"Human Nature," which is too truly painted, shall furnish these picturesque lines:

"I saw a poor ignoble creature,

Not knowing it was 'human nature,'
Until he 'd gone some paces past,
Ile 'd alter'd so, and sunk so fast:
For both his arms with trembling shook,
And oft he falter'd as he spoke;
His hair, too, was as white as snow,

And many a furrow mark'd his brow."-p. 75. From among the lesser beauties which adorn the volume, the commencement of "The Farthing's Pilgrimage," will point out the manner in which the author treats his subjects when he carries his readers among gay and pleasant scenes:

"A farthing when it left the Mint,
Had bright outside, if nothing in't;
And so equipp'd, like many an elf,
It started off to show itself:
For being made of wandering ore,

It enter'd in at many a door."-p. 88. We shall conclude with the following beautiful extract from "The Resting-place of a Friend:"

"When Night had sought her wonted throne, and spread

Her sable mantle o'er each crowded town, Sequester'd vale, the watery waste, and rising hill;

And man, the object of unwearied care,
From toil had rested; when all was thus 'neath
Sleep's extended wing, didst thou not see, through
Heaven's bright gates of pearl, eternal life?"-"

p. 178.

Patronage of a very distinguished kind has been awarded to the excellent writer of this interesting volume, who is known as the author of "Village Musings," and "Gratitude's Offering;" works which have had an unprecedented sale, and gained for him no humble place among the English poets.

The work which we have thus briefly reviewed, we cordially recommend to our readers. It will embellish the drawingroom table; and, what is more, it will not fail to gratify every one that has a taste for poetical imagery, and delights to see "talent best directed," and feels the supreme worth of unaffected piety and virtuous sentiments.

upon all the most common phenomena with which we are of necessity familiar. It is a most charming family-book where there are young people; and we venture to predict that it will not fail to interest the class for which it is intended. As it is written in the form of question and answer, it is admirably adapted to convey definite information upon a vast variety of topics, about which a mass of respectable people in this country are lamentably ignorant. Under two heads,-Heat and Air, in twentynine chapters, the author has supplied an amount of knowledge never before conveyed in any volume of the same dimensions.

The DIVINITY of the CHRISTIAN'S HISTORY. A Discourse preached in Stockwell new Chapel, Oct. 1, 1848. By DAVID THOMAS. Published by request. Small 8vo. pp. 20.

B. L. Green.

THOSE who listened to this Discourse did themselves credit in soliciting its publication. It is a very remarkable production, for vigour of thought, and penetratingjust sentiment. We hail it gladly from the lips and from the pen of one of our youthful pastors. There is power in it; and we want power, in the Christian pulpit, to meet the claims of the age; and there is Christian pathos in it beyond that which is common in our best discourses. It thrills the reader, and must have still more thrilled the hearer. Though the phraseology of this Discourse is less theological than we like, we have no complaint to make of the theology itself. Mr. T. is thoroughly sound in the faith, and has a peculiarity of mental habit which adapts his ministry to a large and interesting class in the day in which we live. Those who wish to feel the full force of Paul's words to the Romans, chap. xiv. 7, 8, will do well to read this discourse. We particularly recommend it to the notice of young men. It is a noble antidote to the hydra-evil of self-indulgence.

The METHODIST ALMANACK for 1849, being the first after Bissextile or Leap Year; compiled for the use of the Wesleyan and other branches of the Methodist family. By JOHN HARRISON. Price 63. pp. 94.

Ward and Co.

THIS is the first Wesleyan Almanack that we have seen, and will doubtless be acceptable to that large and respectable body, including the several branches of the Methodist family. In addition to a vast amount of denominational intelligence, it

contains a good average supply of general information.

Religious Tract Society.

12mo.

WE have read this most interesting volume, with more than ordinary delight. It is exceedingly well written, and its materials are drawn from the most authentic sources. To young people of good education, it will be a most acceptable present. It consists of VIII. Chapters, on the following topics: The Rise of Athens-Archi-Athens as tecture-Sculpture-Painting

it was-Domestic and Social State of the Athenians-Mental and Moral Character of the Athenians and Athens as it is. The Volume is embellished with Twentytwo beautiful Engravings, illustrative of the scenes described. The moral and religious tone of the work is highly creditable to the intelligent and pious author.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

1. Lessons for the Present from the Records of the Past; or, Practical and Experimental Thoughts on Genesis. By the Rev. R. MACDONALD, Blairgowrie. Small 8vo. pp. 478. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

2. Sketches. Part I. Joseph Lancaster, and his Contemporaries.-Part II. William Allan, his Life and Labours. By HENRY DUNN. 18mo. pp. 150. 1s. Houlston and Stoneman.

3. Poems. By HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLow, Professor of Modern Languages and Belles18mo. Lettres, in Cambridge University, U. S. pp. 238. Kent and Richards.

4. Scriptural Teaching; or, A Pastor's Offering to his People. By the Rev. WILLIAM BLACKLEY, B. A., Domestic Chaplain to the Right Hon. Viscount Hill; Editor of the "Diplomatic Correspondence of the Right Hon. Richard Hill," &c., &c. 12mo. pp. 428. Hatchard and Son.

5. A View of the Evidences of Christianity. In three Parts. By WILLIAM PALEY, D.D., Archdeacon of Carlisle. A new Edition. With Introduction, Notes, and Supplement. By the Rev. T. R. BIRKS, M.A., late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.

6. Baptism, with reference to its Import and Modes. By EDWARD BEECHER, D.D. 8vo. pp. 362. John Wiley.

7. An Epitome of Universal History, from the earliest period to the Revolutions of 1848. Together with Historical Charts, and an extensive Chronological Table of the System of Gray's "Memoria Technica." By A. HARDING. 12mo. pp. 108. Longman and Co.

8. Sermons. By the Rev. WILLIAM LYALL, of John Knox's College, Toronto; and late of the Free Church, Uphall. Small 8vo. pp. 260. J. Johnstone.

A

9. Singing for Schools and Congregations. Grammar of Vocal Music, with a Course of Lessons and Exercises, founded on the Tonic Solfa Method, and a full Introduction to the Art of Singing at Sight from the old Notation, and connected with "School Songs, Sacred, Moral, and Descriptive," &c.; large edition, 6d.; "School Music," containing Tunes to the above in three parts, ls.; and "Children's School Music," in two parts, 4d.; where the Exercises are given in the old Notation. Edited by JOHN CURWEN. Second Edition. Rewritten and greatly enlarged. 8vo. pp. 204. Ward and Co.

MEMOIR OF MRS. CATTON, OF MALTON, YORKSHIRE.

MRS. CATTON was the daughter of the Rev. William Kilpin, of Cotton-End, near Bedford. She was descended from a long race of pious ancestors; and very many of her relations have been useful members of the Church of Christ. The late Rev. Samuel Kilpin, of Exeter, (of whom a very valuable, though brief, memoir has been published by the Religious Tract Society,) was her uncle. Two of her sisters are the wives of valuable ministers of the gospel, viz., Revs. Messrs. Gilbert, of Islington, and Hewlings, of Worcester. Early in life she was deprived by death of her father; but the prayers, and example, and instructions of her pious mother, were a great blessing to her. She was a dutiful child, and at a very early age was in the habit of retiring for private prayer. She was admitted to the fellowship of the church over which her fatherin-law, (the Rev. William Freeman, who had succeeded her father in the pastorate at Cotton-End) presided, when she was about twenty years of age. In the statement of her Christian experience, which she addressed to the church on her admission, she refers to the conversation of some good men, as having first seriously impressed her with the importance of religion. She immediately commenced a course of religious exercises; but these being undertaken and prosecuted in a spirit of selfrighteousness, failed to bring peace to her conscience. Then she was tempted to procrastination. Then she hoped for an alarming sermon, or some passage of Scripture to effect a sudden change in her mind. A sermon preached by her adopted father, from "Redeem the time," much affected

her. It awakened her to her dangerous state, and induced her earnestly to seek for salvation. She did not immediately, however, obtain mercy. She was assailed with temptation in various forms-the enemy came in like a flood; but the Spirit of the Lord lifted up a standard against him. She was greatly benefited by a sermon preached by the late Rev. Samuel Hillyard, of Bedford, from Gen. iv. 9. She was led to the cross of Jesus, and there obtained "redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin;" and having given herself to the Lord, she gave herself also to his people, according to his will. She rejoiced in Christian fellowship, as a means of promoting her personal piety; by rendering her watchful against temptation, lest she should bring a reproach on that holy

Name whereby she was called; and by prompting her to diligence in the cultivation of personal religion, that so she might "adorn the doctrines of God her Saviour in all things." She felt that the eyes of the church and of the world were upon her; the latter eager to detect inconsistencies, and the former affectionately desirous to witness her steadfastness. And her "path was that of the morning light, shining more and more to the perfect day." She was a very affectionate encourager of inquirers after salvation, active in visiting the sick, in distributing tracts, and teaching in the sabbath-school. Some who were her scholars are now living, and still cherish the liveliest gratitude for her instructions. It need scarcely be added, she enjoyed the affection and esteem of her fellow-members. On the 27th of August, 1822, she was married to the Rev. William Catton, Baptist minister at Uley, Gloucestershire. There she was zealous in promoting the prosperity of the Redeemer's cause. On each Saturday afternoon she met a number of girls in the vestry of the chapel, prayed with them, and gratuitously taught them knitting and plain needlework. At Chipping Norton, likewise, and Middleton Cheney, where, Mr. Catton subsequently exercised his ministry, she was active in visiting the afflicted, in guiding young converts, in collecting for Christian missions, and in every "work of faith and labour of love." In the latter place she established a Dorcas Society. She was remarkably benevolent; and has often gone without her own dinner, that she might give it to the sick poor.

Her

Her views of Divine truth were eminently comprehensive, clear, and harmonious. They were derived from the perpetual and prayerful study of the Holy Scriptures, and from perusal of the writings of the great Puritan and Nonconformist divines. acquaintance with the old divinity was extensive. She greatly relished its fulness, its richness, its spirituality, and its unction. She perused and re-perused the immortal productions of those holy men of God, Owen, President Edwards, Richard Baxter, Andrew Fuller, and John Howe. The last-named author was her favourite. The consequence was, that there was nothing crude or inharmonious in her conceptions of the truth as it is in Jesus.

She delighted to meditate on the perfections of God, on the mystery and mercy of his providential dispensations, and on the exceeding riches of his grace. She had "not so learned Christ" as to be willing to

relinquish the great truths connected with his Divine dignity, his atoning sacrifice, and his prevailing intercession, for any of the speculations in which some men so fondly indulge. She honoured the Holy Spirit as a Divine person, and sought to cherish his influences, and to enjoy the fulness of his grace.

Her devotional habits were most exemplary. She regularly set apart three times a day for the exercises of the closet, -but prayer was blended with all her engagements. It lightened her burdens, and cheered her in sorrow. She lived a life of prayer. It was the element in which she moved, the atmosphere she breathed.

The public means of grace were most precious to her. She loved the habitation of God's house, and the place where his honour dwelleth. Many a time has she come to the sanctuary when the severity of her sufferings rendered it almost impossible to retain her seat. And when detained at home by the progress of disease, her greatest grief was, that she was no longer able to unite with the solemn assembly.

Never, perhaps, was there a more beautiful example of patience under sufferings than was supplied by our departed friend. Her disease (a bleeding cancer) was an extremely painful one. It was thought desirable, by her medical advisers, that she should undergo an operation,--which was accordingly performed, on December 24th, 1843. There were four medical attendants, and they were astonished at her fortitude, -for she uttered no complaint. She afterwards told her friends that, during the distressing operation, she kept silently praying, "I am in trouble, O Lord help me." In 1845 the cancer again appeared; and from that time till her decease her sufferings were extreme; but through them all she exemplified the power of Divine grace to sustain, under the most distressing and protracted afflictions. On June 12th of this year a blood-vessel was ruptured, and it was feared the bleeding would cause death. Her mind, however, was kept in perfect peace, She said to those around her: "I charge you all to meet me in eternal glory." But the end was not yet. The disease made rapid progress, and ofttimes her anguish was almost insupportable. She knew, also, that medical skill, though it might administer slight relief, could never perform a cure. Yet no murmur ever escaped her lips. There was such an abiding assurance of the wisdom and love of all God's providential dispensations, such perfect acquiescence in all his holy will, and such unwavering confidence in the blessedness of the final result, as effectually preserved her from repining and fretfulness. I am persuaded she suffered more than many martyrs; for nothing could exceed,

at times, the intensity of her anguish; and it was prolonged through days and weeks, and months, and years. But, Oh! what sweet submission there was to the Divine arrangements-what willingness to remain in the furnace, till the good-pleasure of His will should be accomplished ;-and what devout thankfulness for the spiritual consolation and support which were graciously afforded her. Paul's apparently paradoxical assertion was illustrated in her experience, "as sorrowful," yet always rejoicing."

Those who visited her during the last weeks of her life will not soon forget the gracious words that proceeded out of her mouth,-what heavenly serenity pervaded her mind!-what perfect composure in arranging for her departure !—what kindness in distributing little memorials of herself among her most intimate friends! and what blended fidelity and affection in expressing the hope of meeting each in heaven! Truly it was good to be there.

66

Calling one morning, a short time before her decease, I found her extremely feeble; for she had passed a sleepless and suffering night. She told me that, during the wakeful hours of night, she had been seriously examining her state and prospects in the presence of God, and with eternity immediately before her; that the result of the trial was, that, though she had great reason to be humbled for many imperfections, and to be penitent for many sins, yet she was satisfied that the work of grace in her heart was a blessed reality-that she was resting on the Rock, and that, through the mediation of Jesus, she had a full assurance of "salvation with eternal glory." But she added, "I have not the raptures and the triumph which some believers have felt in the prospect of heaven." That may arise," I remarked, from the constant pressure of pain." "Perhaps so," she replied; “but if I have not raptures, I have the peace of God which passeth understanding.' It was so. She enjoyed perfect peace, not only during the intervals of comparative ease, but also during the paroxysms of pain, and even when, as the result of extreme debility, her mind was wandering. So that when the Redeemer said, “Behold I come quickly," she felt no surprise-no consciousness of being unprepared; but calmly and joyously responded, "Amen, even so; come Lord Jesus-come quickly." The last words she was heard to articulate were-" I look to the cross!" and so she "fell asleep in Jesus," and awoke in heaven! Oh how blessed a change; to leave behind a body of sin and death, and a world of sorrow and of trial, and to find herself in a moment in the heavenly temple, before the throne of God, mingling with celestial worshippers, unit

MEETING OF TRUSTEES.

THE Next Half-Yearly Meeting of the Trustees of the Evangelical Magazine will be held (D.V.), on Wednesday, 6th January, 1849, at Baker's Coffee-house, Cornhill, at Eleven o'clock precisely.

Trustees, in Town and Country, are earnestly invited to attend. Grants will be voted to about 100 Widows.

TIMES FOR THE RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF OUR CHILDREN.

(From the American Mother's Magazine.)

THE Scriptures point out to us some of the most seasonable opportunities for instructing our children in religious truth.

When thou sittest in thy house." Instruct them by the fireside, when the family are together. Nor is it a sufficient excuse for the neglect of the mother, that she is so busily employed in domestic matters, that she has no time to attend to their religious instruction. If something must be neglected for want of time, let it be anything else rather than this. If she chooses she can impart much religious instruction while thus employed. She might as well talk upon profitable religious subjects then as upon any other. And it is no good excuse for the father that his business keeps him from his family. Every father is bound to spend some time with them for their comfort and benefit. There is no business so urgent as this. That of the farm, or shop, or store, is second in importance. Some fathers spend all their evenings away from home, either in their business, or sitting in the shops and stores, when they should be at home, giving to their family their company and their instruction. If the fragments of time thus wasted were devoted to the family, it would cheer, and encourage, and aid the companion, and promote the happiness and welfare of the children. Sad is the nightly spectacle in many a village of the father spending his evenings in stores and shops, and the mother left alone with those too young to go out, and older children wandering about the streets, and schooling for perdition. In the family is a

choice opportunity for religious instruction. The family circle was formed for this. Let it be connected with all its endearing associations. It makes home happy. And when the wanderer from his father's house, in after times thinks of home and of childhood, he thinks too of its instructions, of the religion which made it happy, and the solicitude of that now aged or departed parent. From the billows of the ocean, the wanderer, like Newton, thinks of his early home, and the mother who prayed and wept for him. From the new settlements, the thoughts are turned back to the native place, and the impressions of religion are revived. And when a parent, whose instructions and prayers evinced a regard for the soul of a child has gone home to rest, that which is most fresh in the memory is her pious instructions.

"And when thou walkest by the way." Abroad, as well as at home. In thy walks and travels, instruct thy child. Associate with the various objects of his vision the remembrances of the great Creator. When he sees the opening flower, let him be reminded that its beauties are the pencilings of the finger of God. When he looks upon the hills, that they were piled up by his powerful arm. When he views the green carpet of Nature, that it is the clothing the hand of beneficence has spread over her desolations; and when the eye is turned to the starry heavens, or the orb of day, that they are reflections of Jehovah's glory. Oh, there is power in such associations to raise us from what is grovelling to the contemplation of God and immortality. And when the youthful mind is thus taught, often "the world thenceforth becomes a temple, and life itself one continued act of adoration."

"When thou liest down." At night, at the close of the day, when the evening shades are spread over the face of nature, and the happiness and brightness that had reigned without, seem to be shut within the precincts of home. Then refresh the mind of thy child with that goodness which has spared him through the day. Then remind him of the obligation to gratitude. Then tell him that he needs the protection of Him who never slumbers nor sleeps,