It is said that the wrath of a good-tempered man is awful when once aroused. Perhaps it is so. I once felt awful anger in my heart; and it almost makes me quail when I think of it. A fellow-apprentice had grossly abused me. He had done a very wrong thing, and, to shield himself, laid the wrong upon me. Taken by surprise, I had not power at the time to speak in my own justification; so I was blamed. So wounded, tortured, and inflamed was my unrenewed heart that I inwardly cursed him. My condemnation and horror at my awful and bitter anger outweighed in my feelings the bad conduct of my fellow-apprentice. But I rejoice to say that amidst the turmoil and excitement of my after-life I cannot recollect giving way to any such temper. Nor do I remember ever turning my tongue on my parents. And, after a stay in one situation of above twenty years, most of which time I had the care of a large establishment, with its numerous vexations and invitations, I had the satisfaction one day of hearing one of the men under me say that during the sixteen years he had been in that position he had never heard a foul expression from my lips. While I write this my heart swells with gratitude to God who has thus kept and preserved me. You will also often be tempted to conceal or deny the truth. Now, I admit that we are led to this foul act by circumstances; and he who does not look below the surface of things will conclude that we are made untruthful thereby. But, as with respect to temper, so with this-we can overcome the temptation if we please. Lying takes its rise from a wish to appear better than we are. I have heard it said, "If Methodists don't swear, they can tell lies like the devil." I do not see any reason why Methodists should be more guilty of this scandalous sin than other folks; nor are they. It is incident to human nature, especially in those who are especially desirous of having the esteem of their fellow-creatures. I agree with those who place this sin on the top of all other sins; a sin which at this moment exists amongst all ranks of men and in all lanes of life. The child and the old man; the merchant and the beggar; the harlot and the minister, all are led away by the power of this huge evil. The minister of the gospel who habitually preaches another man's sermons, taking credit to himself for all the learning or polish his utterances may possess, is as truly a liar as is the school-boy who presents his slate covered with answers to questions which he has purloined from the book of his fellow-student. It is boldly stated by the tradesman that he cannot keep his shop open in these days on honest principles. I do not believe it. Such men are not patient, nor have they faith in God; otherwise they would soon find out that "honesty is still the best policy." Let a man begin any calling on honest and truthful principles, and steadily adhere thereto, and, when God hath tried him, he will bring him off more than conqueror. But men are making such haste to be rich that they do not take time to do right. In seeking to establish a truth-loving disposition in their children, many parents take a foolish course. Sometimes a mother will extort the truth from her boy by a threat of punishment if he conceal it, and then when the poor child has mustered up courage enough to admit his fault he gets a blow, with the promise of a heavier one the next time he does wrong. This makes the child resolve not to confess again; thus encouraging lying. No, no, this will not do. We cannot improve God's plan, who gives forgiveness as the reward of confession, nor upbraids when he pardons. Now, no sin will so degrade you in your own eyes as that of lying, nor is there any habit which will so effectually damage you in public estimation. The boy who for fun acted as if he was drowning was at last left to perish, for he was not believed. As you are on the threshold of life, with all its opportunities and responsibilities before you, none of you born with a silver spoon in your mouths, but all likely to have to hew out a path for yourselves, it will be needful that you devote attention to the gaining of sound and useful knowledge. I refer not to the business or profession which you shall choose, but to studies which will have to engage your spare hours, with the view of improving your minds. You must have some pursuit or other for these spare hours, and, unless you select those of an elevating order, you will certainly be drawn into what will damage both your nature and your reputation. What particular branch of study you should select, it is not for me to define; your own tastes or preferences and the circumstances in which you are placed will do much in the way of determining that question. But, whichever it may be, stick to it when once you have adopted it. Some fancy drawing and painting; others music and singing, and others again language or history. Geography is a favourite with many, and not a few have been enamoured with the study of mathematics. I have lately had the honour of speaking to an old gentleman who, until his 60th year, was immersed in the cares of business. At that age he began to study botany, conchology (the science of shells), and kindred subjects, and so zealous was he in his new pursuits that at the end of ten years he had overcome most of the difficulties which lie in the way of success, such as learning the Greek and Latin names of order, class and family, and could distinguish between the species of flowers and shells. Last year, at the advanced age of 72 years, he composed and laid before the Historic Society of this town a paper on "The Land and Water Shells of Great Britain," in which it is said he displayed a great amount of knowledge and skill. Having a competency, he was enabled to go from place to place in quest of specimens, and it is indeed surprising to see a man of his age going on a journey of many miles to obtain acquaintance with and secure some particular shell. I do not think any of you will have the opportunity of moving in the way of dredging canals, ditches, and pits, still you might become acquainted, to some extent, with the science of entomology (the science of insects), for example, and get to know the habits and instincts of our Lepidotera (the order which comprises butterflies, moths, and sphinxes), the butterflies which flit about our fields and woods. Also, of the microscopic insects, which, unseen by the human eye, swarm in countless myriads in all waters and in all climes. We do not say this to deter you from the study of the higher sciences, as mathematics and astronomy, nor are we afraid of such-like pursuits. Some few, you know, hint, nay declare, that science and the Bible do not agree; that the facts of the one contradict the statements of the other; but, I believe the things now only seen in part will one day form a portion of the evidences which support our holy religion. Poor short-sighted men, who only see things as they appear, who know nothing of the great links which join the earthly to the heavenly, may assert that "Science is the Providence of Life," and regard those who teach that God works and rules amongst the children of men as mistaken fanatics, yet we hold fast the belief that all the discoveries of science are the work of those upon whom God acts with the view to unfold His dealings with man. So when we speak of improvements in the art of navigating the mighty ocean, in the means of promoting the health and comfort of those who, like us, live in large towns, we must look above the instrument to the Great Agent who works according to the council of His own will. But to give my remarks a practical turn, let me advise you to stick to whatever you take in hand until you gain a practical knowledge of it. Have not too many irons in the fire at once. Too many persons know only a little of many things, being masters of none; thus, though they pass as knowing ones in certain circles, when they get into the company of the really well-informed, they are soon estimated at their true value, and are put down as vain pretenders. I tried my hand at music, and as my father had a flute I was taken up with this charming pastime. I did not do much in singing by note as that was not practised in our chapel, nor at that time could it have been, inasmuch as the chief element sought for was life, or energy. At this time more attention is paid to correct than to earnest singing in our chapels. I am not an advocate for mere noise. I love harmony, but this might be had, aye, and of the highest order, too, if those who lead our service of song were spiritual men, and sang in the spirit. Music unlocks the storehouse of feeling, unshackles the imprisoned spirit, and when God blesses it, grants the believer sweet and glorious liberty. We Primitives are regarded as the liveliest, if not the best singers. The secret of this is, we seek to touch the heart. Many seek to fill their chapels by fine singing or music, but this is a poor substitute for spirituality, and I hope we as a body, will keep in view true spiritual worship, and leave those who know no better to rest content with more harmonious sound. Young persons now-a-days have fine opportunities of gaining a knowledge of music, both vocal and instrumental, and I hope you will take the advice of a true friend, and cultivate the fine art of singing by note. I am acquainted with several instances in which a disposition to ramble from home has been entirely destroyed, and social happiness and family affection greatly enhanced by the adoption of this recreation. Nothing-apart from true religion-will so effectually charm the hours of evening, and elevate the faculties of both mind and heart, as the various members of a large family forming themselves into a class to sing according to the plan laid down by the friends and patrons of the Sol-fa system. Try it, and you will not fail to thank the writer of these gatherings. HUMBOLDT'S TESTIMONY TO THE VALUE OF THE SABBATH. WE find the following quotation from a letter of the distinguished naturalist Humboldt, in one of the American journals. It is remarkable as expressing the opinion of a great man on the Sabbath, who certainly could not be accused of narrow-mindedness or bigotry. The author of the "Cosmos" was, perhaps, inclined to be deistical in his sentiments; and yet he did not fail to see that the Sabbath was an eminently wise and humane institution. Writing to a friend in 1850, he says:— "I completely agree with you that the institution of fixed days of rest, even if it had no connection with any religious observance, is a most pleasing and truly refreshing idea to every one who has a humane mind towards all classes of society. There is nothing more selfish or soulless than when the rich and elevated look down upon Sundays and holidays with a certain contemptuous disgust. The selection of the seventh day is certainly the wisest that could have been made. Although it may seem, and to some extent, may be, optional to shorten or lengthen labour one day, I am convinced that six days is just the true measure suitable to men in regard to their physical power and perseverance in a monotonous employment. There is, likewise, something human in this, that the beasts, which aid man in his labour, share in the rest. To lengthen the time of returning rest beyond measure would be as inhuman as foolish. I have had an example of this in my experience. When I spent several years in Paris, in the time of the Revolution, I saw this institution, despite its Divine origin, superseded by the dry and 'wooden' decimal system. Only the tenth day was what we call Sunday, and all customary work continued for nine days longer. This being evidently too long, Sunday was kept by several, as far as the police laws allowed it; and thus, again, too much idleness was the result. Thus we are always between two extremes as far as we remove from the common and regulated middle path." THE UNCERTAINTY OF RICHES. THOUGH thy crooked heart is not willing to yield, yet thy judgment cannot choose but be convinced of this, that great riches are unprofitable, and not worth a rush. Wealth is uncertain. It is like a runagate servant, a fugitive, a plain vagrant, which, though he be big-boned, and strong, and skilful, and able to work, yet no man greatly cares for, because he will be gone when a man hath most need of him; and, perhaps, also take something away with him that was worth more than all his service. So wealth will take its heels when a man hath most use for it, and carry contentment away, too, which is more precious than all the false happiness that it could procure whilst it remained with us. This wealth hops from man to man, and place to place, as a light-winged bird from tree to tree; and no man can say where it will roost at night. The Holy Ghost has compared it to a wild fowl, most swift of wing and strong in flight, saying, "Riches make themselves wings; they fly away," not like a cock or hen, or some tame house-bird, that a man may follow, and catch again; no, nor like a hawk, that will show where she is by her bells, and be called again with a lure; but like an eagle, that mounts aloft past sight, and is carried away with so much haste, that nothing will recall her. And where is the man that can clip the wings of an eagle, when it is in his own custody, that it shall not be gone from him when he thinks least of it? If it could procure any benefit to your lives, you see, it were not yet worth your wishes, your toil for it; it departs when you should use it, and that without taking leave; and then, as he that riseth from a stool, and thinketh to sit down again, the stool being removed, takes the more dangerous knock; so the mind that relies on wealth, when it misseth it, is more tormented with vexation by the untrustiness thereof. The Holy Ghost calleth it a lie, because it will play him such slippery pranks that hath confidence in it, (as every man hath in that measure he desires it,) and a shadow, because every cloud that flies over the sun may irrevocably cut it off.-A Sermon preached at St. Paul's Cross, by Mr. Wheatie, 1589. |