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the degree of our profit depends on the state of mind in which we study the word of God. Let our next exercise be, then, What is the spirit to be especially guarded against in reading the sacred Book? And what is the state of mind which the student of Scripture should cultivate?

THE CHARACTER OF FELIX NEFF: A
STUDY FOR YOUNG MEN.

"SUCH pictures as these cannot be contemplated too frequently. They interestthey inform-they impress."

he was surrounded gave continual exercise to all his faculties, and materially contributed to the formation of that ardent and enterprising character, by which he was eminently distinguished.

Neff, at an early period, discovered an intelligent and reflective mind. His faculties, when young, were brought into vigorous exercise. His thirst for knowledge was ardent: and it is stated, that, by his own exertions, he successfully prosecuted the study of botany, history, and geography. Whatever books he could procure, he would peruse with eagerWHAT a fine study for young men, ness and delight. Plutarch's Lives, is the character of Felix Neff, Pastor especially, inspired him with that adof the high Alps, whose biography miration of great actions which he has awakened so much attention, and always manifested. Light reading he produced so general, and so powerful studiously avoided; and contemptuan impression! It embodies greatness ously regarded every amusement of of mind, which young men, in every a vain and frivolous character. Being situation, cannot be too solicitous to apprenticed to a gardener and florist, copy; and develops principles, emo- he wrote, at sixteen, a small treatise tions, dispositions, and conduct, which, on the nature and management of in every place, and, while sustaining trees, which, it is mentioned, consiany relation, they cannot be too dering his youth, and very limited anxious to unfold. As the writer is experience, was remarkable for the so great an admirer of Neff, and as arrangement, correctness, and spirit he is aware that the intellectual of observation, which it displayed. beauty, the moral dignity, and the We find, also, that when his condition religious usefulness of young men, and pursuits were altered, Neff diliwould be effectually secured and pro- gently studied the mathematics; and moted by the study of his character that his mind cherished a strong atand the imitation of his bright exam-tachment towards the study of natural ple, he would fix on some of the dis- philosophy; and as his memory was tinctive and attractive features of his remarkably retentive, and his intelmind and disposition, to awaken their lectual acuteness peculiarly obvious, attention and command their admir- his mental pursuits were prosecuted ing regard. with great facility and pleasure.

Neff, when very young, was a great admirer of creation. It is stated, that, even in childhood, nothing afforded such marked enjoyment, as to ramble amidst the sublime mountain scenery in the vicinity of Geneva. Possessing a vigorous and robust constitution, the peculiar features of the bold and romantic scenes by which

When Neff felt the value and importance of religion, he was unusually anxious to be useful, and most active in his endeavours to do good. When converted to the faith of Jesus, his first efforts to be rendered a blessing to others were made in the barracks, prisons, and hospitals, round the spot where he was stationed. When he

quitted the army, he visited the vil-objects of his regard discovered an lages in the neighbourhood of Geneva, earnest desire to have their knowledge where he had many relations, in of the word of God augmented. Neff whose houses he read and explained perceived this disposition, and did all the word of God. His simplicity and he could to promote its cultivation. affection, his appropriate explanations He offered to become their instructer, and illustrations of Scripture history and devoted certain evenings every and precept, generally drawn from week, to give them lessons in literathe incidents and labours of a country ture and the elements of science. life, rendered him a welcome guest to Considerable progress was made; and every villager. He spread the savour two or three of these young men exof piety and holiness wherever he pressed a desire to dedicate themwent; and even at this day, his name selves to the work of the ministry. is repeated with benedictions by nu- He perceived their qualifications, and merous families, who remember with highly appreciated them; and some gratitude his visits and conversation. friends being interested on their beHe was often seen climbing some of half, they were admitted as students the most rugged and dangerous rocks into the College of Montauban. Beof the Jura, to visit a poor shepherd, fore they left him, he affectionately a native of the vallies of Piedmont, and solemnly warned them; and in whom, with all his rude and un- while they were at college, he adpolished manners, Neff had discovered dressed them by letter, in a very apsome glimpses of the influence of re-propriate and powerful manner. ligion. He thus spent several months in visiting the sick and the poor, and in disseminating religious instruction. Neff, at an early period of his life, was a diligent student of the word of God. When attending to the sick, and the unconverted, in order that he might honour the Saviour, he read his Bible with the greatest care and seriousness. He even composed a small concordance, that he might be more familiar with the sacred contents of the Holy Scriptures; so that in a short time he was able to recite from memory, several entire books. The margins of his Bibles and Testaments were covered with numerous notes, in his own hand-writing, and thus bear ample testimony to his close and diligent study of the truth of God.

One

passage from his letters to them is so important to all young men, who make a profession of religion, that it must not be omitted." Ïf you wish to be truly the disciples of Christ, take oil in your lamps; have salt in yourselves; keep close to Jesus, the source of all light. Hold steadfastly to the head, for without Him you can do nothing. Love one another; edify one another; avoid idle questions; pray together; and keep close to each other, like a body of soldiers when attacked by the cavalry of the enemy. Never suffer vain pursuits to engross your time."

Neff never spared himself if he could be useful. When his friends expressed their fears that his continual exertion and fatigue, both of body and When Neff was settled as Pastor at of mind, would injure his health, and Mens, he took a deep interest in the undermine his constitution, he would improvement of young men. In his say, "How can I fold my arms, and congregation he had several serious sink into repose, when I see around and intelligent young men, to whom me so extensive a field of labour, and he became much attached, on account so few labourers." He zealously of their piety and zeal; and these engaged in every enterprise, by which

his divine master might be honoured. the Redeemer; and before the ensuTo His service every moment of his ing winter, each of them had comlife was consecrated. Even in the menced his course of Christian usefuldepth of winter, and during the most ness. They dispersed themselves, inclement weather, he would fre- under the direction of Neff, through quently walk several miles, where the villages and hamlets of his mounthe snow was knee-deep, to visit his tain parishes, where they laboured parishioners. He combined intellec- for Jesus, and aimed at the salvation tual with religious instruction, and of immortal souls. What could be was ever ready to communicate the more animating than this to the heart first principles of knowledge. He of a Christian Minister; and what was delighted, if any of his flock, could be more interesting and sublime who could not read, evinced a desire than the spectacle presented of all to be able to search the Holy Scrip- these valuable young men, in their tures for themselves. He would in- respective localities, labouring vigorstantly become their instructer; and ously and assiduously for God! with the utmost condescension and One of the most pleasing features patience, would teach them the letters in the character of Neff, was his deep of the alphabet, and explain the me- and unaffected humility. With all thod of forming them into syllables. his acquirements, with all his boldHow beautiful this is, and how de-ness and originality of mind, with all lightfully it exhibits the spirit of the his high qualifications as a Minister humble and eminent Christian, and of of the Gospel, he had the spirit of a the devoted and self-denying Minister! weaned child. He was willing to be While Neff was stationed at Dor- deemed anything for Christ. There milleuse, he established a school, in was no pretension, no noise, no which he might assemble the most self-complacency. As it has been intelligent and well-disposed young justly remarked, "He found his place; men of the several communes; espe- he kept it; he was faithful in it." cially those who had become teachers," He was, while living, unknown ; or who intended engaging in that no one concerned himself about him, work. His labours were remarkably except a few Christian friends in acknowledged by God. Not merely Switzerland, and in England; the was the mind stored with useful former helping him with their prayers, knowledge, and many prepared for the latter with their substance." And important stations in society, but re- he was willing to be unknown. He ligious impressions, in not a few in- did not seek celebrity or popular stances, were produced and deepened; applause. His object was, with the and it was evident that the grace of Bible in his hand, to do good in a God had been imparted. A number quiet and unpretending way. of interesting youths, through the in- felt his weaknesses, he deplored his strumentality of Neff, were made ac- unworthiness, he lamented his dequainted with the only Saviour; and pravity; and the humble and contrite there was an earnest desire cherished spirit of the publican was, by him, by several, to become the messengers habitually cherished. Now it was of salvation to their perishing coun- this feature of his character which imtrymen. Neff had the happiness of parted to him so much moral beauty. witnessing the realization of his hopes. It was the loveliest and brightest gem Twelve of these devoted youths con- in his crown; and we gaze on it with secrated themselves to the service of interest and admiration.

He

How powerfully the example of Who would wish to see her slumberNeff should stimulate us all! What a ing away in sunshine, when the daisies model it is for our imitation! We see are opening their pearly mouths for what can be accomplished by the showers? Her very constancy is videcision, the energy, the perseve- sible in her changes: if she veils her rance of a single individual,—if his head for a time, or retires, it is but to mind is properly directed, and if his return with new proofs of her faithheart is truly influenced by the prin- fulness, to make herself more loveable, ciples of the Gospel, and by the love to put on an attire of richer green, or of Christ. Young men breathe deck her young brows with more something of the spirit of Felix Neff. beautiful blossoms. Call her not Labour to do good with something of fickle, but modest; an abashed the wisdom, vigour, benevolence, and maiden, whose love is as faithful assiduity which he discovered! You as the flaunting May, or passionate may all do much for Jesus, and the June. Robed in green, with the tint souls of men, if you only cherish the of apple-blossoms upon her cheek, disposition, and make a humble but a holding in her hands primroses and determined effort. Remember, how-violets, she stands beneath the budding ever, that little will be accomplished without genuine and fervent piety, without love to Christ, deadness to the world, hatred to sin, and an ardent desire to be prepared for heaven. Ask yourselves these simple, but momentous questions, -"Have we ever been converted? Have we ever left the world? Have we ever given ourselves to Jesus? Have we ever cherished a supreme desire to honour Him? Unless these questions can be answered in the affirmative, it is utterly impossible that you can develop those high principles by which Neff was governed, or discover any of those deep anxieties to be useful to others, by which Neff was so preeminently distinguished.

APRIL.

hawthorn, her young eyes fixed upon the tender grass, or glancing sideways at the daisies, as if afraid of looking upon the sun, of whom she is enamoured. Oh, how delightful is it now to wander forth into the sweetsmelling fields; to set one's foot upon nine daisies-a sure test that spring is come; to see meadows lighted with the white flowers; to watch the skylark winging his way to his blue temple in the skies,

'Singing above, a voice of light;'

to hear the blackbird's mellow flutelike voice ringing from some distant covert, among the young beauties of the wood, who are robing themselves for the masque of summer! All these are sights and sounds calculated to elevate the heart above its puny cares and trifling sorrows, and to throw around it a repose calm and spirit-like (From Miller's Beauties of the Country. 1837.) its heavings. There is an invisible as the scene whose beauty hushed "SPRING is come at last! There chord, a golden link of love, between is a primrose colour on the sky, our souls and nature it is no sethere is a voice of singing in the parate thing, no distinguished obwoods, and a smell of flowers in the ject; but a yearning towards the unigreen lanes. Call her fickle April if versal whole. We love the blue sky, you choose; I have always found her the rolling river, the beautiful flowers, constant as an attentive gardener. and the green earth; we are enrap

tured with the old hills and the hoary forests. The whistling reeds say something soothing to us; there is a cheering voice in the unseen wind; and the gurgling brook, as it babbles along, carries with it a melody of other years—the tones of our playfellows, or the gentle voice of a lost mother."

ANSWERS TO EXERCISE. No. II.

OUR last Number contained twenty rules, (selected out of a hundred and ten,) said to have been drawn up by young Washington when he was only thirteen years old. These regulations are principally adapted to the social life and manners of the young; and the Exercise proposed was an answer to the two-fold enquiry,-Which of these resolutions is the least important? and the reason why? Which is the most important? and on what account? and, What passages of Scripture directly or indirectly enforce the resolution?

One of our correspondents deems the following the most important rule:-" Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company;" assigning as a reason for his preference, that so to associate, implies a love for moral excellence, and a thirst for improvement: that it contributes to the right formation of character, and is approved of God: and closes with a few pertinent remarks, and quotations from Scripture, on the evils of bad company.

A second correspondent considers this same rule as the least important of the whole; "because it is in the nature of men to raise themselves as high as possible, by every means in their power; and it is useless to have a private rule for that which nature so strongly enforces." This difference of opinion appears to arise from the different meanings which our correspondents attach to the word quality: the first supposing it equivalent to character; and the second to rank, or social distinction. How many of our ecclesiastical divisions may be traced to mere verbal differences such as this; and how powerfully does the incident remind us of the duty of forbearance and charity in our interpretations of each other's opinions!

A third correspondent prefers the rule, "Show not yourself glad at the misfortunes of another, though he were your enemy:

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remarking that, a forgiving and benevolent spirit is one of the most striking features forcing the rule from Scripture. of practical Christianity; and strongly en

A fourth thinks the rule against tediousness, digressions, and repetitions in discourse, as deserving the least attention; "because earnest repetition on subjects of great moment may be both necessary and beneficial."

Three correspondents regard the rule relating to the manifestation of respect to others on account of their official distinction, as of the least importance; and five unite in pronouncing the rule relating to the preservation of conscience, as of the greatest consideration.

We have great pleasure in making room for the following extracts:

"The rule that I consider the least important is, 'In writing or speaking, give to every person his due title, according to his degree, and the custom of the place.' My reason for considering this as the least important, is, that it cannot be expected that we can know the station in life which every person holds; and, therefore, we cannot always give them their proper title: neither can any one suppose that he can be addressed by every person in the manner in which he is addressed by those who know him. But let it not be supposed, that we are not to give to every one his due title, if we know it; for St. Paul tells us in Romans xiii. 7, Render to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.' The most important rule, I consider to be 'Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.' My reason for fixing upon this as the most important rule, is, because it is the first step towards performing all the others contained in your article. It must also be remembered, that if we labour to keep our conscience alive in our breast, and free from evil, we can hardly fail to serve God in a right manner; neither can we forget God's commandment to honour our parerts. As a proof that this leads to serving God, St. Paul says in Acts xxiv. 16,

I do exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men.' And why did St. Paul exercise himself to have his conscience void of offence? It was, that he might serve God faithfully, and do his duty to all men. And again, in Hebrews xii. 28, he says, 'Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear.' And if we were to serve him in this manner, we must necessarily labour to keep alive in

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