1838.) Parochial associations are now being organized in aid of this society. A Clergyman, well known to the Church by his writings, lately addressed his people from the pulpit on this subject, and after giving an account of the society, he proceeded in words to this effect; "You all profess yourselves to be faithful followers of Christ, and that you love His Church. Here is a blessed opportunity for shewing your faith and love. It is my desire that every one of you shall become a subscriber to this Society. When I say every one, I must explain that there are a few, though I am happy to say only very few in this parish, whom I cannot admit to take a share in this happy privilege, I mean those who are denying the Faith by their evil lives : but to the rest of you I say, Give me a proof of your sincerity by coming to me to-morrow, with some offering in proportion to your means. 'Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.'-The result was that every respectable parishioner presented himself at the appointed time: all gave, but some gave so much, that the Clergyman did not think it right to receive it. "You have done well," he said, "but I am persuaded that you are offering me more than you can well afford: for remember-this is never to stop, you are to do the same every year; I will gladly accept so much of it, but you shall take back the rest, and then next year you may bring me more." He did not forget, after St. Paul's example, to tell his people, how much pleasure their willing liberality had given him. Here is a double pattern, worthy of being followed both by the Clergy and by the people. Let us all go and do likewise; and we may be sure that, if we do it in a spirit of faith and prayer, God's blessing will be with us, and so in His own time, (in the words of the Lesson,) "Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." A CHILD'S PRAYER. O Almighty Father, who of thy goodness hast made me a Christian child, I pray unto Thee in behalf of all heathen children. In mercy make known to them Thy love towards them, in giving Thine own Son to die for them. Thou hast willed this to be done through our means: give me therefore the heart to deny myself for their sake, and to do something for them, that they too may by Thy grace become Christian children: and this I pray, O Lord, for Thy dear Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. A PRAYER. ROBERT NELSON. Most Gracious God, who through thy infinite goodness hast been pleased to offer salvation to all mankind, I bless thy holy name for that glorious light which dispersed itself through the dark regions of this world, and I adore thy infinite mercy, which brought the joyful sound to this land of my nativity.- O may we always value such an inestimable benefit, by walking as children of the light, and by compassionating the miseries of those that still sit in darkness! To this end, I humbly beseech thee to prosper the undertakings of that Society which is established among us for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts (and other like Societies;) make the members thereof zealous and diligent in that good work: give them wisdom to discern the best and most proper means of promoting it, courage and resolution to pursue it; and by unity and affection in their consultations, and by thy blessing upon their endeavours, the happiness to effect it; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. COLLECT FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY. O God, whose blessed Son was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the Sons of God and heirs of eternal life; Grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is pure; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. H. AND A. HILL, TYP:, STANDARD OFFICE, BRISTOL. No. 10. SCRIPTURE TRACTS FOR THE FASTS AND FESTIVALS. Conversion of St. Paul. BY A LAYMAN. "Even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction."-2 Peter, iii. LONDON: J. G. F. AND J. RIVINGTON. STRONG, BRISTOL, COMBE, LEICESTER. PRINTED BY H. AND A. HILL, CASTLE GREEN, BRISTOL. MDCCCXL. Price Three Halfpence, or Half-a-Guinea per Hundred. The wild boar out of the wood doth root it up and the wild beast of the field devour it. Turn Thee again, Thou God of Hosts, look down from Heaven: behold and visit this vine.-Psalm 1xxx. Whither, Saul, this raging sense Christ is now at hand, behold, And Christ's armed foe e'en now He who fill'd with threat'nings sped, With a child-like bearing; Like a raging wolf he came ; But he goes a gentle lamb. Praise the Father, by whose might Life to us is given; And the Son, by whose blest light We are born to Heaven; We are saved from endless death. Translation by the Author of "The Cathedral." |