heathy land, which belongs to the earl of Ilchester, many hundreds (I believe thousands) of firs and other trees, which now form a flourishing and beautiful wood below the traveller's eye, on each side of the elevated road, and will be for years to come, among those who knew him, a living monument of the planter; who could have no motive except to create a noble view for the public, as well as greatly increase the productiveness of the soil for the owner.

To plant a tree-especially in later life is to do something for the unborn. It expresses concern in what shall be the aspect of things when we have vanished from resorts with which we are now most conversant. But if some of you, my friends, cannot do this, remember you may do what is far better, and what it would behove us and reward us most to do, even if we had planted groves or orchards with the utmost assiduity and skill, By your sincere example and benevolent endeavours, you may implant the best principles in some other minds; especially in the minds of your children, and of the young around you. By God's blessing, you may sow or engraft there Christian thoughts and sentiments, which shall germinate, and bloom, and bear fruits of usefulness and happiness when you are here no longer; which "shall still bring forth fruit in old age;" shall be worthy of transplantation to a happier soil, and shall there be laden with verdure and luxuriance, never to decline or fade.

The well-known lines of Thomson

"Delightful task, to rear the tender thought. To teach the young idea how to shoot,"are indeed (like many and better verses, ancient and modern) grown very trite by recital and quotation. The term "shoot," besides, seems not the happiest; and has become mean and ludicrous for some, from the perverse misuse of a punster: but still the fact is not the less true, nor the figure less apposite. The "task" is "delightful;" and culture is its best emblem, nay, is almost its synonyme.

Be it never forgotten, that a mother's, or even a sister's care in the nursery, has trained (as it were from slips or seedlings) the most fruitful moral trees which ever blossomed, and which became as standards for the nation and for mankind. If the good be fitly imaged in sacred writ as "a tree planted by the rivers of water," whose "leaf shall not wither,"

then should our groves and gardens at times suggest to us those happier instances of moral growth and fertility.

The great larches in the duke of Athol's grounds, at Dunkeld, are said to have been nursed as tiny exotics in a conser-vatory, which became too low-roofed for their aspirings. And so the great spirits of the same land-Leighton, Scougal, Maclaurin, Playfair, Robertson, Stewart, Brown, Erskine, Chalmers, and many more, were each reared and guarded in the mother's conservatory; till at length transplanted, and retransplanted, to positions whence their mature and masterly thoughts-like leaves of the Sibyl, stirred by the breath of fame-are still sounding in the ear of their posterity.

Remember, also, that plants of intellect, cherished in their littleness by maternal care, have thriven in the darkest nook or the sternest exposure. As that flowering shrub, described in the beautiful tale called the "Picciuòla,” sprang up between the walls of a prisoncourt, and taught theology to a desponding captive, so have plants of philanthropy yielded their noblest fruit in sites and aspects the most gloomy. Howard, amidst the lazarettos and dungeons of the east, invested himself unawares with growing wreaths of better verdure than the Olympic. Mrs. Fry in Newgate, and Sarah Martin in the obscurer gaol of Yarmouth, developed a moral bloom and wealth whose fruits, we trust, ages cannot destroy. But we are prone to forget the very obvious fact, that each, not many years before, was a feeble scion in the nursery.

I venture, then, to prompt my respected hearers to pleasant works in two short words: "Sow, plant." If you can, literally. Sow the acorn-wait for the sapling-bequeath the oak to other generations. Plant the mulberry, or quince, or walnut, with the same design. I would beg a "mule's burden of earth," rather than not have a little altar for the Dryads.

But with or without this-yes, if you have no foot of land, or tub of soil, or planter's and pruner's skill-you may have or get what is still better, aptness or kindliness to "rear the tender thought."

And, be it well observed, for it is a momentous truth. thoughts, whether good or evil-like many weeds that are self-sown, and many good plants and trees, by seeds or suckers, slips or layers ----wonderfully spread themselves.

Some may know the story of the first weeping willow, introduced here by the poet Pope, who found one twig in a Turkish basket of figs that had been given him, putting out a bud; and having planted it in his garden, reared it to a tree, whence all those beautiful trees, in this country, have been propagated. The weeping willow of Twickenham, like its poet planter, is no more; but its graceful offspring, bending over many a stream, live far and wide. And so, how many a thought, slight in the outset, conveyed or sprung up by seeming chance, has led to inventions the most important, to institutions or endeavours the most valuable, or has had other influences most extensive! Yet we need not the stimulus of such wide present results. "A few things" done "faithfully" may be but as a few seedlings here; yet become as cedars in a higher region hereafter.

Try, then, to sow and plant well mentally. Take pains or rather pleasures in moral and Christian culture. If you have no seedlings in the nursery, bring some from the hedge, or heath, or wayside. Sow, plant, or graft what shall adorn and cheer the land when we are gone. Only few of us may see an oak or poplar which we have sown, or a pear-tree which we have grafted, promising to be valuable in the coming age. But each the least favoured among us-if we acquire, and cherish, and disseminate right principles and habits, may be hopeful of successes in a far higher sort of culture; may be able to say or feel, "There, as the instrument of God's providence, I sowed a useful thought; here, I engrafted a just or kindly feeling. Having set an acorn of truth, having budded' a rose of charity, I will trust the one shall be great, and the other fragrant, in His Eden above." -John Sheppard.

OLD HUMPHREY ON THE JUBILEE FUND OF THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

FORTUNATELY a man is not required to make a noise in the world proportionate to the magnitude and importance of every cause he happens to advocate; for if it were so, then must I, as a matter of course, on the present occasion go forth with a flourish of trumpets and rattle of kettle-drums, instead of taking up my

old pen and sitting down quietly to the paper that now lies before me.

The Religious Tract Society was instituted in 1799, so that the coming year will be its year of Jubilee. No wonder, then, that its successful conductors should be anxious to avail themselves of the circumstance by calling on their friends to support them in their plan of forming a Jubilee Fund for important ends. The avowed objects of the Society are, to diffuse cheap literature on Christian principles at home, to circulate religious books and tracts in Ireland, to aid the friends of the Redeemer in France, and to assist Christian labourers throughout Continental Europe and the world at large. And now, my kind readers, give me your best attention. Before to-day I have found the way to your hearts; but it sometimes is the case that we are least happy in our efforts when most anxious that they should be successful. I hope it will not be so with me on the present occasion. Listen to me, if you can, with more than your customary forbearance and kindness.

It is not often that I ask you to contribute money to any object, though willingly, if I could, would I persuade you to give, if you have the ability, to every Christian charity beneath the stars, feeling sure that such a course would be consistent with principle and policy. Most people like to make a good bargain, and never do we get so much for our money as when we lay it out in acts of mercy and kindness. He must needs be very hungry, or very poor, or very parsimonious who would wish to eat his "morsel alone;" and he who, having riches, has no desire to do good, can hardly be thought deserving of his possessions.

It would really raise my spirits if I could move you to unstring your purses in aid of the Society, or to unclasp your pocket-books where the five, ten, and twenty-pound notes lie so snugly together. Hardly do I think that you would much miss one or two of them; but I am speaking now to such of you only as are in circumstances of affluence or comfort. Much reason have I to feel grateful for the kindly spirit in which, from time to time, you have received my papers; but it would really do me good, and be regarded by me as a personal favour, if on the present occasion you would embody your kindly feelings by some substantial proof of good-will to the Religious Tract Society on the ap

proaching Jubilee. Take a little time to consider of it, if you like; but I should much rather that you would make a handsome offering at once, and hereby give you my promise that, should you ever regret the deed, I will never again appeal to your liberality on the occasion of any future fiftieth year Jubilee of the Society! The gray hairs on my head are a sufficient pledge of good faith, on my part; but I have no fear of your repenting of your well-timed benevolence.

It is no light matter in a world wherein are so many jarring opinions, to have such an Institution as that of the Religious Tract Society, where, with unruffled temper and Christian love, every one may do good without a compromise of conscience. Having to do with the Society in this respect, is a little like taking | a walk in the park or the fields, where we can get a mouthful of fresh air, a glimpse of the green grass, and a shake of the hand by a friend, without the annoyances we meet in the crowded streets. I do not know whether I am embodying your feelings or not, but I do know that I am truly expressing my own.

According to the last Report of the Society, the total circulation of publications, in about one hundred languages, amounted to 463,000,000. The other day, when on board the Chinese junk, in the East India Docks, I stood for some time, looking on the idol Chin Tee, in the Josshouse. This idol has eighteen hands, all pointing to error; while the Religious Tract Society, though no idol, may be said with truth to have 463,000,000 fingers, every one of them truly pointing out the way of salvation.

Let us take a glance, for a moment, at the objects of the Jubilee Fund, and first that of diffusing cheap literature on Christian principles at home. It may be that you are but indifferently acquainted with the Augean stable of obscene literature that requires cleansing, and the rolling flood of infidel publications which is sweeping before it so many thoughtless heads and unrestrained hearts. Did you know the fearful amount of pollution and error that is abroad, you would see the necessity there is for the counteracting influences of purity and truth. Hardly could we, as a nation, have been placed in such jeopardy as that from which the goodness and mercy of God has so lately delivered us, had not infidelity and immorality fearfully prevailed. Oh that Christian books and tracts could swallow

up all profane publications, as the rod of Aaron swallowed up those of the magicians !

The circulation of religious books and tracts in Ireland bas always been necessary, but now it has become doubly desirable. Ireland! warm-hearted, hotheaded Ireland indeed requires your aid. A more than Egyptian darkness rests on the minds of millions of her people. Many are her troubles; but the light of gospel truth would do more towards their removal than thousands of gold and silver. Come to the help of Ireland! put into the hands of her poor those tracts which, with a Divine blessing, may make them rich in heavenly treasure, and wise unto salvation.

Aid the friends of the Redeemer in France. Is not France, light-hearted, war-loving, unbelieving France, a fair field for your benevolence? Look at her position. Fancy the population of a vast city, living from day to day, and from night to night, over a mine of anarchy that may explode upon them without the notice of an hour. France has been stricken and wounded; she is bleeding now, nor are her sorrows likely to be suddenly assuaged. Play the part, then, of a good Samaritan; pour the oil and wine of your Christian sympathy into her wounds, and take out your money in the same spirit with which the Samaritan took out his "two pence," freely and generously for her aid. Never is the heart so softened and accessible as it is in the season of adversity. Show kindness and love to France, put into the hands of her workmen your tracts of truth, remind them of the things that belong to their peace, and point them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.

Forget not Austria in the dark hour of her adversity, but let her children feel when they sit down by the waters of the Danube and the Po, whether weeping or rejoicing, that there are those in England who are interested in their welfare. Tell Austria, while yet the sword of anarchy is reeking in her hand, and the echo of her thundering artillery hardly subsided; tell her where, in the midst of earthly trouble, heavenly consolation may be found.

And let Italy know, torn as she is by contention and violence, that England is her friend. Aonio Paleario, one of the sons of Italy, 300 years ago, in answer to the questions-what are the first, second, and third grounds of a sinner's salvation,

replied, "Christ! Christ! Christ!" Give back to Italy her own assertion! let it resound amid her temples, be echoed by her mountains, and mingle with the music of her flowing streams. Now is the time to show kindness to the suffering nations of the earth. Taught by a heavenly Instructor in the school of adversity, princes and people may learn wisdom, not only for a world of future glory, but for a world of present gloom.

Here may the proud, whose breasts aspire,
Whose hearts, with unrepress'd desire
And lust of empire burn;

And they who sternly would withstand
The haughty ruler of a land,

A mutual lesson learn.

Assist Christian labourers throughout Continental Europe, and this you will do if you assist the Society. The different powers of civilized Europe are being shaken. May they come out of the trial fire purified; but as a worldly and wilful spirit is abroad, the diffusion of Christian knowledge and Christian principle is greatly needed.

What can we do to help others on the way to heaven, is an important consideration, that concerns every follower of the Redeemer. We were told long ago, by an American Missionary, that when residing at Malta, he witnessed for many years, on every Monday morning, an affecting and admonitory scene. A man passed through the streets, ringing a bell with one hand, and rattling a box in the other, crying at every corner, "What will you give for the souls? what will you give for the souls?" The women and children, poor as they were, failed not to cast their mites into the box, which when full was carried to a neighbouring convent, to pay the priests for praying the souls of the dead out of purgatory. Why cannot we, then, give money for souls, in a very different manner, by helping Christian missions, and by aiding the circulation of God's holy word and religious books and tracts? In this way, without ringing a bell, or rattling a box, we may show that we are really interested in the welfare of the souls of our fellow-sinners.

The publications of the Society are widely spread in the east, and truly there is great need of them there. How dark are the pictures of ignorance and idolatry, and how numerous are the instances of cruelty and superstition among the heathen of the east! At Calcutta, when the Nabob Surajah Dowlah took the place,

At

146 prisoners, mostly British, were shut up in the Black-Hole prison, where, through heat, and the want of room and fresh air, 123 of them miserably perished. At Seringapatam, Tippo Sultaun used to amuse himself with the mechanical figure of a tiger springing, with a roar, upon a fallen soldier. This machine is now in the museum of the India House. Bokhara the Rajah had a den of vermin, into which he cast many a miserable captive, who died in dreadful agonies. At Kirman, in Persia, Aga Mohammed Khan beheaded 600 prisoners, and dispatched their heads to a certain spot by 300 other prisoners, compelling each man to carry two sculls. These unfortunate wretches, on their arrival, shared the same fate, and a pyramid of the whole of the sculls was then formed. At Orissa, unnumbered self-devoted Hindoo victims have flung themselves beneath the crushing wheels of the ponderous idol of Juggernaut, and women in various parts have been burned alive on the suneral piles of their husbands. An occasional backward glance at these things will serve to endear Christianity to us, and to render us more alive to the wants of the heathen world.

In contributing towards the Jubilee Fund you will do well to remember the great improbability of your ever having another opportunity to give on a similar occasion. When young people build their grottos with oyster-shells, on the 1st of August, they pick up a few pence from different persons who pass, by making the influential appeal, "It is but once a year!" but the appeal on behalf of the Jubilee Fund is only once in your lives. There is much of solemnity in the thought that few, comparatively very few, of those who now contribute to the Fund, will be alive when another contribution will be made.

The

Among the readers of the "Visitor" are many young friends, who will do well to remember that they can take a part in this labour of love. It is the united accumulation of great and small sums that is to form the Jubilee Fund. penny of the poor and the pound of the more wealthy are of equal value in the sight of God, when cast with faith and love into the treasury of Christian benevolence.

A few days ago, two young friends called upon me, who were collecting on behalf of another Jubilee Fund. They had with them for sale a number of

pretty little jugs, formed of Berlin wool of different colours, beautifully contrasted, in crochet work. These pretty, little, elastic Jubilee Jugs, only about two inches high, would each hold twelve pennies, and they really look quite ornamental. When my young friends had left me, I took up my pen, and looking a moment at my two little crochet Jubilee jugs, standing on the chimney-piece, playfully wrote the following stanzas to place beside them:

Scarcely need the truth be told,

When hearts are kind and willing;
The jug that will a penny hold
Will better hold a shilling.

I mention this little circumstance to show that while knitting, netting, and crochet-work are so much followed, such young people as are favourable to the Society, may in different ways add to the Jubilee Fund. Try, my young friends, what you can do.

Cannot the Sunday-school teachers and their scholars give one penny each to the Jubilee Fund on the first sabbath in January, or at some other convenient time before the end of the Jubilee Year? This would be a nice and grateful acknowledgment of the 14,000l. given by the Society to the day and Sundayschools of our country, and for the great things it has done, by publishing so many books for the young.

If we had a jubilee of thankfulness in our hearts, for all our blessings, our hands, our money, our time, and our influence would be more constantly devoted than they now are to the promotion of benevolence and piety. Many of us have had more than our seven sabbaths of years," and might well commemorate our mercies by causing "the trumpet of the jubilee to sound," or by praising the Most High on an "instrument of ten strings;" but whether old or young, we are alike bound to consecrate what God has given us to his glory. To him let us commit ourselves, what we have, and every object in which we engage, knowing that without his blessing, all our efforts will be in vain. May the Jubilee seed become a spreading tree, the Jubilee stream a mighty river, and the Jubilee Fund an abundant source of spiritual good to ages yet unborn!

NOTE.-Jubilee Collecting-books may be obtained

gratuitously, on application to Mr. Jones, 56, Paternoster-row, London. All collectors of one guinea and upwards will be entitled to the Jubilee Volume now preparing.

A DAY WELL SPENT.

EVERY day is a little life: and our whole life is but a day repeated: whence it is that old Jacob numbers his life by days; and Moses desires to be taught this point of holy arithmetic, to number not his years, but his days. Those, therefore, that dare lose a day, are dangerously prodigal; those that dare misspend it, desperate. We can best teach others by ourselves; let me tell your lordship, how I would pass my days, whether common or sacred, that you (or whosoever others, overhearing me,) may either approve my thriftiness, or correct my errors: to whom is the account of my hours either more due, or known? All days are His, who gave time a beginning and continuance; yet some He hath made ours, not to command but to use.

more

In some way we forget him; in some we must forget all, besides him. First, therefore, I desire to awake at those hours, not when I will, but when I must; pleasure is not a fit rule for rest, but health; neither do I consult so much with the sun, as mine own necessity, whether of body or in that of the mind. If this vassal could well serve me waking, it should never sleep; but now it must be pleased, that it may be serviceable. Now when sleep is rather driven away than leaves me, I would ever awake with God; my first thoughts are for Him, who hath made the night for rest, and the day for travail; and as he gives, so blesses both. If my heart be early seasoned with his presence, it will savour of him all day after. While my body is dressing, not with an effeminate curiosity, nor yet with rude neglect, my mind addresses itself to her ensuing task, bethinking what is to be done, and in what order, and marshalling (as it may) my hours with my work; that done, after some whiles meditation, I walk up to my masters and companions, my books, and, sitting down amongst them with the best contentment, I dare not reach forth my hand to salute any of them, till I have first looked up to heaven, and craved favour of Him to whom all my studies are duly referred without whom, I can neither profit nor labour. After this, out of no over great variety, I call forth those which may best fit my occasions, wherein I am not too scrupulous of age; sometimes I put myself to school to one of those ancients whom the church hath