presence of the departed teacher would forcibly recall his words at the last interview, when the warning, "solemn, but not severe," and the parting blessing, were given. And why, we would ask, do we sometimes hear of a revival at a Missionary station, soon after the death of one of the most active labourers? We were ready to conclude that the day of grace was over for that benighted spot; and yet the Lord seems to care for it, and shine upon it still. Alas for China! we said in our short-sightedness, when Morrison was called to his rest;-but behold the interest that has been awakened for that country since his departure! it may have been esteemed the mere impulse of a moment, a spark that shall expire, but "The inextinguishable flame and shall for ever burn." We will venture to say, that his death will prove the life of the enterprise, and that it is now his happiness to carry forward, on a far superior scale, and with increased powers of action, the work he loved. It may, however, be objected to the theory we advance, that the continuance of such an interest in the world above, would involve a knowledge of the sins and sorrows of earth, to a degree that would impede unmingled enjoyment. To this we would answer, that the objection would apply as well to the ministry of angels, who, if they encamp around the saints, must. be the continual witnesses of their infirmities and want of faith; though less able to sympathize with either, than the blessed spirits of the departed. Many were the anxieties and watchings of the Missionary for his heathen charge-"in labours more abundant,” in “perils” of many kinds, "in deaths oft;" and yet all this he has counted joy for the sake of his Master; and now, in a state of purity and bliss, he will partake of the Saviour's felicity, rejoicing over His people, and "resting in His love." If it be urged, that it would distress the spirit of a departed Missionary, to be a witness of pagan superstition, (which he must be, if still concerned for the work he has left,)—we would reply, that he no longer gazes on the sad scene with the eye of faith merely, but it is his privilege to view the kingdoms of this world, as they will be, when they become "the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ." While those yet in the body, trust and wait for the Lord's appearing, he realizes the fact, that, supreme over all evil, Jesus "reigns for ever and ever." Nor will the troubles of his toiling brethren affect his comfort, for it will be his privilege to bestow upon them sympathy and encouragement; to be as the angels of God, meeting the tired pilgrim in the wilderness, and making it "the house of God, and the gate of heaven." With the immortal "chariots and horses of fire," "* he will be sent to the aid of a persecuted brother, or he may be the happy messenger of his final deliverance from earth. These suggestions are offered for the consolation of Missionaries. When they are bound down by sickness or infirmity, they must not despondingly conclude, that because they have done so little for His glory, the Lord is about to remove them as unprofitable servants. No,-if He sees not fit to continue them in that sphere, He has prepared a higher station for them, and, like the portion of the host of Israel who first crossed the flood, they will look back with the deepest interest on those who are to follow their steps. Let survivors also receive comfort, in believing that they are not left alone, even as it regards creature help; their former * 2 Kings vi. 17. companions in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, are near them still, "doing many an unscen office of love," and strengthening their hands in the important work in which they were mutually engaged. And this, too, may be a solace to the little band of rescued souls, who mourn that "their master is taken from their head," -and fear lest they should be tempted to relapse into idolatry. Let them be taught, that there is no forgetfulness in Heaven; and as they were "the glory and joy" of the Missionary whilst present with them, the change of his state has not alienated, but increased his pastoral affection. Still his thoughts towards them are of tenderness and watchfulness, and the language of his spirit is, "Stand fast in the Lord, dearly beloved." They are not permitted to see him, lest they should trust in a creature, or invoke less than Divine aid. He has no might nor power of his own; he is but, as he was wont, a minister of good to their souls; but it is his delight to be the promoter of their spiritual welfare, and to view them as the jewels which shall adorn his crown for ever. "On! champions blest! in Jesu's name, Short be your strife, your triumph full Ye soar those elder saints to meet, Z. CHRIST, THE PURIFIER. BY JAMES MONTGOMERY. THE following story (I know not on what authority) is abroad in the religious world :-Some ladies in Dublin, who met together, from time to time, at each other's houses, to read the Scriptures, and to make them the subjects of profitable conversation; when they came to the third chapter of the prophecy of Malachi, had some discussion over the second and third verses, respecting the method of purifying the precious metals. As none of the company knew anything about the process, one undertook to inquire of a silversmith, with whom she was acquainted, how it was effected, and, particularly, what was the business of the refiner himself, during the operation. Without explaining her motive, she accordingly went to her friend, and asked him how the silver was cleared from any dross with which it might have been mixed. He promptly explained to her the manner of doing this. "But," said the inquirer, "do you sit, sir, at the work ?" "Oh, yes," he replied; "for I must keep my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, since, if the silver remain too long under the intense heat, it is sure to be damaged." She at once saw the beauty and propriety of the image employed, "He shall sit as a refiner of silver;" and the moral of the illustration was equally obvious. As the lady was returning with the information to her expecting companions, the silversmith called her back, and said that he had forgotten to mention one thing of importance, which was, that he only knew the exact instant when the purifying process was complete, by then seeing his own countenance in it. Again the spiritual meaning shone forth through the beautiful veil of the letter. When God sees his own image in his people, the work of sanctification is complete. It may be added, that the metal continues in a state of agitation till all the impurities are thrown off, and then it becomes quite still; a circumstance which heightens the exquisite analogy in this case; for O how "Sweet to lie passive in his hand, And know no will but his." The subject was embodied in the following stanzas, at the urgent request of a friend, who, with her young family, was about to leave her native country, and settle in a distant part of the globe; but the writer's mind had received the first ineffaceable impression of the similitude and the inference, in the year 1832, from the lips of another dear friend, when she was nearly in her last agony, who meekly applied it to herself and her afflictions, which had been long and excruciating, yet borne by her as such pains can alone be borne, in God's furnace and under his eye 66 HE SHALL SIT AS A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER." Mal. iii. 3. He that from dross would win the precious ore, Bends o'er the crucible an earnest eye, Lest the one brilliant moment should pass by, Thus in God's furnace are his people tried; But who the fiery trial may abide ?— Who from the crucible come forth so pure, |