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turn for consolation? To your gay companions? They will desert you. To the remembrance of past pleasure? It will torture you. To the world you have idolized? It has no balm for a wounded heart. To the God whose love you have slighted? Will you not fear to look at Him in affliction, whom in prosperity, you have insulted and despised? Would not one hour of a Christian's consolations-one smile of a Saviour's love-be then felt to be worth all the gratifications this world ever gave?

The hour of death will come !-What will you do then? When the world is giving way under your feet-eternity opening on your view-your body tortured with pain or sinking in decayyour soul hovering on the brink of a dark and fearful abyss, unillumined by one

ray of light from heaven, down which it dare not look, yet must plunge into its blackness of darkness for ever-what would you then not give for such feelings as animated the pious Leighton? Illness attacked him, and he rejoiced, as, "from the shaking of the prison doors he was led to hope that some of these brisk blasts would throw them open, and give him the release he coveted.'

The day of judgment will come !—And what will you do then?

The ages of eternity will come !—And what a thought! Eternal woe! Too horrible to think of! What will it be to endure? The idea is dreadful. What will be the reality? What a home for eternity! And yet will you prefer Satan to God as a master, and hell to heaven as a home.

Lessons by the Way; or, Things to Think On.

THE NATURE OF THAT FAITH BY

WHICH WE ARE SAVED.

Dr. Pye Smith, in a Letter on the Religious Opinions of the Swiss Dissenters (published in the Congregational Magazine for December, 1826), adverting to the old Protestant divines of the Continent, observes that many of them made their descriptions of faith "so comprehensive as to include the whole of experimental and practical religion." With respect to the peculiar expressions used by others, he remarks, that "they appear to have only designed to convey the idea of earnest and exclusive RELIANCE on the Saviour for the blessings of redemption;" and that one of them concisely, comprehensively, and beautifully defines faith as "the flight of a penitent sinner to the mercy of God in Christ." The doctor conceives that "the leading idea conveyed by many passages in Luther, on the Epistle to the Galatians, and scattered through his other works is an entire committing of the soul to Christ, and resting only upon his righteousness for deliverance from despair, and guilt, and death, and for the obtaining of holiness and eternal happiness." In his judgment, there appears also "reason for understanding the language of appropriation used by Calvin in his Institutes and in his Catechism, as chiefly intended to impress the necessity of personally realizing and applying the blessings of the Gospel in opposition to the spurious faith of orthodox opinions." According to the Synopsis Purioris Theologiæ, "the proper act of faith is fleeing to the Saviour; and it entirely consists in the reliance of the soul upon him." The following definition of faith is given by Stapfer, of Berne, a divine whom Dr. Smith regards as one of the glories of Switzerland: "It is that act of a regenerate person whereby, out of a holy assent to the testimony of God upon the salvation wrought out by Christ, he renounces all self ́dependance, and cordially gives up himself to the Lord Jesus for salvation."

OBERLIN'S MOTHER.

It was through the instrumentality of his admirable mother that, during Oberlin's youth, he was savingly converted to God. A celebrated preacher, named Dr. Lorentz, excited a great sensation in Strasbourg, by the ardent zeal with which he preached a crucified Saviour. Oberlin's mother, attracted by the general report, went to hear him, and was so much struck with the powerful manner in which he set forth the grand doctrines of redemption and remission of sin, that she entreated her favourite son (John Frederic) to accompany her on the following Sunday. Being a student in the theological class at the university, and having been warned by his superiors not to go, it was with some reluctance that he suffered his mother to persuade him to accompany her. In compliance with her urgent solicitations, he, however, at last acceded, and was so much delighted with the evangelical truths he heard preached, that he became a regular and diligent attendant of the doctor's sermons, and this circumstance probably contributed to strengthen his religious impressions, and to confirm him in the resolution he had made in childhood.

The mother of Oberlin had the unspeakable satisfaction of beholding her son solemnly dedicate himself to the service of God at the age of twenty; a reward the greatest that maternal piety could receive.

CYRUS AND THE WIFE OF TIGRANES.

Cyrus had taken the wife of Tigranes, and asked him what he would give to save her from servitude? He replied, "All that he had in the world, and his own life into the bargain." Cyrus, upon this, very generously restored her, and pardoned what had passed. All were full of his praises upon this occasion, some commending the accomplishments of his mind, others those of his person. Tigranes asked his wife, whether she did not greatly admire him? "I

never looked at him," said she. "Not look at him!" returned he; "upon whom, then, did you look ?" "Upon him,” replied she, "who offered his own life to redeem me from slavery." This charming example should be copied into our behaviour in the house of God; where we should behold and contemplate the beauties and perfections of that blessed Person alone, who actually did give His life a ransom for us.

CLAUDE LORRAINE.

Claude Lorraine studied his art in the open fields, where he frequently continued from the rising to the setting sun. He sketched whatever he thought beautiful or striking, and marked, in similar colours, every curious tinge of light on all kinds of objects. These were afterwards improved into landscapes, universally allowed to be superior to those of all other artists who have painted in the same style. In like manner Shakspere and Ben Jonson travelled and associated with all sorts of people, to mark different traits in the characters and tempera of mankind, which were afterwards worked up into their ⚫ inimitable plays. Every writer should follow these examples, and take down thoughts as they occur in reading or conversing, to be ready for use afterwards when he sits down to compose.

MICKLE AND GARRICK.

Mickle, the translator of the "Lusiad," inserted in his poem an angry note against Garrick, who, as he thought, had used him ill by rejecting a tragedy of his. Some time afterwarde, the poet, who had never seen Garrick play, was asked by a friend in town to go to King Lear. He went, and, during the first three acts, said not a word. In a fine passage of the fourth, he fetched a deep sigh, and turning to his friend, "I wish," said he, "the note was out of my book!" How often, alas! do we say and write bitter things of a man on a partial and interested view of his character, which, if we knew it throughout, we should wish unsaid or unwritten!

BOERHAAVE.

"The

Boerhaave, through life, consecrated the first hour after he rose in the morning to meditation and prayer; declaring, that from thence he derived vigour and aptitude for business, together with equanimity under provocations, and a perfect conquest over his irascible passions. sparks of calumny," he would say, "will be presently extinct of themselves, unless you blow them;" and therefore, in return, he chose rather to commend the good qualities of his calumniators (if they had any) than to dwell upon the bad.

THE DISPUTATIOUS PHYSICIANS. Two learned physicians and a plain honest countryman, happening to meet at an inn, sat down to dinner together. A dispute presently arose between the two doctors on the nature of aliment, which proceeded to such a height, and was carried on with so much fury, that it spoiled their meal, and they parted extremely indisposed. The countryman, in the mean time, who understood not the cause, though he heard the quarrel, fell heartily to his meat, gave God thanks, digested it well, returned in the strength of it to his honest labour, and at evening received his wages. Is there not sometimes as much difference between the polemical and practical Christian ?

CONTINENTAL USES OF THE CON-
FESSIONAL.

Prince Paskewitch, the Russian governor of Warsaw, has published a circular, addressed to all the Roman Catholic bishops in Poland, requiring them to make it imperative upon the inferior orders of the clergy that the latter shall divulge all political secrets entrusted to them in confession. The effect of this order is to convert the priesthood into a body of spies upon the community to which they minister; and, as the autocrat of Russia is himself the Pope of the Greek Church, as well as the head of the secular power, it is not likely that his own simple mandate would meet with much attention; but then it is affirmed that the Court of Rome itself is a party to this nefarious arrangement.

INFALLIBILITY.

"If I were bound to call any man master upon earth, and to believe him upon his own affirmative and authority, I would, of all men, least follow him that pretends he is infallible, and cannot prove it. For that he cannot prove it, makes me as uncertain as ever; and that he pretends to infallibility, makes him careless of using such means; which will morally secure those wise persons who, knowing their own aptness to be deceived, use what endeavours they can to secure themselves from error, and so become the better and more probable guides.”— Jeremy Taylor.

THE LUNGS.

On examination, the lungs will be found full of innumerable little holes, like a sponge. These holes are the cells into which the air enters when we breathe. So great is their number, that they have been calculated to amount to 170,000,000, forming a surface thirty times greater than the human body. Every one of these cells is provided with a net-work of blood-vessels, by means of which the blood is brought into immediate contact with the air over every portion of their surface. When this great amount is taken into consideration, we shall at once feel how necessary it is to supply pure air to the lungs with every breath we breathe.

FLOWERS.

By all means remember the flowers. A gifted essayist remarks, "Flowers are a proud assertion, that a ray of beauty outvalues all the abilities of the world." Others declare them to be the handwriting of angels. Surely they are at least beautiful vignettes, on God's epistle of love to man. Let us cultivate them, and try to learn something of their hieroglyphical meaning. Perhaps, if we could read them, they would indeed prove to be the songs of angels, their odours imitating their melody.

REMOVE THE EXTINGUISHER.

Dr. Taylor, of Norwich, said to John Newton: "Sir, I have collated every word in the Hebrew Scriptures seventeen times, and it is very strange if the doctrine of atonement, which you hold, is there, and I have not found it." "I am not surprised at this," said Newton; "I once went to light my candle with an extinguisher on. Now, prejudice, from education, learning, &c., often forms an extinguisher. It is not enough to bring the candle; you must remove the extinguisher "

Biography.

EDWARD BAINES, ESQ., LATE M.P.

THE public have been for some time expecting the Life of the late Mr. Baines, by his Son, which has at length appeared in the form of a goodly octavo, published by Messrs. Longman and Co.; and it will

prove everything which was expected from its venerated subject and its wellknown author. The narrative is animated, luminous, and instructive, necessarily comprising a vast number of events and references, more or less extended, to a multitude of men, not a few of whom were leaders of their parties, and the most conspicuous actors of their times. The history of Mr. Baines is, in no small degree, the history of his country. His progress was that of the nation. The careful perusal of the work will, therefore, give a vivid glance at the character of the times, and enable the reader to trace the advancement of society and the progress of enlightened opinion upon all great public questions. The talents and position of Mr. Baines alike fitted him to occupy the place he filled; and a better text for delivering a sort of panoramic oration on the last fifty years could not have been supplied. With such a theme, and the accomplished pen of the Son that bears his honoured name, and inherits all his talents and all his virtues, the Work could not fail to prove one of the highest interest.

It is em

The volume has reached us at a period when our space permits not of a very extended analysis, and, indeed, that is not our object; we wish our readers to consult the work for themselves. phatically Biography for Men of Business, who may here learn much that is worth knowing. Young men, in particular, will find their account in it. In no small degree, Mr. Baines was the Franklin of his County-the Empire County of Yorkshire. His career beautifully illustrates the importance of personal character, showing the connection between early rising, perseverance, frugality, and the

VOL. VIII.

common-place virtues, to give full effect to talents of a high intellectual order. The volume is also one of special interest in relation to the periodical literature of the realm. The history of the Leeds Mercury is largely the history of periodical literature, and shows by what steps that paper has attained from a thing of nought to its present magnitude of local and even national importance. But it is impossible, within our limits, to give any idea of the variety and teeming fulness of the work. We shall, therefore, satisfy ourselves with extracting the character of the admirable man, its subject:

CHARACTER.

The events of the long and busy life which has now been traced to its close, will have left on the reader's mind numerous and distinct impressions of Mr. Baines's character. Yet a few remarks may be permitted, tending to draw toge. ther the separate lines into one portrait.

Whatever may be thought of the science of physiognomy, there was certainly a remarkable correspondence between the person of Mr. Baines and his mental and moral constitution. In both there was observable a symmetry, that bespoke the healthy development of the entire man: no part was found in excess, and none defective. His stature was above the common height, about five feet ten inches and a half; and his frame was exactly proportioned to it, being firmly knit, and adapted alike for strength and agility. He was neither stout nor thin, neither florid nor pale, but had in all respects the happy medium. Erect in carriage, with an elastic step, and composed and graceful in his movements, he retained these characteristics from early manhood to the last month of his life. His features were regularly handsome, and his complexion fair. A full-orbed and beaming eye, an ample forehead, a mouth that indicated equal firmness and sweetness, and, diffused over all, a radiant and happy expression, bespoke the clear intelligence of his mind and the serene benevolence of his heart. Age seemed to respect his head as well as his figure : he did not become bald, though the top

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of his head was thinly covered; and his soft brown hair was slightly sprinkled with grey. No furrow marked his cheek, and the lines on his forehead were scarcely visible.

The mind, as has been said, was cast in a similar mould with the body: its dimensions were fine, without being grand, and its proportions were all but faultless. He had a masculine vigour of thought, tempered by calm deliberation : he loved reflection, and looked carefully on all the sides of a case. His perception was not rapid, but by habitual steadiness of attention it became unusually clear. Perhaps the most distinguishing of his mental characteristics was the soundness of his judgment. This excellent faculty was appreciated by all who had intercourse with him, from the little circle round his own fireside up to ministers of state and both parties in the House of Commons. It rendered him invaluable as a counsellor, and it was this which made his own course through life so straight and safe. His taste was very just, and his discernment of character singularly accurate.

With powers equal to any pursuit of letters or of science, he had been prevented, by the circumstances of his youth and the manifold engagements that pressed upon him in after life, from acquiring large stores of literature. He relished study, but not so keenly as to induce him to pursue it at the expense of domestic duties, of the claims of business, or of public interests. Perhaps, also, the study of mankind was more congenial to him than that of books. Yet

he appreciated the charms of elegant literature, and was a good critic. His favourite study was the history of his own country; and his favourite authors were those whose style was pure and simple. Just and weighty thoughts, in unaffected language, won his approbation, whilst the florid and tumid were distasteful to him. Among English classics he preferred Addison, Hume, and Goldsmith; among orators, Fox and Grenville. He luxuriated, though. sparingly, in Shakspere,-enjoyed the homeliness of Crabbe, and read with zest the plain and nervous, though too frequently abusive writings of Cobbett.

His moral qualities might be read in his countenance even more distinctly than the mental. An integrity and truthfulness the most transparent, a benignant goodness that lit up his features with its glow, mingled vivacity and

calmness, a manly modesty, and a spontaneous and sincere courtesy-such were the qualities that an intelligent stranger would discern at a glance, and that immediately conciliated confidence. His large heart comprehended all whom it was in his power to benefit-not only those whom it folded in its closer embrace, but his neighbour, his country, the friendless poor, the negro slave, and the benighted heathen. "Admirabilis quædam exardescit benevolentiæ magnitudo."

In the course of his long public life courage was often called for, and it was never wanting: he had not the rashness that provoked danger, but he did not shrink from it when met in the path of duty. His moral and personal courage were equal; yet they were nearly lost sight of in the cheerful serenity with which he fronted every difficulty. He did not, however, consider himself bound` to answer insult with insult, still less with deadly weapons, according to the absurd "law of honour." He was content to vindicate himself, and to put the assailant in the wrong before the public; above all, he never allowed a personal quarrel to divert him from effecting a public object. He was capable of standing alone before thousands of angry opponents, and of calmly sustaining their disapprobation, if his wisdom failed to convince them.

His placability was altogether remarkable. Whilst not insensible to the bitter abuse with which he was assailed for many years, or to the strong hostility manifested by his political opponents, he seemed incapable of cherishing resentment beyond the immediate occasion; and he could meet his hottest antagonist, and co-operate with him on any public matter, apparently forgetful of past injuries. Forgiving almost to an excess, his wounds healed quickly, and left no scar: the poison would not enter his system. Yet there was no want of due self-respect; but he was altogether free from the vanity and pride that are the vulnerable and angry parts of our nature. "In malice he was a child, but in understanding a man."

Mr. Baines had in rare combination the earnestness which is the spring of energy, with the calmness which is its regulator. It is even difficult to say which of these qualities he possessed in the higher degree, and whether his temperament partook more of the sanguine or of the phlegmatic. His un

conquerable perseverance, his spirit of enterprise, and the lively interest he felt in public questions, seemed to indicate a predominance of the sanguine temperament: whilst on the other hand, his easy temper, his smiling forbearance, his quiet deliberation, his readiness to defer to the opinion of others, and his patience under disappointment, appeared to show that the phlegmatic prevailed most in his constitution. To which side, if to either, the balance inclined, the author is unable to determine.

Scarcely less happy than that balance was his unfailing cheerfulness. As far as prudence would allow, he looked habitually on the bright side of things; and when this was forbidden he did not sink or fret under trouble, but sustained it with fortitude, and with remarkable buoyancy rose above it. Clouds and storms were not native to his sky, on which there reigned a mild sunshine the livelong day. He was playful without levity, and animated without effort. Happy himself, he diffused happiness among all around him.

Mr. Baines was far from being devoid of ambition, either for himself or for his family, but his ambition was of the purest and least troublesome kind. It was without a particle of envy or jealousy, and it did not make haste. He rather aimed to deserve honour than to acquire it; when it came, he received it with complacency and gratitude. He valued highly the station to which his townsmen had raised him, and he also wished to elevate his family. But he impressed on them the principle on which he acted himself; namely, that they should prize virtue, goodness, wisdom, and true honour, as of far higher worth than rank or riches. He was as free from ostentation as from envy, and was never puffed up by success.

His public and political conduct was mainly governed by two principles, the love of right and the spirit of improvement. Hence he was in everything a reformer. Yet he did not desire change for its own sake. On the contrary, he venerated the ancient constitution and laws of England, was one of the firmest friends of order, and loved to build upon old foundations. But exclusion, restriction, monopoly, corruption, and every species of injustice, he regarded with fixed disapprobation. Civil and religious liberty were his delight. He was attached to the Whigs, because he found them the advocates of popular rights; and through

life he thought it prudent to sustain that party, as on the whole likely to do best for the people. When conscientiously differing from them, however, as he did on not a few important questions, he took an independent course; and no weak deference for aristocratic allies ever induced him to sacrifice his own deliberate judgment or the interests of his country. From natural temper, as well as from the dictates of prudence, he loved conciliation and union. He was not-he could not be an unbeliever in public virtue.

The character of Mr. Baines's mind was thoroughly practical. He valued principles according to their working, measures according to their fruits, and men according to their conduct.

In consultation he was deliberate, even to slowness; and what Clarendon, with the sinister praise of an enemy, says of Hampden, might be said of the subject of this memoir, omitting the words which imply a charge of insincerity-"He was of that rare affability and temper in debate, and of that humility and submission of judgment, as if he brought no opinion with him, but a desire of information and instruction;" "yet he left his opinions with those from whom he appeared to learn and receive them." In many an exciting discussion he remained silent till others grew impatient to hear his opinion; and then, with judicial impartiality and a winning candour, he summed up the merits, and often brought the meeting to a unanimous decision. He frequently illustrated the remark of Cicero (De Senectute")-"Non viribus, aut velocitatibus, aut celeritate corporum res magnæ geruntur; sed consilio, auctoritate, sententiâ; quibus non modò non orbari, sed etiam augeri, senectus solet."

A principal source of Mr. Baines's influence as the leader of a party was, that he did not wish to lead. This certainly put the crown on the integrity and wisdom which had been tried for so many years. Of him it may be truly said, in the beautiful words by which Burke explained the influence of the Marquis of Rockingham-"His virtues were his

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