"I have set before thee an open door." "Let the church arise," (urges Mr Evans, p. 17,) "in generous and legitimate enthusiasm, and the required means, men, and spirit, will be provided, and it will have the thrilling pleasure of reporting labours and successes, surpassing all previous tidings in their nature and amount, just in proportion as that empire exceeds every other field of operations in magnitude and importance."

CORRESPONDENCE.

REVIVAL MEETINGS.

SIR,-Your correspondent "Amicus," in your March number, has made certain observations on "Protracted Meetings," conducted by the evangelists of our Home Missionary Society, calculated to leave on the minds of the supporters of that institution a very unfavourable impression as to that part of the society's labours. I hope you will allow me a brief space in your valuable journal for a few remarks on his paper, and that I may give to your readers the result of personal experience and observation, on a subject with which he seems acquainted only through the medium of report.

Not to be tedious, I beg to call attention to the "incidents" he says "he has gathered;" and, first, "to the frequent resignation of the pastor following these awakenings." He admits the causes in some cases may have existed before those meetings; yea, that those very causes may have had no small influence in determining the pastor to seek a revival. On his own admission, then, such an incident ought not to excite the slightest prejudice against such meetings, when they originate in purity of motive, and with a single eye to the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom.

But, after this admission, he seeks to account for this result by a reference to the "nature of these protracted services." Now, I cannot but think, if your correspondent had possessed a more accurate knowledge of their nature, he would not have given so incorrect and imperfect a view of them. I have passed through a series of these meetings of eight weeks' continuance, and therefore may be allowed, perhaps, to correct the mistakes into which he has fallen, from his want of personal knowledge and observation. He speaks of "a previous expectation of some undefinable issue, highly excited in the minds of the people. Of a state of physical excitement, morbidly intense, brought on by the daily services. Of uninformed, ardent additions to the church, suddenly raised to official power," &c., &c. I beg to assure him, and your readers, all this, so far as my experience and observation go, is mere imagination. In the case that has come under my own notice, there was no great previous expectations, except which were founded in a reasonable confidence, that God would hear and answer special earnest prayer, and bless scriptural efforts to do good. And as for physical excitement, I aver, I never saw anything equal (in any of the meetings) to that which I have seen on ordinary occasions. The preaching of the evangelist was earnest, but his appeals were not to the passions. He laboured to exhibit the truths of the gospel in the simplest manner imaginable, and I was often delighted with the result.

Then, again, in relation to the additions to the churches, during the meetings, or afterwards as their result. I fear many who are admitted under ordinary circumstances, would but ill compare with them in knowledge or piety; and, in the instance with which I am personally acquainted, I must

confess I have not seen a single symptom of those bad qualities in the newlygathered members, of which your correspondent complains.

I fully concur with "Amicus" in his remarks relative to the duty, on the part of the Home Missionary Society, to inquire into the circumstances of churches before sending their evangelist; and, if they have done so heretofore, and been unsuccessful, I advise double diligence in future, as much, very much, depends on motives, circumstances, &c.

Your correspondent complains of "the evangelists deposing the pastor, for the time being;" and describes what he deems to be the "disastrous results" of such a course. But here, again, I think he has put the case too strongly, and omitted some things which ought to be known. The pastor, certainly, yields to him in preaching for the most part, but in everything else he retains the same official standing as at other times; and the evangelist, on many occasions, preaches specially to the people on their duty to their pastor, and does everything in his power to preserve to him his proper position.

The evangelist, whose presence and labours it was my privilege to enjoy, certainly deserves commendation for the manner in which he recommended persons to church fellowship. On no occasion did he urge their admission against the pastor's judgment, but always deferred to it. I think, moreover,

if there were more of what your correspondent terms "apostolical generosity" in our churches, towards "sinners confessing Christ," we should not only be thus obviously copying their holy example, but materially aiding the cause we profess to love. I cannot but think the "waiting system" deserves the prayerful consideration of our churches, and should be carefully compared with apostolic rule in the matter, and, I doubt not, the result would be, a very serious modification, if not a total abandonment of it altogether. By giving me a place for the above remarks in your next number, you will oblige, Yours, very truly,

CARITAS.

THE HOME MISSION.

DEAR SIR,-You seem to entertain a most erroneous idea respecting our home mission, representing that its object is revival, and its operations chiefly to promote revival. Whereas this is very far from the truth; its object can scarcely be termed revival at all, and its operations only to a very limited degree have been directed that way, and even these rather from accidental circumstances, and necessity, than chosen preference or design. In leaving my pastorate after twenty years' connexion with a most affectionate and devoted church, I had not the remotest idea of being engaged in visiting old and decayed, or declining cnurches, and nothing but remarkable success could have reconciled me to it. Many of your views relative to the extension of the denomination have been urged by myself, and brother Roe, for more than ten years past. But as I have so often expressed my thoughts so fully on the subject, I need not enter on it here; neither extension, nor revival, appear to be understood; and while many are unwilling to understand, and far more are unwilling to make the sacrifices, meet the difficulties, and do the work, requisite to promote these great objects, most content themselves with passing a resolution, year after year, "that it is very desirable," and so let it alone.

I am, yours affectionately,
THOMAS PULSFORD.

SABELLIANISM.

DEAR SIR,-I am sure your correspondent "who observes with deep regret the spread of Sabellianism" will be able clearly to define what he observes with so much regret; and I hope, too, he will see the importance of clear definition,

in order to lucid discussion. If anything is to be grappled with, let it be exposed, as in the daylight, and not hidden under an ambiguous cloak.

It strikes me, also, that in all questions about "the truth as it is in Jesus," we should make no account of the parties with whom we contend, whether seniors or "juniors," lest our opposition should be heated with prejudice, rather than proceed under the direction of a dispassionate judgment.

I am, yours, &c.,

NOT YET FIFTY.

PASSING LITERARY NOTES.

THE OXFORD CRISIS. A Word to the Wise. By a Member of Magdalen College, Oxford. Ridgway, London.

THE object of this pamphlet is to draw the attention of thoughtful and dispassionate minds to the question-" Whether the rise and wide diffusion, at the present time, of doctrines akin to those which characterise the Oxford school, is not distinctly foretold in the Revelation of Jesus Christ,' made to the beloved disciple in the Isle of Patmos?" In order to answer this important question, the author proceeds to lay before his readers extracts from certain authors who rank high as interpreters of prophecy, which are so connected together with appropriate remarks as to present the information requisite for arriving at a correct judgment in a surprisingly clear and concise manner. The "Hora Apocalyptica" of the Rev. E. B. Elliott, a work which we have not yet had the pleasure of seeing, supplies the data on which the author principally relies. Granting the soundness of that theory of prophetical interpretation-a question which we hope soon to take up and discuss at length-the pamphlet before us cannot fail to make a deep impression on all who, having "understanding of the times," will give it an attentive perusal.

THE CHARACTER AND INFLUENCE OF SATAN. BY JAMES HALL WILSON. pp. 84. Aylott and Jones, London; Westbrook and Isaac, Northampton; Showell, Birmingham.

THIS little work treats, in a very admirable manner, a subject whose importance is, we fear, greatly overlooked. Whether the fault be in the pulpit or the pews, we cannot tell; but certain it is, that the impressions prevailing in modern society in respect to the dreadful influence, the power, the subtilty, and malig nity of the great adversary, are widely different from those which a candid and prayerful study of the Word of God would impart. We rejoice, therefore, that Mr Wilson's attention has been directed to this momentous topic, and that he has handled it in a manner at once so simple, practical, and complete.

The essay is divided into four parts. The first sets forth the original and present nature, the influence, and the knowledge of Satan. Next, the author skilfully developes the character of the tempter, deducing it from his recorded actings, in the temptation of Eve, of Job, of Balaam, of Saul, of David, of our Saviour, of Peter, of Judas, of Paul, and of Simon Magus. In the third place, Mr W. brings under notice the scriptural designations of the devil, as the father of lies, the evil one, Beelzebub, the accuser of the brethren, the dragon. And concludes with a general application of the truths thus elicited.

This excellent treatise is adapted to induce the people of God to watch and pray, lest they enter into temptation, and to rise with fresh zeal to aid His great cause who came into our world that he might destroy the works of the devil. We cordially recommend it.

THE CONTINENTAL ECHO AND PROTESTANT WITNESS. Nos 1, 2, 3. Snow.

A VERY interesting and well-conducted journal, relating to the affairs of evangelical religion on the continent of Europe. Such a work was greatly needed; and from the numbers we have yet seen, "The Continental Echo will do much, and in a praiseworthy manner, to meet that necessity.

THE SILVER TRUMPET; or, the Church Guided and Warned in Perilous Times. By OCTAVIUS WINSLOW. pp. 91. Shaw.

Mr WINSLOW takes occasion, from Numbers x. 1, 2, 5, to open the "deep and precious mine of gospel truth." He says, "From the various uses of the trumpet among the Jews, we have selected a single one, as affording an illustration, if not a type, of the gospel of the blessed God, deeply significant and instructive." First, the trumpets themselves were of divine construction and appointment; this suggests the divinity of the gospel. Secondly, the metal of which the Lord commanded the trumpets to be made was silver; this leads the author to point out the value, preciousness, and glory of the gospel. Then, the trumpets being in one whole piece, suggests that the gospel should be fully and wholly proclaimed. And that there were two trumpets, sets forth the two testaments of the old and new dispensation, &c. The occasions on which the trumpets were blown, viz., for the calling of the assembly, for the journeyings of the camp, and for sounding an alarm, are enlarged upon in a similar manner.

Besides the Puseyites and others, Mr Winslow directs his trumpet-blast against the Plymouth Brethren: perhaps this circumstance may have led him to indulge so liberally in the allegorical method of treating his subject. But it should not be forgotten, that much of the evil of that system has sprung from lax and irrational principles of interpretation—if principles they can be called, by which an ingenious person may derive anything from any part of scripture. The work is full of evangelical sentiments, and as such we commend it, wishing, in the meantime, that the author had chosen a less questionable text as the foundation of his animated instructions and exhortations.

THE MOTHER'S PRACTICAL GUIDE, in the Physical, Intellectual, and Moral Training of her Children. By Mrs BAKEWELL. pp. 266. Snow.

THAT this book should have reached a third edition, is no mean evidence of the excellence of its judicious counsels. The following are the subjects of the fourteen chapters into which the work is divided:-parental responsibility; advice to the expectant mother; directions for the management of children; miscellaneous observations on the training of children, from twenty months old; on the dress, sleep, and food of young children; of physical and intellectual exercise; intellectual training; accomplishments; on the moral feelings and domestic habits; punishments and rewards; religious training; domestic affliction; con. cluding remarks. The 14th chapter treats on the claims and responsibilities of stepmothers. The authoress is deserving of very high praise for the manner in which she has fulfilled her task. Practical good sense, and sound religious principle, render it a safe and valuable "guide to young mothers."

THE COTTAGER'S SABBATH, AND OTHER POEMS. By JOHN HURREY. Albin, Spalding; Bartlett, London.

"IN sending forth to the world this little volume of poems-if the trifling emanations of a young and inexperienced pen can lay claim to so lofty a name-the author feels," we are informed in the preface, "that he has an explanation to offer, an apology to plead, and strict, though perhaps just criticism, to deprecate." With respect to the last item we beg to assure Mr Hurrey that we are glad to be spared the duty, and dismiss the volume with a short specimen taken, ad aperturam libri, from the 130th page; it is the conclusion of a piece on the mind.

"It comes from heaven-to God,

From whom it emanates, again it goes;

Heaven is its abode ;

And in its various attributes, it shows,

"How impotent the things

Brought to bear 'gainst it; for it works its way

In spite of them, and wings

Its passage on, like the sun's potent ray,

"To triumph over all;

And though it doth much opposition find,
The powers of darkness fall

Prostrate before the all-subduing mind!"

THE CHURCH ADVANCING: a Popular Address to Roman Catholics on the Present Encouraging Aspect of Affairs, designed to Stimulate the Faithful to Retrieve the Error and Efface the Crime of the Reformation. Edited by I. WAKEHAM. Aylott and Jones, London.

THIS is a clever pamphlet, by a clever man, who satirises the Romanising tendencies of the various Protestant sects and institutions without mercy. We will just run over the topics :-Oxford, Cambridge, and the Camden Society; Lambeth Cathedral; the Fine Arts; Episcopal Smiles; Clerical Energy; Apostolical Succession; the March of Intellect; Christianity; Precautions. We hope it will answer the author's purpose, and do much good.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER; with a Memoir of his Life, by ANDREW GUNTON FULLER. Royal 8vo. Dyer, London.

Ir is surely quite unnecessary, in a Baptist periodical, to recommend the writings of this eminent theologian. We are glad to see this new issue of them in monthly parts: of which the type is neat, the paper good, and the price moderate.

HOME RECORD.

LEEDS.-Meeting of the Baptist Union.-The annual session of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland will be held at South Parade chapel (Rev. J. E. Giles's), Leeds, the last week in May, 1845. A sermon is to be preached on the evening of Tuesday, May 27th; service to commence at half-past six. The meeting for business will commence at ten o'clock on Wednesday morning, May 28th; and a public meeting will be held on the evening of the same day, at six o'clock. The meeting for business is composed of the members of the Union exclusively; but any members of Baptist churches are admissible as visitors, upon recording their names.

WESTERN ASSOCIATION.-The meeting of this Association will take place at Lyme, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 14th and 15th. The Association sermon, on Prayer Meetings in their connexion with the Prosperity of the Church, will be preached by brother Gray. The other preachers, selected by the friends at Lyme, are brethren Baynes, Trend, Bigwood, and Sincox.

COLEFORD, Gloucestershire -On Wednesday, April 4th, the Rev. John Penney was ordained pastor of the Baptist church in this place. The Rev. T. Winter, of Bristol, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. R. W. Overbury, of London, gave the charge; and the Rev. S. Nicholson, of Plymouth, addressed the church and congregation.

THE HERTS AND SOUTH BEDS BAPTIST ASSOCIATION will hold its annual meeting at Toddington, on Thursday, June 5th, when the Rev. E. Adey will preach in the morning; the annual address, by the Rev. H. Burgess, and the letters from the churches, will be read in the afternoon; and the Lord's supper administered in the evening.

SWANSEA.-On Wednesday, April 9th, Mr J. S. Hughes, late of Stepney college, was publicly recognised as pastor of the church meeting at Mount Pleasant chapel, Swansea. The Rev. T. Bliss, B.A., commenced the morning service by reading a suitable portion of Scripture and imploring the blessing of Heaven on the day's proceedings. The Rev. T. Thomas, theological tutor of Pontypool college, then delivered the introductory discourse on the nature and constitution of a Christian church, proposed the usual questions, and offered up the ordination prayer. The Rev. H. W. Jones, Carmarthen, afterwards delivered the charge to the young minister, from 2 Cor. iv. 6, and the Rev. W. Jacob (Independent) concluded. The evening service was introduced by the Rev. D. L. Pughe, when the Rev. D. D. Evans, Pontrhydyryn, preached to the church, from 1 Tim. iii. 15. This was followed by another discourse from Mr Thomas, who also closed the day's proceedings by prayer. The meetings were numerously and respectably attended; the discourses were truly excellent and instructive; and the friends of Mr Hughes are equally warm in their anticipations and prayers that, for many years, he may be rendered a great blessing to this growingly important station.

Westbrook and Isaac, Printers, Northampton.