A PIOUS young man, who was desirous of devoting himself to the work of the ministry among the heathen, and had been recommended with that view to the Committee of the London Missionary Society, on undergoing the usual exami- nation, stated that he had one difficulty: he had an aged mother entirely dependent upon an elder brother and himself for maintenance ; and, in case of that bro- ther's death, he should wish to be at liberty to return to this country, if his mother were still living, to contribute to her support. Scarcely had he made this ingenuous statement, when a harsh voice exclaimed, " If you love your mother more than the Lord Jesus Christ, you will not do for us." Abashed and con- founded, the young man was silent. Some murmurs escaped the committee ; and he was directed to retire while his proposal was taken into consideration. On his being again sent for, the venera- ble chairman, (Dr. Waugh,) in tones of unaffected kindness, and with a patri- archal benignity of mien, acquainted him that the committee did not feel them- selves authorized to accept of his ser- vices on a condition involving uncertainty as to the term; but immediately added, " We think none the worse of you, my good lad, for your dutiful regard to your aged parent. You are but acting in con- formity to the example of Him whose gospel you wish to proclaim among the heathen ; who, as he hung upon the cross in dying agonies, beholding his mother and the beloved disciple standing by, said to the one, ' Woman, behold thy son ;' and to John, ' Behold thy mother.' My good lad, we think none the worse of you."
PSALM 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:
for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Happy and gracious conclusion of every truly regenerate soul, convinced of an interest in CHRIST, and a personal union with him. The beloved of the LORD shall dwell safely. Isaiah 32:18. REFLECTIONS READER! let you and I never lose sight of the LORD JESUS while reading this Psalm. He is the LORD our righteousness. And, therefore, in all our approaches to the mercy-seat, let us go there in a language corresponding to this, which calls JESUS the GOD of our righteousness. And while men of the world from the world are seeking their chief good, let us desire his favor which infinitely transcends corn and wine, and all the good things which perish in using. Yes! LORD, thy favor is better than life itself. Thou causest them that love thee to inherit substance, and fittest all their treasure, yea thou thyself art their treasure. And oh! thou gracious GOD and FATHER, hast thou in such a wonderful manner set apart one in our nature for thyself? ...
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