the north of Chang-Si, it trends to the ANSWERS TO EXERCISE. No. III. OUR last Exercise proposed an answer to the following questions, 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? To these inquiries many answers, of varied excellence, have been received. The following are mere extracts :— I. A good paper, containing many happy quotations from Scripture. pilgrim to a place of rest, is accompanied with full and copious instructions for those who study it. The source from which alone spiritual light may be obtained, abounds with directions as to the most suitable means of obtaining that light. "To it, therefore, I have fully referred in the accompanying remarks, knowing that in it is contained all that is needed in order to a right answer to your last Exercise. "First, "What is the spirit especially to be guarded against in the study of the sacred Scriptures?' "1. A self-righteous and Pharisaical spirit. 2. A careless spirit. 3. A worldly spirit. 4. A critical and prejudiced spirit. "Second, "The state of mind most desirable to be cultivated' is, "1. A spirit of lowly simplicity and humble deference; 2. of prayer and dependence on the teaching of the Holy Spirit; 3. of constant faith and careful meditation; 4. and of self-application.”—J. C. W. II. Contains some good remarks on pride. "Thus then we see a spirit of pride is that which ought to be most guarded against, and a humble teachable state of mind that which ought to be most assiduously cultivated; for the wise man has told us that 'a man's pride shall bring him low: but honour xxix. 23.) And the high and lofty One who shall uphold the humble in spirit.' (Proverbs inhabiteth eternity, hath himself promised that he will dwell with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."" (Isaiah lvii. 15.)—R. H. III. We like the following : "Sometimes, I think, we are prone to read it in the spirit of sloth, sometimes in the spirit of self-confidence, and sometimes in the spirit of dishonesty. When in the first, we feel a degree of carelessness whether our reading be profitable or not. When in the second, we feel a desire to square the word of God according to our pre-conceived notions of truth. And when in the third, we feel fearful of being detected in some false principle, or, perhaps, unhappily, in "The projectors of a chart always affix to some cherished besetting sin, instead of it explanations and instructions, in order coming, in the language of David, with, that the student may be at no loss to apply it "Search me, O God, and know my heart: to the best purpose. The inventors of the try me, and know my thoughts. And see if numerous modes of obtaining light invariably there be any wicked way in me, and lead me append to them directions for their right use, in the way everlasting." (Psalm cxxxix. and cautions lest they should be misapplied. 23, 24.) But, above all the foregoing, I The chart which directs the trembling sin-think the spirit of unbelief is the most to be ner to a crucified Saviour, and the weary avoided. "In reading the Holy Scriptures, I think a prayerful spirit should be especially cultivated; for, I believe, our neglect in this particular is the principal reason why we read them with so little profit."-A West Indian. IV. “To the First, 'What is the spirit to be guarded against?' "1. A spirit of levity and indifference. "2. A spirit of dislike, or feeling of irksome duty, saying as we close the book, 'thank VI. "In answer to the first question contained in Exercise No. III., of the last number of your magazine, I should say, that the spirit to be especially guarded against in reading the sacred book, is a careless and inattentive frame of mind; a habit of reading in a mere mechanical way, without taking proper care to fix the attention so that the words presented to the eye may be fully apprehended and understood. This is, perhaps, one of the most effectual methods employed by the enemy of souls, to prevent the seed of the kingdom from taking root in the heart. How can any one expect to derive benefit to the mind by the repetition of a number of words, without having the ideas which they are intended to represent brought home and impressed on the understanding? As reasonably might the dying man refuse to take the medicine offered him, and suppose that he will be restored to health by "To the second, "The spirit to be culti-looking at it while in the hand of the phyvated:' God that is finished.' "3. A spirit of speculation and love of novelty. We are told to inquire for the good old path. "4. A spirit of pride and self-conceit. "5. A spirit of party, and disposition to lean on the opinions of men, rather than on the word of God: not coming to learn, but to prop up our own opinions. sician. This habit of inattention, when once acquired, which is but too easily done, will be found, unless firmly and perseveringly opposed, to exert a most baneful influence; leading, by the irreverent use of the name and word of God, to a positive breach of the third commandment; and rendering the lively oracles of eternal truth, not merely useless and unprofitable, but absolutely detrimental to the individual, by converting them into the savour of death unto death." "1. A spirit of devotion. I have read of a | blind Scotchman who had a surprising memory, and could give chapter and verse of any text; but he always carried the key of his house in his hand; take away his key and he was at a loss to answer any question! Now what was habit in him is and must be essential to the profitable perusing of the Scriptures. Prayer is the key that unlocks the sacred treasury, and the brighter the key through use, the easier will it open; take-P. H. I. away the key of prayer, and wonder not if we cannot understand what is written. "2. A spirit of conscious ignorance, weakness, and dependence. "3. A spirit of holy devotedness and hum ble obedience. VII. "Erin," deprecates a captious spirit, as leading to doubt, as offensive to God, reducing his word from a lamp to a taper, and as grieving the Spirit of God; and inculcates a docile spirit as essential to the 4. A spirit of joyful anticipation. God right understanding of the Bible, as pleasing has promised if we seek we shall find; and to God, and as an evidence of piety; and to seek for pearls in his casket without ex- concludes with the language of David conpecting to find them, would be casting a sus-cerning the sword of Goliah, "there is none picion on his veracity."-N. R. like that; give it me." V. "My opinion is that the proud undevotional spirit is the enemy to be guarded against; and the humble devotional spirit, that which is to be cultivated by the student of the holy book. Because God alone can regenerate our faculties, and bestow all the consequent good; and God has declared that the recipient must first become the petitioner. "Do we, when we come to the sacred volume, uniformly remember, that it was given by inspiration; that we are to bare our souls to its reproof; that it can indeed give us correction; that it can give us that instruction which will not partially, but thoroughly furnish us, make us godlike, and lead us to perfection."-Meirax. The " song of the drunkard" is proverbial, and shall not the temperate sing? Temperance itself is a song of praise-the thanks giving of the man at not being a beast; and here are strains adapted to the temperate when they assemble publicly to promote their righteous cause. "The Narrow Way; or Cautions and Directions for the Young. By W. Davis. Hastings;" containing judicious remarks on Indolence and the love of Pleasure-on Pride and Vanity-a restless and vain Curiosityand on Conduct towards others-on Religion -Habit-Occupation-and Connexions; and forming a useful little manual for the class addressed. CORRESPONDENCE. THE least consideration of our relationship to each other, must naturally lead the mind to the conviction, that it is at once our duty and privilege, to promote the well-being of those around us, and to rejoice in the establishment of any means calculated to effect that great end. It is upon this ground that the formation, progress, and now permanently established Linen-Drapers' Institution is brought before the notice of the reader; and that when he sees what is doing, he may be excited to the happy and just conclusion,-Is there any way in which I, as an individul, can put my hand to the great and good work of scattering the seeds of happiness in a world of so much misery? It may be well to inform the reader, that there are about thirty thousand persons engaged in those different branches of trade comprised under the general head of Drapers. Before the formation of the Institution, there was no prospect, no hope for any, who in the providence of God, were overtaken by sickness, or misfortune; consequently, it was no rare case to find in the history of the forlorn and miserable that we met with in the abodes of want, that once they were prosperously engaged in those trades. To the aged in particular the prospect was most gloomy; in vain would a character the most unblemished plead to gain a situation, the objection of age outweighing every other consideration; the only wonder is, that so respectable a class of society should have remained so long insensible. It is about four years since, that an obscure individual, influenced by a sense of duty, gave himself to the formation of the Institution. He soon found himself joined by others equally anxious for the object; and succeeded in raising several thousand pounds, before even the rules were formed. In its progress much opposition was encountered from persons whose element it ever is to frustrate every good work; but even this has proved beneficial, and at this moment the Institution is so firmly established, that its success is beyond all question. The annual income is about £1000, with an increasing permanent fund of more than £8000. The number of its members is about 700; all of whom may gratefully assure themselves, that if affliction does overtake them, they will find here that support which will prove abundant for all their need. The Subscription is a guinea annually, which entitles the individual to the best medical advice in sickness, and pecuniary support to the amount of fifteen shillings per week, and in old age to a permanent allowance of the same amount. A SUGGESTION for the consideration of those young men whose commercial or other engagements prevent their attending the young men's evening meetings. While it is painful to contemplate the vast number of young men who are wholly giving themselves to the world, devoting their time, talents, and influence, to the gratification of a vain and corrupt mind, it is delightful to reflect that there are others, (and is not their number rapidly increasing?) whose chief aim is, to answer the great end of their existence; and to accomplish this, they are anxious to cultivate their mental faculties, to enrich their memories with valuable knowledge, and to qualify themselves by every available means, to discharge with ease and credit to themselves, the duties they owe to the community at large. Presuming_that you are of the latter class, it must, I am sure, be a source of painful regret to you, that, by reason of business in the office, the shop, or the warehouse, you are unavoidably excluded from the young men's evening meetings, and consequently deprived of those advantages which they, when properly conducted, are admirably adapted to impart. Now with a view to furnish you with a substitute to supply in part the deprivation of those benefits, which you are compelled to forego, I beg your attention to the following suggestion: 1st. Seek out those young men in your neighbourhood who are alike disposed, and similarly situated as yourself. 2d. Engage a suitable room to meet in. 3d. As you cannot assemble together in the evening, select the earlier the better part of the day-take the morning. 4th. Fix your hour of meeting at, say five during the summer, and at half-past through the winter. Thus an hour and a half or two hours will be redeemed, which otherwise would, and probably is now, wholly wasted in bed. This course will require a little self-denial at first, but immediately the habit of early rising is acquired, and you will be surprised how soon, with a little perseverance, the acquirement is made; then the healthy and industrious practice will become familiar and pleasant, and the benefits, both physical and mental which you will derive, will be an ample compensation for all the trifling sacrifices this praiseworthy course may demand. For your encouragement, I would just mention, that this is not an impracticable nor an untried theory. The little society existing in our town, of which I have the honour to form a part, has regularly met at between five and six o'clock, every Wednesday and Friday morning, with but one or two exceptions, since last August. Our number has averaged about twelve. We commence our meetings with prayer, and conclude with singing. A scripture subject occupies our attention on the Wednesday morning, and the history of our own country on the Friday morning. A trifling forfeit, to secure a regular and punctual attendance, is cheerfully submitted to by the members. The sums thus paid assist in defraying the expenses of fire, candles, &c. We can attest that these early meetings have already proved profitable, and under the blessing of God, we doubt not but their salutary influence will soon become more and more apparent. East Grinstead, February, 1837. THE ECHO. T. C. LITTLE GEORGE had not yet the least idea of an echo. One day he happened to cry out, in the midst of the fields, "Ho! ho!" and he instantly heard the same words re peated from a neighbouring thicket. Surprised at the sound, he exclaimed, "Who are you?" upon which the same voice also returned, "Who are you?" George cried out, "You must be a very foolish fellow!" "Foolish fellow!" repeated the voice from the thicket. George now began to grow angry, and he uttered words of reproach towards the spot whence the sounds proceeded. The echo faithfully repeated all his words. Thereupon George, in order that he might avenge himself, searched through the wood for the boy, who he supposed was mocking him, but he could not find him. After searching in vain for some time, George ran home, and complained to his mother that a wicked boy was concealed in the wood for the purpose of mocking him. “Ah, now you are complaining of your own self," replied his mother. "Know that you have heard nothing but your own words; for even as you have more than once seen your face reflected in clear water, so you have just heard your own voice in the wood. If you had uttered an exclamation of kindness, you would not have failed to receive a similar exclamation in reply." It is thus in every-day life. The conduct of others towards us is generally but an echo of our own. If we deal honestly with them, they will be disposed to do the same towards us. But if we are harsh and rude towards our fellow-creatures, we can expect nothing better on their part in their conduct towards us. THE TWO CROWNS. A FRENCH Officer who was a prisoner upon his parole in England, met with a Bible: he read it, and was so struck with its contents, that he was convinced of the folly of sceptical principles, and of the truth of Christianity, and resolved to become a Protestant. When his gay companions rallied him for taking so serious a turn, he said in his vindication, "I have done no more than my old school-fellow Barnadotte, who has become a Lutheran." "Yes, but he became so," said his associates, "to obtain a crown." motive," said the Christian officer, "is the same; we only differ as to the place. The object of Barnadotte is to obtain a crown in Sweden, mine is to obtain a crown in Heaven." "My London: R. Needham, Printer, 1, Belle Sauvage-Yard, Ludgate-Hill. THE YOUNG MEN'S MAGAZINE. No. 6.] THE SUPERIOR FACILITIES OF YOUNG to overtop and drag to the earth the MEN FOR USEFULNESS. (Continued from page 67.) whole plantation. Could you look within them you would frequently find the house in the heart. You A SIXTH qualification for usefulness would find that many a chamber in arises from your comparative freedom the temple of the soul, which was from care, and your enjoyment of once sacred to God, is now occupied mental leisure. Your time perhaps as a nursery for children, or a wareis occupied with the peculiar duties house for goods, or a counting-house of your station, as completely as that for the nice balancings of profit and of the busiest worldling; but your loss, or a secret and locked recess in thoughts and passions are not. His which cares and anxieties, the emmind, though already in vital contact | barrassments of a precarious trade, with the earth at a hundred spots, the tumultuous anxieties of the father, seems only intent, like the Indian the husband, and the master, the presfig-tree, on connecting itself vitally with a hundred more, as if it would fain embrace the world: but, compared with him, you may be said to resemble the date-bearing " palm-tion you are comparatively free. Your trees, in the courts of the Lord," enjoying a perpetual Sabbath. sure of the present and fears for the future, are hidden in silence and darkness from the world. Now from all this mental distrac present age is the sabbath-time of your earthly existence. And it is Your present freedom from solici- significantly and wisely placed at the tude is great compared with the state beginning of your days, in order that even of the majority of mature Chris- by devoting it to God it might protians. Resuming the figure in the ject its hallowed influences onwards preceding paragraph, it may be said into the busy week and working days that, compared with them, your of the remaining portion. It is sigthoughts and affections are like the nificantly and wisely arranged by the young trees and vigorous saplings of Supreme Disposer that, during the a healthy plantation, lifting up their early period of life, the great edifice heads to the sun, and dancing to the of the mind should be comparatively breath of heaven; and your worldly empty of worldly cares, in order that cares are only a slender undergrowth, you may convert it into a temple for creeping along the ground and barely Him, before the world takes possesalive while their cares are that un- sion and turns it into an inn. Both dergrowth of brambles and briers, these at present are claimants for adtowering into notice, exhausting the mission. A few years hence, the strength of the soil, and threatening world will have succeeded in conveyVOL. I. F |