countenance, in those weeping eyes! Hark, hear how earnestly, how pathetically he begs, prays, and beseeches them? He pleads for his father's sake, for his own sake, for their sake, for the Lord's sake; but he pleads in vain, their hearts are stone, they will not hear. Can they bear that last agonising look? Can they see him dragged away to the Egyptian slave-market, and sold as if he were an article of merchandise? Yes, oh, yes, envy can bear anything. "Who can stand before envy ??? "Jealousy is cruel as the grave." Poor young man, how we pity thee. Cruel brothers, how we blame you. But we must not be too severe, our hearts are made of the same material, were cast in the same mould, and, under similar circumstances, would have acted the same part. This is enough to humble us. But does it?

Joseph is now in Egypt, a slave, and yet, by force of character, raised to comfortable circumstances. He is tolerably happy, except when he thinks of home, or when he goes over past scenes again in his own mind. Some of his solitary hours are very sad. But the Lord is with him-unspeakable mercy this. Now Satan is laying a snare for him; the Lord will allow him to be tested again. "The Lord trieth the righteous." They will bear trying, and improve by it. His mistress is lascivious,—she is smitten with his beautiful person, she tempts him to commit a crime. He resists. She pursues him with her solicitations. What a fearful furnace! What a struggle! But he fears God, he hates sin,-a principle of holiness rules in his heart. He shuns the temptation with honour. He flees from it full of alarm, exclaiming, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God ?" Admirable youth! Thy conduct is noble. Thou art a moral hero! But, see, he is arrested, he is condemned for the very crime which he refused to perpetrate, he is committed to prison, he is placed in irons: and the iron enters into his soul. How complicated are his thoughts. How confused his mind. How mysterious the providence of God. But his conscience is clear, his heart is at peace, a bright ray from his heavenly Father's countenance plays on his soul, and he is happier than his accuser or his judge. "The Lord was with Joseph;" he who had been with him in the palace of the prince, and will not forsake him in the prison. Still it is hard to suffer innocently, respecially for what one's soul abhors. Joseph was but man. He had flesh as well as spirit. The time of his imprisonment was long. There he was being educated for prosperity. He was being prepared and qualified to fill the second seat in Egypt, and to ride in the second chariot. "Before honour is humility." For six or seven years he is a prisoner; hope of release had almost expired. He once thought he had made a friend; but "the chief butler remembered not Joseph, but forgat him.” But God, who proceeds leisurely in accomplishing his wise and holy purposes, elevates him suddenly. "Out of prison he cometh to reign," Suddenly he finds that, instead of a prisoner, he is a prince; instead of dwelling in a prison-house, he inhabits a palace; Egypt bows before him, and Pharaoh delights to do him honour. This was his greatest trial. Nothing tests our principles like prosperity. Many a man has endured adversity for years, who could not withstand the injurious influence of prosperity for a few months. "As the fining-pot for silver, and the furnace for gold, so is a man to his praise. Now his dreams begin to be fulfilled. The thing" represented by them "was true, but the time appointed " before they were fulfilled “was long.” His brethren appear, they bow down before him; and now prudence was necessary. How wil he act? Act? like a man, a man of God, one who has learned, in whatsoever state he is, to honour God! He tries them, he discovers himself to them, he fully forgives them, he lovingly embraces them, he does all that a brother, and such a brother, could do for them. Excellent!

Mark, Joseph endured all these different trials with fortitude and courage. They were tests, and he stood them; they were purifying fires, and he passed patiently through them. He conquered the various archers who shot at him, and sorely grieved him, and hated him. He was crowned as a victor, not with laurel or bay, but with an unfading diadem. He gained a good report among the honourable of the earth. He obtained renown. He is presented as a model to you, to me, to every christian, especially to young men professing Christ. He says, "Keep thyself pure. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." God tries all his children; and, reader, if you are a child of God, he will try you. The hour of temptation will come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. He especially tries his favourites. Those whom he honours most, he tries most. Thus he prevents pride, silences boasting, displays his wisdom, and magnifies his grace. His benediction is pronounced upon all who are thus tried, and who endure their trial with christian fortitude and patience. And never let us forget this, that when he sends a trial, it is to bring us nearer to himself, to wean us from his creatures, that we may become more familiar with himself. He opens his bosom to receive the dove that is overtaken in the storm. He invites to his throne the believer that is exposed to temptations and trials. He tells us, 66 My grace is sufficient for you." He informs us that his "strength is made perfect in weakness." He calls to the weak, the timid, and the burdened, saying, "Come boldly to the throne of grace, that ye may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Tried young man, let not Satan persuade you that your trials are singular, or that your lot is peculiar; for "no temptation hath taken you, but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will with the temptation make a way for your escape, that you may be able to bear it." The Lord who was with Joseph, will be with you. The word of the Lord that tried him will try you. But you have nothing to fear while you trust in the gracious promises, walk by the holy precepts, seek for sufficient grace, and aim at the Lord's glory. Nothing can harm you but sin; nor can that, if you hate it, mourn over it, flee from it, and plead the blood of Jesus that it may be pardoned and subdued. Expect trials, for they will come, they are necessary for you; but expect to receive grace by which you may withstand and triumph over them. How many young men have fallen who never had Joseph's temptation, and how many will yet fall; and why? Because they indulge the flesh, yield to passion, trust in their own strength, and seek their own present gratification, before their future happiness and God's glory. In a world like this, it becomes us to walk cautiously, to watch narrowly, to pray fervently, and to keep close to the directions of God's most blessed word. One five minutes' indulgence in sin often brings months of sorrow, and sometimes embitters the whole of our after life. Had Joseph yielded to the base solicitations of his mistress, who can tell the distress, the disgrace, and the degradation, that would have been the result? Young people, let me exhort you to resist temptation. Flee the very appearance of evil. If you trifle with temptation to-day, it is more than probable that you will be overcome by temptation to-morrow. Yielding to sin is like the letting in of water; you know the commencement, but who can predict the disastrous close? "Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for your learning." Ancient saints are your lessons; you have their histories that you may avoid their mistakes and profit by their falls, and that you may copy their virtues and be stimulated by their rewards. Therefore, "be not slothful, but imitators of them who, through faith and patience, now inherit the promises."

Cheltenham.

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THE BEST BOOK, and the WAY TO ACT TOWARDS IT.

say,

BY THE REV. JOHN COX.

Do you think, dear reader, that when the Lord Jesus Christ was on earth he always spoke the truth? I suppose that you will be ready to "To be sure he did, and nothing else, for he was C THE TRUTH,' and he was full of truth."" But though he always spoke the truth, and important truth, yet we fear that most of those who heard his sermons and saw his miracles lived and died in their sins. He testified to those who crowded to hear his preaching, "Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life;" and, "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." I am afraid that this is the case with many who now hear the gospel. They do not go to Jesus; they have not life; and if they still remain at a distance from him, they must "die in their sins." Now, what advice did Jesus give those who were in these sad circumstances? He commanded them to "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES." To

you, in his name, we say, "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES." The reasons he assigned why they should do this were, "For in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they that testify of me." These reasons ought to be all-sufficient with you. If the Scriptures reveal eternal glory, and make known Jesus as the way thereto, and if only those who "search the Scriptures" will possess eternal life, or believe on the Saviour, surely it is true wisdom diligently to search them.

The term 66 Scriptures" means the divine writings, and they are owned to be so by all who call themselves christians. The Bible is the book of God. My object is to impress your minds with this thought, and to shew you how you ought to act toward it. You are aware that many millions of your fellow-creatures have not this book,-many who have it do not believe it, and many who possess it, and profess to believe it, do not act upon it. There are some who believe it, love it, receive the Saviour whom it reveals, seek the glory it makes known, and endeavour to do what it commands. These are the only wise and happy people in the world; and we wish you, my dear young reader, to be among the number, that of you may be said, "That from your youth you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you, wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus." Indy St Joas pili

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I said that the Bible is the book of God. It is a book written by God. Holy men, of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." These testimonies refer to the Old Testament, but they are also true of the New. When Moses came down from the Mount, he held in his hand two tables of stone, written with God's own finger; had any questioned him about this fact, and asked him for the proof, he would have pointed them to the holiness, Justice, and goodness of the law, and said, "Could any but a holy God gire a law so holy?" He could also have pointed to the mountain burning with fire, and to all the wonders they had lately seen. There are proofs equally clear that, the Bible is written by God's direction. All history proves it the nature of the truths revealed attests it. If any one con siders for a minute who they are that hate it, and who that love it, and also what wonders it does in saving and sanctifying sinners, he must conclude that it is, the book of God."lliw si bus blow old is anotad vab It is a book about God. It tells us what is his name and nature. His name is Love, and his nature Holiness. It reveals his purposes (and promises, which are most sublime and satisfying. It makes us acquainted with his dwelling places, testifying that his palaces are the highest heaven and the lowly heart. It shews us how this great and awful Being

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can become a fountain of blessedness to needy sinners, even through the death and intercession of his dear Son, and by the gracious drawings of the Holy Spirit.

It is a book which leads to God. It is given to enable us to think aright of God, to furnish us with arguments in drawing near to him,-to guide us in walking with him,-and to bring us at last to his presence and glory.

Such is the book of God: that most ancient, useful, interesting, sublime, and enduring book. It comes from God's heart of love. It will be found on "the great white throne." What shall we do with a book so full of tenderness, wisdom, holiness, and majesty? The Saviour, who is the great theme of the Scriptures, says, Search them. This means that you should read them, search into their meaning, compare one passage with another, and, in doing all this, earnestly ask for divine teaching.

Search the Scriptures to find a remedy for your diseases. You are the subject of a desperate malady, which, unless it is cured, will end in "the second death." In the Bible you will find the great Physician revealed; you may learn thence where he dwells, how you may go to him, and hear, for your encouragement, the testimony of thousands who were once as bad as you can be, who have found healing through his stripes, and life from his death.

Search them to find a treasure for the soul. Your soul cannot find satisfaction in that which is not suited to it. Its desires are vast, its duration eternal. You want infinite and eternal treasures,-the Bible reveals them, and invites you to partake of them (Prov. viii.). Act, therefore, like the merchantman-seek for pearls and not trifles. Like him, too, "part with everything for the pearl of great price." He only is really rich who possesseth what death cannot take away, and what God esteems valuable. The mines of earth yield not such treasures as these; to gain them you must dig in the mines of truth.

Search the Scriptures to find the way to heaven, and a sure guide thither. In the Bible that way is laid down plainly, and that guide is positively promised. It tells you that you must come to the Cross of Jesus, walk in the way of holiness, lodge in the palaces of Zion, tread the road of selfedenial and conflict. It warns you of temptation, promises you assistance, and teaches you to cry at every step, "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me;" Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe."

Search the Scriptures to find a friend who will be faithful through life, and stand by you in the day of judgment. Jesus is that friend. He is faithful, tender, wise, rich, and communicative. He will tell you of your failings, your enemies' malice, your Father's love, and his own designs. He will stand by your dying pillow" mighty to save," and own you in the day of God.m

Such are some of the objects for which you should search the Scriptures. Search them constantly, diligently, prayerfully. Search them as the botanist does the fields for herbs and curious plants,—as the astronomer does the

earches the man edicinalabas the astr

to make discoveries, as the expectant relative does the will for riches. To neglect to do this is to disobey God, who has c commanded" you to do boy it is the sure way to lose heaven, and find eternal woe. If You neglect to search the Scriptures, your neglect will be proclaimhelf another seen a Bibler bne be bet day before all the world, and it will then better for you if you had never

buDoes any one ask, How may I know whether I have searched the Scriptares aright? I reply. If you have really and rightly searched them, they have searched you. God's word is compared to fight and fire. When it enters the mind, it discovers, alarms, convicts, and Humbles. Sinners are

then brought into God's presence, and God is brought into their hearts. Thus the Scriptures will not only search, but sanctify and bless. He who said, "Search the Scriptures," prayed to his heavenly Father, "Sanctify them through thy truth." Have you prayed thus for yourself? If the Bible has led you to Jesus, and made you hate sin and love holiness, it has made you wise unto salvation, and you have not searched it in vain. Woolwich.

PLURALITY OF TEACHERS.

This subject has been supposed to be very closely connected with that of a Special Education for the ministry, with what has assumed for some years the form and name of a College System. Whether our present plan of boarding and lodging our students under one roof be advisable or not, is unimportant to the main question. That question is, Will the instruction of our Churches, and the teaching of Christianity to such congregations as we collect on the Lord's day, be best carried on by the help of special instruction for the ministry or not? We are inclined to think that special instruction, in "unrestricted competition" with selfinstruction, is, on the whole, best for our age and circumstances. Of course we suppose, of both classes of teachers, that they have received that Heavenly Wisdom, without which no human aid can form a christian teacher at all.

There is, beyond doubt, knowledge specially relating to the interpretation of the Divine Oracles, and knowledge relating to the evil and good developments of the christian church for eighteen hundred years, which is very valuable to a teacher of Christianity, and which no merely worldly or literary seminary adequately imparts. There is, moreover, a conception of orderly arrangement of thoughts, and good taste in expression, which few acquire without some aid. The most uneducated hearer feels the advantage of learning from those who possess it, and it is, therefore, desirable to facilitate its acquisition. We need not, however, enlarge on this subject. What we chiefly desire briefly to point out is, that self-education for the service of the gospel, and special education for it, mutually check each other. The self-educated have the fullest scope. No man can, we believe no man does even wish, to forbid them. We believe that the specially educated rejoice in every instance of the success of their self-trained brethren. It may be, it probably is the case, that the existence of educated teachers somewhat raises the standard of what is expected from a teacher, and thus renders those who should not be so backward to do what they can. Still this only shews that on the whole the higher order of instruction is desired. As few now will trust, in medicine and law, those who have not had the appropriate training, so it would seem few are disposed to confide public instruction in religion to those who have not acquired the appropriate knowledge.

It may be said that special instruction is more needed in law and physic. That the English bible, christian experience, and good sense, may make any man who has the gift of speaking, a good teacher. True; yet the knowledge we adverted to at the commencement, and a little other discipline, might make even him a better one; and may qualify numbers to become teachers, who without such aid must have buried their talent in a napkin." "We do not notice just now the serious defects incident to a bad use of good training, nor those incident to having no training at all. It might only appear invidious. Suffice it to say, that as the ablest professional greatest knave, so may the most highly qualified teacher

VELRHE-NIDO man may test Pharisee and priest. We

the