THE AGED CHRISTIAN IN EXTREMITY.

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besides themselves can fully enter into these. Well would it be if such hallowed enjoyments were compatible with wealth and comfort, but the human heart is too proud to acknowledge its dependence, when in the possession of all the good necessary for the present life.

Let our readers observe this fact:-the moment of the greatest danger and difficulty is that in which the Almighty often appears more directly to assist his people. Perhaps it is only in appearance, for he is pledged to help whenever they in trouble sincerely cry to him. But we sooner recognize his providential interposition when looking out for it, although it is never less clearly displayed on other occasions. In unison with this is the sentiment of an ancient writer, who declared that "those who watch for Providence, will never know the want of a providence to watch."

An instance of this kind came under the writer's more immediate notice: yet it is no solitary case. A friend who had occasionally contributed some small pecuniary aid to a very infirm old woman, was moved one day by a sudden impulse to think of her possible necessities just at that particular moment. Nothing external had occurred to remind her of this person, and having recently done what conscience dictated, she was disposed to put away the thought, resolving to see her on the morrow,

or the following day. But a restless anxiety at once arose in her breast which increased to an agony of suspense, until impelled by it to seek the poor woman's cottage. When she entered, the mystery seemed to be explained. There, at the very moment when nature was seemingly spent, and want had done its work, and death was menacing the worn out frame, help of the precise kind came to hand. Bowed in spirit, the wretched sufferer, with far spent breath was imploring that God would remember his promises and send help. "Hast thou not said, O my Father," she exclaimed "Call upon me in the time of trouble, and I will hear and I will help. Help now. Let thy mercy be shown now; and leave not thy servant to sink, despairing of thine aid, after she has seen so much of thy faithfulness. No, I cannot, and dare not despair. My language still is, Though he slay me yet will I trust in him ;' for if the favour now sought be denied, it must be the best. Father not my will but thine be done." In this frame of mind the visiter found that humble disciple of Christ, and administered to her wants, satisfied that providence had specially moved her heart to this act at the time of urgent necessity. Some persons would be ready to explain these circumstances by natural laws, and the associations of mind, but the Christian will behold in them "the

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INTERPOSITIONS OF PROVIDENCE.

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finger of God." Such was as strikingly the case when the Lord God interposed to save the infant Moses while exposed on the banks of the Nile in a frail wicker basket; and when, in like mercy, he listened to the Israelites in the wilderness, and fed them with manna in a miraculous manner, and gave water in the desert. So it was when Elijah the prophet was fed by ravens, which brought bread and flesh for his returning wants, although such birds were never before seen to spare food for any beyond themselves. God also protected the three Hebrew children, when cast into the fiery furnace, and they were delivered uninjured. He shut the lions' mouths when Daniel was cast into their midst, so that he escaped from the den unhurt. Peter and Paul were delivered from prison by special interposition of heaven, when danger threatened their lives. And in every age down to the present, God's people have found "help in times of need." O what a privilege is theirs who love and trust in Him. Reader, are you doing so? If much concerned to yield yourselves to his service and fear, then you will find, that neither in sickness, trials, nor old age does he ever leave his children without evidence of his continued friendship and favour.

What they do who have no God to help when troubles overwhelm with their huge billows, and

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THE AWFUL PROSPECT.

the refuge of lies is swept for ever away, and there is no shelter from the storm, let the Bible only say. It is fearful to contemplate. But were it not that many recklessly hazard their all on that boisterous ocean, Christians might smile, if all created matter were soon to be wrecked, since it would be a sure prelude to future and permanent bliss. Multitudes go on in their sins as if all was safe and cheering, although the frowning aspect of retribution hangs like a black funereal pall over their path, without a single streak of light to chase away the awful gloom. Perhaps they never breathe a prayer for mercy and deliverance! Alas, that rational beings can be so unconcerned about their best interests, and so perversely blind to the light which shines around them. A day will come, however, when, if all the riches of earth were at command, they would gladly exchange them for one smile from Him whom in health and affluence they neglect, if they do not also despise. O can it indeed be that men despise their best friend, and will not have his reproof? Let the six hundred millions of our race, now living unconverted, furnish the answer to such a question.

DEATH. THE

PART VI.

IMMORTALITY OF MIND. THE VAST

CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES, AND THE HAPPINESS OF
THE REDEEMED IN HEAVEN.

DEATH is merely the suspension of organic life; but it is always solemn and momentous, because vast results are dependent thereon. The pious and the wicked are alike subject to its laws; while the strong and powerful can claim no exemption from the common lot.

All

Numberless ways of attack are always at command, most of which are hidden from observation. Death insidiously lurks in the pleasurable indulgences of life, as much as in the more direct and blighting influences of poverty and disease. things that fascinate, are thickly strewn with the seeds of death; and often, when least expected, the victim is struck, and overcome by the monster. From his grasp no human aid can deliver; no friendly or parental arm can avert the dart, nor ward off his deadly stroke. Whenever the appointed time comes, the conflict must be entered upon. The dark valley must be trod alone; and