as are employed in the instruction of the rising generation." Vide preface. Thus writes Mr. Nunn, and cordially agreeing with him, as we do in all these observations, we are happy to add, that after a careful examination of his little volume, we sincerely think that he has presented us with one free from all these objectionable characteristics. We can, unhesitatingly, recommend it to all whose minds have recoiled at such contents as are above alluded to; and we thank our respected friend, Mr. Nunn, for the very acceptable service he has rendered to the church and to the rising generation by his compilation. The End of the World, calmly considered by the Aid of the Scriptures of Truth; by the Rev. Alfred Hewlett, B. A. of Magdalen Hall, Oxford, and Curate of Astley, Lancashire. Oxford, Baxter; London, Hatchard. While so many are promulgating fanciful interpretations of God's word, as it regards "the time of the end," those do well who meet the strong current with sentiments established, without the necessity of torturing scripture for the purpose of taking some passages literally and compulsively, understanding others in a figurative sense, while each clearly refer to the same subject or event. Such as have been led away by the existing influence of modern millennarianism, and such as after examining and rejecting the theories now displayed, have abandoned the idea of a millennium altogether, and have deemed the end of the world a time not needful to be thought on, will do well to peruse this sober tract; which, although we cannot give it our entire approbation, will lead the reflecting mind to compare for themselves both systems with the scriptures; and our prayer is, that such an employ may be rendered profitable. A Description of the Justified Character, and the Life of Faith which he Lives; a Discourse on Hebrews x. 38; by Robert Creasey, Minister of the Gospel, Heckington, Lincolnshire. 8vo. p.p.78. Sleaford, Creasey; London, Palmer. We have before, and with approbation, introduced the writing of this author to our readers: he has herein undertaken a more difficult task than were his former productions. Faithfully to depicture the character of a justified man, and to describe the life it is his privilege to live, requires that the limner should himself be such, and that he be fitted by a long course of christian experience, and of much observation therein also. From a perusal of this work, which has afforded us much pleasure, and we trust edification also, we can honestly avow our opinion that such is this author; and we feel a confidence that this work will be rendered by the blessing of the Holy Spirit the means of much usefulness. We shall conclude by giving an extract, that our readers may judge of its contents for themselves. "The world is ever an enemy to the gracious character. The men of the world being wicked, cannot endure that holiness of conduct that condemns them. The believer therefore at seasons, experiences many bitter fruits of their enmity. They traduce his reputation, attempt to hinder his living in the world, aiming to intercept all his supplies, refusing to give him employment, or to accustom his shop, if he live by labour or trade. Through divine permission, the nefarious business is often very successful; still, by faith, the child of God triumpbs over all these things. Yet this often does not take place without much struggling with fears and corruptions. The person is apt to suppose, if the Lord loved him, such things would not be suffered. Indeed, the promises of God's word, at seasons, not being rightly understood, will seem to fasten these suspicions strongly upon his mind. They speak of deliverance, but he appears to meet with none; of safety, yet he is surrounded with danger. Of the righteous it is affirmed, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall arise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn ;" nevertheless his enemy prospers and condemns him hence he is ready to conclude, that he belongs not to the righteous. And if this fear prevail not, still he will sometimes be tempted to question the faithfulness of God; yea, his very existence! Foul rebellion works, and his spirit is urged to charge Jehovah with folly and injustice; to esteem him a tyrannical and hard master, rather than a gracious God and Father; and to think it would have been better with him had he never known nor possessed his name. Oh! the soul finds, at periods, very grievous bondage and temptation to arise from this quarter. "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped for I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." "Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. "I shall one day fall by the hand of Saul, my enemy." "I was greatly afflicted; I said in my haste, all men are liars." "It is when the believer goes into God's sanctuary, that he obtains relief from these things; it is by spiritually looking, not at the things which are seen, but at those which are not seen. Here he perceives that the triumphing of the wicked is short; that God has set them in slippery places; he is led to see, though they now prosper for awhile, and he is in adversity, yet ere long the scene shall be reversed; he shall abundantly flourish, and they shall be as deeply depressed. They possess earthly things, and he those which are heavenly; their reign is only for a time, and his to all eternity; he discovers, whilst God fills the wicked with his hid treasure, his curse rests on their habitation; yet upon the dwelling of the just, the blessing of heaven is caused to abide. Under such impressive views as these, the christian's heart can rejoice, though his food be coarse, and his clothing mean. He counts the righteous far more happy in the most humble situation, than the ungodly in gorgeous palaces:-"I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." An Exposition of the Psalms, Explanatory, Critical, and Devotional, intending chiefly to aid private persons in the careful perusal of Compositions, in which the National History of the Jews and the Personal Experience of David are frequently mingled with the Spirit of Prophecy. By John Morison, D.D. Part 7 and last, 8vo. We really had almost forgotten this work; the first part of which, by reference we perceive, was reviewed by us some four or five years ago. This concluding part hath reached us so late in the month, that we can only just announce it. In our next month's Number we purpose noticing the whole book. POETRY. THE BELIEVER WHILE FAITH IS IN EXERCISE LONGING FOR WHEN Will the time, dear Jesus, come, July 14, 1832. LYDIA. A PARAPHRASE OF THE EIGHTH PSALM. O LORD! Our Lord, we render praise to thy name sublime, I wait at Wisdom's portals, and ask with humble fear, And thou hast crown'd with power these objects of thy love. For all the world possesses, is placed beneath our feet. The flocks beside the fountains, the herds that roam the vale, O Lord! our Lord, we render praise to thy name sublime, IOTA. A HYMN TO ZION'S MOURNERS. THE eternal God will not forsake, The objects of his choice: Though Satan tempts and troubles thee, God lov'd them with eternal love, Then come, ye tried and tempted souls, Come, and your loving Lord behold Thus may his grace enable you, "I have redeem'd you with my blood, "Your souls can never be condemn'd, "Since for you I have died." But oh! some soul may say, He did not die for me," "I fear 'Tis Satan these suggestions breathes, And shall I one step further go? He will not therefore now forsake, O happy souls! who travel thus, Upheld by such a friend, Whose love endures without a change, Whose mercy cannot end. Their Father and Redeemer too, Is the eternal God, Whose love, by oath and covenant sure, Was seal'd with precious blood. Yes, you shall feast with Jacob's sons Where you shall praise all-conquering grace, Lord, grant that I my sin may feel, A COUNTRY MINISTER. THE Spiritual Magazine; OR, SAINTS TREASURY. "There are Three that bear record in heaven; the FATHER, ne WORD, and the HOLY GHOST: and these Three are One." "Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." 1 John v. 7. Jude 3. NOVEMBER, 1832. (For the Spiritual Magazine.) OBSERVATIONS ON THE PARABLE OF THE UNJUST STEWARD.—Luke xvi. 1—13. A PARABLE is a figurative representation of truth. It was in time past common for men of wisdom to utter their sentiments in this way. Hence the parable of the trees choosing a king; hereby Jotham shewed the Shechemites their folly in choosing their bastard brother Abimelech. See Judges ix. 8-15. With a kind of parables, Samson entertained his companions during his marriage feast. Judges xiv. 12, &c. By a parable, Nathan the prophet reproved David for his murder and adultery. 2 Sam. xii. And the widow of Tekoah persuaded him to recall Absalom. 2 Sam. xiv. Some say, in our Lord's time the manner of instruction by parables was quite common. Our Lord carried this mode of instruction to the utmost perfection and usefulness. As parables very often represent truth, as by a kind of short history, so in those of our Lord there may often be an allusion to real facts, which adds weight and importance to the same. His parable of the unclean spirit, of his course when cast out, and his return, and re-entering the same person, is a deep one. So of the sower and the seed-of the tares-the growth of corn-the mustardseed-the leaven-the hid treasure-the pearl-the net-the two debtors-the Samaritan-the rich glutton-the servants waiting for their lord the barren fig-tree-the lost sheep-the lost piece of silver-the prodigal son-the dishonest steward-Lazarus and the rich man the unjust judge-the pharisee and publican-the two VOL. VIII.-No. 103.1 3 Z |