But "woe unto you, ye blind guides!" The only counsel he could give was, to remind her of her good deeds, her consistent life, her regular attendance at church, &c., urging her to be calm and to banish from her mind these distressing thoughts, as there was not the slightest foundation for her fears. But this only increased her trouble, and she cried out, in great anguish of soul, "Tell me how I can be 'born again'! Tell me over again what you were telling the people yesterday." As she earnestly entreated him thus, he became greatly perplexed, for, alas! the sermon he had preached the day previous was borrowed, and had since been returned to its owner; so, in much confusion, he had to confess his inability to help her; but said he, "You must get into cheerful company, read lively books [at the same time offering to lend her some of Shakespeare's plays], and these impressions will soon wear off." But the solemn words from John iii. 7 were fastened in her mind by the "Master of Assemblies," to bring forth their fruit in due season.
My grandmother left the minister in great despair, which continued and increased to such an extent that eventually it became necessary to remove her to an asylum, and her cries of distress were heartrending, her incessant and unchanging cry being, "I must be 'born again'! Tell me how I must be 'born again'!" But strange as it may appear, this was God's way of bringing her both mental and spiritual relief. A Christian lady who visited the asylum became acquainted with her case, and learning that there were times when grandmother was quieter and more herself, she resolved, if possible, to enlist the co-operation of a godly minister of her acquaintance; and having made it a matter of prayer, the way was soon open for him to see her, and the visit was made with the happiest results.
As the glorious Gospel message was set before her, in simple and earnest language, she listened with rapt attention, and drank in the blessed truth which was soon to become the power of God unto her salvation. After this visit she was a little restless at times, but as the truth entered her soul, and she was enabled by "precious faith" to lay hold upon Christ, her fears all vanished, and she gradually became more calm and peaceful. She was led to see that peace was made for her by the "blood of the cross," and not by her works; and, "being justified by faith, she had peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."
She had now known and experienced the blessed change so long sought, and which might have been set forth at her first awakening had a wise counsellor been at hand. The change wrought in her soul was very real, and acted so beneficially upon her mind that shortly afterwards she was able to return to her home and friends, to tell "what great things the Lord had done unto her." The remainder of her life was one of settled peace and joy, fruitful in good works, and abounding in thanksgiving and praise to God.
Dear reader, how is it with you? Have you experienced this great change? Remember, nothing but reality will do for God and eternity. Neither education, morality, reformation, nor religious profession, can take the place of the new birth. "They that are in the flesh cannot please God." There must be a new life and a new power communicated, in which to love and serve God; and this can only be "by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John iii. 3).—Selected.
THE ENEMIES OF GOD AND OF HIS PEOPLE SCATTERED.
As the anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada is to be celebrated this year, the following anecdote may not be uninteresting to our readers, as showing a like providence in the case of New England Christians.
Dr. Wisner remarks that the destruction of the French armament, under the Duc D'Auville, should be remembered with gratitude and admiration by every inhabitant of America. This fleet consisted of forty ships of war, and was destined for the destruction of New England. It sailed from Chebucto, in Nova Scotia, for that purpose. In the meantime the godly people, apprized of their danger, had appointed a season of fasting and prayer to be observed in all their churches.
While Mr. Prince was officiating in Old South Church, Boston, on the fast day, and praying most fervently that the dreaded calamity might be averted, a sudden gust of wind arose (the day till then had bean perfectly calm)—so violent as to cause a loud clattering of the windows. The pastor paused in his prayer, and, looking round upon the congregation with a countenance of hope, he again commenced, and, with great ardour, supplicated the Almighty to cause that wind to frustrate the object of their enemies.