her ear the day before her exit,< to-morrow you will be brought home dead,' how solemn, how overwhelming, would have been her feelings! What an anxious desire would it have excited, at every interval of sober thought, to be ready for the fatal stroke! But it was not to be! The wisdom of God has concealed futurity from our view, and all that is before us is wrapt up in obscurity and darkness. Memoir. It should be a warning to the young. It should awaken to serious thought such as are presuming upon future life. It should show us the uncertainty of every earthly good. It should teach parents and children to be on those terms with one ano ther, in the fulfilment of every relative obligation, that they may be ready to part in any place and at any moment. It should increase in every mind the anxiety to be prepared for the life to come. It should render the world less attracting, religion more interesting,-Christ more precious, and the salvation of the soul more important in our view. O could those lips, which are now sealed in silence, be opened once more to address but a few MR. THOMAS TURLAND. MR. Thomas Turland was born at Bugbrook in Northamptonshire. His parents were respectable and moral, bits of sobriety and industry, in the and trained their children up in haprinciples of the established church, attached in early life. to which Mr. Turland was firmly rious impressions arose from hearing His first sea sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. lervey, at Collingtree near Northampton. From this time he became dissatisfied with mere moral preach To improve this event in a few words, so that it may be productive of some good to those who survive her, is the only thing that remains in this solemn and yet consolinging, being convinced that he needed a better righteousness than his own; and so powerfully was this truth impressed on his mind, that, Northwhere the gospel was preached, he ampton being the nearest place became a hearer of the late Mr. Ryland, which exposed him to much ridicule and persecution from the the only person of the village who inhabitants of Bugbrook, as he was dissented from the church. He also fully expected that his attendance loss of his farm, which was rented of at Northampton would lead to the realized. The preaching at Northa clergyman; but his fears were not his mind; and for many of the pious ampton was suited to the state of But at this time he had great objechearers he felt a Christian affection. tions to their practice of baptism by immersion, and pitied them as misshort sentences to those who survive her, what can we suppose would so taken in this particular. A sermon readily flow from them as sentences preached on the subject at Clipand sentiments like these, Fool-ston, by the late Mr. Fuller, was the ish people, to be so absorbed in the means of removing his objections, trifling cares and pleasures of such and convinced him that believers' a world as this! O could you but baptism was a gospel ordinanec, see what I have seen, and feel what Soon after this he was baptized at and an important Christian duty. 1 have felt, you would forget every Northampton, and became a mem thing else! O delay not the import-ber of the church under the pastoral ant concerns of your soul till it be foo late! Listen to the invitations of Divine mercy. Acquaint yourselves with Christ and be at peace. And you, my young friends in particular, let religion be the joy of your heart, the business of your life.'-But her lips shall no more utter a sound! It is for us to profit by the silence, while we adore the hand that has closed them for ever. Saffron Walden. J. W. care of the present Dr. Ryland. From this time to his death, Mr. Turland's house was open to good felt a peculiar solicitude for the salvation of his neighbours, he, with much difficulty, obtained a license for preaching in a house at Bugbrook. Many ministers, who are no more, and many who are yet living, favoured Bugbrook with their la men of ali denominations; and as he bours; nor was their preaching in had once been his neighbours. The vain. Many were awakened, and journey was about thirty miles, in this Mr. Turland's heart rejoiced. which he performed with ease on He was eminently qualified for con- horseback; but shortly after his arversing with the inhabitants of the rival, he was taken ill; and medical village on their, eternal concerus, advice was immediately called in and had much reason to believe by the family he came to serve. that his conversation was owned of The means used seemed to have the God for the salvation of many, who desired effect: so that next morndied rejoicing in hope. He had the ing he appeared better, and underhonour and satisfaction of introduc- took to return home to Bugbrook, ing the gospel to Bugbrook, and an which he accomplished better than adjacent village called Grimscott. he feared. He reached his own At the former a church is raised, of | house early on the evening of Wedwhich he was Deacon: at the latter, nesday, February 3, and, though a house is licensed, at which a Sab- unwell, was remarkably cheerful. bath evening lecture is preached, A friend had called at his house and well attended. The piety of our that evening, in her way to Newportdeparted friend was simple and mo- Pagnel, to visit an afflicted sister, dest, manifesting itself by acquaint- who, Mr. Turland thought, would ance, rather than discovering itself be in glory before her arrival there. to every beholder. He had a deep He endeavoured, in the most tender sense of depravity, and a humble and Christian manner, to prepare dependence on Christ for salvation. her mind for the event, observing The last conversation the writer had the impropriety of excessive sorrow with him was on death, though heat the removal of so pious a person. was then in health. Speaking of his own dissolution, he said, "I shall come as a poor sinner to Jesus Christ, as at the first moment I believed." He repeated the words of Watts, "A guilty, weak, and helpless worm, On thy kind arms I fall." On her arrival at Newport, she found, as Mr. T. had suggested, that her sister was no more. He then retired to bed, and slept comfortably through the night; and in the morning felt himself better, and proposed getting up to breakfast. But the All-wise Disposer of events had otherwise determined; for in the act of dressing, he fell asleep in Jesus. He reckoned it one of the greatest honours of his life to be employed in supporting the cause of Christ. His death was lamented by all the He truly honoured the Lord with bis inhabitants of the village, who were substance; few cases were pre- convinced that they had lost one sented to him without success. And who sought its welfare. The poor though he occupied a large farm, have lost a benefactor; and they and was quite a man of business, who had the privilege of an intimate yet he generally found time to at- acquaintance with him, have lost a tend on all the meetings of Christians in the neighbourhood, which The church of which he was a memsteady, faithful, and judicious friend. had for their end the promotion of ber and an officer, has lost one, the the cause of Christ. Even in har-study of whose life it was to promote vest, his business was, in his estima- its prosperity. His remains were tion, an insufficient excuse for non- deposited in the burying-ground beattendance. He remarked, that bu- longing to the Baptist Chapel at siness always prospered most when Bugbrook, February 10, 1819, and a we were the most regular and punc-funeral sermon was preached on the tual in obedience to God. He was following Lord's-day, to a crowded a man universally respected, and and deeply-affected audience, from often employed as trust for widows Psalm cxvi. 15; “Precious in the and orphaus, being skilful in settling sight of the Lord is the death of his the affairs of families. His last saints." journey was on this business, on behalf of a bereaved family, who Bugbrock. J. W. MRS. ESTHER SAUNDERS. MRS. Esther Saunders was born at Havant, in the county of Hants, 1745. She was the fourth daughter of Mr. John Poore, a respectable grocer of that place, whose desire it was to train up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Her mother died before the children conld estimate her value, and her father married again. A pious uncle, named Benham, who resided at Whitchurch, offering to receive one of the children, it was for some time concluded that the eldest should be sent; but Esther was the favoured child, whom Mr. B. took under his kind protection when she was but seven years of age. Here she enjoyed the advantages of a religious education, and, by her attention and good conduct, gained the affection of her anut. She regularly attended, with her relatives, the ministry of the highly-esteemed Mr. Charles Cole, pastor of the Baptist Church in that place upwards of fifty years. This servant of God was the honoured instrument of her conversion when she was about twenty years of age. His spirit some years ago winged its flight to glory, The recollection of his name and character was precious to Mrs. S. on her dying bed. About the age of twenty-two she made an open profession of her faith, and of her love to God, by baptism. Before she had completed her twenty-third year, she was married to Mr. Joseph Saunders. They were united in the ties of conjugal affection and Christian love for fiftythree years; during which time they lived in many different places, where they assisted and built up churches, and devoted their time and property to the service of God, and the advancement of his kingdom. Many persons in easy circumstances are forgetful of the hand that bestows their temporal blessings, and possessing every comfort this world can afford, do not recollect the distressed and indigent; but this was not the case with Mrs. S. Her generosity, (according to ber means,) was very great, and her extensive charities testified ber gra titude to the bountiful Giver. When sitting by a cheerful fireside in the gloom of winter, she reflected, with thankfulness and humility, on her innumerable and undeserved mercies; and considering that it is not enough to say, "Be ye warmed, and be ye clothed," has sent relief to the neighbouring poor, She was uniformly humble, peaceable, and holy; retired, unambitious, and unassuming; yet a faithful, but gentle reprover. She was a mother in Israel, a nurse to young converts, the counsellor of the inexperienced, and the comforter of the afflicted. Many who are now in glory, and others who are in the road to it, have reason to bless God for her, as the instrument of their spiritual improvement. Well instructed herself, she was able to administer instruction to others. A One among the many amiable traits in her character, was an aversion to hearing her own praise. When any person mentioned her fervent piety and exemplary life, she would exclaim, "Oh! you know not what a poor creature I am;" and would lament that so high an opinion should be entertained of her. Much of her time was spent alone in meditation and prayer. When in business, she frequently mentioned her indifference about the attainment of great things in this life, and her wish to relinquish the affairs of the world; and her bereaved and afflicted partner can testify to her having manifested, for the last thirty years, an entire disregard of its pleasures or attainments. Although unincumbered with a family of her own, she generally kept one or more of her nephews or nieces, who live to regret her loss, and to pay the just tribute of their testimony to her affectionate and maternal treatment, and to her continual prayers, tears, and counsel. When she expressed affection, het language was siuccre: all her words were guided by the law of integrity. In 1815, she returned to Whitchurch, to spend her latter days there:-a town rendered dear to her from its being the place where she received her carliest impressions. Towards the year 1820, nature gra dually, and almost imperceptibly, decayed: her mansion was preparing above, and she welcomed every symptom of dissolution. The messenger Death gently approached, and she was undisturbed at his appearance. Her consolations were firm, composed, and regular; proving the reality of the assertion, "Thou wilt keep them in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on thee." On Monday, July 12, when a little revived, she said, with tears, in the presence of her afflicted husband and others, "Oh! if I recover a little, I cannot say, as many do, I will be better than ever, and never sin again. No, no, no." Then, after expressing her entire dependence on Divine help, she added, "It is my earnest desire to live more and more devoted to Christ, and that my walk may be more close with God." All were deeply affected: it was a solemn and affecting scene. When asked by her minister, if Jesus was present with, and precious to her, she answered with confidence, humility, and simplicity, "He is my Saviour." The nature of her complaint, and her constitutional calmness, prevented her from saying so much as she desired; for her spirit yearned with tender compassion over those she was leaving behind. Upon its being said to her, "It is a very great recommendation | to religion that you have enjoyed it so many years, and now find it so strong a source of consolation;" she replied, "Yes, it is indeed, and the covenant of God standeth sure; he is ever faithful to his promise." Her intellects remained unimpaired to the last, and also her senses, excepting taste for food, which she lost some time previous to her death, She was confined to her room one month and three days, suffering pain without murmuring, and breathing holy resignation and divine submission. She departed without a struggle, on Tuesday evening, August 18, 1820, surrounded by her relatives and friends. Her countenance, though bearing the impression of death, was as calm as a summer evening. Her remains were interred the Monday following; and the succeeding Sabbath evening an appropriate discourse was delivered by Mr. Philip Davies, from Rev. xiv. 12, 13. Mr. S. Bulgin of Poole, and Mr. Futcher of Longparish, (places where she had lived, and where her memory was highly respected,) preached also from the same words, and at the same time. The following texts of scripture were impressed on her mind during her illness: The redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever, Psalm xlix. 8; And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness, 2 Peter iii. 13. She is now in the enjoyment of the heavenly inheritance;— of that rest which remaineth for the people of God. Review. Memoirs of the Rev. Dan Taylor, late Pastor of the General Baptist Church in Whitechapel, London; with Extracts from his Diary, Correspondence, and unpublished Manuscripts. By Adam Taylor; with a Portrait, 8vo. Boards. Pp. 345, 7s. 6d. THIS interesting and well-written work is the production of the Author of the History of the General Bap tists, in two volumes, which was reviewed by us in the early part of last year. The history of the "New Connection" was detailed in the second volume, and in that account the subject of these Memoirs was most prominent. Though there are many parts of this volume from which we could extract matter very honourable to the character of Mr. Taylor; we "To this infirmity of age, almost unconsider that he appeared most conaroidable in the circumstances in which spicuous in his labours as a religious he was placed, may be ascribed much reformer. The minister who under- of the trouble that embittered his latter takes to reform a corrupt religious days, and caused his sun to set with less community, will require talents of effulgence. In short, he was a man, and no common kind; such a combina-imperfection clings close to the human tion of knowledge, piety, zeal, and though his intellectual powers were in a character in its most exalted forms. But, fortitude, as are seldom found in any degree debilitated, yet his moral and individual; but which are essential-religious principles retained their full 66 vigour; and, to the last, he was incapable of acting designedly contrary to what he believed to be the dictates of duty. Whatever imperfect principles he might assume, or however inconclusively he might reason from true principles, he always meant to do right; and would have from what he esteemed the will of God." We can cordially recommend this volume, as containing much profitable information; though it is probable our readers will disapprove of that part of Mr. Taylor's creed, which was opposed to the doctrines of sovereign and electing grace, and which, in our opinion, is in direct contradiction to the spirit and design of the Apostle's queries, "Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?” ly necessary for the accomplishment of such a design. To say that the late Mr. Taylor appears to have possessed these qualities in an eminent degree, is bestowing upon his memory a meed of praise, to which but few of our race have been entitled. The General Baptist Denomina-sacrificed life itself rather than deviate tion, when Mr. Taylor first joined it, had sadly degenerated from the orthodox principles of its founders; and the evangelical and burning zeal which he felt for the honour of his divine Master, and for the purity and increase of his church, was as if new wine had been put into old bottles;" which, from being incapable of extension, were soon exploded. The adherents of Matthew Caffin, and the Socinianism which he first introduced into that respectable body of Christians, were too numerous and powerful for the small remnant that still adhered to the orthodox principles of Thomas Grantham, their principal writer during the seventeenth century; and there was no alternative to be adopted by them, without sacrificing "the truth as it is in Jesus," but that of effecting a separation, of which Mr. Taylor was the principal instru ment. The extracts from the Diary and | Letters of Mr. Taylor prove him to have been a man of habitual piety and good understanding. The review of his character, by the writer of the Memoirs, is very creditable to his judgment and talents: he has accomplished what appears to have been his object, the exhibiting of his relative as a model for the imitation of other ministers. For the last seven years of his life, the biographer admits that "his mental faculties evidently failed;" and to this cause be attributes some circumstances which had exposed the subject of his Memoir to censure. He says, Defence of Baptism a Term of Communion,' in answer to the Rev. THIS elaborate and argumentative performance is divided into twelve chapters. The subject, probably, will secure more attention hereafter than it has yet obtained in our own denomination and in others. Without attempting, at present, to enter into the argument on either side, we shall give the contents of the chapters nearly in the Author's own words. servations. The second is on the StateThe first is entitled, Introductory Ob ment of the Controversy. The third examines Mr. Hall's reasonings in the second and third chapters of his Reply. This is subdivided into seven sections. The fourth is on the Connexion between the two positive Institutes; and includes five sections. The fifth is on dispensing with a Christian Ordinance. The sixth |