wealth, in so secure and exalted a place, that it is utterly impossible for the bitterest of my enemies, either on earth or in hell, to touch it. God has placed this inestimable treasure 'far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion,' even in heaven itself, at the right hand of his eternal throne. Yes, this precious 'Pearl of great price' is the Lord Jesus Christ, my sacrifice and my Saviour, the eternal and everlasting God, who, by the offering up of myself, has purchased for me an inheritance in the kingdom of his Father, where I shall be with him for ever and ever." THE SAVINGS BANK. It may seem hard to a servant when she gets her wages paid her, to go directly and put it into the savings bank. It may seem hard to her at the time; and, if she be of an impatient disposition, may think to herself, "Is it not foolish in me she to go and pay away my money as fast as I earn it? While other people are sporting their new ribands and laces, here I go and put my money out of sight, in this great house, and for a long time hear no more of it." But, by-and-by, when a time of need comes, a time of sickness or misfortune, she goes again to the savings bank, and finds it a very great comfort to be able to draw out the means of helping her through her necessity. Co While The impatient Christian, or even the patient but faint-hearted Christian, is often inclined to cry out that he hears nothing of his prayers. the worldly-minded around me are at ease," says he, "my prayers are mingled with my tears day and night at the footstool of my God; but I hear no more of them." Alas! he is for a moment THE SAVINGS BANK. 65 tempted to say, "I have cleansed my heart in vain :" but, by-and-by, comes a time of great trial, a heavy affliction, a sore bereavement, a painful sickness, or he is brought down to the gates of death; and then the Lord is a wall of fire around about him, fills his heart with heavenly peace and resignation, and gives him "a happy issue" out of all his afflictions. Then he finds that his heavenly Treasurer has not overlooked the faintest sigh that escaped his breast, but was only reserving the profits of it until the most suitable time of need. THE BLACKSMITH. "Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work," Isa. liv. 16. I was once overtaken by a wintry storm, and was fain to take refuge in the shop of a blacksmith. Fancy to yourself Old Humphrey standing upon the high hearth, with his head part of the way up the broad chimney, the bright flame shining full on his face! What an animating scene is a blacksmith's shop; all noise, blaze, and bustle! The blacksmith takes a piece of iron, burns it in the fire until it is sufficiently malleable; then puts it upon the anvil, and beats it about, until it is formed into the shape for which it is intended: perhaps a horse-shoe, a hoe, or a pickaxe; which is brought forth from the blacksmith's shop ready for service. The people of God are sometimes sorely tried by their worldly-minded neighbours, who are set against them. It is natural to feel angry with those who thus afflict and oppose them; but THE BLACKSMITH. 67 Christians should check these feelings, with such a thought as the following: "How do I know what service my heavenly Father has designed me to do for him? These very people, though I count them such troubles to my soul, may be smiths blowing the coals in the fire. They may be modelling me under his superintendence, and bringing me forth an instrument prepared for his use. |