VIII.

PREPARATORY WORK.

"Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house."-PROV. xxiv. 27.

LICHENS and mosses and decayed leaves are needful to prepare a soil for the trees of the forest; so they who are to be called to some special work, are often led by a way that they know not, to some special preparation; and work that may seem unnecessary and unimportant, proves to be the under soil from whence the fruitful tree is to spring up. We knew a lady who had her mind much turned to the study of German. In her case it seemed a waste of time, and was met with some opposition and discouragement. Still she persevered, and it was not till after she had conquered the difficulties of her favourite language, that an unthought of door was opened, and she became the wife of a Missionary to the Jews in Germany. Without the probability of so prominent a leading of

Providence, there are many things that may be cultivated by the Christian in the waiting interval, which he will find useful as auxiliaries when called into active service. Knowledge of all kinds comes under this head. History, languages, logic, mathematics, and the physical sciences, may all be useful in interesting and influencing the young,-in enabling us to “give a reason for the hope that is in us," and in confuting the sophistries of those who, themselves destitute of this "good hope," strive to destroy it in others. Researches into the hidden works of God, as well as into those which clothe the earth with beauty, awakening praise and admiration of their Creator in ourselves, fill up many an idle hour, and create many a busy and blessed thought in the minds of others,-while the well-stored memory,-the cultivated taste,—the quick observation, the keen discrimination into heart and character, if not concealed in the folded napkin, may take their honourable place as part of the prepared material, from which are to be fashioned the tools of the vineyard and the weapons of the armory.

The Christian, therefore, who prays for a blessing upon his studies, and who earnestly desires to consecrate every talent, need not fear that he is wasting time when he is solving the mathematical problem,when he is tracing the physical laws of the storm, and the glacier, the flood, and the geyser,-when he is classifying the fronds of the fern, and grouping the

stamens of the flower,-when he is learning the languages of the earth, and numbering the stars of the heavens. Although he may not for a time be able to see the ways and means, yet if his preparatory work be done in faith, nothing doubting, it will yet be turned to good account in the service of God. Only let him take heed that his work degenerate not into self-seeking and self-applause; let him watch for every opportunity of bringing therewith glory to God, and let him remember that without prayer, such things have been, and may be again, as idols in the way. "Apply and rely" is the only safe

motto.

Literary work is not always preparatory only, it may even when of very humble kind be important work for God. Is there nothing, however small, that you can do with your pen and your knowledge? Is there no little tract to be written? Is there no homely volume which might reach some hearts and find entrance into some homes? Is there no translation which might give to a good thought wings like a bird to fly from its own land and its own tongue ? Remember the brief yet comprehensive advice which Sir William Jones received from his mother, "TRY." Search and see for yourselves what you can do. "She hath done what she could," is world-wide encouragement. Avoid the false humility of slothful self-depreciation on the one hand; and the presumption of self-dependent knowledge on the other.

Work for God and not for yourself, and the preparatory work will soon be found to assume its distinct place in the vineyard of God. Most of our readers are acquainted with the Memoirs of Mary Jane Graham, a remarkable example of sanctified genius, and attainments. The following "Prayer before study" was found among her papers after her death, and it seems so applicable to our subject, that we are tempted to transcribe it. No preparatory study will answer its end without a similar dedication, and dependence upon Divine teaching.

"I desire to thank thee, my God and Father in Christ Jesus, for this and every other opportunity of improvement which Thou hast given me! Enable me to receive it with thanksgiving, and sanctify it to me by the word of God and prayer. Oh let me know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified; and other things just so far as may be for my good and thy glory, and no farther. I would mourn before Thee, the base ingratitude with which I have hitherto abused my time and talents by loving thy gifts more than Thee, and seeking myself, not Thee in them. Now I bring all my things to Thee; for they are not mine but thine own. Take that accursed thing self out of them all, and condescend to use them for thy glory. Holy Lord God the Spirit! who dividest unto every man severally as thou wilt, bless such of my studies, and in such a degree as may be most to thy glory. If it be thy will, prepare me by

them for the work to which I desire thou wouldst call and separate me. I commit this work to which I would devote myself into thy hands. Prosper it or not as Thou seest good. Even so, Holy

Spirit, for the sake of Thy great mercies in Christ Jesus, to whom, with Thee and the Father, be all the

honour, all the praise, and all the glory, now and for ever.-AMEN."