ness.

As the study of any book gives a bias to the mind, so the Bible, devoutly read and studied, becomes as a lamp, a light, a guide, a rule. It forms the mind and controls the actions; not as the stream turns the mill-wheel, nor as the sun and rain produce vegetation, but as it is understood, believed, and obeyed. It will also make him a good member of society; for in the Bible he will learn his relation to his fellow-creatures, to love his neighbour as himself, to obey them that have the rule over him; to be loyal to his sovereign, to render honour to whom honour is due, and to pay all just tribute and custom to the state with which he is connected. And if he wish for any change in the constitution or laws of the realm, he will learn to use peaceful means only to obtain it, and give obedience to just laws while they are the laws of his country.

Another result will be, to impress the mind with lofty and reverential conceptions of the character of God, as displayed in those histories of the Bible which manifest his power and justice; and to excite admiration and gratitude at the gentleness, forbearance, and compassion of Jehovah, exhibited in other scripture histories. The biographies of both profane and godly men, given in the sacred histories, are calculated to show the natural depravity of man, and to lead youths therefore to distrust their own hearts, which are ' deceitful above all things and desperately wicked;' and to trust in God alone for the light and strength they require through the peril ous pilgrimage of life.

III. Another object, already touched upon, is to promote practical regard for

IV. In fine, the senior class is established as an auxiliary to the ministry of the gospel. It is, perhaps more than any other agency, effectual, by the Spirit's blessing, in rousing, animating, and inspiring a thirst for religious truth, and in preparing youth for engaging in all that is useful and good. If we desire that the ministry of the word of God may have free course and be glorified,' we shall do well to direct attention to the youths of the land, and train them up in the fear of the Lord. The minis. ter, as a good sower, scatters the seeds over many minds, if perchance it may fall into good ground. Now, it is essential that the ground be well prepared. The mind of youth is active; it is not as yet rendered rock-like; but as the soft wax, it readily receives impressions, and, ere we are aware, a variety of prejudices are engendered which are not easily rooted out. For their removal, individual attentions are requisite; personal converse and free discussion, which would be out of place in pulpit discourses. In the senior class, the mind may be trained, prejudices removed, and desires awaken. ed for the enjoyment of divine things with the people of God. If these duties were more attended to, and a greater anxiety manifested that our youth might understand and feel the power of Scripture truth, we should hear of more conversions among them. Then would our sons be as plants grown up in their youth,' and our daughters as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. How glorious the means which conduct to such ends!

ANTONIO DALLA PAGLIA or, as he more generally called himself, Aonio Paleario, was born about the year 1500, at Veroli, in the Campagna di Roma. He studied under eminent masters, and was soon noticed as an accomplished scholar. He acquired the friendship of many of the learned of his age and country, and also of those dignified ecclesiastics whose religious views were esteemed the most moderate. Among these may be named the Cardinals Sadolet and Pole, who were thought-the last of them particularly to favour the Reformation.

After passing several years in Rome, Paleario removed to Sienna, where he married a lady, by whom he had two sons and two daughters. By the senate of Sienna he was appointed public teacher of Greek and Latin, and he also lectured on philosophy and the belles-lettres. His diligent study of the Scriptures, and of the works of the German divines, imbued his instructions with a spirit very different from the lectures of his colleagues; and this, while it gratified his pupils, provoked the anger of the authorities. Cardinal Sadolet represented to him the danger he incurred, and advised him to yield to the times, and at least clothe his notions in more cautious language. But such advice little suited the zealous mind of Paleario; and he continued to assert his opinions with the greatest freedom. His conduct was therefore watched, and every stratagem employed to fasten the crime of heresy upon him. Thus, because he had exposed the hypocrisy of an ecclesiastic assiduous in his prostrations at the shrine of a saint, while evading the payment of his debts, Paleario was represented as an impious wretch, who dishonoured the blessed saints. A remarkable proof is afforded, in one of his letters, of the real ground of opposition to him. 'Cotta,' says he, asserts that, if I am allowed to live, there will not be a vestige of

religion left in the city.-Why? Be cause, being asked one day, what was the first ground on which men should rest their salvation, Ireplied, "Christ!" Being asked what was the second, I replied, "Christ!" and, being asked what was the third, I still replied "Christ!"

The charges against him were brought to a point by the publication, in 1543, of his treatise of the 'Benefit of Christ's Death.' The vast reputation which it had, and the eagerness with which it was read, being in the Italian language, increased the virulence of his opponents. Otho Melius Cotta, above mentioned, was his most determined enemy; and with this person three hundred leagued themselves in a resolution to destroy Paleario. And, in order to insure his condemnation, twelve of these were selected to bear witness against him. He had, in consequence, to defend himself before the senate of Sienna, which he did with so much spirit, that for the moment his defence was successful.

There are some,' said he, 'so censorious as to be displeased when we give the highest praise to the author and God of our salvation, Christ the King of all nations and people. For writing in the Tuscan language, to shew what great benefits accrue to mankind from his death, a criminal accusation has been made against me. Is it possible to utter or conceive anything more shameful? I said that, since he in whom Divinity resided has poured out his life's blood so lovingly for our salvation, we ought not to doubt the good will of heaven, but may promise ourselves the greatest tranquillity and peace. I affirmed, agreeably to the most unquestionable monuments of antiquity, that those, who turn with their souls to Christ crucified, commit themselves to him by faith, acquiesce in the promises, and cleave with assured faith to him who cannot deceive, are delivered from all evil, and enjoy a full pardon of all

their sins. These things appear so grievous, so detestable, so execrable, to the twelve, I cannot call them men, but inhuman beasts, that they judged that the author should be committed to the flames. If I must undergo this punishment for the aforesaid testimony (for I deem it a testimony rather than a libel,) then, senators, nothing more happy can befall me. In such times as these I do not think a christian ought to die in his bed. To be accused, to be dragged to prison, to be scourged, to be hung up by the neck, to be sewed up in a sack, to be exposed to wild beasts, is little; let me be roasted before a fire, provided only the truth be brought to light by such

a death.'

Though disappointed for the time, Paleario's accusers were not inclined to let him rest; he was, therefore, soon after obliged to quit Sienna. Being invited by the senate of Lucca, he repaired to that city, were he taught, and acted on solemn occasions as orator to the republic. One of his former enemies, however, Machus, called Blaterone, (the Babbler)-followed him to this place, and, being anew confounded by the eloquence and noble bearing of Paleario, sought revenge on him through the Dominicans at Rome. But he had friends in the conclave, who for the present stifled the charges of his accuser.

The income of his post at Lucca appears to have been scarcely sufficient for the creditable maintenance of his family; and he had the trial of seeing his wife endure privations to which she had been unaccustomed. After remaining, therefore, for about ten years in his office he accepted a more advantageous proposal from the senate of Milan. This was to become professor of eloquence, with a liberal salary and various privileges; and here he might have expected to spend the remainder of his life. But the toils of the persecutors were now fast thickening around the reformer; and Paleario, after several years of peril, was just, in 1566, deliberating about a removal to Bologna, when, on the accession of Pius V. to the papal chair, the accusation against the author of 'The Benefit of Christ's Death,' was directed to be re-heard. He was then seized by the

inquisitor, Angelo di Cremona, conveyed to Rome, and committed a close prisoner to the Torre Nona.

The charges against him were disposed under the following four heads: That he denied purgatory; that he disapproved of the burial of the dead in churches, and preferred the ancient Roman mode of sepulture without the walls of the cities; that he ridiculed the monastic life; and, lastly, that he ascribed justification solely to faith in the mercy of God forgiving our sins through Jesus Christ. In his examinations he appears to have manifested great firmness. When questioned by the cardinals of the inquisition, he addressed them (it is an enemy who reports his words): Seeing that your eminences have So many credible witnesses against me, it is unnecessary for you to give yourselves or me longer trouble. I am resolved to act according to the advice of the blessed apostle Peter, when he says, "Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps, who did no evil, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, when he suffered he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."Proceed, then, to give judgment: pronounce sentence on Aonio, and thus gratify his adversaries, and fulfil your office. Judgment was given, and he was condemned, after three years' imprisonment, to be suspended on a gibbet, and his body to be committed to the flames; though according to some authorities, he was burned alive.

The Romanists, according to their frequent practice in such cases, pretended that Aonio was repentant, and died in the communion of their church. And there is a minute to this effect extant, which purports to be an official document of the Dominicans who at tended him in his last moments. But this assertion is refuted by an author, Laderchius, who drew his materials from the records of the inquisition, and who says, 'When it appeared that this son of Belial was obstinate and refractory, and could by no means be recovered from the darkness of error to the light of truth, he was deservedly delivered to the fire, that, after suffering its momentary pains here, ho might be found in everlasting flames

hereafter. Indeed, the last letters which Paleari wrote to his family on the morning of his death, sufficiently shew the falsity of the pretended recantation. They would, we may readily conclude, have expressed his contrition, had he felt any, for opposing the popish doctrines.-These letters to his wife and children are as follows:

'My dearest wife.-I would not wish that you should receive sorrow from my pleasure, nor ill from my good. The hour is now come when I must pass from this life to my Lord and Father, and God. I depart as joyfully as if I were going to the nuptials of the Son of the great King, which I have always prayed my Lord to grant me through his goodness and infinite mercy. Wherefore, my dearest wife, comfort yourself with the will of God and with my resignation, and attend to the desponding family which still survives, training them up, and preserv. ing them in the fear of God, and being to them both father and mother. I am now an old man of seventy years, and useless. Our children must provide for themselves by their virtue and industry, and lead an honourable life. God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with your spirit! Thy husband,

AONIO PALEARI.

ROME, July 3rd, 1570.

Lampridio and Fedro, beloved children,-These my very courteous lords do not abate in their kindness to me even at this extremity, and give me permission to write to you. It pleases God to call me to himself by this means, which may appear to you harsh and painful; but if you regard it properly, as happening with my full resignation and pleasure, you will acquiesce in the will of God, as you have hitherto done. Virtue and industry I leave you for a patrimony, along with the little property you already possess. I do not leave you in debt: many are always asking when they ought to give. You were freed more than eighteen years ago: you are not bound for my debts. If you are called upon to discharge them, have recourse to his excellency the duke, who will not see you wronged. I have requested from Luca Pridio an account of what is due to me, and what I am ow

ing. With the dowry of your mother, bring up your little sister as God shall give you grace. Salute Aspasia and sister Aonilla, my beloved daughters in the Lord. My hour approaches. The Spirit of God console and preserve you in his grace. Your father, AONIO PALEARI.'

ROME, July 3rd, 1570.

est wife, Marietta Paleari, and his beThe subscription was, To his dearloved sons, Lampridio and Fedro Paleari, at the hill of Valdenza, in the suburbs of St. Caterina.'

After these last farewells, he rendered up himself to the tormentors, and entered his eternal rest.

DYING HOURS OF SIR ALEXANDER CARMICHAEL,

OF SKIRLING.

The following article is from a ' Memorial' prepared by the Rev. Dr. Hanna, the biographer of Dr, Chalmers, and which appeared in the Free Church Magazine for Dec. last. The subject of the memorial was born in 1812, and died on the 8th. of May 1850.

with his sister's family, Sir Alexander EARLY in April, that he might be had gone to Brighton. On Sabbath, the 28th of that month, he was at church, complaining only of a slight cold, which exhibited no violent or dangerous symptoms; he had been out, however, for the last time. During the week which followed, his illness rapidly increased, severe bronchial inflammation having set in, extending at last to the lining membrane of the chest, and to the substance of the lungs. Towards the close of the week, great cerebral excitement showed itself, and the worst fears as to the issue were raised. Through the whole of the Sabbath, the 5th of May, the brain remained unaffected, and as the other dangerous symptoms had likewise abated, his medical attendant, Dr. Madden, who watched over him throughout with unwearied assiduity, felt considerably relieved, On Monday, however, the hopes thus cherished were disappointed, and it became but too evident that he could not long survive. On the evening of this day, his beloved brother William, the youngest