Christian is, of all others, the God and Father in Christ Jesus. The most deeply alive to this. He knows, contemplation of those attributes of that by his sin he has offended his the Deity, the recollection of which Maker; but he is, at the same time, formerly filled his soul with terror, is as fully convinced, that it is not in his now the source of his unceasing and power, nor in the power of any created highest delights. Secure in the enjoybeing, to repair the breach of God's ment of the favour and love of the violated law, or to offer a satisfactory Most High, he can regard with the atonement to the injured claims of his utmost indifference, the frowns and justice. It is no wonder, then, that to reproaches of the world. He perceives, such a man, the doctrine of the atone- and rejoices in, the presiding agency ment through the blood of Christ, of Omnipotence over the various moveshould be the most joyful and consol- ments of nature, and is pleased to ing intelligence which was ever utter- "See God in clouds, and hear him in the wind." ed in his hearing. While he reflects Even from those dispensations of on the blessed truth, that for his sake his providence which would overthe Son of God did, for a time, aban-whelm others in wretchedness, he don the presence of His Father-fore- derives some of his choicest pleasures; go the glory and felicity of heaven- for in them he recognizes the hand of appear in our nature and world-sub- a kind and indulgent father; and the mit to such privations, reproaches, and inspired observation is ever present pungent sufferings-and, at last, give to his mind, "Whom the Lord loveth himself up to an ignominious and ex- he chasteneth, and scourgeth every cruciating death; while, I say, the son whom he receiveth." He knows Christian contemplates all this, and that all things, whether to his natural hears Jesus triumphantly exclaiming, feelings they be joyous or grievous, in his expiring moments, "It is finish- are expressly intended to work toed," and has so many undoubted tes-gether for God's glory, and his good. timonies of the approbation with which If an obscure peasant were to reGod has regarded his finished work,ceive the most affectionate regards of he feels himself transported with a holy joy and complacency of soul, of which the world can form no conception.

Restoration to the lost favour and love of God, is another doctrine of the Christian religion, which is a source of inconceivable joy to the mind of the believer. There is nothing of more frequent occurrence among men, than for one individual to execute legal vengeance on another, who is his legitimate debtor; but who, from the very moment some friend interferes in his behalf, and discharges the debt, appears no more in the character of an enemy, while, at the same time, he cherishes no favourable or friendly disposition towards him. Happily, such is not the case with God towards the subjects of his mercy. In consequence of the incalculable value attached to the atonement of Christ, the sinner is not only delivered from the consequences of his moral turpitude, but he is also restored to the lost favour and love of God. Instead of regarding the Supreme Being in the fearful character of an avenger,-or in that of a being indifferent to his

some illustrious monarch, would not his mind beat high with exultation ? Unquestionably it would. And has not the Christian infinitely more reason to rejoice, who has an express assurance from Scripture, of being the object of the peculiar love of him, who is the Parent of the universe; and on whose vesture and thigh are inscribed, in indelible characters, "King of kings, and Lord of lords?"

The promise of the influences of the Holy Spirit, to enable the Christian to persevere in the righteous ways of the Lord, is another doctrine, from the contemplation of which he derives unspeakable consolation. It is to be lamented, that there are thousands in the world, who at once deny the necessity of the Divine Spirit to commence the work of saving grace in the soul, and likewise overlook the necessity of his continued assistance to carry it on until the day of complete redemption. Many there are, who think they are in a fair way for heaven, provided they cherish in their minds the kindlier dispositions of their nature, and that there be nothing grossly immoral in their external conduct.

Such characters cannot but disclaim | the necessity of divine influence in the work of salvation.

Widely different, however, is it with the genuine Christian. He knows, that unless he advance in grace, he must retrograde towards perdition. He knows, that without holiness of heart, as well as of life, no man can see the Lord; and he is deeply convinced, that the aids of the Spirit are as indispensably necessary to his progress in the divine life, as they were in accomplishing his regeneration. He is well acquainted with the frailty of his nature-the strong propensities existing in his mind to the commission of sin-the number, the resources, and the stratagems of his spiritual enemies -and that, from these causes, if left to himself, he would infallibly become the child of eternal destruction. It is when his mind is thus exercised, that the promises of the Saviour recur to him, in those passages of Scripture where this comfortable doctrine is clearly inculcated. His mind eagerly ruminates on this blessed theme, and from it, as from a fountain, he draws abundantly the waters of consolation. The doctrine of the continued intercession of Christ, likewise administers the highest delight to the mind of the Christian believer. Jesus, who

was

the atoning high-priest of his people, is now their interceding highpriest. He sustains the character of their advocate within the veil. Christ Jesus is set down at the right hand of God; and while there preparing mansions of glory for his people, is, at the same time, unceasing in his intercessions with his Father, that they may be prepared for the full and eternal enjoyment of those mansions. The Christian has often to bewail the number and the aggravated nature of those sins which mingle with his devoutest prayers; and has oftentimes reason to fear that they will exclude their entrance into heaven. But when he reflects, that however defective, and characterized by sin, his best services may in themselves be, they are presented by Christ Jesus, sprinkled with His blood; and that God heareth him always; then he rejoiceth with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

The performance of the duties which the Christian religion enjoins, administers much joy and consolation to the mind of the believer. Now, these

duties may be considered in two lights: first, as they regard God; and secondly, as they regard our fellow-men. From the former, his mind derives indescribable pleasure. Is he called to engage in private prayer, his mind beats high with delight, at the return of those stated periods in which he was wont to be so engaged. While he humbly prostrates himself in the presence of his Maker, he feels his soul fired with devotion, and his lips touched as with a live coal from off the altar; and, in the overflowings of his heart, he scarcely knows how to express his grateful acknowledgments to him, for all the tender mercies he has received at his hand. While worldly minds are chained down by their sensual propensities to earthly objects, the soul of the Christian, in the season of unrestrained prayer, soars up to heaven on the pinions of faith and love, pierces the skies, and explores the regions of bliss and immortality. Ask the experienced man of God, in what way he was employed while spending the happiest hours of his life; and he will, without any hesitation, tell you, it was when engaged in the exercise of private prayer

when enabled by the aids of the Divine Spirit, to pour out his soul to his Creator, in holy thanksgivings and in fervent supplications. In seasons of prayer, the Christian is earnestly engaged in expressing to the Most High, those emotions of praise and gratitude which fill his soul, for that tender care which he hath manifested towards him-for all those mercies which he hath conferred on him-but especially for revealing to him, and. giving him a saving interest in, the glorious work of human redemption. He is, at the same time, earnest in his supplications to a throne of grace, that the same goodness and mercy may follow him all the days of his life; and that abundant supplies of grace may be communicated to him from on high, suited to his varied circumstances; and that he may be enabled to hold on until the end of his Christian journey. And while he thus presents his praises and his prayers to the throne of God, in the full confidence, that, through the all-prevailing merits of Christ Jesus, they will be accepted, and answered, his mind glows with the purest and most elevated rapture.

The Christian derives much joy from | midnight will I rise to give thanks searching the Scriptures. "Search unto thee, because of thy righteous the Scriptures daily," is the command of our Saviour; and with the spirit, as well as the letter of this command, the Christian is careful to comply. The man who has never been the subject of regenerating grace, can see no beauty-no attractions-no meaning, in the word of God. To him it is indeed a sealed book; and he may feel so strong an aversion to it, as to be greatly punished when an anxiety to obtain or preserve a good name, may induce him to read a portion of its important contents. Not so, however, with the genuine Christian. He rejoices when an opportunity is afford

judgments, (precepts.) The law of thy
mouth is better unto me than thou-
sands of gold and silver. Unless thy
law had been my delights, I should
then have perished in mine affliction.
O how love I thy law; it is my medi-
tation all the day. How sweet are thy
words unto my taste! yea, sweeter
than honey to my mouth! Thy testi-
monies have I taken as a heritage for
ever; for they are the rejoicing of my
heart. I rejoice in thy word, as one
that findeth great spoil."
"-Psalm 119.
Elgin.
J.G.

EFFECTS OF YIELDING TO THE IN-
FLUENCE OF EVIL PASSIONS.

ed him of perusing the oracles of truth. HISTORY OF SYLVIA, OR THE FATAL It is from the word of God, that he derives a knowledge of himself; that he becomes acquainted with his own spiritual wants and weaknesses; and it is through the same medium, that

the way is made known whereby those wants may be supplied, and divine strength communicated. It is, too, from the dictates of inspiration, that the Christian derives his valuable knowledge of God. He may, indeed, learn something of a Divine Being from the light of nature; but the greatest attainments which man, unassisted by the light of revelation, has ever been able to make in divine knowledge, is but dark and superficial, compared with that resplendent illumination which shines throughout the pages of truth. It is in the volume of inspiration only, that the Deity has proclaimed himself to be "the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin;" and it is only such a revelation of the Supreme Being as this, that can administer joy and felicity to the sinner's mind.

SIR,

MR. EDITOR.

Three

Should you think the following history worthy of insertion in your interesting and useful miscellany, it is quite at your service. As to its authenticity, you need not have the least doubt; I pledge myself for it. years have not elapsed since the event doubt, is yet fresh in the memories of transpired; and which, I have no those amongst whom it happened. June 24th, 1825. AMICUS VIRTUTI.

Whether the pen be employed in rescuing from oblivion the wisdom of the monarch, the feats of the hero, the principles of the philosopher, the exertions of the legislator, the researches of the man of science, the productions of the divine, or the effusions of the muse,-to each of these several tasks is there assigned a pleasing interest; and more particularly so, when such records have a tendency to place virtue on a more solid basis; and to shew The royal psalmist, in delineating the amiability of religion, and the the pleasure which he derived from deformity of vice. To the last genus, searching the word of God, presents the history of Sylvia may be said to us with a faithful portraiture of he joy-belong; and doubly requited will its ful experience which every Christian writer be, if, by it, a useful lesson be obtains from the same employment; inculcated, or the least general good and in his words I shall conclude this effected. branch of my Solitary Hours.

In addressing his Maker, he thus expresseth himself:-"Thy testimonies, O Lord, are my delight, and my counsellors. Thy word is my comfort in mine affliction; it hath quickened me. Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. At

at

Sylvia was born in the year, a delightful village, in a sequestered part of the West-Riding of the county of York. Her parents, poor, though somewhat creditable, were regular attendants of the Establishment, and, according to its injunctions, they endeavoured to bring up their offspring."

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