lost a kind, tender-hearted, and affectionate husband; the children. have lost a father who aimed to train them in this world, both by precept and example, for usefulness during their day, and amidst their generation, and for consummate bliss in glory everlasting. Yet there is one consolation, that there is solid ground to hope that our loss is his infinite gain, and that if we obtain "like precious faith," and endure unto the end; that we also shall be saved, and see him again, when with the redeemed of the Lord he appears in the luminous skies. May God help the writer, reader, widow, children, and neighbours, all so to live that we may stand ready to be found of him in peace, is the prayer of A SERVANT OF THE CHURCH. MEMOIR OF FRANCES THORNE. FRANCES THORNE, whose maiden name was RUNDLE, the daughter of HUMPHREY and GRACE RUNDLE, of the Township of Darlington, Canada West, was born at Marhamchurch, Cornwall, England, May 9th, 1819. Her parents being pious strove to train her up in the way she should go, and their anxious efforts were owned and blessed. Frances in early life became the subject of deep religious impressions, and was often secretly drawn to the closet to unbosom her care before the throne of heavenly grace. Sabbath School instruction at this time was rendered of great service to her. In the Fall of 1840, during protracted services held at Orr's Schoolhouse, she was converted to God, and with many others joined the Society in that place; and although she was often the subject of severe temptation, yet she persevered in the path of duty, humbly depending on the strong for strength, and coming up through the wilderness leaning upon the arm of her beloved. She attended the Sabbath School, first as a scholar and then as a teacher, for several years. She also assisted in getting up and as waiter at eight Anniversaries of the institution, and was pleased to be able to assist in any proper way to promote its interests, because she felt a deep and longing desire for its prosperity, its object being the eternal well-being of the rising generation, and the promotion of the glory of God. She was a dutiful child, and a kind sister, and laboured to promote the happiness of all the family. She was much esteemed and respected by her youthful associates and acquaintances, as a christian and a neighbour. January 1st, 1851, she was married to her first cousin, JOHN THORNE, by whom she had two children; but although her childhood and youth were seasons of good health and strength, her state after marriage turned out very differently; she became the subject of a spinal affection, from which she suffered agonies, and was rendered a comparative cripple, with two children to take care of. While thus situated her mind became greatly clouded, and her sense of salvation eclipsed. However the Lord did not forget to be gracious to her, so that some time before she bade adieu to transitory objects, He restored to her the "joys of his salvation," and took from her embraces the infant child. She continued under the smiles of her Maker until the third day of August, 1854, when her heaven-born spirit released from the tenement of clay, returned to Him who gave it, humbly hoping for a joyful resurrection unto Life Eternal through our Lord Jesus Christ. She has left a husband, a child, a mother, brothers, and a sister, to lament their loss, which we have ground to hope is her gain. May the relatives, the writer, and the readers attend to the instruction of the world's Redeemer, "Be ye also ready." Her remains were interred in Providence burying-ground the following Sabbath, and the writer improved the solemn event to a numerous audience, some of whom he humbly hopes derived therefrom special blessings. May we so live as to be prepared to die and meet together in heaven, to reign with God forever, is the desire and prayer of the writer. A SERVANT OF THE CHURCH. MISCELLANEOUS. SACRED MUSIC. "Music is the science of harmonical sounds; vocal or instrumental harmony." That God is to be worshipped with sacred music, is evident from the sacred scriptures. The holy prophet says, "Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing." Isaiah lii. 8. Again, verse 9, "Break forth into joy, sing together_ye waste places of Jerusalem." The Psalmist says, "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High!" and the apostolic precept harmonizes with this sentiment," Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." Eph. v. 19. "I will sing," saith the Apostle, "with the spirit, and with the understanding also.' 1 Cor. xiv. 15. It is true that those whose hearts are right with God, ofttimes have no skill in music; and some who are well skilled in the art of music, have not a devotional spirit; but all the parts of divine worship should be rightly performed, in a right spirit. A good singer, among the people of God, without the life of God in his soul, is nothing but a sound; and there is no harmony in the music of him who sings without the" understanding;" therefore, it is proper to "sing with the spirit and with the understanding also." That God is to be worshipped with sacred music, is such an ancient opinion, that it may be considered as one of the laws of nature, which was infused into man at his creation, which we brought with us into the world. Music has been the solemn prac tice of good men of all ages; therefore let us 66 serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song,-singing with grace in our hearts unto the Lord." The heathen however barbarous they have been, approached their gods with some kind of music, and expressed their devotion with songs; and if we have not a relish for sacred music in the worship of Almighty God, is it not a sign that our reason is less refined than the heathen's: and that our affections are more gross and vile than theirs? It is well known that the Jews worshipped the true and living God, and that one part of their de votion consisted in sacred music, which evidently stands like the law, supported by divine authority, and attested by infallible records, in which we find songs of God's own appointment, and music that he approves of, and the praises of Jehovah that were celebrated in harmonious music, and melodious sounds. In the sacred volume we meet with accounts of musicians inspired from heaven; such concerts as the Holy Ghost vouchsafed to teach, and angels delight to hear. What raptures of divine eloquence! What patterns of holy devotion, did that age of music produce, and how has the church of God in all ages sung their musical notes in loud anthems of praises to God! The holy prophets, apostles, and martyrs of Jesus, and the saints of God, up to this day, praise the Lord for his goodness, in songs of devotion with musical air. We talk of a rational way of worship; and it is right that reason should be properly exercised; but the worship of God is an act, not of our reasons only, but of our affections-the homage of exalted love the outgoing of an inflamed desire, burning in the heart-the breathing of a sincere soul in the extacies of his admiration of the goodness of God. These are the noblest springs of devotion, which lie not in the head, but in the heart; too deep to be reached and wrought upon by reason, but there is a power in music that can reach them all -touch them to the very quickand put the whole soul in proper tune to praise its Maker "with joy. ful lips.' The philosopher, with his gravity, may talk of our passions but never move them. The orator, with his address, may move, but never please them. The poet, with his accuracy, may please, but not command them: but sacred music ofttimes strikes the very soul of man, and makes his heart-strings leap for joy. It is a charm that works not only upon our affections, but upon our understanding also; enlivens the heart-opens the eyes and ears-elevates the mind above the dregs of matter and brings new thoughts to our minds. It ofttimes rouses all the powers of the soul into action-puts our thoughts in motion-and influences all our brighter powers to join in the concert. The Psalmist says, "Praise the Lord, O my soul! and all that is within me, praise his holy name." Music not only fits us for the operation of reason; but when pure faith is in lively exercise, is an inlet to the divine vision and revelation -it elevates the soul into a higher region, and urges him almost to a seraphic flight, and gives him an insight into things above. Isaiah was iufluenced into prophetic fire by a choir of seraphim, singing, "Holy! holy! holy, is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory." Isa. vi. 3. Was not Saul made a prophet by means of a concert of music? It is said, "The Spirit of God came upon him also, and he went on and prophesied." 1 Samuel, xix. 23. 24. Elisha the prophet also said, "But now bring me a minstrel; and it came to pass when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him." The playing of the harp had the desired effect; his mind was calm, and the power of God descended upon him. The effect of music was generally acknowledged among civilized nations, and instrumental music, through the divine blessing, has in some cases had a powerful influence on the people of God. It is true instrumental music is of a later date than vocal; but one great argument that some men have against it is, that it is so common; but they should remember that that which is common, is not always profane, Singing is the delightful employment of angels before the throne of God, and ought to be encouraged by saints on earth. God has given us a tongue and we should praise him with it. The birth of our adorable Lord was ushered in by angelic music which charmed the air. Let us then, with our hearts and voices repeat the chorus, "Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace; good will towards men." Luke ii. 14. Sacred music is so divine, so much like the strains in which the I do joys of heaven are uttered, that the blessed above do not disdain to hold communion with saints on earth in this holy devotion. not mean to say, with the Jewish doctors. "That the Spirit of God rested not upon a melancholy soul," but this we may say, that a melodious constitution of mind is one of the greatest felicities of our nature, and a gift of God; therefore, we ought to praise him for it, and with it. How desirable it is for all who know the Lord-all who have musical voices-to learn the art of music, and to teach it in all our sahbath schools, that the rising generation may be trained to take part in the worship of Almighty God. It is in the proper use of the appointed means that we train our souls to join the enraptured hosts before the throne, and to bear a part in those Hallelujahs which saints in glory sing! And if we will join in heavenly concert before the throne of God, we must learn that song on earth-we must put our souls in proper tune, that they may be proper instruments to praise our Creator and Redeemer, in the world to come. We all have to learn that important note which puts the heart in tune to join the hosts above; namely, love to God and man, otherwise we shall make a discord in heaven, or be sent away where there is nothing but " weeping, and howling, and gnashing of teeth!" WILLIAM HILL. SLANDER. OF ALL the detested characters who have disgraced the christian name, none is more odious or dangerous than the slanderer. His pestiferous breath tarnishes whatever it touches; undermines the most endearing relations; destroys unity, peace, and love; and diffu ses anarchy, discord, and death! How does the generous mind recoil at beholding the terrible havoc and distress which prevail in that christian society which is cursed with the deadly venom of his tongue. Rattlesnakes, wolves, bears, and lions, are harmless creatures, com pared with the monster of whom I am speaking: they mercifully dispatch their trembling victims at a stroke; while he, savagely, and deliberately, murders by inches his hapless prey! His heart is a mass of iniquity; foul, and sulphurous as that murky abyss which is the residence of fallen spirits. He is a compound of ignorance, envy, malice, and hypocrisy-void of every generous and manly principle-a slave of the prince and power of the air and his work, one would think, is the dirtiest his master can find him to do! I seldom think of such, but I remember Joab and Amasa; while he ter derly inquires after your welfare with "Art thou in health my brother?" he perfidiously stabs you under the fifth rib. He talks as smoothly to your face as though he was an angel; but turn your back, his words are as daggers and drawn swords! If we attentively examine his conduct, we shall find that he is actuated, principally, by envy, malice, and ambition. He wishes to be thought a man of talent, to reign and rule, in all things to have the pre-eminence; in short, to be head of the church! This is what he aims at, though covered with the thickest disguise. To effect this, he carries on all kinds of sly and creeping intrigues: such as writing letters, defaming ministers, misrepresenting facts, inventing falsehoods; throwing out oblique hints, and poisoned insinuations. All this scurrilous and dirty work he does behind the scenes; lurking in his hole he thinks he is neither seen nor suspected; he only manu. factures this pestilential trash, which he employs agents either as shallow or as wicked as himself to circulate. When looking for the faults of others, he has the eye of an eagle; but alas! when he looks for his own, mole-like, he has no eyes at all. He appears before men with a sanctified look, and as comely as a whited sepulchre! he wishes you to believe that his only motive is zeal for the cause of God. Oh! how his heart is pained and over whelmed with sorrow at the conduct of "I'll just give you a hint; it is not proper you should know all, it is too bad even to be repeated! Oh! how it distresses me to think of it." And to complete this vile hypocrisy, he shakes his head and ends his warning with a sigh. Is such a one happy? I might answer this question by proposing another. "Can a fiend be happy ?" No he is as far from happiness, a he is from heaven. A gnawing worm preys upon his vitals, he is consumed by raging fires; his soul is torn with unutterable anguish and sorrow; yea, 66 sorrow such as devils feel," "for he never smiles but when the wretched weep." Then he grins horribly, a ghastly smile! Reader, is this thy character? Examine thyself; is there no shade in this hateful portrait which resembles thee? Hast thou never privately slandered thy neighbour? There is too much reason to fear that thou hast. If thou art penitent, I could shed the tear of sympathy over thee; black as I have drawn thy portrait. O, let me beseech thee to repent! Perhaps thou hast cut off the hopes of some promising youth by blasting his reputation, which was dearer to him than life itself. Some hapless woman may now be bleeding under thy hand, or dying under the poisonous venom of thy tongue! Oh! repent of this thy wickedness and pray God to cleanse thy heart from this blackest, foulest stain. But if thou art still determined to blow up this fire of hell, and harden thyself in iniquity, suffer me to address thee in the striking language of a man of God, "O monster of ingratitude! scandal to human nature, and reproach to God! If thou canst, go hide thyself even in hell from the face of the Lord." HENRY HUXTABLE. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY. To the Editor. Dear Brother, Thinking it might prove interesting to some of the brethren who in the infancy of the Bible Christian society laboured hard in various places to establish societies, to know how the work of God is prospering in some of those places where they have laboured, I have sent a short account of the progress of the good work at Bentley. For several years the Bible Christians have been labouring at East-Green, in the parish of Bently, where Mr. and Mrs. Paine were the first to open their house for preaching, which they very kindly did for a long time. Afterwards it was removed to the cottage of Mr. and Mrs. Stacey, where the word of life was held forth with success, souls were converted to God, a society formed, and the congregation began to increase; so that the cottage soon became too strait to contain them. The friends then began to think of enlarging their borders, and a chapel was talked VOL. XX. THIRD SERIES. of; and two or three attempts were made to secure a suitable spot of land; but all their attempts failed until the autum of 1853, when all on a sudden, as Providence would have it, a very convenient spot was offered for sale. A friend was put on the look out, and at length succeeded in purchasing it; rather to the annoyance of some of the nobility of the parish, who by some means get intelligence of their design, and felt determined if possible to frustrate. But they were too late; the property was secured, the work was at once commenced, the foundation was laid, and soon the house was completed; and on Friday March 10th, 1854, the long looked for day arrived, when the chapel was opened for divine service, by Mr. Gilbert from London, who preached a sermon in the afternoon; after which a goodly number sat down to tea. In the evening a public meeting was held, and several speakers addressed the congregation. On Sunday March 12th, the pulpit was again occupied by Mr Gilbert, who 2 L |