At page 198, Dr. Smith observes, "I must profess, then, my conviction that we are not obliged by the terms made use of, to extend the narrative of the six days to a wider application than this; a description, in expressions adapted to the ideas and capacities of mankind in the earliest ages, of a series of operations, by which the Being of omnipotent wisdom and goodness adjusted and furnished the earth generally, but, as the particular subject under consideration here, a PORTION of its surface, for most glorious purposes; in which a newly · formed creature should be the object of those manifestations of the authority and grace of the Most High, which shall to eternity shew forth his perfections above all other methods of their display." The same general principle he applies to the Deluge. "The terms implying universality may be taken most consistently in the sense which they conveyed to the mind of a Hebrew, they are to be limited by the necessary limi'tation of their meaning at the time, and nothing is clearer than that such limited ⚫use is very common in the Hebrew writers. "Passages are numerous, in which the phrase, all the earth, signifies only the country of Palestine. In a few places it .denotes the Chaldean empire: in one, that of Alexander." (Pages 212-214). The vast difference between the Hebrew conceptions of the Heavens, as a solid arch covering of the plain of the earth, from ours, is sufficiently clear, and equally so is it that they are introduced in Gen. i. 1419, only in reference to their use to man; the stars, so to our apprehensions infinite in number, distance, and magnitude, are merely mentioned as it were accidentally, in a way assuredly not intended for those who had the slightest conception of their relation to the earth.'

We think Dr. Smith, and many who

wrote before modern Geological discoveries, right in separating the first verse at least, and we should add, the second, from the six days' work. But when the Doctor views the six days' work as a description in popular language of a part of the earth's surface for the habitation of man, although we fully allow that the phraseology may well bear such an explanation, we find considerable difficulty in thinking that either the Divine Spirit or his prophet Moses, employed the description with this view. We confess ourselves not prepared to substitute another, yet candour compels us to think that the account taken as a whole does not seem to have been drawn up for such a purpose; it appears to us as if there were hardly a medium possible between taking it literally, or as a pictorial representation of creation adapted to impart the ideas of gradual creation, and of a sacred seventh day, all in a form suitable to the apprehension of a nation of perfect babes in science. A better middle course than Dr. Smith's, one more in accordance with the great and sound axioms of interpretation adverted to, cannot we think well be imagined. It shews at least that Genesis and Geology are not necessarily at variance. To us it seems, however, most natural to abide by the letter, or to receive from it the great lesson that "the worlds were made by the word of God," and that after the primeval creation of the heavens and the earth, the latter was gradually prepared for the dwelling of man. The grand fact, however, of the accommodation of inspired language throughout the Scriptures, not to the facts of science, but to the knowledge and capacities of the age, is that which saves our faith from any disturbance, by such discoveries as those with which science will from age to age henceforth enrich the world.

THE CHRISTIAN TRAVELER.

BY A CANADIAN MERchant.

Having tarried a few days in a beautiful village of the West, I embarked in a vessel which was crossing one of the great lakes. Three other individuals had taken passage, and night coming on found us waiting for a breeze.

About nine o'clock, as the sails were hoisted, another passenger came on board. When we had cleared the harbour he entered the cabin, and seemed to suppose that he was alone; for we had all retired to our berths. The lamp was burning dimly on the table, but it afforded sufficient light for me to discover that he was young. Seating himself beside it, he drew a book from

Early in the morning I was awaked by a loud voice at the door of the companionway,-"Here! whose tracts are these ?" followed by other voices in threats and imprecations against tract distributors, bethels, temperance societies, &c.

I thought of the young stranger, and feared they would execute their threats upon him; but he calmly said, "Those tracts, Sir, are mine. I have but a few, as you see; but they are very good, and you may take one, if you wish. I brought them on board to distribute, but you were all too busy last night." The sailor smiled and walked away, making no reply.

We were soon called to breakfast with the captain and mate. When we were seated at the table, "Captain," said our young companion, "as the Lord supplies all our wants, if neither you nor the passengers object, I would like to ask his blessing on our repast."

"If you please," replied the captain, with apparent good-will. In a few minutes the cook was on deck, and informed the sailors, who were instantly in an uproar, and their mouths filled with curses. The captain attempted to apologise for the profanity of his men, saying, "It was perfectly common among sailors, and they meant no harm by it."

"With your leave, captain," said the young stranger, "I think we can put an end to it."

Himself a swearer, and having just apologised for his men, the captain was puzzled for an answer; but after a little hesitation

replied, "I might as well attempt to sail against a head wind as to think of such a thing."

"But I meant all I said," added the young

man.

"Well, if you think it possible, you may try it," said the captain.

As soon as breakfast was over, the oldest and most profane of the sailors seated himself on the quarterdeck to smoke his pipe. The young man entered into conversation with him, and soon drew from him a history of the adventures of his life. From his boyhood he had followed the ocean. He had been tossed on the billows in many a tempest; had visited several missionary stations in different parts of the world, and gave his testimony to the good effects of missionary efforts among the natives of the Sandwich Islands. Proud of his nautical skill, he at length boasted that he could do anything that could be done by a sailor. "I doubt it," said the young man. "I can," answered the hardy tar, 66 will not be outdone, my word for it."

and

"Well, when a sailor passes his word he ought to be believed. I know a sailor who resolved that he would stop swearing; and did so."

"Ah!" said the old sailor, "you've anchored me; I'm fast-but I can do it."

"I know you can," said the young man, "and I hope you will anchor all your shipmates' oaths with yours."

Not a word of profanity was afterwards heard on board the vessel. During the day, as opportunity presented itself, he conversed with each sailor singly on the subject of his soul's salvation, and gained the hearts of all.

After supper he requested of the captain the privilege of attending worship in the cabin. His wishes were complied with, and soon all on board, except the man at the helm, were assembled. The captain brought out a bible, which he said was given him in early life by his father, with a request that he never would part with it. We listened as our friend read Matthew's account of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection; and then looking round upon us he said, "He is risen-yes, Jesus lives; let us worship him."

It was a melting scene. Knees that seldom bowed before now knelt at the altar of prayer, while the solemnities of eternity seemed hanging over us. After prayer we went on deck and sang a hymn. It was a

happy place, a floating Bethel. Instead of confusion and wrath, there was sweet peace and solemnity. We ceased just as the setting sun was flinging upon us his last cheering rays.

The captain, deeply affected, went into the cabin, lit his lamp, took his Bible, and was engaged in reading till we had retired to rest.

After this, for three days, we regularly attended family worship, and had much interesting conversation on various subjects; for there was nothing in the religion of the young stranger to repress the cheerfulness of social intercourse. From his familiarity with the Bible, his readiness in illustrating its truths, and presenting its motives, and from his fearless but judicious and persevering steps, we concluded that he was a minister of the gospel. From all he saw, he gathered laurels to cast at his Master's feet, and in all his movements aimed to shew that eternity was not to be trifled with. A few hours before we arrived in port we ascertained that he was a mechanic.

Before we reached the wharf, the captain came forward, and with much feeling bade him farewell; declared he was resolved to live as he had done no longer-his wife, he said, was a christian, and he meant to go and live with her; and added, "I have had ministers as passengers on my vessel Sabbath-days and week-days, but never before have I been so touchingly reminded of the family altar where my departed parents knelt." As we left the vessel, every countenance shewed that our friend had, by his decided, yet mild and christian faithfulness, won the gratitude of many, and the esteem of all.

We soon found ourselves in a canal boat, where were about thirty passengers of various ages and characters; and my curiosity was not a little excited to learn how my companion would proceed among them. The afternoon had nearly passed away, and he had conversed with no one but myself. At length he enquired of the captain if he were willing to have prayers on board.

"I have no objection," said he, "if the passengers have not; but I shan't attend."

At an early hour the passengers were invited into the cabin, and in a few minutes the captain was seated among them. After reading a short portion of Scripture, our friend made a few appropriate remarks, and earnestly commended us to God.

As soon as he rose from prayer, a gentle

man, whose head was whitening for the grave, said, "Sir, I should like to converse with you. I profess to be a Deist. I once professed religion, but now I believe it is all delusion."

"Sir," said the young man, "I respect age, and will listen to you; and, as you proceed, may perhaps ask a few questions; but I cannot debate, I can only say that I must love Jesus Christ. He died to save me, and I am a great sinner.'

"I do not deny that men are sinners," said the old man, "but I don't believe in Christ."

"Will you then tell us how sinners can be saved in some other way, and God's law be honoured ?"

We waited in vain for a reply, when my friend proceeded:-" Not many years since, I was an infidel because I did not love the truth, and was unwilling to examine it. Now I see my error; and the more I study the Bible, the firmer is my conviction of its truths; and that there is no way of salvation but through a crucified Redeemer."

As the passengers sat engaged in conversation, one of them at length turned to our young friend, and related the circumstances of a murder recently perpetrated by a man in the neighbourhood, while in a fit of intoxication. To this all paid the strictest attention. The captain joined them to hear the story, the conclusion of which afforded an opportunity for the stranger to begin his work. He was the advocate of temperance as well as religion, and here gained some friends to this cause.

"But," said he at length, "though intoxication occasions an immense amount of crime and misery in our world, I recollect one instance of murder with which it had no connexion." He then related, as nearly as I can remember, the following story:

"In a populous city of the East, was a man who seemed to live only for the good of others. He daily exhibited the most perfect benevolence toward his fellow-men; sought out the poor and needy, and relieved their wants; sympathized with and comforted the sick and the afflicted; and, though he was rich, his unsparing beneficence clothed him in poverty. He deserved the esteem of all, yet he had enemies. He took no part in politics, yet many feared that his generosity was a cloak of ambition, and that he was making friends in order to secure to himself the reins of government. Others feared that his religious views, connected

with his consistent life, would expose their hypocrisy. At length a mock trial was held by an infuriated mob, and he was condemned and put to death."

"Where was that ?"-" When was it?" "Who was it?" was heard from several voices.

"It was in the city of Jerusalem, and the person was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. By his enemies he was hung upon the cross, and for us, guilty sinners, he died."

Every eye was fixed upon the young man, and a solemn awe rested on every countenance. He opened a bible which lay upon the table, and read the account of Christ's condemnation and death; the captain nodded to him as a signal for prayer, and we all again fell on our knees, while we wept over the condition of sinners, and, for the sake of Christ, besought God's mercy upon them. Here again was a floating Bethel.

In the morning, the stranger was not forgotten; and he evidently did not forget that there were immortal souls around him, hastening with him to the bar of God. During the day he conversed separately with each individual, except an elderly gentleman who had followed him from seat to seat, and shewed much uneasiness of mind; the realities of eternity were set before us, and the Holy Spirit seemed to be striving with many hearts.

As the mantle of evening was drawing around us, our friend requested an interview with the aged man.

"Yes, yes," he said, "I have been wishing all day to see you, but you were talking with others."

He acknowledged that he had tried to be a Universalist; and though he could not rest in that belief, he never, until the previous evening, saw his lost condition. "And ," said he, "I want you to tell me what I shall do."

now,

The young man raised his eyes to heaven, ; as if imploring the Spirit's influence, and then briefly explained the nature and reasonableness of repentance and faith, accompanied by a few striking illustrations in proof of the justice of God in condemning, and his mercy in pardoning, sinners.

The old man saw the plan of redemption so clearly, that he burst into tears and exclaimed, "Oh, my soul, my soul! How have I sinned against God! I see it-I feel it; yes, I have sinned all my days."

"But Jesus died to save sinners," replied

the young man ; "will you, my friend, give him your heart?"

"O yes, yes! if I had a thousand hearts he should have them all," was the answer. The young man turned away and wept. For some minutes silence was broken only by the deep sighs of the aged penitent. There was something, in an hour like this, awfully solemn. Heaven was rejoicing, I doubt not, over a returning prodigal. As he stood alone and wept, he reiterated again and again, "Yes, I will serve God; I will, I will." After a time, his feelings became more calm, and lifting his eyes towards heaven, with both hands raised, he broke out in singing,

"There shall I bathe my weary soul

In seas of heavenly rest,

And not a wave of trouble roll

Across my peaceful breast.”

And then again he wept, and said, "Yes, O Jesus, precious Saviour!"

The time had come for our young friend to leave us. By his zeal in his Master's service he had stolen our hearts, and each pressed forward to express their friendship in an affectionate farewell.

Such was the influence of one individual, whose unwavering purpose it was to live for God. He felt for dying sinners; and, relying on the help of the Holy Spirit for success, laboured for the salvation of souls around him. Will not the reader solemnly resolve, in God's strength, that henceforth, whether at home or abroad, he will make the glory of Christ, in the salvation of men, the one object of his life? When Christians universally shall do this, we may expect soon to hear the song of Zion float on every breeze: "Allelujah! The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.”

"SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD."

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."-James v. 16.

It often happens that the Lord sees meet, by the restraints of His Providence, to lay His people aside from active exertions in His vineyard; yet it is an error to suppose, that when thus laid aside they are not serving Him. We read that the Seraphim were as much engaged in serving the Lord when they "stood," as if they had flown to the ends of the earth on His errands of mercy and love. And why? Because it was His will that they should stand instead

of fly, and doing His will, whatever it be, is serving Him. (Isaiah vi. 2.) Every believer should take delight in actively promoting the Redeemer's cause, but let him not be discouraged because the restraints of Providence prevent him from so doing; let him remember David's case, who desired to build the Lord an house, but was prevented; and how did the Lord comfort him under this disappointment? "I knew it was in thine heart to build me an house." The Searcher of hearts appreciates the motives of the believer under restraint, and graciously makes the very desire to be a means of blessing to his own soul.

But, whatever be the hindrance, surely no dear child of God need be under any restraint in approaching the throne of grace; and who can estimate aright the mighty effects of intercessory prayer? Doubtless, the omnipotent Jehovah could work without our prayers, but He condescends to associate His redeemed ones with all He does; He chooses to appoint prayer as the -channel through which His blessings descend from Heaven. No believer can be so tried as to be shut out from working with God in intercessory prayer. The following interesting and authentic narrative will illustrate the truth of this statement:

lived

In the small village of K Mrs. M., an afflicted christian; she was in humble circumstances, severely tried by poverty, and labouring under a complication of diseases, which unfitted her for exertion of any kind. During ten years she had been confined entirely to her bed, unable to move without assistance. She could not even feed herself; yet, in this state of helplessness, she found a way of glorifying God, in doing as well as suffering. Like the Psalmist in his affliction, she gave herself "continually unto prayer." Many a timid and weak disciple received lessons of advice and encouragement at her bedside, and was cheered onwards through her instrumentality, amid the difficulties of the Zionward path.

Her neighbours frequently spoke in her presence of Janet a young woman who had lately come to the village. She led a notoriously wicked life, and, in consequence, none of the villagers would associate with her. The case of this poor outcast deeply affected Mrs. M.; she felt for her, not merely as an outcast from her more decent neighbours, but as being alienated

from God, and exposed to eternal misery. For years after first hearing of her, she pleaded with God on her behalf, beseeching Him to save her soul; and as she could not go to her, to deal affectionately with her about her guilt and danger, she asked the Lord to guide the wanderer to her bedside, that she might have an opportunity of doing so. We shall now learn how this prayer was answered.

A lady from a distance had come to reside for a short time in the neighbourhood; she heard of Mrs. M. and her sufferings, and frequently visited her. One day, when sitting with her, the following conversation took place. Mrs. M.-"Oh, Miss D., prize your health, you are able to attend the house of prayer, I cannot go there, it is ten years since I was privileged to share in public ordinances; but God's will be done." Miss D.-"What would you think of having the ordinances brought to you, since you cannot go out to attend them?" Mrs. M."Ah! that cannot be." "Yes, it might be ; why not hold a prayer-meeting in your room occasionally, when you are able to bear it ?" The idea had never before occurred to the invalid, and she grasped it eagerly. A promise was given by Miss D. that she would endeavour to arrange matters for this purpose. Accordingly an evening was fixed, and an elder of the church appointed to address the meeting.

Miss D. went among the villagers from house to house, inviting their attendance; when, passing along the street, she observed a miserable looking woman standing alone, and asked her to come to the meeting in Mrs. M.'s house. The poor creature shrank back without giving an answer, and thought within herself, "Can that lady know me? surely not, else she would not have spoken to me, or asked me to such a place." This As the hour poor creature was Janet. of meeting approached, she felt an intense desire to attend, but shame made her hesitate. With anxiety she watched the neighbours going one after another, and when all were within, and the psalm-singing had commenced, she managed to get behind the door unobserved, where she could hear without being seen. The passage of Scripture commented upon that evening was singularly applicable to Janet's case. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He