mons he had heard were his comfort when he was alone. Mr. W. said he would go home and get him some medicine. I will drink it,' he said, 'because you say I must; but I shall not pray to be made well again, for my desire is to depart and be with Christ which is far better than to remain in this sinful world.' Mr. W. was with him when he breathed his last. He often repeated texts of Scripture and exclaimed with joy, "O death, where is thy sting?" At last his voice faltered, his eyes became fixed, his hands dropped, and his spirit departed to be with that Saviour, one drop of whose blood had washed away his mountain of guilt. Thus died poor old Me, the blind warrior of Raiatea. We may well pray that our end may be like his.

THE WORLD BY WISDOM KNEW NOT GOD. From Mr. Squire's Journal.

CHINA is a comment on these words of inspiration; and it is needless to search into the various crudities contained in many laboured volumes which they hold in high estimation, which, however contradictory in themselves, testify that they have no knowledge of God, of Original Sin, the necessity of an Atonement, or the work of the Spirit. They are equally silent concerning the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. One striking peculiarity of this people. is, their practice of deifying departed spirits; of paying honours and offering sacrifices to all, but especially to those who have distinguished themselves as poets, moral writers, warriors, or benefactors. In

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Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

short, the whole empire seems not only to abound in idols, but every age and generation seeks to add to their number. The words of the Prophet regarding Babylon of old seem particularly applicable to this nation and people: "It is a land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols;" while the one Living and True God is utterly unknown. Such, in few words, is their present state; and the word of the Lord says, "Idolaters shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." What then must be their future condition, and the fruit of this false worship ?—a total contrariety in heart and life from that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Whither then are they hastening?

Friends of the cause of Christ! a voice from these distant shores affectionately addresses you. Remember China let her be the especial subject of your prayers, until these troubles be overpast. In your Missionary Sermons and Addresses, give her a prominent place. Remember this great nation, which contains the largest portion of the human race which is gathered together under one name and language, groaning under temporal and spiritual despotism.'-Church Missionary Record.

SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. Need of actual preparation for.

BUT whosoever it is that will come orderly must have actual devotion and actual preparation; yea, though he be already habitually prepared. The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with their lamps,

(Matth. xxv. 4,) and their lamps were burning; but yet when they hear the bridegroom was coming, they presently arise and trim their lamps, and so prepare to go and meet him. They prepared to meet him when they took their lamps, and when they lighted them, and when they took oil in their vessels; all this was preparation to meet the bridegroom; but when they hear the bridegroom was coming, then they fall to a fresh preparation in trimming their lamps, to make them burn brighter and clearer. So it is in this case, habitual preparation is like the taking and lighting the lamps, and carrying oil in the vessels; actual preparation is like the fresh trimming of them when they burn dimly. The getting of knowledge, faith, repentance, love, and obedience, this is the taking and lighting of the lamps, and taking oil in the vessels; but the renewing, exciting, of these, and the doing of other things in actual preparation is the trimming of the lamps.-Dyke

CHRISTIAN RESIGNATION.

THE Christian's principles lead him to consider his station, abode, employment, provision, trials, losses, disappointments, and vexations, as "the will of God concerning him ;" and this induces him to acquiesce in them. He learns in the school of Christ, "in whatever state he is therewith to be content;" and, as far as he acts consistently with his judgment, he views every dispensation in a favourable light, and realises the paradox, "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing," He seeks comfort from God, when other

ten, will amount to thirty-six and a half days in the year; or to seven years of wasted time out of that short life which is allowed us for far other purposes. Compute now the expense and it will be found that this luxury encroaches as much on the income of the snuff-taker as it does on his time, and that the time and money thus lost would have enabled the tradesman to enjoy many real comforts in his family, and perhaps to save up a little store against a time of sickness and distress. Burnett's Useful Plants.'

SANCTIFICATION OF THE LORD'S DAY. Examples of.

'He was very zealous for the observation of the Lord's day. Of all mornings he would rise most early on the Lord's day morning; and wherever he was, or had any power, would call up all the family, but especially his own, to prayer and reading. He usually prayed six times every Lord's day in the family. First, as soon as he had got them up in the morning, expounding some part of the Scriptures to them. Secondly, when he was going to the public congregation he carried his family with him; and before they went out of door would pour out some petitions for God's assistance and blessing in the public worship of the day. Thirdly, when he returned again from Church in the morning he constantly prayed for a blessing on what they had heard. Fourthly, he led them out again in the afternoon with prayer. Fifthly, awhile after they were returned in