Good need. And when this is sanctified by the grace of God, through a person embracing the gospel of Christ, it is exhibited in religious exercises of the mind, or what the apostle calls "the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against which there is no law." (Gal. v. 22, 23.) One can hardly imagine any quality of the human mind from which greater advantages can arise to society, than good nature; because man is a sociable creature, made to live, not in retired solitude, but in active, busy conversation. nature not only lessens the various sorrows of life, but increases our numerous comforts. It is in reality more pleasing than beauty, more attractive than lively wit. It imparts a captivating expression to the countenance, and induces a multitude of delightful observations, and a constancy of amiable endeavours to please and to serve. In this quality lies the foundation of all generous feelings to our neighbours, and of tender regards for all who are called to suffer affliction. Indeed, good nature is the origin and bond of society. Were it not for this, men could not exist in their various associations, nor maintain intercourse with one another. It is the exercise of that natural love which is the attraction of the universe of intelligent beings; and this, sanctified by religion, will gradually banish from our world oppression, and slavery, and war, and unite the different tribes of mankind in one universal brotherhood, in the name and service of Jesus Christ. Good nature is imitated in several ways among mankind, particularly in what is called politeness, complaisance, affability, and easiness of temper, which are all marks of what is called goodbreeding. All this, however, may be shown in such excess as to become offensive, and indicate, to persons of discernment, the insincerity of the heart. This is commonly said to be very manifest in the very polite French people. But real good nature may be found in those whose general manners are rough and unpolished, as is commonly seen in our sailors. Those bold and hardy men are distinguished for their hearty good nature, especially in relieving their fellow mariners in distress. They are proverbial for this when on shore. But at sea, in dangerous shipwrecks, they always expose themselves to the greatest perils, and to the last, in preserving and saving passengers on ship-board, and especially women and children. All these considerations, therefore, should lead us to seek their religious improvement; that they may be blessed with the saving knowledge of our gracious Lord and Saviour! A PRAYER. WHEN, for some little insult given, I'll think how Jesus came from heaven, Dear Saviour, may I learn of thee And, walking in humility, O Father, bless a little child, May never falsehood in her heart, But may she act the truthful part, WHAT DO YOUR READERS DO FOR SAILORS. 205 WHAT DO YOUR READERS DO FOR SAILORS? WHAT do the readers of the JUVENILE BETHEL FLAG MAGAZINE do for sailors? This question is sometimes asked with much feeling, and we are happy in being able to answer, that many of them have done good things. Some of them have sub. scribed to purchase Bethel Flags; others have collected for that purpose; and others, again, have become collectors for the general purposes of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society. By these means handsome sums have been forwarded to aid the funds of the treasurer. There can be no doubt, however, but many of our youngest friends, who have not yet done so, would be able, if they thought of it, to collect enough each to purchase a Flag, costing about sixteen shillings, or a small Ship's Library, costing one pound, though some cost two or three pounds each. During the Midsummer or Christmas holidays this may be done, especially by those who are favoured to enjoy a few weeks of recreation at the sea-side, or take a trip to sea, where they will be reminded of the labours and dangers of sailors. These things will be talked of by the fire-side at Christmas, and then our young landsmen and ladies may think of the services of sailors. It must be a very delightful thought for a young person, after having been collecting the amount required, that he or she has provided a Bethel Flag or a Ship's Library, by means of which, constantly in use, many sailors are directed to believe, for their eternal salvation, on the Lord Jesus Christ. We earnestly entreat our young friends to consider what they can do after this manner, and their services will be acceptable to men, and receive the blessing of God. INGENIOUS PIETY IN A BLIND GIRL. A MOST touching anecdote is related of a blind girl, who was presented with a copy of the gospel of St. Mark, in raised type, by the Bible Society. This interesting person is extremely poor, and quite blind. She has to support herself by her labour, which consists of all kinds of work; and, in addition to this, she is obliged to cultivate a little piece of ground, from which she procures a few vegetables. Her hands and fingers are, of course, much more callous than those of most blind persons. When she heard that the society had published a Gospel for the blind, she was desirous of obtaining it. Her pastor procured her a copy, with an accompanying alphabet. She is very intelligent and adroit, and, notwithstanding the difficulty in her fingers, she began with eagerness to learn the characters. To the surprise of her friend, within a few days she could decipher alone a page of the Gospel, but this was far from satisfying her ardent spirit. She was now discouraged at the slowness of her progress. One day she thought, if she could but remove the skin from her fingers, the touch would become more delicate. She took a pen-knife and skinned the ends of her fingers. What was not now her regret? The pain was exquisite, and the touch was not improved; on the contrary, a skin was formed more obdurate than the first, which rendered it impossible for the poor girl to continue her attempt. After many vain efforts she fell into despair. In one of these moments she seized the volume, and with sobs and tears held it to her mouth, to embrace it for the last time, saying, "Farewell! Farewell! good word of my heavenly Father! Support of my soul, I must part from thee." Oh surprise! the lips, more delicate than the fingers, have discovered the form of the letters. She reflected; she could no longer doubt; her soul was filled with joy and gratitude unspeakable. It was night: she went to bed, but not to sleep; the whole night she employed in passing and repassing the pages across her lips, and everywhere and every time she could not only distinguish the letters, but phrases and sentences. She has since committed the whole Gospel to memory. SOMETHING FOR LITTLE READERS. KNEEL, my child, for God is here! Bend in love, but not in fear; Kneel, my child, for God is here! |