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your dying Saviour,-his heart was broken for you,―his heart's blood was poured out for you. Look again-see how you pierced him, and mourn!

"I fear, God cannot love me!" Could he give you a greater proof of love than this? If he had sent an angel, or a legion, or twelve legions of angels, would his love appear so great? "He spared not his own Son!"

"But I am in circumstances of strong temptation!" Are you so? Then look to Jesus, and consider before you sin, what sin has cost him. Will you nail him to the tree again?—will you pierce him to the heart again? Is it not enough that he once endured the cross?-would you crucify him afresh?

"I am greatly afflicted!" O, then, remember Jesus, and arm yourself with the same mind. Do not magnify your troubles. Hear Jesus saying, and judge with how much reason,-" See if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow!"

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THE close of a portion of time, which forms an important part of the whole space of human life, naturally invites to reHlection. Who, that is at all awake to the momentous events which this gradual succession of periods will doubtless introduce, both with regard to himself and the human race in general, can avoid having his attention arrested by the solemn toll, which announces, as to a year, that it is finished? Hence it has been the practice of the godly, in every age, to take advantage of the admonitory pauses in the great machine of time; and while standing, as it were, on a narrow space, between the irrevocable past and the impenetrable future, to encourage those considerations which both recollection and anticipation amply furnish.

It is not, Mr. Editor, my intention to recall the whole train of reflections which do, or should, arise in the mind at such a season; but to fix my view on one branch, which you will join with me in thinking, ought to occupy a considerable share of attention. Am I wrong in supposing, that not a few excellent persons, who by no means neglect the duty referred to, while they are becomingly solicitous on the question, What am I? do not apply, with an earnestness due to its importance, that other interesting question, What do I? Were it otherwise, should we not see many, who are only known by the negative qualification of abstinence from what would derogate from

their Christian character, conspicuous for their zeal and active exertions, in promoting the cause they'doubtless favour, and for the prosperity of which they daily pray?

In this respect, I am persuaded that inany real Christians are verily guilty, without being aware of the culpability of their conduct. It is not enough that they keep themselves unspotted from the world; they ought to do all that in them lies to extend the dominion of purity and holiness over that of pollution and sin. Every thing points out the necessity and propriety of such endeavours; the state of the world; the ordinary procedure of divine Providence; the honour God has, in his past operations, put upon the exertions of his servants; - the use he seems determined to make of their instrumentality, in the accomplishments of his future designs; and the notice he deigns to take of the meanest attempts to promote his glory.

But, in opposition to these motives, it is not uncommon for Indolence and Indifference, concealed under the garb of Humi lity, to interpose and suggest, "What can I do? my abilities or my opportunities are so small, that all iny endeavours must be of no avail." But, such reasoning as this forms no part of the wisdom which comes from above. However specious it may appear, the plain language is, "I pray thee, have me excused." God has nowhere said, nor is it probable that he has designed, that his purposes shall be effected by the operation of splendid talents only. How few, in that case, would be sufficient for these things! But, what if we cannot, by the energy of rea soning, make a Felix tremble; nor, by the powers of eloquence; mightily persuade the people, are we to conclude that we can render no service to the Redeemer's cause? By no means. Manifold are the gifts which God has bestowed on men; and by no one of these, if sanctified, may not his glory be promoted. Intellectual faculties; knowledge in any of its multifarious branches; excellencies of disposition; aptness and facility of language; influence arising from station, character, property, or authority; extensive acquaintance with society; and the innumerable opportunities which circumstances may render peculiar to the lot of each individual these are so many talents to be employed in the service of God and his gospel, and which we are to occupy till he come.

Allow me now, Mr Editor, to suggest a mean of doing good, which lies in your power; and which, if it appear to you in that light, you will, Iknow, adopt. It is the simple one of occasionally allotting a page or two of your Magazine to the publication of such plans of usefulness as may, in the course of reflection or reading, occur to your correspondents; and which, however excellent and practicable, may, for want of being recorded, totally sink into oblivion. Afford a little

space for this purpose, as matter may occur, under the head of "Hints for," or "Plans for doing good," or any appropriate title *; and invite the suggestions of your readers. You may, it is true, receive many which are not worthy of much regard; but in the midst of a measure of sand, a diamond may lie concealed. Let it not be supposed, that a communication, to be accptable, must relate to some great object: no, any hint tending to the advancement of religion, among children or servants, in families, in particular churches, in neighbourhoods, in any class or description of persons, will be entitled to attention. A thought, weak in its origin, may be improved by others; and, like a small spark, may kindle a great fire.

As I have trespassed so long on your patience, I do not at present follow up my plan,with any particular suggestion. If you think proper so far as to honour my Letter, you may make it No. 1. of the plans of doing good;" and I doubt not but it will be succeeded by communications of your abler Corres pondents. NEMO.

We beg leave to remind our correspondent, that this useful plan was not only suggested long ago, but has been partly executed; two papers concerning the best methods of forming and conducting Sunday Schools being inserted in consequence of it. The establishment of the Missionary Society and of the Religious Tract Society, has been much assisted by the information conveyed by this work; and we shall always be happy in contributing our aid to every thing useful.

THE LIFE OF MR. PRIDE.

THE subject of the following Memoir made his appearance in Shaddai's kingdom; but being detected in a conspiracy against the government, he was banished to the lower regions of darkness; from thence he ascended, and entered the continent of Universe, where was a colony settled by the King of the celestial country. The happiness of these new settlers he beheld with an envious eye; and sought an opportunity of insinuating himself into their affections, that he might alienate them from their Sovereign. In this attempt he unhappily succeeded, by the use of this flattering deceitful insinuation, Ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Oh, who can resist the flattering address of this deceiver! As our first parents, while perfect, were not able to detect his policy,-it is no wonder that now many are deceived by him. With what truth may multitudes be addressed in the language of the prophet, The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee!" As he was received by the first settlers, it is no wonder that he has met with a kind reception among their numerous posterity. Such is their credulity, and such are the flourishes of his address,

that he easily gains the ascendency, and captivates their hearts. By this mean he has been admitted into the greatest families, and has had access to the greatest personages in the world; and such has been the confidence reposed in him, that the reins of government, in many instances, have been committed into his hands! He has, in a lesser or greater degree, influenced all the courts of the universe, enacted laws, and inflicted punishments. To the higher circle of life, he pays peculiar attention; but though he often rolls in the carriage with Lord Ambition, he doth not fai to visit the poor of the land. Such is the extent of his acquaintance, and his agility in visiting, that he is here, there, and everywhere. I never saw a family in my life but there were some symptoms of his presence, though, since Prince Immanuel caine, he has met with some opposition; and one would think he would be opposed more than he is, if the mischief he has done were considered. He has instigated innumerable wars, been the cause of many murders and suicides, brought many to the highway and the gallows; others he has led into excess, and from thence into perplexity and embarrassment : — some, who have richly entertained him for a season, have been brought by him to a disgraceful arrest, obliged to quit a parlour for a prison. There was poor Mr. Lookbig and his lady (I think she was one of the Highlifes); he persuaded them to keep as good a house, have as rich entertainments, and make as grand an appearance as Mr. Goodfortune; but see the end: the money is all gone, debts are contracted to be sure, their visitors are still men of credit (I mean Creditors :) but, alas! they have nothing to entertain them with, for they want a golden meal. Mr. Lookbig, not liking his new visitors, and fearing they might send still more troublesome guests, absconded; and went (if report speaks true) to sea; and what is now become of him, none can tell. After many excursions, be at length arrived at the town of Profession: he took up his residence in Hypocrite-street, where he continues to live in great reputation; and though the inhabitants of this street are his chief and most intimate companions, yet he doth not fail to visit the generality of the inhabitants of the town; and by his pleasing appearance and insinuating address, has gained the affections of multitudes; so that we can find but few who do not manifest their regard to him by their appearance, and vindicate his character when he is spoken against: but what I now intend, is to give some account of a visit of his, at the house of one Miss Gayclothes, of Little-thought Street. It appears that she lived very lately in God-fearing Lane; and was taken much notice of by a venerable gentleman of the name of Conscience, who did not fail to give her the best advice; to whose admonition she was very attentive, until, by the insinuating address of Mr. Pride, she was induced to full

into his embraces; and after offering many insults to Conscience, she came to the place of her present residence, where a very intimate acquaintance was established. They were continually seen together; yea, he was very fond of attending her to her usual place of worship, telling her, That it was not at all inconsistent; that he attended many places where the gospel was preached; and, instead of those who attended being disgusted, they thought themselves honoured by his attendance. But to return to the visit:-As he entered the house, after their usual salutation, he was invited into a room where there were more looking-glasses than Bibles; and when seated, began the following conversation:

Pride. I am glad to see you look so well: I think you look better than ever I saw you.

Miss Gayclothes. I thank you, Sir, for your compliment.

Pride. I think that natural comcliness, shewn to advantage by artificial adorning, is well calculated both for honour and advantage.

Miss G. (with a low tone of voice, lest she should be heard, added) Yes, Sir; I see the propriety of what you advance. I think it may probably be the means of my preferment; but if not, there is a peculiar pleasure in being admired and respected.

Pride. I am glad you are so well established in this view of things. There are few indeed that are very scrupulous about outward adorning; but it arises from being over nice about trifling things. There certainly can be no barm in it.

(As they were talking, in came Mr. Plainman, of HateEvil Street.)

Miss G. Good morning to you, Mr. Plainman. you do?

How do

Mr. Plainman. Well, I thank you, in my health; but I don't feel very comfortable at seeing Mr. Pride here; especially, when I consider what a character he bears, and what mischief he has done: indeed, I wonder at your conduct, that you should give him such encouragement and make him so welcome, when it is well known he is an enemy and traitor to our King, as he has sufficiently proved, by his intimacy with those who are in rebellion against him.

Miss G. Hold, friend, you are mistaken in the gentleman. This is not that villain Pride, as you imagine. I hate him, as well as you; but it is a Mr. Decency, of this town, a gentleman of great respectability, whom, I think, I ought to esteem and treat with the greatest respect; and I am surprized that you should begin so hastily, without knowing who you were speaking of.

Plain. Ah, this Pride hath deceived you! I know his features too well to mistake him; I have seen him before today he is no more like Mr. Decency than Miss Worldly

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