nearly as their several prepossessions will allow, and combine, in one united effort, against the common enemy. By Christians, we should exclusively understand those who are really such; since from these only can be expected any efficient assistance.

"We are accustomed, it is true, in the conventional language of society, to call numbers of our fellow-subjects by names which might remind ourselves that we, too, are dissenters, in the northern division of the empire; as well as schismatics, of the darkest hue, throughout the far greater portion of Christendom. It might have been better for all parties if, long before these awful days, we had recognized all religious communities, as far as they held the apostolic doctrine, not as rivals and aliens, but as auxiliaries and confederates. Is it too late, in this relation also, to restore the spirit of the reformers and fathers of the English Church, who knew no exclusionary distinctions, but embraced all the children of God, fought in their ranks, and shared in their conquests?

"It is not, however, my Lords, with any sanguine expectation of success that I have addressed this essay to the ministers of religion generally. Peace-offerings are sometimes rejected, as though the oblation were designed to kindle or feed the fires of discord. At the same time it is obvious that a great cause of the suspicion and jealousy found among men of integrity and singleness of intention arises from misapprehension, and undesigned and accidental ignorance."

Speaking of the present defects of the book of Common Prayer, Mr. R. thus expresses himself:

"These inconsistencies refer to the indiscriminate and gregarious manner in which the members of a national church-gathering, as a matter of course, within its fold the very dregs and refuse of mankind, both socially and spiritually-are addressed in our services. All sponsors are believers; all the baptized are regenerate; all the confirmed forgiven; all the catechumens elect; all kings religious; all the dead subjects of thankfulness ;-to the total oblivion of the present and eternal distinction between the saved and the lost. The consequence glares and blazes in the feelings of self-satisfaction which our poor deluded victims enjoy, as supposing all their sins to be blotted out-not by having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by that new and living way,'-but, as obeying the demands of the church, and in such demands seeing nothing to disturb a guilty, nor to soothe a penitent mind; I mean, seeing nothing of this with such distinctness as would be the case, if liturgical language were as clear, cautionary, and guarded as we adopt in protecting our worldly interests.

În anticipation of certain probable reforms in the national church, Mr. R. thus appeals 10 the bishops and others high in power :

"If the second Reformation of the Anglican Church be not commenced according to the CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLE, thus exhibited, and if there be not, as far as human foresight can penetrate, a fair prospect of its being so conducted and completed, I do conjure your Lordships, in the name of God and of his Christ, not to lay your hands upon the ark; lest he who touches it should die!"

Our author expresses his deep regret "that, in our ecclesiastical affairs, things not only remain as they were, but-with the exception of the acts for building churches, increasing small benefices, and a few other measures of minor importance-the only considerable procedure, bearing a spiritual aspect, has been an actual sanction of previous abuses." "The Plurality Bill," says Mr. R.,“ shall not now be further characterised, than as having increased two of the most pernicious evils which can afflict a Christian church— irresponsibility of individual power, and sacerdotal ambition."

Had a Dissenter written this book, it would have been pronounced to be very severe, and even uncharitable. We believe, however, that Mr. R. is actuated by motives of truth and benevolence. "I am reminded," he says, "that not long ago, an excellent minister of a congregational church ingenuously and kindly reproved me, by remarking, that I brought heavier charges against the Liturgy than would be supported by himself and his friends." 66 Yes," was the reply;

You

" and I can soon explain how this is. see these things only remotely; we are mixed up with them. You think it wrong to use certain expressions in the Baptismal and Burial services; we actually use them. The dif ference is between hearing and feeling-between the mere knowledge of evil, and its sensible operation.' My companion at once perceived the bearing of such an answer; and knew himself and mankind too well not to be aware of the distinction between simply discerning what is sinful in any system, and the painful perplexity of those by whom that system is actually administered."

Adverting to the terms of ministerial subscription required by the Act of Uniformity, Mr. R. observes- It has been as a trap and a snare, to entangle and lacerate the clerical conscience. Scott and Newton are disfigured by their inglorious endeavour, in this respect, to play the sophist."

Mr. R.'s intention, in the publication before us, is evidently to furnish a Catholic specimen of a reformed liturgy-sufficiently explicit to enunciate all the articles of saving faith, and yet so reserved as to leave a reasonable scope for variety of opinion in nonessentials. The baptismal, the burial, and the communion services, he has purged of all their glaring inaccuracies; and he has certainly laboured with much zeal to render the adoption of the Prayer-book a matter of good

faith with the portion of the truly pious clergy.

He complains bitterly of the worldly spirit which obtains increasingly among the evangelical clergy; and, if his representations are correct, they have need some of them to remember, that "the friendship of the world is enmity with God." "The surprise, grief, and despondency," observes Mr. R., "which have been connected with my own lonely musings on these subjects, would be considerably neutralized, were it not for the confounding fact, that several of the most influ ential and devoted clergy continue to range themselves on the side of corruption. They arrive at this bad eminence, while numbers of their secularized brethren watch their ascent with feelings of self-gratulation, and wink at each other on having in possession such apologists for the very evils which they themselves are able to detect! There has been made, in certain examples, even a kind of desperate and frantic attempt almost to idolize the acknowledged deformities of our church."

Such are the faithful appeals of this enlightened, pious, and talented clergyman, on a subject attracting every day towards it a larger share of the public regard. May the result of all efforts made to reform any portion of the administration of the visible church be the preparing of all the members of Christ's mystical body for the full answer of his own prayer," that they all may be one, that the world may know that thou hast sent me !"

A MINISTER'S REASONS FOR HIS LEAVING THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. By the Rev. J. S. BAKER, M. A., late Assistant Curate at Staines, Middlesex. 12mo.

Dinnis, Paternoster Row.

We have seen so much error, dogmatism, and instability marking the career of those who have of late years quitted the national establishment, that we have begun to tremble for any Clergyman who talks of becoming a Nonconformist. It were easy to show that recent secessions have been no essential loss to the church, and no real gain to sober, enlightened, and scriptural dissent. From the thoughtful and excellent spirit which Mr. Baker displays, we trust that he will be preserved from those extravagances in doctrine and conduct, which have marred the usefulness of some of his fellow-seceders; and that, by falling into the ranks of an evangelical, enlightened, influential, and numerous body of orthodox dissenters, his zeal, energy, and holy activity will yet be preserved to the church of Christ.

Mr. Baker's reasons for secession from the church are clearly and mildly stated; and no one can read them without feeling that he has acted upon conscientious grounds in the step which he has seen it his duty to take.

YOL. X.

The subjects discussed in this pamphlet are, 1. The Terms of Ministerial Conformity. 2. Remarks on the Baptismal and Confirmation Services, and on the Church Catechism. 3. Remarks on the Service of the Visitation of the Sick. 4. Remarks on the Burial Service. 5. Remarks on the Ordination Service. 6. Remarks on the Services for King Charles the Martyr, and for the Restoration of the Royal Family. 7. Remarks on the Prayer for the High Court of Parliament, the Athanasian Creed, and other parts of the Prayer Book. 8. Remarks on Extempore Prayer: and, 9. Remarks on Church Government and Discipline.

As we are willing that pious churchmen and dissenters should think for themselves in the matters to which this tract refers, we shall not further characterize it, than by saying that it well deserves the conscientious perusal of all who think that the services of the English church need no amendment.

CHRISTIAN POETRY: a new Selection, containing the most distinguished Pieces that have lately appeared. 3d edition. pp. 309.

Edinburgh: Waugh and Innes.

THIS Volume was originally got up in imitation of Mr. Oliphant's collection of "Sacred Poetry;" and the compiler of that sweet little book having pretty carefully gleaned the field of Christian poesy, little scope was left for the editor of the present publication; which, though resembling it in size, general appearance, and typography, is decidedly inferior in merit. Nevertheless, the present volume contains many beautiful pieces, culled from the various works of merit which have recently been published; the religious periodicals, and, among the rest, our own columns,

contributing their share. It forms a very neat pocket volume; and, to young persons unacquainted with the "Sacred Poetry," will, we doubt not, prove an acceptable present.

Were we disposed to be critical, we should say that the proportion of anonymous and juvenile pieces is too great; and that, where so much sterling matter is to be met with, it is equally unnecessary and unwise to introduce, from motives of private friendship or favour, verses whose only recommendation is that they are well-meant. This may serve as an apology for giving a place to such pieces in a juvenile magazine; but, where a volume professes to be "select," the wisdom of the act is more than doubtful.

The volume is neatly, but not very correctly, printed. Among the few pieces which we have had time to compare, is one from our own pages, entitled, "The dying Christian's Anticipations." In this poem, as it appears in our work, the following passage occurs:

"In vain the sun ascends the sky,
Or darkness veils the lawn;
By day, for evening's close I sigli,
By night, for morning's dawn."

3 C

In the selection before us the two first lines of this stanza are thus printed:

"In vain the sun ascends the sky,
As darkness veils the lawn,"

by which the antithesis is not only destroyed, but the whole passage is rendered unintelligible.

MEMOIR OF ANNIE M'DONALD CHRISTIE, a Self-taught Cottager: chiefly in her own Words. With Extracts from her Letters and Meditations. By the REV. J. Brodie, Monimail. 12mo. pp. 154.

William Oliphant, Edinburgh.

THIS is an unpretending, but very interesting, volume. It is the record of a Scottish peasant, who, having owed to human teaching little more than the knowledge of the alphabet, by patient assiduity acquired the art of reading for her own edification, and of writing for that of others. In these acquirements, indeed, she has frequently been emulated by others, whose means of instruction were as limited as her own; but few, who had equal difficulties to contend with, have ever attained such a degree of scriptural knowledge, or such a facility of communicating it, as the subject of this memoir.

In one sense, however, the title of this volume is a misnomer. Although Annie M'Donald had little or no human teaching, she was pre-eminently taught of God-and "Who teacheth like him?" Accustomed, in truth, as we are to read the effusions of pious minds, and acquainted as we are with the extent of scriptural knowledge often attained by the Scottish peasantry, we were not prepared for the happy, nay, the eloquent and skilful manner in which this aged cottager brings the truths of our most holy faith to bear on the circumstances and wants of others. Of grammar and orthography she knew nothing; and of punctuation her writ ings were equally destitute; but, the pious editor of the memoir having been at the pains to correct these inelegancies, without altering the sense, or even the words of her manuscripts, the most fastidious reader will meet with nothing to offend, while the pious will find much to edify and delight. Altogether, wo do not know a work better calculated for the village library.

We shall annex two extracts from her correspondence-one on the fear of death, and the other on the doctrine of assurance; which, we have no doubt, will excite in many of our readers a desire to peruse the whole.

"I again tell you, my dear young lady, in answer to your question, I am so far from being afraid of death, that I rather fear lest I be hardened; for I have been trying the way of learning to die daily these many years, and it has often been my call to God, that he would not only enable me to be habitually

prepared for death, but that he would lift me above every hankering desire for this present world, and that he would make me willing to live or die at his command. Oh! that my heart and will may be melted and moulded into his holy and blessed will!

"Not a moment we live but we are receiving benefits from him, but especially at death. Shall I then be afraid to die, since, by the benefits that flow from precious Christ, the believer is at death made perfect in holiness? O my soul, what a legacy that is which Jesus bestows on believers-and death is the term at which they enter into full possession of that glorious legacy; and shall I be afraid to die, when death is the gate to glory?"—p. 84.

"You insist upon assurance, dear young lady, and it is worth myriads of worlds to have it; but, oh! let us not limit the Holy One of Israel, who is mighty to save, thousands of ways unknown to mortals. It is known to him from all eternity whom he has elected; though, perhaps, it be hidden from thousands of precious souls, until the moment when the blessed angels are commissioned to carry them to the realms of bliss, where Christ is, to behold his glory. I hope and believe that there are multitudes of precious souls shining in glory, and adoring before the throne of God (as loudly as if they had strength to discover it), who could give no statement of their assurance, farther than that they rested all their salvation on the completed work of the glorious Saviour. Oh! may we all have grace from himself, to make it our utmost care to obey his blessed charge, to give all diligence to make our calling and election sure; but, at the same time, let no humble, serious soul be discouraged, though he cannot come up to assurance so fast as he wishes. I say again, Oh, let him not be discouraged, but still persist in waiting on the Lord; and, oh! that pleaseth him well, well, to wrestle with him, and not to let him go until he bless you. Oh! how often it is written in his own blessed word, that they who wait on him shall never be confounded!' Again, he says, 'they shall not be ashamed.' Oh wait on him; and that God whom you wait for will suddenly come to his temple; and glorious will be his coming."-p. 141.

A FUNERAL SERMON ON WILLIAM M'GAVIN, Esq.; preached on the 2nd September, 1832, in Nile Street Meeting-house. By GREVILLE EWING. 12mo. pp. 63.

THE death of such a champion of truth as Mr. M'Gavin is indeed a public loss; more especially as he was snatched away suddenly in the midst of his days, and while his Christian energies were unabated. On Tuesday evening, the 23d August, 1832, he was summoned into the presence of his divine Lord, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. He was a

native of Ayrshire. His paternal grandfather is buried in the parish church-yard of Auchinleek, and his maternal grandfather in the parish church-yard of Cumnock, and in the same grave with the celebrated Alexander Peden, one of the persecuted Covenanters. He was a man of great natural parts, and, at an early period, began the study of church history, especially that portion of it which relates to the great struggles for liberty, against the encroachments of popery and prelacy. His work, entitled "The Protestant," published between 1818 and 1822, will immortalize his name, as a distinguished protestant advocate; and we are much deceived if a little volume, the preface of which is dated 2nd August, only three weeks before his death, and which is entitled, “A Reply to Smith's Dialogues on the Catholic and Protestant Rules of Faith to which is added, a Review of Alton Park,' a Popish Novel," does not contribute, in some considerable degree, to sustain his well-earned reputation.

Mr. Ewing's sermon, founded on Acts viii. 2, besides exhibiting a delightful picture of the piety and devotedness of Mr. M'Gavin, contains a full biographical sketch of his life, and a chronological account of the circumstances which led to the production of his several valuable publications. The tribute to the memory of this great and good man, thus reared by his beloved pastor and friend, is creditable alike to him whose virtues it records, and to him who lives to mourn departed worth, and to think of those improving intercourses no more to be renewed on earth. How joyful the prospect of a world where all the redeemed from among men shall meet, and where the sanctified friendships of earth shall be resumed without any mixture or alloy !

A MANUAL FOR THE AFFLICTED: comprising a Practical Essay on Affliction, and a Series of Meditations and Prayers; selected and arranged for the Use of those who are in Sorrow, Trouble, Need, Sickness, or any other Adversity. By THOMAS HARTWELL HORNE, B. D., of St. John's College, Cambridge; Author of the "Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures." 18mo. pp. 275.

T. Cadell, Strand.

ANY thing from the pen of Mr. Horne must be acceptable to the Christian public; and we regard the manual before us as a most valuable contribution to what may be called the literature of the closet. The subject of affliction is here treated in all its direct and indirect bearings, and the exercises of mind suitable to it, together with its sanctified results, are well and ably depicted. Though a compilation, it is yet so admirably selected and arranged, as to be far higher in value than any single original composition

from any uninspired pen. The work is divided into Two Parts the first on affliction, and the second on the consolations which God has provided in his word for those who are the subjects of it. Each part is full of rich matter, both as it respects counsel and devotion. The selections of prayers and meditations are admirable; and the combination of scriptural texts, in order to express particular states of mind and body, is peculiarly happy and instructive. The tone of the entire volume is highly spiritual and edifying; and we beg, therefore, very cordially to recommend it to the attention of all our readers, especially the afflicted.

AN ESSAY, ON A COMPARATIVE VIEW OF THE SNARES AND ADVANTAGES OF A RELIGIOUS PROFESSION IN THE METROPOLIS. By THOMAS WOOD, of Jewin Street Chapel. 32mo. in cloth. pp. 56.

Dinnis.

THE subject of this neat volume is vitally important, and the manner in which it is handled by the esteemed author entitles it to the attentive perusal of all devout and inquiring minds, especially those who are exposed to the moral and spiritual dangers connected with a residence in the metropolis. The substance of this essay was delivered, with unusual effect, at the monthly meeting; and, in its present form, it is fitted for a wide circulation and for general usefulness. Here are depicted the snares connected with commerce, with fickleness of disposition, with comparative concealment of real character, with temptations to the neglect of domestic and private devotion, and with improper religious connexions. Here, too, are well exhibited the comparative religious advantages of living in the great metropolis: the means of spiritual improvement are great; here persecution has but little influence, &c.

We commend this essay to the attention of all young Christians.

though of a different religious persuasion, it does great honour to the living and the dead. As a composition, the sermon is much above mediocrity, and is distinguished by sound theology, excellent sense, and faithful delineation of character. We hope this will not be the author's last effort.

FISHER'S DRAWING-ROOM SCRAP-BOOK, with Poetical Illustrations. By L. E. L. 1833.

Fisher and Jackson.

To those of our readers who are fond of works of art this will be a most acceptable publication. The subjects are well chosen, both as it respects landscapes and portraits; and the style of execution is very far above the run of similar productions; while the writing which accompanies the embellishments evinces poetic talent and genius of no inferior order. The book is altogether one of the most elegant ornaments for the drawingroom we have yet seen. We cannot but wish the publishers success with such an undertaking.

A PORTRAITURE OF MODERN SCEPTICISM; or, a Caveat against Infidelity: including a brief Statement of the Evidences of Revealed Truth, and a Defence of the Canon and of Inspiration. By JOHN MORISON, D. D. Westley and Davis.

Ar a time like the present, when scepticism and infidelity are walking abroad in the high places of the earth, and whispering strange and delusive doctrines into the ears of the people, the perusal of a work like the one before us is well calculated to dispel that moral darkness covering the eyes of those who, even in this day, are still under the cloud, and who, like the deaf adder, stop their ears against the sounds of the everlasting gospel. The judicious author of this volume, in his title-page, intends it as a present for the young-to whom it will most surely prove an acceptable one in all times and in all seasons; but to the greyhaired man, and to the old man, who are walking through the evening valley of life, will this volume also prove a word in season, if blessed by the Spirit of all truth to their hearts.

The first part of the work, which is "A Portraiture of Modern Scepticism," surveys that subject in all its bearings, whilst at the same time it affectionately points out, to all those who are still in the error of their ways, the fallacious and immoral doctrines of infidelity. In the second part of the volume, on "The Truth and Excellence of Christianity," Dr. Morison uses the pen of a ready writer, and in earnest and beautiful language does he speak of "the moral cha

racter of its great Founder," "the sublimity of its diction," "the high standard of its morality," and "the coincidence of Christianity with the character of God and the actual condition of man.' In the second section of this part of the work, the author, in speaking of the external evidence of Christianity, discourses of "miracles," the "resurrection of Christ," "prophecy," "the early success of Christianity," and "the moral and social benefits conferred by it on mankind." From the section on "the early success of Christianity," we select the following extract:

;

"Had Christianity been adapted to the depraved inclinations of the human heart; had it flattered man's pride, ambition, and vain glory; had it promised or secured worldly honour or prosperity; had it been hailed by the great and noble of mankind had it been supported by human power, and defended by the swords and shields of the earth; had conquering armies been its heralds, and the spoils of enemies its rewardsits success would then have been no mystery, and its triumphs would then have afforded no proof of supernatural interference. But if the reverse of all this was the case-if Christianity had nothing in it to pamper human corruption-nothing to minister to the pride of the human heart-nothing to present to its disciples in the shape of worldly allurement-nothing to draw around it men of high renown-nothing of power to terrify or subdue-nothing to support the courage of its professors but the testimony of a good conscience, and the hopes of a better life-what shall be said if after all it triumphed? Yes, if, while it opposes itself to all the world, it prevail, what shall be said?- If, in the absence of all the ordinary causes and weapons of success, it prevail, what shall be said? Let us look at the facts of this case, and impartially determine whether there was any thing merely human, in the original agencies of Christianity, to account for the results which followed their employment. The results are these:-The whole Roman empire, in a few short years, was pervaded by the gospel; multitudes of Jews and pagans were won over to the sincere belief of the facts of Christianity; the very aspects and institutions of society were completely changed and re-modelled by the new doctrine; the flames of persecution were borne with exemplary fortitude, patience, and forgiveness; the cause triumphed by means of its very disasters; and the power which attempted to crush it at last yielded to its mysterious influence.

"Such are the results; and what are the apparent agencies by which they were ef fected? The doctrine of ONE who was crucified at Jerusalem between two thieves, the preaching of a few illiterate fishermen of Ga