begin to question whether all were right within, and to ask how far he himself had been accessory to this manifest deterioration of character. But he dismissed the unwelcome suspicion. He lamented the change, but the causes which produced it were yet mysteries to him. Nevertheless, he remonstrated with his son on his change of conduct; questioned him as to his pursuits, amusements, and companions; besought him earnestly to seek the God of his mercies; and prayed secretly (who can doubt it?) that the seeming wanderer might be brought back to the fold of God. But the remonstrances were met by sullen silence; the questions were evaded, and entreaties were listened to with calm indifference: the prayer of faith, and its answer "the day shall declare it."

We will pass over two years of doubts and anxieties, hopes and fears.

It was a dull December day-that to which my memory reverts-cold, misty, and cheerless; but far more cheerless and sad was the prospect within doors than that without. Mr. Browne, in a state of nervous excitement, his hair untrimmed, his dress disordered, his whole demeanour and appearance troubled, paced rapidly from room to room; his daughter, her eyes red with weeping, sat listlessly over work which her fingers refused to complete, while her thoughts were far away. Dinner was sent away almost untasted, and candles remained unlit through the darkening twilight. At length the sound of expected wheels were heard; the carriage stopped at the door; and father and daughter rushed eagerly to receive the visitants. They were George and his mother. But oh, the change which had been wrought since first we had met!-the attenuated frame, the haggard face, the sunken eyes! Supported by his mother and a servant, the sinking youth was conveyed to the chamber already prepared for him; and in the midst of their unceasing parental and sisterly assiduities and cares, that cheerless day closed upon the unhappy family.

Spring came, but with it no amend ment to the victim of dissipation and unholy gratifications. There he sat, from day to day, propped by pillows, by the fireside of his sick room-every look and sign watched for and obeyed; there he sat, unheeding all attempts to arouse, repelling all attempts to cheer.

"So writhes the mind Remorse hath rivenUnfit for earth, undoom'd for heaven; Darkness above, Despair beneath,

Around it flame, within it death." Summer came, but with it no change, except from weakness to weakness more intense. "There is no hope," sighed the sorrow-stricken father, "no hope of his recovery." And he strove, with agonizing fervour, to awaken the deadened, deathlike, better feelings of his son, to the realities of a coming state.

Once, on such an occasion, the withered, dying youth, fixed his dark eyes, sparkling with a momentary energy, upon the sorrowing man; and his hollow voice sounded terrifically in the parents' ears"Father, you ruined me, body and soul!"

Autumn came, and its sun shone upon the grave of poor George; while a few bright and merciful beams of heavenly hope irradiated the desolate heart of the humbled mourners. Nevertheless, the blow had been struck-the words had been spoken-the effects of which were to terminate only with life-“ Father, you ruined me."

But was it true? and wherein could

the tremendous charge be sustained?

as

Simply in this one respect-that in the cherished ascendancy of one ruling prejudice, the man of business had overlooked or disregarded every opposing consideration; had stifled even parental yearnings; had over-estimated the value and power of early training, and strangely under-rated the worth of an immortal soul. In the pursuit of his darling scheme, he had become willingly blinded to all but its fancied brilliant results. What wonder, then, that bitter disappointment supervened? Oh, how often, when I see parents seeking the advancement of their children, regardless of their better interests, do I think of the exclamation of George BrowneFather, you ruined me, body and soul!" G. E. S.

CAPE HORN.

THE poetical description that former navigators have given of this celebrated and dreaded promontory, occasioned us to feel a degree of disappointment when we first saw it; for, although it stands prominently forward, a bold, almost perpendicular headland, in whose outline it requires but little imaginative power to detect the resemblance of a "sleeping

lion, facing and braving the southern tempests," yet it is a part only of a small island, and its elevation, not exceeding five or six hundred feet, conveys to the mind nothing of grandeur. But the day was beautifully fine, so that it is probable we saw this cape of terror and tempests under some disadvantage. We passed it at 3 P.M., at the distance of about a mile and a half, which was as near as we could approach it with prudence, by reason of the dangerous rocks which lie off to the east and west, and whose black points were rendered conspicuous by the white foam of the breakers, amongst which numerous seals were sporting. There was some snow on the summit of the cape, and its sides were clothed with a brownish coloured vegetation; beyond it, the shores of the island consisted of black vertical cliffs, with a curiously cleft rock at its north-western extreme. As we stood across the Bay of St. Francis, we were struck with the wildness and beauty of the scenery, its numerous islands and lofty peaks, more particularly those of Hermite Island, whose southern extreme forms the bold perpendicular promontory called Cape Spencer.—Sir J. C. Ross.

INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS TO PROMOTE
UNITY.
No. II.

WHEN opposing error, we should present a contrast to many avowed advocates of truth. As when Achilles was disguised in the island of Scyros, it was not the jewels, but the suit of armour, exhibited by Úlysses, that revealed his true character, so there are many who love contention. Among them are all violently disputatious religionists. They require, in order to a proper standing being taken, an exact coincidence with themselves, and thus frequently engender disputation and strife.

The persons, thus loquacious and dogmatic, affect a superiority of intelligence. They perhaps pride themselves on their fidelity and zeal; yet the apostle Paul, addressing Timothy, charges him "not to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions." He emphatically stigmatizes such questions as "unlearned," and places "variance, emulations, wrath, and strife," amidst the most appalling evils.

An

Violent efforts, that precisely what is held by one should be held by another, frequently forbid any admission. opinion, but slightly defended before, has often, when assailed, an impregnable rampart thrown round it. Aware of the tendencies of human nature, the apostle Paul gave a charge to Timothy, equally applicable to private and public life: "The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;" thus distinctly prohibiting all impetuosity of feeling and expression. As the earth must be prepared to receive the corn, so must the mind be to receive the truth. The latter, like the former, too, requires the influences of heaven; but as it is not desirable that a shell from a mortar should tear up the earth, instead of the plough or the spade, it is equally undesirable that a deluge should fall, instead of the genial showers of rain. With party strifes we have unhappily been long familiar; we have read of them in past days, we behold them in our own. But where shall we look for the overthrow of one by the violence of another? Such a triumph cannot be found. The assaulted party still rears its head, and its fortress still hovers aloft; though its antagonist discharged against it its most formidable artillery.

It is obvious that there is a far wiser and more beneficial course than that of violent disputations, for as contention directs the mind to points of difference, so cordial intercourse, for which these must be kept in abeyance, leads as certainly to those of agreement. And as the former has a repulsive, so the latter has an attractive influence. When only one essential verity is admitted, error is checked; but as another and another truth, with which it is connected, is received, the effect is increased, until the man rises from the degradation of a captive, or the mere partizan, into the dignity of one who is made "wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." Nor will he who labours for so important an end, fail to derive benefit from the appropriate means he employs. As error perverts and degrades the mind, so truth, like some peerless jewel, gives dignity to any depository in which it is found.

The charge of the apostle to the Philippians is, in these circumstances, strictly

applicable: "Let us, therefore," he says, as many as be perfect, be thus minded; and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing," Phil. iii. 15, 16. Here the fact is still apparent, that there are considerable differences among the truly pious, both as to the understanding of religious doctrines, and their application as practical principles.

Some are described as "perfect," that is, comparatively so, in accordance with the use of the term in other instances. How far those who are described as "otherwise minded" fell short of this perfection, it is difficult accurately to determine; but there is reason to conclude that there is a reference to things collateral to the essential verities of the gospel. With these the younger or weaker converts might hope, in the use of appointed means, to become so far acquainted as was necessary to the due elevation of their characters, and all the purposes contemplated by the Divine dispensations.

The promise of a revelation of what was necessary, in its fullest extent, must be limited to apostolic times, but it may apply, more restrictedly, to those in after days, who, yielding themselves to the clear light of the word of God, will be likely to draw similar conclusions, and to approximate, in matters of the highest moment, to conformity of opinion. The course thus opened to the Philippians is as clear, and imperative to the specified extent, on professing Christians now. The young are to aspire after the rank of fathers in Christ; the weak are to aim after the vigour of the strong; and all are to walk together, so far as they are agreed, according to the only and infallible rule, for the promotion of individual and relative piety, and for the advancement of the glory of God in the midst of the earth.

There is great want, not only of thought and feeling, but of distinct and persevering effort, so important in the formation of character:

"Thoughts pent up want air, and spoil Like bales unopened to the sun.'

Emotion is healthy when it issues in appropriate exertion, but, with no such re

sult, it becomes morbid; stimulants are then needed; and these must be increased in proportion to their use. It has therefore been well said, that "the only way to keep up the freshness of the affections, and the youth of the heart, is to let them flow freely over the activities of life, and from action to circulate back to their fountain-head, that the stream of benevolence may issue and re-issue from the heart in a ceaseless circle." There is an express command, "Do good unto all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith." As a properly regulated mind will find repose only in the persevering discharge of appropriate duties, in so doing, the most efficient means of strengthening principle will be employed.

Association with others, for the promotion of the cause of God, though in all points they may not accord with ourselves, is most important. To quote the words of Mr. Bickersteth: "I think that the scriptural rule, 'Whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same. rule, let us mind the same thing,' furnishes me with a clear and sufficient warrant. That universal union, which is the object of our hopes, prayers, and labours, when God's will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven, is, it is clear, more likely to be attained by cordial cooperation in those things in which we can walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing, than by keeping at a distance. For the very end, then, of gaining my brother over to what I see to be truth, I will unite with him in those things, which we both see to be truth; he, for his part, acting on the same principle, till God shall reveal even this unto us.

A general and cordial concurrence among the pious, on the great principles of Christianity, would produce, unquestionably, incalculable good. To any individual member the loss would be imaginary rather than real, but the gain to the body of Christ would be immense. The aggregate would form a more precious and grateful peace-offering than was ever presented on the altar of Jehovah.

What a contrast would at once be palpable! The tongue would cease to employ the words of uncharitableness. The pen would refuse to lacerate the mind, and to impugn or destroy the character. The deportment would be free from the haughtiness of pride, and the

apathy of selfishness. The "unclean birds," which have nestled in the heart, would be gone, for want of their usual aliment. We should become familiar with the aspect, the sounds, the actions of pure and lofty benevolence.

As Christians proceeded together on their heavenly course, the space, on which their fellowship was first formed, would gradually enlarge. Those who imagined that they should only be able to advance one mile, would discover that they could easily traverse two; the path would then extend to five; and it might be still further lengthened, until the greatest surprise was felt that they should ever have been separated. Great mountains would become plains, as they did before Zerubbabel. When a desert was anticipated, scenes of surpassing beauty and fruitfulness would be disclosed. A day for which they expected to wait long, would suddenly dawn, with the promise of a glorious meridian. The sensible distance between earth and heaven would be diminished. The celestial state would be contemplated chiefly in its locality, for its spirit would pervade this lower world. Faith would not have to rise so high, nor love to soar so far. Some beamings of the city which "has no need of the sun," would fall on the eye, while the ear caught the melody of heavenly songs. It would seem as if the church on earth were separated only from the church in heaven by a thin veil, and as if the glories of God, of attendant angels, and of the spirits of the just "made perfect," might in a moment break upon the soul.

A great cause has commonly embalmed the memory of some individual, foremost in its promotion-who, then, will become the apostle of unity? He may now have no thought of such a distinction. Elisha was fully intent on his ordinary duties when the mantle of Elijah was cast upon him; but as this significant and symbolic act was performed, a new light fell on his mind, and unwonted desires arose in his bosom. Nor was this all; special communications were afterwards made; and who can imagine the exultation of his heart when, as he smote the waters of Jordan, and "they parted hither and thither," it was fully demonstrated that the Lord God of Elijah was as certainly his own?

A joy, as unexpected and transcendant, may yet await the movements of one

mind, glowing intensely with true benevolence. Formidable difficulties, it is true, may exist. Prior to the coming forth of Luther, the aspect of the church of Rome was that of strength, yet a power was actually being developed, which eventually overturned that huge fabric.

On

No anticipations of Luther could have grasped what he was destined to accomplish. Slow and gradual was his own progress in the discovery of each succeeding truth; yet no sooner had a great doctrine currency, than it was embraced. Conviction followed the voice of the Reformer; he came, he saw, he conquered; and not only did he triumph for his own age, but for all that are to come. whose brow, then, shall rest the honour of a second Reformation—a triumph over the enormous evils of anti-christian strife—a state more replete with moral excellence, and attractive with moral beauty, than angels have yet witnessed in this world? Myriads of hearts are ready to unite in the loftiest burst of praise that has ever yet ascended to the skies; but what master-hand shall strike the key-note of this transporting melody?

Of the nearest possible approach to such a destination, let all-let each one, be emulous. To be so, would cast a purer splendour over the highest earthly honours. In the light of Christian philanthropy their brightness fades, as the satellites of the planets when they catch the beams of the ruling orb. It might be well were the shackles, by which multitudes are held in bondage, to be cast off by those who occupy the highest stations; but those of inferior grade must not linger for them. It is incumbent on every disciple of Christ to seek for himself the spirit of charity, and to exemplify its influence every day and every hour.

of

No obscurity of station, no feebleness

power, can avert or diminish the obligation. The many-the communities, the masses-are needed in this cause; but these are formed of individuals, of whom each one is an important item. Though leaders are wanted, their influence will depend on the state of those on whom they act, and with whom they are associated. The corn which would perish if cast on the hard and untilled earth, when sown on the well-ploughed field, produces its golden crops. All the followers

of Christ require to be apprized of the character, importance, and claims of scriptural unity. For are they not one body? Sympathy is dependent on the feeblest, as well as on the noblest parts. The full power of the ear or the eye is wanting, unless there be health and vigour in the nerves.

With these views and principles of action let us, then, give ourselves to prayer. Most appropriate are the expressions of the Collect for Unity: "O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one body, and one spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may henceforth be all of one heart, and one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may, with one mind and one mouth, glorify thee, through

Jesus Christ our Lord."

DISCOVERIES AT NIMROUD.

W.

Ar a meeting of the Royal Institute of Architects, on the 14th inst., a very interesting communication from Mr. Layard, addressed to Mr. Mair, from Nimroud, was read, relating to further excavations recently made. In illustration of it, drawings of some of the bas-reliefs already sent home by Mr. Layard, and now to be seen in the British Museum, were exhibited, and led to some interesting conversation. The dean of Westminster said-the material in which these extraordinary sculptures are worked, is not marble but gypsum, and is so soft that the nail will scratch it. He thought this an important fact. As this material could be obtained in large quantities, and was extremely easy to work, it was important to know of its power of retaining forms given to it for thousands of It is identical with the alabaster of workmen, not oriental alabaster, and may be had in slabs of large size in Italy. Marble exposed to alteration of temperature would not last so long. He would not conclude without stating his opinion that Mr. Layard's were the most marvellous discoveries that had been made for many years.

years.

THE MIND.

By the mind of a man, we understand that in him which thinks, remembers, and mind is unknown to us. reasons, wills. The essence both of body We know certain properties of the first, and certain operations of the last; and by these only

We de

we can define or describe them. fine body to be that which is extended, solid, movable, divisible. In like manner, we define mind to be that which thinks. We are conscious that we think, and that we have a variety of thoughts of different kinds-such as seeing, hearing, remembering, deliberating, resolving, loving, hating, and many other kinds of thought

all which we are taught by nature to attribute to one internal principle; and this principle of thought we call the mind or soul of a man.-Dr. Reid.

THE PERFECTION OF NATURE.

that, if Mr. P——, or any other painter I AM quite sure, says a recent writer, who has hitherto been very careful in his choice of subject, will go into the next turnpike-road, and taking the first four trees that he comes to in the hedge, give them a day each, drawing them leaf for leaf, as far as may be, and even their smallest boughs, with as much care as if they were rivers, or an important map of a newly-surveyed country, he will find, when he has brought them all home, that at least three out of the four are better than the best he ever invented.”—Modern Painters.