ed Barnabas, which rendered him indeed, and of a truth," a new creature."

Let no one however presume upon the infinite love and compassion of God, and wickedly and ungratefully persevere in iniquity, because the extent of divine mercy is so great. Let no one risk the awful consequences of "sinning, that grace may abound." Who knows the limit which the righteous justice of God may see fit to put to the sinner's career? Who can tell that the means of grace, the secret teachings of the Holy Spirit once neglected, or abused, will be ever again afforded? Tomay never come. Now! at this very moment, while you are reading is perhaps the accepted time! Now is the day of salvation. O! delay not the important business of securing your souls everlasting safety. "For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience

morrow

received a just recompense of reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" A salvation which is presented to us in the Gospel through the perfect obedience, and efficacious suffering and death of the Son of God. Oh, my dear children! believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, as your precious Saviour;-receive into your hearts his gracious and holy instructions;--imitate his example ;— yield a willing and cheerful obedience to those teachings of the Holy Spirit, which you will experience upon your minds; and then present peace, as well as everlasting blessedness, will be your portion.

The free and lawless life which Barnabas had for several years followed, rendered the restraints and labors to which he was now compelled to submit, extremely irksome to him. But he soon found that resistance on board a King's ship was altogether unavailing, and only procured for him the severe punish

ments usually inflicted upon such offenders. He however determined to seize the first opportunity which offered to escape from his floating prison. The ship was at this time lying at anchor in the harbor, and one evening, when it was almost dark, finding himself alone on the forecastle, he determined to make the attempt. With this view he took off his thick sailor's jacket, and letting himself down by a rope into the water, hoped to swim on shore without being observed. In this expectation, however, he was disappointed. The soldier who mounted guard upon the deck perceived his movements, and suspected his design. The alarm was immediately given, a musket shot was fired after the fugitive, which wounded him in the shoulder. A boat with an officer and some men was sent away instantly. He was thus speedily overtaken, and brought on board. After the wound he had received had

been dressed by the surgeon, some heavy chains

were put on his arms and legs, and he was closely confined in the ship's prison.

Here

there was time for profitable reflection, if Barnabas had been disposed to improve it. But his hardened and impenitent heart still remained unimpressed with the wickedness of his past conduct, and if he grieved, it was only at the loss of that liberty he had so much abused, and of that property which he had so unjustly acquired.

Not long after this the ship which had been refitted, proceeded to sea, and was appointed with some others to watch for some ships of the enemy. Having cruized about for two or three weeks, the signal was given early one morning, of a hostile fleet being in the distance. The order was given to crowd all sail after it, and the necessary preparations were made for an engagement. Barnabas, who was quite recovered, and had obtained his liberty, was particularly active, and determined

to recommend himself to the notice of the captain and officers, in order to obtain their favor, still secretly resolving to effect his ecape upon the first favorable opportunity which should offer.

And now, borne along by a fair wind, the English fleet advanced rapidly towards the enemy, as though in haste to engage in the dreadful work of human destruction. Perhaps there were many on board who secretly would have preferred some humane and peaceful occupation. But the captains and other officers, hoping to obtain, either what is called glory, or the more substantial rewards which governments bestow upon those who fight their battles, were eager for an action, and caused every sail to be hoisted, in order to overtake the foe. A few hours brought the hostile ships side by side, and a fierce engagement ensued. Terrible was the thunder of the cannon, and awful the fierce passions with