The Nativity

The Christian Pilgrim in Search of the Celestial City

The Lord's Prayer Paraphrased

The Bridegroom's Voice

The Eighty-sixth Psalm

24

119

215

96

167

192

48

71

240

264

287

LUCEM ET SERVARE VITAM

LIGHT FROM THE WEST.

EVERY year that rolls around seems to add to the difficulty of the task which we have imposed on ourselves, that of attempting to direct the course of our readers through the darkness of this world to the regions of light above. As increasing causes of this

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difficulty, we may mention the multiplication of sects. and parties amongst us, each, of course, claiming to be right; the spirit of the age which tends to lead them that follow it to consider it a matter of little or no importance to which they belong; and the consequent i reception of those who would adhere to one, and press upon others the importance of doing the same. Yet, the greater the difficulty, the more we feel the importance of endeavouring to meet that difficulty, and to thread our readers' path through the labyrinth, as God may enable us. To the power of the corrupt part of that mighty engine-the Pressin these days of unbridled restraint, we may undoubtedly trace many of the evils that afflict us. To false statements, wilful misrepresentation and unblushing lying, may we trace the increase of Popery, discontent, and hatred of, or indifference to the weal or woe of, our Church Establishment;-evils as painfully evident as they are awfully prophetic of what (if God avert not) the end must be. Hence it becomes the important duty of that part of the Press which is consecrated to the cause of God and the real interests of our country to defend the breach made in the walls of our Zion, by the allied army of her foes, with those well-proved weapons of truth and righteousness still (blessed be God) to be found in our armoury.

With this view, then, we would earnestly call for the support of those who may think the 'Light from the West' a fit instrument for advancing the cause of truth in our land, and especially in our dear county of Cornwall; that, at least, we may do what we can to stay the hand of those who put light for darkness, and darkness for light,-to the mis-directing of the tra

veller tossed upon the waves of this troublesome world: and be enabled to exhibit with increasing clearness that true light which all that would enter the desired haven must be content to steer their course by.

SKETCHES OF OUR PARISH.

NO. I.

ONE morning I was summoned almost immediately after breakfast to attend a young lady in the parish, who was said to be in a dying state, and earnestly requested to see me. Without delay I hastened to the house, which was about a mile and a quarter distant. When I arrived, I found the report but too well founded. The young lady was indeed in a dying state: her complaint was water on the brain, and great was the agony she occasionally endured. Her illness had suddenly assumed an alarming aspect, for she had not been confined to her bed more than a day or two. Now, however, her recovery was pronounced by the medical person who attended her to be quite hopeless. Poor thing! it was an affecting picture to see her mother and sisters bathed in tears as they hung over the object of their tenderest solicitude. Here was a young person in the spring-tide of life hastening fast to the chambers of the grave. But I felt it was no time to indulge in these melancholy reflections, however naturally suggested by the distressing scene before me. I therefore proceeded, in as tranquil a monner as I could command, to inquire into her spiritual state. She had been in the habit of regularly attending my

ministry at Church, where I trust the life-giving truths of the gospel, if feebly, had yet been faithfully proclaimed. The arrows of conviction had evidently reached the sufferer's heart. She expressed herself in the language of deep self-abasement and unfeigned contrition. I asked her whether she felt herself to be a sinner? She replied, with an earnestness of look I shall not easily forget, O yes, indeed I am a sinner, a hell-deserving sinner! I do need the pardoning mercy of God; can such a sinner as I be saved?' I endeavoured to allay her fears by the scriptural assurance that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;" and that to those who groan under the burden of sin, and desired relief, that most encouraging declaration was addressed, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" that if we applied to Christ in humble faith and dependance the application would not, could not, be in vain ;-the Saviour's blood and righteousness were an all-sufficient foundation of pardon and acceptance with God. She appeared to take comfort from these and similar remarks; her manner became more peaceful, whilst at broken interval sshe said, 'Jesus is my only hope, his blood my only plea!' Having offered up a prayer suitable to the occasion, and administered to her the holy sacrament, at her particular request, I took my leave. She held forth her feverish hand and clasped mine in it with much warmth of affection, expressing a hope that I would come and see her again: this of course I promised to do. The next day, however, she became delirious, so that a repetition of my visit, under such circumstances, could be of no use.

The poor young lady continued delirious