"A feast of nectar'd sweets Where no crude surfeit reigns."

As Mr. Collison was well known and highly esteemed as a Christian and as a minister, and, moreover, as Mr. V. has attested his skill by the very brief, but beautiful sketch which he has furnished of his departed friend, we cannot bat regret that the sermon does not embrace a more complete portraiture of the good old man. But perhaps Mr. V. contemplates a more extended notice of Mr. Collison. If so, we cannot but anticipate what will be just to the dead, and beneficial to the living.

The PROMISED PROPHET. An Address to his Brethren according to the Flesh. By A. D. SALMON.

Aylott and Jones.

Every true Christian must hail with peculiar satisfaction every illustration of the power of the gospel to subdue the prejudices and renew the hearts of the seed of Israel. The soul of a Gentile is, of course, in itself equally precious as that of a Jew; but the conversion of the latter is to be regarded as a proof of God's good will to his ancient people, and a pledge of his ultimate designs of mercy towards them. The writer of this address is one of an interesting class, whose reception of Christianity is owing simply, through the Divine blessing, to his candid and diligent study of the New Testament in comparison with the prophecies of the Old. Having himself by this means been brought to a saving acquaintance with the true Messiah, he is anxious to bespeak the attention of his Jewish brethren to the claims of Jesus of Nazareth to be "the promised Prophet." For this purpose he has selected, as the basis of his address, the memorable passage recorded in Deut. xviii. 15, in which Moses declared unto Israel, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken." With much cogency of argument and felicity of language Mr. Salmon shows that this prediction has been fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, and cannot be fulfilled in any other. The manner in which he analyzes and applies the passage indicates an intimate acquaintance with the characteristics of the Jewish mind, and with the prejudices which prevent his brethren from giving a hearing to "the Teacher sent from God." We know no small publication more fitted for circulation among inquiring

breathes that spirit of ardent love to their nation, by which Christian Hebrews are so eminently distinguished, while it addresses its appeals to the understanding with a clearness and a force, which cannot be easily resisted. The address is published by the author on his own responsibility, in preference to that of any Society, in order that it might be to his brethren an inde pendent witness in favour of Christianity. On this account alone it is deserving of the patronage of all who are interested in the conversion of Israel, as by its purchase they will aid the author in his benevolent desire to circulate it gratuitously among "the children of the prophets." Apart from this circum. stance, however, the pamphlet is well entitled to the attention of Christian readers. The author is no superficial thinker upon the Holy Scriptures-no copyist of the opinions of others, but has evidently thought out closely for himself the import of the inspired prophesy. There is an attractive freshness about the sentiments, and an originality and devotion about the style of this address, which cannot but gratify the enlightened and tasteful reader. We cordially recommend it to our friends, praying that it may be the means of opening many a Jewish mind to embrace the Saviour, and of contributing to the arrival of that longexpected period, when the receiving of Israel shall be to the church "life from the dead." We need only add, that this tract is altogether unsectarian in its spirit, and broaches no opinions on points of unfulfilled prophecy, so that it may be circulated with confidence among Christians of all denominations.

EBENEZER. By the Rev. W. ROAF.

Partridge and Oakey.

This is an interesting pastoral letter, addressed to his beloved flock, by the respected and active minister of St. Paul's church, Wigan. It furnishes an impressive account of the introduction of Congregationalism, and the gospel of Christ, to Wigan and the neighbourhood. The sketches of the various pastors of St. Paul's are animated and striking. The portraiture of the Rev. Messrs. Johnson, Roby, and Parkin, is very graphical and instructive. We recommend "Ebenezer" to all our ministers and churches; and it is our fervent prayer, that the labours of its author, particularly among the young, may be extensively and increasingly honoured by the Head of the church.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL MAGAZINE for 1846, and New Series for 1847.

Partridge and Oakey.

Without at all forgetting the claims of those intelligent and ably-conducted periodicals, to which we have been long attached, "The Sunday-School Teachers' Magazine," and "The Union Magazine," we cannot but rejoice in the circulation of the "Manchester Sunday-School Magazine." It is edited with great spirit and ability. Its contributions are appropriate, concise, animated, and exceedingly calculated to interest and benefit our sabbath schools. It is particularly adapted to our elder scholars and Bible-classes. It sparkles with vivacious anecdote, and is beautified with many choice engravings. We recommend it to all our teachers.

This is a very interesting tract to Nonconformists; indeed, we may say, to all who take pleasure in the conversion of souls, and the progress of Christian truth. Such records are peculiarly valuable; as they preserve a memorial of facts which are often gradually obscured and ultimately lost. The Hampshire Association has performed a great and good work, for which posterity will bless them; and we earnestly pray that the present circle of Congregational pastors in that county may be strengthened by the grace and providence of God to carry on the work which their venerable fathers so nobly commenced. All our Associations should put themselves in possession of this unpretending little volume. We thank our friend, Mr. Giles, very cordially for this labour of his pen. He has done what others must do in imitation of his example.

SPIRITUAL DECLENSION; A Sermon Preached at Kingsland Chapel, October 11th, 1846, by the Rev. THOMAS AVELING, Minister of the place. Published by Request. 8vo. pp. 32.

Gurney, High-street, Kingsland. This is a seasonable tract for the times; for it does appear to us that the love of many waxes cold. We are in a position to

observe something of the state of the churches, and we are ofttimes grieved and afflicted. What with our divisions, our controversies, our alienations, our secessions to other communities, and the sadly disjointed state of some of our churcheswe feel that we have far more cause for humiliation than exultation. Mr. Aveling's discourse does not, indeed, touch on such topics as these; but it bears powerfully upon them in an indirect manner, by developing the most prominent symptoms and causes of spiritual declension, to which may be mainly traced, we apprehend, the state of things which too prominently exists. We very earnestly recommend this dis course to the attention of our readers in general. It is calculated to be very useful, both in preserving from declension and in recovering from its unhappy influence.

SERMONS preached in the Tabernacle and Tottenham Court Chapel, London. By JOHN CAMPBELL, D.D., and Rev. JOSEPH W. RICHARDSON. Foolscap 8vo, pp. 174.

John Snow.

This volume of sermons deserves to be It widely circulated and carefully read. treats of topics profoundly interesting; and in a manner greatly calculated to do good. There is a close connection through the volume, though two minds are brought to bear upon the several discussions. The title of the volume ought to have indicated the theme to which it is devoted. When we enumerate the subjects, our readers will agree with us in this opinion. 1. Self-examination; by Dr. Campbell. 2. Self-deception; by Mr. Richardson. 3. Self-approval; by Dr. Campbell. 4. Self-Condemnation ; by Mr. Richardson. 5. Self-Denial; by

Dr. Campbell. 6. Self-Indulgence; by Mr. Richardson. 7. Self-Distrust; by Dr. Campbell. 8. Self-Confidence; by Mr. Richardson. 9. Self-Preservation; by Dr. Campbell. 10. Self-Destruction; by Mr. Richardson.

We should like to see this volume in the hands of every church-member throughout the kingdom.

The WORKS of HANNAH MORE. Vol. I. Containing Stories for Persons in the Middle Ranks, &c. With a Memoir.

This is a beautiful edition of the works of one who can never cease to retain the favour of the English public, and to whom the church and the world are alike indebted.

MRS. MELLING.

Died, February 12th, 1847, aged sixtyseven years, Mrs. Melling, who for twentytwo years was a consistent and useful member of the Congregational church, Tonbridge, whose husband was formerly a deacon, and continued so until removed by death. Jan. 30th, 1847, she partook at the Lord's table the emblems of Christ's broken body and shed blood, with the members of the church, and expressed herself more than ever to have enjoyed it. The next Tuesday she was confined to her bed, and departed this life the week following. From the time she was taken ill, she appeared to have no wish to recover; her only desire, to use her own words, was,

The Lord's will be done." Mention being made to her of the hope she might get better, she answered, "Do not entertain such a hope; I shall soon be in heaven." She endured great suffering, but not a murmur escaped her lips; and when it was said to her, "You have had a bad night," she replied, "A great deal of bodily pain-but Christ was so precious!" It may be truly said of the departed, that she was gathered into the heavenly garner, as a shock of corn fully ripe.

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JOHN DUNNCLIFT, ESQ.

John Dunnclift, Esq., was a native of Castle Donnington, Leicestershire in early life he was brought to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, and was for many years a member of the Baptist church in his native town. About twenty-seven years ago he was, in the Providence of God, removed to Clifton, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and soon became connected with the church

and congregation assembling in Sion chapel, in Ashbourne, then under the care of the late Rev. Alexander Start, whose ministry was much blessed to our departed friend.

Being anxious to do good in the village in which he resided, he opened his house for preaching, shortly after he came to reside in this neighbourhood, and eventually built a small chapel, at his sole expense, and which has wholly been supported by his liberality. For many years he filled the office of one of the chapel committee in Sion, and was a liberal supporter of the cause of God generally, and especially of that part with which he was connected-also was a liberal subscriber to the various institutions of the present day, and more especially the London Missionary Society, to which he annually subscribed 57. He was a man of God, and knew what it was to hold communion with him; like Enoch, "he walked with God;" his "fellowship was with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ." He was a man of faith and prayer, and had power with God in prayer.

From the nature of his complaint, and the total loss of sight, he was much depressed, bordering upon despair, which continued for two years, with very few intervals of comfort or relief, till within a few hours of his death, when light broke in upon his mind: and it was the happiness of his surviving friends to hear him say, All was well, he was happy. He sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, March 17, 1847, aged 70. His death was improved in his own chapel, Clifton, by Mr. James Peach, minister of the chapel, March 28, 1847, from Rev. vii. 17, and at Sion chapel, Ashbourne, by the pastor of the place, from Job xxxiv. 29.

EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE AND

GOVERNMENT MEASURE.

On the 13th, 14th, and 15th of last month, a numerous and highly respectable body of delegates assembled in the metropolis, from all parts of the kingdom, for the purpose of concerting effectual measures for resisting the proposed scheme of Government for the education of the people. Among the enlightened body assembled on the occasion, there were manifest shades of dif ference of opinion upon certain abstract principles; but as it respects the measure of Government itself, which has created such

serious alarm among Nonconformists generally, there was but one concentrated feeling of determined hostility.

Those in the Conference who were disposed to think that Government aid might, under certain restrictions, be dispensed consistently with the principles of civil and religious freedom, nobly resolved to merge their differences, and to resolve on a firm and steady opposition to a scheme alike unconstitutional, unscriptural, and un-English; unconstitutional, as brought forward without the formality of a Bill; unscriptural, as recognizing and sanctioning all religions ;

and un-English, as introducing into this country something very much resembling a despotism in the education of the poor.

Since we commenced this article, we have listened to Lord John Russell's explanations and defence of his plan; and right glad should we be to be able to say, that the explanations were satisfactory, and that the defence was sound. His lordship, to the best of our judgment, did not introduce, in the whole of his long speech, one great constitutional principle, in support of his favourite measure. What he said on the existing deficiency of education among the labouring classes, and on the duty of Government to take part in the enlightenment of the people, was no argument, even if true, for the objectionable scheme to which he has unfortunately committed himself. Was it wise in him, at this precise juncture, when all parties are bestirring themselves on the great question of education, to throw a bone of contention from the Treasury benches among the earnest friends of national improvement? Was it fair and honest to Dissenters to force on, by Government pressure, a plan, under certain Minutes of Council, to which he knew they were generally opposed? Was it honourable to consult the heads of the Establishment and of the Wesleyan body, and to pass over other large sections of the Christian community of this country, thereby necessarily creating all the rancour of religious animosity? If he was of opinion that the Committee of Council on Education was the only body possessing wisdom sufficient to manage any system of National Education, was it necessary for him to encumber the Minutes upon which he proposed to act, with such a recognition of religion as could only please bigots, and alarm conscientious men ? We think not; and, moreover, we believe that a vital injury has been done to the onward cause of education, by this needless pertinacity on the part of Government. We complain that such a thing as National Education should have been meddled with in such an unstatesman-like manner. It is too solemn a question to be disposed of by Minutes of Council, drawn up and prepared by special advocates well known to the discerning public. Bright laurels might have been won by any statesman, who had brought before the country a well-digested plan of National Education; but here we see nothing but disaster.

After all, Lord John Russell is anxious to make it appear that the religious part of the scheme amounts to nothing; as it leaves religion, after all, in the hands of the National Society, for the Church of England, of the Wesleyans, for that body, and of the British and Foreign School Society, for the Dissenters. But why, if this be true, encumber the far-famed Minutes with a

thing which is, after all, worth nothing. Would not these several bodies teach religion in their own way, if the Minutes had said nothing about it. But by introducing it into the Minutes, are not Dissenters committed to a principle which they utterly repudiate, if they receive assistance, under the proposed plan? Is it nothing thus to lay snares for men's consciences, or to deprive them of their just rights?

We cannot understand the Roman Catholic affair. It is to us a great mystery. And till we hear more than Lord John Russell communicated, we shall be unable to perceive how the vigilant spirit of our Wesleyan brethren, whom we greatly respect, was lulled to rest by the miserable sop, that no part of the grant asked for this year shall go to the priests. We can hardly credit the fact, that such experienced and wise men can have been taken in by such a flimsy stratagem. But we desire, amidst all these painful occurrences, to possess our souls in patience, knowing that "the Lord reigneth."

PUBLIC TESTIMONIAL TO THE REV. A. TIDMAN, PASTOR OF BARBICAN CHURCH.

On the evening of the 15th April, a meeting of a deeply gratifying character was held at Barbican chapel, for the purpose of presenting to the Rev. A. Tidman, after twenty years faithful and devoted service, a testimonial of the esteem and affection in which he is held by his beloved flock. Alderman Challis, Esq. presided, and was surrrounded by the deacons of the church, and by the Rev. Drs. Bennett, Leifchild, and Morison, and by the Rev. Messrs. Palmer, Binney, Hunt, and other esteemed brethren. The spirit pervading the meeting was truly delightful and refreshing. Never were tokens of affection to a Christian pastor more ardent or unequivocal. The Resolutions, which were remarkably judicious, were moved and seconded by the deacons, and supported by the ministerial brethren present. The deacons acquitted themselves with extraordinary discretion and pious zeal, and the response to their statements by a crowded assembly, sufficiently proved that they were only expressing the feelings of hundreds of devout and grateful minds. Though the value of the generous gift, conveyed most delicately to our reverend friend, amounted to two hundred guineas, we came away from the meeting with the strong conviction, that the least precious part of the testimonial was the pecuniary part of it. To hear such statements from the deacons, and to find them responded to with enthusiastic feeling, by the large circle of friends convened on the delightful occa