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"The good man forgives injuries, even as the sandal tree sheds its odours on the man who cuts it down.'

"As the blade of wheat, whilst ungrown and empty, holds itself proudly up, but so soon as the ear is filled with grain bends humbly down; so are real wisdom and worth modest and unassuming, whilst ignorance and folly are proud and presumptuous."

Having thus expressed unqualified approbation of the design and substance of the work, there is one suggestion which we would offer to the excellent author, in the prospect of a second edition being soon required. At present, all the maxims, precepts, and reflections are thrown together promiscuously; that is, they follow each other without order or classification. We therefore submit to the author's consideration, whether it would not be well to arrange all the maxims, &c. on particular subjects, under distinct heads? Thus, all the sentences that display the greatness of God's power, might form one chapter or section; those that treat of his goodness, another --and so on. There might also be separate chapters or sections, on the duty of honouring parents, on lying, on deceit, on covetousness, on humility, &c. &c. And all the remaining precepts and reflections that did not admit of being classified under certain general headings, might be thrown together in a chapter of miscellanies. We are convinced that such an arrangement would greatly improve the work, and greatly increase its usefulness. It would facilitate references, and aid the memory of the learner. We therefore press the matter on the author's consideration.

We cannot conclude without remarking, that there is something connected with the appearance of this book, calculated to awaken pleasing reflections for the present, and delightful anticipations for the future. Considering the circumstances in which it has been issued into the world, its appearance may well be regarded as one of "the signs of the times." What a change has come over the minds of the Moslem Conquerors! Think of the time when, in the genuine spirit of the Korán, which, by professing to embrace all useful knowledge, chains the intellect and fetters free inquiry, a Mahammadan warrior at the head of his victorious hordes, commanded a library stored with the richest literary treasures to be burned :"If it contain any thing," said he, contrary to the Korán, it ought to be destroyed, for it will propagate falsehood: if not, it is unnecessary, for we already have it in the best form in the Korán." Contrast this with the truly liberal conduct of his Majesty, the King of Audh, the most powerful Musulman prince in India. For the acquirement of other knowledge besides what the Korán contains, he has established an English school at his capital, for the instruction of Christian and Hindu youths, as well as Musulmans. For the dissemination of other knowledge besides what the Korán contains, he has set up a Lithographic Press, for the printing of works that may benefit Christians as well as Musulmans. The book before us is a monument of the twofold liberalily of his Majesty the

King of Audh. From the predominance of Bible extracts, it may well be called "a work on Christian Ethics." A work on Christian Ethics, printed at the expense, and published under the patronage, of the greatest Musulman prince in Hindustán! Verily, we repeat it, this does look like one of "the signs of the times.

In conclusion, we strongly recommend these volumes to the attention of all who are entrusted with the education of youth. If we were allowed to imitate an antiquated expression, we might designate the work," a body" of moral and religious principles.

3.-On the Responsibility of the Clerical Office, a Sermon, by the Rev. T. Robertson, M. A. Senior Residency Chaplain. This is a plain, sober, and judicious discourse. The style is unaffected, the sentiments evangelical, and the reflections profitable. Treating on "the duty" of the ministerial office, the author very properly reprobates the assumption of the pastoral functions from motives of 66 covetousness or vanity." To these two sources may be attributed most of the corruptions and heresies which have prevailed in the Christian Church. For he who assumes the office of a shepherd for no other purpose than pecuniary advantage, or easy competence, will not and cannot set a high value on the flock entrusted to his care-will not and cannot study how their eternal welfare may best be promoted, but will leave them to take their own course, and perish through lack of that knowledge, which he is pledged to communicate. And he who assumes the office from vanity, or the desire of admiration and applause, will either find the truth hid from his eyes, and himself incapable of clearly discerning the testimony of God concerning his Son-or if he do discover that only foundation, besides which none other can be laid, he shall build thereon wood, hay, stubble, base materials, which the Lord will utterly consume. And, how many, alas, in every age of the Church, have loved singularity, pre-eminence, and faction, more than peace, and righteousness, and truth!

Respecting the insufficiency of mere speculative knowledge, the author asks:-" If we be mere theorists, if our hearts as well as understandings be not affected by the Gospel, how shall we presume to declare the whole counsel of God, and solemnly call upon our hearers to receive it? There is something truly awful in that species of daring hardihood which is constantly urging the claims of religion, the terrors of the Lord, the necessity of repentance, faith, holiness, when we ourselves care for none of these things!"

In expatiating on the responsibility of the pastoral office, the author remarks:-"It cannot have escaped the observation of those, who like myself have been set apart to the work of the ministry, that the religious character of a congregation derives its complexion from their pastor. If he be one of those dumb dogs that can

not bark, but lie down and love to slumber, his people will manifest the same drowsy indifference. They may attend the worship of God, but his service will be wearisome, and their affections will never be warmed, nor quickened by what they hear." And if ministers through neglect, ignorance, or any other cause contribute to the eternal ruin of their flock, who can fully appreciate their responsibility ?"

The author in his conclusion exhorts his hearers to a prayerful hearing of the word of God, and thus warns those who are careless, thoughtless, unprofitable hearers:-" If your object be only to sit in judgment, or if nothing can be endured but excellence of speech, then the word preached will not profit you. The watch man will blow the alarm, but you will not take warning until a louder blast, that of the archangel, will wake the dead, and announce that the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and that you are not saved. Thus the watchman will have delivered his own soul, but you will die in your sins."

Poetry.

RELIGION.

Toss'd on the trackless waste of life's rough sea,
'Mid storms' wild rage opprest, and tempest borne,
All hopeless, cheerless, helpless, and forlorn,

Where looks the soul but to eternity?

Thou then, RELIGION, thou alone canst yield

Strength to the faint, and bid sweet hope arise

That bow of promise in the darkest skies,
In pitying mercy to the soul reveal'd.

All is not lost, if but of thee possest;

Firm anchor thou, and cast within the vail !
Rise, spring of joy, within my cheerless breast,
Nor let thy streams of consolation fail.
Oh! grace divine, my care-worn heart prepare,
That God himself may make his dwelling there!

CINSURENSIS.

GENTLEMEN,

To the Editors of the Calcutta Christian Observer.

If the following unpublished piece of poetry appear eligible for your valuable miscellany, the insertion may afford pleasure to your subscribers. It is the production of a young lady, nearly related to some of the noblest families, both of England and France, and contains sentiments not commonly uttered in circles of fashion.

Your's, &c.

OH! TEMPT ME NOT!

"O! tempt me not," my friends, to stay

When duty says, Depart;

If duty's call we disobey,

Joy soon gives place to smart.

Ye social comforts, " tempt me not"
Retirement long to shun;
Lest useful labours be forgot,
And nothing good be done.
Procrastination! "tempt me not,”
To choose some future day;
Since God the present does allot,
To walk in wisdom's way.

"O! tempt me not," ye things of time,
To give my heart to you;

To heavenly joys my soul would climb,
And bid the earth adieu.

"O! tempt me not," to turn aside,
From Christ my gracious Friend;
To walk with HIM, in HIM abide,
Is bliss, which cannot end.

O! base presumption, "tempt me not"
His mercy to despise ;

The man who harbours such a thought,

Must meet with sad surprise.

And "tempt me not," oh! fell despair,
His saving love to doubt;

For WHOSO COMES, his words declare,
Shall NEVER be cast out.

But "

tempt me not," ye powers of hell,
To sin, for grace t' abound;

A holy life should surely tell,
What favours I have found.

"O tempt me not," ye joys of life,

To seek my all below;

On earth sweet Peace is mix'd with Strife,

And Pleasure's mix'd with woe.

Fear!" tempt me not" to shrink from death,

Tho' nature dreads the pain;

I'd gladly breathe my last cold breath
The heavenly world to gain.

But oh! my soul, if after all,
Temptations should assail;

On God, for grace, with fervour call,
That they may not prevail.

J. G.

ELIZA.

Missionary and Keligious Entelligence.

CALCUTTA.

1.-Departure OF MISSIONARIES-REV. MESSRS. DUFF, GROVES, REED, &c. The Rev. A. DUFF, who ever since his arrival in India, has been actively and successfully employed in efforts to promote the interests of religion, and to communicate the benefits of a sound and liberal education on Christian principles to the native community, has been, we grieve to say, compelled by severe indisposition, to relinquish for the present his useful labours, and to proceed forthwith to Europe for the benefit of his health. He, together with his family, embarked on the John MacLellan, on the 19th ult. We sincerely join in the prayer which, we are confident, many will offer on his behalf, that the presence and blessing of his Divine Master may attend him, during his passage home, and while in his native land; and that we may ere long see him restored to our society and to the late scene of his exertions, in renovated health, where we hope he will long labour, and be an instrument of turning many to righteousness.

We are happy to say that Mr. DUFF is accompanied in his passage home, by Mr. A. N. GROVES, late of Bagdad, which in his present infirm state must prove peculiarly gratifying. Mr. Groves, we believe, proposes after visiting England, some parts of the continent of Europe, and probably America, to return with several Missionary associates, and take up his residence in this country, and devote himself to the furtherance of the gospel among its inhabitants.

The Rev. W. REED, of the American Presbyterian church, is also under the necessity, in consequence of ill health, of returning to America. He has been for several months in a very sickly state, and as there was no prospect of permanent relief, especially in this country, he felt it his duty to return to his native country; he and Mrs. REED embarked on the Edward of Boston on the 22rd ult. Since then his colleague, the Rev. J. C. LOWRIE, has left Calcutta on his way towards Ludhianah, where he hopes to commence a new mission. We trust, that both he and the Rev. R. C. MATHER of the London Missionary Society, who is now proceeding to Benares, will be aided and succeeded in their important labours by the Master whom they serve.

2.-CALCUTTA SCHOOL-BOOK SOCIETY.

The tenth Report of this truly valuable Institution has recently been published. It gives a very pleasing and encouraging account of the operations of the Society for the years 1832 and 1833. The issues from the depository within that period, exclusive of reports, amounted to 26,380. Of these no fewer than 14,792 were books in the English language. This is a most gratifying fact, evincing as it does, the thirst for knowledge which has been excited, and the right direction which has been given to the efforts made to attain it; for not only will the acquisition of English afford the key to knowledge, but the acquisition itself and the efforts to secure it, will be the means of imparting no mean portion of information, compared with what, without such acquisition, the generality of youth are likely to attain.

Another pleasing feature in the account of these issues is the decrease in the demand for books in the Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian languages, which to the bulk of the people may be said to be worse than useless, being the spoken language of no one, and containing little of real utility calculated to enlighten the mind and improve the heart. 208 is said to be the total of sales in Sanskrit, 13 only in Arabic, while in Persian the decrease from the sales of previous years has been almost half, or from 1443 to 870. On the other hand, in Hindustaní a gratifying increase in the demand has taken place. This is peculiarly pleasing, as it indicates a disposition in the Musulman portion of the community to avail itself of the facilities for mental improvement afforded by the Society.

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