Chapter I

The rest of the glorified actire — A servioe and a study in heaven — Iznmortalitj of the boqI — Explains the mystery of premature death — John Whitmore Winslow’s birth — Early indications of seriousness — Anecdote of childhood — Parental solicitude — -Nature of true conversion — His entrance at the Leamington College — Gommenoement of his journal — French Revolution — Thoughts on European politics — On the ftdlen condition of man — The Lord’s ‘hidden one’ — Journal — Sir Robert Peel — The power of God — A school trial — Frayerftil anxiety respecting examination — Lines addressed to him — Letter to Mrs. R. — Grace glorious.

The rest of heaven is not an inactive repose. There is a service and a study there — a wider sphere of engagement and themes of loftier thought, — befitting the eanobled and perfected condition of the glorified. Surely the present life is not the terminus of the soul’s existence, nor the limit of its inquiries. How insoluble the mystery of our being were it so! The endowments of intellect and grace which Ood, in some instances, so remarkably bestows, possess the germ of a higher development, and are instinct with pantings after a more extended range of action than their present limited sphere permitted. Man is the only creature of God the progress of whose being towards perfection seems arrested. And but for the doctrine which nnveils a future state of existence, what an inexplicable phenomenon would he be! Faint, we admit, is the revealed light which falls upon the inspired page revealing to us the condition of the “spirits of just men made perfect’* — their locality and employments, the sphere of their mission and the subjects of their study. These are questions of profound mystery. We are told, indeed, that they “serve Ood day and night in His tempW* that they” know even as also they a/re and that in holiness they are like the glorified Christ — and this seems the extent of the revelation, — nor need we ask for more. With such a prospect we can well wait and toil and suffer, until we ascend and mingle with the ble8t# This cloudveil upon our present knowledge of the in light, contravenes not the idea of such an existence as involves the complete expansion and supreme consecration of all the faculties and powers of the soul. Man is not the dwarf that infidelity would make him. The present is but the embryo of our beingy the twilight of our fntnre; and all that we now are, and all that we now know, forms the outline only of what we shall be and of what we shall know, ‘’ when that which is perfect is come, and when that which is in pari shall he done away.*

We regard, then, the strange providence which sometimes appears to interpose an impassable barrier between the infJEUicj and the manhood of our nature — which in a moment plunges into seeming annihilation a being of rare intellectual and moral endowment, whose life bid so &ir for the cause of God and of truth, so far from casting the shadow of a doubt upon the doctrine of a life beyond the present, but confirms and illustrates the fact. We infer, — and the induction is as strictly logical as the sentiment is exquisitely soothing — that there must be another world of thought, of action, and of enjoyment, more suitable than the present, to which the Master has translated His servant; and the intellect that adorned and the grace that sanctified him on earth, is, without a fetter or a cloud, supremely and unceasingly employed in the service and for the glory of GK)d in heaven. And if it is the Divine will that the sun of human life just gilding the horizon with the golden promise of a fall and brilliant course, should “o doum while it is yx day,^’ we may safely conclude that God has bn transferred it to another and wider orbit, in a brighter and a holier world, where it shines in meridian effulgence to set no more for ever. What union of poetry and sublimity is there in the Divine description which bears our thoughts onwards to this glorious hope —” Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall he thine everlasting lights and the days of thy mourning shall he ended,**

Such, in the calmer moments of grief, were the reflections which the sudden and, to human view, the premature death of our beloved son awakened. He was our first-bom. His coming seemed to unfold to us a new existence, unsealing the first spring and inspiring the first breath of parental affection and prayer. Especially and solemnly set apart for God by pra/yer — for viewing Baptism as a solemn profession of faith in the Lord Jesns Christ, and consequently the individual and voluntary act of an intelligent and believing mind, we preferred, what appeared to us, the more scriptural form of infant dedication — he was from his cradle regarded as not our own, but the Lord’s. Prayer anticipated, prayer attended, prayer and praise celebrated his birth; thus enveloped with a cloud of intercession as a robe, lie entered upon the scene of his earthly existence — an existence so fall of promise — so soon to close!

John Whitmobb Winslow was born in New York, United States, January 27, 1835, and while yet a child, accompanied ns to England, where he pnrsned his education and closed his brief career. We proceed at once to unfold the religuyus history of the subject of these memorials — this being their principal object — the intellectual will be seen in blended harmony with the spiritual, as his character and thoughts develop. We cannot refer to the exact time or means of his first felt interest in divine realities. The * rise and progress of religion in the soul’ may fitly be compared to the first faint glimmer of a star piercing the gloom of night, the constellations increasing in magnitude and lustre until the whole firmament becomes one vast dome of light. The figure, we think, is descriptive of Whitmore’s earliest religious impressions. As there was not a period fix)m the first dawn of intelligence in which he was not a student — for hooks were his favourite and constant companions from earliest childhood until the last moment of life — so we can scarcely point to the time when he appeared not to have received that Divine touch, which, in after years, gave a form so decided and a tint 80 beantifxil to his whole character and life. To our view he seemed like the prophet of old. sanctified from his birth.* As a child he was remarkable for his seriousness of spirit, and interest in spiritual things. Some small memoranda of his thoughts and feelings, when but just able to use the pen, exist to show how soon the * ruling passion ’ began to evince itself. Several anecdotes of childhood are recollected, one only of which we quote as reflecting the future man. One of his little playfellows boasting to him on one occasion of the number of noble relations he possessed, inquired of Whitmore, “If he had any lords in his family?” Whitmore replied, “As for that I don’t know much; but my mamma says that we have the Lord Jesus Christ for our elder brother.”

His childhood was peculiarly marked by filial piety. His attachment to us, as his parents, was deep and reverential; and no act of disobedience or of untruthfulness, tracing the history of his boyhood, can be recalled. Such was our confidence in his purity of character, integrity, and truthfulness, there was no place in which we could not trust him beyond our eye, and no circumstance in which we could not repose the most implicit reliance on his word. The subject of early re-

•Jer.i«5.

ligions taition, and trained in the “nurture <md admonition of the Lord,^* it is not remarkable that the happiest result shotdd soon appear; that impressions were made which were never effaced; that principles were instilled which survived the blighting exposure of early youth, and proved the indestructible germs of his future and permanent character; that truths were inculcated in their elemental form, which, with the secret, silent and gentle influence of the Holy Spirit, laid the foundation in his infant mind of his future eternity of happiness. And yet to his natural disposition and character — remarkable for the loveliest and gentlest traits which adorn our fallen humanity — some of these primary appearances may, in part, be ascribed. It was probably the season of ’ first love,’ rather than that of first intelligent and definite conviction. The heart was more deeply touched than the judgment impressed, or the conscience roused. Still there was, without doubt, the invisible hand of God secretly moving upon his young mind. And yet so closely did the natural resemble the supernatural — the affections and impulses of the unrenewed heart, those of the heart under the gracious and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit — that it required no little nicety of discernment and sternness of impartiality to say where nature terminated and grace began. It was this characteristic feature which made his actual and real conversion to God a subject of so much intense anxiety and solicitude. We wanted to see the more decidedly scriptural and unmistakeable evidence of a work of grace in the soul — the voluntary and avowed dedication of himself to Christ. Naturally of a reflective and serious mind, possessing extreme refinement of feeling, purity of taste, and gentleness of address, by many observers, thus won by a thoughtfulness and solemnity beyond his years, he would, doubtless, have been pronounced a true subject of converting grace and a proper recipient of the rites and privileges of the Christian church. But, while his conduct from earliest childhood up to the period of his own acknowledged religious conviction was most exemplary, neither himself nor those who knew and loved him the most, were fully satisfied that the great, the momentous, the all-important, all-essential change had taken place, — that he had actually “followed Ohriat in the regeneratuni” — that, in a word, he had really and decidedly ‘^jpassed from death unto life.** Bible conversion is essentially difierent from the views which many entertain of the nature of this great and essential change. They who, believing in sacramental grace, make it to consist in submission to the rite of baptism, are as ignorant of the nature, as it is to be feared they are destitute of the possession, of that spiritual and radical renovation of heart without which no man can see the kingdom of Gk)d.

Whitmore had not yet given such marked evidence as would admit of a decided opinion in his case. Our anxiety was to know that, under the drawings of divine love, he had really and unreservedly surrendered his young heart to God, and that that surrender should be sealed by a public avowal of his faith in the Saviour. But while this decision was reserved for a later and more matured period of life, there were not wanting indications of senousness and earnestness on the all-important subject of personal religion. He read his Bible diligently, would ofben retire from the family circle to the privacy of his room, and has been seen on his return to have been in tears. Blessed indices these to a Christian parent’s inquiring eye, of the “Day Star rising in the heart.’” It was clear to us, too, that prvnctph governed the lowliest of his actions, that the fear of God ruled his whole conduct. The fruit blossoming on this beautiful stem was not such as mere nature produced. His conduct was the reflection of the inner man touched by a gracious influence. His holy shrinking fix)m sin — his remarkable purity mind — his studious avoidance of those leviti peculiar to his tender age, blended with a remarl able degree of conscientiousness, were among thi peculiar traits of his early years. But although there was manliness in his appearance and address, — his tall and elegant person martial in its form and bearing — yet so retiring was his natural disposition, it was by the gentle, silent influence of his life- — noiseless yet steady as the light — rather than the utterances of the lip, that we felt convinced that the Holy Spirit was secretly yet effectually brooding over his young soul. His was hidden life. He was ‘* a spring shut vp, a fountain sealed.** That such in reality was the case will subsequently appear.

In 1849 he was transferred from a private school to the Leamington College. It was at this period, when but just fourteen years of age, that he commenced a record of his religious and mental exercises, with occasional observations on the current public events of the day. The existence of such a journal was unknown to his family, until found among his papers after death. And now that the eye has perused the precious record — unfolding as it does a mind so reflective and intelligent, and a heart so trained to communion with itself and with God — we are impressed and saddened with the thought, how little even then those who had his fullest confidence and warmest affection knew of the deep workings of his soul. His, indeed, was a hidden Ufa! There dwelt among us a mind of saperior mould, a heart of refined and delicate sensibility, a spirit of exquisite feeling and sensitiveness — and a being under the moulding of the Spirit of Grace, — but so cloistered and vailed within itself, that we scarcely knew how real and precious was our treasure!

It was at the early age of fourteen as we have remarked, that he traced the first line of his journal. He commenced it at an exciting period of the world’s history — the second French Revolution had just hurled Louis-PhiHppe from the throne of France. The whole of Europe, convulsed by the shock, was in a state of the utmost excitement and alarm. England — tranquil amidst the political earthquake, a calm yet interested spectator of the warring elements — alone was unmoved. It was at this crisis that Whitmore’s diary commenced. It was just such a period as would most naturally quicken into fervour sensibilities Kke his, and produce a strong impression upon his young, ardent imagination. We find his journal opening with a rapid survey of the events thus transpiring on the

Continent of Earope, accompanied by observ on their political and moral bearings, remai in a hoj so young.

“Leamington, June 20th, 1849. — Interested in rea the journal of another, I commence one mnself, and a eventful period of the world’s history. National revitions and changes are doily occurring; wars and convsions are shaking the foundations of the earth, and ‘me;, hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking aftt those things which are coming on the earth,* Thest are not times for listlessness and trifling; the stirring events which have occurred, and which are occurring, are well calculated to awaken in the minds of men thoughtfulness and consideration. And woe to him that regards not the ‘signs of the times.* Every one will remember the year that is just past — the memorable year of 1848 — when the Continent of Europe, thought to be composed of the most stable kingdoms in the world, felt the first sudden shock of the French Revolution, and ha» been shaken to its centre.

A popular movement, sudden in its birth, and no less great in its momentous consequences, had shaken the throne which seemed so firm, and Louis-Philippe has in three short days fallen; and the king of ‘La Grande Nation,’ he who when in power persecuted and dethroned a noble, godly, and defenceless Queen,* afflicted by the just displeastlre of an offended God, has fled with his Minister, M. Guizot, a fugitive to the shores of England. Italy, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, and numerous other

* “Pomsajd, Qneen of Otaheite.

States, struck by the panic, have felt the swelling tide of the revolation. But the only State I shall make particular mention of is, Italy. The Pope, the so-called Head of the Church and vicar of Christ, (who would have thought it a year ago?) has fallen from his pompous throne; and he who so lately was respected, reverenced, and worshipped, by almost the whole populace of Rome, has been forced to fly in the garb of a footman, to escape their indignant vengeance. Light, for so long a period chained, has burst its fetters and recovered its wonted freedom, and with its mighty power is scattering darkness with a force like the wind which driveth away the chaff. But during this period the French, ready to catch at any novelty, and without thinking of lus personal qualities, have elected Louis Napoleon as the President of their Republic; and he, in concert with his ministers, has sent an expedition (under General Oudinot) to capture Rome — for what object no one knows, though it is generally believed, to reinstate the Pope, which event, I think, will be .impossible without a hard struggle. If there ever was an error in French politics, it is this. However, there the French army is before the gates of Imperial Rome; and despite of an effort to treat with the Roman triumvirate, have for a whole month been kept at bay by its brave and resolute defenders. The conflict will not be without immense slaughter — and for what? to restore to his See an ignominious Pope! Such are the affairs of Europe at the present moment. But not France only is taking a prominent part in the picture, but Austria is also figuring in the great drama. Some of her most important States have rebelled, and she is forced to accept the succour of Russia. Hungary is struggling bravelj for liberty which she may in the end gain, the Austrians having been beaten on several occasions, th fortresses and ammunition captured. The valiant Piedi^Dntese, with their King Charles Albert, have also struggleid to be free from the Austrian yoke; but in their case the Austrians have prevailed. Germany, too, has felt the surging of the revolution. She is maintaining a bloody warfare with Denmark. And now for Britain! —

“Clear has she steered her bark through turbulent seas covered with numerous wrecks. The foot of the invader has not touched her shores; but, on the contrary, she has been the refuge of the fugitive, and the home of the exile. While another sovereign, unseated from his throne, has sought safety on British soil, firmly enthroned upon hers and surrounded by her loyal and faithful subjects, Britain’s Queen still wields her strong and glittering sceptre. But what has upheld England in the midst of these wars and convulsions? It is not merely her constitution, but it is the * salt ’ that is in the land. And who are represented by this salt but those Christians who are struggling with their lives for the spiritual welfare of the people, and who, although few in number and feeble in influence, raise their voices against vices and sins which are getting the ascendency? But is it the abundance of the salt that has preserved and saved our land? Oh, no I God has had respect to its scarcity. What would have been the punishment of our legislators and of the country at laie, if the same scourge of revolution had afflicted us, — for many are the sins of our senators and the rulers of our land I Many have been the artful bills they have

% THE HIDDEN LIFE. 15

introduced, into Parliament, tending to overtiim the Christianity of the nation, which but for the stringent efforts of le true salt would have been eventually carried,^ Think of the idea of rewarding the popish priests of Ireland for upholding popery, misery, and crime * — for encouraging the people to rebellion — paying the very priests who have been the chief instigators and abettors of all this tumult t Is this their, hatred of sin? Is this their regard for religion? Talk of liberty I ‘boast of freedom! in the nineteenth century a clergyman, who for conscience’ sake would not preach the erroneous doctrines of a Tractarian bishop, has been incarcerated in s. common gaol4^ Truly these are the ‘latter days’ when ‘signs and wonders* shall happen among the children of men. In California eighteen hundred miles of gold have been discovered, and thousands of adventurers have embarked in search of the treasure. At home equally important discoveries have been made: but I must now give a short account of my past life.

“I was born on January 27, 1835, in New York; and when about four years old accompanied my parents to England, and have resided with them in Leamington, “Warwickshire, for the last ten years, my beloved father presiding over a congregation in this place, and am being educated at the Leamington College. It is at this period of my life that I commence a Journal.”

Passing from this intelligent survey of public and political events, he proceeds to a matter of a

* The 2dA7nooth Grant, t The Irish Bebellion.

t The Bev. James Shore.

IC

MEMORIALS OF J. ]

more personal btiiure, audi
interest to himsBlf. No c
cognizant of what was
Oh that we had bat km
the Holy Spirit was moving! — how gently yet effectuB
to Himself! Bat it v
would conceal from our ey«d
&ith and prayer, that, p«
quickened to a yet higher t
His own work ia a way i
Himself. It will be seen
matters relating to the a
intelligent and discrimioatoj
political events of history,
view either of Christianity atU
same time dealing
with his own heart before
every yonthfol reader of tht
be imbned with the same spilj
breathes, like the first inspir;
grance so rich throughout tbfiJ

“June 30lh. Saiwday. — man 1 Day by day calls forth n his heart; and yet hia whole affed veiy object whidi is foBtering a pnivity. His great ambition ie the world — a world that slew the King of kings — a world full of sin and sorrow, the medium by which Satan endeairoars to blind the eyes of the children of men. And yet, ifter all, what a vain world it is! It promises much, but realizes nothing. The more we expect pleasure, the more ure we disappointed in it. Oh, what would man be, if nstead of seeking the friendship and the love of a dying (forld, he would seek that of Jehovah! And yet how 9rone are we to lament when we are frowned upon by the ^orld. If we did not seek its smiles, we should not mind ts frowns. But the more we are delighted at the world’s [>raise, the more are we discomforted and made unhappy [>y its disapprobation. But take the world as a whole — nrhat is it? a speck in the universe — a ball floating in the ur, surrounded by other world’s greater and more magniicent than itself. And yet, after all, this very world has peen the theatre of the greatest events that ever have lappened, or could happen; — namely, the incarnation and ieath of the Son of God, the Creator of all beings and things that exist both of matter and of mind. In the person of his dear Son, Jehovah bowed Himself down to )ave the sinful creature man — man made in His own image, yet disobedient and rebelling against the kind md beneficent Creator, who, nevertheless, in order to jhow His love in its full perfection, resolved upon prodding for the salvation of this most wonderful species of the creation. And now that man may be reconciled to Grod, need we fear the hatred and scorn of the world, nrhose pretended power He could arrest in a moment? Or shall we love the world which hated and scorned, and oltimately slew our loved Redeemer?

“To-day my dear father returned from London, where he has been invited to the pastoral charge of a laie church, but not seeing his way clear, has decided to remain where he is, to the great joy of his flock, whose affection for him is very great”

“20th. — Just returned from hearing a delightful sermon — delightful, because it found its way to the intellect and the heart His sermons are such as few can appreciate — those only whose minds are rich and tender, like mellowed soil, opening to receive the seed. As such, they must be, to a great degree, intellectual. But I should say their character is less that of intellectual truth than of heart-experience, with a torrent of sanctified feeling, savouring all of Jesus, which sweeps away every minor consideration, and produces permanent benefit upon the souL Persons going to hear him, expecting merely deep erudition, soft persuasive eloquence, and graceful delivery, may often come away disappointed; but they will find, instead, deep pathos, energy almost to excess, and truth full, free and spirituaL You need not ask his theme — you may anticipate it His theme, in fact, his one theme, is — Jesus and His cross, and all the rest, like graceful festoons, but surround this glorious centre-piece. This is the reason why his preaching would not, perhaps, be denominated * popular,’ simply because his feeling, not his language, is unintelligible to the general mass. But the ‘poor in spirit,’ the downcast, and the afflicted, thrive beneath it Those who are living much in the world in thought and action, who love not what he terms ’ the cross,’ cannot comprehend him. This term, like many employed by the Latin and Greek poets, expresses in a concrete form a vast range of general and abstract truth, and it is the burden of his whole discourse. What it means is — Jesus, His life and death. His grand Atonement, and His undying interest in His Church. The reason that so few preachers make this their great and chief theme, and that so many hearers dislike it as their habitual food, is evident to any one in the least degree acquainted with the human heart Alas! how often have I had to class myself amongst these rebellious and improfitable hearers. So true is it that spiritual preaching can never find its way to any but a spiritual understanding.”

He was yet a mere youth when he noted down the following salient points of a sermon he heard from the late Kev. James Harington Eyans whose spiritual ministrations it was his privilege occasionally to attend, and thus intelligently to appreciate. Text — Matt, xxi., 22: “And all things whatsoevBr ye shall ash in prayer believing, ye shall receive.’*

‘* I would caution you against indolent prayer, though no one needs the caution more than I myself. Knocking and going away, (unanswered,) shew that our wants are not great God puts a high honour on faith; but the world takes a contemptuous view of it * Believe, and sit at your ease,* is the world’s language. But is it easy to believe? Is it easy to rest my soul’s salvation upon Grod’s word, — to place my hope in Christ’s blood, — to have no doubt, — to count my own righteousness as filthy rags? Is it all so easy? Do not many come to this sanctuary, hear of the awfulness of an approaching eternity, b are never brought to believe? Is it so easy with th of God? It requires as much the power of God t the spark alive as to create it The world no thinks faith easy, but irrational, yea, a dangerous But what an honour God puts upon faith as a re( grace! Even the weakest receive a full, a free God also puts a great honour upon it as a commc ^gn/ce. He yields to the power of faith although it gift Some will, perhaps, enquire, “why does G« such an especial honour upon faith?” Because fait such an especial honour upon Him. I give one pi obedience by asking, and then believing that I shall r< Is it honouring God by half trusting, half hoping! it dishonours Him. According to your faith be i you; believing that what He has spoken He will assi bring to pass.*’

Strangely prophetic would seem the next e And yet little did be then anticipate how si illustration he would himself, and so soon, pi of the affecting truth: —

“Sunday t July l*^. — How short is time, and small portion is allotted to man to prepare for ai world! And yet how careless is he of that time! frail the thread upon which life hangs — a few houness may carry him away into a world of endless ‘. ness, or of endless woe. The cholera is making sad rj in our land.”

penetrating. He would seem to have possessed the facility, singnlar even in more matured life, of clearly discerning between the specious and the real, especially in the all-momentous subject ot religion. Does not his skill in detecting the coanterfeit, betray an intimate acquaintance with the true coin?

“Jtily 6th, — How little have appearances to do with realities! The outward show has often the effect of deceiving. Deceit is, indeed, one of the prominent featurea in man; he deceives others, he deceives himself. The world is truly a false world; and does it not show the depravity of man’s heart when after tasting its bitter, feeling its pains, and experiencing its disappointments and sorrows, he should still cling to that ever promising, yet ever deceiving world? Yesterday, I went to a party at

. Had a game of cricket; upon the whole, enjoyed

myself, at least if this poor world’s pleasures may be called enjoyment But in that very family whose prospects seem so bright, whose station in life is so good, trouble has inflicted its sting. Ah! it is true, painfully true, that sorrow is the lot of all on earth; and I would not believe the individual who said that he knew an exception.”

“Saturday, 7tK — The French have at last capitulated with the Romans, and have entered the city. What they will do now that they are there remains to be seen. The Pope never asked or desired their interference, and I rather think he is in a worse predicament than before.”

His next entry makes the first allusion to the sacred profession to which, he would seem, at thin early period, to have consecrated his future life. We would not anticipate the close of these Memorials, jet at this stage we are forcibly reminded of a principle in God’s dealings with His people, viz., His gracious acceptance of the heart’s desire to serve Him where His will and providence permit not the actual service. Henry Kirke White and Brainerd Taylor, young Urquhart, the two Mackenzies, and John Mackintosh, all laid their youthful talents and lives upon the altar of the Christian ministry, — but God had need of them in glory, and translated them early there. And inasmuch as it was in their hearts to serve Him in His kingdom on earth, they were accepted of Him, and removed to another and a higher service in heaven.

“Sunday f July th, — Oh that I may never swerve from the resolution which I have made in my mind to-day! He who has felt what religious enthusiasm is can alone understand my peculiar feelings. He who Uke myself feels the inestimable value of the soul, and who desires to impress its intrinsic worth upon others, can alone sympathise with these feelings. I have a peculiar wish to be a minister of Christ, and to this I have made up my mind. I must say that I think my dear father has a hope that I should follow his example. God has enabled me to put all secular advantage in a secondary place in my view i and I feel well assured that if I give up my life and talents to His cause and for His glory, I shall never want any temporal good. It was very remarkable that my dear father’s discourse this morning quite coincided with the views which I had before felt so consolatory to my own mind. His text was from Matt. vL 33, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things 3hall be added unto you,* And what a blessed thought I God alone can judge whether we have sought His kingdom and righteousness or not. But what man thinks of us has nothing to do with the matter. My parents do not think I am one of Christ’s flock, and I do not know how to own Him as I would. But Grod has given me the unspeakable joy of knowing myself that I am one of His ‘hidden ones.’”

How touching these words, and what solemn reflections they awaken, now that he is gone from ns! At the tender age of fourteen he was indeed the “Lord’s hidden one,” and we knew it not. God had called this young Samuel, but so secretly, and with a voice so gentle, none heard it but himself. In that youthful heart what holy feelings were passing; in that young mind what solemn purposes were resolving! His soul’s transactions were all and alone with God. He felt that religion was a personal matter, and that in the momentous ijuestion of his salvation not even a parent’s cognizance was essential to its reality. Still, it is well

•

when a child can so conquer a natural feeling of diffidence, as in filial confidence and afiFection to disclose his spiritual and mental exercises to ono in whose heart the deepest and most sacred sympathy exists. But when this is not the case, if, aided by his quick eye, the Christian parent discovers that his child quietly retires for reading God’s word and for prayer, that he sometimes returns with moistened eye, and hallowed expression, and subdued tone — as one who had been holding secret and close fellowship with the Invisible — he can patiently wait the more full and manifest disclosure. Perhaps it is better that the * secret disciple should be more exclusively shut up to Christ. At any rate, it is encouraging to know that the work is in the Lord’s hand, and that the Divine Spirit has given us the promise, that “fle which hath hegv/a a good work, will perform it tmto the day of Jesus Christ.^*

There are, in one or two of the following extracts, observations and thoughts from which even the more advanced Christian may deign to learn.

“Wednesday, Wth, — What a changeable world is this,, and what changeable creatures are we! But what a glorious thought that there is a Being who changes not!

To-day Lady S and Miss M called. I was very

much pleased with them both. Lady S is, I think, a tme Christian; and what a rare being, and still more so in the higher walks of life, is a true believer, — * because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.^”

“12^A. — A nice little party of Christian friends this

evening. The Rev. Mr. H gave a sweet exposition,

but rather long. A sincere godly man is he.”

“l&th. — There is such a thing as adding to one*s sorrows, and increasing one’s trials. In this world we have plenty of care and an abundance of affliction, without increasing it. And our aim should be to turn it to our profit; to trust in God for help and deliverance, and to direct our meditations to the bright prospects that await us in a better world.”

“%th, — What could the Christian do in a poor world like this if he had not Christ for his Friend? Truly is he often seeking other friends, but Grod will make him know, by sad yet blessed experience, that there is no friend like Jesus: and that while other friends are fickle and changeable. He changes not. Oh that we followed not this poor world as we do! We chase it like a bubble in the air, and with all its apparent beauty, it fades into nothing. But oh, when we taste the preciousness of Jesus, what a heavenly morsel it is! It raises our drooping spirits to contemplate the joy that awaits us in another world, the happiness that is laid up for us above, the glory that will crown the final end of our weary pilgrimage through a dying and unsatisfying world.”

“2lst, Monday, — What a delightful emotion is love! It lightens our burdens, sweetens our little crosses, and, next to religion, is that virtue the most capable of soften-Hng and moulding our humanity. If each individual in the universe were under its influence for one day, nay, for one hour, what a paradise would this world be! There are different kinds of this feeling; yet love in any form is delightful. But a holy, sanctified love is alone that which would reform the world — a love which man cannot naturally have. Love is the very essence of true religion; religion imparts it, religion promotes it. Yea more, €rod, in the person of His dear Son, could find no better term to designate Himself than — * Love. ‘Love brought Jesus from His throne in heaven to His cross of suffering on earth. Love prompted the act, and love accomplished it. But I must not indulge in this strain, so prone am I to record thoughts rather than circumstances.

‘’Much has passed since I last took my pen to journalise relating to myself and others. The period in which I am now writing is most agreeable to school boys — the holidays. And as they are drawing to a close, I may take a short retrospect of what has happened during that time. I have been on a visit to my uncle’s country readence, to revel amidst the beauties of nature, while dear papa and mamma were also there for a change of air. Since my arrival death has been knocking at the doors of the great Sir Robert Peel, the greatest statesman of the age, was thrown from his horse; the papers announce his death. Great, as sudden, is the ehock to all classes of society. Only a few days before the occurrence he made a powerful and eloquent speech in the House against the government in the affairs of Greece. So noble and splendid was the effort, that his enemies applauded him, and he left the House in the height of his fame, suddenly to

••

lye cut off in the midst of it. Very soon after, the Duke of Cambridge died, and the Queen has, of course, been obliged to postpone her drawing-room and balL Nor has she Ibeen without a warning. As she was taking a drive, a young Lieutenant rushed up to the carriage and struck her a blow in the face with a stick, which happily did not do her any particidar injury. As he had no motive for the act, he is thought to be insane.

“I have had my little trials as well as blessings — and these make up the bitters and the sweets of life. Youth is generally regarded as the happiest period of our existence. But I think we have almost as many cares and sorrows as our elders; because, perhaps, our experience has not taught us to bear the trials of life vdth the same fortitude as they do. Much depends upon our constitutional temperament. I must confess that I myself am naturally soon made anxious and sorrowfuL But I trust that, by looking to Grod, I #m better able to bear trials and afflictions than those who have nothing to trust to but their own fortitude and strength of mind. Ah! blessed is he to whom God shows his own weakness and insufficiency to do anything of himself. Deem it not a curse, but a blessing, when Grod humbles your pride, however severe the discipline may be by which He does it. When He teaches you to lean upon Him alone for support, thank Him for it. Pride eats at the root of all happiness; and a proud spirit Crod will abase, but the humble spirit He will exalt.”

Wednesday, Augtcst 1st, — For the last week I have been staying at my uncle’s Vicarage, Napton, and have enjoyed myself very much. I had some sweet sights of

Jesus by faith, some feeble glimmerings of the happiness fuid glory which we shall realize above. It is only these glorious feelings that will solace the Christian in his toilsome journey through this weary world. I went to chapel this evening, when the Lord was pleased to continue this happy state of mind; and I felt so sensibly that come what may, pleasure or pain, happiness or woe, life or death, I am in the hands of the Lord of Creation, the King of kings, and in His keeping no evil will befall me.”

“Thursday f 2nd, — To-day I have been surrounded with trouble at almost every step. But with all this, I can fly to Jesus as my never-failing Friend, and He can give me all I need. A bountiful Saviour and a needy sinner just suit each other.”

*’ Tuesday f *Jth. — Happiness! where is it to be found? This precious jewel, where can it be had? Is it to be obtained in the world, its pleasures and delights? No! the Christian will answer it cannot! Happiness, if there be such a thing in this world, can only be obtained from Jesus. In His bosom alone can we find repose. But I am persuaded that the more the believer has of sanctified sorrow, tribulation, and affliction in this dying world, the more he will have of happiness and glory in the blessed realms above. I feel now as if death would be a welcome messenger to my soul, to waft me from this sinful world to Canaan’s joyful shore. Ah! it is a blessed thing to be able to meet death with a beaming countenance and a gladsome heart. There have been times when amidst pleasure and enjoyment I have loathed the very thought of death. But when God afflicts a man, then he feels the vanity and deceitfulness of the world; and if he be a

EABLT DISCmitKK 29

believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, he will long to see his Bedeemer, and be with Him in the abodes of happiness and light throughout an endless eternity.

’ rm a poor Bixmer, and notJUiig at all
Bat Jesus Christ is my all in all.’”

“Wednesday, Sth, — How gracious has theLord been to me to-day I His promises, they never faiL They have been indeed my chief support. Jesus has been better to me than all my fears, and has carried me through that which I most dreaded. Oh, to have a simple trust in the Saviour! He will not betray your confidence. He is a faithful and just Crod, merciful and gracious, and ever ready to lend an ear to all the troubles and afflictions of His people. Open all your heart to Jesus, and He will open the fountain of His mercy to you.”

Wise and precious counsel, flowing though it does from the lips of youth! It may be a word in season to more advanced believers, battling with, trial, depressed by sorrow, agitated with fear. Dear boy! he, too, had his trials; they were little, yet they were trials. Trial is trial, from whatsoever cause it may proceed, or by whomsoever it may be felt. The excellent John Newton remarks, that if be might but soothe the grief of a little child, be should feel that God had put upon him a signal honour. Oh, to lifb one burden from off our crushed humanity — to vnpe away a single tear — what a privilege! We have said that bis trials were small; yet bis tender and sensitive spirit felt the anxieties of class, the fickleness of friendship, the coldness of nnsjmpathising and the nnkindness of envious hearts. But at this stage of his Christianity, it was a needed and wholesome discipline. By the trials of one school, God was instructing him in the deeper lessons of another. He was now being taught the source of true comfort, succour, and sympathy, and to whom to repair with his wounded sensibilities. May every tried youth — for, as he remarks, the young have their sorrows too — learn from Whitmore’s experience the happy art of floating serenely and safely upon the ruffled waters of early life — even in cultivating a close, prayerful intimacy with Jesus. We strike upon another rich vein of spiritual thought in the following extract:

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lOth. — How soon can Grod change a man’s circumstances I He is elevated to-day and is cast down to-morrow. So it is, and so it will be in this changeful world, imtil we arrive at a better and brighter one, where there will be no sin, and consequently no sorrow. But oh, we should remember, that afflictions come from God! When a Christian neglects prayer, for instance, God places him, perhaps, in a situation of great trial, and he is driven to pray. Or, when a man’s aflfections are set upon the world, God makes that world his greatest enemy (and I feel it to be mine), and he is compelled to make Christ his Friend. And oh, may every afflicted saint of

€rod profit by the trials which God shall see fit to lay upon him! But even in judgment, our heavenly Father will remember mercy.”

Ood, who plants and nnrtnres amidst Alpine snows some of the loveliest and most fragrant flowers of nature, can cause the graces of the Spirit to ripen and expand in the soul, amidst circumstances the most adverse and influences the most ungenial. Whitmore’s next record illustrates this thought: —

‘* Sunday, 2th, — ^A memorable day has this been in my history — a blessed but solemn Sabbath. No being knows the trials I have imdergone the past week, but Jesus. And as He only knows, so He only can help me through. I have had feelings to-day which only once before I experienced. I have felt such a willingness to die I a feeling that death would be no awful thing to me, having a wish to quit this more awful world. But painful, yet no less blessed, trial has done it alL And oh, may I be able from my heart to thank God for having made the world my enemy, and Christ my Friend! But mark this — If the world does not suit you, yon will be sure to have a welcome in heaven; but if the world satisfies you, hell will be the most adapted to receive you.

‘Have I by graoe set ont for heaven.
Has life divine to me been given P
Then Jesus, as vaj constant Friend,
Will guide and guard me to the end.

‘My toils and oonfliots soon shall oease.
The end is everlasting peace;
Sorrows and sighs shall flee away.
The end is bliss — eternal day.

‘My path is rongh, and foes assail.
Bat I shall over all prevail,
For Jesus, my Almighty Friend,
Is with me always to the end.’

‘* I could not but insert this hymn, so precious did I feel it to my soul: —

‘Grace, mercy, life, and righteousness,
I have in Him, and shall possess
All that in cov’nant love is stored,
All that is promised in His word.

‘All that my highest hox)es expect.
All that’s prepared for Gk)d*8 elect.
And more than thought can comprehend
Is waiting for me to the end.’”

How gently are we rebuked in the following paragraph, for our limiting of the Holy One of Israel; and yet how cheeringly reminded of the blessedness that springs from implicit confidence in Jehovah’s power and readiness to help ns. We need more faith in the power of God. Every mountain of difl&culty would become a level, and every valley of suffering a plain, did we but believe that with Ood all things are possibW^-^ that nothing is too hard for Him. It is with this divine perfection that He would have us link our weakness; and he that honours the Lord by trusting His Omnipotence shall find that Omnipotence is on his side.

“Tuesday, I4th. — Again has the Lord appeared for me in a most wonderful manner; for when I expected trial to visit me, the Lord said unto me, ‘Fear not, it is L I have wounded, and I will heal. I have afflicted, and I will succour thee.’ Truly blessed is the man who puts his trust in the Lord in the simple confidence of faith. In fact, we treat God as if He were a creature like ourselves, and had not the power to do more than we; little thinking that what is impossible with us, is less than possible with Him; and that with Him our extremity is only the occasion to show forth His power. And, oh, to think that this great God is ours, and that He dwells with us and in us, and that in every difficulty He is at our right hand to succour and deliver!”

‘* Thursday, Augvst Oth, — Oh, to realize the happiness in store for us in another world! If we more anticipated the blissful future, we should not so much mind the miserable present. A few short years will bring the Christian to the end of his pilgrimage and to the beginning of his eternal rest. But, oh, let us never forget that while we sojourn in this world we have a never-failing Friend to whom we can take all our trials and sorrows; and He who gave us Jesus, that ‘unspeakable gift,’ is both able and willing to give us all minor gifts!”

‘Owrarit tbam. all thy griefli
And wajs into His bands,
lb His im troft and tander

Who points the doods tlwir oourse.
Whom winds and seas obey;
He aban direct their wandariBflr ftet»
He shall in e hai a thy way.

- Pot thoa thy trust in God,
In duty’s path go an.
Fix on Wb word thy stedflurt ye.
So shall thy woek be done.

“No profit canst thou gain
By Mlf-oonsnming care.
To Him commend thy cause. His ear
Attends the softest prayer.

“Give to the winds thy fears;
Hope, and be undismay’d,
God hears thy sighs, and counts thy tears,
God shall lift up thy head.

“Through waves, and clouds, and storms.
He gently clears thy way:
Wait thou His time — thy darkest night
Shall end in brightest day.”

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Sunday, Sept 9th, — How full is the Bible of ample instraction, surpassing all ancient or modern history! How full of subjects worthy our study and imitation! What examples of stem fortitude, faith and courage, were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. How undauntingly did they defy Nebuchadnezzar, when he commanded them to fall down and worship his image.

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How nobly, too, when he threatened them with the fiery furnace if they disobeyed him, did they phice before him the omnipotent power of their God, who could and would deliver them from his paltry power; * and even should we have no assistance from Him,’ say they, we will not bow down to your image. And whose anger are we to fear — thine or God*s? To whose authority are we to submit, — thine or Jehovah’s? Our God is able to deliver us out of your hands. Defy you Him’? Then we defy you.’

Wednesday, Oct 3rrf. — Oh, that we did but realize that we are the Lord’s and the Lord is ours! No harm can befall us which is not for our benefit And were it not for the corruption within and our guilty consciences, no evil from without 6ould materially affect us. But may we remember that God is our guide through life, and will be unto death. Poor Lord Cardross, at the College, has departed this life in its full bloom and promise — young, handsome, and beloved by his school-fellows. How it teaches the frailty of human existence 1 O, that there were more piety, and greater efforts made for the spiritual good of our fallen race I

“Nov, 4th, 1850. — Man, with all his boasted wisdom, understanding, and sagacity, seldom learns the necessary lesson of profiting by the past. That which at one time made an apparent and indelible impression upon his mind is now entirely forgotten, or, if not forgotten, viewed in a careless and indifferent light. O what changeable and fluctuating creatures are the human race I We travel with time in all its changes and fluctuations; — and wherever it tends and winds its onward cooiw; we often pursue the same given track, and, unsuspecting and unalarmed, are led to the brink of a fearful precipice, and are lost to all eternity. It is good for a man that he should reflect upon his own condition — what he is? and whither bound? These reflections have been awakened by recent evenis ahnost unparalleled in the history of the past. I refer to the invasion of our territories by swarms of Roman Catholic bishops and priests, who have been appointed by the Pope over certain parts of England, parcelled out into various bishoprics. Dr. Wiseman, moreover, has been designated Archbishop of Westminster. If the predictions of prophecy in regard to the Papacy are not being accomplished, I am very much mistaken. The very fact of the Pope’s dethronement, and again his reinstatement in all, and more, than his former power, is sufficiently conclusive in itself. * The Lord reigneth, let the nationstremble.’”

How beautifully bis gentle heart, like the momin flower, opens and expands to the warm sunbeams of the Divine goodness: —

“Tuesday, 6th — Brief, but sweet, is my diary of to-day. Oh, how savoury every morsel when the blessing of Grod is upon it! When we can trace His loving hand, what unequalled happiness does it give! Oh, to trust Him, though He may seem at the time to blight our fond hopes — to have a thankful heart for mercies undeserved! How has He especially appeared to me to-day none but Himself can telL And to repay it i* out of the power of mortaL”

It were surely worth all the anxtety and annoyance so artlessly detailed in the following little school trial, to have brought out so vividly the points of character which the circnmstance unfolded. The integrity which guided him, and the frankness which he exhibited in the matter, suggest to all similarly placed a line of conduct worthy of imitation. There is a fine boyish spirit, and yet characteristic gentleness in the manner in which he met th& affair. We would not pen a single word calculated to repress a proper degree of ambition in boys for scholastic honours; yet we woidd at the same time remark, that while the strictest fairness and impartiality should guide the Principal in the award, a noble and generous spirit of rivalry should distinguish the competitors for the prize. The incident, though simple, is instructive.

Friday evening, Nov, 22nd, 1850. — Although every moment of my time is precious, and should be occupied in preparing for my examination at the College, I feel a sort of compulsion to transcribe my feelings, which I think, in my case, will be no waste of time.

“My mind has been exceedingly anxious as to the result of this said examination, and I have been rather tremulous as to the standing I expected to occupy at the close of the year’s study. Although my ranking first will not probably gain what is (if personalities were excluded I should say) its just reward, still there is aA honour connected with it. Well, I must say that I was rather surprised and annoyed to find that another boy has well-nigh equalled, if not overtaken, me in the number of marks; and I am now quite in the dark as to the issue. For one day I was told by a boy in the same class as myself, and with whom I had been on exceeding good terms, that he had seen the list, in which he declared I was superseded by another boy, of whom I had no such expectation, by about 200 marks. Trusting to the integrity of the boy for a moment, I was rather disconcerted; but upon second consideration, I thought it must be false. The same thing was told me by several other boys, some feigning sorrow, and others expressing exultation. I therefore determined to obtain, if possible, a list of the marks myself, and in so doing discovered a plot by which it was intended to deceive me. Obtaining a list from the mark register, I there found, at the first calculation, that instead of his being 200 beyond me, I was 1000 beyond him! Well, I thought, there can be no mistake in my having beaten him there; but then I saw that included in this was my ‘voluntary work’ marks, which were a thousand, and for which I had received no reward, while others had in the middle of the year. My anxiety, of course, was, whether these would be added to my classical and mathematical marks: if so, I had no fear; but if not, excluding both his voluntary marks and mine, he would not be far behind me. So here I am — treachery on all sides, and rivals longing to

BEFLECnOKS ON THE OLD YEAB. 39

see my do¥mfalL But One mightier than all is for me. Now oomes the moet blessed part of the story! I have lpeen led to feel that in myself I am utterly helpless. Grod has made me to see that all my hard studying, if so I may call it, and all my talents, abilities, and boasted knowledge, will be of no avail to me in this crisis, if He withholds His blessing. And, moreover, I am now almost as careless about the result as hitherto I have been anxious. I have been led — oh, happy state! — to leave the issue of it all in God’s hands, and to feel that He will do all for the best, yea, better than the wisest of us could imagine or desire.’*

“Sunday t Dee. 2nd. — We are nearly at the close of another year. In a few more weeks the curfew bells will remind us that we are entering upon a new epoch of man’s eventful history. The past — ’tis gone I No human power can recall it What relics has it left? The stains of sin! Has sin, then, not grown old, and by long practice &Ilen into disuse? Ah, no! In health and vigour it still lives, if such expressions may be used. Then is there not a solitary being who can record an action or a deed that deserves the name of good? No. Goodness never had its origin in man. It grows not in his bosom. Then what is man, if such a character be his? A fallen and rebellious being, and yet endowed with capabilities of mind to form conceptions lofty and sublime, worthy of the Being who created him? What, then, will be his end? His end? — terrific I But God looked down upon His fallen creatures, who once came from His hands pure as Himself, and longing to restore them to their once happy state, pities them. Oh, what s loving Father He must be! Ah, yes; that love so undeserved, so great, so free, gave from His own loving bosom His only beloved Son a sacrifice for man, when every heart rankled with hatred to God. Are there no choice beings who reap the fruits of their Redeemer’s love? Yes; God has a chosen church, and for it the blood of Jesus was shed, to redeem it from the curse and to bring it to heaven.”

“Sunday, January 20th, 1850. — Truly it becomes a Christian to be always happy. What reason has he to be otherwise, when every step of his journey, every in-. cident, however minute, that occurs in his pilgrimage through life, is ordered and ordained by his heavenly Father, his loving Saviour, his best Friend? True it is that he has often more care, more affliction, than the worldling has; while the worldling prospers in his way, the believer is often bowed down with care and trouble, scarcely able to struggle through life. But what is the sequel? The ungodly enjoy the pleasures and wealth of this world, only to realize more bitterly their loss in the world to come; while the Christian sees the worst side of this world, and tastes more of its bitters, only to enhance the happiness of a better world, where he will enjoy the sweetest bliss.”

“But even in the deepest afflictions the believer in Christ has cause to be happy, if he can but realize the truth that the All-seeing Jehovah, who framed and created out of nothing the vast universe, and who guides its great machinery, has ordered that event for his essential good. Ah, have you cause to mourn over sin? Do you see that in you which is hateful to yourself, and iRrhich causes you sorrow? Then thank God for it, as the most decided proof that He has planted within you the germs of a being that shall one day burst the bonds of natural corruption, and with all the beauty and purity of the Grod who created it, start forth a glittering gem, for ever to shine in the crown of the Redeemer.”

“Then welcome sorrow, welcome pain.
Welcome crosses, welcome shame;
Welcome all, ye towering waves.
With &ith, my bark yoor threatening braves;
Heaven’s bright star glows in the east.
On it my Pilot bids me feast
My longing eye, and onward steer
Through the dark tempest, and nothing fear;
For soon the harbour I shall see.
And on Canaan’s shores for ever be.”

January 2ith, 1851, Friday. — We have entered upon another year, which, like the preceding ones will flit quickly by. Solemn thought! We also shall soon pass away, and the place where we dwelt and lived will know us no more. The ravages of time, written in letters too deeply engraved to be erased, are stamped upon everything mortaL Decay is inscribed on earth’s fairest flower. Oh, how solemn is the reflection; and would that its solemnity were abiding, then would our short period of existence here on earth be taken up with preparation for another and a better world. And yet poor, blind, fallen man seldom gives the question a moment’s consideration, while his whole thoughts are absorbed in obtaining that which, even while he seizes it, crumbles in his grasp. I feel this with regard to myself; and oh, that I always may have a keen perception of it! The least prosperity or partidpation in happiness, as the world terms it, sets me mad after chasing the poor baubles, as if I had never known their deceitfulness and insufficiency. Does not this show the fallen nature of man in a glaring light?

‘I know the rigrht, and yet the wrong pttraae.’

Think not. Christian, that thou wilt be rid of sin until thou art rid of sin’s abode; for sin dwelleth within thee. But when thou hast left the dwelling-place behind, thon leavest the dweller also.”

Soon after penning the last paragraph Whitmore entered upon the fifteenth year of his age. Thus far we have traced remarkable maturity of judgment and growth in grace in one so yoxmg; and yet how shaded and retiring was his walk! And so the Lord often conceals from a Christian parent’s eye the work He is secretly and effectually carrying forward in the soul of His child, that prayer and faith may not relax, and that the work may appear manifestly and acknowledged as His own.

**Su7iday, Fehrtiary 24:th. — Truly does the world present a picture repulsive to every refined feeling. It is devoid of all sources of true happiness to its earnest seekers, and produces no end of evils, embittering the life of man, and ensnaring his heedless steps. It is a field of confdct between two opposite powers. The one winning his foes to his side by overwhelming love, and (abduing them into perfect snbmisfflon by the power of rresistible goodness; the other, enlisting his adherents vy the offer of false happiness, alloring them by feigned ileasnres, only to disappoint their hopes, and when life las spun out its last thread of existence to engolph ihem in eternal despair.’*

“7th. — What a study is life! Methinks if a man »roiild more particularly study himself, were he to turn n a searching, scrutinizing eye upon his own being, his sharacter, and powers, — not excluding the same observlace of the actions and character of his fellows, — or observing what is good and evil in others, we thereby lelp to form our own character, — I am persuaded (that By if my youthful sentiments and opinions can be at ill received) that more useful and practical knowledge HTOuld be obtained. It is said to have been a precept pf the stoical philosophy that, * man should never suffer 118 happiness to depend upon external circumstances.* aw, it is very evident, in my opinion, that the mind pf every human being must be affected by outward arents. True, the mind should be calm under all circumstances; but what man is there who, at the height li honour or at the brink of ruin, remains in stoical deedlessness of his position — careless of his state? His mind, if in a sound condition, must pulsate with delight ir despair. But after all, however prosperous outward nrcumstances may be, the mind can never reach its 3rime xmtil sanctified by the grace of God, and fitted by 5im to enjoy a blissful eternity.”

‘* March 16th. — I feel I cannot transcribe my thoughts »-day with any other commencement than expressing how much I have seen and felt of the extreme vileneaB of human nature. Oh, how much have I seen in myself that haa caused me pain and grief! Oh, how great the struggle between the old man and the new. What a wretched world it is! How it ensnares, and allures, and taunts, and disappoints! I am persuaded that a Christian cannot remain in worldly company, or “be engaged in anything worldly, without his heayenlymindedness heing damaged, and his holy feelings and resolutions heing vitiated and weakened. And yet what a privilege to he a Christian! Christ’s unchanging love and tenderness scatter all the gloomy mists and dark clouds of our pilgrimage, and gladden the drooping spirit. Cheer up, tried and tempted Christian! A blissful eternity will make up for all the crosses and trials, the bitters and woes of the present. Then shall real happiness dawn upon your spirit, warming and delighting your soul through eternity. Strive not for the world’s smiles — they are deceitfuL And fear not its scorn while God snules upon you.”

It is the remark of a celebrated French writer that, * rare as is true love, true friendship is still rarer.’* Horace would seem to embody the same idea thus rendered, —

* Wiee were the kings who never chose a friend. Till with full cups they had unmasked his soul. And seen the bottom of his deepest thoughts.*

Whitmore was early schooled in this truth.

* La Bochefoucauld.

His joung heart, warm, imsnspicions, and confiding, had been begoiled into some friendships, but to be chilled by their fickleness and wonnded by their treachery. Bnt the * broken cistern’ only drove him the closer to the Infinite Fountain — * the Friend uiho loves at all times ’ — and it were worth all the pain his sensitive feelings endured to be brought into the rich experience thus detailed: —

*’29th, — What a changeful world is this, and what changeable creatures are we! Oh, how have I seen this in myself and in others! Friends whom I have most trusted have suddenly grown cold and indifferent, freezing my affections by their unfaithfulness and wavering. But, oh, has not this some end? Methinks I see it. The world’s charms have too much allured my gaze from Jesus and fixed it upon its empty bubbles. And was not this sent to deaden my affections to the world, and fix them upon something more substantial? O yes, it was all for my good. This bewitching world, these alluring pleasures, how they ensnare! O God, keep me from their power. May I be weaned from them, and attracted to Jesus, finding the centre of my happiness in leaning in sweet repose upon His bosom who never changes nor forsakes those who put their trust in Him.’^

“Sept. I6th, Friday, — How sweet is a calm after the tempest! It would not do for us were it always smooth. The little roughness of the way increases the pleasantness of the calm. How Uttle do we value a blessing until it is taken from us; and yet how unconcerned and lifeless we are until stirred up by adverse circum* stances. And O how should we value every chastisement we receive! We sometimes envy the wicked because they seem to go on sinning, and yet unpunished. Did we but realize that it is a Father’s hand that is guiding us, and that it ia because He loves and cares for us that He chastises us. The ungodly He leaves to themselves until their eternal pimishment but He watches over His children with the eye of a father, and all that He does ia for their good now and hereafter. O what a blessing to be one of His children, to have such a Protector, such a Friend! He is worth all the dearest friends the world can produce. And O that I could profess Him openly before the world I But my way seems hedged up on all sides. But I still wait upon the Lord. My outward conduct seems so totally different to what a true Christian’s ought to be. I believe others think so too, who would consider my profession of Christ as merely a profession. But thank Grod, their opinion has nothing to do with my salvation. I know this, that my Kedeemer liveth, and I love Him.”

‘’Sept, 4th, — How true is the Bible! Consistent in the very letter with all the wonder-workings of God. How readily does the daily experience of the Christian bring this truth before his mind. It requires no intruder to test its veracity. The daily occurrences which cross our path illustrate it with brightest colours. The believer’s life, though short and passing as a vapour, is eventful of circumstances of the greatest moment. It is a period allotted to him to prepare for another world; nd oh, what a blessed thought that there is another jid a better world! We shall soon quit our present kbode, full of sin and full of sorrow, changeful as the irind. Friends change, circumstances chan, age changes; soon the bright and joyous childhood of our fouth begins to taste the bittei of life, and his frank md happy brow becomes wrinkled with anxiety and saxe; age creeps on, and we apparently are insensible af it. But soon it will be over, and a happy eternity follows. The Christian has his happiness to anticipate, the sinner his eternal misery to look forward to. Oh, It is better to be at the disposal of Grod than at any moment to have the full control of ourselves!”

Again do his views of heaven seem prophetio! Although his young bark had scarcely touched fche waters on which it was to course its way ihrongh Hfe’s storms, he seems by the exercise of a vivid faith to have canght sight of the celestial harbour, and to have kept it full in view until the Lord gave him the ‘’abundant entrance.” The idea of a brief life — of the soul’s ecstasy on finding itself in a moment in heaven — seemed familiar and pleasant to his mind. Indeed, it would appear that the thought of dying was far more pleasing and attractive than the thought of living. Happy youth, whose treasure is in the skies, and in whose heart there is more of heaven than of earth!

“Tuesday, nth, — If there are two things that will more Ml us with wonder and amazement when we arrive at home than another, it will be, first, that we ever got there; and second, the vast difference of the world we have left to the one we shall then enjoy! Ok, what will be the ecstasy of that moment when we find ourselves in heaven! And yet we are so mad and so blind as to fear to die, still clinging to this poor world. Sometimes I wish I were from it, and in solitude look forward and enjoy the anticipation of a better state. Oh, if this should ever meet the eye of an afflicted child of God, whatever may be your trials, dry up those imtimely tears, brighten up that saddened countenance, and look forward with the confident and blessed assurance of an eternity of bliss. Your thoughts of affliction are not as God’s thoughts. If your limited comprehension cannot take in the wisdom of all His plans with regard to you — what you deem most untoward, God regarding as most propitious — yet thank Him, if He is weaning you from this poor world, although the means He uses may appear to you most grievous. So infectious is the world, so bright and ensnaring, yet in reality so delusive, that before you are aware, it will arrest your glance, steal upon your affections, and so deaden your spirituality and communion with God, and thus call for some gentle chastening of your heavenly Father to bring you back again to His bosom. Look not for happiness in anything connected with the world. I, as a youth, have done so, and have been disappointed. There is no pleasure of any description, I am fully persuaded, that is not accompanied with some bitter. God has wisely ordained that Christians in general should partake but Little of this world’s enjoyments, that they may not make the world their home, but that, all their thoughts taken up with Christ, their eyes may be blind to its pleasures and enjoyments.”

Whitmore Winslow was a beautiful illnstration of the * Earnest Student.’ Nothing more clearly indicated this than the intense anxiety with which, as we have already seen, he anticipated his annnal school examination. He was ambitions of standing well. His preparation for the exciting ordeal was not ’ got up ’ for the occasion, but entered deeply into the whole course of the year’s studies. While other boys might he seen loitering in the college cloisters, or engaged in gymnastic exercises in the playground, or indulging in a game of field-cricket, he would be at home poring over hooks. The prizes which each year attested his success remain as sad but precious relics of his industry. But so completely did he veil his anxiety on these occasions from every eye but God’s, that we knew nothing of its existence, until he had passed away beyond the wavelets that then rufQed his young and gentle spirit. The following is the next entry in his journal. Oh that every student entered upon a like engagement in a spirit equally as self-scrutinising and devotional!

D” Written a little before my examination, Christmas, 1850.

O Lord, my trembling heart I bring.

And lay it at Thy fleet;
On Thee my burden would I fling.

For what canst Thon not meet P

‘’Oh! what half-and-half Christians we are in the present day, the very best of us! People are talking of the incursions of Popery, and of the insidiousness of Tractarianism, and are so carried away by the extraordinary and general excitement as almost to forget that they have immortal souls, the interests of which are of more infinite moment than the appearance of the papacy, or of any other calamity. What enemy withoat can be so alarming as the foe within? The religion of God has to do with the heart, whatever may be the sect to which a man belongs. In the matter of his salvation he has not to do with churches, or with opinions, or with creeds, but with God. True religion consists not in notions, forms, or outward profession. These can avail a man but little when he is laid upon a dying bed, and is about to appear before God, when the great question will be, not to what sect or church he belonged, but how he, a vile and fallen sinner, can be justified before God? Many a Protestant, as well as Roman Catholic, will fail to answer this question on that day. And no sect, or church, or religion, can possibly be honouring to God which sets aside Christ and His atonement, and lays its foundations in wretched sell But I have rather wandered from my original reflections. I have been hard at work for the examination at college; but, as it regards myself, stand a poor chance of gaming many prizes, if any. But, then, my anxiety vanishes directly when I turn from my insufficiency to rely upon Grod’s power. This passage has struck me exceedingly, ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding,^ Oh, for real trust! not half-and-half, not merely a hope, but a real trust. O this is the charm that lightens a heavy heart! What a true source of safety, then, is Deity; and what a sandy f oimdation is anything short of it! Hence I am to trust with all my heart — not a part of it — that won’t do — but with all, And it is because we only trust the Lord partially, that He does not answer our prayers to the veiy letter. O what sinful mortals we are; and what an inexhaustible mine is the Word of Grod! There is meaning in every syllable.” Dec 4:th. — When is affliction sweet? When can we thank God for it? When it brings us near to Jesu» — when it fixes our wandering thoughts and desires upon One that is mighty — mighty not only to save, but to make us happy in this dark vale of tears. Oh, it compensates us for all the humblings and disappointments which we may experience.

‘Sweet affliction,
That brings Jesus to my soul.’

A glimpse of Jestis is a little heaven below. Who would not part with the world’s honours, reputation, or wealth, to gain it? And yet we are so prone to fix our affections upon these poor baubles which must soon pass away. Happy is he whose lot is cast with the tried, the poor, the humble of Christ’s flock, for there Jesus abides.**

Hope deferred is not hope lost. When Gbd loosens our attachment to a particular object, or so blends our will with His as cheerfiillj to relinquish all desire for its possession. He then often bestows the blessing unexpectedly. This was Whitmore’s experience respecting the result of his examination. Just when he was the best prepared for disappointment — his heart scarcely cherishing the desire for success — the honour is awarded! The prize which was presented to him on this occasion with a characteristic address, by the venerable and beloved Rev. Dr. Marsh, he thus briefly records: —

“Saturday, 7th, — All I can record to-day is, that I am overwhelmed with innumerable blessings, undeserved, and I was going to say, unexpected. The Lord has helped me in my examination. I should have failed if left to myself. ‘Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name,*”

Few spiritual minds, as they glance through the preceding extracts from Whitmore’s private memoranda — exhibiting, as they do, so deep an insight into his own heart, so close a study of God’s word, so clear an apprehension of the way of salvation by faith, in the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesns — but will find it difficult to resist the conviction of his real, though concealed, conversion. That, in the words of Christ to his disciples, “flesh and blood had not revealed these things to him, hut his Father m heaven” will not admit of a doubt. The precious grace-buddings, the first fragrant spring-flowerets of holiness just shooting forth in his soul, are not indigenous to the natural heart. Out of man’s heart, in its unrenewed state, flows nothing but evil; and if there is aught of true holiness there, — one real spiritual feeling of penitence, or throb of life, or thought of God, or desire for Christ — it is the divine product of the Holy Ghost, and forms the first sheaf of a golden harvest of grace and glory. But while thus walking in daily communion with his own heart, and in close fellowship with Otodj Whitmore had not publicly avowed his faith in, and his attachment to, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a” disciple of Christ, hut secretly for fear,’* not of man, but of self-deception. And yet that he was not without the inward witness of the Holy Spirit testifying to his spiritual change, would appear from his recorded thoughts. His own views of his religious condition at this time may be gathered from a letter addressed to a dear

Christian friend, who had shown a deep and prayerful interest in his spiritual welfare, and to whom, in the confiding affection of his hearfc, he had iinyeiled his most sacred feelings. She had presented him with a work entitled “Hints for the Earnest Student,”* — a book admirably adapted for nsefnlness to yoong men in his position, and which cannot be too strongly recommended, — accompanied by the following spirit-stirring lines: —

TO DBAEBBT WHTTMORB.

‘* Youthfal soldier of the Cross,
Fear not to confess thy Lord;
In the midst of shame and loss.
He will be thy great reward.

*’ With thy Captain still in view
Throngh the thickest of the fight.
Thou Shalt all thy foes subdue.
More than conqu’ror by His might.

“All the noble and the brave
Are enlisted in this strife;
‘Tis a min*d world to save,
‘Tis to gain the crown of life!

“Grasp the sword — the helmet wear.
Let the shield around thee spread;
Hence with willing feet prepare
Truth’s sublimest heights to tread.

* “Hints for the Earnest Student, edited by Mrs. William Fison.” — Seeleys.

POETIC ADDRESS — RESPONSE. 55

“Onwards, apwards, never cease.
Till the realms of bliss are won;
And the Ghpd of lore and peace
Bid thee welcome in His Son.”

This yalned gift he thus acknowledges in terms which at once reveal his own spiritual feelings, while they record his grated ajupreciation of the kindness.

“My dear Mrs. R., — Many thanks for the book and note which you so kindly sent me. I write this little note to thank you, because I am so occupied at school, and in preparing lessons at home, that I may not have an opportimity of calling upon you. You say you hope

I have some concern for my souL Dear Mrs. R, I

trust I have, and that Jesus is concerned for it too; and I have reason to believe that I never should have been concerned about it if He had not prompted the desire; and this thought, in many a troubled hour, has given

me peace and joy. Dear Mrs. R, think not that I rest

in the opinions or wishes of others — at least I hope I do not; for what can they do for me? I hope I have learned this lesson, for once I thought I was safe for heaven, because had intimations that others thought me so. But, thank God, I was led to examine my own heart, and daily did I observe sin still there, and all my hopes vanished. I then constantly prayed; and I cannot tell you when, but by reading the Bible and trusting my faith in its promises, I then could rejoice in my Saviour; and then I determined to ask for no opinion of man, but hold my tongue lest I might again be deceived. And, oh, what secret, but sweet communion have I had with my Saviour time after time! A sermon dear papa preached some time ago upon ‘Christ’s hidden ones * gave me sweet joy; for I had the inward conviction, which I knew no human being could have given me, because I told it to no one, that I was one of

* Christ’s hidden ones.’ And oh, dear Mrs. R, it has

been the staff of my life ever since; and in every trial — for the young have trials as well as the old — I have found a sure refuge in my Saviour. I have ventured to write this to you, as you seem so anxious for my best

interests. And now, dear Mrs. R, I must remain

your affectionate friend,

“J. Whitmore Winslow.”

May we not appropriately close this chapter of his “Memorial “with an ascription of praise and thanksgiving to Him who had placed His secret seal upon this dear child as His own, and whose hidden adoption into the family of God cannot admit of a doubt.” This also cometh from the Lord of hosts, who is wonderful in cov/nsel, and excellent m working.*^