THE PENNY POST. I wish I could speak a word to all my sisters in all the churches not to neglect their families and neighbours, but put aside trifling conversation, and attend to daily duties; being active in watching for souls, speaking pleasantly to the children, to poor thoughtless young girls, and to poor distressed mothers; inviting them to the house of God, telling them of the depravity of the heart, and the love of the Saviour, and that while sin is loved they cannot be happy; telling them much of Jesus Christ, and the comfort and support you have found in the promises. Some say they wont hear: try; they will hear. But do not say much at a time. Shew that you love their souls. I have known many poor women useful in the church and the world to their own class. Begin gently-persevere patiently, and God will bless. I was likewise pleased with the two deacons who met alone for prayer. I remember, when I was young, my father and the other deacon endeavouring to keep up the cause when there was no preaching, inviting their poor lame and sickly neighbours to come and hear reading and prayer; and the deacons wives encouraged poor women with families, and took part of them under their care, that the mothers might go to hear; and at night we kept a meeting, that those who had been at different places to hear might repeat what they could of the sermons they had heard in the day, and converse one with another, and sing and pray. After a time the Lord sent a minister, and the cause revived, and many of the above were added to the church." Our aged friend then tells of the conversion of a companion of her youth, "a destitute, motherless girl," who was convinced by hearing a preacher expound the law of God, who afterwards became very useful among her neighbours, reading the bible and good books to them, and adds, "she was a blessing to all around; very retired in her habits, but the love of Christ constrained her to visit her neighbours in affliction, and bring all she could under the sound of the gospel as long as she was able. She died in peace. The minister was William Carey, of Moulton, but he never knew of it: she was not baptized till he was gone to India. This was more than sixty years since. Is there not as much need for exertions now as then? Sir, I am afraid I have intruded too much on your time; hope you will forgive me, and that the Lord's cause, in many ways, may prosper in your hands. I take the Pioneer, and lend it among my neighbours, and then I give it away at the door, for am sorry to say many poor distressed creatures are about the streets. I like to say a word to the women, for in general they will hear; I cannot help trying to do them good. I think the poorer class, especially poor women, can easier come at the feelings of their own class than others. Let us all make it a matter of daily prayer, that the Lord will pour out his spirit on all flesh. If there is any hint you think right to notice in any corner, do as you think well. Perhaps you may have something more suitable: do as you please, but should not like my name to be made public, except as SISTER SARAH." THE CHILDREN'S CORNER. The Children's Corner. HAPPY DEATH OF A SABBATH | from that pit which hath no bottom. SCHOLAR. Joseph Butterworth entered the baptist sabbath-school, Stoney-street, Nottingham, at the age of six years, and by diligence and attention soon made considerable progress in learning. From the time of his entering the school, he seemed to have a great attachment for it; his place was seldom seen vacant; and when there, he paid great attention to the instructions of his teachers. On the week day he was seldom seen running with wicked boys to do evil; his leisure hours were generally em. ployed in reading the Children's Magazine, or his Testament; so that what he learnt on the sabbath was not lost, as is often the case, during the week. At length it pleased the Lord to afflict him with that dreadful malady, water in the brain. Although naturally of a serious turn of mind, he had never as yet reflected seriously on his lost condition as a sinner. But be now began to feel he wanted something more than what he was in possession of. Although so very young, he had obtained remarkably correct views of the plan of salvation, but he now wanted to feel its saving efficacy on his own heart. He related to one of his teachers, a remarkable dream that he had repeatedly dreamed, which seemed to impress his mind very much, the substance of which was as follows:-He thought himself alone, upon a small island, surrounded by water, without any means of escape, until at length he discerned a very narrow plank, which led to the shore. His teacher endeavoured very plainly and simply to apply this figure to his condition as a sinner; and pointed out Jesus Christ as the plank, or the only way by which a sinner can be saved He He continued seeking the favour of God for several days, and at length was enabled to cast his care upon the Lord. On being asked if he thought he loved Jesus Christ, he exclaimed, "Oh yes, what could I do without my dear Saviour now!" He said, although he was very young, he had been a great sinner, but he knew that Christ had died for him, and he now felt Christ precious to his soul; and would often say to his parents that he saw Jesus extended on the cross. expressed his gratitude to his teachers, for the kind instructions they had given him while in the school, and would often say, "What should I have known about the way of salvation, had it not been for them?" His disorder now began to make rapid strides, and as it lay in his head he was often subjected to the most excruciating pain; but such was his patience, that scarcely ever was a murmur heard to escape his lips. A few hours previous to his departure, he expressed a fear to his dear mother, that he was not right; and was often heard to articulate, “Lord keep me!" "Lord preserve me!" A pious relation, who had often visited him during his illness, coming in, conversed and prayed with him some time; after which his mind resumed its wonted composure, and he soon after fell asleep in Jesus. Thus died, at the age of eleven years, this young disciple of the Saviour. He was carried to his grave by six of his school-fellows, when the beautiful bymn beginning, "Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to thy bosom fly," &c. and which was his favourite hymn, was sung on the mournful occasion. Nottingham. T. W. A DREAM OF THE FUTURE STATE. IN solemn thought the other night, I pass'd my time away; Oh, who can think what groans he heav'd when banish'd far from God! While thousands more, as proud as he, in consternation stood. It proved to be the Book of Life: a glorious book indeed! Thrice happy they who can their names, in that blest volume read! WEARIED With labours of the day, I laid me down to rest : A DREAM OF THE FUTURE STATE. Upon the rock of ages rear'd, the summit in the sky. The ground was over-spread with flowers, as sweet as ever grew; The cheering zephyrs breath'd perfume, which fill'd the heart with joy; The beauteous things which oft before had fill'd me with surprise, But oh, how chang'd! no art could draw the beauties of his face. "Art thou the happy man," I cried, "whom Jesus welcom❜d in ?” The streets are pav'd with burnish'd gold, and I shall through them ride. Now shall my eyes with rapture see, in all His beauteous charms, They spread their wings, and straight pursu'd their heavenly course again; Then sweetly sang, and cried aloud, "Grace, Grace for ever reign!" A cloud of witnesses, who came to welcome him to rest. Now in Jerusalem they dwell, where all the saints reside. A DREAM OF THE FUTURE STATE. But one, with a peculiar grace, quite overcome with joy, "And art thou come ?" the Pastor cried, "for this I preach'd and pray'd." Yes, I am here!" the saint replied, "and blessings on thy head, Thou instrument of love divine, it is to thee I owe, That I this day in glory shine, and to my Saviour go. How do I joy to meet thee here, my Father, Pastor, Friend! Oh what a disappointment this! it almost made me weep: Late was the hour, and dark the night, when I retir'd to rest; |