and nearer, and instead of soaring away they only flew in circles, diminishing each time; and the snares, the decoy birds, did their part also, they fluttered and twittered as if inviting their brethren who were at liberty to come and join them. These, of course, were innocently the means of betraying their fellows; but how many are there, who wickedly lead others into evil, and who by setting a bad example make the feet of others to stray. "A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good," Prov. xvi. 29; but the counsel of God is safe, and happy would it be if we listened to it, "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, my son, walk not thou in the way with them, refrain thy foot from their path," Prov. i. 10, 11, 15. Oh! neglected Bible! Oh! neglected Bible! what sorrows and bitter regrets should we not save, if thou wert the man of our counsel at all times, if the laws of our God were our delight, and his love the great bond of our obedience ! The scene was now drawing to a close: a few more flights around the net, a few apparent hesitations to join the decoy birds, and then I saw, with a sudden descent, the deceived birds come to the ground amongst them: in an instant the fowler's music ceased, the strings of the net were drawn by a sudden spring, the net closed over the birds, and then they were fluttering and beating themselves on the ground, whilst the fowler with a rude hand, and cursing and swearing, dragged them out, destroying some, and caging others. What a change was this! a few moments before these little birds were soaring high in the air, and singing in all the freedom of happiness-now in the power of a cruel being, and those that remained alive, beating their wings against the wires of a cage, no music, no liberty for them now; the syren song having answered its purpose, ceased, and only cruelty and cursing was bestowed upon the prisoners. The decoy birds were, of course, spared, to answer the same purpose again; yes, I reflected, many of those who would seduce us into mischief, would not be willing to be our companions in it, and are often the first to reproach us for our folly. I could not but notice that in a few minutes the same scene was again going through, and as other birds were to be beguiled, the imitative notes were again sounded, and the hidden net again spread, and I have no doubt other birds as easily captured and destroyed. The scene, with its accompaniments, made a deep impression upon me, and in recording it, it is not the mere scene of ensnaring a few poor birds to which I would call attention, and from which seek improvement, but oh! my soul, see how it illustrates thy position. How is the fowler's employment referred to in the Scriptures of truth! How is the snare and gin often spoken of as emblems of the spiritual deceptions to which the believer is liable, and from which none can deliver us but He who has promised, "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler," Psalm xci. 3; and who can and often does, by the power of his grace, make those who trust in him, exclaim in the midst of temptations, against which their unassisted strength could not stand for a moment, "Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped,” Psalm cxxiv. 7. THE BELIEVING WIDOW. In the summer of the year 1833, a minister, who had been attending the anniversary of a missionary society in London, was accosted at the close of the meeting by an elderly female, in widow's dress. She spoke to him with the familiarity of an old acquaintance, and kindly inquired respecting his health and his family. At first he thought that she was a stranger, who had addressed him in mistake. A short conversation removed this impression. The minister had formerly lived in London, and the good woman, who now introduced herself to him, was an active and useful member of his church. Several years had elapsed since his removal into the country, during which time she had suffered much affliction, and showed the effects of her sufferings in her altered countenance. She proceeded to relate her history. You remember my husband, sir; he was a superannuated exciseman: his pension was our sole support. Some time ago a legacy was bequeathed me, but on account of some legal difficulties it was not paid. My husband often expressed his anxiety on the subject, as he knew that the pension would cease at his death, and that I should be left entirely destitute; but I used to say, 'Never mind, it will come when I want it.' And so it did: the day after my husband's death I received a letter informing me that every obstacle was removed, and that the legacy would now be paid. I think there will be enough for my support during the remainder of my life; but if not, I can trust God; he will supply my need." 66 The widow spoke as one who knew in whom she believed. For many years she had been accustomed to regard the promises with cheerful confidence: they were the food of her soul. She was "persuaded of them, and embraced them," and could say, "God hath spoken in his holiness; I will re joice," Psalm lx. 6. When others were gloomy and desponding, the smile of faith appeared on her countenance, betokening the "perfect peace "that reigned within. She had often strengthened the weak hands, and confirmed the feeble knees, and comforted others with the comfort wherewith she herself was comforted of God, Isa. xxxv. 3; 2 Cor. i. 4. Trials had weakened her body, but her soul was sustained and sanctified. The branch was pruned, that it might "bring forth more fruit," John xv. 2. It was a sermon to the minister. He, too, had been called to pass through the waters of sorrow, and was at the time struggling with many difficulties; but this incident relieved and consoled him. He saw the power of Divine grace strikingly shown, and was greatly encouraged by the reflection that his ministry had been blessed to the edification of so excellent a woman. They parted, to see each other no more on earth. Shortly afterwards, the aged saint left England, purposing to spend her last days in the abode of one of her children, who had emigrated to the United States of North America. In all probability her pilgrimage is now ended. We may learn from this simple narrative the duty and benefit of confidence in God. He loves to honour faith; and he always tries it-sometimes sharply. He does not in every case deliver his people from trouble, because it may be more for his glory that they should suffer. Nor are his interpositions on their behalf always in the same way. If at one time the answer to prayer be immediate, at another there shall be apparent delay, and the sufferer shall reach the very verge of ruin before the hand of God is stretched out for his relief. David was not rescued from Saul till he was on the point of becoming his prey. "Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines," 1 Sam. xxiii. 26-28. Peter was suffered to remain in prison till every preparation was made for his execution on the following day; and then the deliverance was so astonishing, that the church could hardly believe the evidence of their own senses, Acts xii. Thousands of similar instances have occurred, so arranged by infinite wisdom as that men might "see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it," Isa. xli. 20. It has been often 315337 observed, that "man's extremity is God's opportunity." Why should we not give him credit for love, and truth, and wisdom, and contentedly resign ourselves to his disposal? Does he not claim our unreserved trust? And is it not well with us when we cast all our care upon him, and commit ourselves entirely to his guidance and control? Let us, therefore, yield ourselves to the Lord with unhesitating confidence, and adopt the language of the psalmist, "Truly my soul waiteth;" (quietly reposeth itself, as the word means,) on God: from him cometh my salvation," Psalm lxii. 1. "My times are in thy hand," Psalm xxxi. 15. 66 66 "Bless'd be that hand, whether it shed Bless'd be that hand-it is the hand of God." Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him," Isa. iii. 10. All history affirms the truth of this divine saying. What though the people of God have been poor and afflicted? What though their enemies have often prevailed against them? What though the church has been sometimes reduced to such extremity, that you could only "trace her by her blood, and see her by the light of the fires in which her martyrs were burned?" Still it is well with the righteous. Their eternal interests are safe. Their souls are redeemed and sanctified. Sufficient grace is secured to them amidst all their difficulties and grief. The Lord Jesus Christ is a hidingplace from the wind, and a covert from the tempest," Isa. xxxii. 2. "I am a great sinner," the Christian exclaims, "and deserve everlasting punishment. But Jesus is a great Saviour. And he is my Saviour. I believe in him. I have committed my soul to his care. His atoning blood is my only plea in bar of judgment; and it cleanseth from all sin,' 1 John i. 7. My sins are pardoned for his sake. My prayers are offered and accepted in his name. He has said, 'Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out,' John vi. 37, and he is able to 'save to the uttermost,' because he ever liveth to make intercession for us,' Heb. vii. 25. I am sure he will be as good as his word. Suffering will not last long. The presence of the Redeemer gladdens me in my sorrow, and sweetens the bitters of life. The voyage may be stormy, but the safety of the vessel is insured, and the haven is in sight. There I shall ever be with the Lord,' 1 Thess. iv. 17. Yes; it is well with the righteous, but woe,' present, everlasting woe, unto the wicked; it shall be ill with him:' for the reward of his hands shall be given him," Isa. iii. 11. OCCASIONAL MEDITATIONS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS UPON THE HEARING OF THUNDER. THERE is no grace whereof I find so general a want in myself and others as an awful fear of the infinite majesty of God; men are ready to affect, and profess a kind of familiarity with God, out of a pretence of love, whereas, if they knew him aright, they could not think of him without dread, nor name him without trembling; their narrow hearts strive to conceive of him, according to the scantling of their own strait and ignorant apprehension; whereas they should only desire to have their thoughts swallowed up with an adoring wonder of his Divine incomprehensibleness though he thunder not always, he is always equally dreadful; there is none of his works which doth not betray omnipotency. I blush at the sauciness of vain men that will be circumscribing the powerful acts of the Almighty within the compass of natural causes; forbearing to wonder at what they profess to know; nothing but ignorance can be guilty of this boldness; there is no divinity but in an humble fear, no philosophy but in a silent admiration. UPON MOTES IN THE SUN.) How these little motes move up and down in the sun, and never rest, whereas the great mountains stand ever still, TRACT MAG. THIRD SERIES, NO. 90, JUNE, 1841. G |