Mistress Catharine Bretterge once, after a great conflict with Satan, said, "Reason not with me, I am but a weak woman, if thou hast anything to say, say it to my Christ, he is my Advocate, my strength, and my Redeemer, and he shall plead for me!" resistance, he will give you fresh onsets. | but hear, pray, read, &c. If your conIt is your greatest honor, and your sciences be wide and large, he will tempt highest wisdom, peremptorily to with- you to carnal security; if you are boldstand the beginnings of a temptation, spirited, he will tempt you to presumpfor an after-remedy comes often too tion; if timorous, to desperation; if late." flexible, to inconstancy; if proud and stiff, to gross folly: therefore still look for fresh assaults, make one victory a step to another. When you have overcome a temptation take heed of unbending your bow, but look well to it, that your bow be always bent, and that it remain in strength. When you have overcome one temptation, you must be ready to enter the list with another. As distrust, (in some sense) is the mother of safety, so security is the gate of danger. A man had need to fear that most of all which he fears not at all. If Satan be always roaring, we should be always watching and resisting him. And, certainly, he that makes strong and constant resistance against Satan's temptations, shall in the end get above them, and for the present is enough from being ruined by them. Men must not seek to resist Satan's craft by their own wit, BUT BY OPEN DEFIANCE. "He shoots with Satan in his own bow, who thinks by disputing and reasoning to put him off." As soon as a temptation shows its face, say to it, as Ephraim to his idols, "Get you hence, what have I any more to do with you?" Hos. xiv. 8. Oh! say to it, as David said to the sons of Zeruiah, "What have I to do with you?" 2 Sam. xvi. 10; you will be too hard for me. "He that shall thus resist temptations shall never be overcome by them." "Make strong and constant resistance against Satan's temptations by arguments drawn from the honour and love of God, your union and communion with God; and from the kindness, blood, and death of Christ, the intercession and glory of Christ; and from the voice, the counsel, the comforts, the presence, the seal, the whisperings, the commands, the assistance, and the witness of the Spirit; and from the glory of heaven, the excellency of grace, the beauty of holiness, the worth of the soul, and the vileness, bitterness, and evil of sin; the least sin being a greater evil than the greatest temptation in the world." And look that you make constant resistance as well as strong resistance,-be constant in arms. "Satan will come on with new temptations when old ones are too weak,—in a calm prepare for a storm. The tempter is restless, impudent, and subtle, he will suit his temptations to your constitutions and inclinations. Satan loves to sail with the wind; if your knowledge be weak, he will tempt you to error; if tender, to scrupulosity and too much preciseness, as to do nothing secure Remember that it is dangerous to yield to the least sin to be rid of the greatest temptation. To take this course is as if a man should think to wash himself clean in ink, or as if he should exchange a light cross made of paper for an iron cross, which is heavy, toilsome, and bloody.* The least sin, set home upon the conscience, will more wound, grieve, and oppress the soul, than all the temptations of the world can; therefore, never yield to the least sin to be rid of the greatest temptation. Sidonius Apollinaris relateth, how a certain man named Maximus, arriving at the top of honour by indirect means, was the first day very much wearied, and fetching a deep sigh, said, "O, Damocles! how happy do I esteem thee, for having been a king but the space of a dinner! I have been one a whole day, and can bear it no longer." I will leave you to make the application. "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOM THOU He that will yield to sin to be rid of temptation, will be so much the more tempted, and the less able to withstand temptations. man whom thou chastenest, O Lord." | is my God." Surely bitterness and sorrow 2. The benefit connected with divine would be found, instead of "precious chastisement--instruction,-"And teach-pearls in sorrow's stream," did we not est him out of thy law." 1. The fact stated," Blessed is the man," &c. The sentiment expressed in this passage would be denounced by the sceptic as the height of folly, or the offspring of enthusiasm; but the severest denunciations will fail to rob the statement of either its truth or beauty, in the esteem of the experienced believer. The child of God considers himself blessed, when chastened of the Lord, because chastisement is an evidence of sonship and covenant relationship. "What son is he whom the Father chasteneth not?" "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." God loves none but his own family, and because they are children, he chastens them: Amos iii. 2. Jehovah visits his children with parental discipline, whilst he delivers others into the stern hands of justice. Here lies the distinction between the judgment and chastisement of the living God; the one is fearful, both in nature and consequence; the other, though grievous in dispensation, is blessed in effect. know that chastisement was in perfect consonance with Jehovah's parental character and covenant engagements. He himself tells us that "if we be without chastisement, then are we bastards, and not sons;" for "he scourgeth every son whom he receiveth;" and if we peruse the arrangements of that covenant which is ordered in all things and sure," we must acknowledge that Jehovah would be unfaithful to his word, if he did not discipline his children. He has promised to do it, and though at first sight this promise may not appear sweet to the child of God, it is valuable, and will assuredly receive its accomplishment. The first covenant pledge is received "under the rod:" Ezek. xx. 37; and the love that brought us into the covenant, will watch us all our pilgrimage, administering, as may be needful, both the discipline and consolation provided therein. And the subject of sanctified affliction will not be backward to render praise for such a dispensation; but Perhaps no child of God ever saw the whilst he kisses the rod which makes rod uplifted, without trembling and him smart, he will say, "It is good for many tears; but as he has bowed be- me that I have been afflicted; blessed neath the stroke, he has felt the staff of am I when chastened of the Lord, for in life put into his hand, and as he has his fatherly correction I read my filial experienced the extension of Jehovah's relationship, my covenant interest. power to uphold and strengthen him, 2. The benefit connected with divine fear has subsided, filial love and confi- chastisement-instruction. "Blessed is dence have again appeared, and the the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, voice of the chastened one has cried, and teachest him out of thy law." The "My Father holds the rod, my Father term "law" may here be taken in a smites, let him do as seemeth him good." comprehensive sense, as including all Yes, dear Christian reader, the sword"the will of God concerning us, in may go forth unsheathed to execute Christ Jesus." vengeance upon the enemy; but the There appears to exist an intimate rod is never sent forth alone against the connection between chastisement and child; for whilst our Father uses the instruction, as administered and imrod for correction, he gives a staff to parted by our heavenly Father. There strengthen. "Thy rod and thy staff, is nothing arbitrary in the government they comfort me," said one who knew of Jehovah. Founded upon infinite much of heavenly discipline. The calm, wisdom, and suited to the very best of steady assurance of covenant relation- seasons, are the dispensations of his ship, has ofttimes proved a supporting hand. He watches each member of the staff to the believer under correction; heavenly family with care as unremit such appears to have been the case with ting, and with love as tender, as though the ancient church. It was when in that one had been the only object of the furnace, Jehovah said, "It is my adopting grace; and the spiritual trainpeople." This gracious declaration ex- ing of each is equally dear to his heart. cited the confiding response, "The Lord | The child of God is never subjected to chastisement, but God has something to teach him by it. It may be to reveal some mystery which he has earnestly sought to comprehend; it may be to show him some secret and presumptuous fault, which is hindering his spiritual growth; or perhaps it is to instruct him in the will of God more perfectly. The couch of languishing is the place for reflection; the chamber of affliction exhibits images perceptible only to the chastened one, and "wearisome nights" are occasions for the renewed exercise of faith, and for the reiteration of vows of devotedness; they are seasons for proving experimentally, what we have often theoretically advanced. Chastisement is not always wholly of a corrective nature; it is often administered for the maturing of the Christian character. Many a bright star in our moral hemisphere has gathered its lustre in the obscurity of affliction, and there is not one polished stone in the spiritual temple, that does not owe its symmetry and beauty to the chisel, in the hand of the great Masterbuilder. Christian friends, we owe more to our afflictions, than we are aware of. By them God draws out our sensibilities, corrects our judgment, and forms our character. We cannot always view matters as they are, in the sunshine of divine glory, and therefore God sometimes brings us beneath the shadow of divine faithfulness, that we may there learn more of ourselves, and more of Him with whom we have to do. Experience gained and matured under the pruning knife of the great Husbandman, is the most likely to stand the storm, and outbrave the tempest. That faith which has been taught to draw the fragrance from the promise in the time of suffering, is the most likely to be undaunted before her foes, and to come off more than conqueror. Since, then, there ariseth so great advantage from sanctified affliction, how necessary is it that the dispensations of God should be received in a becoming spirit. Surely we need instruction on this point. We have not unfrequently seen individuals, whose burning zeal and glowing love have called forth admiration, so long as the sun was high in the heavens, and the spiritual atmosphere was clear; but when clouds have gathered, when adversity has crossed the path, faith has been proved to be weaker, and love less pure than had been thought. Trial, in its onset, shook the confidence and zeal of Peter, for he said, "I know not the man." Trial, in its onset, intimidated the loving John, for "he followed afar off" A spirit of patient submission and earnest supplication is the most becoming temper of mind in which to receive the chastisement of Jehovah. It will preserve us from harbouring hard thoughts of God, and will save us from mistaking God's purposes towards us. Patient submission will induce reflection, "Consider," is the voice of God to us in affliction. Consider the past, mourn over its follies, and seek strength to forsake them. Consider the past in all its mercies, and let the remembrance of Him who hath hitherto guided you, renew your confidence in His character. He doth not afflict you willingly, but necessarily and graciously. Accept his chastisement, and praise him for it. Consider the future; what influence is God's present dealing with you to have upon your character, and through you, upon the church and the world? The Christian is not afflicted solely for himself, as a member of the one body." God's dispensations towards him must affect that body, and as "the light of the world," the Christian has a vast amount of influence, and a heavy weight of relative responsibility. Afflicted fellowChristian, be much in prayer; give yourself up unto earnest supplication, that the purpose of God may be accomplished in you, and by you. Supplication will induce watchfulness, and watchfulness will be rewarded by revelation. Remember, submission is not indifference, neither is resignation to the will of God a passive condition of soul. HINTS TO PARENTS ON EDUCATION. | channel. How careful, then, should "With wise and tender care they trained this child, parents be to place a good example before their children, who are always learning! How circumspectly should they walk-shewing that in all things they take the Bible as their guide. If they do not, they truly stand between their children and the kingdom of heaven. How needful, also, to see that the playmates of our children are of good character-lessons in deceit, in cruelty, in disobedience, are too often the education of playfellows. It is a blessed sight to see a group of happy children at play, gamboling about in all the lightheartedness of youth, but let us watch that no evil influence affects those little ones we love. When, then, does education commence? We may reverse the question, and ask, When does it not commence? How soon do the beaming smiles of a very little child show that impressions can be received at a very tender age? How soon does the kind look encourage, or the frown, or harsh word, cause sorrow? How early does the infant begin to manifest the depravity of the human heart, and thus need a wise guiding hand? What parent has not seen a very little child slap a brother or sister, and snatch the toy? How needful that we should watch the very first buddings of sin, and nip them ere they leaf or blossom! How often do parents smile and think those actions clever" that the Bible declares to be sin? "Oh," they say, "the little fellow is so droll and oldfashioned, he will know better, by-andby." If we wish to train a tree to grow in any particular way, we do not wait until it gets old and hard; no, we take the tender shoot and gently guide it, and confine it in the way we wish it to continue; we daily watch its growth, and carefully guide the wanton and straying shoots. Why, then, should we leave our children without good training till they are difficult to bend, and then wonder if they are stubborn, or break in the attempt? Alas, how few parents begin in time! PARENTS often make a great and fatal mistake about what they suppose education to be; when they hear the word, they think of schools, of books, slates, and tasks-but this is but a small and frequently the least part of education. Persons often imagine, too, that a certain age must be attained before the work of education can commence; this is another error, and a source of great evil. The word education is derived from the Latin, and literally means leading, or drawing out: teaching is only a part of education. When we teach a child to read, or write, or work, we have accomplished very little towards its real education. Every action a child performs, everything its sees around it, contributes to its education. Does an unwise father or mother use improper language in the presence of a child? This is a part of his education. Does a playfellow show it how to torture a fly, or induce it to disobey its parents? This is education. On the other hand, does a child see its pious mother relieve a poor man with a crust, or a drink of milk? It forms part of his education. In fact, at all times, and in every passing action, impressions are being made, either for good or evil-this constitutes what is really and truly education. And education, to be complete, should exercise and improve every part of the child, physical, intellectual, and religious education should cultivate the hand, the head, the heart. If we improve the mental powers, and instil not the holy precepts of religion, we do worse than nothing towards the education of the child. A powerful intellect in the world, without religion, is like a rudderless ship in the stormy seas. Who, then, educate children? All with whom they come in contact-parents, brothers, sisters, visitors, playfellows all these help to educate the child, more than all the lessons he learns at school. Not that we speak lightly of school, far from it; many a child has been brought to know God by means of a pious teacher, and has had his mind drawn forth and wisely directed into a right words. Train the child as you would a branch, while it is soft and yielding— pointing to heaven, and leading the way. That these few remarks may prove of some little use to parents in bringing up their little ones, is the sincere wish of A Father. (See Brief Notices.) Gems of Old Divinity. SPIRITUAL WARFARE. WHAT outward blessing can be sweeter than civil peace? what judgment more heavy than that of the sword? Yet, O Saviour, there is a peace which thou disclaimest, and there is a sword which thou challengest to bring. Peace with our corruptions is war with thee; and that war in our bosoms, wherein the Spirit is fighting against the flesh, is peace with thee. O let thy good Spirit raise and foment this holy and intestine war more and more within me. And as for my outward spiritual enemies, how can there be a victory without war? and how can I hope for a crown without victory? O do thou ever gird me with strength to the battle; enable thou me to resist unto blood; make me faithful to the death, "that thou mayest give me the crown of life."-Bp. Hall. THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT. the new. My bosom, O Lord, is a Rebecca's womb, there are twins striving within it, a Jacob and Esau, the old man and While I was in the barren state of my unregeneration, all was quiet within me; now this strife is both troublesome and painful, so as nature is ready to say, "If it be so, why am I thus?" Gen. xxv. 22. But withal, O my God, I bless thee for this happy unquietness; for I know there is just cause of comfort in these inward strugglings; my soul is now not unfruitful, and is conceived with an holy seed, which wrestles with my natural corruptions; and if my Esau have got the start in the priority of time, yet my Jacob shall follow him hard at the heel, and happily supplant him. And though I must nourish them both as mine, yet can, through thy grace, imitate thy choice, and say with thee, "Jacob have I I loved, and Esau have I hated." Blessed God, make thou that word of thine good in me, that "the elder shall serve the younger."-Ibid. SEASONS OF LIGHT AND COMFORT. The righteous have light and comfort in this life, when their heavenly Father sees they are most meet for it, and in that manner and measure he thinks best. He will grant light to his people when their dark conditions have done their proper work. He sometimes reserves their joys for a season till they are properly ripe: for he knows it would be to their loss to have them before. God will not let his people reap their comfort when it is only in the blade, but when it will do them most good, and just in that nick of time when it will be most seasonable. Murmur not at the Almighty; it may be, he is keeping your comfort against some time of emergency, some long affliction, which thou hast to go through, or some great work which thou hast to perform; then it will be a greater comfort to thee in thine affliction, and afford greater support in thine arduous work. Or, who can tell, but he may be keeping thy joy against the day of death, when it will be most needful. As he knows when is the most proper time to bestow light; so also he is best acquainted with the measure that is to be granted. All have not the same number and degree of graces or comforts; but they are dispersed variously, according to his superior knowledge and goodness.Pendlebury. THE INDWELLING SPIRIT. THOSE who are effectually called unto eternal glory, have the Spirit of God dwelling in them; for "if any man |