LECTURES ON THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH." obedience. That the Law of GoD on this, and on some other subjects, has not gone into such minute and precise details, as at once to prevent the possibility of superstitious abuse on the one hand, or of licentious indulgence on the other, is a fact which does not at all derogate from its authority. The principle is sufficiently clear and explicit; and if, in the application of it, some room be apparently left for variety of feeling and conduct, that very circumstance should make us not lax, but cautious. It may have been wisely so ordered, on purpose to put to the test our professions of a devout and grateful spirit, and to make visible what is really predominant in our hearts. Those who are most worldly in their tempers, will uniformly claim the greatest license in the construction of the Sabbatic Law; while` such as are most spiritual and heavenly, will feel no wish to narrow and restrict their obedience to it, but, instead of disingenuously pleading every petty and transient inconvenience, or loss, or privation, as constituting a case of pretended necessity for its violation, will account the strictest possible observance of it to be "honourable, and a delight," and willingly submit even to some real and considerable sacrifices of bodily enjoyment or secular interest, in order to make the most and the best use of that season of sacred leisure, for attending to the health and welfare of their souls, and to their preparation for an eternal inheritance. Those who steadily act on this principle, are sure to prove that Gon has not only "hallowed," but also emphatically "blessed" the seventh day.

The pious and intelligent Author of the Work before us has brought into a small compass what we take to be, in the main, a very accurate as well as a very comprehensive view of the whole subject of the Sabbath. There is scarcely any question of doctrinal interest, or of prac tical importance, connected with his great topic, which he has omitted to notice. We cordially recommend the volume to the purchase and perusal of all classes of our Readers. Theological Students may profitably refer to it as a Text-Book, in which the argument of more elaborate Treatises is condensed and methodized; while, at the same time, it is so intermixed with pious exhortation, and, occasionally, enlivened by appropriate anecdotes, as to be excellently adapted for popular use. We are sorry that we have not space at present for quotation; but shall subjoin the following syllabus of the General Contents.

"Lectures I. and II. contain, First,-The SPECIALITY of the Christian Sabbath, establishing (1) The Universal Division of Time into Seven Days; (2) The Observance of a Seventh Day from Adam to Christ; (3) The Change of the Sabbath from the Seventh Day to the First. Secondly-Its AUTHORITY proved, from (1) The Command and Conduct of GOD; (2) The Natural Reasons of such an Institution; (3) The Perpetual Force of the Fourth Commandment; (4) The Example of Good Men; (5) The Designs of its Appointment. Thirdly-Its SANCTITY, wherein (1) A few Things are premised to prevent Mistake; (2) A few Things are Proposed to regulate the Conduct; (3) A few Things are added to confirm the Doctrine.

"Lectures III. and IV. contain the PROFANATION of the Sabbath :First, by the NATION in general, in (1) Vending Goods; (2) Selling Liquors; (3) Needless Travelling; (4) Driving Cattle; (5) Publishing Newspapers ; * 2 X 2*

(6) Drilling Soldiers; (7) Holding Vestries. Secondly-By INDIVIDUALS in particular, as by (1) Professors of the Gospel; (2) Heads of Families ; (3) Men of Business; (4) People of Pleasure.

"Lectures V. and VI. contain, First-The NON-ADVANTAGE of Sabbath-Breaking; proving that no mode of violating the LORD'S-day is productive of any real or considerable benefit to the nation at large, professors of the gospel, heads of families, men of business, or people of pleasure. Secondly-The EVIL CONSEQUENCES of Sabbath-Breaking. And these are visible in (1) Our injured Country; (2) Afflicted Families; (3) The Chamber of Sickness; (4) Numerous Disasters; (5) Singular Judgments; (6) The Confession of Criminals; (7) The Regions of Misery. "Lectures VII. and VIII. contain,-First-The MEANS for better observing the Sabbath, recommended to (1) Individuals; (2) Heads of Families; (3) Members of Society; (4) Professors of the Gospel; (5) Our Rulers and the Rich; (6) The Ministers of CHRIST. Secondly-MOTIVES for better observing it, enforced from (1) A Desire of Emulating Others; (2) A Spirit of Loyalty; (3) A Regard to our Temporal Interests; (4) Reasons purely Spiritual."

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

We mentioned, in our last Number, the pleasing accounts received from various Circuits of the Revival of Religion in many parts of our Connexion at home, during the course of the current year. According to the promise then given, we proceed to furnish our Readers with some further particulars. We trust they will be read with humility and gratitude.

Extract of a Letter from BANBURY.

"Jan. 1.-Our preachers are in good health, and the LORD has given them prosperity in their work. In this town we have a revival of religion; between 30 and 40 have been added to the Society since the Conference. Our congregations are much improved, and our prayer-meetings crowded to excess. We have had, for some years past, a good choir of singers, who as to the knowledge of Psalmody,

were above mediocrity; but, alas! nearly the whole groupe were in an impenitent state. But, within these six weeks, the far greater part of them have joined the society, some of them deeply awakened, and are already beginning to be of signal use in other departments.

"Since writing the above, 20 more persons were admitted on trial, and well recommended."

Extracts of two Letters from Liverpool. "Feb. 28.-A most blessed work of GOD is going on here. I have never witnessed any thing like it, (at least, for such a length of time,) since I came amongst the Methodists. Ever since Christmas-day, a cry for salvation has constantly been heard in all our meetings for prayer; and many scores have found peace with GOD. Some, seemingly the most unlikely, have been awakened suddenly; and many others, who had long been members of our society, have been, as it were, re-awakened, and brought into happy and glorious

liberty of soul. The work has not been carried on with noise, confusion, or disorder, but with deep solemnity; and the power of Gon has seemed to bow the people down, like the wind passing over a field of corn. Sometimes, the congregations wait in silence for a few minutes, upto their knees, before the LORD; then the prayers of penitents burst forth and surely these prayers enter into the ears of the LORD GOD OF SABBAOTH, and He appears to their salvation. It is indeed a time of power, and a season of refreshing

from the presence of the LORD; and. I do hope that we are all getting good, and shall grow as the willows by the water-courses,"

"March 3.—We have been favoured with a gracious revival of religion in this town. Every week in this year, from 30 to 50 persons have

Extract of a Letter "GOD is carrying on his work in this Circuit. The Devil's kingdom, at Runcorn, has had a mighty shake. Not less than 40 ungodly watermen are brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. Their blasphemies are

Extract of a Letter "March 15.-You will be glad to hear, that we have had a blessed revival of religion through almost every part of our Circuit during the last four months; and it is still going on. During the last quarter, we have given upwards of one hundred notes

Extract of a Letter "The work of the LORD goes on blessedly in every part of our Circuit. The dissemination of Religious Tracts greatly assists it.* We have added 227 members to the society; 150 of these are in Maidstone, the others in the country places; and most of them have obtained mercy. A gracious work of entire sanctification, also, is going on among our people. Our

•See a Paper on this subject, by Mr. JAMES GIL, at page 364 of this Number of our Magazine.

found peace with GoD, and the divine
influence is still continued, Upwards
of 50 have entered into the rest of
faith this week, and as many the last
week. Glory be to GOD! Many of
those who have found the LORD, had
been in society for a considerable
time; but now he has looked upon
them in great mercy."
from WARRINGTON.
turned to praise; and now, they make
their old flats (i. e. boats) ring with
prayer and praises, as they sail up
and down the river. Hallelujah! the
best of all is, God is with us."

from SUNDERLAND,

of admittance on trial, to persons who, to all appearance, have been truly awakened to a sense of their sinful condition, and most of whom have professed to have since obtained a sense of peace with God."

from MAIDSTONE.
chapel is too small. People, on
Sunday evenings, come to the door,
and go away for want of room. It
is difficult to get a single sitting: so
that the Trustees have little trouble
in Maidstone in letting their seats,
and the chapel pays its way. I think,
if it were as large again, it would be
full.-The spirit of hearing is ex-
cited, and we want room. The LORD,
I trust, will open our way to make
room for all who are willing to hear."

Extract of a Letter from DERBY.

"April 5.—I ought not to withhold from you the fact, that in this Circuit, also, God is giving a gracious revival in the midst of our bondage. We have nothing rapid; none of that "overwhelming power of saving grace," which distinguishes many revivals of religion. Ours is gradual, insinuating, and gentle, like the rain; but certainly very effectual. On taking an account of our numbers at the Michaelmas Quarter, we admitted 28 on trial; gave tickets to 18 new members; and found our gross number 955.-On taking an account at Christmas, we admitted

75 on trial; received 56 as new members; and our whole number was 1011.-On making up our number at the last Quarter-day, we received 111 on trial; fully admitted 102 into society; and our whole number was 1113.-So that, since Conference, our increase has been from 920 to 1113; the whole addition being 193.

"This increase is not in any one particular place more than in another. Generally speaking, it has included most places in which we minister the word of God. To him be the praise!

"Ashbourne is a place where Methodism is, at this moment, almost

+

lost for want of a convenient House of God, in which to worship. I am sure your heart would grieve, did you see the disposition which God has lately given to many there to hear the word of God, and how miserable the

place is in which we assemble. At present we see no remedy. My good Colleague, myself, and friends here, have talked the business over again and again. We wait to see what God will point out to us."

Extract of a Letter from TENTERDEN, in Kent.

April 11.-The present visitation of the HOLY SPIRIT commenced among us, in this town, last November, when the LORD stirred up the spirits of several of our old and welltried members to seek for a larger measure of the sanctifying influences of the ETERNAL SPIRIT. They sought earnestly, and not in vain. They proved the truth of that promise of the New Covenant, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.' From that period, the LORD excited, I believe, all in the society, who had not previously received the Spirit of Adoption, to seek for that justifying faith with which this great blessing is connected. They sought earnestly, and not in vain. They realized the truth of that golden promise of the Covenant, I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more.' They could thankfully, yet humbly say, Behold, Gop is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and song: He also is become my salvation.' In addition to these blessings for themselves, the LORD poured upon his people also the spirit of prayer, and the grace of supplication, in behalf of others, and especially of their Relations. Shortly afterwards, we saw many under the awakenings of that HOLY SPIRIT, whose office it is to convince of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment;

·

causing them to cry aloud, 'What shall we do to be saved?' or, as the CHURCH of ENGLAND expresses it, to Bewail their manifold sins and wickedness.' But as a contrite heart is always pleasing to the High and Lofty One; so, in the pitifulness of his mercy, he loosed those who found themselves tied and bound with the chain of their sins.' He gave them to say, Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me.'

"I have the happiness to state, and I do it with gratitude to GOD, that in every part of the Circuit, numbers have repented, believed, and found salvation. In general, we can observe in this revival, such a corresponding change in the views, affections, and conduct of its subjects, as we know none but God can produce.

“The total number upon whom we believe a work of grace to be lately begun, and who are either admitted into the society, or received upon trial, is between three and four hundred, since last November, being somewhat more than double our former number. May they all stand fast! May GOD have all the praise! And may his kingdom come! Perhaps you have heard of a similar work in the following Circuits: viz. Rye, Sandhurst, Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Sheerness, Margate, and Deal."

In addition to the preceding statements, we have lately received some very interesting Letters from BURSLEM and NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, containing a full account of the extraordinary Work of Divine Grace in various parts of the populous District, commonly called The Staffordshire Potteries; and a similar account from MIDSUMMER-NORTON of the revival of religion in that neighbourhood. These communications, for which we are much obliged to the respected correspondents who sent them, came too late for insertion in this Number, except in a form so exceedingly abridged as would not, in our judgment, do justice to their contents, We shall, therefore, prepare a large abstract of them for our next number.-Let all our Readers

join in earnest prayer to the great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls, that he will be pleased to take especial charge of the Lambs of his flock, who have in various places been lately gathered into his fold; and that, by the continued visitations of grace, and the instrumentality of his word and ordinances, faithfully dispensed and administered by his servants, who are entrusted, under him, with the pastoral care over them, he will "perfect that which concerneth them," and preserve them unto his day!

OBITUARY.

RECENT DEATHS.-1. Dec. 25, 1820, and almost immediately afterwards exdied at Shelburn, in Nova-Scotia, the REV. JAMES MANN, an aged and respectable Wesleyan Missionary. He preached on the day of his death. When Divine Service was over, he married a couple;

POETRY.

To the Editor of the Methodist Magazine.
DEAR SIR,
Agreeably to your request, I send you a
copy of the translation of Derzhavin's "Ode
on Gon." In point of composition this poem
is perhaps equal to any of the finest pieces of our
own writers on the same subject, and therefore
fully merits the extended circulation which
you design to give it through the medium of
the Methodist Magazine.

I am, dear Sir, yours,
JAMES RANDALL,

(Translated from the Russian of Derzhavin,
by John Bowring, F.L.S.)

O Thou ETERNAL ONE! whose presence bright
All space doth occupy, all motion guide;