to promote the prosperity of his country, deserves the praise of his fellow-citizens. Washington acquired a fame which must endure to latest time; but it is not so much as a warrior, or as a statesman, but as a patriot that he receives his highest honor. The philanthropist, who, spurning the narrow bounds of tribe or kingdom, nobly seeks the welfare of his race, is entitled to still higher praise. Who has not heard of the name of John Howard? It is identified with all that is lovely, and generous, and noble in humanity. He spent his life, and embarked his ample fortune, in an enterprise of benevolence. He visited and minutely inspected the prisons of his own country, and of the continent, in the beautiful language of Burke, "to remember the forgotten, to attend to the neglected, to visit the forsaken, and to compare and collate the distresses of all men in all countries." But the Christian benefactor, who, taking enlarged views of the destiny and interests of his race, and with a benevolence inspired from above, goes forth with the priceless treasures of salvation, to enrich a world impoverished and ruined by sin-and willing, if God require it, to lay down his life for the gospel's sake-earns, and sooner or later, must receive the highest honor. Such a man was Paul the apostle, who counted not his life dear to himself, so that he might finish his course with joy, and the ministry which he had received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Beneficence assimilates us to Christ. He is love incarnate. Love brought him from the skies, animated him in the self-denying labors of life, and nailed him to the cross. His history is written in a few words, "he went about doing good." Having ascended to heaven, and taken his seat at the right hand of the Father, he receives the ceaseless and grateful homage of all the hosts of heaven. But it is not so much his power, or the miracles which he performed,

as his disinterested and self-sacrificing love, that renders him an object of intense interest, and supreme adoration to the celestial inhabitants. They cry, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." If we imbibe the spirit and imitate the example of the Redeemer, we shall partake of his glory. In proportion as we desire, and unostentatiously seek the happiness of mankind, shall we be elevated in the scale of moral being, gain the confidence, esteem, and homage of our fellow-men, and approximate those orders of intelligences, which dwelling in the presence of God, are "sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.'

Beneficence glorifies God. Every sincere Christian supremely desires to glorify the Lord. For this purpose he was redeemed, enlightened, renewed; for this purpose he is constantly guided, strengthened, comforted; for this purpose he lives; and for this purpose he is ready to suffer, and if need be, to die. God is peculiarly honored by acts of beneficence. Veracity, justice, and temperance are virtues, imperiously demanded by the very constitution of society. It could not exist without these virtues; at least, without the semblance of them. They are enforced by human legislation. Men are impelled to practise them by sheer selfishness. It is easy to find men of strict veracity, honorable in their business, and temperate in their habits, who neither fear God nor regard their fellow-men, except so far as they may be made subservient to their own interests. Beneficence, from necessity, must be voluntary. It may be counterfeited-it may spring, as I have shown, from wrong motives; but in general, the discerning will distinguish between the false and the true.

Contemplate the character of the Christian benefactor. He was once like other men, selfish, proud, envious and despiteful. Wrapt up in the mantle of

self-interest, he felt not the chilling blast of poverty which swept over the land. Intent on the prosecution of his own business, he heard not the cries of the needy and suffering. To live in wealth, and splendor, and luxury, was his highest ambition. But a great change has passed upon him. His self-love has been displaced by love to men. Now to do good is his desire, and study, and constant aim. He serves his generation by the will of God. He pursues his business with diligence and economy, that his means of usefulness may be increased. Now you may find him, not at the gaming board, but in the sick chamberand now you may hear his voice, not in profanity, but ministering consolation to the afflicted. To every charitable and religious purpose he contributes with a liberality and cheerfulness equalled only by his modesty. He honors the Lord with his substance, and with the first-fruits of all his increase. What wrought this wonderful change ?-by what mysterious and potent influence was the native current of this man's life turned? Who melted the selfishness of his heart? Who opened in his bosom the living fountain of benevolence? Who impressed upon his character the lovliest features of Him, who is the brightness of the Father's glory? The hand of God is visible in the change. Grace, divine, free, rich and efficacious, wrought the pleasing, wonderful transformation. To God be all the praise.

.--THE CHRISTIAN'S REVIEW OF THE PAST.

28.

J. L. BURROWS.

As travellers toiling up the rugged mountain of life, on our journey to the skies, let us pause a little and look back. From the past we may gather lessons of wisdom for the future. If you trace your individual