sigh, a heavenly hope, a fervent thor, and in virtue of the provisions prayer to the adorable Creator. of his mercy, sustaining towards And in a season of mental dejec- Him the most intimate and endeartion and disquietude, when the eyeing relations. Hence his attributes, is less attracted by the gayer scenes however awful the aspect they may of creation, the murmur of the sometimes assume in the works of limpid stream, the placidity of the Nature, always smile upon our innoiseless lake, the soft warbling of terests, and are engaged on our the feathered choir may serve to behalf; and hence also we are soothe and tranquillize his troubled allowed to claim a propriety in spirit. As the sun spreads its every object we contemplate, beams over the lowly vale, or the whatever be its beauty, and whatgentle showers descend to restore ever its grandeur. "For all its fading verdure, so may the sun things are yours," says the voice of righteousness irradiate his dark- of inspiration, "and ye are Christ's, ened soul, and showers of grace and Christ is God's." descend to impart new animation The philosopher who directs his and strength to his Christian cha- inquisitive eye to every object in racter. Whilst he sojourns on this the creation but the Being whose fair spot of the universe, shaded as attributes they exhibit, knows noit is by sin and sorrow, he believes thing of this relationship. He may that the hand that with so much traverse the fair fields of Nature, facility continues in operation the ascertain her laws, and admire the laws of Nature, has power to sustain inimitable productions of her skilhim in his Christian course faithful ful hand; but he resembles a traunto death. To the direction of veller walking over the fruitful and that infinite wisdom which in his cultivated gardens of a foreign works employs the best means to prince, or a pauper who is allowed secure the best designs, he com- for a moment to inspect the costly mits the complicated interests of contents of the richest cabinet ; his mortal life. Some mysterious the diamond which sparkles in his providence may baffle exploring hand is not his, and he is a stranger reason, as natural phenomena often to its owner. do the most acute researches of But he who is on terms of famithe man of science. Yet for the liar intercourse, who holds daily developement of these mysterious communion with the Author of the dispensations, he is satisfied to universe, can make out a title of wait for the revelations of a brighter | inheritance to all the universe conday; confiding in the assurance tains:"that all things work together for good to them that love God, and "He looks abroad into the varied field of nature, and though poor, perhaps, com pared With those whose mansions glitter in his who have committed their interests Can lift to heaven an unpresumptuous eye, all!" " SARISSA. ON SELF-KNOWLEDGE.. Γνῶθι σεαυτὸν.—SOLON, derstanding, the judgment, the me mory, and the imagination, each open up an unbounded prospect. How mean are animal appetites in comparison with these! Even in SELF-KNOWLEDGE is a particu- the present world, confined and lar and intimate acquaintance with limited as it is, how wonderful our true character. To possess it, their operations, how magnificent we must know what are its gene- their results! By these we feel ral and natural features. A little our true existence, exult in the consideration will enable us to dignity of our nature, and tread perceive, that we are the subjects the solemn temple of creation, as of a compound nature, in which its only consecrated priests. The are combined animal feelings and peculiarities of our natural characappetites, with intellectual endow- ter, also, though not equally interments. The former, arising from esting, yet require our most careful our connection with animal bodies, investigation. Peculiar natural which we may therefore suppose tempers are very visible, at least, to be equally perishable, being they are so in others; and the only the result of the exercise of smallest degree of attention will bodily senses; while the latter are render our own equally manifest. the peculiar properties of mind, and The mind of every person is more bear the stamp of immortality. especially affected by circumstances Thus, as the mind, in consequence of a particular nature. Some are of its superiority, takes the prece- easily irritated, others soon dedence of the body, so our intellec- pressed, the natural consequence tual endowments are worthy of a of the mind not being well bagreater degree of attention than lanced in itself; while, by a more our animal propensities. The great desirable adjustment of its faculerror, we apprehend, lies here; ties, some enjoy a mental serenity mankind are disposed to pay more unruffled by the most disastrous attention to the inferior, than to circumstances, or a vigour of inthe superior properties of their na- tellect unsubdued by the greatest ture, being more concerned for the exertion. The constitutional chacasket than they are for the jewel racter of the body, as manifest in it contains, paying a homage to its liability to particular disorders, the ministers of state, superior to is acknowledged by all; hence, a what is given to the sovereign upon particular attention is given to whom they attend, feeling a greater ward off the threatening danger : reverence for the gift, than for the but the mind also will be found not altar which sanctifieth the gift. less peculiar in its constitution; To know ourselves, therefore, we whether that peculiarity arises from should become acquainted with the imperfection of bodily organs, our intellectual character, by which or is inherent in the mind itself, is we are placed on the highest scale practically of no importance; it is of existence on earth; and espe- sufficient for us to know that it cially with its immortality, which exists, and consequently, that selfforms the connecting link between knowledge demands its investigaourselves and beings of a still tion. Every individual character higher order. And how much may is also the subject of peculiar prewe not learn by turning our thoughts judices, arising from education, inward upon ourselves! The un-profession or sentiment; and what ever be the leading object of pur- not that I said unto you, ye must suit, whether politics, philosophy, be born again." Christ must be or religion, in each department it formed in the heart the hope of will be found that peculiar preju- glory; and the life which we now dices exist. It is indeed a humi- live in the flesh must be by the liating acknowledgment, but never-faith of the Son of God. But by theless true; and it is one of the nature mankind are carnal, sold greatest exertions of mind, as well under sin, and however great their as an evidence of important pro- speculative knowledge, or howgress in self-knowledge, when we ever excellent their moral characcan see our own prejudices, arm ter, they are still in the gall of ourselves against their influence, bitterness. Has God then been and endeavour to enervate their pleased to create us anew in his power. But he who is so preju- Son, and thereby to give us а diced, as to deny its influence upon character we could not acquire? him, must be the subject of mental for it is not of ourselves, but the darkness and imbecility to a de- gift of God: and if so, then what gree, which renders the case of a is that character? It is formed fool more hopeful. (if formed at all,) by a high, a Our moral character forms ano- holy, and a heavenly calling, therether branch of self-knowledge, of fore, if consistent with itself, will still greater moment. For our na- partake of the nature of the power tural character, (philosophically by which it is formed. The affecspeaking,) we are not accountable. tions will be placed on things that Our mental faculties, together with are above, the conversation will the organs by which they are ex- be holy, and the mind heavenly. ercised, are as they are given us; The word of God affords us vaour moral character is as we have rious touchstones, whereby to know formed it; while a comparative our own selves. We may select, view only of our moral character, as suitable to the subject in hand, however satisfactory it may be, the modes of address in the divine will not of itself be sufficient, yet word to spiritual characters, which as a part it may be highly bene- will be applicable to ourselves or ficial. "What do ye more than not, according to our true chaothers?" is a question, the import-racter. How then do we find ance of which cannot be doubted; them addressed? "Beloved of God yet an answer satisfactory to the called to be saints." Holy bremind may in many cases be given, thren, partakers of the heavenly where a farther investigation would calling." "The saints, and faithlead to results of a different na-ful brethren in Christ." ture. What then is our character that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, in the sight of God, or when viewed called to be saints." Say, then, in the light of his perfect law? Oh my soul, is this character Nothing short of this can con-thine!! And though a strict and stitute a true knowledge of our-faithful examination into the state selves! But the most important of all questions upon this subject is, What is our spiritual character? “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit." "Marvel "Them of our character in the sight of God, may be attended with feelings which are in themselves of a painful nature; yet, let us not be the subjects of self-delusion, in a matter which must be followed by eternal consequences! Better to be deceived in our fondest earthly | tory of short passages of Scripture. expectations, than deceived here!! It is not to be expected that perWhat are earthly enjoyments to sons engaged the whole week in heavenly-the body to the soul- the laborious duties of life should or time to eternity! May he who searches the hearts of the children of men, search us and try us, and see if there yet be any wicked way in us, and (of his infinite mercy) lead us unto the way ever-selection, requires no elucidation, J. E. S. lasting! Stony Stratford. SCRIPTURE READERS. To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. be prepared on a sabbath day in the midst of their brethren, to expatiate upon, and elucidate a brief portion of Scripture, which, perhaps for want of judgment in the and will not bear amplification. It may be further urged, that the reading of the Scriptures, particularly those portions of the New Testament, which fell from the lips of our Saviour and the Apostles, is in reality more like PREACHING or PROCLAIMING the Gospel, than even the most elaborate discourses of the present times. I WAS lately very much struck by an account of the surprising effects produced, in our Sister kingdom I would, therefore, strongly reIreland, by the mere reading of commend to the religious public, the Scriptures. And I was led to the adoption of measures similar reflect on the very beneficial ef- to those pursued in Ireland. This fects, which might likewise follow would be spreading the glad tidsuch a mode of proceeding in our ings of salvation throughout the own island. I intend no offence country, without incurring the to the feelings, nor do I under-charge of fanaticism, which the opvalue the services of our numerous ponents of evangelical truth are and zealous village preachers, very fond of fixing upon us; and through whose instrumentality so it is to be lamented sometimes not much has been done for the cause unjustly. of religion. It is, however, my humble opinion, perhaps singular, perhaps erroneous, that the interests of true evangelical religion would be better consulted by more readers and fewer preachers in our villages. I mean such readers as are employed in Ireland, men who have the salvation of their fellowmen at heart, and will labour to accomplish it. I am satisfied it would be far more efficacious and becoming, for men of moderate ta- It must be observed that these lents, and contracted acquirements remarks are intended to be con(though of the very best inten- fined to villages, and not even tions), to read publicly the word, here to recommend the entire here and there interspersing brief neglect of preaching, but merely remarks in order to keep up the to suggest the propriety of temperattention of the hearers, than to ing it with frequent and copious indulge in long discourses explana- reading of the Scriptures. This The church of England in the infancy of the reformation, very wisely enjoined her younger clergy to make frequent use of the homilies in their public ministry, instead of attempting sermons to which they were unequal. And it must be admitted that a due portion of the Holy Scriptures read to an attentive audience would, even in modern times, be preferable to many sermons frequently delivered. opinion may have been hastily | it with the narrative of St. John, formed, and may after all prove lil will render this perfectly clear. founded. I shall, therefore, feel The country of Gennesaret, acno disinclination to retract it upon conviction. A FRIEND TO RELIGION. Norwich. HORE EVANGELICÆ. (Continued from p. 254.) THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW. No. XIV. Chap. xiv. 34–36. cording to Josephus, (De Bell. 1. iii. c. 10. sect. 8.), was an extremely fertile district, extending along the western shore of the lake to which it gave name, for thirty stadia, or four miles and a half in length, and twenty stadia or two miles and a half in breadth. In this district he places an excellent fountain of water, which he says the people of the country called "AND when they were gone over, [the sea of Galilee] they Kanepraoùp, Capernaum; which came into the land of Gennesaret. it may well be supposed either And when the men of that place gave its name to the city, or the had knowledge of him, they sent city gave name to it: for it corout into all that country round responds exactly with the situaabout, and brought unto him all tion of that city, which belonged that were diseased; and besought to Galilee, (Luke iv. 31.) and was him that they might only touch situated on the confines of Zebuthe hem of his garment: and as lun and Naphtali, on the western many as touched were made per- border of the lake of Tiberias. fectly whole." Accordingly Dr. Richardson states, that in passing through the plain of Gennesaret, he was told by the natives that the ruins of Capernaum were quite near. Now we learn from the Evangelist John, that our Lord, having crossed the «The words ἐπιγνόντες αὐτὸν, should be rendered "when they knew him again" or "remembered him;" for that they had a previous knowledge of our Lord is clearly evinced by their conduct, in bringing their sick from all the circum- lake of Tiberias, came the next jacent country, and merely desiring to touch the hem or fringe of his garment in order to be healed. Whence they obtained this knowledge of his character and works, however, does not appear from the preceding narrative of this Evangelist.* A consideration of the situation of the land of Gennesaret, not previously mentioned by St. Matthew, and a comparison of day to Capernaum, and entered the synagogue, where he was followed by the people, (John vi. 24, 59.); which, while it indirectly agrees with the statement of the other Evangelists that he arrived at the land of Gennesaret, furnishes us with a sufficient reason why "the men of that place should recognise him." It was at Capernaum our Lord resided for a considerable time when he left Naza* Markland, whose note is copied with- reth, so that it was called "his out comment by Bloomfield, strangely conown city," (Matt. iv. 13. ix. 1.), founds Gergasa or Gadara, on the east of the lake of Gennesaret, where our Lord and it was here that many of his healed the demoniac, with the land of Gen- most astonishing miracles were nesaret on the west of that lake. Whitby performed. (Mark i. 21—34; Matt. appears to have fallen into the same error, xi. 20-24.) Thus then, there is a in his note on this place; though he has accurately distinguished them in his Geo-minute and perfect correspondence graphical Index. between the two Evangelists, but |