might have envied him his tulips, as they stood, row above row, on their elevated beds, like so many soldiers on a redoubt; and there was one mild, drooping season, in which two of these beautiful flowers, each perfect in its kind, and of different colours, too, sprang apparently from the same stem. The neighbours talked of them as they would have talked of the Siamese twins; but Willie, though it lessened the wonder, was at pains to shew that the flowers sprung from different roots, and what seemed their common stem was, in reality, but a green, hollow sheath formed by one of the leaves. Proud as Willie was of his flowers and with all his humility he could not help being somewhat proud of them he was yet conscientiously determined to have no miracle among them, unless, indeed, the miracle should chance to be a true one. It was no fault of Willie's that all his neighbours had not as fine gardens as himself. He gave them slips of the best flowers, flesh-coloured carnations, yellow rose, and all; he grafted their trees for them, too, and taught them the exact time for raising their tulip roots, and the best mode of preserving them. Nay, more than all this, he devoted whole hours, at times, to give the finishing touches to their parterres and borders, just in the way a drawing master lays in the last shadings, and imparts the final touches, to the landscape of a favourite pupil. All seemed impressed with the unselfish kindliness of his disposition, and all agreed that there could not be a warmer hearted man or a more obliging neighbour, than Willie Watson, the "poor lost lad."

Every thing earthly must have its last day. Willie was rather an elderly than an old man, and the child-like simplicity of his tastes and habits, made people think of him as younger than he really was; but his constitution, never a strong one, was gradually failing; he lost strength and appetite, and at length there came a morning on which he could no longer open his shop. He continued to creep out at noon, however, for a few days after, to enjoy himself among his flowers, with only the bible for his companion; but in a few days more, he had declined so much lower, that the effort proved too much for him, and he took to his bed. The neighbours came flocking in; all had begun to take an interest in poor Willie; and now they had learned that he was dying; and the feeling had deepened

immensely with the intelligence. They found him lying in his neat little room, with a table bearing the one beloved volume, drawn in besides his bed. He was the same quiet, placid creature he had ever been,-grateful for the slightest kindness, and with a heart full of love for all-full to overflowing. He said nothing of the Kirk, and nothing of the Baptists; but earnestly did he urge on his visitors the one master truth of revelation. Oh, to be secure of an interest in Christ! there was nothing else, he assured them, that would stand them in the least stead when, like him, they came to die. As for himself, he had not a single anxiety; God, for Christ's sake, had been kind to him during all the long time he had been in the world; and he was now kindly calling him out of it. Whatever he did to him was good, and for his good; and why, then, should he be anxious or afraid? The hearts of Willie's visitors were touched, and they could no longer speak or think of him as the "poor lost lad." A few short weeks went by, and Willie had gone the way of all flesh. There was silence in his shop, and his flowers opened their breasts to the sun, and bent their heads to the bee and butterfly, with none to take note of their beauty, or to sympathise in the delight of the little winged creatures that seemed so happy among them. There was many a wistful eye cast at the closed door and melancholy shutters, by the members of Willie's congregation-and they could all point out his

grave.

Need we point out the rationale of the story, or the moral which it carries? Willie had quitted the north country a respectable Presbyterian, but it was not until after meeting in the south with some pious Baptists, that he became totally religious, and so, to the place which he had left an unconverted Presbyterian, he returned a converted Baptist. Certain it was, however, though till after his death his townsmen failed to apprehend it, that Willie was better fitted for christian union with the truly religious portion of them in the later than in the earlier stages of his career. Willie the Presbyterian was beyond comparison less the christian brother than Willie the Baptist, maugre their diversity of opinion on one important point. And in course of time, they all lived to see it. We may add, that of all the arguments promulgated in favour of toleration and

christian union in this northern town, there were none that told with better effect than the arguments furnished by the life

and death of Willie Watson, the "poor lost lad."

A WORD TO SERVANTS.

We always consider good servants very honourable characters. They are a comfort to the family in which they live, and a blessing to all by whom they are surrounded. But none can be really good servants but such as make the precepts of God's word their rule. Every good servant will often read over the directions of holy scriptures, and earnestly pray for grace to reduce them to practice. A good servant will obey his employers for the Lord's sake; he will perceive that God has appointed him to be a servant, and he can glorify God best, at present, in that character. To professing servants we now write. It is their welfare we especially seek. The character of God's cause is to a certain extent in their hands. Their employers will judge of religion by the tempers they manifest, the course they pursue, and the virtues or vices which they display. It is not what you say, but what you do, that will impress and affect your employers. Your life should preach the gospel to them. They ought to see that religion makes you more patient, industrious, submissive, obliging, and cheerful than other servants. That you have another spirit in you. That you walk by another rule. That you act as under the eye of God. That you have that precept continually before you, "Servants, be obedient unto them which are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free" (Ephes. vi. 5—8).

But the subject to which we wish especially to call your attention, is your duty to your unconverted fellow-servants. Most servants have unconverted fellow-servants associated with them; over these they must exercise an influence, either good or bad. They are daily making some impression upon them, but the question is, Is it the right impression? You ought to set your

heart upon bringing your fellow-servants to God. Their speedy conversion to God should be kept constantly before your eye. With a view to this you should avoid whatever would needlessly offend them, and endeavour by all lawful means to win their affections. Kind words and little attentions will often do this. If you are willing to oblige them, as far and as frequently as you can, without sin, you will soon win their hearts; for kindness is almost omnipotent. Do not be always talking to them about religion, but watch for opportunities. Walk religiously always, but only talk of religion occasionally. Make them feel that you wish to do them good. Speak a word for God whenever you have a good opportunity. Speak kindly as a friend, not as if you felt yourself superior. Invite them to accompany you to the house of God, when you can get out together. Offer them the use of your seat and books when you cannot go with them. Say what you can to commend your minister to them, and to awaken in them a desire to hear him. Talk after the services of the sermons you have heard, repeat short striking passages. Tell them of any interesting anecdotes you hear. Let them see that religion with you is not a form, but a living reality; that it makes you happy, and that you wish them to be as happy as yourself. Every now and then give, or lay in their way, some suitable religious tract or little book. Offer to lend them" THE CHURCH," and give them "THE APPEAL." Be determined to leave no stone unturned, or neglect the use of any means, until you see them decided believers on the Son of God. Say, both by your words and deeds, "If you perish in your sins, it shall not be through any neglect of mine. If you will go to hell, I will not be accessary to your destruction." Set apart special times to pray for them, and pray for their immediate conversion. Pray for them by name. Pray as if you were really in earnest for their salvation, as if your heart's desire and prayer to God was, that they might be saved. Pray for them when you sit by them

in the house of God. Pray for them when you know that they are gone out Sabbathbreaking, and are running into temptation. Never despair of doing them good. Never give way to the thought that God will not use such a poor instrument as you are. God does use just such, and will most probably use you, if you really wish him to do so.

I knew a young woman, of no particular talent, who though not exactly a servant at the time, had been; and who at the time referred to, gained her living by needlework, She went to hear a sermon one week-day evening, the preacher took for his text, Psalm xxx. 5, and the sermon was an experimental one; the impression made upon her heart was, "If that is real religion, I am a stranger to it." By that sermon the Holy Spirit converted her soul, When she began to enjoy religion herself, she became intensely interested in, and concerned for, the salvation of her old acquaintances. She was living with a widow, who attended the village church, was a stranger to godliness, and deeply prejudiced against Dissenters. She endeavoured to induce her to accompany her to the chapel, but in vain: at length one Lord's-day evening, she continued pleading with her so long, that at last she prevailed; but having two miles to go, they were so late that the sermon was begun. What the widow heard she very much disliked, and made up her mind that nothing should induce her to leave her "dear church" in future. However, kind importunity prevailed again; she came in time to hear the prayer; her eyes and her heart were opened; while the minister was praying, the thought rushed into her mind, "Why, that is spiritual prayer." She listened to the sermon, went home, and became a new creature in Christ Jesus. She had three daughters and one son; in process time they were all brought to God. She had a sister, with four daughters and a son; and they were all led to the Saviour. A number of others from the same village were turned from darkness to light, and a considerable number regularly attended all the means of grace, of whom we cannot speak decidedly. Here then was one young woman, of no extraordinary attainments, in humble circumstances, brought to the knowledge of the truth. Her heart glows with love to Christ. She travails in birth for souls. She labours to bring others un

of

der the means, and the result is two whole families are made happy in the Lord, others are consecrated to God, and who shall say where it will end!

Other cases might be mentioned, but I introduce this because I knew all the parties, many of whom are now living, and can attest its truth. Servants, set your heart upon the conversion of souls, especially the souls of those who live and labour with you. Let nothing satisfy you but bringing souls to Christ. Live for this. Labour for this. Pray for this. It cannot be in vain; you will reap a rich reward in your own soul, even if you do not witness the success you wish. Our members, who are servants, should be our home missionaries, they should carry the gospel where we cannot go. They should fill the pews, which we cannot do. Beloved friends, we beseech you to help us in the Lord. Live the gospel in your situations; shew the power, purity, and happiness of religion to all around you; and oblige your unconverted fellow-servants to confess that religion must be a reality. As I heard a person say the other day, referring to the conversion and consistent life of a near relative, “I know that there is something in religion, by the change which it has made in him."

If an unconverted servant should read this, I would say to such a one, Be not prejudiced against religion by any inconsistencies which you see in some who profess it. There always have been mere professors; we are not prejudiced against a good sovereign because there are counterfeits; but we try to distinguish between them. Do you do so. We tell you that there is such a thing as spiritual religion, and that it is a source of peace, joy, and satisfaction; all we ask of you is, to try and see if what we say is true or false. Take God's invitation, go to his throne, ask for his grace, seek his blessing, exercise confidence in Jesus, persevere in your application, and as sure as you read these words, as sure as there is any thing like truth in the world, you shall find acceptance with God, obtain the pardon of your sins, be happy in the present world, and glorious in the world to come. May the Lord bless every servant who reads these lines, and make every one what every christian should be. Amen.

New-Park-Street, London.

JAMES SMITH.

MEMOIRS AND LITERARY REMAINS OF THE LATE MR. DAVID LANGTON, OF STOKENEWINGTON. By the REV. THOMAS TIMPSON. With a Review of his Character by the Rev. Thomas Aveling. London: Aylott & Jones, PaternosterRow.

Mr. Langton was eminently useful in his day and generation, as Assistant Secretary to the London Missionary Society, and in various other relations to the church and the world. Though not born in the metropolis, he lived there for sixty-six years; and well was that long course fulfilled! We have a record of it in the first half of the work before us; which narrates his early life, conversion, settlement in London, marriage, secretaryship, preaching, business, retirement, and decease. The interesting volume is well filled up with a selection of his "Thoughts on Religious Subjects." We could have wished the review of his character had been somewhat more extended; but most cordially recommend the work to the perusal of all christians, especially christians in office. RECREATIONS, A LECTURE. By the REV. THOMAS AVELING. London: Snow, Paternoster-Row.

This is one of a course of useful lectures, delivered at Kingsland chapel, by neighbouring Independent ministers. The amiable and zealous author has divided Recreations into "Physical and Mental" or "Intellectual," as well as into "Lawful and "Unlawful;" subdividing them into Athletic Games, Dancing, Reading, Conversation, Music, Oratorios, Public Lectures, Theatrical Amusements, Card-Playing, &c. The subject is one of "Christian Casuistry," respecting which no precise and definite rules can be laid down; but the reader will gain much judicious guidance, and many commendable counsels.

THE YOUTHS OF INDIA SPEAKING FOR THEMSELVES. With Introductory Remarks, by the Rev. T. Boaz, Missionary, Calcutta. London: John Snow.

This interesting little work consists of essays, and answers to questions, ranging over the whole circle of the science of mind, morals, theology, &c., given by the students in the Christian Institution at Calcutta.

We have read it with surprise and gratification. We did not expect so much from the youth of India. It will bear comparison with the production of most of our collegiate exercises, and its wide circulation amongst the friends of missions cannot fail to be useful.

THE CHRISTIAN EMIGRANT; CONTAINING OBSERVATIONS ON DIFFERENT Countries, &c. By J. LEIFCHILD, D.D. The Tract Society.

The title of this book pretty clearly indicates its contents. About one third consists of a very well condensed and popular view of the most interesting scientific facts relating to our globe. It must be both entertaining and instructive to an intelligent emigrant, to occupy some of his sea-voyage with subjects so peculiarly appropriate to one traversing the earth. The remaining two-thirds consist chiefly of brief theological essays, written by Dr. Leifchild, and quite worthy of a minister long known for a happy combination of honesty, benevolence, and intellectual vigour.

THE PEOPLE OF PERSIA. By J. KITTO, D.D. Monthly Series of the Tract Society.

One of the most interesting volumes which we have seen in this very cheap and very interesting series.

CHURCH MEMBER'S MONITOR. BY CHARLES MOASE. London: Benjamin L. Green.

A monitor much needed, and one who so fulfils his duties, that every pastor will welcome his co-operation, and every church be the better for his counsels.

"READ AND YOU WILL KNOW." BY JAMES CLARK. Second Edition. London: Benjamin L. Green.

A well-chosen motto, pleasingly and impressively illustrated. We must think that a second edition should sell at half the price, though the matter be well worth the money.

A SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN-BOOK. By SPENCER MURCH. London: Houlston and Stoneman.

Its distinctions are, 1st. omitting Dr. Watts's Hymns, since they are to be had for one penny; 2nd. its containing hymns suitable for teachers' prayer-meetings; 3rd. the combination of these two objects in one cheap book.