Churchwoman, a dutiful wife, an affectionate mother, and a good
neighbour. She attended the services and partook of the Sacrament
regularly, visited the sick, gave alms to the poor, and was generally
regarded as a very religious, upright, consistent, and exemplary person.
Yet, notwithstanding this outward goodness, her mind was not at rest.
Her religion yielded no joy, her service brought no satisfaction. Nor
could it be otherwise, for, instead of it being the spontaneous outflow
of a heart constrained by love, it was as a task imposed--a duty
performed in the hope of pleasing God, and meriting His favour, and in
this way obtaining peace and rest to her soul.
Poor grandmother! These were "deadly doings"; but she knew it not, for
her eyes were blinded by the god of this world (Satan), and her
unsuccessful attempts to procure peace by these means often left her
depressed in spirit and cast down in mind. But God had better things in
store for her, although it was by no ordinary means that He was pleased
to make known to her His more excellent way.
One Sunday, she went to church as usual, and took part in the singing
and prayers, which were performed in the same mechanical order as at
other times. It was not until the text was read out that her attention
was particularly aroused; but this so arrested her that it all seemed to
be intended for herself. The words, "Ye must be born again," uttered by
the lips of an unconverted preacher, were made the message of God to her
soul, but not as yet the message of peace. Her conscience was troubled,
and as the words of the text were revolved in her mind, and the
necessity of the new birth laid hold upon her heart, she trembled in her
seat, and all her fancied goodness fled away; for here was Nicodemus, a
good man, a teacher of religion, a pattern of morality, being told by
the Lord Jesus that he must be "born again," or he could not enter
heaven. She could see now that her almsgiving and church-going would not
satisfy the righteous claims of a just and holy God.
She had made a most blessed discovery--that she was a lost sinner,
"having no hope, and without God in the world." She returned home in
great distress of mind, and so continued until the next day. These
painful exercises then showed no signs of abatement, for the words of
the text kept ringing in her ears; so, on the morrow, as early as
convenient, she sought an interview with the clergyman, in the hope that
he might be able to minister relief to her troubled heart.
But "woe unto you, ye blind guides!" The only counsel he could give was,
to remind her of her good deeds, her consistent life, her regular
attendance at church, &c., urging her to be calm and to banish from her
mind these distressing thoughts, as there was not the slightest
foundation for her fears. But this only increased her trouble, and she
cried out, in great anguish of soul, "Tell me how I can be 'born again'!
Tell me over again what you were telling the people yesterday." As she
earnestly entreated him thus, he became greatly perplexed, for, alas!
the sermon he had preached the day previous was borrowed, and had since
been returned to its owner; so, in much confusion, he had to confess his
inability to help her; but said he, "You must get into cheerful company,
read lively books [at the same time offering to lend her some of
Shakespeare's plays], and these impressions will soon wear off." But the
solemn words from John iii. 7 were fastened in her mind by the "Master
of Assemblies," to bring forth their fruit in due season.
My grandmother left the minister in great despair, which continued and
increased to such an extent that eventually it became necessary to
remove her to an asylum, and her cries of distress were heartrending,
her incessant and unchanging cry being, "I must be 'born again'! Tell me
how I must be 'born again'!" But strange as it may appear, this was
God's way of bringing her both mental and spiritual relief. A Christian
lady who visited the asylum became acquainted with her case, and
learning that there were times when grandmother was quieter and more
herself, she resolved, if possible, to enlist the co-operation of a
godly minister of her acquaintance; and having made it a matter of
prayer, the way was soon open for him to see her, and the visit was made
with the happiest results.
As the glorious Gospel message was set before her, in simple and earnest
language, she listened with rapt attention, and drank in the blessed
truth which was soon to become the power of God unto her salvation.
After this visit she was a little restless at times, but as the truth
entered her soul, and she was enabled by "precious faith" to lay hold
upon Christ, her fears all vanished, and she gradually became more calm
and peaceful. She was led to see that peace was made for her by the
"blood of the cross," and not by her works; and, "being justified by
faith, she had peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."
She had now known and experienced the blessed change so long sought, and
which might have been set forth at her first awakening had a wise
counsellor been at hand. The change wrought in her soul was very real,
and acted so beneficially upon her mind that shortly afterwards she was
able to return to her home and friends, to tell "what great things the
Lord had done unto her." The remainder of her life was one of settled
peace and joy, fruitful in good works, and abounding in thanksgiving and
praise to God.
Dear reader, how is it with you? Have you experienced this great change?
Remember, nothing but reality will do for God and eternity. Neither
education, morality, reformation, nor religious profession, can take the
place of the new birth. "They that are in the flesh cannot please God."
There must be a new life and a new power communicated, in which to love
and serve God; and this can only be "by the washing of regeneration and
renewing of the Holy Ghost." "Except a man be born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God" (John iii. 3).--_Selected._
THE ENEMIES OF GOD AND OF HIS PEOPLE SCATTERED.
As the anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada is to be
celebrated this year, the following anecdote may not be uninteresting to
our readers, as showing a like providence in the case of New England
Christians.
Dr. Wisner remarks that the destruction of the French armament, under
the Duc D'Auville, should be remembered with gratitude and admiration by
every inhabitant of America. This fleet consisted of forty ships of war,
and was destined for the destruction of New England. It sailed from
Chebucto, in Nova Scotia, for that purpose. In the meantime the godly
people, apprized of their danger, had appointed a season of fasting and
prayer to be observed in all their churches.
While Mr. Prince was officiating in Old South Church, Boston, on the
fast day, and praying most fervently that the dreaded calamity might be
averted, a sudden gust of wind arose (the day till then had bean
perfectly calm)--so violent as to cause a loud clattering of the
windows. The pastor paused in his prayer, and, looking round upon the
congregation with a countenance of hope, he again commenced, and, with
great ardour, supplicated the Almighty to cause that wind to frustrate
the object of their enemies.
A tempest ensued, in which the greater part of the French fleet was
wrecked. The Duc D'Auville, the principal general, and his second in
command, both committed suicide. Many died from disease, and thousands
found a watery grave.
A late President remarks--"I am bound, as an inhabitant of New England,
to declare, were there no other instance than the above to be found, the
blessings communicated on the occasion now referred to would furnish
ample proof, concerning answers to prayer, to every sober and
intelligent man."
A HINT TO PARENTS.
In writing upon the education of the young, a thoughtful writer has made
the following observations:--
"The little triumphs and successes of the young mind should never be
lightly passed over without a token of just and fitting praise from the
lips of its parents. The love of approbation is one of the strongest
incentives to improvement and industry which the Creator has implanted
in the human mind. In the child, this feeling is very predominant; and,
if disappointed of its justly-earned tribute, will be checked, and the
child disheartened and mortified.
"Benjamin West relates that he owed his success in life to the fond kiss
of delighted approval bestowed on him by his mother, on his bringing her
a rude production of his pencil when quite a little boy. 'That kiss,'
said the great artist, 'made me a painter.'
"Praise, then, when merited, should never be withheld. It is the
chief--indeed, generally the only--recompense to which children look;
and it is a bitter and injudicious cruelty to deprive them of it. The
approval and the censure of its parents and teachers should, in this
sense, be the guiding stars of a child's existence. But care should be
taken that neither should be bestowed carelessly or with partiality, so
as to induce vanity, or, on the other hand, bitterness of feeling."
BIBLE ENIGMA.
An Apostle employed as a messenger.
The son of Zephaniah.
A disciple called "the chamberlain of the city."
A place whence gold was brought to the temple.
An idol of Damascus.
He who arrested a prophet that was put into a dungeon.
Who said, "The Lord is good, a Stronghold in the day of trouble," &c.?
A disciple who dwelt at Troas.
A sorcerer struck blind.
The name given to the sockets for fastening the stones in the ephod.
That without which it is impossible to please God.
The place where one was struck dead for touching the ark.
Aaron's wife.
The Syriac name for "Father."
The Epistle where the words are--"Ye are not your own," &c.
The place to which Samson gave a name, where he quenched his thirst
after slaying the Philistines.
Total--one of the titles of Christ, used prophetically.
LOW expense is the highway to fortune.
THE SIXTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GATHERING OF EBENEZER SUNDAY SCHOOL,
HASTINGS.
Year succeeds year and marks the flight of time, and, in its flight,
leaves the impress of many changes, proving to every thoughtful mind
that "here we have no continuing city." But, amid the changes of life,
the Lord encourages His people to wait upon Him; and none need to do so
more than they who are engaged in the work of spreading His truth,
whether among old or young; and when the spirit of prayer is kept alive
in their midst, they are not without testimony that "the Lord is with
them." These thoughts were in the minds of some who witnessed the
assembling of the scholars of this school on December 27th, and they
marvelled how any God-fearing man or woman can feel indifferent to the
welfare of the young, or look on unmoved as they assemble together. To
some of us these gatherings are as "the solemn assembly." We see an
eager, expectant throng, seeking for that which shall please them--for
the most part, seemingly unconscious, for the time at least, that they
have immortal souls that must live in eternal happiness or eternal
misery, and, therefore, without a knowledge of their state before God.
We see our own children, and yearn over them in prayer before God, and,
like Ezra, we would "afflict ourselves before God" to seek a right way
for ourselves and our little ones.
The scholars assembled in the chapel, as usual, at half-past two, when
the proceedings were opened by a short address from our Pastor and
President, Mr. T. Hull. Many friends encouraged us by their presence,
though the severe weather considerably influenced their number.
As soon as a hymn had been sung, Mr. Hull read and expounded the first
Psalm, showing the character of that man whom God had pronounced
blessed. He then earnestly besought the Lord's blessing, and followed it
by a few words on the preciousness of truth.
The report was then read by the Secretary, Mr. Ellis, and again proved
to be of a most interesting and encouraging character. The steady
increase that marked the earlier years of this school has been
continuous, the number on the register now being 250, showing an
increase of sixteen during the year. The average attendance has been 153
in the morning, and 194 in the afternoon, as compared with 135 and 169
in 1886. The highest single attendance was 223. Two scholars have been
lost by death, and one teacher by removal.
We give an extract from the report, as expressing the earnest feeling of
those engaged in the work--"To record an increase in numbers is
pleasing, as showing outward success; but the success we desire is, that
our scholars may be brought to a knowledge of the Lord, that God's truth
may be established in their hearts, and that many that meet with us now
may bless the Lord for the instrumentality of Ebenezer Sunday School."
The financial statement showed a balance in hand of L5 16s. 7d. This
would be to December 1st, the date to which the accounts are made up,
and, therefore, leaves the expenses of this day, with the prizes, to be
met by the balance in hand, which, of course, is quite inadequate. But
the executive feel sure that the same kind thoughtfulness that has put
them beyond anxiety in the past will not be wanting in the future. The
expenses of the year have been L34 11s. 4d.; the income L32 10s., which,
added to the balance brought forward from last year, makes L40 8s.
Several addresses were next given, and listened to with marked
attention. The Superintendent, Mr. J. Trimming, spoke of his own
feeling in the work, and how earnestly he looked for the blessing of the
Lord; the anxiety he felt for the young, and the vast importance of
putting a right value on the Word of God.
Mr. R. Funnell, who is in his seventy-eighth year, was most
enthusiastically received. He is a pattern of diligence and earnestness
in everything connected with the welfare of this school and Church. He
very nicely used the illustration of Elijah gathering the people on
Mount Carmel, as showing his thoughts on Sunday School work. Though we
may build altars, yet, if no living fire comes down from heaven, no
saving work will be accomplished.
Mr. Poole enforced the importance of taking heed to both what we read
and what we hear, and to treasure up the Word, that it might be of
profit.
Mr. Ellis, the Secretary, followed with a few affectionate and earnest
words, at the close of which, Mr. Hull proceeded to distribute the
prizes--the most interesting event of the afternoon. Before distributing
to the scholars, Mr. Hull called on three teachers, namely, Miss P.
Funnell, Miss M. Funnell, and Mr. Jesse Vine, to receive a present from
their respective classes--a proceeding most heartily received by the
whole school. And now, class after class filed past the President to
receive the book prize awarded to them; and though the list was long,
and the recipients many, he had a kindly word for all. Mr. Hull does not
spare himself on these occasions, and by his pithy remarks and
enforcement of precepts, suggested by the proceedings, contributes in no
small degree to the success of the gathering.
Tea was now announced, the arrangements for which--both for scholars and
friends--were excellent, and most heartily did the assembly respond to
the invitation.
At the close of the tea, the scholars again took their places in the
chapel, and proceeded to carry out a plan wholly devised and arranged by
the Superintendent. In introducing the subject, Mr. Trimming spoke of
the importance of the study of the Word of God--a study which he had
reason to fear was sadly neglected; and with a view to show the Word of
God as a harmonious whole, and to bring into prominence the Book of
Proverbs, he had prepared a subject, or a series of subjects, which he
called, "The Crown of Glory." He read Proverbs iv. 7-9, as the basis of
his plan. In a crown there are precious stones, the precious stones in
this crown being--first, the fear of the Lord; secondly, repentance;
thirdly, seeking God; fourthly, shunning evil; fifthly, obedience to
instruction; sixthly, waiting upon God; seventhly, acknowledging God's
sovereignty; eighthly, truthfulness and honesty; ninthly, guards for the
temper; tenthly, guards for the tongue; eleventhly, God's power over all
hearts; twelfthly, true friendship.
To illustrate and bring out into bold relief each of these precious
stones, each class had prepared portions of Scripture, hymns, or poems
to recite as each subject was announced. It must have repaid the
Superintendent for all the trouble he had taken, and given the friends
much pleasure to hear the manner in which the different classes
acquitted themselves, the Young Men's Bible Class especially. Throughout
the entire proceedings, hymns, specially selected for the occasion, were
nicely sung by the scholars, and contributed much to the heartiness of
the gathering.
The school-room was decorated in the usual manner, namely, with garments
destined for distribution among the deserving poor. These garments have
been made, as in former years, by the scholars and friends--in fact, the
School Dorcas is now an established institution, and shows what may be
done by kind hearts and nimble fingers.
The meeting was brought to a close, shortly before nine o'clock, with
the usual acknowledgments, the singing of "Shall we meet beyond the
river?" and prayer, every one feeling that another pleasant and
profitable meeting had been held.
C. E.
OUR BIBLE CLASS.
PSALM XXXII.
With our Bibles open before us, dear young friends, we will try to make
a few comments on this portion of Scripture. But let us first turn to
Psalm li., for there is the sad confession of sin which went before this
joyful song of "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven." This
first verse is a shout of joy and gratitude. Oh, the happiness--the
indescribable happiness--of the forgiven sinner!
Four words are used to describe wrong-doing and guilt: _transgression_,
or trespass--a venturing on forbidden ground; _sin_--a failing, or
falling short of goodness; _iniquity_ (second verse), wilfulness,
rebellion; and _guile_--deceit and falsehood.
And here are four pictures of God's saving love. _Forgive_ means "forth
give." Pardon flows forth freely and fully from the heart of God to all
who truly confess their sins and entreat His mercy. Sin is _covered_,
for Christ is the _Propitiation_ for His people's sins, and these two
words carry us back to the tabernacle's most holy place, and bring to
view the covering, or lid, of the ark, the mercy-seat, sprinkled with
atoning blood and bright with the divine glory. Jesus has died, and His
blood cleanseth from all sin. To Him David looked, and was saved, and
faith now looks back to His perfect Sacrifice, and rejoices in Him
alone.
Then iniquity is not imputed to the pardoned one, for "it is God that
justifieth." "Impute" or "reckon" reminds us of an account book, with
its columns of debt and credit entries. God will not charge His children
with iniquity, for Jesus paid their debts, and Christ's goodness and
merits are reckoned in their favour, and they shall receive all
blessings for His sake.
And then these blessed ones are _made_ as well as "reckoned" righteous.
In their "spirit there is no guile." They, through God's Spirit, become
honest and sincere. Oh, how blessed are these forgiven ones!
Then David, for the sake of contrast, presents another picture--his own
attempts at covering his sin. What clumsy, miserable failures! He tried
to cover one stain by another blot, and then threw the cloak of
falsehood over all. But the weary months passed on, and brought him no
relief from the unspeakable wretchedness that filled his heart and wore
out his body by day and by night, till Nathan, the prophet, was sent by
God to reprove him, and then, with a full heart, David acknowledged all,
and received the free pardon of his Heavenly Father.
Now, David would be useful to others, and warn sinners against the evil
ways they are pursuing (see ver. 10, first clause), and would encourage
all who are seeking the Lord to hope in His mercy, who had been so
merciful to him. God had often been his Hiding-place (ver. 7) when he
fled from Saul into rocks and caves of the earth. His sure defence was
the Lord Himself. He preserved him from death; and now he had afresh
experienced His loving-kindness. And as we read this verse, are we not
reminded of the sweet lines--
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee"?
The Lord Himself is the great Instructor and Leader of His people, and
He guides them with His eye always upon them, watching and protecting
the objects of His care (ver. 8). But David would tenderly exhort all
who heard, and still hear him, to dread sin, and be afraid of all
wayward, self-willed feelings. "Be ye not as the horse, or the mule,
that have no understanding" of their owners' will sometimes, but will,
if possible, get their own way, and need to be steered and restrained.
"I have been like them," David seems to say, "and I was allowed to take
my own course; and oh, how fearfully I went astray! Be warned by my
fall, and learn, with me, to pray, 'Hold Thou me up, and I shall be
safe.'"
"Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but they that trust in the Lord,"
though they are weak, and foolish, and imperfect, "shall be compassed
about with mercy." Therefore, "be glad in the Lord, ye righteous: and
shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart," for He is good and
faithful, and will preserve you; He is gracious, and will forgive; He is
holy and almighty, and He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness, and
fill and crown you with His glory for ever.
May we be kept by the power and providence of God from falling into sin
and evil, but since we have sinned and come short of His glory--since we
need pardon and cleansing--may we be led to pray, with David, "Wash me,
and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and
renew a right spirit within me." Like him, may we know the joys of
divine forgiveness, and then be helped to show forth our Saviour's
praise, not only by our words, but in our lives, by walking in the way
of His commandments, and "cleaving to Him with purpose of heart."
Our next subject will be, John xvii. 22.
Your loving friend,
H. S. L.
DO those things that you judge to be good, although, after you have done
them, you may be disesteemed, being regardless of the praise or blame of
the vulgar.--_Pythagoras._
PRIZE ESSAY.
WHAT KIND OF SERVICE IS MOST ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?
God accepts that service which is prompted entirely out of love to Him
with greater pleasure than any other. If we obey our parents and serve
God only with a view of being praised by men, He does not accept our
service, and we may be compared with the scribes and Pharisees washing
the outside of the platter and of the cup, but leaving the inside
unclean. Jesus says, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within
they are full of extortion and excess" (Matt. xxiii. 25). Jesus means by
this that the scribes and Pharisees gave heed to all the outward
ceremonies of religion, and were, to all appearance, good and upright;
but they did not really love God in their hearts. God looks upon the
motive which prompts any little kindness to any one. He does not look so
much at the action. He says, even a cup of cold water, if given for
Jesus' sake, will be remembered and rewarded (Matt. x. 42; Mark ix. 41).
Jesus says that even the widow who put her farthing into the treasury,
gave more than the scribes and Pharisees, who put in large sums of
money. He means by this that the widow put in all she had. She must have
had great love to God to give her last farthing for the use of God's
house, and the Pharisees were really prompted to put in their large sums
of money because of the praise of man. In obeying our parents, and in
whatever we do, we should do it as unto the Lord.
Paul says, "Not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but as the servants
of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing
service as to the Lord, and not to men" (Eph. vi. 6, 7).
"Only a kindly action,
Done to a child of God;
Not done to cause attraction,
But as unto Christ the Lord."
When Mary poured the precious box of ointment on Jesus' head, and
anointed His feet, and wiped them with her hair, she did it out of love
to Him, and Jesus accepted her service; and when some were angry at what
they termed the woman's waste of ointment, Jesus reproved them, and
said, "She hath done what she could."