LETTER FROM A YOUTH IN PRISON. MR. EDITOR, THE following letter is the genuine composition of one of those unfortunate men who have so much disturbed their country by machine breaking and other acts of violence. This letter was addressed to the clergyman of the parish to which this young man belonged, (against whom much violence had been threatened by the mob, but happily prevented). The writer had been remarked as one of the best boys in the National School, as long as he continued in it; had lived in the clergyman's service, and, until the unhappy disturbances began, had always been considered as a very steady quiet character. Rev. Sir--I hope you will excuse my taking the liberty of writing to you. But, I think it my duty in particular to offer you my humble thanks for the favour you shewed me in speaking so well for me at the time of my trial, (not forgetting former favours ;) and I am sorry to say, if you accuse me of neglect in not doing it sooner, you will not do so without a reason. But it is hard to get an opportunity of writing without being interrupted, when among so many as I have been among until very lately; when six of us was taken from among the rest (being too thick) and put in the female debtors' side, namely, me and my brother who thank you very kindly for what you have done for them, and also what you have done for their families. We beg that you will caution those who are out to do no mischief in any way whatever, because of our being punished, (as we have heard has been the case in some places) or to owe any spite to any one, for we blame no one but ourselves. We are quite aware it was through our own misconduct; but, like too many * But we could not see the consequence till too late. we hope, through the blessing of God, to be able to wear through it with patience. We are as comfortable at present, as we can expect to be in the situation we are in; but we are very thankful for what you have done for us. We humbly beg excuse for the liberty we have taken in writing to you, and trust your pardon for any offence. We remain your humble servants, J. C. &c. PSALM XIV. MOST Commentators agree in referring this Psalm to the conspiracy and rebellion of Absalom, and the revolt of the great majority of the children of Israel from David, their heaven-anointed king. "Be this as it may," observes an eminent writer on the Psalms, "the expressions are general, and evidently designed to extend beyond a private interpretation +." If it be borne in mind that David was a type, as well as the progenitor of the Messiah, a rebellion of the great majority of the Israelites against him, would prefigure a rebellion against Christ and his Gospel. The defection of the ten tribes under Jeroboam, who misled them into idolatry, admits of a similar interpretation; the smaller number in general adhered to the lawful king; and when the Messiah himself came, the majority rejected him and the Gospel. The Psalm, therefore, may be regarded as foreshewing the principles and practices of those who oppose the true religion and reject the Messiah in all ages. Q. What does the first verse declare ? A. That a denial of the power of God, or a departure from him, produces every evil and abominable work. * Imprisonment and hard labour for various terms. The writer for two years. + Horne on the Psalms, i. 69. Q. What is meant by the fool in this verse? A. One whose understanding is so perverted as to prevent him from judging aright: though God is every where, and though his power is to be seen in all his works, yet this person cannot see it. Q. What is declared in the second, third, and fourth verses? A. That at the times to which the Psalmist points, forgetfulness of God had produced its natural fruits, universal corruption of morals; and it ever will do so. Observe, the fifth, sixth, and seventh verses (in the prayer-book version) further describe the false doctrines by which the persons alluded to would poison the minds of God's people, and cause them to turn aside from the truth: they foretel the persecutions of the faithful remnant that adhered to God. These verses are not in the Hebrew, though they are in some copies of the translation of the Seventy. The Apostle St. Paul, who quotes them, appears to have taken them from different parts of Scripture. See Psalm ix. 10; Jerem. v. 16; Psalm x. 7; Prov. i. 16; Isa. lix. 7, 8; Psalm xxxvi. 1. Q. Who are meant by God's people in the eighth verse? A. The remnant of the true Israelites, whom the opposers of God wish wholly to devour and destroy. Q. What is the meaning of the ninth verse? A. If the parallel passage in Psalm liii. 5. be consulted, the most natural interpretation seems, that the enemies of the truth should at last be smitten with a sudden fear from God, be disappointed of their expectations, and be finally broken to pieces and destroyed. Q. What is the meaning of the tenth verse? A. That the adversaries of the truth delight in reproaching the righteous, who put their confidence in God. Q. What does the eleventh verse express? A. The earnest desire of the Israel of God that the · predicted day of their salvation were arrived, and their final redemption from every enemy, both spiritual and temporal, fully accomplished. C. K. To the Editor of the Cottager's Monthly Visitor. SIR, YOUR little volume is always open to any hints for the relief or comfort of the poor; and being a favourite not only with the cottager, but with the clergy and many of the higher ranks, the following suggestion may be the means of promoting the good cause of Christian charity in one of its best forms, viz. that of aiding the efforts of the honest and industrious, in providing for their own wants. * The plan is to establish "Coal Clubs;" to which the labourers may be allowed to pay ninepence per week from Ladyday to Michaelmas, when work is more abundant, and their incomes consequently greater: the payments will amount to 19s. 6d.; and if a little subscription can be raised among the more wealthy, and the farmers be induced to bring the coals carriage free, (which they generally will do) when they return with their empty carts from the market town; this sum will provide nearly a bushel and a half of coals per week during the three winter months, even in those parts where coals are dear; and two bushels, or even more, where they can be had on more reasonable terms. By this means the labourer will gain much comfort for himself and his family; he will be relieved from the sore temptation of countenancing or encouraging his wife and children in the sin of wood stealing; and at the same time have all his winter earnings for the supply of his other necessities. I remain, Sir, Your faithful servant, and well-wisher, Aston, Feb. 25. The Editor is sorry that the above letter did not arrive till after the March number was printed. ON CHURCH GOING. THE following sentiments are Bishop Dehon's, and were sent to us by a nameless correspondent. Some will perhaps think and say that they learn nothing new when they go to church. But are any so perfect as never to need to be reminded of their duty, nor prompted to the discharge of it? Can their hearts be right, who have so little relish for the truths of the Gospel, that it is tedious to them to hear them repeated? If God have given to any a knowledge of the whole counsel of his will, is not this an additional reason, why they should conform to it, and magnify him in the assembly of the saints? The example of every one is claimed by religion for the benefit of others, even if his time could be spent as advantageously to himself at home: and those whose religious attainments have been really great do generally shew it, by exhibiting this example. Reflect too, that you have sinned against the Almighty, and have need of his pardon; that you have been created, redeemed, and are daily preserved by him, and owe him your adoration and praise? Preaching is an important part of the business of the sanctuary: prayer is more so. Let sober reflection be indulged for a minute and you will readily perceive, that the leading object when we go into the tabernacles of God should be to worship at his footstool. V. ON THE LORD'S SUPPER. (Continued from p. 102, Vol. XI.) Part V. Shewing the sacred pleasure to be experienced in obeying the command of Christ, "This do in remembrance of me." HAVING shewn you that it is your duty to receive the |