REVIEW. The Scripture Teacher's Assistant, with Explanations and Lessons designed for Sunday Schools and Families. By Henry Althans. 18mo. pp. 130. Davies. THE author of this work has comprised his exercises for scripture classes in Sunday Schools in fifty-two subjects, taken from the history of our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in the four evangelists; to which are added, a few subjects for the elder scholars in bible classes from the Old Testament. The education of the rising generation is a pleasing employ to those who undertake it, in humble dependence on the Lord the Spirit blessing their labours; but we should like to see the superintendence of Sabbath Schools given to established christians, to whom a small pecuniary advantage would be a benefit, rather than that the young of both sexes should be urged to such engagements. We are satisfied the expense would be cheerfully defrayed by many who now stand aloof from Sabbath Schools, solely on account of the many snares to which the Teachers are exposed. We think Mr. Althans has done well in the little work before us; and although we do not accord with all the phraseology he has used, we do on the whole recommend it for the use of Sunday Schools; and as the reading of the word of God, with a plain and simple elucidation of the same, is desirable for christians of all ages and degrees, we would hope that this work may be rendered a blessing to those into whose hands it may come. A Warning of the Expected Manifestation of the Three Persons of the Trinity for the Regeneration of the whole of Mankind and the Sanctification of a part; now published in consideration of the portending times we live in. 8vo. pp. 322. London, Sherwood. Truly we live in a day of strange things: each revolving period of time brings to our view some new discovery, some before unthought of blasphemy, by which we learn the depravity which is in the heart of man, and that the time in which we live is "the last days," from the so evident fulfilment now of scripture prophecy, "there shall be scoffers in those days.” This "wise and learned man," with all his sophistry and argument, proves to a demonstration, the truth of that scripture, "The natural man discerneth not the things of God; they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned:" for it has not fallen to our lot to have witnessed within the compass of 320 pages, so much effort made to mystify the word of God, and controvert the whole of its sacred import. This author contends for one Supreme Being, who is only and really GOD, the eternal GOD; and that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost," the three which bear record in heaven," are all inferior subsistences. The creation of the world, as recorded in Genesis, he absurdly adapts to the various changes in the mind of man. The incarnation of the Son of God this author daringly denies, and most impiously asserts the conception to be only in the mind of the Virgin Mary, thereby destroying the whole scheme of salvation. The birth of Cain and Abel is by this writer denied, as a natural conception and birth, and to be only a conception in the mind of Eve. The raining down brimstone and fire from the Lord upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, is also pertinaciously denied, as is the doctrine of eternal punishment; but we have adverted sufficiently to the bold infidelical principles attempted to be introduced under the mask of "A Warning." The christian will always recollect that scripture narrative is real history, and while symbolical language is employed in scripture prophecy and scripture parable, facts are not to be mystified into allegory, nor may persons and circumstances be denied existence. It is, however, our mercy that " the foundation of the Lord standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his!" Zion's Trumpet, Nos. 1 to 5, 12mo. pp. 16. London, J. & G. Nicholls: E. Palmer, Among the various speculations of this speculative day, we think this little Magazine bears the palm both for cheapness and neatness of typographical execution. When in addition, we state, that the contents of every Number so far as we have read them are really excellent; surely all will be on the alert to catch a blast of this penny trumpeter. A Full Christ for Empty Sinners, by the Rev. W. Romaine, 32mo. pp. 64. London, E. Palmer. The demand for this estimable little manual hath rendered another edition necessary. A selection of gems from the writings of Romaine needs not our commendation; though so small a book, we can scarcely mention a human production we value higher. A Millennarian's Answer of the Hope that is in him; with a brief History of Millennarianism. By John Cox, third edition, 12mo. pp. 48 London, E. Palmer. J. Nisbet, &c. We are requested to announce that the third edition of this pamphlet is now ready; and which we do cheerfully. Few that hold the sentiment of Christ's personal reign upon earth, can give so compendious a reason of the hope that is in them. A Letter addressed to the Society of Friends and Christians in general, calling upon them to return to God from whom they have so deeply revolted by setting aside his Commandments. By R. Wedgwood, Jun. 12mo. pp. 12. London, G. Norman. The object of this tract, is, to persuade "friends of the validity of the two sacraments, and christians in general, that Saturday should still be observed as the sabbath-day. His success in the effort time only can demonstrate. POETRY. "MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE."-2 Cor. xii. 9. MY O may it be my privilege to see, Jehovah's grace-sufficient is for me! Greenwich, May 8, 1832. Philip. THE PRAYER ANSWERED. Written on being restored to the Church. AND am I here?-a wand'rer from the Lord, A rebel, welcome at this sacred board? Partaking with his saints the bread and wine? Oh that my faith might look beyond the sign To Christ, the Lamb of God, whose precious blood, Is drink indeed, whose flesh is heavenly food:* Its nourishment my sinking soul sustains, Which from its vital juice, its strength regains. Yes! I am here! I speak it to his praise! I'm here!-a monument of sov❜reign grace! In spite of all the storms which round me roar'd, I'm to his Church, and happiness, restored. vale, When Satan, sin, and worldly cares assail; THE Spiritual Magazine ; OR, SAINTS' TREASURY. There are Three that bear record in heaven; the FATHER, the 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.. AUGUST, 1833. THOUGHTS ON ISAIAH XXXIII. 17. "Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty." THIS chapter contains a mixture of promises and threatenings; promises of protection and safety, comfort and peace, to the Lord's dear people, notwithstanding any outward or inward trouble that might befall them in this vale of misery. The chapter also contains some most awful threatenings of vengeance upon the enemies of the saints and children of the Most High God. The words of our text are understood by some to have reference to king Hezekiah; but surely we may say, a greater than Hezekiah, or Solomon, is here; no less a person than the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ; no less a King, than the King of kings, and Lord of lords; and Oh! that I might be so enabled to exalt King Jesus this night, and so set him forth in his person, in his love, in his salvation, in the freeness of his grace, in his sovereignty and princely dignity, and in his beauty, so as that the children of Zion might rejoice in their King. Beloved, it is a subject that surpasses all the understanding of men, or angels, to give a description of King Jesus in his beauty. He is indeed beyond all description to the full extent, an eternity will be too short to unfold the glories of this Prince of the kings of the earth. What I have to say at this time will come far, very far short of the subject. May God the Holy Ghost be my guide and teacher, and suffer me to advance nothing that shall tarnish his glories. VOL. IX.-No. 112.] 2 G The title of king is a pleasing one to saints; for a king is supreme, chief, and sovereign in his kingdom; and our Jesus is King of all the earth, so says the Psalmist, (xlvii. 7.) Every being is subject to his sceptre, and is under his righteous control, and at his sovereign disposal; he rules over all, he worketh all things after the counsel of his own will; "He overrules all mortal things, And manages our mean affairs! Saints need fear no evil, they need not dread the result of any earthly congress or counsel; they need not be alarmed at the aggrandizement of nations; nothing, beloved, can make against our interest. One of the wisest of men said, that kings hearts were in the Lord's hand, and as rivers of waters he turned them whithersover he would. O! how safe then are saints amidst all the convulsions of earthly kingdoms! But it is said, "Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty.” Yes, indeed, my friends, he is fairer than the children of men. You see our text intimates a most precious promise concerning the church, that Christ the Lord, their King and Head, should be seen by them in his beauty; or, as Beza's bible reads it, in his glory.' This was in part fulfilled, when our Jesus came in the flesh. Peter, James, and John, upon the mount of transfiguration, beheld his glory; and in the preaching of the everlasting gospel, the glories and beauties of this King of saints unfold themselves. The gospel is an exhibition of the grace and glory of Immanuel; it may well be called a glorious gospel, for the glories it reveals; and the text will be more fulfilled when King Jesus shall come to be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe. 2. There is no king to be compared with our King Jesus for majesty, dignity, royalty, and riches. What a noble princely procession of patriarchs, prophets, and costly sacrifices precede in regular order for four thousand years this glorious King in Zion! What a goodly company of apostles and pilgrims-what a noble army of martyrs-what a numberless number of saints have followed in this royal train--and how many remain to bring up the rear of this royal retinue, is known only to our God; but what grace it is to be one of this procession, to follow the Lamb where he may lead ! 3. There is no king to be equalled with our Jesus in the love he manifested to his subjects when they had all revolted, and to a man rebelled and refused allegiance to him, and when nothing but his death could atone for their guilt-O how ready he was to die for themhow cheerfully did he bear the punishment they deserved; and although they had sold themselves for nought, how willingly did he redeem them with the invaluable price of his own blood;-how ready to forgive them all the insults offered to his majesty; he never throws the sin of their rebellion in their face, but dispenses his pardons so |