of gentle remonstrance. Thus it was shorn of everything that could irritate, and won its way with efficacy into the heart of the offender. 'I had,' writes one, 'for several years enjoyed many blessings in Tersteegen's society, from his edifying walk and conversation; but after some time had elapsed I became disobedient to the grace of God, so that my corruptions and the devices of the adversary occasioned me a grievous fall. Having by this afflicted the good man so much, and being ashamed of myself, and fearful of receiving a rebuke from him, I ceased visiting him. After he had observed this for some time, he sent for me. I went to him in the full expectation of being sharply reproved by him, which I was fully conscious I had merited; instead of which he met me with the affection of a father, and tenderly embraced me, by which my heart was deeply affected, and my love and confidence in God and his dear and faithful servant were awakened afresh. He gave me at the same time the necessary instruction respecting my conduct, and exhorted me to obedience to the grace of God. After this he kept a more watchful eye upon me to the day of his death.""

Many years ago I was journeying through the west of England to fulfil a public engagement, and in order to enjoy the scenery and breathe the fresh air, I and my companions were seated outside the mail-coach. The day was sunny, the roadside views were attractive, and we were approaching the city where the fine square towers of the cathedral rose over the surrounding buildings, and added architectural to natural beauties. We were all in good spirits, and willing to enjoy the scene.

A respectable young woman sat on one side of me, and near to me on the other side, a vivacious and talkative

gentleman, who seemed to think that he proved his high breeding by frequently using oaths. Presently he addressed the young woman alluded to, in a free and not very refined style, mingling an oath or two with his speech.. She looked uneasy and abashed, and did not reply. Upon her silence, he rudely remarked to her, "Why don't you answer me? What are you afraid of? I suppose you have said your prayers this morning ?" As she continued silent, I spoke to her, and said, "You see the gentleman has said his prayers!" "Yes, sir," she added, "and shocking ones they are." The profane swearer now appeared confused, and after a time thought fit to apologise, and to confess that he was ashamed of himself. I and my companions now raised a favourite tune, and each one taking a part in the strain, the effect upon our fellow-passengers appeared to be very favourable. Our late swearing neighbour was very attentive, and seemed interested in us, and anxious to learn who and what we were. We continued our singing, and as I gave out verse after verse of the hymn before the strain of harmony, it was very pleasing to observe how all around us, from the coachman to the fellow-passengers, listened with evident gratification. It was certainly a remarkable change of scene, and we had been enabled to turn the current of speech from profanity to the high praises of God. At setting out we should little have anticipated singing psalms or hymns or spiritual songs on such an occasion, and in such company; but having begun so successfully, we did not fail to continue, and we received courteous adieus from all who were with us when we arrived under the shadow of the cathedral towers, and alighted at the hotel.

The incidents above narrated are not merely interesting in themselves, but they may be serviceable in encouraging the friends of true religion and of good morals, to avail

themselves of every favourable opportunity to speak wisely and decisively, though considerately, to such as offend by the use of profane language or by unseemly conduct, in public vehicles and elsewhere. The word of God, indeed, expressly says, “Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him." Without question, reproof is a painful duty, and many pious persons fear to make use of it, lest they should be betrayed into anger or hasty expressions, or provoke an unpleasant recrimination. Nevertheless, in most cases, some method may be devised, and some opportunity found, of courteously, yet plainly intimating disapproval, and I have brought forward the above instances in order that they may suggest methods and measures of Christian reproval.

It may not, indeed, in the present day, be our misfortune to listen to outspoken profanity so often as in preceding times; but yet we are bound to rebuke and discourage language of any kind which is disrespectful to religion, subversive of morality, or openly insulting to what all good men hold dear and sacred. We ought not to be silent when our consciences prompt us to speak, and we ought so to speak that our consciences shall not compel us to repent of what we have uttered.

ECCLESIASTES.

The Vanity of Human Pursuits.

"Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”— ECCLES. ii. 17.

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O theme is more trite than the unsatisfactory character of earthly good. From the time of Solomon to the present day it has been commented upon even to satiety, assented to by all, and yet, strange to say, practically disbelieved by most. While no man will deny this conclusion of the Preacher, to which he was led by a long and large experience, yet every man secretly wishes to make proof of the assertion for himself. He is convinced at heart of its truth before he begins life, yet he must needs come towards the end of life before he openly consents to that which he could not deny in the beginning.

It might appear strange that our present dissatisfaction with what we possess at any given time, does not demonstrate to us that this will be the rule of a carnal life. The dissatisfaction of one day is the type of all days; yet we join with the multitude of men in the eager pursuit of something unattained, but which is conceived of as attainable, and as conducive, when attained, to perfect happiness. Not one of the multitude of pursuers ever announces that he has seized the prize; or, at least, not one long persists in such a declaration; yet generation after generation of

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mankind wear out their lives in the false but alluring chase; and the sentiment of their hearts is this :-"We are wearied in the greatness of our way, yet say we not there is no hope because we have found the life of our hand, therefore we are not grieved;" that is, because we have found some present help, stay, or support, therefore we are not grieved so as to abandon the expectation and to relinquish the pursuit. It was the brief expression of a whole public life condensed into a few words, when a dying senator, of brilliant rhetorical triumphs, exclaimed, "What shadows we are, and what shadows we all pursue!

In confirmation of these remarks, the following account may be adduced, as taken from my own private notes when a traveller on the continent :

The hotel at Brussels where I took up my abode, was frequented by a well-dressed Frenchman, of apparently little more than thirty years of age. His countenance was intelligent but grave, and his manner listless and indifferent. He usually sat alone in one compartment of the room where we assembled, and glanced cursorily at the papers, but seldom entered into conversation. I learnt that he had been staying there several months, had abundance of money, was regular in his habits, but had no particular object in view, and seemed, as it was expressed, like a man who knew not what to do with himself. My curiosity was awakened; I endeavoured to render myself agreeable to him, and as we always met at meals, and frequently, also, at other times, I got into familiar conversation with him. His coldness and indifference gradually wore off, and at length we sat together for hours, conversing in an unembarrassed manner.

In answer to my inquiries, on several occasions, he gave me the following account of himself :

"I was left, at a very early period of my life, heir to a very