here we meet an excuse that lurks in almost was received by an enthusiastic shout that every heart. Give me, you say, a noble field rung through the fleet, and no doubt contribuand I am ready to work, but what can I do ted greatly to that memorable victory. We where I am now, in narrow circumstances, are engaged in a battle of life far more imporand shut up to an humble station in life? The tant, involving greater consequences, and leadeye of hope is fixed on some devotion, and ing to a victory more glorious and lasting than precious hours are wasted in dreaming of that of Nelson. And now, as the call for the what you might do under other and more pro- engagement, God displays his signal, bearing pitious circumstances. But the fact is, that on its broad and ample folds this command: he who refuses present duty, gives evidence "Son, go work to-day in my vineyard." The that he would be faithless in any station. time is short, much of your time you have al"He that is unfaithful in that which is least, ready squandered. How little remains none is unfaithful also in much;" and the very first can tell. But this we know, that the night preparation for higher stations and broader cometh in which no man can work. Your spheres of action, is a diligent and earnest day of opportunity may be even now ending, attendance on the humble duties that press on and the shades of night may be even now I find an excellent expression of thickening about you. Redeem the time. this thought in the answer of Thomas Car- Work while it is called to-day. "Son, go lyle to one who asked him to point out a work to-day in my vineyard.

you now.

course of reading which would be best calcu-
lated to make him a man. "It is not by books
alone, or by books chiefly, that a man be-
comes in all points a man. Study to do faith-
fully whatever thing in your actual situation
then and now, you find either expressly or ta- GOD IN
citly laid down to your charge. That is stand
to your post, stand in it like a true soldier-
silently devour the many chagrins of it-all
situations have many—and see you aim not to
quit it without doing all that is your duty."
If this be true then your work lies at your

door.

THE evidences of the existence of an Almighty, All-wise, and Infinitely good Being, are manifold and cumulative. Each class of evidence is complete and conclusive in itself. Every several kind furnishes a stand-point, And do you ask when you shall enter on from which we may view Jehovah. Some this vineyard; the text answers "to-day." points reveal Him more clearly than do othGod asks not for promises that are seen dimly ers; each may exhibit His greatness and goodhovering over the uncertain future, but for ness, in different ways and degrees, and yet present performance. One hour of faithful not be at all inconsistent with, or contradictory labor is worth a life-time of dreamy purposes to each other. To the Christian God is nearand plans. The character of the times in est-His temple is in the heart-hence the which we live calls for men-working men, truly good man can have clearer, more conwho reverence God and obey the law, and vincing and satisfactory views of the Allove their fellows. Unless I mis-read the mighty than any other. signs of the times, there are mighty convul- Creation shows the greatness and goodness sions before us. The pillars of the civil and of God, while revelation-so-called-in addithe ecclesiastical edifices will be shaken, and tion to these, shows his mercy. Creation, their foundations tried. It is on the eve of however, is, itself, a revelation, and when such a time that God has placed you on your rightly understood, will not be found to conpost, and calls on you to work. When Admi- flict with the Bible. Both should receive our ral Nelson was about to engage the combined attentive study, as an understanding of one fleets of France and Spain off Trafalgar, he will have a reflex influence for good in illusran up in the air that was soon to be rent by trating and explaining the other. the roar of the cannon and shrieks of the The Theology of Nature-so-styled-all wounded, and poisoned by the the sulphurous furnishes topics of exceeding interest, whethfumes of the battle, this signal, which will er we confine our examination to the surface live as long as the English language: "Eng-of our planet, with the naturalist, or, with land expects every man to do his duty." It the geologist, go deeper down to examine

those other tables of stone, whose inscriptions | known but for the previous discovery of the were written by the finger of God, or, with magnetic needle. Due much to this discovethe astronomer, wing our way through the ry is another powerful element. immensity of space, to visit other worlds, 2. The revival of commerce, trade and and systems of worlds, far larger than our intercourse with other nations, have many diown. There is, however, another kind of rect and important influences in promoting cievidence, less imposing, it may be, but not vilization and useful knowledge. Exchanging less interesting, when attentively studied: it the products of physical labor often proves is furnished in the history of our race, as na- advantageous to both parties, but far more so tions and individuals; and perhaps every one an exchange of the products of the mind. might, not unprofitably, study his own histo- The stimulus to intellect thus given, contributry to this end. By readers of history, and ed much toward, too often by writers too, has the great fact 3. A great improvement in the arts and scibeen overlooked, that God is in history. Both ences, and although the mental vision of the his power and goodness are exhibited at enquirers after scientific truths, was much obtimes, in conducting the movements, and con- scured by the gross religious darkness now trolling the destinies of men, in lines too plain just breaking, yet starting out on the true to be mistaken. The history of our own be- highway of thought, they stumbled upon maloved country will furnish an illustration of ny valuable discoveries. The spirit that this proposition. Even before its discovery, prompted to the solution of scientific probin 1492, the great Designer and Dispenser lems, extended its investigations to the more seems to have intended it to become a great interesting questions of civil and religious litheatre, where to the world should be exhib- berty. All great truths are affiliated, and true ited, in a higher degree than ever before wit- science is a handmaid to true religion. nessed, the happy influence of free religion, 4. The invention of printing came just in and equal political priviliges. The regal and time also, to join this mighty host of influoligarchic forms of government had found ences now marshalling for the great contest. ample time for a full and satisfactory experi- And what instrumentality-human agencies ment of their capability to do the "greatest considered-has been more powerful, to elegood to the greatest number," and their ruins, with the crumbling pillars of the still more despotic church of Rome, furnished material unfit for a substantial foundation, on which to rear the great superstructure of republican the Bible. government-of constitutional liberty. And 5. The consolidation of the European goas much of the world's future happiness de-vernments. pended on the careful erection of this great Temple of Liberty,so greatly desired by the nations: so much the more necessary it was that only true, tried men should lay its foundations, as well as rear its mighty columns. Such men at the proper time, were found-men, who, like their great Captain, had been "made perfect," (or as much so as human nature is likely to be,) through suffering."

vate and improve the condition of the great mass of mankind? How remarkable that the very first work of the press should be that great charter of rights, civil and religious—

Before the fifteenth century, though there were Englishmen, Frenchmen, Spaniards, &c., there were no nations of elther, corresponding to our present views of nationality. Feudal nobles divided Europe into numerous principalities: Spain had some twenty or more little princedoms; Germany no small number of herzogs and landgraves; Portugal her nobility; England, though more consolidated than any other state yet mentioned, yet had many Earls, Dukes and Counts, who bore an almost kingly rule over their narrow possessions. But in the latter part of the 15th century, only a little time previous to the sailing of Columbus, England was united un1. The dove of liberty had flown over the der Henry VII.; France, under Charles VIII.; Old World, desolated by the flood of tyranny Germany, under Maximilian I.; Portugal, and misrule, but had found no rest, no peace- under Don Henry, and Spain, by Ferdinand ful place to attract her wearied eye. She then and Isabella. These considerations gave to in despair, yet in hope, turned her flight to a each state greater power than otherwise posNew World, which would have remained un-sible, to successfully carry on discovery and

But before noticing them further, perhaps it would be well to observe some great advantages introduced first to the world, just in time to efficiently aid in this gigantic enterprise, when aid was most needed.

colonization in the new world. Was the con- And it is worthy of note, that things exactly currence of all these agencies at this crisis in different were caused to produce the same rethe history of the world a mere accident? sult: For example, in Virginia Sir George While not only direct instrumentalities were Yearly yielded to the request of the people, raised up or strengthened, other agencies were and allowed a legislature, or lower house, and over-ruled for good to the empire for which many other civil privileges. In New York, such a conjunction of forces had been prepa- the Governor refused to recognize the rights ring. Not least in the result was the insatiate of the people, as he acknowledged no source desire for wealth. It was a strong desire for of power "but God and the West India comwealth that induced Ferdinand and Isabella pany." In the one case, a taste of liberty to fit out ships to be employed in discovering and equality excited a love for larger draughts, a nearer way to India, that land so celebrated in the other a greater thirst was provoked by for its abounding wealth. To find a north-west withholding the cup so ardently desired. passage to that same rich country, Captain Some Governors led the way, others drove the Henry Hudson sailed up and explored the riv- colonists to liberty, and when both failed, the er that now bears his name. In search of king himself, went to their rescue. Little Gold De Soto discovered the Mississippi. did they know what they were doing. The first thing in order to a permanent settle- But who were the men thus honored by ment of any country, must be a correct know- Providence, to become founders of so imporledge of its natural advantages. This was tant an enterprise? They were the choice obtained of the New World, or the northern spirits of Europe, many of whom had been part of it, by men who had little thought of purified by the fires of persecution had been the part they were playing: of them it may oppressed, but not cast down. With singlebe said as God said of Cyrus-"I girded thee ness of purpose, as a committee of the whole, though thou hast not known me, that they they brought the noblest gifts that Europe may know from the rising of the sun, and could afford, and cast them into the common from the west, that there is none beside me." treasury. England sent forth the Puritans, The Alchymists, in search of that which Methodists, Quakers, and some of the best of would turn all to gold, made many valuable, her Roman Catholics. France, a colony of but unintentional discoveries, which have noble Huegenots, under Coligny, and though proved more useful to the world, than could many of them were cruelly murdered, their that magic stone have done, had it been found. spirits still lived, and animated the breasts of So was it with the feudal Lords, Corporations many, who preferred death to a life ignoble and Kings, who thought to speedily enrich and enslaved. Germany contributed her Mothemselves from the indolent Cathay; they ravians, under the excellent Zinzendorf; Holrevealed to the world the magnificent rivers, land, her sturdy Calvinists; Sweden and Finthe fertile soil, the beautiful climate, and the land, the disciples of Luther; Scotland, her vast extent of the new world. But as nei- republican Presbyterians; and even the Valther a short road to India was found, nor leys of Piedmont and Savoy were represented mines of golden ore, the desire of obtaining by a few hundreds, of whom their country wealth from the newly-discovered land, did was not worthy-the persecuted Waldenses. not die from being disappointed once. The With singleness of heart, they went right next idea was to acquire wealth, by planting manfully to work, and that Providence which colonies of dependents in that land of pro- sent them to the New World, forsook them mise. It was far from their intention to aid not when there. Three thousand miles away, in building up a republican state, to assist in monarchy felt itself secure, and was but little the progress of free principles, yet almost troubled with the humble work of the sons every movement seemed to be directed to this of Liberty; besides, if it had been disposed end, more successfully than if they had so de- to annoy them, so many difficulties were ocsigned. Corporations, so long as their works curring nearer home, that it was kept busy tended to this result, prospered; they then enough in attending to its own concerns. quarrelled with the King, or people, or both, Thus a government was planned, such as the and were dissolved, their power reverting to world never before saw: republican-some the sovereign, who generally granted the peo- little like Greece and Rome, 'tis true, notple some additional political privileges. So based, however, on the corrupt and rotten with the colonies begun by feudal nobles. [foundation of Paganism, but on a tried and

sure foundation, the rock of eternal truth, the Bible. In ways too numerous to mention,

A POOR WOMAN'S OFFERING.

they were favored, until the topmost stone The following anecdote was related a few years was laid, by a union of thirteen independent ago, by Rev. W. S. Plumber, while addressing States, under a constitution in one confedera- the Virginia Baptist Education Society. We tion. Other topics might be noticed, for ex- regret that he did not give the name of the ample, the preservation of the country from good woman who possessed the commendable Romish rule, even to the State last admitted to zeal for the missionary cause. the Union. But has not enough been said to prove that there is an over-ruling power, who doeth as He "will. in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth?" R. M.

Jefferson, Tennesse.

FOR THINKERS.

BY CHAS. SWAIN.

Take the spade of Perseverance,
Dig the field of Progress wide;
Every rotten root of faction
Hurry out and cast aside :
Every stubborn weed of Error,
Every seed that hurts the soil:
Tares, whose very growth is terror,—
Dig them out, whate'er the toil!

Give the stream of Education

Broader channel, bolder force; Hurl the stones of Persecution

Out, where'er they block its course; Seek for strength in self-exertion; Work, and still have faith to wait; Close the crooked gate of fortune;

Make the road to honor straight!

Men are agents for the future!

As they work so ages win Either harvest or advancement, Or the product of their sin! Follow out true cultivation, Widen Education's plan; From the majesty of Nature, Teach the majesty of man!

Take the spade of Perseverance,
Dig the field of Progress wide;
Every bar to true instruction,
Carry out and cast aside;
Feed the plant whose fruit is Wisdom,
Cleanse from crime the common sod;
So that from the throne of Heaven,

It may bear the glance of God.

"A poor woman attended a missionary meeting a few years since. Her heart was moved with pity. She looked around her house and furniture, to see what she could spare for the mission. She could think of nothing that would be of any use. At length she thought of her five children, three daughters and two sons. She entered her closet, and consecrated them to the mission. of her daughters are now in heathen lands, and the other is preparing to go. Of her sons, one is on his way to India, and the other is preparing for the ministry; and enquiring on the subject of a missionary life."

Two

KINDNESS IN LITTLE THINGS.

The sunshine of life is made up of very little beams, that are bright all the time .In the nursery on the play-ground, and in the school, there is room all the time for little acts of kindness that cost nothing, but are worth more than gold or silver. To give up something, where giving up will prevent unhappiness-to yield where persisting will chafe and fret othersto go a little around rather than come against another-to take an ill word or a cross look quietly, rather than resent or return it-these are the ways in which clouds and storms are kept off, and a pleasant and steady sunshine secured, even in very humble homes, and among very poor people, as well as in families of higher station.

THE WAY TO FORTUNE; OR BETTER
TO WORK THAN TO BEG.

LET no poor boy, after reading the following fact, ever despair of making a respectable living.

A gentleman was once walking down one of the streets of P, when a beggar loudly craved for "a few coppers for a night's lodging." he gentleman looked earnestly at the poor fellow, and enquired:

"Why do you not work? You should be a cup of tea, the book-seller recounted his hisashamed of begging." tory from the above eventful day.

“Oh, sir, I don't know where to get em- It was very similar to that of the welcome ployment." visitor. By industry, honesty, and depen"Nonsense!” replied the gentleman, "you dence upon God's help, he had risen step by can work if you will. Now listen to me. 1 step, from buying rags to selling papers and was once a beggar like you. A gentleman tracts in the street, then to keeping an old gave me a crown piece, and said to me, book-shop, and ultimately to be owner of one "Work, and don't beg; God helps those who help themselves.' I at once left P

of the best circulating libraries in the place. Before the happy party separated, the large and got out of the way of my old companions. old family Bible was brought, out of which a I remembered the advice given to me by my Psalm of thanksgiving was read, and then all mother before she died, and I began to pray bent around the family altar. Words could to God to keep me from sin, and to give me not express the feelings of those who formed his help, day by day. I went round to the that group. For some moments, silence, inhouses in the country places, and with part termingled with subdued sobs, evidenced the of my five shillings, bought old rags. These gratitude to the Almighty Disposer of all I took to the paper-mills and sold them at a events, which was ascending to heaven. profit. I was always willing to give a fair price for the things I bought, and did not try to sell them for more than I believed they were worth. I determined to be honest, and God prospered me. My purchases and profits became larger and larger, and now I have more than ten thousand crown pieces that I can call my own! One great thing that has contributed to my success is this: I have kept from drink and tobacco!

As the gentleman spoke he took out his purse, and drew from it a five-shilling piece, and handing it to the astonished beggar, said, "Now you have the same chance of getting along in the world as I had. Go and work, and let me never see you begging again. If I do, I will hand you over to the police." Years past away. The gentleman had forgotten the circumstance, until one day, when travelling through P, he entered a res pectable-looking book-seller's shop, in order to purchase some books that he wanted.

When they rose and bade each other farewell, the book-seller said, "Thank God, I have found your words to be true. God helps those who help themselves.' 'It is better to work than to beg." "

For the Casket.

IS IT TRUE?

Oh! is it true? Is that dread final hour to come, when earth, With all its scenes of wretchedness and woe, And all its charming forms shall be no more? Will nature soon, with all its loveliness And wonders vast, expire? Will all that now Is beautiful and grand, and all we love And view with admiration fond, soon fade Away, and be forgotten as a dream? Will yon bright sun one day arise to move Along his wonted course, and set at eve He had not been many minutes in conversa- In an eternal world, shedding his last tion with the book-seller, before the latter, Sad ray on man? And will that moon and all eagerly looking into the face of his customer, Those twinkling stars that shine so softly in enquired, "Sir, are you not the gentleman The firmament, at some dark hour grow dim? who, several years ago, gave a five-shilling And Oh! when Nature's dying groans are piece to a poor beggar at the end of this

street?"

"Yes, I remember it well."

heard,

Will the great angel flying thro' the air,
Blow his loud trumpet, calling all the sons

"Then, sir, this house, this well-stocked Of men from the long silence of the tomb, shop, is the fruit of that five-shilling piece." To stand, in sad array, before the throne, Tears of gratitude trickled down his cheeks, Of the eternal God, and hear their doomas he introduced the gentleman to his happy If just, to enter the abodes of lifewife and children.. If vile, to sink to everlasting woe!

He was regarded as their benefactor. Are these things true? Yes, they are doubly When gathered round the table to partake of

true!