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12. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The Hon. and Rev. BAPTIST W. NOEL.-"To what is it owing, that the Spirit of God has not been more largely poured out, when there have been so many thousands of prayers presented at a throne of grace? Is it not because there is something in our own spirit which belies the prayers we utter, and because we are not making those sacrifices of faith and love which might prove our prayers to be sincere? We want, as it seems to me, a deep persuasion of the ruined state of our fellow creatures, a thorough consciousness that the mercy of God has saved us from it. We want to feel that we are the favoured inheritors of the kingdom of heaven through the blood of the Redeemer; that God the Spirit has made our humble hearts the temples of His presence; and then to look down, as the last speaker said, from the heights of truth upon a world lying in wickedness and sorrow, that we may feel our hearts yearning over their miseries and longing to save them. There must be nothing partial, nothing local in our feelings, if we would do our work. It is upon those who are dead in sins at home-those at our own doors that are perishing for want of faith and grace-that we must, if possible, lay our hand, that we may save them, and pluck them as brands from the burning; it is when our hearts are so animated with Christian feelings that they overflow on all around us, that we may hope to send forth missionaries with success to the nations of the world. It seems to me also, that we want a deep conviction that the Church of God is called to the work of saving men's souls. It should be impressed upon us, that our Master has said, 'Ye are the salt of the earth, the light of the world.' It is not any contribution, however liberal, to this great cause, nor the general doubling of the contributions to the Society, which I believe would give it permanent force. It is when each individual man and woman feels that Christ has said to him or to her, 'Ye are the salt of the earth, the light of the world,'—that, giving themselves to Christ first, they may with real Macedonian liberality afterwards give their money and influence to this great cause. I feel as strongly as my brother felt, that we need not a mere hollow or holiday union, but a thorough union of heart amongst all the people of God. I cannot express to you the sense I have of the importance of this truth. I believe it to be one capital want of our times. I believe it to be the one great necessity of the Church of God at this moment; and if there are others who make it their boast to nail their colours to the mast of their party, we, if with not more of zeal, at least with as much of energy, as it is possible to command-we call on every man to nail his colours to the mast of unity amongst God's people. Now it has often been my part to advocate your mission among my brethren, and tell them what God has wrought by you; and so it is my office now-which I discharge with equal pleasure-to ask your brotherly affection, your cordial sympathy, for those pious bishops, those pious ministers of my own Church, which raises £80,000 like yourselves for the progress of the missionary cause among the heathen —who, animated with the very same principle, and manifesting the very same zeal, are operating for the great object which you have in view-the evangelisation of mankind. These pious members of the Church of England have been the companions of my infancy and youth; I have known their worth intimately; I have seen their humble and arduous labours often; I rejoice in the proofs of God's work of grace in their various spheres of pastoral exertion; I know the state of the missionary associations they have formed; and on all these grounds I ask you to love them as brethren, and to feel for every one of them, not only in this cause, but in every work of benevolence and mercy. But if there be one topic more important than another, and on which I would desire that my own mind should rest, it is that a Christian man must feel as though the whole work devolved upon him alone. It is to individualise ourselves, while we thus meet together, and combine to promote the work of God among the heathen. God has ever wrought great effects by means of a few determined minds; and if each of the vast assembly that I have now the honour of addressing, were animated with all that piety, and faith, and devotedness, which the most favoured followers of Christ have ever enjoyed, what a harvest of spiritual blessings might be reaped for this country and for the world! We want to be individually just what those nine humble Madagesian Christians were, who hesitated not to be tied to poles, hands and feet, and rather than deny that Redeemer who saved them by His blood, submitted to the spear being passed

through their backs, and being hurried prematurely into eternity; we want their spirit of self-sacrifice to animate our bosoms. Who called them to make so full a sacrifice for the cause of Christ? They were a source of energy, that would thrill through a nation, and make the whole of this island to rejoice under the blessing of Christ. We want to be whatt hat humble field labourer was, who was referred to in the Report; and like him, to present whatever we have to offer at the feet of the Redeemer, as the tribute of our gratitude to Him, who has bought us with His blood. If that spirit once pervade the mass of those real Christians in the country that can feel as he did, 'God's work must be done, and I shall soon be dead and cannot do it!'-then should we spend the remainder of our lives, with all the powers which God might give us, to promote the happiness of our fellow-men, and increase the prosperity of the church at large."

Review of Books.

A BOOK FOR THE SABBATH. By J. B. | become a law concerning it to increasing
WATERBURY, Author of "Advice to numbers.
a young Christian," and "The happy
Christian." pp. 238.

Religious Tract Society.

And what could not be ef fected by the well directed public opinion of all the Christians in this land, if they were but united to express it?

ANN: or the CONFLICT and TRIUMPH of
FAITH. BY THOMAS SPALDING, Su-
perintendent of the Sabbath School,
Trafalgar Place, Kentish Town.
With an Introduction by the Rev.
HENRY TOWNLEY.

Fisher, Son and Co., Newgate Street. HAVING been acquainted with the amiable young female, who has furnished the subject of this interesting biographical sketch, it has afforded us peculiar pleasure in the perusal; but those who have not enjoyed a similar advantage, will derive from it no common amount of gratification.

THIS little Treatise is divided into three parts. The first treats of "the origin, design and improvement of the Sabbath;" and in this department we have the doctrine of Scripture explained and enforced, concerning its perpetuity and the change of the day, and its importance is shown in its bearings on intellectual and social improvement. The second part is devoted to "the practical improvement of the Sabbath;" and beginning with Saturday evening, or the preparation, and proceeding to the close of the sacred season, our author points out the due mode of hallowing the Sabbath, and exhibits the sin and evil of the various ways of profaning it. The Ann Eliza Richards was born of pious third part consists of "devotional ex- parents, and resided for nine years ercises for the Sabbath," and embraces at Henley, where she attended the mia series of meditations and prayers, in nistry of the Rev. R. Bolton. She then number answering to the number of removed to Kentish Town; where, on Sabbaths in the year, and intended to the 8th of June, 1834, she was admitted assist the Christian in his closet. We into the admirably conducted Sabbath have already (ante p. 224) made a School, connected with the Independent short extract from this book, which will Chapel. She here became the subject of give the reader some little view of its a very "painful struggle between the earnest appeals to the mind and consci- powers of light and darkness;" in which ence; and we commend it, with the fullest the enemy appears sometimes to have approbation, to all who feel interested in gained so great an advantage as to lead its subject. And what right-minded her to relinquish prayer altogether; and man does not? It is a happy thought, that which does not appear to have terminatthe open profanation of the day of God ed, when, in 1836, she went to Paris, is becoming more and more protested in the capacity of nursery-governess in against by the Christian community; a French family. Here she found hersome of its grosser forms may possibly ere long be prohibited by law; and books like this, diffuse such views of the subject, as are likely to make public opinion

self kindly treated, but in an atmosphere so uncongenial to her religious feelings, that she felt herself compelled to decide either for the world or for God. She

chose the "better part," and speedilyrelinquished her situation; entered the Kentish Town School, as a teacher; afterwards removed to St. John's Wood, to assist in an infant school; married there in the beginning of 1840; and a fortnight afterwards, was laid on a bed of suffering, where she languished for eight months, and whence she was carried to her grave, on the twenty-first anniversary of her birth-day. Through this varied scene the memoir attends her, and takes every opportunity of inculcating the profitable lessons which it is calculated to afford. The trial of her patience was indeed severe. "Her disorder was a species of cancer. Her medical attendant, who treated her with unremitted kindness, has said to us I never witnessed such sufferings, although I have seen a great deal. It depresses myspirits whenever I go there.' And as he had never witnessed such

suffering, so he frequently said, he had never witnessed such patience." (p. 49.) Faith, humility and sincerity, were also admirably exemplified in her conduct; bu for these and other particu lars, we must refer to the work itself, which is not only able and concise, but is delightfully pervaded by a sympathizing spirit of Christian kindness. The language is particularly correct, and unusual attention has been paid to that ill-understood and much-neglected department of composition-the punctuation. The two Addresses, with which the work concludes, prompt a wish for a volume of addresses for Sunday Schools

the contest which is there maintained between the powers of heaven and of hell; where a mortal dares to lift a feeble arm against the Omnipotent; and where, for a time, the rebellion is allowed to be apparently successful.

In such a state of things, few volumes of equal interest with the present, could be offered to the sympathising Christian public. After a general sketch of the island— historical, political and soclal-the authors proceed to state the operations of the London Missionary Society there, from the commencement of the Mission in 1818, to its suspension in 1835, together with the eventful history of the native converts, since that time; the martyrdom of some, the persecution of all, and the escape of six, who have found refuge in England. The portraits of the latter are given in the frontispiece; and the title-page gives a representation of a martyrdom.

The following is a striking exemplication of the notions entertained by the inhabitants withrespect to a future life :

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"The natives have an idea, that there called Ambondromhe, where all is a place somewhere in the country decesaed are assembled, and where all are again exactly what they were before they died, and all pursue the same favourite employments they followed while living and possess the actual property they had previously enjoyed. A curious illustration of this notion took place some time since. An elderly man, anxious to make sure of the ceremony called manao afana (which is always made after death) from the same experienced pen. The being performed for him, determined on Introduction, by the Rev. Henry Town-seeing it done before his 'death. Cattle

ley, is at once characteristic of the author and worthy of him.

John Snow, 35, Paternoster Row. A NARRATIVE of the PERSECUTION of the CHRISTIANS in MADAGASCAR; with Details of the Six Christian Refugees now in England. By J. J. FREEMAN and D. JOHNS, formerly Missionaries in the Island.

IT had been thought that the martyr's roll was fully and completely made up; that their sufferings were to be classed with other fearful records of by-gone days, and that no further accessions to their "noble army" were to be expected. But recent events in Madagascar have awakened the Christian world from this complacent dream and compel it to look on, with mingled sorrow and dismay, at

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on occasions of this ceremony, killed, as a kind of peace-offering and farewell to the departed; and they are supposed to go to the departed in Ambondrombe. The old gentleman killed about thirty head of cattle; and was much praised for his sagacity, by those who shared the meat he had so liberally distributed. Another native, who had stood by, and overheard the people lavish in their praises, began to question the wisdom of the scheme, after all. have killed the cattle, certainly,' said he ; and they are gone, you suppose, await you in Ambondrombe; but who will take care of them there for you?" 'Why, as to that,' said he, it did not occur to me. However, I am on the right side still. Three of my slaves died lately; and they will know them, and

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take charge of them.' I question that,' said his incredulous friend; 'did you tell them what you meant to do, so that they might expect them?' 'No,' said he, I had not made up my mind then on the business.' Then,' said his friend, 'see what trouble they will be in! Your cattle arrive; and, as it is quite a new thing to make the afana before death, of which they never heard, they will conclude you also have come. They will go wandering about in search of you, all over the place; and, not finding you, they will conclude you have lost your way; and, to save themselves trouble, they will give away your cattle; and you will never be able to get them again.' The poor man was aghast; and could make no reply to the reasoning. Our friend, who so puzzled him, had been a believer in the Scriptures; and took out his New Testament, and read to him the resurrection of Lazarus; explained the Scripture-doctrine of the future state; and left (it is hoped) a favourable impression on the minds of many, who had collected around them during their conversation." (Pages 59 and 60.)

The blood-hounds in Madagascar are not yet sated; for, since the work concluded, several Christians have been torn to pieces, by the "tigress" who reigns there. When we add that the profits of this work are designed to support an expedition which has been sent out, to deliver other sufferers from her cruel fangs, we mention the most powerful argument that could be adduced, in aid of its circulation. We are happy to find, that the latter has already exceeded five thousand.

THE CHRISTIAN ATONEMENT. By the Rev. JOSEPH GILBERT. William Ball, Aldine Chambers, Paternoster Row. THE third annual series of the "Congregational Lecture," was devoted to the discussion (by the judicious and talented author before us) of that master-doctrine of the Christian scheme the atonement. The Lectures were nine in number; and the following were the subjects:-1. Distinctions in Divine Operations and Government. 2. Moral Relation between God and Man. 3. Preliminary Objections to the doctrine of Moral Substitution. 4. Nature and Ground of Moral Administration. 5. Specific Principles connected with Moral Administration. 6. Function and bearing of Substitution. 7. Qualities essential to a

valid Substitution. 8. Summary of Objections and Answers. 9. Practical Application of the Doctrine. In transferring the work from the lecture-room to the press, the author has greatly added to its interest and value, by appending sixty closely printed pages of notes and illustrations; which speak very favourably of the author's learning and research. An index to these notes would be of great service; more especially as their subjects are not enumerated in the table of contents.

When the author arrives at the "Practical Application" of his subject, he adorns it with many passages of great force and beauty. The following is one of them :

"How does every thing connected with this subject cry out to us- Beware, lest ye fail of the grace of God! If, for the support of His righteous throne, He spared not His Son-if He gave Him up, that He might have righteous power to save the miserable-what hope of escape can there be to those, who, even to the last moment, have slighted mercy so stupendous? Can justice sleep for ever? Can heaven admit the hardened -the contemptuous traitor? Shall the pure abodes of angels be tainted with the despisers of mercy? Shall the 'blood of the covenant' to the last be trampled under foot,' without uttering a cry which must enter into the ears of the Almighty? Vain will then be the appeals of the recreant! The gates of blessedness, with all their massive bars, must be for ever closed against such a pest.

·

"But fear not ye, who flee for refuge to the hope set before you;' fear not ye, of whom the Judge will be that Jesus, whom though now ye see Him not, yet,' though unseen, 'ye love.' He that bought you-whose you are-whom, amidst whatever depressing infirmities, whatever strife against sin, whatever temptations and worldly cares, and interchanges of fear and hope, it is your fixed endeavour to serve He will not fail to acknowledge you as His own, to receive you into everlasting habitations, to wipe away' your tears,' to 'lead' you to fountains' of 'living' joy, and to dwell amongst you in His eternal temple for ever. To Him, by better tongues than ours, be ascribed the glory, the wisdom, the power, the might, and the dominion, which by right are His!" Congregational Lecture" has

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already contributed several volumes, of sterling excellence, to the theological literature of the country. The present is one of them; and the subject discussed in the present year-the Christianity of the Three First Centuries (a very seasonable topic)-promises to furnish another.

THE CONVALESCENT. Twelve Letters on Recovery from Sickness. By Mrs. GILBERT.

Jackson and Walford, 18, St. Paul's Churchyard. THIS welcome little volume brings before us a friend of our childhood-the Ann of "Hymns for Infant Minds," and "Original Poems." We rejoice in the fact, that this amiable member of a gifted family devotes her matured powers to the best interests of "children of a larger growth;" and the present volume, which addresses the reader at a season at once favourable and perilous, is calculated to be of great service-in strengthening the weak, in deciding the undetermined, and in carrying out, to a full and favourable termination, resolutions made in sickness, but too frequently broken in health. "There is no change -no permanent benefit! The hail, and the rain, and the thunders have ceased; but the heart is unbroken, unmelted, unsubdued !"

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The work consists of twelve letters in which every form of warning, admonition, and affectionate entreaty, is by turns essayed, in a strenuous endeavour to 66 save some." Procrastination, which Dr. Young has so expressly designated "the thief of time," is one of the most powerful and persuasive enemies to be contended with; and the following is one of the weapons with which he is opposed "What is it that holds you back? 'Taste and see' for yourself, 'that the Lord is good;' and that blessed are all they who put their trust in Him.' Did you ever try to imagine the happiness resulting from a sense of pardon? There is within your reach, even yours, that 'peace of God which passeth all understanding; a sweet composure of the spirit; a hush of tumultuous passsions and cares; the enjoyment that flows, like Æolian music, from a harmony of the affections; love, the spring of everlasting delight, insinuating its sweetness into all the exercises of the soul; the fear of dying-that constant, depressing anxiety, which lies (like a shroud) over

all the possessions of time, and which, by only a thought, can wither and poison them all-this fear of dying taken away; no condemnation, now to be dreaded; God your friend! God your friend! And this is to be 'in Christ Jesus!' This is religion!"-(Pages 72 and 73.)

May a blessing from on high rest on the earnest and affectionate appeals of this little work; and may the Author and many a reader hereafter rejoice together!

A NEW AND COMPLETE CONCORDANCE TO THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. On the basis of Cruden's. With a preface by the Rev. DAVID KING, Minister of Greyfriars' Church, Glasgow:

John Symington and Co., Glasgow. THOSE Who, like ourselves, have frequent occasion to consult a Concordance, will know the value of a good one. None of those hitherto published, have exhibited anything like completeness; for, even in the case of Cruden's, we may sometimes have to consult half-a-dozen places, before we can find the particular passage of which we are in quest. All this involves a serious loss of time. The best concordance would be that which furnished a reference to every passage, under the head of any and every word it contains; but the great objection to this arrangement, would be the unwieldy bulk of the volume. The next best plan is to designate every passage by its principal words-leaving out those of minor importance; and this is the plan adopted in the present volume :

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Abbreviations have been made, not only by the erasure of superfluous references, but also by omitting explanations of words (as being more appopriate to a dictionary than a concordance); by contracting quotations, while careful not to obscure them; and by wholly excluding the Concordance to the Apocrypha."

The result is a volume very portable in its dimensions, very distinct in its references, and destined (we have no doubt) to supersede most of those hitherto employed. Under the head of

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seen, passively," are inserted one or two passages like the following; in which "seen" is used actively.

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Whom, having not seen, ye love." If grammatical distinctions were to be introduced at all, particular care should have been taken to ensure correctness; for a false guide is worse than none.

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