impressive, that the preaching of Christ crucified | one they infest. There is scarcely one substance which is indeed the wisdom and the power of God unto salvation. THE WISDOM OF GOD DISPLAYED IN THE BY THE REV. WILLIAM GRANT, THE Connection which exists between the various branches of nature, though it forces itself on the notice of naturalists, is scarcely observed by the generality of mankind. They regard creation as a series of works, each perfect in itself, but in nowise, or but slightly connected with each other. So distinctly is this idea at variance with reality, that I may unhesitatingly affirm that not one part of existing nature, however insignificant, could be removed without involving the rest in inextricable confusion. The truth of this statement must be allowed by all who have made one portion of creation their peculiar study. They find it impossible fully to understand their subject without some knowledge of the others. The wider their knowledge of the laws which pervade the whole, the more fully do they understand the single subject in which they delight. This does not merely arise from the analogies and similarities they find, but also, perhaps more especially, from understanding the purposes they are meant to serve,-from observing their connection with some other part of creation. No man is able, by taking a comprehensive and a minute observation of all creation, to point out the almost infinite dependency and connection of its several parts. We may be able to give a general sketch or outline of the grand chain that connects the whole, from the moss-grown rock to man; or, we may be able to take a few isolated facts, and trace for a little the manifold links which connect one species with thousands around it. But, if we attempt to proceed, we are soon lost in the endless maze of connection. The mutual dependency does not darken before us, but it shines with such a brightness that we can no longer number its rays. The multiplicity of the connections bewilders us. How exalted, then, must be our conceptions of Him who, by one glance, comprehends them all,-of Him who planned these endless adaptations, who planned them so that all are harmony! None are unconnected and alone,-each has its place assigned to it. The fabled melody of the spheres was not more faultless than the actual harmony of all created things. It lies not within the subject I have assigned to myself to take a general view of this mutual dependency. I must confine myself to particular instances-instances drawn from the insect creation. No sooner have I announced the nature of the evidence I am to lead, than I feel at a loss how to begin. For thousands of insects press forward, eager to bear testimony to the wisdom of their maker. You will see that this is no figure of speech, but the sober truth, when you consider the manifold links by which this class are connected to the various orders of creation. There is not a spot upon the surface of our globe that is not peopled by innumerable hosts,-while they glitter in every varied shape and hue beneath the scorching influence of the tropics, they find a place amid the frozen regions of the north. this earth produces which does not equally own their sway. With all they are connected--receiving or affording food. All, therefore, are now pressing their claims to be heard as witnesses: among such contending claims I know not which to select. I must therefore take one part of the subject, and transcribe the evidence of one or two witnesses, as an example of the rest. The generality of insects pass through four states of existence, the egg, the larva, or caterpillar,—the pupa, or chrysalis, and the imago, or perfect. With regard to the first of these, it is a common opinion that the eggs of insects remain a certain, determinate time, after which the insect comes forth. Or, if it is known that this period is varied, the principle, the rule by which it is shortened or prolonged, is not understood. The cause, however, of the variation is to be found in the variation of the temperature; in a word, it depends upon heat. Upon this simple fact I would offer a few remarks. If the period of their birth had been determined by any other cause, I do not see how insects could be, with any certainty, continued from year to year. Let us suppose that those insects who find their food amid the vegetation of the forest, lay for a certain time in the egg, and that, independent of the temperature, they were to come into life after a period of six months from September to March, what would be the consequence? Some seasons might be backward, the trees might not put forth their leaves till April had arrived, or was well nigh spent. What would become of those insects which had appeared days, it might be weeks, ere there was any food provided for them? Even though they could exist some time without any sustenance, how could the tender larva, which required the warmth of genial spring to cherish and enliven it, sustain the pinching cold, amid which it had prematurely begun its life? Or, if to remedy such an evil as this, the period of their remaining undisclosed was lengthened to seven or eight months, so that, instead of appearing in March, they were to appear a month or two later, what would be the consequence? The former evil might be remedied, but another threatens their existence. In ordinary seasons, much more in early years, the greater number of the leaves would have attained their full maturity ere the insect appeared. Such leaves may be the fitting food for the full grown caterpillar, but they are totally useless to it when at first it enters life no larger than a hair. Besides, if those insects which bind down the opening bud with silken cords, providing themselves with shelter and with food,-if these were only to appear when the plant had fully blossomed, their utmost strength could not, as yet, bend the stubborn leaf. In such an arrangement, an unfitness, a want of connection would be seen. But by the laws which now exist, these evils are fully removed, this twofold danger provided against. By a special appointment, two events,-the revival of vegetation and the birth of insects-events continually varying as to the time of their occurrence, invariably take place at the same time. The same cause retards or hastens them. Early or late, as regards the seasons of the year, these two events, without any connection, except that of utility, are and must be simultaneous in their occurrence. That you may the more clearly take notice of the singularity and exactitude of this wholesome law, you should bear in mind how different the seasons are at which different trees or herbs send forth their leaves. Weeks, as you are well aware, very frequently intervene between the foliation of the one and the other. Since, therefore, insects are limited to one kind of food, devour the leaves of particular species, and refuse Nor is the region of vegetable existence the only all others, how minute must be the adaptation of the ordained as his assistant and successor at Greenock, he | did he know, that "though Paul may plant, and Apollos says, "Dr Scott was possessed, in an eminent degree, of almost all those qualifications which render a minister of the Gospel "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,"-excellent talents, extensive information, very high attainments in personal holiness, a thorough knowledge of the Word of God, sound and comprehensive views of Christian doctrine, great practical' acquaintance with the effects of the truth on the minds of men of different characters, and in different circumstances; and much Christian wisdom in rightly dividing the Word of truth, so as to make it bear most directly and successfully on the minds of those whom he addressed. I had not the happiness of knowing him until after he had been laid aside from the discharge of public duty; but it was my privilege, for several years to act as his assistant, and to minister among his flock; and I can truly say of him, as Burnet did of Leighton, that I have the greatest veneration for his memory, and that I reckon my knowledge of him among the greatest blessings of my life; and for which I know I must give an account to God in the great day.'" From a well-written memoir, by the Rev. Dr Barr of Port-Glasgow, from which we would be disposed to quote more largely than our space will allow, we learn that Dr Scott was born in 1765, licensed to preach the Gospel in 1787, and ordained to the work of the ministry, in the New (West) Church Parish of Greenock, in 1793. "The connection thus formed," Dr Barr adds, "and which terminated only with his life, was always viewed by him with feelings of peculiar sacredness and solemnity; and these feelings were reciprocated by the members of his numerous flock. No other individual, perhaps, could have been found whose talents and character were so admirably adapted to the place and people. The same expressions of popular attachment which tended him to its close; and the experience of every successive year, by presenting to the subjects of his ministry additional evidence of his zeal and ability, his faithfulness and success, served only to give him a higher place in their affections, and a firmer hold of their confidence and esteem." welcomed him at the commencement of his work, at water, it is God alone who giveth the increase;" and therefore, every effort was made under a deep sense of his dependence on God, and with a prayerful looking for his blessing. This told on all his public appearances. Coming into the sanctuary from conversing with God, his very manner said, "I have a message from the Lord to you;" and the Lord, who called him to deliver the message, permitted him in many cases to see the fulfilment of his promise, that "his word should not return to him void, but should accomplish that whereunto it was sent." Much as he excelled as a public speaker, this was but one of the bright features which combined in forming so distinguished a character. The way in which he discharged the more private pastoral duties formed a rich background to the picture. The ministrations of the pulpit are a prominent and highly important department of duty, but they depend for much of their efficacy on other duties, which though they attract less notice, are of unspeakable value. Most diligently did he teach from house to house: and when we think of the amenity of his manner, his fitness for giving advice both in temporal and spiritual matters, the cheerfulness which shed a mellow influence over the gravity of his deportment, and the deep interest which he took in all their concerns, we cannot wonder that his visits were greatly prized by a grateful and affectionate people. Among his more private pastoral services, we must not forget to mention his tender care and affectionate superintendence of the young. "Feed my lambs," was the command of Him whose own character is that "be feeds his flock as a shepherd, and gathers the lambs with his arm, and carries them in his bosom." Learn ing of Christ, then, the lambs of the flock were beloved objects of his special regard. Knowing how hopeless, comparatively, it is to seek to bend the gnarled oak, be saw the importance of striving to train up the young in the way they should go. And God often blessed his affectionate instructions, whether given to his younger classes, or to those who were about to partake of the ordinance of the Supper, and he had often the pleasure of knowing that a blessing had followed his labours, by seeing the boys whom he had instructed become zealous Sabbath school teachers when young men, and in many cases diligent Elders at a more advanced period; while in process of time, the young females grew up to be the pious mothers of well-regulated families. In no respect, however, was he so much distinguished, as a son of consolation." "But chief let comfort flow; It is most needed in this vale of tears." He was indeed a workman that needed not to be ashamed; his ministerial duties formed the business of his life, so that he might have said, "This one thing I do." He seems to have acted in the very spirit of the apostle's exhortation, "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate on these things; give thyself wholly to them, for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." As "it pleases the Lord, by the foolishness of preaching, to save those who believe," and as the Gospel doc- To the children of sorrow and suffering he was almost trine of "Christ crucified, is, to those who believe, as an angel from heaven, visiting their dwellings; nay, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God," in some respects even better to them than an angel from his great delight was to preach the doctrines of the heaven; for he had learned of Him who was the man Cross; and he was most diligent in making preparation of sorrows, and whilst he wept with those who wept, for the duties of the sanctuary. All his learning, and his words came as balm to the mourners, when they talents, and valuable acquirements, were made to bear knew that he had himself drunk deeply of the cup of on his illustration of Scripture; and all the powers of sorrow, that death, by breach upon breach, had greatly his commanding eloquence were faithfully employed in reduced his family circle, and that disease for thirty striving to bring home to the heart the precious truths years had scarcely ever been a stranger to his abode. of the Gospel. Well did he know, however, that some- He knew the heart of the afflicted, and he was remarkthing more than the "words of man's wisdom" is neces-ably fitted to sympathize with them in their sorrows, to sary to give efficacy to the preaching of the Word,-well speak a word in season to them, "and to comfort those who were in trouble, by the comfort wherewith he himself had been comforted of God." When "wearisome days and nights have been appointed to us, when we have been filled with tossings to and fro till the dawning of the day," or when we are groaning under some heavy bereavement which has laid the heart desolate, we are ready to say of those who in cold moralisings tell us of our deserts, and remind us of our duty, "miserable comforters are ye all." But when the truths and consolations of the Gospel come from one who has himself been stricken, who, with tearful eye, and quivering lip, leads us to Him who, though he wounds, can also heal, though he has broken, can also bind up; it is like the kiss of the mother to her weeping child; our sorrows are lightened by the voice of sympathy, but above all by being affectionately reminded of Him who has said, "In all your afflictions I am afflicted;""Come unto me and I will give you rest.' Dr Scott was possessed of very warm affections, and these warm affections, instead of being deadened, were strengthened by sanctified sorrow; while the comfort, or rather joy, which he derived from religion, made him more desirous that others should experience the same gracious supports. "I reached home in safety," said he, in writing to a valued friend,* " and full of gratitude for all I had enjoyed in public and private; and now I am called to weep over the sick members of my family. But I do not repine, for I know I should be neither so holy nor so happy if I wept less." When the Lord cast his devoted servant so often into the furnace of affliction, it was not only "that the trial of his faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ," but that while here he might be "a man of God, thoroughly furnished unto all good works;" and especially for the precious offices of the ministry in the chambers of distress and sorrow. And how often does it please the Lord to discipline his servants, and to “furnish' them for the work required of them, particularly as sons of consolation, by melting their hearts under domestic distress and bereavement, while bodily health and strength is long, perhaps, continued to themselves, that in mingling with their people, they may not only say with their lips, but as "living epistles, seen and read," may say by their cheerful and sanctified lives," Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." Pastoral visits of sympathy, condolence, and godly counsel, figure not in the page of this world's history, but "a book of remembrance is kept," and the recording angel enters them with delight on a bright page of the annals made up for eternity. To give an idea of his conversational talents, for which he was remarkably distinguished, we cannot do better than quote a long but excellent note by the Rev. Mr Smith of Lochwinnoch, appended to the sermon, to which we have already referred :-- "Unless I were to except his devotional exercises, and his ministrations to the sick and the afflicted, I should say he appeared to greatest advantage in conversation. For this he possessed every qualification. His information was remarkably extensive and accurate. The Rev. Mr Smith of Lochwinnoch, by whom a very valuable sermon, which has been published was preached on the Sabbath after his funeral. His apprehensions were quick, and his ideas well defined; his imagination lively, and his affections warm. He could express himself with the accuracy, without the turgidity of a Johnson; and his manners were remarkable at once for dignity and urbanity. Any stiffness or restraint which might have been produced by these higher qualities, was taken off by the kindness of his disposition, and occasional playfulness of his conversation. He had just enough of chaste humour to make his society animating and pleasant, without being inconsistent with the seriousness and dignity or impropriety appeared, no man could check it more his office and character. If any thing like levity or readily and successfully. His retort courteous was always at hand, and therefore whilst he imposed no unreasonable restraints, and awakened no painful feelings, no undue liberty could be used in his presence. He promoted rational conversation, and produced harmony, affection, and pleasure in every circle in which he mingled. Even in the largest companies he was a conspicuous person, not from ostentatious display, but from the cheerful and willing respect universally paid to him. Every ear was turned to him with pleasure, and every eye beamed upon him with affection. No matter though there were men of the world there, none were louder in his praise, while they could never justly accuse him of undue conformity to this present world. But it was to the smaller circles of his friends and fellow-Christians that he chiefly endeared himself. He loved them with a pure heart fervently, and delighted in their society; and they were, if possible, still more delighted with him. His annual or occasional visits to his brethren and friends were looked forward to as seasons of great refreshment and enjoyment, in private as well as in public, and are still remembered with feelings that can never be effaced. The domestic circle lingered around him, for his conversation was full of interest and instruction, cheerfulness and affection. 'He opened his mouth with wisdom, and in his tongue was the law of kindness.' The hours passed away uncounted, and a separation took place, from necessity, not from want of interesting and animating conversation. The days thus spent were edifying and refreshing; and the remembrance of them will be always cherished by his surviving friends. It will be easily believed that his correspondence possessed a similar character. His letters were remarkable even for the neatness of their execution and the accuracy of their expression, and presented a picture of a well-regulated and accomplished mind. But they were especially fraught with instruction, and full of tenderness and affection. This gave them a charm which was better felt than it can be described. They wanted, indeed, the benefit of his manner, and the animation of the living voice; but they enjoyed the advantage of greater deliberation and superior accuracy." His trials thickened around him as he approached the end of his journey; and bis diversified afflictions were of such a nature as, under God's blessing, were remarkably fitted to wean him more and more from the world, and to make him long more and more for the To an active and a faithful mihappiness of heaven. nister, who has long delighted in his Master's work, and has been permitted to see the pleasure of the Lord prospering in his hands, it must be no small trial to be removed from the courts of the Lord's house, and to be laid aside as a broken vessel. In a short Sketch by his son, subjoined to the Memoir by Dr Barr, it is said, "The closing period of his life was ushered in by two events which gave it a colouring peculiar to itself. A paralytic stroke, which, though it had not the effect on the mental powers so often attending that disease, cut off from the first every expectation of returning to public life, was followed by the removal of the par- | consequences. I here speak upon oath, and I am bound taker in his parental affections and parental sorrows. Of her I may less trust myself to speak than even of him. Few could know what he had found, and what he had lost in her. The dissolving for earth of this union of thirty-four years, was needful to give its intended weight to that desolation of the outward man,' in which it was judged fit that his closing days should be spent. He continued to reap the advantage of his established habits, in a quiet regularity of employment, most conducive to mental health in such a bodily state. He experienced kindness from many friends, peculiar devotedness of affection from some, whom it would be pleasant here to name, if such were the fitting expression of his sense of their love. But benumbed in his limbs, depressed in animal spirits, having but one member of his own family a constant resident under his roof, and that one suffering and enfeebled by illness like himself, he evidently felt the season to be given for humbling and melting, for setting his desires and his faith more exclusively on the treasure that is in heaven. He grew in gentleness, and meekness, and poverty of spirit. Among his last words, when he was aware of no mortal auditor, were difficult, but earnest utterances of his desires before God for his people, and their children, and for himself, of faith in the blood of Christ; and his last breath went forth in prayer." This eminent servant of God entered on his rest in March 1836, in the seventy-first year of his age, and the forty-first of his ministry. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." IMPIETY REBUKED. THE following address was delivered by the late Reverend Robert Walker, of the High Church, Edinburgh, in consequence of his hearing that the play of the "Miner" had been acted in the theatre. It is by mistake called the "Mirror" in the life of Whitefield, which has appeared in our late numbers. The "Miner" had a reference to the preaching of Whitefield among the colliers. The play was acted in Edinburgh on a Saturday evening: and the address produced a great sensation, as we have been informed, not a few of Mr Walker's auditors having been present at it. "I cannot read this without expressing that just indignation I feel upon hearing, that last night, a profane piece of buffoonery was publicly acted, wherein, unless it hath undergone very material alteration, this sacred doctrine, and some others connected with it, are introduced upon the stage, for no other purpose but to gratify the impiety and excite the laughter of thoughtless, miserable, dying sinners. I had occasion, some years ago, to deliver very fully, from this place, my opinion of theatrical entertainments in general, an opinion then supported by the laws of my country, And as my sentiments on that matter were not founded upon such fluctuating things as the humours, maxims, or decrees of men, it is impossible that any variation in these can alter them; though, perhaps, I should not have thought it necessary to remind you of them at present, had not so gross an outrage on the passage that occurs this day in my course of lecturing challenged me to do it. When I say this, I do not mean to make any kind of apology for using my undoubted privilege of walking with perfect freedom in the King's highway, I mean the highway of the King of kings. If any jostle ine on that road, they, and not I must answer for the to declare the whole counsel of God, and woe is me if I preach not the Gospel. If men are bold enough to act impiety, surely a minister of Christ may be equally bold in reproving it. He hath a patent for doing so, much more valid and authoritative than any theatre can possess, or any power on earth can give. Let every soul then in the assembly listen with due attention and reverence, while I again read these words of the Apostle, If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." OH, THAT I HAD WINGS LIKE A DOVE! FOR THEN Away from these regions of woe I would soar to the heaven above, A rest mid its turbulent din. That has guided me onward till now, Till my time of departure draws nigh, Aberdeen. C. F. BUCHAN. THE DECEIVED PROPHET; HIS CRIME AND A DISCOURSE. BY THE REV. ALEXANDER TURner, Minister of Gorbals, Glasgow. "Now there dwelt an old prophet in Beth-el; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Beth-el; the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father," &c.-1 KINGS Xiii. 11-34. OUR attention has already been directed to the consideration of the character of the man of God, introduced to our notice in one of the verses of this chapter, as resting himself under an oak, on the way side, not far from Beth-el, in so far as that character is displayed in his discharge of a duty which Jehovah had imposed upon him. God had made choice of him for an arduous and perilous undertaking,-to go from Judah to the people of tudes, on a day of high solemnity, to warn their Israel, and, in presence of the assembled multihaughty king, and all his subjects, of their danger, as apostates from the faith; to foretell the fatal desecration of that altar which Jeroboam had just erected, and by which he was, at the moment, standing, ready to burn incense, by one that should thereafter be born unto the house of David,-that house from whose authority the people had rebelled, and whose place Jeroboam had assumed. We have seen, from the manner in which he fulfilled the duty committed to him, that he was indeed a servant of the most high God,-the fearless denouncer of his judgments on the wicked; one whom, in the discharge of his duty, the pomp of possible that he should be guilty of so heinous an offence against the Most High God. Nor can we suppose that a true and faithful prophet of the royalty could not overawe, nor the rage of the multitude intimidate; who had learned to practise self-denial,—whom bribery could not corrupt; and yet, withal, a man ready to forgive,-who har-Lord would have left his former residence, as he boured not resentment against those that did him wrong. Well did he execute the charge intrusted to him. He did not shrink from the undertaking because it was beset with dangers; he set his face like a flint, resolved, at every hazard, to execute his high commission. It was a spectacle worthy of admiration, and fitted to overawe the minds even of idolatrous Israel, when the stranger, unattended by even one friend, whose countenance might support his courage, stood forth before the congregated multitudes, and, in presence of the king, and without one symptom of fear, in God's name uttered aloud the curse which he was commanded to foretell; and, addressing the altar in which they put their confidence, and in which they had begun to glory, said, “O altar, altar! thus saith the Lord, Behold a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name, and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places, that burn incense upon thee; and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee." But we have now to contemplate this man of God under a far different light. His memory is preserved chiefly as a warning to others. We have seen his glory, we have yet to see his fall. His history stands forth upon the sacred record like some noble wreck, which warns the mariner to avoid these hidden shoals. While yet the prophet is resting under the oak tree, the plot which was to ruin him is completed, and is ready to be put in execution. The emissary of Satan, in effecting this malevolent design, is an old man of Beth-el, -an old prophet; who is thus introduced to us in the sacred narrative: "Now there dwelt an old prophet in Beth-el, and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Beth-el; the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father." It is somewhat difficult to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion respecting this man's character. We have no further notice respecting him than is contained in the narrative before us, excepting that, from a single expression elsewhere occurring, it seems probable that he belonged originally to Samaria. He is called a prophet; and in the present narration we have an instance of his being endowed with the prophetic spirit, for in the name of the Lord, addressing the man of God, after he had brought him back to Beth-el, he foretold the fate which was to follow as the punishment of his disobedience. But though a prophet, we cannot believe him to have been a man of God; his character, so far as it is here presented to us, forbids us to describe him as a good man. He was guilty of deceiving the prophet of Judah with a lie; a lie, we may say, uttered in the name of God himself, for he falsely pretended to a revelation vouchsafed from heaven; and although a good man may be overtaken in a fault, we can hardly conceive it seems to have done, to dwell among a people turn- Let us, |