religious objects. He no longer held unnatural war with his conscience; but encouraged it in bringing to remembrance all his sins. Painful was it to think of the pious intreaties he had slighted-of the privileges he had cast away of the talents he bad squandered-of the immortal hopes he had pawned to a base and deceitful world! He felt that he had ruined himself within reach of a thousand means, extended for his salvation! Never did sin appear to him so deceitful so abominable, so exceeding sinful' as now. He not only allowed his guilt as formerly, but was sensible of it; and was not only sensible of it, but truly humbled on the account of it. It was not with the consequences of sin that he now quarrelled, but with the thing itself. He almost forgot that it had ruined him, while be trembled to see how it had dishonoured God. He no longer rose in resentment against, or sunk in sullen pride under, the chastening hand of the Almighty; he was fixed in adoring admiration of the forbearing goodness, which had not cut him off from the living-which had even prevented his wilful spirit from touching his own life! He endeavoured to raise his eyes towards the heavens, now bright with stars. His heart filled, O God-he cried with emotions made up of sorrow, humility, and love; and the tears of regret were changed into those of generous penitence ! With the overthrow of Lefevre's pride, fell the power of despair. That genuine bamility, which taught him to admire the divine goodness, insensibly inspired him with confidence towards it. The encouraging representations of the heavenly mercy, which Douglas had made to him, apparently without any desirable effect, now arose to his recollection. The promises of the gospel economy were felt as the power of God unto salvation. The light that discovered to his mind the real characters of his sin, revealed also the glorious work of the Saviour. While he looked on the cross and mourned as a mother for her only child,' delicious comfort mingled with his grief-it was the revisitings of hope!" And may I—may I— may I hope!" said be to himself with ecstacy; and again the tears ran faster down his cheek. With christian hope came energy of soul to resolve and to execute. An anecdote, which had strongly impressed him years ago, occurred to his memory.* It was of a young man who had ruined himself amongst profligates; but who, by acting up to one resolution, redeemed the estates he bad lost. "Yes," thought he, "I too am undone but I will alter from this hour! I have destroyed myself-but in God is my help! I will return unto God from whom I have so basely revolted."Unconsciously his soul resumed the exer * See Foster's Essay, vol. I. p. 167. cise of prayer. Not a word passed his lips; but the tender joy that moved on features set by time to melancholy, and the tears that still trembled successively in his eye, and then fell on his clasped hads below, witnessed sufficiently to the inward feelings. Short, but memorable was that evening to Lefevre; quick but effectual, the work that was wrought silently upon him. He had sunk to the ground beneath the weight of bitter regret, biting remorse and oppressive despair; he arose contrite in heart, renovated by hope, and elate with joy and gratitude. The hand of providence had waited his last temporal extremety, to give the friendly rebuke; and now it was given with such effect, that he alternately adored and kissed it in the administration. Never did he so distinctly perceive his danger; and it was in vain that he attempted to think as he wished of the redemption. The slave who leaps exulting, as the last link of his debasing vassalage falls from him;-the traveller who, enlightened by the emerging rays of the moon, starts from the horrid precipice over the brink of which he was heedlessly walking ;-the criminal who, condemned by the laws of bis country, is waiting the execution of the sentence, but who receives a gracious pardon;-feel little, compared with what Lefevre, felt, in being raised from the gates of hell, by the very arm he was expecting to shut bim up to immitigable and everlasting punishment! That night Lefevre found that joy is as inimical to sleep as sorrow: but though deprived of their natural rest, his spirits were refreshed by the sweet cordials of hope, and he rose in the morning cheerful and happy. He, now, endeavoured to take a more sober view of what had transpired; occasionally, however, he was obliged to pause and ask, whether he was recurring to a dream or a fact. Reassured of the reality of the change, the feelings of the past evening ran with almost equal elevation, into the experience of this day; and, by turns, gained and yielded an ascendancy. Now he breathed the humble prayer-now the fervid acknowledgment. Now he rejoiced in his deliverance-then he trembled at his hair-breadth escape. At one time, his spirit drooped under a sense of his weakness and rebellion; and, at another, it ascended again buoyant with faith. Often did the tears of penitence and joy mingle together on his cheek, as they fell; and often did the cloud of selfdiffidence pass over the sun-shine of his now illuminated countenance ! To compose and edify his mind, he took from his pocket the little testament, which has been already named. It was the only article he had about him; excepting his watch which his uncle had redeemed and restored to him. This was now a prize indeed. He saw several of the leaves turned down and passages on them, containing pa thetic invitations and encouragements, marked with an asterisk. He could not mistake the hand that had performed this work of love-it was his mother's! He pressed the book to his lips, and sighed; and then dwelt on the gracious pledges of mercy as the testament of a dying Savior, presented by the most affectionate of parents. As be shifted the book in his hand, his eye fell on some writing on a waste page at the commencement. It stood thus: "Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth." "Caroline." "June 16, 1808." This was evidently written by the excellent young person, whose signature it bears, about the time she lost her parents. Lefevre might have read it before; but, from his state of mind, it now made a striking impression. He had been meditating afresh on his own follies and the divine graciousness; and it made its way directly to his heart. God, as an allpitiful and forgiving Father, seemed to make this tender appeal to him; and, with a spirit melted by filial love he replied-"Yes, from this time-the time of my greatest need--I will call thee my Father! From this time, I will renounce every thing opposed to my love of Thee! From this time I will look to Thee as my guide, my refuge, my comfort. Poor, friendless, and solitary as I am, through my own wilfulness, I shall err no more if thou dost guide me--I shall fall no more if thou dost uphold me I shall be wretched no more if thou dost bless me! My Father! bless me! My Father! fom this time thou art the guide of my youth." From this exercise of faith, his mind sunk into still and holy communion with the heavenly world; and the spirit of peace descended on his soul as if anxious by its cordials to heal the manifold wounds of his bleeding heart. The season was not to be forgotten. Lefevre subscribed his name and the date, beneath those of his deceased young friend, as a memento to him for ever. And, all that day, he breathed the exclamation of "My Father! My Father!"' with the fondness of a little child, which, for the first time, finds it has power to utter the dear parental name ! As the pleasing surprise of Lefevre's transition from darkness to marvellous light wore away, he found that much remained for him to do. He was in the situation of a person who is the subject of a dangerous fever. The complaint had gathered strength till it reached the hour of crisis-that hour had gone by-but still the symptoms of the disease were cleaving to his frame. The resolutions he had formed were quickly made; but it would require days, and months, and years to body them forth in action. Nor could be expect, from what he now knew of the christian life, that the work could be effected without much labor and conflict. The cross he had engaged to carry, was a daily one-the temptations he bad determined to renounce were always at hand -and the principal enemy he had to resist, dwelt ever in his bosom. Accustomed as his pride had been to domination, it was likely it would make most violent struggles to regain its empire. Pampered as his carnal nature was, it was to be ex pected it would swell against the band of mortification, that sought to keep it under control. Weakened in body and mind by long habits of intemperance and sin, it was not to be supposed, that he could suddenly or easily recover the tone they had lost. However, Lefevre stood firm to his purpose, nothing doubting. He felt that his resolves now, were very different from his former ones. They were not made in a hurry, as a quietus to his enraged conscience; but from a strong sense of duty. They were not formed in his own strength but in humble dependence on omnipotence. So that, while he dreaded to rely on himself, he possessed more composure and fortitude, than ever sprang from the boldest confidence in the flesh. He was well alive to his difficulties, but he beheld them with the eye of one who is made devotion of love and faith, be could say, wise unto salvation; and, with the self"none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto me, so that I may testity of the grace of the Lord Jesus."-pp. 132-140. While off Cape Breton, he wrote to his mother, to Mr. Douglas, and to some of his other friends, informing them of his condition, and of the change in his feelings. He spent much of his time in reading the scriptures, and maintained a strict watchfullness over his heart and conduct. He sailed up the St. Lawrence, as far as Montreal, and there continued, for a considerable period, faithfully discharging the duties of a common soldier. His condition was far from being enviable, but he evinced that a christian can be useful in any station, however humble. Those of his companions, and of the non-commissioned officers, who were ignorant, but willing to be taught, he instructed, and those who read the work will be gratified with the account of his beneficence to a widow and orphan, whose friends, as did his own, resided in England. In a Missionary, he found a man of kindred spirit with his own, and notwithstanding his hardships and his poverty, he enjoyed a peace of mind to which, during the latter part of his residence in England, he had been a stranger. At length an order for his discharge, which his friends had procured, arrived, and he prepared to return to his native land. We have not room to extract that part of narrative which describes his parting with the friends whom his conduct had acquired. Suffice it to say his departure was regretted by all who knew him,-his voyage was prosperous. His mother folded the penitent son in her arms; Mr. Douglass and the Russells extended the arm of friendship to one whom they had ever regarded with tenderness. The happiness of Lefevre was interrupted by witnessing the distress and death of a young man ruined by his own bad example, but he felt doubly grateful for the mercy which he had experienced. Our author gives an account of a meeting which Lefevre had with some friends and acquaintances, at the house of Mr. Douglas. When the refreshments of tea had been handed and dismissed, the conversation was found chiefly in the hands of Mr. Russell and Lefevre. They were talking on the mystery of Providence, with marked seriousness. Lefevre made some allusion to his own "awful visitation," and attention was bent upon him. Hitherto, delicacy had forbidden any one to refer to events,that might stir painful recollections; but, now, it was evident, if Lefevre chose to lead to them, all were most ready to follow. Those who know how concern and sympathy in the auditor unlock the beart of the speaker, need not be informed, that Lefevre's was completely opened. He became, indeed, the principal centre of attraction and pleasure, through most of the evening. He touched on the leading events, during his absence from home; directing each of them to those, who were likely to regard it as most interesting To Wallis he talked of the manners, habits, and amusements of the people in Canada, sometimes with humour, and always with truth. To Mr. Banks he spoke of books and learning, and the stupendous appearances of nature. To the females he presented tender pictures of the widows and children he had known; and described the admirable character of the Missionary. And, whatever related more fully to the interest of religion, and his own spiritual experience, while it was heard by all, was particularly addressed to Douglas and Mr. Russell. His emotion kindled as he went forward. All that he had suffered-all he had) deserved to suffer-passed afresh before him. He felt the greatness of his deliverance, and was pressed on, by the weight of his obligations to his Redeemer. Sentence after sentence was increasingly serious. He bad the highest object before him. He sought not merely to gratify, but permanently to benefit, his young acquaintance. He had secured their attention, and he was resolved on improving it. He connected the most suitable moral reflections with all be had stated. He called in other incidents, indifferent to their bumiliating tendency on himself, where they were likely to make a good and strong impression. Sin he exposed in its deformity -temptation he stript of its meretricious ornaments-the world be proved to be as empty as ostentatious-and he threw around religion those divine charms, which can neither be bestowed nor appreciated, but by him who has handled and tasted and felt the good word of life.' He rested. He was surprised to per ceive, how his earnestness had carried bim on. No one spoke. His young friends, to whom he had, in the end, directed himself, still looked on him. Mrs. Russell had her eyes covered with her handkerchief; and his mother bad retired to a distance to weep! He was confused. "Forgive me," said he, "Ifl have said too much. I feared my past example might have injured you, and I was desirous of repairing the mischief. What I have said is the fruit, not of books, but of my own experience. If possible, I would make others wise by that experience. I would not any one should suffer what I have suffered, even with the certainty of surviving it; and, alas! where I have been preserved, thousands have perished." He ceased; and his spirit seemed depressed beneath the sense of his past conduct. The flow of conversation was interrupted, and no one was prepared to restore it. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas exchanged looks. She moved to the organ; and accompanied by the deep tones of the instrument, sang with a sweet and tender voice, the following verses :- THE WELCOME. WELCOME, welcome, weary pilgrim, Weary pilgrim! Welcome to your native home! Fairer suns, and softer climates May in other lands be found! But the sweet, domestic virtues Thrive alone on British ground; Weary pilgrim! Welcome to your native home! Here are eyes, that speak a meaning, Which the tongue can never tell; Here are bearts that share the feelings, Which within your bosom swell; Weary pilgrim! Welcome to your native home! Live we, then, in blissful union, Till, upborne from earth to heaven, Welcome to your endless home!' These stanzas varied and perpetuated the strong feeling of the company. The delicate compliment they offered to Lefevre, surprised and overpowered him. He sat on the sofa, with one hand veiling the tears that would fail; and with the other, pressed to the bosom of his too happy mother. The rest of the party partook of high delight. They encored the verses; and begged that they might be separately repeated, that all might have the opportunity of joining in a welcome, so accordant to their hearts. The request so respectful to Lefevre, was instantly complied with; and all, excepting the subject of them and his mother, united to sing the verses with that enthusiasun of feeling, which music and friendship can well inspire. Time flies quickly with the happy. The evening was now yielding to night; and, as the general sentiment was truly devotional, Douglas was anxious to have it preserved, He proposed, therefore, that the pleasures of the day should be closed, by a regular acknowledgment to Him, who was the fount of all their felicity. All were acquiescence; and it devolved on Mr. Russell to become the organ of their devotion. The excellent and venerable man took his seat in the midst of the room, and read the equisite Parable of the Prodigal with such depth of feeling, as made every expression and sentiment his own; and, such was its appropriateness to the occasion, that you might have supposed our Lord had at first conceived the pathetic story, from precisely such a scene in domestic life. They knelt to pray. Mr. Russell was never so much in his element, as in this exercise; and now he rose above himself. His heart was already melted, and he had only to pour it out before the mercy-seat. This he did with the utmost freedom; and yet, so true were his emotions to the surrounding worshippers, that he uttered nothing but what was adapted to them, and for which the previous intercourse had prepared them. He was particular without being trivial-and copious with out needless repetition. Every petition seemed to give greater warmth and eleva. tion to its successor until he arose, from penitential confession and earthly necessi ty, to dwell in profound adoration on the riches of the divine mercy, power and intelligence. It was truly sublime! All wept; and some found it impossible wholly to suppress their sobs. The distance between earth and heaven seemed annihilated. The saintly man appeared, like Stephen, to be looking steadfastly on the objects with which he communed. He might, all reverend and patriarchal as be was, have been mistaken for Jacob at Bethel, with the invisible world open to his sight, and ascending and descending angels all ministering to him! The service terminated, as in this world the most delightful service must; but it left on the worshippers a glow of exalted seriousness and heavenly joy.-pp. 240-245. Postscript 1819. Lefevre took up his proposed residence with Mr. and Mrs. Russell; and his mother meditates a removal to London. His friends obtain. ed for him a situation to his wishes, and, although its rewards are not equal to those be formerly received, he finds enough for use, and something to spare. His time is divided amongst the duties of his employ, his own improvement, and the exercise of friendship and benevolence; and thus apportioned, it finds him contented, and leaves him happy; subject only to the interruptions which the best-the happiest must experience in this probationary state. We leave him, therefore, with hope amounting to satisfaction; but still with this conviction alive on our remembrance, "that he only who endureth to the end shall be saved." Meanwhile, in furnishing the last sentence to this period of Lefevre's history, it may be proper to state, that not one line would have ever met the public eye, had it not been for the exhilarating hopethat they who read his failings will not only deplore, but AVOID them; and that they who read his excellencies will not only admire, but STRIVE TO IMITATE them.-Vol II. pp. 249 250. The work which we have here noticed, is well, though apparently, hastily written. The principal fault which we feel disposed to find with it, is, that the author, in some instances, dwells too much upon the beauties of nature. Indeed, we should think that he had been shut up in the walls of London, until a rose-bush, or a sweet brier, or a violet, is capable of throwing him into ecstacies, which would appear somewhat singular to a man familiar with these and similar productions. We believe that the person who is capable of a just delight from the contemplation of the beauties of the country, should be indulged with a degree of latitude in speaking of objects he is seldom permitted to see, but he should be cautious how he seizes every opportunity of dwelling upon them in his compositions, as all that can be said, is soon said; and repetition is almost unavoidable. We think it desirable that books of a similar character to the one here noticed, should be written in this country, for they would be read with additional interest and profit, from dwelling upon places, society and incidents of which we can form a just estimate, or with which we are familiar. Literary and Philosophical Intelligence. The Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf, has issued proposals for publishing "Sketches of the Ecclesiastical History of Maine, from the earliest settlement to the present time. It will contain the most material facts relating to the history of the Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Calvinistic Baptists, Freewill Baptists, Friends, Methodists, German Lutherans, and Roman Catholics." The whole to be comprised in one 8vo. volume. In the Baptist Theological Seminary, at Hamilton, N. Y. there are seventeen students who are licensed to preach. It is stated, that 'others are making good proficiency in the several branches of English studies, and in Latin and Greek.' The Legislature of New-York, have made an additional appropriation of $5000 for the benefit of the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb in that state. The Rev. Dr. AUSTIN, has resigned the Presidency of the University of Vermont, in consequence of the pecuniary embarrassments of that institution; and the Rev. Dr. DANA, on account of his feeble health, has come to a resolution of retiring from his office of President of Dartmouth College. American Philosophical Society.—At an election of officers, held in the Hall of the Society, on the 7th of January 1820, the following persons were chosen:--President—-Robert Patterson; Vice-Presidents-William Tilghman, Peter S. Duponceau, Zaccheus Collins; Secretaries-Thomas C. James, R. M. Patterson, Robert Walsh, juo. George Ord; Counsellors for three Vol. 3.-No. IV. years--James Gibson, Nathaniel Chap. man, Robert Hare, William Hembel; Curators-Joseph Cloud, Thomas T. Hewson, Reuben Haines; TreasurerJohn Vaughan. New-Holland.-Sydney, the capital of New-South-Wales, contains about 7000 inhabitants, and has a market which is well supplied. A bank, with a capital of £20,000, did business the last year which enabled it to divide 12 per cent. There is a public school for boys, and one for girls, who are gratuitously taught reading, writing, arithmetic, sewing, and domestic economy. The girls, when educated, are put to service in some respectable family, or married to a free white person, having a portion of land assigned them. -There are are two other public schools in Sydney, and liberal provision is made for the diffusion of learning. In Sydney, there is a Bible Socitey, auxiliary to the British and Foreign Bible Society, and a Sunday School institution. Paramatta, fifteen miles from Sydney, contains 1200 souls, and consists of one street, nearly a mile in length. Windsor, New-Castle, and Liverpool, are also considerable towns. From the vicious population that was originally sent to NewHolland, and the continual additions of a similar character, which are made to it, the state of society, for a great length of time, must be wretched; but it is already, much better than could have been anticipated, and new settlements are continually forming in that widely extended country. The Niger. It has at length been ascertained that the river Niger rung into the Atlantic Ocean, a few degrees, 28 |