ing them solely to the spirit of the barbarous age in which they were perpetrated; yet examine a little farther, and it will be found that, of this, the middle ages as it is called, not only Romanists, but some who believe themselves to be Protestants, habitually speak as of the most glorious era of the Church! There is a net of deadly texture fast closing around us, and it behoves us narrowly to examine the subtle meshes as they come to view. The crusades were a legitimate carrying out, by a party then powerful enough to do its bidding, of the unchanged principles, the consistent doctrines, and of the now existing laws of the papacy. As we proceed, this may become more apparent; but it is a fact, the overlooking of which is at this moment hurrying on a crisis that man cannot, perhaps, avert; but for which the Church of Christ must be prepared, by arming themselves with the like mind as their suffering Master; and as their brethren who of old were slain, as many more will be.

C. E.

Look upon each day as a blank sheet put into your hands, to be filled up for eternity.-Pennington.

FEMALE EFFORTS.

I WAS unusually interested last Sabbath, and stirred up powerfully to a sense of duty, when our beloved Pastor, alluding to lay agency (that traduced means) made especial reference to female exertion in the blessed cause of religion and truth.

The remarks made-indeed the whole subject caused, deep searchings of heart. I was led to ask myself the question what have I done for the good of souls, and to promote the glory of my God and Saviour? What am I doing? And what can I do to further this blessed -this all-important object.

Surely, my dear Christian friends, there is much for us all to do in these eventful times-much for us to do --although poor, weak, insignificant females. The great Apostle of the Gentiles, and above all the great Head of the Church, was pleased to own instrumentality as humble as ours, and is not this an encouragement, an inducement for us to imitate our primitive sisters in the faith, and to be fellow-helpers with those who labour in the Lord?

If ever there was a time when the individual members of the Established Church were called upon to exert their utmost influence, to put forth their most strenuous endeavours, it is at this alarming crisis. The enemy is up and doing—and shall we remain inactive? O no! let us do what we can. Weak, it is true we are, yet let not this deter us; rather may it urge us to apply

unto the Strong for strength: let us earnestly and fervently beseech the aid of the glorious Spirit, and then, if He is our helper, we shall do great things, for "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts."

And first, let us do what in us lies to counteract the evils of the day, to provide antidotes for the baneful poison which is being disseminated among our fellowChristians and the world at large. We each have a sphere of influence. Let us make it subservient to the cause of Protestantism and Truth. We each have a sphere of influence, I repeat-there is not one among the lowliest of the least, who has not some hearts at her command-some, to whom her word and example may prove a guide and beacon. Oh may our lights more brightly shine, while we wait with joyous anticipation and lively hope unto the coming of our Lord.

But to the subject in hand, present duties, let each make a resolve that we will omit no opportunity of doing, or saying good, when such opportunities offer; we would not be forward or presuming-but this we should be, bold in the confession of our Saviour, and in declaring to the world to whom we belong. This is not the time to mask sentiments, to be ashamed of the religion we profess. Oh no! let us be more anxious than ever to give evidence to all around that we are disciples of Jesus, followers of the Lamb. Let us rally round his cross, and lifting up the gospel standard, invite all to join our ranks, to enlist under our banner, and fight manfully against the world, the flesh, and the devil; against spiritual wickedness in high places. My heart beats still warmer upon the subject, for I have just been listening to the statements of our dear Minister, who having been in London during the

past week, has kindly given us (at our Sunday School Teacher's festival) an account of the soul-stirring meetings it was then his privilege to attend. Oh may each Minister who then and there assembled, thus diffuse among his people a knowledge of those things which concern them most, and may their different congregations aid their efforts, and strengthen their hands in the good work in which at this important crisis they are so arduously engaged.

Let us each see to it that we perform better than we ever have done, our duties to ourselves, our fellowmen, our Ministers and our God. Duties are ours, events are His. Let us not be discouraged at the present aspect of things-frequently "behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face." And perhaps these times of trial and gloom portend a blissful era, when our souls, having abided the test and passed the fiery ordeal, shall be brought into closer communion, privileged with more endeared acquaintance with Him, whom not having seen we love.

It is hoped the above has not too much encroached upon these valuable pages. May what has been advanced in weakness, be applied with power by the blessed Spirit, and to the Father and our adorable Saviour, we will ever and now ascribe all the glory.

DEATH is but the coming of the Saviour to take to himself those who shall be with him for ever.-Pike.

PRAISE.

"THE people which shall be created shall praise the Lord." Psalm cii. To whom does the psalmist here allude? Were there none in his day likeminded with himself, animated with the same spirit of praise, that a future generation is seen in prophetic vision, rising up to speak of the glory of God's kingdom, and to talk of his power ? Yes, for we find it written, "One generation shall praise thy name to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." Psalm cxlv. God has had a people in every age: vessels in whom his truth has been deposited to influence for good the circle where they were stationed, and feeling in themselves through the Holy Ghost, the inestimable privilege of their position as having a knowledge of themselves, and of God and of Jesus whom he hath sent, which is life eternal. And so, however black the surrounding darkness, we may look and we shall espy the glimmer of many a taper, the light of which, however feeble, should shame us when we consider the advantages we possess, the more favoured days in which we live. In seasons when the heavy clouds of superstition and ignorance hovered over the land, there were yet some exceptions to the universal darkness; and so when we think of the absence of spiritual light by which certain periods have been marked, there have still been hearts warmed with love to God, and mouths which have shown forth his praise, and which shall hereafter join in the song of the reOCTOBER, 1845.

X