in sickness and in health; blessed living and dying, in time and in eternity and if God bless you, who can curse you?-the world may frown upon you, Satan may summon all his forces, and hurl at you his firey darts, but they cannot harm you if God bless you. Shall I point out the willingness of Christ to save you; I feel it impossible to find language to express thisChrist waits to bless you. Could his prayers be heard, which have been offered up for the world,-could his tears, his blood, his mental conflicts, his mangled body, all became vocal, they would tell you, in strains of tenderness, his willingness to save. Behold the fulness that is laid up in Christ, it is all to bless you; hear him in effect saying to you, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."

In closing, let me say, my prayer is, that, like Jacob, you may be blessed in death. See how calm and composed he is; redeemed from all evil, he looks to the future with triumph, relying upon the merits of Christ. Death has no terrors for him, the gulph is before him; but faith in Christ will carry him safely over; and he is now about to bid an everlasting farewell to sin and sorrow. Oh, how sweet to see the aged servants of God, when they die, bear witness to the truth.

Application. My young friends, are such facts as those brought before you to-night, of no importance? Are your hearts so cold as not to feel one ray of this sacred light? are you so depraved as to have lost sight entirely of your condition? Do not deem me an enthusiast in pressing the matter so closely upon your attention; I cannot refrain. I think of the value of the soul; if that is lost, all is lost. You would consider the physician cruel and thoughtless, who treated a patient dangerously ill, with a marked indifference, who did not apply, and speedily too, what would be likely to reach the case. It would be much more cruel, on my part, if I did not deal faithfully with your souls: your eternal interests are at stake; death is ready to strike the fatal blow; and oh, to die unprepared! it is the thought, the fear of this, that leads me to press the matter upon you; oh, be persuaded, to-night, to turn to the Lord; the darkness of eternal midnight has not yet closed upon you; the light of heaven shines round about you; will you prefer darkness to light, can you bear the thought of being chained and bound, while God is entreating you to be free? Think what will be my destiny in another world. To-night you are listening to the words of mercy; to-morrow they may die upon your ears, to be heard no more,—and the thunders of divine wrath follow for ever. Let me persuade you to be wise; this is all I desire. I stand here to invite you to come and see where your Saviour was slain; I ask you to linger a little over this scene, till your hearts are melted. I wish you to be happy; what shall I say to urge you to this? My heart is full, I could pour out my soul, as in a torrent of tears, at your feet, if that would accomplish the object. "May the angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads."

Dec. 4th, 1847.

B. TURNOCK.

THE WORLD.-Believe me the world is a mighty pleasant creature, only do not, as I said before, expect too much from it. In the hour of peace, of prosperity and relaxation, seek the world; in moderation, taste of it as you would strong cordial; but lose not the remembrance that it turns bitter on the lees; drink it not to excess, or it will lead to folly, ignominy, or death. Hope nothing from the world in the hour of sorrow. Hope little even from friends; try them got too much-it is painful to find them wanting. Trust only in that world which is not now, but which must come to all, whether they will or not. Look at the great word written over the portal of Death-- ETERNITY —and seek your comfort there.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

MEMOIRS OF THE REV. CHARLES WESLEY, M.A. Comprising notices of his poetry; of the rise and progress of Methodism; and of contemporary events and characters; being an abridgement of his life, in two vols. 8vo. By THOMAS JACKSON. 12mo. cloth bds., pp. 500.

We greatly rejoice that an abridged edition of the life of Charles Wesley has been issued. The size of the book is now more suitable for these days of commercial bustle, and the price now 'charged places it within reach of the many. As a piece of biography it is deeply interesting. The character of Charles Wesley is a fine study. A man of piety and of zeal, but of strange and unconquerable prejudices; prejudices rendered the more unaccountable by their co-existing, as they did in his mind, with clear views of evangelical truth. This book supplies most valuable information of the leading events and more prominent individuals that were contemporary with the Messrs. Wesleys. Whilst we cannot express an unqualified admiration of Charles Wesley's character, we can most cordially recommend this volume to all Methodists, as replete with striking facts, and as furnishing sound lessons of practical wisdom. THE MYSTERY OF THE GENTILE DISPENSATION, and the work of the Messiah. BY RIDLEY H. HERSCHELL. London: Aylott and Jones. 12mo cloth boards, pp. 319.

The author of this volume is one of the few, who has in these latter days, escaped from the bondage and darkness of Jewish unbelief, and passed into the light and liberty of the Gospel. He is well known in the religious world of London, as a spirituallyminded and devoted minister of Christ. His work contains some expositions and views on the designs of God towards a fallen world, which the biblical student will read with interest and profit. The style is lucid and elegant. We are very far, however, from concurring with the author in some of the opinions he advances, and which have a prominent place in his volumes. It would, indeed, be wonderful, if that Gospel, which is so admirably adapted to the wants and character of man as a sinner, is after all to produce so little good, and to be so miserably restrained in the accomplishment of its avowed purpose-that of saving sinners. Our conviction is, that Mr. Herschell in his views of the millennium, confounds and mixes together events that essentially differ, both as to the time of their occurrence and the mode of their manifestation. His reasonings, on this question are, like all such rearsonings, plausible, but, in our humble judgment, unsound; and we very much question whether the excellent author could be induced fully to carry out his own principles. It seems to us that the natural result of them would be the entire abandonment of every effort to evangelize the world. OLIVER CROMWELL AND THE PROTECTORATE, By DANIEL WILSON, F.S.A. London: T. Nelson. Foolscap 8vo., cloth boards, pp. 304.

We congratulate the reading public on the appearance of this work. On the author's talent and judgment, it reflects the highest credit. It does honour also to his moral courage; for he undertakes to vindicate the character of Cromwell against the hackneyed charge of dissimulation, with which his reputation has been maligned. Cromwell, doubtless, had his faults. In the execution of the king, he committed a great crime-for however richly Charles might have deserved beheading, it was not the prerogative of Cromwell and his party to inflict the punishment. Notwithstanding, Cromwell was a great man; and as a ruler his wisdom and energy were consummate. His life was full of momentous changes, and the times he lived in were rendered for ever memorable by the deeds of a class of men of whom the world was not worthy-the Puritans; who, with all their faults, lived and fought and died as the stern advocates of truth, righteousness, and freedom. Most sincerely do we wish this admirable volume an extensive circulation.

MEDITATIONS AND SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES. By the late REV. Mr. SHEPHARD, M.A. With a preface by the late Rev. David Brainerd, and an introductory Essay by the Rev. J. R. Anderson, Minister of Knox's Free Church, Glasgow. 18mo., cloth boards, pp. 137.

Mr. Shephard was born in 1605, and in the prime of life became pastor of a Chris

Y

tian Church in New England, where he finished his course. The reprint now before us consists of extracts from Mr. Shephard's diary, and truly it is a rich record of God's dealings with his servant. Such deep communion with God-such thorough selfsearchings-such enlarged views of Christian duty and privilege, it has seldom been, if ever, our lot to meet with. Christians who wish to be quickened and stimulated, will have their hearts warmed, and their spiritual interests greatly promoted, by the perusal of this small volume.

MEMOIR OF MR. WILLIAM POSNET, late of Macclesfield. 18mo. cloth boards pp. 78. J. Mason.

A biographical account of a youth of great promise—who exhibited the union of superior talents and intelligence, with fervent piety and zeal. It is a book which should be put into the hands of young people. It unfolds true religion in all its attraction and loveliness.

MOTIVES TO THE CULTIVATION OF PIETY: or topics of scriptural encouragement for devout travellers to Zion. By JAMES YOUNG. 18mo. Cloth boards, pp. 156. London: B. L. Green.

A most excellent little book, written in a very pleasing style, and giving a beautiful development of vital practical Christianity, connected with an enforcement of Christian motives to duty.

LOOK UP; or Girls and Flowers. Tract Society. 18mo. Cloth boards, pp. 108.

The beauties of holiness are here delineated in a truly fascinating manner. The power of religion in the season of affliction, and its support in death, are also exemplified. To young girls, to young people generally, we earnestly recommend this little volume, which is in all respects full of attraction and beauty.

ENGLISH PURITAN DIVINES. The Life and Times of Philip Henry. T. Nelson, pp. 281.

As an eminent example of Christian piety and zeal, the life of Philip Henry will be found a most profitable subject for study, and is well worthy of the perusal of every one who labours after spiritual advancement. The sayings and doings of such men serve at once to instruct and to stimulate. In all the opinions, theological and political, of good Philip Henry we do not quite concur, but his life has a strong claim on the public, on account of the "times" in which he lived-times which will ever form a prominent and striking feature in England's history.

THE NORTH BRITISH REVIEW. No. XVII. May, 1848.

This Review is the organ of the Free Church of Scotland. It is conducted with considerable talent, and the number before us contains some very able and valuable articles. The contents are- -The French Revolution of 1848.-Tennyson's Poems.Sabbath Observance.-Mrs. Somerville's Physical Geography. Recent French Social Philosophy.-Life of Mrs. Fry.-The Budget.-Financial Reform.

A SHORT MANUAL OF ANCIENT HISTORY FOR YOUNG STUDENTS. BY THEOPHILUS WOOLMER. London: J. Mason. Stiff covers, pp. 104.

This is a very complete and a very useful manual of ancient history.

THE SISTER'S FRIEND; or, Christmas Holidays spent at Home. Tract Society. 18mo. cloth bds., pp. 180.

Young people, in the middle class of society especially, ought now to be both wise and good; for never was so much labour bestowed upon them-never were so many efforts made to allure them to Christianity. This book is designed to show the happy influence of true religion, and to exemplify its excellence and power when it has possession of the hearts of the youth. It is a most pleasingly interesting little book, and the young will read it with delight and advantage.

THE LIFE OF JOHN WICKLIFFE. Ward and Co. Stiff covers, pp. 38.

For sixpence we have here the life of one of the greatest of men-to whose instrumentality we are indebted for the dawning of that light which shone more and more, until it dispersed from many nations the darkness of Popish superstition.

CONCIO AD CLERUM; a voice from the Laodicean Churches to the Pastorate: a Lay Suggestion as to some of the causes of the comparative inefficacy of Preaching. London: B. L. Green.

This is an earnest appeal to Pastors, urging them to adopt a more discriminative mode of address in the pulpit, and also to place before professing Christians the high privilege of the full assurance of pardon. There are some other points also specified, and, though the book is small, it is calculated to do much good.

I ECTURES ON UNITARIANISM, more especially as taught by Mr. Joseph Barker and his Followers; being in substance a Series of Discourses delivered in the parish church of Stoke-upon-Trent. By the Rev. S. MINTON, M.A., Incumbent of Penkhull, Staffordshire. Second Thousand. London: Seeley.

We cordially rejoice in the publication of these Lectures; they are well adapted to the popular taste, by being clear, earnest, and argumentative. They exhibit no parade of the author's learning, but they develop quite enough to inspire the reader with confidence and respect. Admirably calculated as they are to dispel the most dangerous delusions that can infatuate the human mind, we trust they will have a yet more extensive circulation. We may, indeed, regret that so much talent and labour should have been expended over so worthless an opponent, but the cause is worthy of every effort and of the highest sacrifice; and, in contending with heretics, our conduct must be guided, not by a consideration of their personal claims, but of a due estimate of the tendency and actual result of their doctrines. We do not quite agree with our author in every point, yet his volume contains so much that is substantially sound and good, that we should be captious, indeed, if we allowed our differences to depreciate the value of his work; and most cordially do we wish that every pulpit in the Establishment was occupied by a clergyman of the same principles and spirit as Mr. Minton. The subjects discussed in them are-The genuineness and inspiration of the Scriptures-Human Reason-Heresy, Bigotry, and CharityHuman Teaching-the fallen nature of man—the Trinity-the Foreknowledge of God-the miraculous Conception-the Deity of Christ-the Atonement - Justification-Good and Evil Spirits-the Sabbath, &c. &c.

A SECOND VOICE FROM AMERICA; or, Four Sermons preached by the Rev. J. CAUGHEY, the great American Revivalist. Contents.-A call to decision.-Purification by Faith.-The fear of death destroyed by a sight of Christ-Religion a cheerful Service.-Anecdotes.-A backslider's death-bed.-The last drink of cold water.-Picture-painting sinners.-The dying Mozart. Price sixpence. CHRISTIAN WARFARE; or, Self-defence Justified. An Argument from Nature and Revelation. By M. A. GARVEY, B.A. 8vo. stitched, pp. 24. Price sixpence. The subject of this pamphlet is one of unquestionable importance, and of deep interest; for it involves much that relates to personal and social duty, and affects the character and influence of Christianity. We must confess, that facts that have come before us, as well as a more thorough consideration of several Scripture passages, have very much modified our own views on the lawfulness of self-defensive war, and also of capital punishments. We do not see how the views, so well and calmly advocated in this tract, can be refuted-the positions laid down force themselves upon us as undeniably true. The lawfulness of self-defence may be questioned in theory, but very few who oppose it would be found to carry out their views to their full length in practice. As it regards capital punishments, it is really disgusting to witness the roar of sympathy that is set up to save the life of a deliberate murderer, whilst very little is thought of the fate of the poor victim sent violently and unforewarned into the presence of his heart-searching Judge.

THE INFANT'S DREAM. THE PRODIGAL SON. THE LITTLE SUNDAY-SCHOOL BOY. JUSTICE AND MERCY. LITTLE JANE, THE COTTAGE GIRL. London: J. Bakewell.

These and others of the like kind form a series of very interesting and suitable little books for Sunday-scholars and young children. They are admirably adapted for reward books, and are sold in packets. Their tendency is so very good, that we cannot do otherwise than recommend them to the notice of our friends. They may be had from the Book-Room.

HENRY'S COMMENTARY. Part XI. T. Nelson.

Those who believe that their eyes may become so enfeebled by age as not to be able to read small print with facility, will find this to be a very valuable edition of Henry. It is handsomely got up, and when completed, will form a very noble looking set of volumes.

A COMMENTARY OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT. By the Rev. J. SUT

CLIFFE. Vol. I.

The first volume of the new edition of Sutcliffe is now completed. As the text is not given, there is a large amount of very valuable matter-both in practical reflections and critical remarks. To students it will prove a very faithful and welcome assistant in their preparation for the pulpit, and it will be equally suitable both for family and private reading.

The Rev. P. J. Wright has lately issued from the press a neat and interesting volume, containing the following productions of his able pen:-The Study of Creation-God is Love-the Cultivation of the Intellect-the blighted One-the Knowledge of God-a Hymn of Praise-Watchman, what of the night?-the Land of Edom- We all do fade as a leaf-the Joyless One-the Atonement-Salvation -the Bright and Morning Star-Star of Light-the Rock that is higher than IChrystals-The Earthly House, and the House from Heaven-Fragments.

OBITUARIES AND RECENT DEATHS.