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 for. give 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 en- He continued seeking the favour of tered the baptist sabbath-school, God for several days, and at length Stoney-street, Nottingham, at the was enabled to cast his care upon age of six years, and by diligence the Lord. On being asked if he and attention soon made consider- thought he loved Jesus Christ, he able progress in learning. From exclaimed, "Oh yes, what could I the time of his entering the school, do without my dear Saviour now!" he seemed to have a great attach- He said, although he was very ment for it; his place was seldom young, he had been a great sinner, seen vacant; and when there, he but he knew that Christ had died paid great attention to the instruc- for him, and he now felt Christ tions of his teachers. On the week precious to his soul; and would day he was seldom seen running often say to his parents that he saw with wicked boys to do evil; his Jesus extended on the cross. He leisure hours were generally em. expressed his gratitude to his teachployed in reading the Children's ers, for the kind instructions they Magazine, or his Testament; so had given him while in the school, that what he learnt on the sabbath and would often say, "What should was not lost, as is often the case, I have known about the way of during the week. 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,

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

"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;
And slumber brought before my sight a glimpse of Judgment Day.
And first a haughty sinner came, to reckon with his Lord;
But he, alas! was so confus'd, he could not speak a word.
A reverend Sage sat silent by, with an amazing book;
And when he open'd it to read, the haughty sinner shook.
Then he in accents grave and slow, said, "Sinner, dost thou see?—
Curs'd is the man that fails but once!-What must become of thee?"
The sinner look'd the pages o'er, with trembling and dismay;
And found ten thousand talents stand, which he had still to pay.
He then consider'd what he had to satisfy the claim;
And found, to his astonishment, he spent all as it came.
The bailiffs stood in dreadful haste to hurry him to gaol:
And not a single friend appear'd who dared to offer bail.
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.
Then next appear'd an humble man, a christian meek and mild;
And when he came before the bar, he saw his Friend and smil'd.
The Sage, with accents as before, said, "Sinner, dost thou see?"
Immediately his Friend replied, "Place that account to me."
I felt a pleasure while he spoke, and thought the trial done;
But that I found was my mistake, it was but just begun.
Another book was brought to light, which God himself had penn'd ;'
But I was rather too far off to see what it contained.
But this I may presume to say, it was a volume rare;
And soon the man before the bar saw his initials there.
It proved to be the Book of Life: a glorious book indeed!
Thrice happy they who can their names, in that blest volume read!
This plainly was the Christian's case, for when he cast his eye,
And saw his name was written there, he gave a leap for joy.
He almost seemed another man, he was delighted so :
No bailiffs stood to take him down to everlasting woe.
But God the Father kindly look'd upon him as a Son;
Jesus the Saviour took him in, and cried aloud, "Well done!"
A sound so cherishing, so sweet, awoke me with surprise:
But soon I hope to sleep again, and dream him to the skies.

WEARIED With labours of the day, I laid me down to rest:
But pain of body drove away my nightly welcome guest.
Yet after tossing to and fro, and prayer for sweet repose,
I found a little ease, and lo! I soon began to doze.
Unbounded fancy took the wing, and bore me quite away,
Till I could hear the angels sing, and see celestial day.
The new Jerusalem appeared, that city great and high;

A DREAM OF THE FUTURE STATE.

Upon the rock of ages rear'd, the summit in the sky.
Charm'd with the sight, I stood awhile its splendour to survey:
Conscious it was the abode of God, who reigns in endless day,
Its beauty and magnificence struck me with sacred awe;
Glories so great, so grand, immense! the like I never saw.
Compar'd with this stupendous place, the palaces of kings
Were little huts of wretchedness, and despicable things.
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,
Were beautiful to me no more, but trifles in my eyes.
While thus I stood in wonder new, at sight of such a place,
The pearly gate wide open flew, and lo! before my face
A troop of angels straight appeared, with a celestial band;
Then what delightful notes I heard, how musical and grand,
I turn'd to see them in their flight, and presently beheld
Another troop appear in sight, with exultation fill'd.
And, in their company, I saw a son of human race;
But oh, how chang'd! no art could draw the beauties of his face.
The happy man methought I knew, and as they bore him by,
I to congratulate him flew, and wish'd him endless joy.
He, with a heavenly smile, return'd the tender wish for me:
My very heart within me burn'd to bear him company.

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Art thou the happy man," I cried, "whom Jesus welcom'd in ?"

"I am," he joyfully replied, "through him I glory win.
For me he left the realms above, to wash my sins away;
And now bears me on wings of love, to everlasting day.
Yonder the city is, behold, the gate stands open wide:

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,
The Friend who liv'd and died for me, to bring me to his arms.
Bear me, ye angels, wing your way to my Redeemer's seat;
My happy spirit longs to pay her homage at his feet!"

They spread their wings, and straight pursu'd their heavenly

course again;

Then sweetly sang, and cried aloud, "Grace, Grace for ever reign!"
About the gate I saw a crowd, in robes of glory drest;
A cloud of witnesses, who came to welcome him to rest.
There he enjoyed the pleasing sight of some he knew before,
Who years ago had taken flight to that celestial shore.
They prest around the happy man to bid him welcome there.
Describe the happiness who can! 'twas heaven to see and hear.
Sensations indescribable, they mutually enjoy'd;
Now in Jerusalem they dwell, where all the saints reside.
Oh, how did he rejoice to see his earthly friends alive;
And they rejoiced with ecstasy to see him safe arrive.

A DREAM OF THE FUTURE STATE.

But one, with a peculiar grace, quite overcome with joy,
Ran the dear Christian to embrace, and welcome him on high.
They instantly each other knew, and both together strove,
Their mutual happiness to show, and overflowing love.

"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!
'Tis heaven to see each other where our joys shall never end.
On earth we had our happy days, but what were they to this?
Eternal love, eternal praise, for such surprising bliss!"

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Amen!" the holy Pastor cried, and clasp'd him to his breast; And like a parent overjoy'd, his happy child address'd, "Did not I tell you when below of this celestial place? Did not I tell you oft, and show the great Redeemer's grace? Did not I tell you if you clave to Jesus in your heart, He would your soul for ever save, and endless life impart? You sometimes hardly could believe, but now you find it true, That Jesus would a worm receive, a worm as vile as you. But where are all your doubts to-day, now faith is turn'd to sight ?" "Fled, fled for ever, quite," he cried, "like shadows of the night. Thanks to my Saviour and my Friend, for all-sufficient grace, Through him I now rejoicing stand, in this celestial place; I never shall distrust him more, nor feel a heart of stone; Nor cry with pain and anguish sore, as I have often done. I now believe, and see, and feel, the promises are true." The angels said,—“ We must fulfil what we were sent to do." Then flew with joyful haste away, to bear him to their King. Celestial choirs began to play, and hallelujahs sing; The music so divinely loud, so sudden, so extreme, Rous'd me like thunder in a cloud, from my delightful dream. But if I go to sleep again, and God permission give, You shall have information then, how saints in glory live.

Oh what a disappointment this! it almost made me weep:
The loss of such ideal bliss, was worse than loss of sleep.
But should I lose, through negligence, the grand reality,
Where must I have a residence? and who will welcome me?
Gracious Creator, I am thine, save me-for ever save;
And let me live a life divine, with thee beyond the grave.
Oh, may I have a part with them, the children of thy grace;
And in the New Jerusalem, behold my Saviour's face!

Late was the hour, and dark the night, when I retir'd to rest;
And burdens of unusual weight, lay heavy on my breast;
I straight reclin'd my weary head, and, after mental prayer,