every day a glass of wine, actually made from the grapes that grew on the mountain of Lebanon. Of this my beloved host had a supply: and never did be fail of filling my glass from it. I drank that wine of Lebanon with Wolff, and with many a son and daughter of the chosen seed: but never with greater relish than when Mr. Simeon pledged me in the draught. It is so solemn-so sweet-to know that he, and our dear brother whose hospitality knew no bounds, have indeed sat down together to sup with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We cannot quite realize the mighty truth: but now and then a glimpse seems to be given into that presencechamber where THEY ARE: and what are the puny thorns, and idle pebbles, that somewhat discomfort our path thitherward, when we dwell upon the glorious fact that they ARE there!

Once more I saw, and spoke to, Mr. Simeon. He recognized me in a meeting, not very large, held in a room in Regent street, for one of our dear Irish educational societies. He ran to me; and sorrowfully told me that our dear friend H. above referred to, was ill, very ill. He then seated himself near me; and I shall not soon forget the sequel. At that time Mr. Irving had not long been led to propound his fearful heresy respecting the human nature of our spotless Immanuel, but he had said and done enough to startle all thinking Christians; and I suppose the various errors and delusions set forth by him and his followers never had a more determined, uncompromising enemy than in Simeon. Contrary to all expectation, Mr. Irving chose to address the meeting; and in the midst of a speech unexceptionable enough, he called on the assembly to pray

with him then turning to the noble chairman, requested him to second the proposal. Lord B. quite taken by surprise, rose, not with a very well satisfied air, and silently bowing round, intimated in that way that we should also rise. I confess that I was one who felt exceedingly disinclined to obey; not knowing what that gifted, but most erring individual, might think proper to utter, as the mouth-piece of the party. But the expression of Simeon's countenance, who can pourtray! he rested his elbows on his knees, firmly clasped his hands together, placed his chin against his knuckles; and every line in his face, where the lines were neither few nor faintly marked, bespoke a fixed resolve to say Amen to nothing that he had not well sifted, and deliberately approved. It was an extraordinary scene altogether, and I made my exit as soon as this episode came to an end. I never more beheld Mr. Simeon ; but I shall hope never to forget his look that day. There was in it as much of sober reproof, exhortation, and caution as a look could convey.

He was the marked reverse of a theorist: his speculations touched not the unrevealed mysteries of God, but bought churches, and entailed pulpits on such ministers as should faithfully set forth the known word and will of the Most High. I should say that the motto of his life was, "Let him that heareth, say, Come." I hardly think he ever folded a bank-note, or fingered a guinea, without pondering how it could be made available in spreading the gospel. And then he had such a downright, bardworking, pains-taking, unceremonious way with him, that he seemed to go about such things with the same matter-of-fact sort of sober earnestness, that a

carpenter would exhibit, when planning a piece of furniture, resolved it should be the best of its kind. He had a very summary and somewhat annoying way of disposing of subjects that seemed to him impertinent; with no small infusion of acidity, if he thought them anti-scriptural: and few men might better judge of that than he could.

But how wretchedly poor is this sketch! I have rested and refreshed my mind on the few personal reminiscences of that blessed man, even as my body is rested and refreshed by a temporary seat on this noble oak: but how shall I send my mind abroad, to gather into one view the innumerable, wide-spread, ever-multiplying fruits of his active holiness! Confined, in his stated ministry, to one beloved spot, and mounting for half a century the same endeared pulpit, to what quarter of Christ's militant church on earth has his voice of love not penetrated, his helping hand not reached? This tree may have planted many a forest, lent its aid to works of art, manufacture and commerce, beyond the possibility of computation, though here it lies, too completely worn with age to yield even a plank from its own trunk: but in the sod under my feet, how many even of its this year's acorns are at present germinating, to break forth next spring in beautiful abundance for culture here, and transplantation to other soils. Yet accord to it, as a tree, the utmost limit of usefulness in its generation, our dear brother, as a Christian, far oversteps it in the multitude and magnitude of his fruits. Oh, that we may be quickened by the consideration, to bear in mind the words of our Lord," Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit"! Fire-side piety, closet piety, are of such moment that without

them all the rest is nothing; but we are too prone to think they alone will suffice. Regard, then, Charles Simeon, who after a long-very long life passed in the most laborious, public service of his Master, would have told you that he was an unprofitable servant, a miserable offender, leaving undone what he ought to have done, and thrown on the sparing mercy of God in Christ, to pardon the iniquity of his holiest things, the fearful short-comings of his most diligent services. Ponder on this, and ask what will be your feeling, if you wrap up your talent in a napkin, only to be taken out to refresh your own gaze, and barely to exhibit before the Lord, when you ought to be earnestly trading with it. Oh, for a company of working Christians like Simeon! the armies of the alien should soon be put to flight, and the church, clothed in her beautiful garments, become a glory and praise in the whole earth!

C. E.

MEDITATIONS AND PRACTICAL RECOLLECTIONS ON THE BEATITUDES.

(By the Author of the Family Catechist, &c. &c.)

VIII.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad : for great is your reward in heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."-Matt. v. 10-12.

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WHEN the ever-blessed and often-blessing Jesus pronounced this beatitude, he had in view the trial of mockings, and scourgings, of bonds and imprisonments, to which his people, in the successive ages of the church, would be exposed. Deprived of his presence amongst them, the immediate disciples of our Lord soon verified his word, that they should be hated of all men for his sake. Destitute, afflicted, tormented, the early Christians wandered in deserts and mountains; were hid in dens and caves of the earth, and many sealed the truth with their blood. These obtained a good report through faith: the noble army of martyrs called forth opposition from all nations, where the pure doctrines of Christianity opposed the sin of man; and thus they set forth the praise of Christ Jesus, for whom they died. First