kindness the gentle reproof or advice of any friend who would point out our deficiencies. There is no sin, however little it may be deemed, which is not hurtful and dangerous if overlooked or cherished; perhaps, indeed, our greatest danger may arise from such sins, as, by their very minuteness, are the more apt to be unnoticed. Sinner, perhaps you, like the scribe mentioned in the Gospel, are not far from the kingdom of God. With much that is amiable in your character, there is perhaps some "but," some easily besetting sin, which you will not part with, which is keeping you from Christ, and ruining your soul. Weigh well the gratification or profit your cherished sin affords you, and compare it with that which you would find in following Christ. Think not that God will accept you so long as you have a saving clause in your surrender and repentance. Nothing less than your whole heart will be accepted; confessing and forsaking every sin are the only terms on which Christ will receive you. Your sinful “but” must be rooted out of your heart, or it will exclude you from heaven. Christian, beware of a " but " in your character. Strive after excellence; set up the standard high before you; aim at universal holiness, aspire after complete blamelessness of life: you will fall short enough of it after your best efforts. It is beautifully recorded of Daniel, that his life was so blameless, that his enemies, when they were watching his conduct that they might accuse him, could find nothing against him but that he was a worshipper of the true God, and not an idolater. Had there been any manifest “but” in his character, it would not, on such an occasion, have been overlooked by his accusers, for even one cherished sin, though passed over in our own hasty and partial examination, will not escape the severe scrutiny of the world. The world will compare you, not with themselves, but with your own principles, they will not allow in you what they habitually practise themselves; and though we are not to pay too much homage to the world's opinion, yet even that is to be respected when in accordance with the word of God. You will bring more discredit on religion by one cherished sin, than you can bring honour to it by the practice of many Christian virtues. The same stain which is undiscernible on the earth, is very vivid and striking on the pure snow; and the "but" in the character of the Christian is often thus painfully distinct. If you If you are doubting, and mourning, and trembling, and know but little about that peace and joy which a Christian ought to possess, examine if there be not some "but" in your conduct, which is the root of your disquiet and unhappiness. "Are the consolations of God small with thee? is there any secret thing with thee?" Job xv. 11. have any regard, then, to your peace of mind, a useful life, a happy death, the consistency of the Christian character, the salvation of the world, or the honour of your Master, watch and pray against the "but" in your character, and let your constant prayer be that of the psalmist, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," Psa. cxxxix. 23, 24. S. W. P. THE TRAVELS OF "THE CHRISTIAN HOUSEFRIEND." From "Der Christliche Hausfreund," a German periodical, Only to be found in thee. Thee to praise, and thee to know, Thee to see, and thee to love, Constitute our bliss above. Many years have past since your "Housefriend" began its course, and perhaps it is allowable, and even right and necessary, to give a little account of its adventures, and to relate what it has said and done. Yet, after all, this account will speak less of the book itself, and the results of its circulation, than of Him who alone can render it a blessing; and if the consideration of the little good that has been done, be attended with discouragement, let us humbly acknowledge the weakness of all human efforts, and remember who has promised, "My strength is made perfect in weakness." The least of all seeds may bring forth an abundant harvest; may it be so in all our hearts! During these many years the magazine has visited many 66 12 THE TRAVELS OF THE CHRISTIAN HOUSEFRIEND." towns and villages, and been admitted into various houses and families. The following is a brief recital of its adventures:-"I was poor and destitute, without any worldly possessions, when I first set out upon my travels. Christian friends supplied their contributions, that I might be able to proceed onwards; but, above all, I was enriched with the tidings of a Saviour's love, and longed to distribute this treasure to the poor and needy; for I found many, both near and afar off, who knew not that one thing is needful, or who do not heed it so as to choose the good part; others who need a word in season, of comfort, warning, or encouragement; all these needed a faithful counsellor, and though poor and weak in myself, the Lord was near to bless and to direct. Therefore, after the lapse of several years, I may look back with Jacob and say, 'O God, I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant.' No sooner had I appeared in public than many invited me to address them, and opened their doors, expressing a desire to hear me speak to them every month, which I readily did, thankful for this favourable reception. Soon it appeared that many of these seeming friends were not lovers of the truth. Some received me from curiosity, just to know what I had to say; others expected to hear about the news which was stirring abroad: some thought that I might be able to tell them modern interpretations and opinions upon the Scriptures; while others again hoped to hear something which would make the way of salvation easy to their sinful hearts, and set forth the duties of religion in a way that would not disturb their consciences. When all these found their expectations disappointed, and that I knew nothing save Jesus Christ and Him crucified, many of them thought me an unpleasant companion, and either closed their doors against me, or left me in a neglected corner, saying they had not time, and had not inclination to attend to me. I was grieved that so many disregarded the things belonging to their peace; but still my language was, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. Thou hast said, He that despiseth you despiseth me; but forgive my ignorance and incapacity, and open their eyes to see Thee standing and knocking at their doors, and when they open to Thee, I shall no longer be refused admittance.' 6 "Through the Divine mercy, though I have some little cause for these complaints, yet when one door was shut against me, another was speedily opened; and this has continued through a succession of years. Many families have received me from the earliest time till now, and in some I have a pleasing testimony that my imperfect efforts have not been in vain; praise be to the Lord who can thus bless the weakest instruments. Oh that my services may become increasingly valuable to these long-tried friends, that I may be still more abundantly a helper of their joy! May our fellowship continue to be with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ! May the word of God abide in us, then Christ, who is the sum and substance of the Scriptures, will become increasingly precious to us from year to year! "Not only doors closed against me afford subjects for regret, but many which are open to me give cause for sorrow and humiliation. Many receive me because they think 'These words are all true, they are very good, we will not cast them aside; we shall be glad to hear about them now and then.' I come to these again and again, and I repeat the same truths, Ye cannot serve God and mammon.' 'What communion hath light with darkness?' I say, 'Study your Bible, now covered with dust, and it will make you wise unto salvation; continue in prayer that the Lord will renew a right spirit within you.' But when I return, I find the Bible still neglected, prayer forgotten, pride, ambition, and worldly-mindedness still in possession of the heart. Often has an improvement seemed about to begin, when worldly company and amusements have brought back the former state of things, and no time was left for private devotion: these individuals choose rather to sell their souls to Satan, than to be ridiculed as hypocrites. Often have I been ready to say, 'Poor souls, I had better leave you; my warnings only increase your condemnation;' yet I return again and again, not knowing but that the Lord may graciously please to touch their hearts. Sometimes I have been admitted among the inferiors in a family, where the heads neglect the messages I bring; then I thought of the message to those who think themselves rich, and need nothing, in Revelation iii. 17, 18. "Finally, after all my wanderings, in evil report and good report, I have learned that it is impossible to satisfy all tastes, and that my duty is to go forward in the way marked out by the Lord. My greatest grief has ever been to witness error on the most important of all subjects; unbelief, hypocrisies and deceit in the professing churches of God; the sanctuaries of his saints laid waste, and souls led blindly to destruction. It seemed my duty to set forth these errors, and warn others against them. This might give rise to disturbances and persecution; yet the word of the Lord is the best counsellor, and therefore I have not shunned to declare his threatenings against blind guides and false prophets. "When I saw the ignorance of many real Christians as to the progress of the cause of God among men, I earnestly desired that they would sometimes converse with a relation of mine, 'The Christian Spectator,' who would tell them what was their duty at the present period, and warn them against the sins which prevail around them. There is a contest now going forward, not of mere human learning, or opinion, but a struggle between Christianity and unbelief; and in this we are all called to take a part. "Do not suppose that I am yet weary of my wanderings; no, I am ready to enter upon the duties of another year with a repetition of my message,' Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,' 1 Tim. i. 15. This message reminds us of the present season of the year; may it fill our hearts with joy at the return of the season when the birth of the Saviour is commemorated, and may each of us enter on a new year, saying "Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on thee; "Thou, O Christ, art all I want, More than all in thee I find; Heal the sick, and lead the blind." Thus said the German" House Friend," and thus saith the English Tract Magazine, and Christian Miscellany. THE APOSTATE. To the Editor of the Tract Magazine. WITH feelings and emotions I cannot describe, have I read over and over, that alarming and truly awful narrative of |