of the past fourteen years, which have contributed to beget and augment affection and esteem: and I can assure you that every interview, and every letter, still tend to consolidate my regard.

"Happy should I be, if my ability to serve you at this important crisis of human life, were equal to your wishes or my own. Your situation demands all the aid, which the wisdom and prudence of your friends can afford, that you may be directed not only to the most worthy objects of pursuit, but also to the most effectual means of obtaining them. In your professional character it is impossible for me to give you any assistance. If any general observations I can make should prove at all useful, I shall be richly rewarded for the time I employ in their communication.

"I thank you sincerely for the freedom wherewith "I take the second datum, and inquire, which you have disclosed the peculiarities of your situation, and the views and resolutions wherewith they tends most to general happiness? To secure happihave inspired you. I can recommend nothing bet- ness, three things are necessary:-object, means, and ter, my dear friend, than a determined adherence to motives. The question is-Which points out the the purposes you have already formed, respecting true source of happiness; which directs to the best the intimacies you contract, and the associates you means for attaining it; and which furnishes me choose. In such a place as Edinburgh, it may be with the most powerful motives to induce my pursupposed, no description of persons may be want- suit of it? If I take a deist for my tutor, he tells ing. Some so notoriously vicious, that their atro- me that fame is the object; universal accommodation city of character will have no small tendency to of manners to interest, the means; and self-love the confirm your morals, from the odious contrast which spring of action. Sordid teacher! From him I their practices present to your view. Against these, turn to Jesus. His better voice informs me, that the therefore, I need not caution you. You will flee source of felicity is the friendship of my God; that them as so many serpents, in whose breath is venom love to my Maker, and love to man, expressed in all and destruction. More danger may be apprehended the noble and amiable effusions of devotion and from those mixed characters, who blend the profes- benevolence, are the means; and that the glory of sion of philosophical refinement with the secret in- God, and the happiness of the universe, must be my dulgence of those sensual gratifications, which at motives. Blessed Instructer, thy dictates approve once exhaust the pocket, destroy the health, and de-themselves to every illuminated conscience, to every pious heart! Do they not, my dear P, approve base the character. Y themselves to yours?

"That morality is friendly to individual happiness, and to social order, no man, who respects his own conscience or character, will have the effrontery to deny. Its avenues cannot, therefore, be too sacredly guarded, nor those principles which support a virtuous practice be too seriously maintained. But morality derives, it is true, its best, its only support, from the principles of religion. The fear of the Lord (said the wise man) is to hate evil.'He, therefore, who endeavors to weaken the sanctions of religion, to induce a sceptical habit, to detach my thoughts from an ever present God, and my hopes from a futurity of holy enjoyment, HE is a worse enemy than the man that meets me with a pistol and the dagger. Should my dear friend, then, fall into the company of those, whose friendship cannot be purchased but by the sacrifice of Revelation, I hope he will ever think such a price too great for the good opinion of men who blaspheme piety, and dishonor God. Deism is indeed the fashion of the day; and to be in the mode, you must quit the good old path of devotion, as too antiquated for any but monks and hermits; so as you laugh at religion, that is enough to secure to you the company, and the applause of the sons of politeness. Oh that God may be a buckler and a shield to defend you from their assaults! Let but their private morals be inquired into, and if they may have a hearing, I dare engage they will not bear a favorable testimony to the good tendency of scepticism; and it may be re-5P. S. So many books have been published on garded as an indisputable axiom, That what is un- the same subject as the manuscript you helped me to copy, that I have not sent it to the press." friendly to virtue is unfriendly to man.

Were I to argue a posteriori in favor of truth, I should contend that those principles must be true, which (fit corresponded with general observation (secondly tended to general happiness-(thirdly) preserved a uniform connection between cause and effect, evil and remedy, in all situations.

I would then apply these data to the principles held, on the one side, by the deists; and on the other

The compiler believes this was an answer to Mr. Peter Edwards' Candid Reasons, &c. He knows Mr. Pearce did write an answer to that performance. By the effrontery of the writer he has acknowledged he was at first a little stunned; but upon examining his arguments, found it no very difficult undertaking to point out their fallacy, as ni boin gigabass

a word, and recollect at the end of the sentence the impropriety; unless it makes nonsense, or bad divinity, never try to mend it, but let it pass. If so, perhaps only a few would notice it; but if you stammer in trying to mend it, you will expose yourself to all the congregation.

"In addition to all I have said, you know where to look, and from whom to seek that wisdom and strength which only God can give. To him I recommend you, my dear brother, assuring you of my real esteem for you, and requesting you will not fail to pray for the least of saints, but yours affectionately,

S. P."

CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS.

The same may be said of Samuel Pearce: whether the doctrine he preached found a place in the hearts of his hearers or not, his spirit and life must have approved itself to their consciences.

Secondly: In him we see how much may be done for God in a little time.-If his death had been foreknown by his friends, some might have hesitated whether it was worth while for him to engage in the work of the ministry for so short a period: yet if we take a view of his labors, perhaps there are few lives productive of a greater portion of good. That life is not always the longest which is spun out to the greatest extent of days. The first of all lives amounted but to thirty-three years; and the most important works pertaining to that were wrought in the last three. There is undoubtedly a THE great ends of Christian Biography are in- way of rendering a short life a long one, and a struction and example. By faithfully describing long life a short one, by filling or not filling it with the lives of men eminent for goodness, we not only proper materials. That time which is squandered embalm their memory, but furnish ourselves with away in sloth, or trifling pursuits, forms a kind of fresh materials and motives for a holy life. It is blank in human life: in looking it over there is noabundantly more impressive to view the religion thing for the mind to rest upon; and a whole life of Jesus as operating in a living character, than to so spent, whatever number of years it may contain, contemplate it abstractedly. For this reason, we must appear upon reflection short and vacant, in may suppose the Lord the Spirit has condescended comparison of one filled up with valuable acquisito exhibit it first and principally in the life of Christ; tions, and holy actions. It is like the space between and after his, that of many of his eminent follow-us and the sun, which, though immensely greater ers. And for this reason, he by his holy influences than that which is traversed in a profitable journey, still furnishes the church with now and then a sin- yet being all empty space, the mind goes over it in gular example of godliness, which it is our duty to much less time, and without any satisfaction. If notice and record. There can be no reasonable "that life be long which answers life's great end," doubt that the life of Mr. Pearce ought to be con- Mr. Pearce may assuredly be said to have come to sidered as one of these examples. May that same his grave in a good old age. And might we not all divine Spirit who had manifestly so great a hand do much more than we do, if our hearts were more in forming his character, teach us to derive from it in our work? Where this is wanting, or operates both instruction and edification! but in a small degree, difficulties are magnified into impossibilities; a lion is in the way of extraordinary exertion; or if we be induced to engage in something of this kind, it will be at the expense of a uniform attention to ordinary duties. But some will ask, How are our hearts to be in our work? Mr. Pearce's heart was habitually in his; and that which kept alive the sacred flame in him, appears to have been-The constant habit of conversing with divine truth, and walking with God in private.

First: In him we may see the holy efficacy, and by consequence, the truth of the Christian religion.-It was long since asked, Who is he that overcometh the world, but he who believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This question contained a challenge to men of all religions, who were then upon the earth. Idolatry had a great diversity of species: every nation worshipping its own gods, and in modes peculiar to themselves: philosophers also were divided into numerous sects, each flattering itself that it had found the truth: even the Jews had their divisions; their Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes: but great as many of them were in deeds of divers kinds, an apostle could look them all in the face, and ask, Who is he that overcometh the world? The same question might be safely asked in every succeeding age. The various kinds of religion that still prevail, the Pagan, Mahometan, Jewish, Papal, or Protestant, may form the exteriors of man according to their respective models; but where is the man amongst them, save the true believer in Jesus, that overcometh the world? Men may cease from particular evils, and assume a very different character; may lay aside their drunkenness, blasphemies, or debaucheries, and take up with a kind of monkish austerity, and yet all amount to nothing more than an exchange of vices. The lusts of the fiesh will on many occasions give place to those of the mind; but to overcome the world is another thing. By embracing the doctrines of the cross; to feel not merely a dread of the consequences of sin, but a holy abhorrence of its nature; and by conversing with invisible realities, to become regardless of the best, and fearless of the worst, that this world has to dispense; this is the effect of genuine Christianity, and this is a standing proof of its divine original. Let the most inveterate enemy of revelation have witnessed the disinterested benevolence of a Paul, a Peter, or a John, and whether he would own it or not, his conscience must | have borne testimony that this is true religion.

Thirdly: In him we see in clear and strong colors, to what a degree of solid peace and joy, true religion will raise us, even in the present world. A little religion, it has been justly said, will make us miserable; but a great deal will make us happy. The one will do little more than keep the conscience alive, while our numerous defects and inconsistencies are perpetually furnishing it with materials to scourge us; the other keeps the heart alive, and leads us to drink deep at the fountain of joy. Hence it is, in a great degree, that so much of the spirit of bondage, and so little of the spirit of adoption prevails among Christians. Religious enjoyments with us are rather occasional, than habitual; or if in some instances it be otherwise, we are ready to suspect that it is supported in part by the strange fire of enthusiasm, and not by the pure flame of scriptural devotion. But, in Mr. Pearce we saw a devotion ardent, steady, pure, and persevering; kindled, as we may say, at the altar of God, like the fire of the temple, it went not out by night nor by day. He seemed to have learned that heavenly art, so conspicuous among the primitive Christians, of converting every thing he met with into materials for love and joy, and praise. Hence he "labored," as he expresses it, "to exercise most love to God when suffering most severely," and hence he so affectingly encountered the billows that overwhelmed his feeble frame, crying,

"Sweet affliction, sweet affliction,
Singing as I wade to heaven."

others. Whatever we feel ourselves we shall ordi- The liberal contributions which have since been narily communicate to our hearers: and it has made, though they do not warrant ministers in gebeen already noticed, that one of the most distin-neral to expect the same, and much less to neglect guishing properties of his discourses was that providing for their own families on such a presump they inspired the serious mind with the liveliest tion; yet they must needs be considered as a singusensations of happiness. They descended upon the lar encouragement, when we are satisfied that we audience, not indeed like a transporting flood, but are in the path of duty, to be inordinately "careful like a shower of dew: gently insinuating itself into for nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supthe heart, insensibly dissipating its gloom, and gra- plication, with thanksgiving, to let our requests be nally drawing forth the graces of faith, hope, love, made known unto God." and joy; while the countenance was brightened almost into a smile, tears of pleasure would rise and glisten, and fall from the admiring eye.

THE END.

In the mean

WILLIAM MILNE, a native of Aberdeenshire, re- nisters at the latter town, was appointed to examine ceived from his widowed mother the best education into his talents and qualifications for the work. it was in her power to bestow: she did not train him On approval, he went to England, and passed in the admonition of the Lord, yet his spirit was through the regular course of studies at Gosport, early and graciously visited. "Sometimes," he ob- where he was subsequently ordained, in the manner serves, "I used to walk home from the school, alone, usual among dissenters. Mr. Morrison having over the brow of a hill, praying all the way. I was long solicited a colleague in China, the directors led to search the Scriptures: at this time I began the proposed that station to Mr. Milne. worship of God in my mother's family." At six-time, he married Miss Cowie, daughter of Charles teen years of age he removed to a place where he Cowie, Esq. of Aberdeen, and they sailed in Sephad the society of some persons of eminent piety: tember, 1812, and arrived safely in Macao in July. to the lonely home of one of them, he used to go, at A few days afterwards he received an order from the hour of evening prayer, so faithfully observed the Portuguese governor to leave the island. Reby the peasantry of Scotland. In this blessed and monstrances were in vain; and he went with some beautiful observance, she may be said to excel all friends in a small boat to Canton, where he was lands: her family altars, on the moor, the mountains, soon after followed by Morrison, under whose inor the lake-side, are like so many little temples, structions he made a rapid progress in the Chinese where God is humbly and sincerely worshipped, language. At the expiration of a year, it was and a vain or false sacrifice is rarely offered up. judged advisable for him to make a tour through "The father was accustomed to make some re- the principal settlements of the Malay archipelago, marks on the chapter read for the instruction of and circulate the Scriptures and tracts. Morrison, his children, and to prepare them for the solemn by his individual labors, having finished the Chiexercise of prayer: these interested me much, and nese translation of the New Testament, it was reshowed me a beauty in the word of God, which I solved to print 2000 copies, 10,000 tracts, and 5000 never saw before. From this time my enjoyments catechisms, of which the greater part was placed in of pleasure in the world were marred, and an ex- Mr. Milne's charge, for distribution on his journey. cellence was discovered in religion, which led me to He sailed in a vessel bound to Java, by way of Banchoose it as the only object. As the family in which ca; on board were 450 Chinese emigrants, who hoped I lived were strangers to, and derided its power, I to mend their fortunes at the latter place, where was very disagreeably situated. The only place I numbers of people are employed in the tin mines: found for retirement was a sheep-cote. Here, sur- among these he distributed a selection of his works, rounded with my fleecy companions, I often bowed and left many copies in care of the British resident. the knee, on a piece of turf which I carried in with On his departure on this adventurous voyage, he me for the purpose. Many hours have I spent there, left behind the following memoranda for his loved in the winter evenings, with a pleasure to which wife :before I was a stranger." His employments being at this time chiefly of a rural nature, afforded much opportunity through the day for spiritual improvement: books were his constant companions, and one in particular made a powerful impression; it was entitled, "The Cloud of Witnesses," containing an account of the persecution in Scotland, in the reign of Charles II. How many a gifted, as well as devoted spirit, has been nursed to excellence amidst the wilds and glens of this land-where Cameron and Cargill fled for refuge from the sword, and were faithful unto death. "Often have I sat," continues Milne, "on the brow of a hill, reading the lives of these martyrs, admiring their patience and fortitude in suffering, till I longed that God would, some time or other, honor me thus to confess his name. Having an earnest desire to devote myself to him, I was encouraged to do so in the way of a personal covenant, judging this plan agreeable to the language of the prophet, that "One shall say, I am the Lord's, and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob." I determined to adopt it, and, having retired to a place surrounded by hills on every side, I offered up myself to be ruled, sanctified, and saved by him. This was followed by much peace and happiness of mind." About three years after this, he was admitted as a member of the church at Huntley.

"She is requested to keep a journal of such things as may strike her mind; what her own views what books she reads. To continue to write out and exercises may be as to God, the mission, &c.; her own history, as it will preserve many past events, and may at a future day, be profitably read by our daughter.

order to make the colloquial language of the Chi"2. To learn some of the dialogues by heart, in nese familiar.

"3. To look after my books. To prepare herself as fully as she can for future usefulness.

"4. To endeavor to keep her mind easy, by trusting all to the care of God-by faith in Christ-by the hope of eternal rest.

"WILLIAM MILNE."

In March, 1814, Mr. Milne arrived at Batavia, and procured a lodging at a little distance from the town. Having letters of introduction to Governor Raffles, the latter furnished him with the means of travelling through the island at the expense of government, and gave him letters to the British officers, and native princes. He sent round by sea several boxes of books to the chief eastern ports, and took some large packages with him in the carriage in which he travelled. He was, as yet, but twenty-eight years of age: and the scene had At the age of twenty he resolved to become a changed rapidly and strangely, from the wild hills missionary, even to the most distant scenes: his of Scotland, on whose brow he used to sit and read mind was naturally ardent and impetuous: he used the "Cloud of Witnesses," and long to be like to say, "When I am convinced a thing is right, I them, and the sheep-cote, where he prayed alone, could go through the fire to accomplish it." He to the sultry shores of Malacca and Java; where consulted with his friends, who advised an applica- he wandered, often to the homes of princes, and tion to the London Missionary Society, which was distributed the "book of life." The enjoyments of done by the two ministers of Huntley and Aber-learning were now his own; and he was, ere long, deen: and the result was, that a committee of mi- to found a college, whose duration and usefulness