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the Greek; and throughout he has added a variety of references in almost every page. The prefatory memoir contains some account of his reasons for undertaking the work, as well as of the mode in which it is conducted. To the numerous testimonials there adduced in favour of the author of this Manual, may be added that recorded in the Appendix to the Memoirs of Archdeacon Daubeny (Guide to the Church, Vol. II. p. xvi.) where "this little book" (the version by Drake) is said to have been "never absent from his table to the day of his death."

We cannot conclude this notice, without speaking in the highest terms of the typography of the works before us, more especially of the English volume; it is a perfect gem. The Greek does not quite satisfy our eye, which has lately been accustomed to the beautiful Porsonian types of the Cambridge press; but withal we are not inclined to be over-fastidious. A medallion head of Andrews, beautifully executed, adorns the latter of the two volumes.

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THE Preface announces this neat little volume as the first of a series, intended to comprise the whole of the Scriptures in detached parts, printed in a large bold type, with a view to the accommodation of invalids, the convenience of travellers, and the ease of persons advanced in life. As far as the present specimen is concerned, it is well calculated not only for the purposes above-mentioned, but for affording much useful assistance towards a correct understanding of the Psalms. The text is that of the authorized Bible version, arranged according to the metrical parallelism of the Hebrew, as settled by Bishops Lowth and Jebb; and the Choral Psalms are properly subdivided, after Bishop Horsley, into their proper parts. The musical notes Selah and Higgaion, as being altogether unintelligible, are omitted; and in the place of the ancient

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Brief Memorials of Jean Frédéric

Oberlin, Pastor of Waldbach, in Alsace; and of Auguste Baron De Stael-Holstein; two distinguished Ornaments of the French Protestant Church: with an Introductory Sketch of the History of Christianity in France, from the Primitive Ages to the Present Day. By the Rev. THOMAS SIMS, M. A. Author of "Christian Records," "Sermons partly illustrative of the Devotional Services of the Church of England," &c. &c. London: Nisbet. 1830. 12mo. Pp. xii. 180. Price 4s.

IN the former of these "Memorials" we have an interesting account of a sincere and zealous Christian pastor, dedicating, by a solemn act of devotion, himself, his time, and property, to the service of God, and the temporal and spiritual welfare of his flock; in the latter, we are presented with the short, but active life of a young nobleman, ardent in the cause of religion, and lending his personal aid to the diffusion of Christian knowledge. The characters of the two individuals are well sketched; and, though we cannot give our assent to the religious peculiarities either of themselves or their biographer, it would be unjust to speak of their unfeigned piety, extensive charity, and unceasing labours in the propagation of the Gospel, in other terms than those of the highest admiration. Oberlin's exertions in the ministry are a pattern of patient energy, which might be imitated with advantage by every minister of Christ; and well would it be for the Church of Christ if every one, with equal means, had a

corresponding spirit with that of De Staël. We should not have chosen the same objects as the young baron upon which to bestow our pains and property; but the zeal which he exhibited, and the sincerity of his heart, abundantly atone for what we think an error in judgment. We may say the same of Mr. Sims, who, worthy and amiable man as he is, is apt to mistake enthusiasm for religion, as the following will testify:

One young person even refused to enter the marriage-state, that she might dedicate her time and strength, and the surplus of her gains, after a moderate allowance for herself, to the relief of the necessitous, and the support of religious institutions, such as the Bible Society, and that for missions.-P. 64.

This lady's zeal was certainly more laudable than her sense was conspicuous. And by the way, we should like Mr. Sims better, if he were to join in supporting the two Church Societies in preference to those which he seems at present so anxious to advance. His remarks, too, which are interspersed throughout his volume, in relation to the improvement of our country parishes and the sister kingdom, are not very likely to effect the beneficial ends which he expects. He is undoubtedly a good and zealous parish priest; and the sermons which he has lately published are a sufficient pledge of his anxious watchfulness over the flock of which he has the charge. Like his "Brief Memorials," they are not quite to our taste in some minor points; but we are not disposed to quarrel with him on account of certain notions, which, in common with some other sincere, though mistaken, Churchmen, he unfortunately entertains.

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pay plan," a parent or other relation may, for a very small monthly contribution, during eight, ten, twelve, or twenty years, entitle a child, at the end of any such term, to the benefits in a friendly society of "sickness pay, ," "funeral pay," and a "deferred annuity," without any payment to be made for them afterwards. Or "sickness pay," &c. may be contributed for during the infancy of a child, to be due to him at fourteen or twenty-one in case of sickness, but upon the condition that the child at fourteen or twenty-one, when the contributions for such benefit have ceased, shall himself contribute from that time for other useful benefits in connexion with it. For instance, if John Cook pays for his son, Thomas Cook, aged under two years, 61d. a month until he is fourteen, then Thomas Cook is to be entitled, at fourteen years of age, to 4s. weekly sickness pay, and 4. at death, and have nothing more to pay after fourteen, except 24d. a month for a deferred annuity of 2s. per week after sixty-five. In case Thomas Cook dies before his benefits commence, all the contributions paid for them are to be returned without interest, to defray his funeral expenses. The object of this plan seems to be, to secure those in the labouring classes as members in safe friendly societies before prejudice can act upon them, and to provide them with benefits upon terms of contribution at no one time so great as in old benefit clubs. From the preface to the second edition, it appears that the plan is working well in a district within the county of Kent, and we consider it to be admirably well adapted to overcome most, if not all the difficulties which have retarded the success of many of the societies established within the last few years, upon safe, because upon scientific principles. A great deal of valuable information respecting matters connected with friendly societies, is given in a popular manner, and we earnestly recommend the little work now before us to the consideration of every one who is interested in the formation and success of friendly societies.

A SERMON.

1 COR. x. 13.

There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Two kinds of temptation particularly assault us, in this our pro. bationary state-temptations of affliction or persecution, and temptations of seduction. But the text administers comfort to us all, under the various assaults of the world, the flesh, and the devil: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

Temptations of affliction, or persecution, are sent for the trial of our constancy and sincerity in the faith; and temptations of seduction, arising from the lusts of the flesh, or the instigations of the devil, are allowed, in order that, as we behave ourselves under them, we may approve ourselves virtuous, or be condemned as vicious. A crown of life is promised as the reward of our resisting either, or any kind of temptation: "Blessed," saith St. James," is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."*

I intend, in the following discourse, to consider some of the most common temptations that are apt to beset us in our Christian warfare, and to exhort you steadfastly to resist them, looking forward to the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus.

First, then, let us consider temptations of affliction or persecution. The early Christians were particularly subject to them; for Christianity, when first preached by the Apostles of Jesus Christ, was persecuted by the Jews, as well as by the heathens. The profession of a Christian was odious and despised; and whoever is acquainted with ancient history knows to what sufferings the early Christians were exposed for their belief in Jesus. But, to their immortal praise, they still did profess to believe in their Redeemer, even though that profession was attended with many signal disadvantages to them in their communication with the world, and though it finally led to their deaths, which many of them met with a cheerfulness that was a natural result and signal proof of the holiness of the cause in which they were appointed to suffer. In this they resembled their divine Master, who was crucified: they took up their cross, and they followed HIм to their graves.

Now, let us here pause awhile, and consider whether, should occasion arise, we are also prepared to take up our cross and to follow JESUS. We live at a time when Christianity is, happily, protected by the state; when kings are its "nursing fathers," and queens its "nursing mothers," and when, BLESSED BE GOD! we are not doomed

* James i. 12.

Isaiah xlix. 23.

VOL. XII.

NO. VIII.

3 s

to suffering for believing in Christ. But, professing to believe in HIM, do we show, by our works, by our piety towards God, and by undissembled integrity towards our brethren, that we are, in deed and in truth, His disciples? If we do not, it is greatly to be feared that our profession is a mere compliance with prevailing fashion, and that, should God ever, in his infinite wisdom, as a trial of our faith, let persecution again prevail, then we might be found wanting. Alas! if we look abroad into the world, and observe of some the lukewarmness, the temporizing, the yielding in matters of greatest moment to an affected expediency, and the undisguised profligacy of others, it is much to be suspected that many who pass now as Christians, would fail of the crown promised to those who endure temptation; that they would, rather than suffer in their goods, their persons, or their private or public characters, follow the multitude; would not "hold fast" their "profession," would make shipwreck of their faith, and would not endure unto the end.

It highly becomes us, each for himself, to look into his own heart, and reflect whether he is indeed so animated by the love of Christ, so attached to the purity of his doctrine, so sensible of the inestimable benefits which that Divine Person has purchased for the whole world by his sufferings, and so thoroughly resolved to hold fast the profession of his faith, without wavering, that he would be ready to endure evil report, to follow the blessed company of martyrs, and to seal, if called upon, his profession by his blood. If any one suspects that he might be wavering, when thus brought to the last severe trial, he may be assured that his belief is far from perfect. Let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally; and let him approve his faith by the holiness of his conduct: "Blessed is the man that" thus "endureth temptation," for the sake of Christ: "for, when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

Another temptation of affliction, which indeed is most common among the sons of men, arises, often, from poverty. Poverty and riches are, equally, the appointment of God, the all-wise Governor of the universe, and they are both attended with their own peculiar temptations. I shall presently speak of the temptation of riches. First, let us consider those of poverty.

Poverty is observed to dispose many to murmur against God by reason of what they conceive an unequal distribution of the good things of this world; and thence they are apt to repine that their lot is less happy, as they fancy, than that of their more wealthy neighbours. But no individual can know how another is affected. Every one has his own peculiar pangs, fears, and anxieties. The rich and the powerful, certainly, have theirs; and happiness is chiefly dependant upon the unseen part of our lives. Besides, let it be supposed, however contrary it is to truth, that the rich are more happy than the poorto murmur, on this account, is to murmur against GoD, who is the author and director of our condition and state in life, whatever it be ; and it may be that poverty is the appointment of God, to try our

Heb. iv. 14.

faith, whether we can rejoice, as we are commanded to rejoice, at the prosperity of our neighbour, or whether the sin of envy, and of jealous hatred, lurks secretly in the bosom, and there corrodes every generous sentiment.

Poverty, moreover, sometimes, in the weakness of poor human nature, tempts to acts of dishonesty, of breach of trust, and of direct stealing. Character then departs, and an unsettled life commences. Habits of intemperance, of idleness, and debauchery are now, alas! too often and too readily contracted; and all peace and solid satisfaction of mind are far distant. Oh! how blessed, then, is the man who endureth the temptation of poverty, and committeth himself, in an honest life, and in an industrious calling, to the protection of THE ALMIGHTY! He will enjoy a peace which this world cannot give, and which none of the troubles of this world can take away. He will want nothing necessary to him in this world, and, "henceforth, there is laid up for him a crown, which God, the righteous Judge, shall give him," when all men, through the merits of Jesus Christ, shall be rewarded" according to the deeds done in the body."

Another temptation of affliction arises from sickness, when the spirit of man sinks low, and when all the cares, and even the ordinary pleasures of life, become as heavy burdens. In this state, man is too prone to become peevish, dissatisfied with all around him, and unmindful of the many mercies with which his gracious GoD still favours him. He thus adds fuel to his distemper, while he neglects to consider, that "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."*

Instead, then, of indulging a restless temper, apt to murmur when the hand of God is upon us, let us humbly look up to Him for assistance in the day of need: let us patiently, and with thanksgiving, bear our heavenly Father's correction, whensoever, by sickness, or any manner of adversity, it shall please his gracious goodness to visit us. In particular, in the season of sickness, let us call our ways to remembrance, and consider, diligently, those particulars whereby, in our lives past, we have offended: let us confess our sins unto God, and resolve, if he shall be pleased to restore us, to sin no more. This is to make the proper use of sickness, whenever it shall please God so to afflict us; and this is to endure temptation as becometh Christians. It is not, indeed, meant that this calling our ways to remembrance, and thus confessing our sins, is our duty only when sickness weighs heavily upon us; for this is a duty frequently incumbent upon us, seeing that we live in a world of sorrow, of temptation, and of trial. But those serious reflections, and those pious purposes of amendment; that severe hatred of sin, and that sincere penitence, which are so seldom to be found in the hurry of life, are peculiarly proper in the chamber of sickness. When we are thus in heaviness, stretched, perhaps, upon our dying bed, let us, especially, think upon God, and we shall derive comfort to our souls, while we become like unto Christ by suffering patiently adversities, troubles, and sicknesses. "For he himself," our Saviour Christ, "went not up to joy, but first he suffered

*Heb. xii. 6.

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