more. This, however, is not always the case; many at this tender age receive the word as into good ground, and bring forth fruit with patience; and in many others, though the soil appears unkindly at first, the seed nevertheless germinates, though slowly, and at a later period springs up and is fruitful. I pass over the various circumstances which occurred at this seminary, and hasten to the period when Phoebe and Priscilla were to leave school. They were among the few in whom the good seed had taken deep root; but the time had now arrived when they were to be tried. They had some apprehension of the difficulties they would have to encounter at home; for their parents and brethren, though respectable and amiable characters in a worldly point of view, had nevertheless no religious principle beyond the desire to maintain a decent reputation among their neighbours indeed, the brothers and sisters of Phoebe and Priscilla could scarcely be said to have any religious notions at all. They attended a place of worship on the Sabbath, because they were compelled; but it was a constraint from which they would readily have been delivered, and were always glad when divine service was well over. Phoebe and Priscilla, though they had talked with great volubility during the holidays of what Mr. and Mrs. A. had taught them, and of the revolution which had taken place in the town of, had not as yet arrived at sufficient strength to act up to their own convictions; and they had consequently yielded to the pursuits and principles which prevailed at home. But now that they were going to leave school, and not return again, they mentioned to Mrs. A. all the difficulties and temptations they had reason to expect; the weakness, they had betrayed on former occasions; the distress of conscience which they had consequently experienced; and the perplexity which they now felt, as to how far it might be right to yield, and when they ought to stand firm. Mrs. A. was sensible of the delicacy of the case, and called in the vicar to her assistance; who conversed with Phoebe and Priscilla, and, among many other observations which he made, advised as follows: "Of all the commandments which regard our duty to our neighbour, that which requires us to honour and obey our parents, is perhaps of chief importance. It is, as St. Paul observes, the first commandment with promise;' and moreover stands first in the second table of the Law. Nevertheless, the first table of God's Law must decidedly take precedence. We have a heavenly Father as well as an earthly; and, when the commands of the latter interfere with those of the former, we can have no doubt which we ought to prefer- He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me*. Alas! it too frequently happens that a man's foes, when he endeavours to please God, are 6 they of his own household.' They are the persons who feel most condemned and annoyed by it; for it does not so much excite attention when our next-door neighbours. differ from us in their ways, as when a solitary member of our own family does. Nevertheless, true charity consists in letting our light shine before men. If we do not practise what we know, we are none the better for it ourselves, nor can we benefit others; for though people rail and oppose, yet that very circumstance shows that their attention is drawn to the subject by us;-sometimes they are convinced, and commonly they are very much checked and restrained. *Matt. x. 37. But there is one point which I must most earnestly press upon you, viz. that, circumstanced as you are, you must endeavour to recommend the Gospel more by actions, and by_silent firmness, than by words. Too many young people prove a stumbling-block to others by their loquacity. Do not refuse to speak and explain your principles when a fair opportunity offers; yet, let it always be with modesty, and leave off the moment you see your parents appear displeased. It is rarely that our equals will bear to be instructed on these points; still less can a parent endure it from a child, a superior from an inferior, or an elder from a junior. Exercise, therefore, meekness and forbearance; and, when you are obliged to resist parent's command, from an imperious sense of duty towards God, endeavour to be doubly obliging and attentive in other matters. Howsoever vexatious or capricious their commands and wishes may appear, still obey them cheerfully; and let them see (if they will but consider), that it pains you when you are obliged to differ from them, and that you would not do it did not love to God and a consideration for their eternal happiness require you." Many were the tears which Phoebe and Priscilla shed on leaving Mr. and Mrs. A., but they were firmly resolved, with God's help, to take up their cross and follow Jesus; and it was a consolation to be assured by the two excellent persons just mentioned, that they would have their unceasing prayers. Upon their arrival at home, they were soon called to a trial of their faith and patience. The players were at the neighbouring market-town; and, in consequence of the intimacy between the two families, their friends had determined to go on the same night, and seats were taken by the father of Priscilla for all the young people. Greatly, however, were the elderly folks disconcerted, and the younger ones astonished, when Phoebe and Priscilla positively refused to go. Nor was the disappointment of Phoebe and Priscilla small, for their youthful ardour had sanguinely hoped better things. They had been encouraged to converse concerning Mrs. A. and the new Vicar of; they had freely described the sentiments and conduct of these two persons, and, as their friends had listened complacently, and were apparently entertained-nay, occasionally even approved what was said they had imagined them at once converted to evangelical sentiments. But it made a great difference when they found their own children prepared to act upon these principles. At first, they laughed then they jeered-next they scolded. Sometimes they endeavoured to overcome and melt them by good nature; at others, to intimidate by remonstrances and threats. But all would not do; the two friends, whose attachment was now so closely cemented by the bonds of religion, stood firm, not only in this, but in many other similar instances. A very different spirit, however, as I intimated in the outset of this narrative, manifested itself in the conduct of these two young ladies. The parting advice of Mr. had not made that impression on the heart of Priscilla which it ought to have done, although she apparently listened with attention, and was affected at the time. She spoke with warmth and vehemence when opposed; was continually 66 preaching" (as the young folks called it) to her brothers and sisters, and worrying them with strictures upon their irreligion; and often obtruded her opinion before her parents unasked, and in such a manner as to draw down merited reproof. Even when she did not speak, she would often, when arrangements were making, fetch a loud sigh, or shake her head in a significant manner by way of deprecating what was going forward. In non-essentials she was obstinate, not to say perverse. Her parents tenderly loved her, and conceiving that her mind was perhaps somewhat disordered, they had removed her, in the first instance, to the sea-side, and paid her unremitting attention, in hopes that kindness and change of air might restore her to her former cheerfulness and vivacity; and though they were now become more harsh in their treatment of her, they were nevertheless solicitous for her health, which was not good, but which they hoped by proper air and exercise might come round. Priscilla, however, would conform to neither rules nor regimen. She spent the chief part of the day in reading religious books, instead of endeavouring to put the precepts of Christianity into practice; and, when reasoned with by her friend Phoebe on the subject, would reply, that she certainly would obey her father and mother did she conceive herself poorly, but that they were quite mistaken with regard to her health, and she was satisfied they could not seriously mean many things which they said to her, and of her. Thus, instead of anticipating their wishes, and denying herself for their sakes, she never appeared disposed to put herself the least out of the way, or to refuse herself any one gratification of a religious nature; and often, by her untimely hours and excess of reading, many needful duties, both of a religious and domestic nature, were neglected. The consequence was, her parents gave her credit for great obstinacy and perverseness; charged her (and not without some appearance of reason) with disobedience; and whilst they frequently exclaimed, Keep me from such religion!" threw all the blame of her conduct - Phoebe, on the contrary, had profited by the advice she received on leaving the town of She had to contend with greater difficulties than Priscilla, inasmuch as her parents were not of so affectionate and indulgent a disposition; and though she was one year older than her friend, yet were her brothers and sisters all older than herself, whilst the brethren of Priscilla were her juniors. By meekness, however, patience, self-denial, and through fervent prayer to God, she was enabled to perform wonders. When scolded and upbraided by her mother with disobedience (because she would not enter the theatre, the assembly-room, the card-room, or be seen at the races), she was silent, after having in the first instance assigned her reasons;-being conscious that those reasons were well remembered; and that, as she could not convince, it would only irritate to repeat them. Sometimes, indeed, when she beheld a practical illustration of the truth of that saying of our Lord, "I came not to bring peace but a sword," (i. e. division)-and the anger and vexation of her parents was for the moment hot, the tear would roll down her cheeks, and she has more than once fallen on her mother's bosom and sobbed out, "Indeed, indeed, I would, dear mother, if I DARE!" Her usual practice, however, was to take the earliest opportunity of retiring from the storm, by leaving the room, when she thought she could do it without appearing to light her parents' reproof; and then she would pour out her troubled soul before God for faith and patience for herself, and that it would please him to change her pa rents' hearts; and, I may add, that she generally found the storm hushed on her return to the sitting room. Her mother, knowing that she was of an affectionate disposition, and that her tenderness was easily worked upon, would sometimes alter her mode of proceed ing, and endeavour to soothe and persuade; but, though it gave Phoebe more pain to refuse her upon these occasions than on others, she nevertheless was not to be shaken from that which she considered the narrow path; and at last her parents, finding their efforts vain, ceased to importune. At times, indeed, when some gossiping visitor, unacquainted with the principles of Phoebe, affected surprise at her taste and behaviour, the mother could not forbear saying, "Yes, Madam, I have a strange disobedient daughter; she has picked up some absurd Methodistical notions at school; and she has lost all affection for her parents." Yet, the heart of her mother would smite her whilst repeating these very words; for she could not but be sensible, that Phoebe was far more attentive and dutiful generally than before; and, at other times, she would even contradict herself, and say, "I wish to God that all my children were like their younger sister, except her Methodism!" Poor wo man ! She little thought, at that time, that the very principle which she reprobated was the real spring and source of all which she admired in her. It pleased God, however, in the course of time, to bless the prayers and Christian spirit of Phoebe more decidedly. Her father had long since been, as it were, neutralized. He was not brought over to her opinions; but JUNE 1824. he let her have her own course, and placed a confidence in her, which he did not in his elder children; asking her advice, and deferring to her sentiments when he did elicit them. Her younger brother, however, and a sister of Priscilla, were moved by the affectionate spirit of Phoebe to serious considerations, and soon became decided characters. She had never pressed the subject upon them, but she had availed herself of suitable opportunities to offer a word in season. When they were all on the tip-toe, expecting gratification from some new pleasure, she was silent; but if, as was often the case, she saw them, after the enjoyment of this pleasure, jaded and out of spirits, she would then venture to hint at the insufficiency of all merely human enjoyments, and wish they did but experience that peace which she had found. Many other opportunities naturally presented themselves for insinuating the truth; but I have trespassed too much upon your pages to enumerate them. Finally, she had the happiness of seeing her beloved mother become a worshipper of God in spirit and in truth, and as zealous in the promotion of real piety as she had formerly been averse to it. The process was slow by which the Almighty brought her parent to embrace the truth, and there were many struggles with pride before she acknowledged her convictions; but I must pass over the circumstances connected with this pleasing incident for the same reason I have just stated. I have, indeed, trespassed too long, and would apologize, did I not feel assured that you will be as anxious as myself for these pages to meet the eye of Priscilla, and of the many who are like Priscilla in the present day. What may hereafter happen in these two families, I cannot di 2 F As a warm friend to your truly excellent and useful publication, I take the liberty of offering, for insertion in one of your Numbers, the following extract of a Letter from the late Rev. H. P. to a young Friend preparing for the ministry. I have pointed out to you, in some particulars, what cause you have for gratitude and praise; but let me now remind you of your high responsibility, in the privileges and mercies you have enjoyed. You know, that you are not your own;' that you are bought with a price;' and that circumstance places you under an imperious and blessed obligation, to glorify your God and Saviour with your body and with your spirit, which are his.'-' None of us liveth to himself,' saith the Apostle; you cannot, therefore, maintain the character of a Christian, if you regard only your own improvement and gratification. You should place the glory of Christ before you, as the object at which you are to aim in all the studies you pursue, in all the inquiries you make, in all the acquisitions at which you aspire, in all the recreations in which you indulge. To maintain the views and feelings connected with such an object, gives a dignity, decision, and energy to the character; it unshackles the man from the restraints of worldly shame; it supplies him with the most powerful motives to personal holiness; it stimulates him with God-like purposes towards his fellow-creatures: such a one will feel convinced, that all learning and all knowledge are vain and useless which are not turned to some account in promoting the glory of Christ and the salvation of souls. Such a one will say, What does it avail me to spend my strength, and occupy my time, and spin out my life, in seeking acquisitions and satisfactions that do in no way advance the honour of my Saviour (which ought to be dearer to me than my life), or the spiritual interests of my own soul and the souls of others (which ought to have the supremacy of my regard over every earthly concern)? What does it avail me to fit myself to act a mere respectable part in the world, the whole fashion of which passeth away? I have a nobler object in view, and one that is capable of giving pleasure to an immortal spirit, and affording peace to the mind when all nature is dissolving around me; it is to live to the glory of that Saviour, in whom I have found pardon and peace with God, and through whom I look for the gift of eternal life. I will read and study; I will think and write; I will inquire and converse; I will investigate and pray; I will take every possible means of enlarging my knowledge on every subject, that I may be the better prepared to effectuate the end I have in view. I want to hallow the name of Jesus to recommend his holy and blessed religion-to defend his Gospel-to promote his cause-to silence gainsayers to support |
