tell of Jesus, and the wonders of his all-wonderful name, person, and work. The Sermon is interesting chiefly as the gift of an aged saint, upon whom, manifestly are manifestly are the snow-wreathes of a winter, introductory to the verdure of an evercontinuing spring. The true Gospel, no yea and nay Gospel; a tract affectionately recommended to the people of God in the present low estate of the church. By Robert Hawker, D. D. 12mo. pp. 8. London: E. Palmer and Son. And did Dr. Hawker nearly a quarter of a century past, address this tract to the church as suitable for its then present low estate ! Indeed, indeed, what language would he have employed now, when truth seems to have fallen in our streets, and equity cannot enter; when faithful men of God are like grapes, when the vintage even in its gleanings hath past, and like berries they are only to be found one or two on the uppermost branches. The thought struck home to our hearts, and reverberated upon its inmost chords the prayer, that our Lord would in this dark and cloudy day once more say unto Zion, "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord hath arisen upon thee." Her light and her glory are concentrated in him, and it is only as Jesus is present in his church that Zion can realize bliss and prosperity and arise out of the low estate to which his absence consigns her. Oh that the living church would prayerfully enquire why Jesus hides his face; what it is that erects a wall obstructing intercourse with heaven; and when amongst other causes she ascertains, as she will ascertain, that a mutilated gospel, a perverted proclamation of his grace, a surrounding his own glad tidings with contingences, offers and conditions, are, as well they may be, displeasing to the Lord, and the occasion of the exercise of a discipline, which shall however result in Zion's good and her Lord's glory. Oh that the living church would assiduously seek to return to the old paths, where she shall be refreshed again with the old wine of the kingdom. This awakening tract is admirably calculated for distribution, at such a time: it did good service when first published, stirring up, as it did, the enmity of Hagar's seed, and reviving in many instances, some of the living who were asleep in Zion. Our earnest prayer is, that in its new issue, may receive the like blessings. it Letters on the great Revolution of 1848. By the Rev. G. H. Parker. Letter II. 12mo. pp. 36. London, Wertheim. It is foreign to the subject of our Magazine to enter into a lengthened political review of the present awful commotions amongst the nations. The demon of anarchy and bloodshed reigns indeed triumphant over much of the continent of Europe, and Englishmen cannot be too thankful that their own sea-girt isle is yet preserved in at least comparative peace amongst the horrors which surround it. It cannot be suprizing that while these revolutionary tumults are abroad in the earth, that men of kindred spirits should essay to introduce them here, and that their ravings-happily as yet confined to words should, like the droppings of a passing thundercloud, awaken apprehension; or that in a commercial country like this, their results should be a great, but as it is to be hoped, temporary depression of trade. Let us rejoice that even all amidst this we can still walk our streets in safety, seek the repose of our pillows in quietness, and enjoy the privileges of the sanctuary unmolested. England is yet - preserved; doubtless by reason of the salt that is yet within her, and the candlestick is not as yet removed from her border. Oh that the salt may not lose its savour, and that our country, taking warning from the existing state of things, may nationally return to her protestant position amongst the nations, and thus secure to herself that national prosperity which she hath by her derelictions lost. The christian who from the altitude of the prophet's watch-tower surveys these things by the light of prophecy, cannot but be sure they are the harbingers and precursors of coming wonders. In this light the author of this tract, the first number of which we noticed last month, regards them, and in the form of a diary records each event with the momentary reflection each awakened. It is addressed to his parishioners: to them it will doubtless possess considerable interest, as many of the observations are calculated to elucidate and edify. Knowing, as we do, nothing either of the author, or of his associations, we shall take two extracts from his tract, and leave him to introduce himself. His subject is taken from Psalm xvii. 15. Our first extract is on the present dissatisfaction of the saint. I. The present dissatisfaction of the saint, is indicative of a state of grace; for though the child of God may be under the awakenings of conscience, guilt and condemnation, what is commonly called a law-work, yet that very law-work is a work of grace; but, while under tutors and governors, he knoweth it not, until the time appointed of the Father. But when God sendeth forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying, "Abba Father," then there is some degree of satisfaction enjoyed; because of having tasted that the Lord is gracious, and being a partaker of pardon, peace, and reconciliation, hence: "Before faith came, (or Christ, the object of faith,) we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. But after that faith is come, ye are no longer under the law. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal. iii. 23, 25, 26. So the children of Israel, while wandering through the wilderness, murmuring and discontented, erecting their tents for a few days, watching the pillar of cloud and fire, which was their signal and guide, for they journeyed at the Lord's command, and rested at his command, sometimes in the midst of plenty; then they sang his praise, but soon they found the day of adversity was set against the day of prosperity, then they murmuring, are diminished, and brought low. Thus in the midst of vicissitudes, uncertainties, travail and pain, from Egypt to Mount Sinai, and from the thunders, lightnings, and the loud trumpet, and terrible majesty of God, in the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, unto the entrance of the promised land of rest, the children of Israel were dissatisfied and discontented. But when they were brought into the promised land, it was divided among them, and each had their portion, which gave them a comparative satisfaction in their possessions and enjoyments: all which typify the experience of saints, both while under the law, the deliverance therefrom, and also, the inheritance which they possess by the Spirit of Adoption; and the comparative satisfaction enjoyed in the glorious liberty of the gospel of Christ, contrasted with the fear and bondage of the law. But, as the children of Israel found not that solid rest, peace and satisfaction in the promised land; so, the saint of God, in the gospel rest, finds the Canaanites are still in the land, to perplex and teaze, which causes much dissatisfaction, and which appears to be the principal occasion of the complaint in our text; for it is evident, the Psalmist by precious faith, had already entered the anti-typical promised land, as it is written: "We that believe, do enter into rest." But still, there remains another rest for the people of God, the rest of heaven and glory, which is not as yet attained unto, therefore the dissatisfaction of the gospel rest, compared with glory in heaven, and not only so, but because of the path of tribulation, and the conflicts therein, there is much dissatisfaction." Our second Extract is illustrative of the saint's future satisfaction. But "II. The future satisfaction hoped for. Some say, there is a pleasure in religion, even if there be no hereafter, if there be no heaven, if after death, man should cease to be. what saith the Scripture? "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most miserable;" again: If the dead rise not, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." (1 Cor. xv. 19.) Hence it is evident, the believer's life is a life of faith. We walk by faith, and not by sight; and faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, and the just shall live by his faith; not the grace of faith, but upon Christ the object of faith, his blood and righteousness, for pardon and justification, in his glorious person, as Godman mediator, in Jesus the elder Brother; for sonship and heirship, and as in union with him, quickened together, raised up together, and made to sit together, in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. These things, beheld in the fulness and blessedness of the glorious gospel, sweetly constrains the believer to say, "I shall be satisfied, when I awake with thy likeness." God's Remedy for Man's Malady. 12mo. pp. 4. London: E. Palmer and Son. Our publishers have greatly enriched their valuable series of gospel tracts by the addition of this excellent one. If there could be a tract mentioned which all will approve who even differ upon many points of doctrine, this tract is that one. Many may say that is but indifferent praise: it is however truth, and our reviews are meant to be impartial truth. A Manual of Self-Examination ; adapted especially for the use of young persons. By a Lady. 24mo. London: E. Palmer and Son. That self-examination is profitable to all, must be allowed, but peculiarly so to young christians in their early stages in the divine life. This Lady hopes she has given to such an help by the way, and as it is arranged for the whole year, containing a large number of Scripture passages, we would not speak against it, though we do not accord with all the author's observations. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. In course of publication, in numbers, at three-pence each, Bunhill Memorials : Sacred Reminiscences of a portion of the blessed living dead in Bunhill Fields, with Account of near three hundred Ministers interred therein, with the Inscriptions on their Tombs, &c. by J. A Jones. Farewell, dear sister, may the God of peace, Well fill thy vessel from his stores of grace. The Cape is sure, thy hope is firmly fixed, Although the streams with bitters are still mix'd. Farewell, dear sister, think upon the Grove, And that kind Shepherd you so dearly love; Think on the truths he has so often told, That Jesus is the Shepherd of one fold. Farewell, dear sister, should we meet no There shall we shout with holy, fervent joy, There can the monster sin no more annoy. Farewell, dear sister, though thy feet no more, May tread the courts where saints their King adore; Thy feet of faith the Bible truth may range, And feast on love which never knows a change. Away, away, vain world; she loathes your toys, Your vacant charm her heaven-born soul annoys. Her hope is Christ, her home's pre pared on high, She waits her call, with saints she'll then outvie; Farewell, dear sister, may Oporto's shore, Yield fresh supplies of secret sacred store. May God in mercy smile on rock or beach, May thy Preceptor constant lessons teach; And feed thy soul with hidden heavenly food, May faith exclaim, the Lord is ever good. Farewell, dear sister, may the lonely vale, With fragrant scents, thy spirit oft regale; May Sharon's rose its welcome sweetness pour, And comfort give in ev'ry trying hour. So prays a poor Sheep accustomed to feed in the Grove, near the Shepherd's Tent. There may I sing the sacred song, Oh, tell me that salvation's mine, And when I must from hence remove, A COUNTRY MINISTER. LEBANON LEAVES. JESUS! a criminal, Condemned by all, and by himself condemned, Solicits thee to be his Advocate. I come, appreciating thy power; I come, Satan the accuser, lengthening darker still, Successful Pleader, I will at thy feet, Ascribe to thee the glory justly due, For my entire acquittal. "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was bound about with a uapkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him and let him go.”—John xi. 44. Lord! take away the grave clothes from my soul ! In nature's grave I heard thy powerful voice, And issued from the sepulchre ; but I came Gracious bestower of it, earnestly ness, From every worldly, grovelling, sensual thought. Then let him lead me as himself was led, And realizing frequent fellowship, Assured it introduces me to heaven, REZENEB. FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER. DEAR Jesus end our legal strife, And send the Spirit down, Our little grain of faith increase, B. |