would do by the one pair I should otherwise have bought from him, and as the other has cleared more in silks and ribbons than three times his profit on the shawl, I am easy on that head,-especially as the large body too worldly and covetous to go to fancy fairs, and the much smaller one who, on the best and purest motives, abstain from them, will still be their customers. I hope you and your correspondent will not set me down as a self-righteous, boaster; really myself, I see nothing to boast of, and had I not been anonymous, I would not have bared my motives as I have done. I trust I have been taught that all my doings are but "filthy rags," and that I can truly say,

Nothing in my hand I bring;

but as I really believe it to be my duty to do all I can, though my doings be "nothing worth," as I feel the Fancy Fairs, in question, are a channel through which I can bring some talents into use, which must otherwise be wasted, and as I am convinced my motives are those of multitudes, who con scientiously support them, I thought it only a duty to endeavour to convince your friend that while one, as Paul says, may "eat," from conscientious motives, and "give thanks," another may "eat not" from equally conscientious motives, and equally give thanks, and be equally doing right although doing differently.

I am, Madam,

Yours, &c, &c.

L. P.

INVITATION TO UNITED PRAYER,

FOR THE

OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,

ON WEDNESDAY, 1st OF JANUARY, 1845.

BEING THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW YEAR.

DEARLY BELOVED IN THE Lord,

It is with feelings of grateful thanksgiving to our heavenly Father, that I now, for the Ninth time, renew my annual invitation for a GENERAL CONCERT FOR PRAYER FOR THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, which, by Divine permission, will be held ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW YEAR, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1ST., 1845.

Upon entering upon so spiritual a service, it will be well to bear in mind that striking passage in the 59th chapter of the Prophet Isaiah-" Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

For, whilst this Scripture shews us the Lord's readiness to hear our petitions, and his ability to grant our utmost desires, and thus encourages us to

draw nigh to a "Throne of grace," it will lead us to do this with a deeper sense of our manifold infirmities, with a humble confession of our individual shortcomings, and with a personal application to that “precious blood," "which cleanses from all sin.”

Thus it was that holy Daniel offered up his prayer. First, with humble confession, and then with earnest supplication.

And, surely, at this time such a course is peculiarly requisite, to give us that confidence in prayer, without which it cannot be effectual. For, without referring to those open transgressions of the ungodly, for which" the Lord is angry with them every day," consider the present state of the Church of Christ. Who that compares his own personal religion with the standard laid down in the Word of God, but will be ready to smite upon his breast, and say, with the Publican, “God be merciful to me a sinner." For reflect upon the description given of the Ministers of Christ, and of the trust reposed in them. They are called "Men of God," "Ambassadors for Christ," "the glory of the churches;" they are "in Christ's stead;" they are set as examples of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity;" they are put in trust with the gospel;" they "watch for souls, as they that must give an account;" and such is their love for their Divine Master, that " they count not their lives dear unto themselves, so that they might finish their course with joy, and the ministry which they have received of the Lord Jesus."

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Such is their high and holy calling. Who that ministers before the Lord, when he compares himself with this standard, will not feel as the Prophet did

when he said, "Wo is me, for I am undone, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips." (Isaiah vi. 5.)

Then mark the description given of the Lord's faithful people. They are" the salt of the earth," "the light of the world," "a city set upon a hill;" they "have their conversation in heaven;" they are directed" to hold forth the word of life, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation ;” to be followers of God as dear children; to walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us; to be as servants who wait for their Lord, that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.”

If it be asked where shall we meet with Christians of this scriptural standard? Will not the most devoted among the Lord's people be ready to say,

My leanness, my leanness. Wo unto me, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously." (Isaiah xxiv. 17.) How necessary, then, is it, when we enter upon this spiritual service, to bear in mind the scripture to which I have referred.

For the new year approaches under such interesting circumstances, as may well call forth our most ardent prayers. Thus, through the good providence of God, there is at this moment peace throughout all the world. The Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, also, has given to our gracious Queen so large an extent of territory, and such a commanding influence among the nations, that there is scarcely a portion of the habitable globe, into which either our Christian missionaries, or the pure Word of God, may not find an entrance. Such is the present posi

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tion of the British empire, so peculiarly favourable for the spread of divine truth.

Further, whilst in England there are, alas, many things-which, to use the words of the Prophet Ezekiel " are for a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation," still the new year will come in, under these encouraging auspices. That there is a general feeling amongst the influential orders of society, that the prosperity, if not the absolute safety of our country depends upon diffusing sound Scriptural religion among the working-classes; raising their moral condition by encouraging them in habits of industry, temperance, and frugality; and in promoting their general comfort by shortening their hours of labour, improving their dwellings, and assisting them in husbanding the resources which their own good conduct may supply. Various steps have been taken for carrying these benevolent sentiments into effect. May we not expect that these plans, if the Lord be entreated, may prove the germ of far greater blessings; that they may produce kindlier feelings among all classes, a closer union among the members of our Church, and especially a greater readiness to receive the glorious truths of the Gospel of Christ.

In Scotland also the dawn of hope appears. For whilst at the close of the last year, we had but to lament a disruption in the Established Church; during this year, we might have seen the General Assembly of those who left her communion, meeting in a truly Christian spirit, without using any reproachful words against their brethren, but, in deep abasement of heart, humbling themselves before the God of their Fathers, for their own personal short-comings, and for the low state of Religion