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make the darkness visible, which no one can portray, || light of the Sun of righteousness shall so dazzle your what a sight for loving friends to witness, who read in enraptured sight that the mists and the darkness of the the despairing gaze, though the sealed lips be incapable strait you are fording will be unseen; the deadly dart of utterance, a history of sorrow, whose dark lines which has sheathed itself in the heart, and stilled its shall haunt their waking and their sleeping vision pulsations, shall be unfelt; for the sting which gave it through successive years! venom has been drawn, and the presence of your Savior shall engross every faculty and emotion. To die, to you, will be gain; for death will prove the executioner of your Master's will, and put you in possession of the rich inheritance he purchased for you.

Then, children of the kingdom, away with your apprehensions! Ye should look upon the shroud, the coffin, and the tomb without regret; for they are to you the signals of release from captivity, and triumph over every adversary. The moldering forms you commit to their keeping shall be faithfully guarded until your exulting spirits come from the skies to "put them on afresh." But that we may be fully prepared to meet death without terror, it is necessary to ponder frequently the certainty and circumstances of his approach, and all those melancholy accompaniments which will sooner or later force themselves upon our notice. Methinks it would not be an unprofitable imagining to surround ourselves occasionally with the probable realities of our last hour, and propose to our consciences the momen

But must the closing period of our pilgrimage below be necessarily so sad? Must the character of man's encounter with his nature's adversary be thus terrible? O, no! Though none can pass from the trials of earth to the glories of heaven but by a conflict with the foe who treads on the heels of each fleeting moment, there is a gift of power for every earnest seeker, which will enable him to meet the struggle calmly, and triumph while he seems to yield. The bitterness of the cup was extracted when Jesus drank the wormwood and the gall; and the blood and water that issued from his pierced side mingled a healing sedative for every believer's lacerated bosom. The monarch of the grave received a fatal stab when the rending rocks and the heaving clod proclaimed the entrance into its dreary receptacle of Him who said, "I am the resurrection and the life." The loosening of his iron grasp was then attested by the ghostly visitants who escaped from his peopled prison-house, to walk the living world again, as vouchers and harbingers of a general resur-tous interrogation, have we the faith which would susrection. Yes, ever since the memorable hour when the conquered sepulcher yielded up the Son of God to the shining retinue who watched beside the tomb, the stern ruler of the grave hath trodden with a less vigorous step and swayed with a less proud arm his boasted realm. And although there is enough of desolation along his march to make the Christian feel that, though despoiled of his power to harm, he is still a foe, there is also enough of light thrown over his gloomy visage to show that the monster is but the shadow of his former self.

tain us amidst such an array? If the reply be dubious, we should immediately resort to earnest and importunate prayer, nor rest contented until the Holy Spirit shine clearly upon our hearts, and set his seal of bright assurance to the fact that we are pardoned and accepted through the redeeming blood of the Son of God, and may at any moment pass to the judgment with an unreserved and child-like trust in his atonement and intercession. But without this confidence no immortal and accountable being can reasonably claim exemption from the fear of death.

HAPPINESS.

KEEN was the search, and various, and wide,
For happiness. Take one example more-
So strange, that common fools look'd on amazed;
And wise and sober men together drew,
And trembling stood: and angels in the heavens

Then fear not ye who wear the helmet of salvation and the shield of faith, but go forth dauntlessly to battle. Whether his summons startle you from your midnight slumbers, or salute you at your noon-tide occupation, or steal gradually upon your senses on the couch of pain, you have no cause of apprehension. Anxious affection and scientific skill may tax their efforts to save you, and prove unavailing. Weeping friends may watch your approach to the verge of eter-Grew pale, and talked of vengeance as at handnity, and gather from your unconscious and vacant stare and laboring breath, that your communion with the living is over, and you are nearing the precincts of the land of shadows. Their shricks of anguish may, perchance, fall indistinctly on your hearing, as you enter the stormy waters of Jordan, and your vain attempt to speak the accents of earth may confirm your assurance that your connection with its scenes is severed. But though thus cut adrift from familiar ties, and en-To make the fair and lovely earth which dwelt circled by the mysteries of an unfathomed deep, where In sight of heaven, a cold and fatherless, speculation has often been drowned, ye need fear no Forsaken thing, that wandered on, forlorn, evil. Seraphic melodies from your destined paradise | Undestined, uncompassioned, unupheld; shall so entrance your souls that the roar of the splash- A vapor eddying in the whirl of chance, ing waves which envelop you will be unheard; the And soon to vanish everlastingly.

The sceptic's route-the unbeliever's, who,
Despising reason, revelation, God,
And kicking 'gainst the pricks of conscience, rushed
Deliriously upon the bossy shield
Of the Omnipotent; and in his heart
Purpos'd to deify the idol chance.
And labored hard-O, labor worse than naught!
And toiled with dark and crooked reasoning,

Original.

DEITY AND NATURE.

DEITY AND NATURE.*

BY W. F. LOWRIE.

THE various rocks which compose the crust of the earth as far as eight miles, the greatest thickness to which man, by means of the highest mountains, and deepest mines, has been able to penetrate, are divided into six classes, viz., the primary, transitory, secondary, tertiary, diluvial, and alluvial, which form a geological column in the order named, the primitive or primary being the lowest, and the alluvial the highest in the series. It is true that in sections made in some localities, portions of, or even a whole class may be absent; but though there be an omission, there is no further disarrangement in the order, the next member stepping into the place, when the series continues. The primitive rocks are so named, from their being supposed to have been the first formed-which supposition is made, because they are the lowest, and on them the others rest in regular super-position; next because they form the central axes of all the large chains of mountains in the world, as the Dofrafeld in Norway, Himayla in Asia, Alleghanies, Rocky, and White in our own country. An additional reason is drawn from the fact that no fossiliferous body, or, in other words, no substance which has been either subject to animal or vegetable life, and has subsequently been impregnated with or changed into stone, has ever been found in them. Hence, it is supposed that they were formed prior to organized bodies, and placed as a foundation on which the rest of the earth's surface might repose. Though found at the lowest depths to which man has ever yet penetrated, yet they often rise to the greatest heights, and form some of our loftiest mountains.

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forms, arising from the combinations of its primary, are the various modifications of the hexahedral, or six-sided prism, terminated by a six-sided pyramid. Sometimes the prism is short, or entirely wanting, and both ends are then in the form of a double pyramid, each having six sides. This is one of the hardest minerals, and possesses a brilliance, in some cases, not much inferior to second rate diamonds. Its color, when pure, is white, and its irridescence, at some angles of light, exceedingly beautiful. It is composed of silex, ninetyeight per cent., which is an oxide of the metal silicium, and about two per cent. of water. When massive it puts on a variety of forms, which are variously modified as they contain various foreign substances. Thus, the addition of a little iron constitutes a jasper, flint, and horn-stone.

This mineral is used commonly in the state of sand, for the purpose of obtaining glass, of which are made windows, mirrors, vessels, and many other articles of use, and also for glazing and giving strength to china and other crockery ware.

The chrystalized quartz, as variously combined, forms a very handsome class of gems for the lapidary, as the rock chrystal, rose quartz, amethyst, jasper, chalcedony, agate, heliotrope, chrysoprase, &c., &c.

Felspar, the third mineral in the constitution of granite, also occurs in chrystals and massive. Its prim||itive form is an oblique rhombic prism. Its hardness is inferior to quartz. When massive it has a granular structure, and sometimes may be split into lamina. Its color is various shades of white, flesh red, and green— its lustre vitreous and pearly, on the faces of perfect cleavage-its fracture conchoidal and uneven. Difference in color and lustre has produced different names for the several varieties; thus, adularia, or moon stone, is a white transparent variety, which exhibits a chatoyant reflection of light, and when it contains minute scales of mica, is termed sun stone. Felspar is one of the most important minerals on the globe to man. When it decomposes, it forms clays of various kinds, ||which are very important in the arts and agriculture; thus, the white felspar forms the kaolin, or porcelain clay, from which are made the different kinds of porcelain. The coarser varieties form rougher clays, for common crockery, and the coarsest, brick clay, and an aluminous earth, which enters necessarily into the com

The primitive rocks are granite, gneiss, mica slate, and primary limestone. I will describe briefly each in || order; but must first, to be intelligible, notice the minerals of which they are composed. These are mica, quartz, and felspar. Mica is a shining substance, of various colors, from silvery white to brown, yellow, black, and green. It is known under the common name of ising-glass, and fragments of it abound in the sand of primitive countries, and of rivers descending from thence. It is found sometimes in large plates of two to three square feet; and being composed of laminæ,position of good soils. These three minerals, mica, or layers, which are easily separable and transparent, they have been used as windows, lantern glasses, &c., and are still used in the Russian navy in place of glass, not being so liable to crack on the explosion of artillery. The finest lamina are used for inclosing insects and other small substances, in order to submit them to the microscope. Quartz, the next mineral in the composition of granite, is found in various forms, not only in primitive but in all other countries. It occurs chrystalized and massive, in which case its primary form is an obtuse rhombohedron. Its secondary and more common

Concluded from page 304.

quartz, and felspar, in a granular state, constitute the rock termed granite, from its granular structure. It is generally exceedingly hard, and answers as a valuable building stone, and was much used by the ancients for this purpose. Sometimes, instead of the mica, a mineral termed hornblende is associated with the quartz and felspar, forming a rock termed syenite, from Syene, in upper Egypt, where first found. It is of this rock that Pompey's Pillar, at Alexandria, is hewn. It has been already remarked that granite is the foundation rock on which the upper portion of the geological column rests, the beds incline in various angles on its sides as it forms the supporting axis of a chain of

336

DEITY AND NATURE.

Granite sometimes forms veins, shooting up into and overlaying the rocks placed above it. This fact is of some value, as indicating that the granite has been in a state of fusion, the heat of which has softened and rent the upper rocks. It is not uncommon for one set of granite veins to intersect another; and sometimes there are three sets, as in the vicinity of Heidelberg, where the granite on the banks of the Neeker, consists of three varieties, differing in color, grain, and various peculiarities of mineral composition. The second vein in age cuts through an older granite, and another, still newer, traverses both the first and second.

mountains, and rises to an enormous height. The aspect of granitic mountains varies very considerably with the character of the rock. Where the beds occupy a position nearly horizontal, or where the minerals which compose it are soft and disentegrating, the summits are rounded, heavy, and unpicturesque. When hard and soft granite are intermixed in the same mountain, the softer falling away, the harder blocks remain piled up in rich confusion. When the granite is hard, the beds are nearly perpendicular to the horizon, or rise at an angle of 70° to 85°, and have a laminar structure. It forms lofty pyramidal peaks, or aiguilles that rise in majestic spires, as in Mount Blanc, the highest peak of the Alps. Their general aspect is rugged, stern, and picturesque, and the soil being thin, and abounding in silex, is necessarily poor and unfitted for agricultural purposes. It, however, furnishes good pasturage for cattle and sheep. The atmosphere is pure and health-orthocerata, and other shells and zoophytes. ful, and the water is clear, sparkling, and sweet; but It would appear that granite and other primary rocks its rivers are much broken by falls and cascades, which || are of igneous origin, as whenever they send veins impede navigation.

Gneiss is composed of the same minerals as granite; but instead of its structure being granular, the mica, quartz, and felspar, are arranged in layers, thus giving the rock a slaty character-it is, indeed, a slaty granite. It also is useful as a building material, and from the facility with which it splits in the direction of its laminæ, it makes excellent flag-stones for paving causeways. The declivities of granite mountains are covered by rocks of gneiss in many parts of the world, as is found in Sweden, Germany, the eastern states, and in Maryland. Mica slate commonly lies on gneiss, or granite, and is composed of mica, and quartz, intimately combined. Felspar occurs only in irregular masses in this rock. The color of this rock is generally of a light gray, verging on green or yellow. The finer kinds have a pearly lustre in the coarser kinds the plates of mica are more distinct and splendent. Mica slate abounds on the banks of the Connecticut, whence it is transported to different parts of the Union to serve chiefly for paving the streets and sidewalks.

There is abundant reason to believe that granite has been produced at various geological eras, with similar characters, but not always associated with similar strata. Von Buch discovered, in Norway, a mass of granite overlying an ancient secondary limestone, containing

through fossiliferous rocks, the fossils are entirely obliterated near the vein, whilst at a distance they are visible. Dr. M'Culloch describes a considerable mass of granite in the Isle of Sky, which reposes on limestone and shale; and the limestone which, at a greater distance from the granite, contains no shells, exhibits no traces of them near its junction, but is there changed into a pure chrystalline marble. When the granite veins do not pass through fossiliferous rocks, but through those not so, they invariably contort the strata, changing in some cases the character of the rock, and invariably rendering that portion through which it passes more indurated.

The general aspect of mountains composed of gneiss and mica slate is less elevated and rugged than granite. The surfaces of the rocks are rounder, the soil about of the same quality, and the water courses equally broken. When a primitive country forms a barrier to the sea, its shores are bold and rocky, its harbors generally few and difficult to enter, but safe when obtained.

Primitive countries, from the difficulty of access, the poverty of the soil on the hills, but frequent richness in the vallies, and necessary active enterprise of its population, have always been the cradles of an active, enterprising, laborious, and to some extent free people. As instances, we might mention Scotland, Switzerland, Greece, New England, and not least, Caucasus, against which the autocrat of Russia now appears in vain to send his myriads of mercenaries.

In the slight view of the primitive class of rocks which we have now taken, there are already visible many evidences of wisdom on the part of the Creator. The first

Chrystals of garnet are frequently disseminated through mica slate, and occasionally chrystals of other minerals. Its structure is slaty, and often waved and contorted and divided by the thin laminae of quartz. Associated with these, as subordinate rocks, are primitive limestone, hornblende, serpentine, and quartz rock. Chrystalline, or primary limestone, of which statuary marble is a fine grained and perfectly white variety, occurs principally in beds in primary mountains, and that which is found in gneiss and mica slate, is finer than that from granite. This limestone is often associated with serpentine, forming a beautiful stone for ornament-point that claims our attention is the simplicity of the al purposes, called verde antique, a handsome vein of materials employed, a few metals combined with oxides which is found at New Haven, Conn. Chrystalline producing earths of various kinds. These consolidalimestone, when pure, is composed of calcareous earth, ting into mineral substances are chrystalline, either which is scarcely found as a component part of gran- || altogether or in part. The second is the stability given ite, gneiss, or mica slate. White marble is procured by their union to the crust of the earth. If, as some in abundance from Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Massa- suppose, the interior of the earth be a mass of metallic chusetts, and other of the eastern states. bases, to which gasses and water, finding vent, afford

THE MINISTER'S WIFE.

the means of chemical combination, and produce a large amount of internal heat, which operates to call into action volcanoes, earthquakes, geysers, and medicated springs. It would appear absolutely necessary that the rocks which are nearest to these chemical operations, and consequently more subject to the expansion and contraction of gaseous bodies, and the active agency of fire, should be of sufficient cohesive power to afford a safe foundation to those above them. A third evidence of design and benevolence is, that they not only afford man a secure resting place, but the substances of which they are formed are such as not only best answer their present purpose, but, collectively and singly, are made to minister to the wants and necessities of man.

As has been already observed, the rock answers an admirable purpose in the construction of edifices, bridges, &c. The simple minerals themselves also enable us to enjoy the blessings of life much more extensively than we could otherwise have done. Divest man of the use of glass, building stone, and pottery, and you take from him many of the comforts of life. A fourth proof may be found in the manner of their arrangement. It will be remembered that they form the bases and the loftiest summits of mountain ranges; hence their effect in breaking the cloud pregnant with the humid moisture which causes earth to yield her stores to man; hence, too, the winds are influenced, and many a pestilential gale is turned in its course of destruction. Here, too, the noble river in some small rippling stream commences first its winding course; and rolling on its fast accumulating flood through many a mountain gorge and lovely vale, bears itself richly laden to the ocean's mighty bosom, and mingles with its roaring billows.

Original.

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THE MINISTER'S WIFE. How merciful is God to lay the foundation of all true piety in the affections! If these be pure, duty as necessarily follows as the stream from the fountain, or the rays from the sun. Affection is the foundation of all the happiness of that union which was instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, symbolizing the mystical union that is between Christ and his Church. A favorite writer of the present age remarks, "As there is nothing in creation that so powerfully engages our attention, attracts our inclinations, refines our manners, exalts our character, and secures our happiness, as the other sex-the sharers of our very nature, and the partners of our lives-we need not wonder that authors have so frequently noticed them. But while physicians, and historians, and philosophers, and poets have paid these claimants attention not always in the most deserving and profitable way, it may seem strange that preachers so rarely make them distinctively the objects of their address."

A good reason may be assigned for this-the preacher's main object is to secure the affections to God. Then necessarily follow love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against which (in all the code of conjugal life) there is no law.

But admitting this, we are aware that truly pious persons retain the innocent infirmities of human nature, which have various tendencies; in some of either sex they may be contraries, whilst, in others, they may be so harmonized, that,

"Like the tide of mingled streams,
Which nought can sever,"

they may form the most pleasing coalescence, and se-
cure all that happiness fondly anticipated in the sacred

Thus, then, even the foundations of the earth are laid in wisdom, and with direct reference to the ulti-conjugal relation. Then, mate object for which they were designed by the Almighty.

"As similarity of mind,

Or something not to be defin'd,

First rivets our attention;
So manners, decent and polite,
The same we practic'd at first sight,
Must save it from declension."

A minister of the Gospel should have it impressed upon his heart, that God has constituted him the instru

With what mingled sentiments of fear and love should we regard that omnipotent Being whose wisdom and power bear such marks of infinite goodness— fear, lest we transgress his sacred law, and expose ourselves to his justice-love, that we may ever yield the pleasing offerings of gratitude for his multiplied kind-ment to call into his vineyard a fellow laborer, in the nesses! Truly might the prophet Nahum declare that "the Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

Vol. I.-43

person of a help mate; and as the privilege of selection belongs to him, and the opportunities of choice are extensive, he should act with the utmost prudence, the most prayerful deliberation, with a strict attention to the developments of Providence. As by comparison he must form his opinion, he should have impressed upon his mind a proper standard by which to ascertain the relative merits of his female friends, that he may know who is suited to the useful and responsible sphere to which a minister's wife is called.

The writer has received a letter from a pious and intelligent female friend, setting forth what a minister's wife should be. It may prove useful to some in ascertaining a correct standard of comparison. It is also submitted for the benefit of the fair readers of your

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THE MINISTER'S WIFE.

Repository, especially those who sustain to the Church || such) may so counterfeit the qualifications I have enuthe responsible relation to which it refers.

«***** Park, —, 1841.

"MY DEAR BROTHER,-After praying that God will speak, even by me, on the deeply important subject of this letter, I will try to give you the result of twenty years, observation, reading, and experience. Our excellent Discipline bids us do good of all possible sort,' and it is in view of this, as well as the deep interest I feel for the young ministers of the Church to which I have the honor to belong, that I venture to give the following thoughts.

After prayerfully searching God's holy word for light, carefully examining your motive, and bringing reason, prudence, and discretion to your aid, as well as expediency, if you are convinced it will not be out of the order of Providence for you to take an help mate, I would advise you, if possible, to select a lady of the following description.

Let her be deeply and consistently pious, of judicious training in early youth, having passed through adversity, which is an almost indispensable school. Let her be able and willing to bear cheerfully every vicissitude, being so entirely conformed to the will of God in all things, as not only to bear, but cheerfully embrace crosses and afflictions, and also be humble and thankful in time of prosperity. Her temper and disposition should be so modified by grace, and so improved by constant self-denial and discipline, as to be kept, under all circumstances, in due bounds. She should be naturally affectionate-not vain-not fond of admiration-not given to love of dress, but plain, neat, and orderly. She should have good common sense, and not romantic or sentimental in her notions. (These are, however, very indefinite terms. One may be fond of nature's beauties, and love to expatiate upon them, and may have just and beautiful sentiments, without being foolishly romantic.) She should be plain, and love matter of fact. Let her be of a good family-not aristocratic-but one that is honest and reputable. She should have good health, with no hereditary disease, such as insanity, consumption, or the like. Let her be rather silent than otherwise, knowing when to speak and when to hold her tongue. She must have pleasing, affable manners, and a modest, kind address. She should be energetic, persevering, industrious, and economical in her expenditures, knowing the true value of money, and how to use it aright. She should know her place, her true position in society, and be able to maintain it with dignity and meekness. She must not be querulous, or daunted by difficulties. She should have a sound education. I do not mean that she must have gone to fashionable schools, &c.; for some enjoy all such advantages, and are still lamentably ignorant of what it concerns them most to know. As to her personal appearance, this is altogether a matter of taste, only take care that you admire not the casket, so as to be deceived in the quality of the jewel it contains.

An adept in art (and I am sorry to say there are

merated, as to completely deceive an amiable and ingenuous young minister. Such has been the case; and the only protection against such a 'soul harrowing deception,' is fervent, faithful prayer and watchfulness, at the same time making use of all the means you justifiably can to ascertain her true character.

And now, since I have taken upon me to speak, permit me to say a word as to how you shall act towards such a wife. It is not likely that you will get one with all these excellences, and no faults. Nothing is perfect here. But if she loves you, (and she ought to love you well enough to go to the farthest verge of the green earth' with you,) and is teachable, you may win her to be all you could wish, if you will ask for wisdom to enable you to go the right way about it. Try to find out her natural turn, and gain her entire confidence. Let your conduct be so at all times before her that she may have the deepest respect for you.

Women have many sufferings and petty vexations that men know nothing about; therefore, if you do not always see smiles, make allowances and pray for her. Do not love her so as to be blind to her real faults. (I suspect Adam loved Eve too much, or he would not have adhered to her and offended his God.) Let her see from the first, that though you have much love you have much decision. Every man should rule in his own house, if he be qualified so to do. Some men are not qualified; and when this is the case, if the wife is, she should rule, yet so that it may not appear. Be respectful, affectionate, and courteous in your manners towards her. Aid her in every way that you can. Watch over her carefully. See that she has no confidant but yourself. Finally, train her for the skies.

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