Nazareth-Missionaries.

MISSIONARIES.

229

Two paces further, opposite to tures to the Jews, at present a church. the manger, stands an altar, which 3. A Precipice without the town, occupies the place where Mary sat where, they say, the Messiah leaped when she presented the Child of down to escape the rage of the Jews, Sorrow to the adoration of the Magi. after the offence, his speech in the Nothing can be more pleasing, or synagogue had occasioned. Here better calculated to excite sentiments they shew the impression of his hand, of devotion, than this subterraneous made as he sprang from the rock. church. It is adorned with pictures of the Italian and Spanish schools.— These pictures represent the mysteTies of the place, the Virgin and Child China this season, there are frequent after Raphael, the Annunciation, the references to missionaries. Mr. MadAdoration of the Wise Men, the Coming of the Shepherds, and all those den, in his travels in Turkey, takes miracles of mingled grandeur and in- every opportunity to cavil at, and nocence. The usual ornaments of in his researches in South Africa censure, Missionaries. Dr. Philip, the manger is blue satin embroidered warmly defends them. The effects with silver. Incense is continually of Missions, he says, are not to be smoking before the cradle of the Sa- confined to what constitutes their

viour.

The Grotto of the Nativity leads to the subterraneous chapel, where tradition places the sepulchre of the Innocents: "Herod sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: In Rama was there a voice heard," &c.

NAZARETH.

The village of Nazareth is situated in a long valley, surrounded by lofty hills, between which a road leads to the neighbouring plain of Esdralon, and to Jerusalem. The convent is situated in the lower part of the village; and the church belonging to it, a very handsome edifice, is erected over the grotto, or cave, in which, tradition says, the Virgin Mary took up her residence.

In two works which have come to

principal object. The exertions made to accomplish that object, bring innumerable advantages connected with the improvement of the world, in

their train. The extension of literature-the multiplication of books— translations into various languagesincrease of schools for instruction or

the natives, easy access to the literature of the east, &c.—are effects which have sprung from those exertions. With the translation of the Scriptures. into the language of a kingdom, come translators, grammars, lexicons, type founders, and printers, with all their literary and scientific, apparatus. The literature of a country is brought into requisition, criticism and knowledge begin to circulate, and the collision of mind which arises from opposition of sentiment, calls the slumbering energies of a nation into exercise. Knowledge always desires increase it is like fire which must first be kindled by some external agent, but which will afterwards propagate itself in every direction.

The other objects of veneration in Nazareth are, 1. The Work-shop of Joseph, which is near the convent, and was formerly included within its When, says Dr. Philip, the intelwalls; this is now a small chapel, lectual culture of man is the object perfectly modern, and lately white- under consideration, the preceptor washed. 2. The Synagogue, where has credit given him for what he efChrist is said to have read the Scrip-||fects, without having his unsuccess

ferred a life of privation and usefulness to a career of profusion and indolence. His godfather, (for he was an orphan even in infancy,) had, on entering him at college, set both before him, and desired he would make his selection. He chose the former; and cheerfully abided by the consequences. He obtained at Cambridge high academical distinctions, obtained them decisively; while the abilities of his antagonists added to the honor, though not to the danger of his victory. This scene of, to him, well earned triumph, he quitted without a sigh, to become a laborer in the richest of all vineyards—a soldier in the noblest of all armies. And bravely did he maintain his post: though at times, pushed to the front of the battle, and, from the situation of his curacy, separated from the

ful labours attributed to himself or his
system. But missionaries are often
tried by another criterion. While
the objects of their mission have been
declared impracticable, and treated
with ridicule, they have been regar-
ded as having done nothing, and ca-
lumniated simply because they have
not wrought miracles-they have not
extirpated every voice, and turned
their converts into angels. But the
husbandman does not expect a crop
when he sows his seed; he must
wait for it. Philosophers and pro-
jectors had a hundred and fifty years
to try their skill upon the Hotentots,
before the Christian missions com-
menced their labours in Africa, and
the poor natives were as far from a
state of civilization, as they were at
the first introduction of Europeans a-
mong them.
The Dr's belief is that
to christianize, is the shortest and saf-host.
est way to civilize, in opposition to
the common cry, civilize first, and
christianize afterwards.

YET HOPE."

To assert that his was a contented and an united flock is not, perhaps, saying much for it; a parish can scarcely be otherwise when its pastor is devoted to his duties. But he could affirm more. " I have not to By the author of the " Living and the Dead." my knowledge, two dissenters in my It was a sorrowful group which district. I am quite sure there is no gathered around Henry M, on chapel within my beat. How dethe twentieth anniversary of his mar-lightful to be spared the task of conriage, in the garden house of the lit-trasting the merits of different creeds, tle vicarage at Wilmington. It was by all my people abiding in one !" evening-the stillness of the gentle skies, the softness of the summer breeze, the stars in their distant loveliness, the moon in her mild and tranquil radiance, all spoke the language of harmony and peace. Alas! for those whom nature has no power to soothe! That anguish must indeed be acute, which makes us loathe the face of creation beaming in beauty and brightness, and hide ourselves from its smile. Those must be moments of unimaginable bitterness, when the loveliness of nature without, cannot charm away the recollection of misery within.

Henry M, the ex-curate of Wilmington, was one who had pre

But man is but an instrument in the hands of a higher power who of ten dashes in pieces the instrument before the work be completed; or removes what appeared an honored and successful agent from the scene of his usefulness-dooms him thenceforth to silence and inactivity; and finishes His work without him.Such was the case here, as if to prove the uncertain issue of human efforts, however well directed. The scourge of fever visited the village; the parsonage was not exempt, for its reverend inmate, after a protracted struggle, was wrested from its grasp, only to be doomed to blindness during the remainder of his days!

Beggary now appeared the inevi-and the spirits of his family were table portion of him and of his chil- deeeply depressed, a new turn was dren his curacy must be resigned, given to affairs by Arthur, the eldest for he was no longer equal to its du- boy, starting up and exclaiming, ties. And what expedient, what re-" Father, since the Bishop says you must read yourself in ; and Mr. the Bishop's Secretary, says the same; and Mr. , the Proctor, says the same; and you say (truly enough) you can do nothing of the kind; suppose you were to repeat yourself in! I am sure, since I have heard you say the whole of the first book of Virgil, you could manage the thirty-nine Articles; and I would be with you in the desk, and stand prompter."

fuge remained for him, who had nothing but his profession to rely upon Necessity makes even the timid daring. A mother will venture much, to avert want from her children; and Mrs. M- who had been known to the Princess Charlotte in very early life, determined to lay her case before that benevolent Princess. A letter written on the very morning of her marriage-what a heart must that have been, which even in the very heyday of its happiness, could remember the woes of others and remedy them!-announces Mr. M.'s success; and concluded thus:

"I am commanded by H. R. H. to assure you that steps have already been taken towards carrying your wishes into effect."

The next week but one, brought a presentation. Oh, what gratitude, what joy did its receipt occasion! what bitter disappointment--what heartfelt regret were attendant on its rejection! The event was, without delay, communicated in person by

M

to his diocesan. Bishop though a mild and amiable man, was the slave of forms. "I would do any thing in my power to serve or to assist you, but I cannot break thro' established usage, or create a mischievous precedent. Show me how you intend to read yourself in, and I will give my secretary the necessary instructions forthwith."

Protracted correspondence, and repeated interviews, left the matter in this perplexing situation-as undecided as ever. How long affairs could have remained in this state, or whether any adjustment would ever have taken place, cannot now be decided for one evening, when M- himself was beginning to feel the sickness of hope deferred,

"Blessings on you, my dear Arthur," was the reply of the agitated parent, "you have suggested a plan which will relieve us from all our difficulties." And it did. I was not at the church myself on that evening; but there sits by my side one who was. He tells me that there was scarcely a dry eye in that crowded building, when Arthur guided his blind and aged parent into the desk; that the old man's voice faltered greatly at the commencement of the morning prayers, and the services of his prompter were put into active requisition-that he gained courage as he proceeded, and made a noble ending: that most cordial, and hearty, and sincere were the congratulations offered him at its close, by his new parishioners; and that many a rough and weather-beaten hand seized his, and shook it with friendly sympathy, as he was guided through the church yard, at the end of the service, by his dutiful and delighted son.

a

And, reader, upon these details you may rely. Would you know who it is that smiles as I write this, and tells me that I am spinning long yarn"-but a true one. It is (bronzed with foreign service, and not altogether so choice in his expressions as I could wish,) my friend, and I hope, yours, Captain Arthur [Iris for 1831.

PARTY FEELING.

signs by which they are to distinguish Those who, in their dread of strife friend from foe, and by which they and party violence, would seek to are to be kept together in proper orpreserve union, by abstaining from der. All these signs of distinction all mention of every doctrine that is have the effect not only of keeping likely to afford matter of controversy, the party united and entire, but also by laying aside all formularies, and of increasing men's attachment to it. confessions of faith, and by regarding Let the most candid and favorable with indifference all varieties of opin- construction possible be put on every ion among professors of christianity, profession till we are compelled to christianity,nderstand it otherwise. Where the would, in fact, put an end to the very existence of the society itself, whose case will allow of it, let blame be integrity and concord they would laid rather on the form of expression, preserve. In preventing hurtful con- than on the doctrine intended to be tentions, be rooting out the wheat conveyed: and lastly, where it is belonging to the tares; and for the manifest that incorrect notions are sake of extirpating noxious weeds, entertained, let it always be considwould condemn the field to perpetu- tributed rather to weakness of intelered whether they may not be atal sterility. "We are not then to hold a society together by renounclect, and inaptitude for accurate ing the objects of it; nor to part sion of the truth.-[Whately. statements, than to culpable perverwith our faith, and our hope, as a means of attaining charity, but rather seek to combine the three, and by A THOUGHT FOR LAYMEN. earnest zeal, without violence or bi- Laymen are too apt to consider gotry, by firmness, accompanied with themselves as little more than bymoderation, discretion, and temper, standers in the dispute between the by conciliating adversaries without church and her opponents; they give sacrificing the truth, and by hearty, her the preference, indeed, but rayet mild co-operation with friends, ther as a matter of taste than of conto obtain the advantages of party-science; or at least, rather as umfeeling, yet avoid its evils, and promote peace, without falling into indifference."

pires between two contending parties, than as making the cause their own; and many a one may be found Almost every society has some in- who would allow, and even expect, stitutions, whose immediate end is in the clergy, some zeal in that cause, the preservation of the society, and yet would seem to regard it as altowhich have no intrinsic value; like gether their concern; not as one in the fortifications of a town, which are which he himself has a common inworthless in themselves, but are es-terest. These sentiments often arise, sential to the security of the citizen's not so much from weakness or perhabitations and goods, &c. It is ge-versity, as from thoughtlessness, and nerally, too, found desirable, that a want of due attention to the subject; party should have some external badges of distinction, to indicate their internal sentiments; that the members of it may be mutually known among themselves, and held together. These are like the standards in an army; which the soldiers are taught to defend at all hazards, because though in themselves not worth defending, they are the

for every sincere and candid christian, if he can be brought to reflect attentively on the solemnity with which the church was instituted, as a society, not of ministers merely, but of christians at large, and on the earnestness with which its divine founder and his apostles inculcated the duty of preserving its unity, and promoting its welfare, will hardly

ate. The people lose their attachment to the Church—they feel no interest in the support of religion, become indifferent to the preaching of the gospel, and regardless of the holy ordinances of God's house. Church

fail to be convinced, that if he would attending divine service, because claim a share in the benefits of Christ's there are no regular pastors to officiredemption, he cannot be indifferent to his institutions; and that therefore, as he is not only permitted but bound to withdraw from our church; if he finds her doctrines or institutions essentially at variance with the word of God; so he finds her to be, in faith and practice, scriptural, he is no less bound, not only to with-es fall into decay-Congregations are draw from her communion, but also to use his best endeavors in her cause. -[Whately.

Lutheran Magazine.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1831.

scattered, and thousands of souls that might be preserved in the building up of the church, are lost in the desolations of the sanctuary.

These are the evil consequences of neglecting the religious customs of our forefathers, who loved their church and used every exertion to cherish

Lay Reading. It was formerly very customary in our church, for and preserve it: And these conselay readers to perform divine ser-quences are experienced in a greater vice in congregations where no min- or less degree, in every congregation isters could be procured. When where the people "forsake the asa church was left destitute of a min-sembling of themselves together," ister, or occasionally deprived of for the public worship of God. Let his services, a person of suitable then, the custom of lay reading, qualifications, was selected from the which has fallen into such general congregation to perform the usual neglect among us, be again introduexercises of public worship. In this ced and faithfully attended to in our way, the people were accustomed to vacant congregations; and we shall the regula: and faithful performance soon witness its blessed effects. of the duties of the Sanctuary-the Let the officers of our destitute churinterests of vacant Congregations ches do their duty in this thing-let were preserved, and the spiritual them open their churches every Lord's welfare of their members promoted. day, and unite with their congregations in worshipping God, according to the forms and usages of the church; let lay readers, who posses the confidence and esteem of the congregtion be chosen to perform divine service, according to our Liturgy and read to the people sound, practical discourses, from approved authors. In this way, many of our small congregations, which are in danger of being dispersed, may be preserved.The exercises of public worship may

It is to be lamented, that this practice which was once so generally and profitably observed in the Lutheran Church, is now so much neglected among us. In some congregations, where divine service might be regularly performed every Lord's day, the people never assemble for the public worship of God, unless the services are performed by a minister. The doors of the sanctuary are closed, and the congregations prevented from