The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1880-03-18

could have fancied it possible that it
ever could have happened in the case
of one in whom forgive me for say
ing it) | feel so much interest. 1t
would comfort me effectually if you
would have the goodness to let me
know where and when it is that may
have the pleasure of waiting upon
you. Ever believe me, my dear madam,
yours most afectionately and truly,
THOMAS CHALMERS.
Of all the instructive instances Of
busy lives we have, that Of our Lord
is far the most remarkable. It is only
when we pay minute attention to the
notices Of his labors that we can un-
derstand what a crowded life he led.
Galilee alone, through the whole f
which he made several circuits, en-
braced, according to Josephus, two
hundred and four towns and villages;
and besides Galilee, we read of his Wis
iting the remote north, at Cesarea
PhiIlippi, the remote northwest, in
the coasts of Tyre and Sidon; we
know Of his passing through Samarie,
of his being on the east of Jordon,
and of his being often in and near
Jerusalem. Throughout every part
of this wide district, he not only
preached, taught, and healed, but he
had numberless collisions with oppo-
nents; he lived under constant ap-
prehension of attack; he carried ON
the training Of the apostles, and in
their slowness Of heart, forgetfulness,
want Of faith, and personal strifes, he
encountered a serious addition to his
burdens, although it would be harsh
to suppose that on the whole their
company did not cheer and refresh
him. The strain ON the bodily ener-
gies in life involving so much phys
ical movement and labor must have
been very great; the strain on the
nervous system where there was so
much excitement, and where such
vital interests were at stake, must
have been even greater And yet he
appears to have gone through all his
labor with marvellous calmness and
self-possession. From the narrative
of his life, nothing is more remote
than the air of hustle or hurry; il
, has indeed a wonderful aspect as OF
Oriental calm and leisure. Owing to
, his systemtic way Of working, he was
always beforehand, always ready. His
,, discourses have marvellously finished
, air, as if they had been all matureC
|, before they were spoken. His very
, answers to casual directors were mar.
, vellously clean-cut and finished. He
never found himself in a situation IL
which he was disconnected, or at {
T loss how to act And in his mind
one thing was never allowed to jostlt
/ another, however full it might be Of
projects, or however burdened with
, responsibility. The last scenes of hiE
life exemplify this ordiliness and bu
siness-like composure Of mind in {
, wonderful way. And what we have
, already adverted to as so chivalrou:
in busy men, when turning aside tC
care for others
The mind at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize,
t was singularly beautiful in him. Th'
farewell discourse, the intercessory
: prayer, the healing Of Malchus, tn,
| look turned on Peter, the word to tn
l daughters Of Jerusalem, the praye
;, Tor his murdererS, the promise to tn
| thief, the commencing Of his mothe
/. to the beloved disciple what wonder
4 full consideration for others did al
e these imply, in the midst of his owl
great agony? How well he know
:, haw to conquer the snares Of over
l work, and turn everything to tn
a highest ends Of life! How wonder
= fully the divine shines through tn
Q human, without overlaying, it in tina
4 unexampled career!
$ We have glanced at some Of tn
l phenomena of that busy mode of lif
: which seems to be more common i
q this age than in most that have gon
d before. It has its drawbacks and il
t dangers, but is not without compenss
e tions, and even blessings.
d w. G.. BLAKE.