collect what the scripture says, that no man can tame the tongue of another man? and it is very true. I asked, if he ever heard of one who could tame the tongue, by changing the heart? No, I never did. Do not you think God can do it? Yes, sure, for he is al

mighty. Well said, for so he is.

The keeper then pointing to a man at a little distance, said, there stands a poor man who is mourning much because he has lost his watch this morning, I wish you would give him some comfort, for I fear it will injure his health. Stepping up to him, I inquired if ever he had mourned as sincerely for the loss of his soul. That matter has never given me much uneasiness, but the loss of my watch is a very serious circumstance to me, for, said he, I must be at work every morning precisely at six o'clock; now, without a watch, tell me how I can manage that? Certainly, a watch is of considerable importance to any man, especially one so circumstanced as you are, but surely the soul to be shut out from happiness, and shut up in hell for ever, is infinitely more momentous to you than all other concerns. Indeed, the salvation of the soul ought to be the first and great concern of life. The Son of God considered it of such importance, that he came into the world on purpose to save souls: indeed he gave his own soul a ransom for the souls of men; yet many treat his sufferings and death with such contempt that they are never moved with indignation against the sins of the soul, though these ruin its happiness, and though sin was the cause of the Saviour's sufferings.

I then proposed to the company who were viewing the wild beasts, that we should make contribution to purchase another watch for the poor man. To this they readily consented, and upwards of two guineas were 'collected, with which two of us went and purchased a

good second-hand watch; then returning, in the presence of all the company we gave it to the man. His mourning by this means was turned into rejoicing. He expressed great thankfulness to the company for their unexpected kindness and liberality, after which he retired whistling and singing as he went. The company then declared, they had derived more satisfaction and pleasure from the incident of the man and his watch than from seeing all the wild beasts. Thus, said I, you experience the advantage of doing good. Let us all therefore remember and imitate the benign character and conduct of Jesus, who went about continually doing good; and who commands his people to do good unto all.

I then requested the company to take another view of the wild beasts, and I would endeavour to make some useful remarks as we went on. With all my heart, said most of the company; accordingly we proceeded. The following were the principal remarks that occurred:

This house, in some degree resembles Noah's ark, said I. Only it is not afloat, added a lady; and do you think, said she, that in the ark there were as secure dens for confining the wild beasts as these are? No, said I, I rather suppose that the fierceness of the animals in the ark was suspended by the God of providence; but that after their dismission their ferocity returned; and, madam, there are many in the world, possessing much of the nature of devils, who are restrained by the influence of the moral principles which are diffused throughout the world; or by regard to reputation; or by the fear of human and divine punishment; who if, these restraints were taken off, would become notorious murderers and plunderers. Witness the lives of a Nero, a Domitian, a Caligula, and thousands of others in

modern as well as in ancient times. Indeed, every man by nature possesses every kind of wickedness in embryo. Sir, said several of the company, if you go on as you have begun, you will make us out to be a world of wild beasts, and we shall be afraid to trust ourselves amongst each other. I desired them only to step into Newgate and other prisons, and they would find hundreds of their own species as completely secured with bolts and bars as these lions and tigers; and there is occasion for it; for were these unhappy creatures all liberated to-night, they would instantly begin to plunder and murder their fellow-creatures. These men

were no worse than others by nature, but perhaps they had no good example, no education, or perhaps they have broken through all restraints, and resolved to act according to the natural bent of their hearts. As all are naturally fond of sugar when they taste it, so is every man naturally ripe for the commission of any evil when it is presented to him. Hence mankind in general may be compared to so many chained lions and tigers.

It is happy for us that these beasts are confined; what incalculable mischief might they do if they were let loose; but could you change their nature into that of the sheep, or even the dog or the horse, how much more serviceable would they be; instead of being confined, they might then be all employed in some way or other, for the benefit of the community. It is just so with human nature in its present depraved state. We ought to be thankful for human laws and even for prisons to secure wicked men, and to prevent them doing mischief: but were their hearts changed, instead of being thus confined, they might be all employed for the good of their

fellow creatures. This change God is pleased to produce by the gospel wherever it is clearly understood and cordially received. How then ought we to pray that it may be known, and its divine influence felt by the whole human race.

STANDING by the side of the river Thames this morning, I could not help admiring the immense body of water that was moving past me, and asked myself how long this river had continued to run. At least (thought I) from the days of Noah, which is upwards of three thousand years ago. How vain would it be for any one to wait in the hope that all the water should run past, and consequently be able to walk across. Then I thought of the river of life that proceeds from the throne of God and the Lamb, the streams whereof comfort the city of God in every age.

While thus musing, a man asked me if I wished to cross the river. I told him I had no desire to cross this