Broken-hearted, trembling penitent! look not to Sinai covered with blackness, darkness, and tempest, where the vivid lightnings flash, the thunders roar, and the loud trumpet utters sounds of wrath and condemaation, but lift thy tearful eye to the slain Lamb. His blood atoned for thee on the cross, and he now pleads for thee before the throne. Timid and fearful believers, oppressed by the remembrance of your past sins, and the consciousness of your present imperfections, look from yourselves to the slaughtered Lamb, and remember it is because he is worthy that you are saved. Supplicants at a throne of grace, venture to ask largely from God's infinite resources. The fulness is purchased by the Lamb for you, and the promises are now pleaded for you in the midst of the throne. Never lose sight of the slain Lamb. In all your approaches to God look at Him through the medium of the Lamb-fix your eye upon Christ's sacrificial character, and all things are yours. 16 Seeing that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (To be concluded in our next.) "HITHERTO THE LORD HAS HELPED ME."-1 SAM. IX. 12. GENTLY glides our life away; Added to the thousands past; When we view departed years, Ephraim murmured when reproved; Ephraim was a child beloved. Love bestowed my daily bread, Cheered my wakeful hours with light, Safely round my slumbering head, Drew the curtains of the night: Love, when fainting, raised me up, Sooth'd my sorrows, chased my fears, Sweeten'd every bitter cup, Eased my pains and dry'd my tears. Love hath soothed my rugged way,- Kind to seek, and strong to save. I my Ebenezer raise; Finish the past year with song, And begin the next with praise. ANONYMOUS. OLD CHARLES HALL, ONE OF THE THIRTY-TWO. (A LETTER TO THE EDITOR, BY THE REV. W. BAGGALY.) DEAR BROTHER, Salem Chapel House, Belfast, Nov. 12th, 1844. We have many precious gems in this country, who have never been heard of by the friends and supporters of our Mission. Since leaving England, I have met with several of them; and yesterday I had the privilege of spending an hour with old Charles Hall-one of the Thirty-two. This venerable man resides with his daughter at Frummery, about a mile and a half from our chapel at Broomhedge, on the Lisburn station. He is said to be the oldest man in the neighbourhood; and I am inclined to think he is the oldest Methodist in Ireland. When he was first named to me a few weeks ago, I at once resolved to take the earliest opportunity of paying him a visit. My engagements at Priest Hill last Sabbath, appeared to present a favourable opportunity for seeing him, and especially as brother James Seymour offered to accompany me to his house, on the following day. The family heard of our intention, and very kindly invited us to breakfast, an invitation which we readily accepted, as it was likely to afford us a little more time for conversation with our patriarchal friend. The morning was remarkably fine; and, according to promise, we found our way to the place, where cheerful smiles and friendly salutations sufficiently assured us of a hearty wel come. Our first introduction was to an Irish farmer's kitchen, with its mud floor, and turf fire on the hearth, over which, as is usual, a large black iron pot was suspended. In the corner, on a low chair, sat our venerable friend, with his daughter, grand-daughter, great grand-daughter, and several other friends awaiting our arrival. He rose when we entered, and extending his feeble hand, said, "I am glad to see you," a fact which was sufficiently demonstrated by his whole deportment during our visit. Taking his hand, and requesting him to resume his seat, I at once placed myself at his side. In a moment preparations for our entertainment commenced. The kettle stood on the floor against the fire in readiness. The tea extractor was immediately placed on a piece of turf taken from the hottest part of the glowing pile; and indeed everything was done with dispatch which the kindness of Mrs. Spence could suggest for our comfort. In the meantime my attention was directed to our aged friend in the corner; and though I cannot tell you all that passed, the following may give you some idea of our conversation:-"You appear very feeble," said I," brother Hall; and we cannot be surprised at that, considering your years." "Yes, Sir," said he, "I am; but I have great cause to be thankful to the Lord for his great goodness to me.' ." "No doubt," said I, "you have seen much of the goodness of God during such a long life, and to count his mercies would be impossible-they are more in number than the sand. But may I ask, What age are you?" "Above eighty-six," said he, which was also repeated by his daughter. "I am the oldest man about here." "I should think so," was my reply, "for but few, very few indeed, reach that age;" to which he feebly answered, "No, not many." Knowing that he had long been connected with the Christian church, before our own Connexion was established, I said to him, "How long is it since you first united with the Methodists ?" He replied, "When I was six years old." Having previously informed me that his memory was somewhat defective, and supposing from his reply that he had either forgot the time, or did not properly understand my meaning, I repeated the question-" But how long is it since you first joined the Methodists? I mean since you first became a member of Society?" To which he replie l again, "When I was six years old. I was taken to hear them when I was six, and joined them when I was quite young." So that he had heard the Methodist Preachers for eighty years; and probably became a member of the Society about seventy years ago. "You have heard Mr. Wesley, then," said I. "O yes," said he, "and Mr. Breden." Mr. Breden was a preacher in this part of the country in the year 1775, and his labours seem to have been rendered a blessing to many. Breakfast being ready we were desired to adjourn into another little room. Our aged friend rose, and by the aid of two sticks followed us to the table. He walked quite as well, and even better than I expected; and, taking his place, appeared anxious to resume the conversation. “Well,” said I, "Brother Hall, the means of grace were not so abundant in those days as they are now.' "No," said he, "but they were very precious." This reply was made with a tone of voice, and with an expression of countenance which I shall never forget. My observation directed his attention to fifty or sixty years ago, when they were only supplied with preaching about once a month, and when their best accommodation for service was a small room in some cottage. Yet many happy seasons he enjoyed with Christian friends under those circumstances; and the mere allusion to them appeared to awaken the most grateful and joyous emotions in his heart. And no wonder, for the means of grace in those days, though "few, and far between," were very precious. At one time, when the little flock had a difficulty in getting a house for prayer, and the accommodation of the Preacher, Brother Hall actually built one himself, which was at their service whenever required. One room was for public worship, and another for the Preacher when visiting that part of the circuit. This put me in mind of the Shunamite who, seeing Elisha frequently passing the door, said to her husband, "Behold this is a holy man of God. Let us make a little chamber in the wall, and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither." It was a noble deed on the part of our venerable friend; the church was accommodated, and the servants of God found a home. Many worthy men were kindly entertained under his hospitable roof; and his generosity will not be overlooked in that day when our Divine Master will say, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my little ones, ye did it unto me." never saw. He made several remarks about Mr. Kilham, whom it appears he "Mr. Kilham's troubles were over," said he, "about the time ours begun." This observation referred to the division which led to the formation of the New Connexion in Ireland, in the year 1798, which was about the time of Mr. Kilham's death. I need not dwell on this circumstance further than to say, that a number of Leaders in the north of Ireland conceived that some alteration was needful in the economy of Methodism, and therefore appealed to Conference on the subject. But instead of their request being complied with, THIRTY-TWO Leaders were expelled the Connexion. More pious and devoted men have seldom adorned any community. Brother Hall was one of the thirty-two. Mr. Black, of Lisburn, was another; so was Mr. Halliday, of Bangor; Mr. Murray, of Moira; J. Wright, of Broomhedge; Patrick Cunningham,* and others who are long since gone to their reward. Our aged friend and another or two are all that remain who took an active part in the struggle. But though forty-six years have passed away since it occurred, I observed that he could not refer to those times, and to his noble coadjutors, without peculiar feelings. Neither the lapse of time, nor the infirmity of age, has abated the ardour of his zeal, or extinguished his anxiety for the prosperity of the church. He enquired very feelingly about the Mission, and the state of things both in England and Ireland; and when told that some improvement was taking place, he appeared to thank God, and to take courage. But the life of this aged saint, like most others, has been a chequered scene. In one part of our conversation he made a passing remark on his circumstances. He was formerly possessed of a little property, but had unfortunately lost it all. He did not say how it went, neither did I enquire, but a friend has since informed me of the occurrence, and I think you will say, his conduct, on that occasion, deserves recording. He was in business, and acquired his little property by industry. Unfortunately, he trusted individuals with goods who never paid him; and repeated losses of that kind brought him into difficulties. "He might have extricated himself (said my informant) as thousands would have done, and saved the greater part of his property; but conscience would not allow it. He thought it his duty to sell all he had, and pay the utmost farthing." He did so; and when stripped of all, he retired to a little cottage in a garden, saying, "Now I am a happy man,-I owe no one any thing." Next to his own salvation he appeared deeply anxious for the spiritual welfare of his family, and made many touching allusions to them during my visit. Two of his sons are Leaders, and several other branches of his family are connected with us in church fellowship. This seemed to be a great comfort to him. "Yes," said he, "I am thankful-very thankful that my children and grandchildren are mostly inclined to the Methodists." And no wonder; for the counsel of such a man, accompanied as it has always been by a pious example, for so many years, could not fail, by the blessing of God, to produce a salutary effect on their minds. And having seen his piety, I trust they will also be induced to tread in his steps. Turning to brother Seymour, and referring to our friend's years, I observed, there was but little probability of our attaining to such an advanced age. The old man caught the remark, and raising up his head, exclaimed with a smile, "You don't know. You have a blessed trade, and God may spare you for the work's sake." It was really delightful * An admirable life of this individual was published a few years ago, by the Rev. A. Scott. The price (Sixpence) brings it within the reach of all our friends, and every one should have it. to find him in such a sweet and heavenly frame of mind. Like Enoch, he is walking with God. The world seems to have no hold whatever on his affections; and his spirit and conversation forcibly reminded me of Elijah on the other side Jordan, when anxiously waiting for the chariot of fire. Brother Hall lives by faith. His mind is kept in peace-nay more, he is unspeakably happy in God. He repeated a number of sweet verses, and made allusion to various promises which have been rendered a great blessing to his soul. He has honoured God by a long life of piety, and God is honouring him now by those gracious manifestations of his Spirit, which raises him above the fear of death; and ere long he will place him near his holy throne. And O, my brother, how rich will be his crown! How bright will be his crown in the paradise of God ! Only think of seventy years spent in the service of his Lord! And then remember the depth of his piety, and the fervour of his zeal! In many respects his situation seems an enviable one. All who know Old Charles Hall regard him as an "Israelite indeed;" and his piety being unquestionable, his recompense is sure. Before parting we all kneeled down, and the Lord gave me assistance whilst praying for his aged servant, his family, and the church, especially to that section of it to which our brother had so long been a distinguished ornament. He appeared to enjoy every prayer, and often responded to its petitions" Amen and Amen." When leaving, I expressed my gratification in being permitted to see him; and he thanked me kindly for my visit, requesting at the same time that I would call again if possible; and you may rest assured I readily consented to do so. I could say more about this visit, but my paper is full, and having bid our aged friend "Good bye," I must now say the same to you. I am, dear Brother, yours affectionately, WM. BAGGALY. "IF TWO OF YOU SHALL AGREE-IT SHALL BE DONE." THE forest had yielded to the woodman's axe, the line of the future canal was marked out, and the busy workmen made rapid progress. The sound of the drill and the hammer was succeeded by the thunder of the powder blast, and the rock was torn in huge masses from its quiet bed. A multitude of merchants, mechanics, and speculators, looked on and kindled into rapture as the vision of future prosperity broke upon their view. Amongst this motley group were a few professed followers of Jesus, who had been drawn thither in the pursuit of their various avocations. They had been embodied in a church, and had secured the services of one of the agents of the American Home Missionary Society. The Sabbath brought them together regularly at the house of God; every week they met in the social prayer-meeting, and in most of their dwellings the family altar was surrounded by daily worshippers. But the closet was almost deserted; and those who frequented it did so from the force of habit, or a sense of duty, rather than their longing for God. They were worldly-minded; and lukewarmness, the usual concomitant of such a temper, seemed universally to prevail. Suddenly the scene was changed. The careless sinner was alarmed. C |