of conversion is immediate; and whatever may precede this, conversion never takes place until the mind itself renounces sin, and throws itself upon Christ for pardon, with full purpose to trust and to obey. Whenever this is done, it is done in some instant of time; and then the convert wonders that he had not done this long before. What is requisite to this end is not protracted feeling and long continued effort, but a concentration of mind upon an act of surrendering itself to Christ. Often the first step is an act of commitment, trivial in itself, but the turning-point of destiny. "I will arise and go to my Father." There are crises in the history of souls which at the moment seem insignificant to men, but which to the eye of angels and of God command eternal issues. Dr. Dutton, of New Haven, in his discourse commemorative of Dr. Taylor, narrates the following incident : "It was at some time during his college life, in his senior year, I think, that he became decidedly a servant of Christ. Respecting that event I have heard him make a statement which is very instructive and monitory. There was a classmate and particular friend of his, who, at the same time, by the working of the Divine Spirit, was concerned for his eternal interests. The two friends communicated their feelings to each other. And one day, while walking together, they raised the question whether they should then call on President Dwight, who had invited all persons thoughtful upon religion to call and converse with him. At length, while still talking and doubting on that question, they came to President Dwight's gate. There they stopped and hesitated. At length Taylor said, 'Well, I shall go in.'- Well,' said his companion,' I think I will not to-day.' Taylor went in; and the result of his conversation with that eminent Christian guide was that he gave himself to Christ in a covenant never to be broken, and he became a burning and a shining light' in his kingdom. His companion from that time thought less and less on the subject; and though he lived for many years afterwards a respectable man, he died without giving any evidence of a saving interest in Christ. Such are the crises in the history of immortal souls. Such are the turning points in eternal destiny. Thus it is that companions travel together till they come to where they see plainly the open path to Christ. They consider; they decide; the one taking the way to everlasting life, and the other pursuing the way to everlasting death._O, let all see to it that in these crises of eternal destiny, they act aright. Regard the Divine warning, and heed the Divine entreaty, 'Quench not the Spirit."" DR. FRANKLIN'S LETTER TO PAINE.-Thomas Paine sailed from America in 1787 to visit France the second time. Soon after he arrived there, which was three years before the death of Dr. Franklin, he wrote the first part of his "Age of Reason." He submitted the manuscript to Franklin for his inspection and opinion, and received the following answer, which was printed in Niles' Register, vol.30, p. 397. DEAR SIR,—I have read your manuscript with some attention. By the argument it contains against a particular Providence, though you allow a general Providence, you strike at the foundation of all religion. For without the belief of a Providence, that takes cognizance of, guards and guides, and favours particular persons, there is no motive to worship a Deity, to fear his displeasure, or pray for his protection. I will not enter into any discussion of your principles, though you seem to desire it. At present, I shall only give you my opinion, that though your reasonings are subtle, and may prevail with some readers, you will not succeed so as to change the general sentiments of mankind on that subject; and the consequence of printing this piece will be a great deal of odium upon yourself, mischief to you, and no good to others. He that spits against the wind spits in his own face. But were you to succeed, do you imagine any good will be done by it? You yourself may find it easy to live a virtuous life without the assistance afforded by religion. You have a clear perception of the advantages of virtue and the disadvantages of vice, and possess strength of resolution sufficient to enable you to resist common temptations. But think how great a portion of mankind consist of ignorant men and women, and of inexperienced inconsiderate youth, of both sexes, who have need of the motives of religion to restrain them from vice, to support their virtue, and retain them in the practice of it till it becomes habitual, which is the point for its security. And, perhaps, you are indebted to it, originally, that is to your religious education, for the habits of virtue upon which you now justly value yourself. You might easily display your excellent talents of reasoning upon a less hazardous subject, and thereby obtain rank with our most distinguished authors. For among us it is not necessary, as among the Hottentots, that a youth, to be raised into the company of men, should prove his manhood by beating his mother. I would advise you, therefore, not to attempt unchaining the tiger, but to burn this piece before it is seen by any other person, whereby you will save yourself a great deal of mortification from the enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a good deal of regret and repentance. If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be without it? I intend this letter itself as a proof of my friendship, and therefore add no profession, but simply subscribe, Yours, B. FRANKLIN. SPIRIT OF THE PSALMS.-Amongst all compositions these alone deserve the name of sacred lyrics. These alone contain a poetry that meets the spiritual nature in all its moods, and in all its wants, which strengthens virtue with glorious exhortations, gives angelic eloquence to prayer, and almost rises to the seraph's joy in praise. In distress and fear they breathe the low sad murmur of complaint; in penitence they groan with the agony of the troubled soul. They have a gentle music for the peace of faith; in adoration they ascend to the glory of creation and the majesty of God. For assemblies or for solitudes, for all that gladdens and all that grieves, for our heaviness and despair, for our remorse and our redemption, we find in these Divine harmonies the loud or the low expression.-Great has been their power in the world. They resounded amidst the courts of the tabernacle; they floated through the lofty and solemn spaces of the temple. They were sung with glory in the halls of Zion; they were sung with sorrow by the stream of Babel. And when Israel had passed away the harp of David was still awakened in the church of Christ. In all the eras and ages of that church, from the hymn which first it whispered in an upper chamber until its anthems filled the earth, the inspiration of the royal prophet has enraptured its devotions and ennobled its rituals. Chorused by the winds of heaven they have swelled through God's own temple of the sky and stars; they have rolled over the broad deserts of Asia, in the matins and vespers of ten thousand hermits. They have rung through the deep valleys of the Alps, in the sobbing voices of the Waldenses; through the steeps and caves of the Scottish highlands, in the rude chantings of the Scottish covenanters ; through the woods and wilds of primitive America, in the heroic hallelujahs of the early Pilgrims. WHAT IS LIFE.-Go ask that child so gaily sporting on the verge of youth; no dark cloud hovering o'er the morning of his days-no tear of sorrow has ever chased from that sunny face the smile of joy list to his answer. While a shade of thought crosses for a moment his fair brow, he says Perhaps 'tis one bright day." "Life I know not; but I am happy. 'Neath yonder spreading elm there sits a beautiful maiden, twining a wreath of wild flowers 'mid the shining braids of her raven hair; go to her, say "What is life?" She starts gazes up to the blue heavens, down on the green earth; a shade of crimson mantles her cheek and brow as she gently murmurs— ""Tis one blissful dream of love." Go ask that manly youth, toiling up the steep ascent that leads him to the temple of fame, "Ah! What is life?" He pauses midway of his dangerous path and answers "Tis probation given me in which to gain a name immortal 'mid the sons of men." Ask yonder weary traveller, who draws near the close of his life's journey. His brow is deeply furrowed, his eye has lost its youthful brilliancy, and his once dark and glossy hair is bleached by the frost of seventy winters. He sighs, and slowly answers— "Oh! 'tis a brief space, wherein are born the hopes and fears of mortals. Alas! hopes that are too soon blasted; fears that are but too soon realized." Then ask me, "What is life?" Come with me, gentle reader, to the bedside of yonder dying christian, and once more let us ask the question, "What is life?" He turns upon us those eyes beaming with heavenly love, while a sweet smile illumes those wasted features, as he faintly whispers "Life, 'tis but one short day, given us to prepare for our eternal home in our Father's mansion." What's our life? 'Tis but a vapour that appeareth for a time and then vanisheth away. But oh, "The soul shall ever live, nor know The lapse of time, but dwell on high "DONT FORGET TO PRAY.-Do the trials and troubles of this life weigh heavily upon thy soul, and sometimes seem ready to crush it beneath their weight? "Cast your cares on Jesus, and don't forget to pray." "Call upon him in the day of trouble, and he will answer thee." Art thou surrounded by temptations, from which thou sighest to be free, and which sometimes lead thee from the straight and narrow way into the crooked paths of sin? "Don't forget to pray." He who takes thy humble petition and presents it before the Father's throne, has been tempted, and "He knows how to succour those that are tempted." Has disease prostrated thee upon a bed of suffering, and given thee long and wearisome nights of pain? Then, surely, thou wilt not forget to pray. Pray that you may be enabled to bear the chastisement which is being inflicted, with Christian resignation, and that it may be sanctified to you for good. Has some loved friend been snatched away by death, and left thy heart shrouded in gloom and sorrow? Mourning one, "don't forget to pray." Call upon God, for he is now very near thee, and his ear is ever open to the mourner's cry. Art thou persecuted for righteousness' sake? Do the scoffs of thy companions send a chill to thy young heart? Pray for strength to bear it as Christ would have you, and pray that their attention may be arrested, even while they ridicule thee. Art thou poor and needy; destitute of the comforts and necessaries of life? Remember thy Saviour had not where to lay his head; he, too, was poor, that we might become rich in faith and heirs of an immortal kingdom. If thou wouldst be an heir to this kingdom, don't neglect to pray for a title to it. Dost thou enjoy health and prosperity ?-Remember the giver of these blessings. Do not forget to thank him for them, or to ask him to show thee how to appreciate them. Christian friend, hast thou an unconverted father or mother, child or friend, out of the ark of safety-a brother or sister who have not given their hearts to the Saviour? Don't forget, or neglect, to present their case before God, and at a throne of grace plead earnestly and long for them. He will hear thy prayer, if offered in faith and love. prayer of the righteous availeth much." The "Don't forget to pray" at morn. A new day has been given thee; thou needest grace for each and every day; thou needest the Divine Spirit. Do not grieve it by neglecting to ask its assistance. Thou needest the watchful care of thy Heavenly Father; thou art very needy, "don't forget to pray." Pray at noon, when thou art surrounded by the business and cares of life. Temptation and many a snare are about thee. Strength is needed to resist the tempter, and watchfulness is necessary if thou wouldst escape the snare. Enter into thy closet, and there while on the bended knee, let thy prayer rise to the mercy seat, where it will be accepted. When the shades of evening gather o'er earth, and night draws nighpray. Another day's labour is ended, and thou hast much to be grateful for; then bring thy thank-offering and present it to him to whom all honour and praise belong. Pray for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom in the earth. Ask pardon for thy numerous sins, protection during the night watches, a heart to love God and a home in heaven. MARIE. Poetry. HOPE ON, HOPE EVER. Through night to day! And when the deep'ning shadows Trust and despond not! After midnight darkness Through storm to calm! And when through earth and heaven Trust and despond not! After loud storm tumults Through strife to conquest! When from sword and cannon Through death to life! And when through earth's dark valley M. L. G. D. T. I. Christian thou canst not be alone,-thy onward path may seem To bless thee, guard thee, guide the feet that otherwise would roam; |