SERIOUS BUT NOT MELANCHOLY. SECRETARY WALSINGHAM, an eminent courtier and statesman in Queen Elizabeth's time, in his old age retired into a rural privacy. Some of his former gay companions came to visit him, who observed he was melancholy. No, said he, I am not melancholy; I am serious; and it is very proper I should be. Ah, my friends, while we laugh, all things are serious round about us. God is serious, who exercises patience towards us; Christ is serious, who shed his atoning blood for us; the Holy Ghost is serious in striving against the obstinacy of our hearts; the Holy Scriptures are serious books;they present to our thoughts the most important concerns in all the world; the holy sacrament represents the most serious and awful matters; the whole creation is serious in serving God and us; all who are in hell are serious. How, then, can we be gay, and trifle with all-important time? HOW TO KEEP OFF OLD AGE. INTELLECTUAL culture is no doubt the best and the strongest barrier which the young can rear against the insidious advances of old age. Mental discipline is eminently healthful and life-sustaining. We speak not of excessive application, but of diligent and preserving culture and exercise of mind. It is clearly proved that the high cultivation of the intellect is favourable to protracted usefulness and long life. Highly educated men and women on an average, live longer, and enjoy more even and purer health, than those of little or no culture. The mind is life-the very essence of life, and where there is most of mind, other things equal, there is most of that which imparts life and vigor to the body. We must be more intellectual and less sensualmore of that which dies not, and less of that which dies-if we would invigorate and prolong whatever of us is immortal. It is said to be better to wear out than to rust out. The truth is, after all, very few in this country can claim the honor of wearing out, intellectually; but hundreds are dying daily through mental rust. come. Why does the man of business languish and die so soon on retiring to enjoy in idleness his gains? Just because the life giving power, the mind, ceases to act. Rust, stagnation, disease, gloomy spirits, and death must inevitably The perpetual tug and excitement of business, as frequently overtasks and breaks down the mind, not so much by the intellectual labours, as by the excitement attending it. Now, the study of languages, sciences, &c., and the putting forth of the mental energies in the form of written thoughts for the world, afford just that kind of mental effort which is most favourable to long and vigorous life. Accordingly literary and scientific men are, as a class, long lived. If our families would give up their dissipations, renounce their novels and their indolence, put away their inglorious rust, and their vainglorious excitements together-and rise higher in the scale of intellectual, thinking, spiritual beings, they might secure to themselves and to their children a far more healthy, youthful, prolonged existence, than most of them now enjoy. SALVATION.-Those who were saved from drowning might naturally at first find their love to their benefactor who saved them in a boat prevail over every other sentiment; but afterwards, when reflection resumed its sway, they would admire the wisdom and contrivance of the instrument whereby they were drawn safely to the shore. So the lost sinner who is rescued from everlasting death feels his gratitude towards his Saviour prevail over every other emotion; but soon Divine mediation makes him admire the wisdom, consistency, and beauty, of the glorious scheme of redemption, by which he was rescued from never-ceasing ruin. NOTICES OF BOOKS. THE WORKS OF THE REV. RICHARD WATSON. Vols. XII. price 4s. 6d.; and XIII, price 5s. These two volumes complete the new and cheap series of Watson's works. Volume XII. contains the concluding portion of the Institutes, and a Catechism on the Evidences of Christianity; and Volume XIII. contains an Exposition of Matthew and Mark, the first twelve chapters of Luke, and the first three chapters of Romans. In the twelfth volume there is a copious index of Scripture texts, and a very extensive general Index to the entire twelve volumes; two similar indexes are also given to the thirteenth volume. We can now most cordially congratulate the Methodist public, and especially all Methodist preachers, on the publication of this splendid monument of piety, talent, and learning. This cheap edition of Watson's works will, we doubt not, prove a signal blessing to the cause of Methodism. The author manfully grapples with every difficulty that comes before him, and whilst the greatest talents are consecrated to the investigation of truth, the investigation is conducted in that spirit of candour and piety which cannot fail to secure the confidence of the reader. The only drawback experienced in reading the Exposition, is the deep regret, that is inevitably felt, that one so well competent to expound the Word of God, was not able to accomplish what, no doubt, his heart fully purposed. THE PHILOSOPHY OF A FUTURE STATE. BY THOMAS DICK, LL.D. Author of "The Christian Philosopher," &c., &c., &c. A New Edition. London: W. Collins. Stitched, pp. 303. The subject of this work is one of the deepest interest, and of infinite importance. How different an aspect would society present, if its members were practically and earnestly engaged in preparing for "a future state!" The work of Dr. Dick which has been for some years in existence, is now, through the meritorious enterprise of Mr. Collins, presented to the public in a very cheap but elegant form. The language and thoughts are sublime. Much originality is manifest, whilst a profound deference is paid to the supreme authority of Revelation. Books of this class expand the views and invigorate the mind of the reader. The volume before us also states such facts, abounds in such reasonings, and urges such appeals, as cannot fail to leave the most powerful and solemn impressions on the heart and conscience. ETHICS OF NONCONFORMITY; and Workings of Willinghood. Reprinted from the "Nonconformist." By EDWARD MIALL. London: Aylott and Jones. 12mo., cloth boards, pp. 153. We greatly admire this volume; first, because of the wonderful talent displayed in it; and secondly because it advocates the great principles of social justice, and Scriptural truth, in reference to the rights of conscience, and the freedom of religious worship. It is indeed a development of the ethics of Nonconformity. The Nonconformist who reads it will learn the true reasons of Dissent, and also the obligations which it involves. The book is full of apopthegms and maxims, which, apart from the subject with which they are connected, unfold some deep views of human nature, and enforce some highly important principles of human conduct. The style is lively, but earnest and energetic. In short, the work is evidently the production of a man of exalted genius; but whose views on certain other questions, we wish were more moderate and more rational. THE WAY OF LIFE. Extracted from the Work of the Great Reformer, Martin Luther. To which is Prefixed an Historical View of the Doctrine of Justification. By the Rev. J. MILNER; author of "The History of the Church of Christ." The great Reformer's views on justification and other kindred topics, are here presented to the reader in a series of detached extracts. Man's State by Nature; the Law; the Gospel; Justification; Knowledge of Christ; Faith; Doubting; Hearing God's Word; Prayer; Good Works; the Christian Life. These are the subjects which are brought before us in Luther's plain but nervous language. Both the Extracts and the "Historical View," by Milner, are pervaded by a rich vein of evangelical truth, and the whole will be found truly edifying to the pious reader. THE HISTORY OF THE REVIVAL AND PROGRESS OF INDEPENDENCY IN ENGLAND. By JOSEPH FLETCHER. Vol. III. Stitched. London: J. Snow. In this volume Mr. Fletcher enters on a very interesting period of the History of Independency in England. The details indeed are heart-sickening. We blush for Q human nature when we read of monsters in the shape of men who inflicted the severest tortures, and the foulest wrongs on their fellow-men, simply because they worshipped God according to the dictates of their consciences. The period included in the present volume is from 1603 to 1643. SUGGESTIONS ON SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHING, IN ITS PRINCIPLES AND PRACAddressed especially to the Younger Teachers. By the REV. W. ARNOT, Glasgow. Price 4d. TICE. A nice little book, containing some excellent advice, and which we cordially recommend to the attention of younger teachers in Sabbath-schools. SELECTED SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR A SERIES OF THREE YEARS: for Sabbathschools and Private Families; with Explanatory Notices. Arranged so as to commence at any period of the Year. By the Rev. W. ARNOT, of Glasgow. THE USE OF DIFFICULTIES IN MENTAL AND MORAL CULTURE. The Opening Lecture Delivered to the Young Men's Christian Association, Hull. By the Rev. T. STRATTEN. Price Fourpence. THE EXTENT AND THE MORAL STATISTICS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. A Lecture Delivered before the Young Men's Christian Association. By the Rev. W. ARTHUR. Price Sixpence. THE CHRISTIAN ASPECT OF TEETOTALISM. A Lecture by SAMUEL G. GREEN, B. A., Minister of Silver-street Chapel, Taunton. London: B. L. Green. Stitched. 12mo. pp. 32. NATIONAL REVOLUTIONS. A Sermon Preached on Sunday Evening, March 12th, 1848. By the Rev. W. LEASK. London: B. L. Green. An eloquent and excellent Sermon. CHRISTIANITY: Its Progress and its present impediments. A Lecture delivered before the United Nonconformist Ministers and Churches of Nottingham. By THOS. MILLS. Price Threepence. This is the reprint of an article which appeared in a late number of our MAGAZINE. As a specimen of powerful argument, expressed in eloquent and forcible language, there can be but one opinion of its merits. The principles it advocates are the great principles of religious freedom-such as are essential to the purity and advancement of Christianity. We trust that the separate copies will be speedily and entirely sold off. OBITUARIES AND RECENT DEATHS. WILLIAM CLAYTON WAS born at Higher Hurst, near Ashton-under-Lyne, on the 18th of August, 1821. At the age of four years, William became a scholar in our School, and there obtained his first and chief instruction. The good impressions made upon him, gradually produced such an effect upon his mind, that in 1831 he began to meet in Class, and appeared so firm in his attachment to the means of grace, that on one occasion, when in the Mill-yard of his employers, the Messrs. Whittaker, some person called out, "Little Will Clayton is a Methody, to," he stopped and boldly replied, "Ay, I am a Methody, and I don't shame at it." But unhappily, he fell from his steadfastness. Seduced by evil company, he forsook the house of God, forgot the admonitions of his teachers, and was soon found with hasty steps pursuing the course of this world. From this fall he was recovered by a singular incident. His father was one of those who, professing a strong liking for the Established Church, are never seen in any of its sanctuaries. He was a straightforward, honest man, and what is generally called, "a good moral character." It pleased God to afflict him, and when there was nothing before him, but the prospect of death and eternity, his eyes were opened to his real condition. He then saw that honesty alone was not salvation, and that without an interest in Christ, he must be eternally lost. He sought the Lord carefully and with tears; and seeking, he found the pearl of great price. The remainder of his life was spent in prayer and praise. It was one of those prayers offered a short time before his death, that was instrumental in the conversion of his son. William was awakened one night by the voice of his father. A moment's thought convinced him that his father was pray ing, and that he was the subject of the prayer. He was fervently beseeching the Almighty to turn him from "darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God." No other petition was offered; this alone was the burden of his midnight prayer. The earnestness and power with which the father prayed, made a lasting and saving impression upon the son. After this, William forsook his evil habits and amusements, gave his heart to God, and was ultimately found sitting at the feet of Jesus, "clothed and in his right mind." Having united himself to the Church, our Brother entered the Sabbath School, and laboured assiduously for its welfare, and being anxious to improve himself as well as to teach others, he joined a number of young men who met for mental improvement by mutual effort. In 1844, he was appointed one of the Society stewards, which office he discharged with fidelity and efficiency, until incapacitated by illness. When the building of our new chapel was projected, he entered into the design with his whole heart, and though not able to contribute largely, like the woman in the Gospel, he did what he could. When the building was finished, his joy was full, and to the day of his death, like the ancient Jews, he took pleasure in its very stones. At the beginning of the winter of 1846, the affliction which terminated in his death commenced. Its origin apparently was a cold, and for some time it appeared so slight as to excite no fears. It soon, however, became evident that consumption had begun its deadly work, and that nothing would effectually stop its course. It was not until the disease had made the most fearful inroads on his health and life, that our Brother could persuade himself that his affliction was unto death. But when he was assured of this, he betrayed no symptoms of fear. He was on the Rock, and the storm and the flood could not remove him. Death had no terrors, no sting. To the ministers and friends who visited him, he expressed his entire confidence in God, and his full concurrence in his will, whether for life or death. He was willing to live; and would be glad, if for no other reason, for the sake of his dear mother, to have his days prolonged in the land of the living; but he was also resigned and ready to die. Very often he lamented his inability to attend divine worship in the sanctuary. "To me," he observed, "debarred from the means of grace, I am almost unable to combat the evil tempers which would rise within me at times. Satan strives hard to get the mastery over me, so that it is extremely difficult for me to urge on my way." And then he would request to have the weekly prayer-meeting held at his house. This request was several times granted, and always to his spiritual refreshment and profit. On the evening of the 8th of August, the Sunday before he died, the prayer-meeting was held at his bed-side, and the occasion will not soon be forgotten. The scene itself was solemn and affecting, and the divine influence which pervaded the hearts of those present, was such as is seldom experienced. On the Monday evening, the young men who were associated with him in Class visited him, and seeing the ravages which disease had made upon him, burst into tears. But not a single murmur escaped him. His countenance remained calm, and his mind apparently serene, while all around were weeping. Having been told of their intention to visit him, he had husbanded his little strength, to give them his dying advice. He had always loved them, and his love was fully returned. "I find," said he, "religion to be every thing it professes; it made me happy in health, and now that I am about to die, I am without fear. I can clasp my hands and wait for the coming of death without a sigh, for I know, that when I die, I shall be carried to Jesus. Let me advise all of you to go on in the way of religion. I am glad that some of you have had your souls set at liberty, during the revival meetings. Oh! how I could like to have been there; I am sure it would have done my soul good. However, I am thankful I can feel the love of God on this bed." Much more he said, of which nothing but the sentiment can now be recalled. He urged them never to desert the chapel, but to be constant in their attendance on its services, and diligently to labour to make the cause a praise in the neighbourhood. He spoke of his mother, his anxiety for her welfare, and of the pleasure it would have given him, to comfort her in her declining years. "But," said he, in conclusion, "Not my will, O Lord, but thine be done.'" Commending them to God, he expressed a hope that he should meet them in heaven. Early on the Sunday morning following, it was evident that his end was drawing near. His mother and the family were at his bed-side bathed in tears. His voice was scarcely audible, but he said, with as much earnestness as he could command, "Don't cry, don't cry, but pray." His sister replied, "we are praying." He added, pray on." In a short time several friends entered the room. As soon as he perceived them, he called out, "Pray." Having done so, they inquired if he enjoyed the consolations of Christ, felt an assurance," &c.; to which questions he said, "Yes." An hour afterwards, he slept in Jesus. He died on the 15th of August, 1847, in the twenty-sixth year of his age. The day of his interment was the anniversary of his birth-day. His death was improved to a large and attentive audience, in our chapel at Higher Hurst, on the Sunday evening of the 12th of September, by our esteemed minister, the Rev. J. Stacey. Higher Hurst. W. W. SANDIFORD. ANN ANDREWS WAS born at Higher Hurst, near Ashtonunder-Lyne, on the 24th of November, 1824. At an early age she became a scholar in our Sunday School at that place, and remained a constant attendant until her death. She was remarkable for her punctuality and good behaviour. Her childhood and youth were little differen from others, save that she was distinguished for her quiet and steady character. Her affection to her parents, and her sense of duty were so strong, that she always endeavoured to obey their commands, and conform to their wishes; and the errors that were committed by her, seemed to result more from ignorance than wilful neglect. At the age of fourteen, she was thought old enough to contribute her portion to the maintenance of the family, and accordingly she commenced working in the cotton mills of Messrs. John Whittaker and Sons. There she was necessarily brought into contact with a great number of young people of her own age, many of whom delighted to make a mock of religion, and to scoff at those who attended the Sunday School and the chapel. Fortunately for our young friend, she was not induced either by their persuasions or their sneers, to give up her attendanee at these places. She Two years afterwards, when she attained her sixteenth year, she became a teacher, and in this capacity she laboured with a diligence and zeal seldom equalled, and never surpassed by any one. always had a great desire for the prosperity of the School, and took considerable interest in the welfare of those children committed to her care. Her memory will ever be highly esteemed by her fellow-teachers. The calm tenor of her life was seldom disturbed by affliction, and whilst she was blest with health of body, she also appeared to inherit a certain sweetness of temper that secured the friendship of her companions, and of all who knew her. Hitherto she had not united with our Society, probably because none of her family were connected with it, except so far as related to their occasionally attending the chapel. However, in the year 1844, she was induced by the invitations of some of her pious friends to attend our Brother Isaiah Coop's Class. After having met the usual time as a probationer, she was publicly received as a member, together with several others, by our respected minister, the Rev. J. Hudston. After she had thus professed herself a servant of God, she omitted no opportunity of attending the means of grace, and of exemplifying the blessed truths of the Gospel. She always manifested a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a desire to be constantly growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and a fervent and confident hope that she should be allowed to die triumphant through the blood of the Lamb. Her Leader thus adds his testimony to her character. "She was constant in her attendance at the meetings of the Class, punctual in attending the preaching of the Word, both on Sabbaths and weekdays, and though naturally of a retiring disposition, was fervent in her addresses at the throne of the heavenly grace; and I believe that she is now joining that happy throng around the throne of God, in singing that delightful anthem, Unto Him that has loved us, and washed us from sin in his own blood; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.""" Having thus briefly sketched a few particulars of her course of life, we must now notice her affliction and death. As she was preparing to attend the house of God, on Sunday morning, the 26th of April, 1846, the hand of the king of terrors was laid upon her. A sudden fit deprived her of all consciousness, and from that moment to the day when she breathed her last, which took place on the Tuesday following, she lay speechless, and without motion, apparently unconscious of all around her. Several medical men were called in by her afflicted parents, but her case seemed to baffle their utmost skill, and the hopes of her recovery were relinquished in despair. She was visited several times by her Leader, and by other friends, who most earnestly prayed to the Almighty Disposer of all things, to raise our Sister to the full enjoyment of her bodily powers. But such was not the will of God. Several of her companions visited her, but she did not recognize them, nor notice them in the least. On Tuesday, it was evident that the few remains of life were fast ebbing away, and, at eleven o'clock, |