influence with Pharaoh, and was guided by his directions, and when Joseph's brethren became suppliants for his favour and mercy. The remark of Jacob on the dream, to show that it could not be an intimation of his superior rank, might be intended to calm the envy and the wrath of his brethren, which he saw rising, and which he feared might produce unhappy results to his favourite son. It is plain that Jacob did not consider it as any certain proof that the dream was an idle fancy. There are minute circumstances in the dreams and parables of scripture, which are to be viewed as the mere drapery of the picture, for which no verification is to be sought, for this is only to be looked for in its great lines.

These dreams were intended to encourage the mind of Joseph in the humiliation, peril, and sorrow, through which he was soon to pass. Who can tell what hope of better days they might awaken in his mind, while a slave and a prisoner? In recalling them to his recollection, he might be led to think that, depressed as his condition was, Providence would raise him out of it; and that this discipline of fear, and grief, and abasement, might be intended to prepare him for the proper discharge of the duties of a more elevated condition, and to render the engagements of it more pleasing. Amidst all the horrors of his lot, he could not but remember who were the instruments of placing him in it; and the bitter feelings attendant on such recollections might be softened by the thought that they would, in contrition and shame, acknowledge the baseness of their conduct; and, if they did not, he at least could exhibit a superiority the noblest of all others—even that superiority which lies in forgiving the greatest injuries, and in doing good to those who had abused and persecuted him.

It has been remarked, that these dreams of Joseph are a striking representation of the romantic visions of youth. Joseph saw only the honour and influence before him, and had no glimpse of the dismal scenes through which he had to pass to them. Any direct suggestion, as to these, would have led to such courses as would have prevented their accomplishment. The imaginations of the young form bright anticipations of success in the business and enjoyment of the varied scenes of life; but they think not of the toils they must undergo, the opposition which they must encounter, the disappointments which will attend their plans, and the sorrows which will wound their hearts. How often

do the young, even in their waking hours, build a gorgeous palace in the air, adorn it with the fairest ornaments, and fill it with forms of kindness and scenes of joy; but never think of the tempests by which it must be shaken to pieces! Poets, in all ages, have celebrated the charms of hope, and from its energy the noblest enterprises of life have proceeded; but the enthusiasm of youth-romantic, eager, self-sufficient, and impetuous-is the most perilous impulse under which it can act. Let improvement in goodness be the object to which it points, trust in God be the encouragement it seeks, caution its guide, and prayer and diligence the instruments which it employs, and it shall not make those ashamed in whom it works, but shall find its brightest anticipations more than fulfilled.

Joseph's dreams led to a sad display of the evil tempers of his brethren. We are ready to think that the amiableness of his manners would have made him their delight, and that the innocence, simplicity, and confiding affection, so evident in his manner of telling his dreams, would have made them listen to him kindly; but so far was this from being the case, that they were filled with envy and hatred. The father's partiality had irritated their minds; and, understanding the dreams as an indication from heaven of his destined superiority over them, they were still more infuriated, and thus added impiety to their malice. These passions rage in scenes which we suppose to be devoted to very different feelings. Thus in families, where we should expect love to be the spirit, and kindness the order of the house, envying and strife have raged; and, in churches, dissensions and quarrels have prevailed, where grace is the doctrine, peace should be the bond, and mercy the impulse, the course, and the hope of all. We cannot doubt but that this principle produced much discontent and misery in the minds of these men, and we see that it rendered them capable of the most atrocious crimes. Let those who are tempted to indulge envy mark its influence in this narrative, and they must feel that a regard to their own virtue and happiness, as well as those of others, call upon them to put away all malice, and envy, and evil-speaking. And let us cultivate that wise, pure, and divine benevolence, which exults in the rise and delights in the success of others.

But Joseph's dreams led also to conduct, on the part of his father, which gives us a very useful view of his character. Afraid lest the mind of Joseph should be lifte

up by dreams so striking, and which seemed to presage such distinction, and eager to check the envy which the detail of them was exciting in his brethren, he rebuked him, and that in such a way as might teach him to think soberly. His conduct shows how careful parents should be to inculcate on their children the lessons of humility. Roused by the flatteries of their own hearts, or the praises of others, or by prosperous events, they are in danger of being lifted up with pride. Parents should remind them that pride was not made for man,—that humility is the loveliest ornament,-that he who exalteth himself shall be abased, but that he who humbleth himself shall be exalted. The voice of flattery is sweet to the youthful ears, while that of admonition is painful; but it is in many cases most needful and salutary. Flattery encourages the presumption that despises control, and deems nothing too arduous for its effort, too great for its deserts; but admonition leads to vigilance, to self-denial, to prayer, to dependence on God; and this is the course of wisdom and safety.

But we are told that Jacob pondered these dreams in his mind. He might consider them as indications of the future distinction of his son; and none can tell what solace they might afford to him in his dark musings on his untimely fate. It might strengthen him, like his great ancestor, against hope to believe in hope. Faith trusts in the promise and grace of God, however unfavourable outward appearances may be. "I looked out at my window, and saw two prodigies: I beheld the glittering stars and all the glorious vault of heaven. I looked around for the pillars by which it was upheld; but I could discover none-yet it remained firm and secure: the same unseen hand which had formed it sustained it still: yet numbers search on all sides for its supports. Could they feel them with their hands, they might then be at ease; but, as this is impossible, they live in constant disquiet. I beheld again, and lo! thick sheets of water like a mighty ocean, which I saw nothing to contain, nothing to hold up, rolled above our heads; yet they descended not on us; but often, presenting a threatening aspect for a little time, they passed away, and a brilliant rainbow succeeded them. This was our protection; yet it appeared frail and evanescent; and though it has ever hitherto proved availing, still numbers think more of the thick and dark mass of waters, than of the slender, fleeting arch of light. They want

to have sensible proof of its sufficiency, and, because they cannot obtain that, live in dread of a second deluge." Such were the words by which Luther tried to encourage the hearts of the faithful amidst the conflicts and troubles which attended the Reformation; and most honouring to God is that confidence, which can look to him in hope in the hour of darkness; and it is most happy to ourselves, in the tranquillity which it produces, and in the complacency which God testifies in it. Thus the Lord Jesus said unto Thomas, "Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed (that is, peculiarly blessed) are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Lastly,-How beautifully do not these dreams exhibit the exaltation of Christ! To the first we may make an allusion in our Lord's words, "The hour is come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but, if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." And how striking are his words to the Jews: "Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaYour fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead: this is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die."

ven.

Let

Let us think how the star guided the wise men to the place of his birth; how, at his crucifixion, the sun was darkened; and how the bright full moon gilded the sepulchre where the Lord lay, and thus precludes the idea that the body was carried off in the secresy of darkness. us think how, in his exalted state, this dream was realized, when "the Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool;" and when the church appears as a woman clothed with the sun, having the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Let us remember the call given to the church on earth: "Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart!" And what was the homage which John saw and heard presented to him, after the songs of the angels and of the redeemed: "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are therein, heard I saying, Blessing, honour, glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the

The word of truth enjoins upon every disciple of Christ persevering prayer. The increase of personal piety, the diffusion of truth, and the universal sway of Messiah's sceptre, are to be the objects of desire; and these are to be sought with the greatest importunity. It would be well for us to catch this spirit-the spirit which the Scriptures inculcate. We live under that which is emphatically termed the dispensation of the Spirit-those days in which the kingdom of God is winning its way amongst men. To us have been conveyed immortal and unspeakable blessings. It therefore becomes us to enquire-how far we are walking in accordance with our principles; whether we ought not to possess an increased spirit of devotion; and whether the times in which we live may not have peculiar claims upon us to pour out our spirit before God. In respect to the two former of these enquiries, we must admit our imperfection and guilt. Our inconsistency is often apparent; and our devotion is far from being of that fervent and spiritual character which we ought to exhibit, and God requires. Let us bewail our state, and pray God to give us more grace.

To the last of these enquiries, Christian brethren, let us direct our more deliberate attention. "Whether the times in which we live may not have peculiar claims upon us to pour out our spirits before God." We imagine that no Christian and reflecting mind will deny the existence of these claims. The spirit of our religion is comprehensive and benevolent. It leads us to identify ourselves, in regard

alone

to eternity, with every child of man. The same guilt, misery, and mortality, are observable in all. The same atonement, righteousness, and Spirit, are alone appliplicable to their circumstances mighty to redeem them, and present them complete in glory. We cannot, therefore, but feel interested in their welfare; we cannot but plead on their behalf. Nor must we plead feebly. We judge we cannot, if we consider

The aspect of the world. We speak here of the nations of the globe, Britain excepted. Of these, the continent of Asia, with few exceptions, lies beneath the dominion of the false prophet, or the cruelty of idolatry. Where the temple of Jehovah rose in majestic splendour, now glitters the crescent of Mahomet. The seven churches are desolate and forsaken. Africa presents a picture equally appalling. Over her has long hovered a cloud fearful for its density. Her pastoral tribes have been hunted, persecuted, ravaged; her sons and daughters carried into cruel and inhuman slavery, by monsters in the shape of men-men taking to themselves the name of Christians; whilst she saw not, felt not, the influence of that cross, which communicates to the soul liberty, joy, and eternal glory. America, in her southern division, lies beneath the influence of the beast, or the rudeness, barbarity, and irreligion of savage life. And, in the northern division, much remains to be accomplished before Christ shall reign in all her borders. Europe, in one corner, acknowledges the false prophet; the other nations are divided between the Romish, Greek, and reformed churches. Amongst the latter, true piety is awfully deficient, and iniquity abounds. The spirit of Luther and of Calvin has

given place to a cold and sceptical theology. Fearful state! How affecting to the hearts of those who love the Saviour! -who connect the joys and glories of eternity with the possession of true piety in the present state of existence! To them we appeal. Our warfare is not accomplished; there is much land to be possessed. The cross in all its glory, the Spirit in all its power, are the weapons of our warfare. The tidings of the one we must publish; the influence of the other we must supplicate. Despair not! God is our refuge. Amidst all the darkness there is hope-hope that should encourage us in our approach to the footstool of God.

Asia presents some instances of the victory of the gospel. Africa has given proof that the cross is mighty to redeem. Whilst the islands of Polynesia, which stud the Southern Seas, are many of them gems in the diadem of Immanuel; and the northern division of America (peopled in great measure from our own shores) is blessed with power from on high-is stretching forth her hands to God, and proving that he is a God hearing and answering prayer. The nations of Europe are presenting scenes of commotionancient prejudices are giving way. To these we are to approach-not with the mind of the politician, nor the presumption of self-elected prophets; but with an humble, prayerful disposition; bowing at the footstool of him that sitteth upon the throne; imploring him, entreating him, wrestling with him, that he would overrule all for the interests of piety the triumphs of the cross! And if we should hear, if we should behold the answer to our prayer, "Overturn, overturn, overturn, until he shall come whose right it is," let us not startle, let us not be diverted from our purpose; but plead with greater fervour, that the blessings of Messiah's reign, the influence of his truth, may hush to peace the nations of menthat the hurricane which disperses the pestilence may be succeeded by a calmthe cloud which overshadows with its gloom may be dispersed by the "Sun of Righteousness" arising upon the nations, illuminating the souls of men, and lighting unto glory. Oh, Christians! this is no time to relax prayer. Its tone must be raised; its fervour must be increased; its spirituality must be felt. "Ye are the salt of the earth;" plead that God would arise and bless the nations, and redeem them to himself.

Turn we now to Britain. Land of our na

tivity-place of our fathers' sepulchresnation highly favoured of the Lord! Upon her state we need not dwell long. Here we are at home. Her scenes are passing daily before us. To us it is cause for gratitude, that here so many are the subjects of piety, prayer, and love-that so many publish the gospel-that such efforts are made to carry the gospel to other shores. These are redeeming features; but how much is there over which we are called to mourn! By Britons, about a million of human beings are kept in slavery; by Britons, a portion of a tax raised for idolatry is devoted to the purposes of government. With us, the Sabbath is awfully profaned; with us, intoxication abounds; with us, is the torch of the incendiary; with us, there are many, very many, professed ministers of religion, who are the enemies of the cross, and make merchandize of the souls of men; with us, are the splendid sins of the rich, and the vulgar sins of the poor. Every where iniquity abounds to a most fearful extent.

Pro

faneness, licentiousness, sin of every kind, unblushingly stalks abroad, and manifests that many there are who love not God. The godly are filled with sorrow, and exclaim, "Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law." But tears alone will not avail; there must be prayer-earnest and persevering prayer. The case is urgent. We have intimations of divine judgments among us; hundreds of our countrymen have been carried away and consigned to the tomb by a most dreadful disease. There is no time for delay. As patriots and as Christians, the case presses home upon us. Christians must not sleep: if they do, we are undone. "Sin is the ruin of any people." There is no exception. Our sin abounds; it must be diminished, or we are lost. But we despair not yet. God is our help. Let us plead for Britain. We have the cross-let us implore the Spirit; we have the truth-let us supplicate the power.

But, as Christians, we must come still nearer home.

To the church. This should be the centre of union, the region of family of love. However distinguished by human names, if we are Christ's, we are all one in. him. This should be the feeling ever pre-eminent in our hearts; and Ephraim should not envy Judah, and Judah should not vex Ephraim. But this is not always the case; it is not the case now. Divisions are in the church, not nominal, but real. An institution,

the glory of our country, a blessing to the world, a bond of union, is calumniated and assailed, by those whom we would charitably hope are the subjects of piety, though we cannot but deplore their lack of meekness and of love. Others there are who would be wise above what is written, and assume to themselves the gifts of prophecy, of miracles, and of tongues; and have condemned, as disguised infidels, all who do not think as they think, and pronounce the shiboleth of their party;-men who leave for speculation the sublime and more important doctrines of the gospel. In our congregations, there is too much of the Athenian spirit, "what new thing?" -an enquiry after something to excite and enchant, instead of the word of truth, to instruct, to impress, and to improve. There is too little regard for the whole truth, and too much of the attaching to particular passages more than the proportion which God has assigned them. We do not say that this is altogether the case; it is too much so. The duty of church fellowship is not duly appreciated; numbers, of whom we have reason to hope well in other respects, are lamentably defective here. They view it as a matter of choice or inclination, not of duty and of privilege; and hence they live in the breach of the command, "Tuis do in remembrance of me." There is, moreover, too little of the spirit of prayer; there is prayer, but we need more.

We

must have more before we can expect increased piety. Our meetings for prayer are attended the worst, not the best. We speak not as it regards sinners, but converts; and that as it respects seasons equally propitious. If there is a service for preaching, and another for prayer, during the week, who does not know that numbers of the members of our churches,

to say nothing of others, will make an effort to hear the sermon, and neglect the season of prayer? On the Sabbath, how many are either too late to unite in the devotional part of the services, or only arrive in time to disturb the serenity with which it should be conducted! This ought not to be. There is in it too much of the spirit of the world, and too little attention to the exhortation, "Pray without ceasing," and to the word of the Saviour, "Ye have not, because ye ask not, or because ye ask amiss.”

This state of things calls for prayer, and calls earnestly. Divisions within are more to be feared than enemies without. Hence the subtilty of the great adversary has ever led him to lay hold of our remaining depravity, and excite us to this conduct. Speculation has ever been the bane of piety. It leads to a strife of words, and excludes from our thoughts the truth of Christ. When men plunge from the plain facts of revelation into the airy fields of speculation-leave the simplicity of the gospel for the creations of their own fancy-Satan exults, and Zion mourns. Satan fears the cross of the Saviour, not the speculations of the disciples. The cross is to destroy his empire. Let us, then, arise and pray; let us pray feeling our sinfulness, relying upon Christ, and entreating his Spirit, in its convincing, converting, sanctifying, edifying, and consoling power. Let us go to his throne, not doubting but he will give us more grace; let us expect that we may receive; let us pray that we may be rendered blessings to the church, the country, and the world.

These thoughts, Christian brethren, we leave with you. We would not be considered as setting up ourselves to reprove others, only as putting your minds in remembrance.

M.

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." ."-Psa. v. 3. It would excite our curiosity were we informed that a person in our neighbourhood could tell us the exact number of people who rose every

morning without praying to God! But I believe the sight would overwhelm us. Yes, we should be overwhelmed to see what a vast proportion of young men, and what a vast proportion of young women, and what a vast multitude of aged people, live without God! And it would draw