On the Happiness of Heaven. 279 secures such exertions, and that from a principle of love and gratitude for mercies received: in truth, no one can be a real believer who is not using his own exertions, and labouring in the work of the Lord :and the Holy Spirit of God gives his help to every sincere believer, in answer to his prayers:-but this holiness of heart and earnestness of purpose is the work of the Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier:-and we lose a great source of comfort when we seek to mix this with the work of redemption, which is complete without it. E. S. We confess that we expected some such observation to be made on the expression alluded to in C. R.'s letter:-we had considered the expression, and, after such consideration, thought that it ought to stand, for certainly a man's own exertions are never to be put out of sight in reference to his everlasting prospects. Some excellent persons, in their desire to exalt the glory of God, and to set forth the fulness of the redemption mercifully wrought out for us, appear to be sometimes fearful of even mentioning man's works, lest they should seem to rest any portion of their hopes on human merit, instead of attributing all to Divine mercy. To speak or think of man's works as the grounds of his acceptance, would indeed be a grievous error: the work of redemption is wholly through Christ, and through his merits alone the sinner is redeemed, justified, pardoned. By the influence of the Holy Spirit he is to be sanctified, and, though this work is also of God's mercy, yet, whether the heart is in this state of sanctification is to be judged of by the desire that is seen to do the will of God, and to be engaged in his service. And though there is danger in confusing the means by which the sinner is pardoned, with the work of the Spirit in exciting the Christian to active exertion, yet there may also be danger where the views of the Christian scheme are not clear, of separating the expectation of happiness hereafter for "earnest endeavours" here. The sentence in C. R.'s letter alluded to, does not prove that there is an incorrectness of opinion. He says, "I have humbly hoped to find forgiveness, for the sake of my Saviour.' This expression speaks of nothing but a Saviour's merits as the ground of pardon. A person thus expressing himself, and really trusting for pardon wholly to Christ, might still feel strongly the necessity of his own endeavours in his progress to eternity: and indeed the Scriptures exhort us to use such endeavours. A perfect reliance on Christ is, however, the true way to find comfort, as it is the only way to acceptance; and this must be accompanied by earnest prayer for the help of the Holy Spirit to "put into our hearts good desires, and to enable us to bring the same to good effect." The "endeavours" of a true Christian, who seeks help from God, are from above, and will be blessed,-but we shall find no comfort, and no safety, in putting our trust in these, for they are so full of imperfection that they never can justify us in the sight of God, or satisfy our own desires. They will always accompany the Christian in his spiritual progress, and enable him to adorn the doctrine of his God and Saviour; whilst he pursues his course in the "strength of the Lord," and "makes mention of his righteousness only." V. ON REFORM. Ar a period when men's minds seem wholly occupied with the important subject of "Reform," the most sober-minded amongst us seem called upon to think of "Reform" also,-but with closer reference to ourselves. The word strikes home to all of us; and all must acknowledge its necessity. Whose life needs not reform? Whose heart needs not reform? "Oh that On Reform. 281 there were such a heart in us that we would fear God, and keep his commandments always, that it might be well with us, and with our children for ever * What an important reform is here placed before us! that of the heart and its affections; and if all of us hearkened thereto, how great would be the benefit. There is, however, no ordering the unruly wills and affections of sinful men, unless they will seek for Divine grace to enable them to subdue the evil within. "If we would strive for the mastery, we must strive lawfully †;" if we would be prepared for the arduous conflict, we must put on the whole armour of God, and fight with weapons which are not carnal, for in his own strength man cannot prevail; and whilst " some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses, we will remember the name of the Lord our God ‡.” "Therefore be ye not unwise," says the Apostle, "but understanding what the will of the Lord is §," and be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind;-by which we are plainly directed to true wisdom; for the knowledge of the Lord's will will enlighten our own wills, and the transforming influence of his holy Spirit shall renew our minds, which are by nature prone to evil. Here I would address a few words to those of my readers, whose station in life, especially requires of them obedience to the powers that be, by placing before them the simple but excellent reply of one in the same class, when asked by a gentleman what he thought of Reform-" Why, Sir," replied the poor man, "I do not disturb myself much about such matters, for I am not able to judge what is best :-but we pray, every Sunday, that God would be pleased to direct and prosper the consultations of the High Court of Parliament for the good of the country;-and so we will trust that they are directed to do that which is right." * Deut. vi. 29. Ps. xx. 7. † 2 Tim. ii. 5. Now, my friends, does not the plain good sense of this answer suggest to you many useful considerations? and not to you only, but also to those who have the rule over you. If all hearts are in God's disposal, assuredly they who rule, and they who obey, should look to him for guidance. Whilst the former are appointed to rule, think not that you remain inactive or useless, if you bear your part, by well-timed submission and prayer, for them and yourselves. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much *; and may the Lord grant us all grace to acquit ourselves, in his sight, according to the different stations to which he has seen fit to call us. Above all, let us hold in mind, that heart-reform is conducive to our best interests, -as men and as Christians, as statesmen and politicians: and whilst the political world resounds with the cry of "Reform and Election," may it prove as a stimulus to urge us onward in our Christian course, that our hearts and our lives may testify to our being the servants of the Most High God, and followers of Him who came to convince the world of sin, and point to the path of righteousness which he trod upon earth;-that path, upon which he has graciously promised to shed light," which shineth more and more unto perfect day," and which shall ensure unto such as are found walking therein, their final election to eternal life in Christ Jesus their Lord. May 12, 1831. A. F. N. FROM A VOLUME OF SACRED POETRY. WEEP not, though lonely and wild be thy path, There is One who can shield from the hurricane's wrath, * James v. 16. Loss of Lives. He is with thee, around thee, He lists to thy ery, Oh! follow it still through the darkness of night, It is not like the meteor of earth's fickle light, When the dreams of this world are all vanish'd away, Weep not, though none be around thee to love, And if griefs have exalted thy spirit above, Oh! say, wouldst thou wish for one less? He is with thee "whose favour" for ever" is life;" Oh! hush the vain wish, calm thy bosom's wild strife, May 5th, 1831. 283 C. S. R.. LOSS OF LIVES.-EXERTIONS OF THE ROYAL THE loss of those gallant naval officers Sir Joseph Yorke, Captain Bradby, and Captain Young, and of the seaman who attended them,-in consequence of the upsetting of their boat in the Southampton river, has been deeply felt by all who knew them. These officers all lived in the village of Hamble, and the poor inhabitants of the place, most of whom found their support in the employment, or by means of the expenditure of the families of these officers, are suffering great distress by their loss,-as all persons, who reflect, know that the loss or departure of a wealthy inhabitant of a parish is the cause of much suffering to the poor. On the day of the funeral of those officers and the seaman, a little boy was also buried, who lost his life suddenly, in consequence of getting a rope, by |