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about the year 1610 till 1700, Vol. II. By Joseph Ivimey. Button and Son, 13s.

It is natural to feel a wish to be acquainted with those who in former ages have been like-minded with us in the great concern of religion. This feeling is not confined to our own denomination: we wish to be acquainted with the leading characters who have served the Lord in former periods, and in whatever name they have passed among men; and perceiving in them the spirit of Christ, our hearts will be so united to them, as, in a manner, to forget the shades of difference between

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tered in view of the solemn realities of cternity. This wish has often recurred to me, since his departure; as equally applicable to myself; and with it the resolution of that holy man, President Edwards-so to live as he could wish he had, nhen he came to die. In reviewing my owu life, I wish I had prayed more than I have for the success of the gospel. I have seen enough to furnish me with matter of thankfulness; but had I prayed more, I might have seen more. I wish I had prayed more than I have for the salvation of those about me, and who are given me in charge. When the father of the lunatic child doubted whether Jesus could do any thing for him, he But while our attention is directed was told in answer, that if he could be to godly men of other denominations, lieve, all things were possible. On it were unnatural to overlook those of hearing this, he burst into tears, saying, our own; especially since it is known Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief. to have been the too common practice He seems to have understood our Lord of historical and biographical writers, as suggesting, that if the child was not to blacken their memory with abuse, healed, it would not be owing to any or to treat them with neglect; or, if want of power in him, but to his own they mention them with respect, to unbelief. This might well cause him conceal their denomination. to weep, and exclaim as he did. The thought of his unbelief causing the death of the child was distressing. The same thought has occurred to me as applicable to the neglect of the praycr of faith. Have I not, by this guilty negligence, been accessory to the destruction of some that are dear to me; and were I equally concerned for the souls of my connexions, as he was for the life of his child; should I not weep with him? I wish I had prayed more than I have for my own soul; I might then have enjoyed much more communion with God. The gospel affords the same ground for spiritual enjoyment as it did in the first Christians. I wish I had prayed more than I have in all my undertakings; I might then have had my steps more directed by God, and attended with fewer deviations from his will. It is thus that we walk with God, and have our conversation in heaven."

The History of the English Baptists: containing Biographical Sketches and Notices of above three hundred Ministers, and Historical Accounts, alphabetically arranged, of one hundred and thirty Churches, in the different Counties in England: from

We have read this second volume of Mr. Ivimey's History with much interest, and feel really obliged to him for having collected the scattered accounts of these our worthies into a Volume, that we and our families may be better acquainted with the men and their communications.

In looking over the accounts of them, we may see defects and blcmishes, but we shall also see examples, which it will be our honour to imitate.

We heartily recommend the work, and hope the author will be enabled to accomplish his design of giving us a third volume, "comprising the events of the Baptist denomination from the beginning of the eighteenth century, to the close of the reign of George the second."

The cause of God and Truth, in four Parts, with a Vindication of the fourth part, in answer to Mr. H. Heywood, by J. Gill, D. D. a new edition, 2 vols Hardcastle. 11. 48.

As a polemical writer, Dr. Gill occupies a place in the first rank of Theological Authors. The work now reprinted is one of the most interesting that came from his pen. It was originally published in four parts, in the years, 1735—8.

In part I, the passages of scripture supposed to favour the Arminian System are examined, and the alleged texts are explained in full consistency with the principles of Calvin.

In part II, the evidence of scripture in favour of the Calvinistic doctrines is brought forward, and its orthodox interpretation cleared from the objections of the Arminians.

In part III, the arguments derived from a rational view of this controversy are considered; and the system of Calvin distinguished from that of Philosophical Necessity.

In part IV, the sentiments of the Ancient Fathers, on these subjects, are placed before the reader, and an answer to some objections by a Mr. Heywood is subjoined.

The character of Dr. Gill's writings is too well established to require any eulogy on our part.

The editor of this new Edition of a valuable and important work, in which the Author displayed his accustomed acumen, enriched by abundant stores, obtained by indefatigable research, observes, that-The present state of the British Churches being considered-Some having adopted such views of the Gospel as exclude one object of the Saviour's advent, to magnify the law, and make it honourable, and one object of apostolic ministrations, to establish the law, and others, perhaps revolting with abhorrence from such an abuse of the doctrine of Grace, are suspected of leaning towards a legal covenant, manifest ing a tendency to seek justification, as it were, by the works of the law this work will be found peculiarly adapted to serve the cause of truth and righteousness, under existing circumstances."

A Word in Season, on the Nature and Effects of Sunday Schools, &c. price 6d.

"An enemy hath done this"-but, as in some cases we are more obliged to foes than to friends, it may be read by the teachers and managers of Sunday Schools, with advantage. When a man overloads his piece, it recoils, and wounds himself.

The Sunday School Teacher's Assist ant in the Work of Religious Instruction, to which is added, An

Account of a Sunday School Libra ry, on a Plan entirely new. Bartlett and Newman, Oxford. 12mo. pp. 36. 9d.

The talent of instilling into the tender mind the first principles of our holy religion in language both simple and impressive, and with a manner at once dignified and conciliating, although of inestimable value, has not, till of late years, been so generally, or so assiduously cultivated, as its high importance and utility merited. We rejoice in the present extensive establishment of Sunday Schools, and the increased exertions which are made to enrich and impress the opening mind with religious truth. With lively pleasure we contemplate, also, the unprecedented number of those who voluntarily assume the character of teachers; but we must be allowed to express our fervent wish, that all, and especially the young, may go forth to their labour of love, not only greatly concerned, but in a good degree qualified, to answer the end proposed—or, atleast, studying to become workmen who need not be ashamed.

Many laudable and judicious attempts have been made to assist the teachers of sunday schools, "in the work of religious instruction," which is at once the most important and most difficult part of their office. Such is the immediate object of the work now before us, and we hesitate not to say, it is well calculated to promote it. The former part of the tract, indeed, which, (as we are informed by the advertisement prefixed,) was first published at Edinburgh, in the year 1800, and is now merely reprinted under a different title, is well known and highly esteemed among many of the friends of sunday schools. We shall therefore only say, that we wish it universally known, and the conduct it describes universally imitated. We strongly recommend its frequent perusal to all who would enter a sunday school prepared for their work; and more especially to those whom diffidence may deter, or difficulties discourage from attempting to impart religious instruction.

The plan of the Sunday School Library, detailed in the latter part of the present tract, appears to be simple and judicious; by no means difficult of execution, yet well calculated to inspire children with a love of reading,

and a desire to understand. Though not perhaps," entirely new," it is, we believe, but little known; and we feel indebted to those who now, for the first time, present it to the public. We recommend it with the greater confidence, because we know, that, in the few instances in which similar plans have been acted upon, the good effects which have resulted, afford ample encouragement for its general adoption. The description, though brief, is lucid, and well illustrated by an explanatory table; so that the plans, as here given, may be easily carried into effect, without any additional information, while experience will probably suggest continual improvements. ་

A Sermon preached before the Church Missionary Society for Africa and the East, on occasion of the departure of John Christopher Sperrhacken, and the Rev. John Henry Schulze, as Missionaries to the western Coast of Africa, &c. by Daniel Wilson, M. A. Seely and Hatchard.

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This is, in every view, a highly respectable sermon. The text, happily chosen, is Isa. Ixii. 6, 7. 'I have set watchmen on thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night, &c." The preacher notices 1. "The great event to which we are encouraged to look forward-the establishment and glory of the church. 2. The means by which this event will be accomplished-the raising up men of fervent piety to enter on the high work of propagating the gospel, whilst the church generally assists and animates them by her exhortations and prayers." These two points are discussed with great ability, and powerfully applied to the occasion. One short extract will induce many of our readers, we trust, to peruse the whole.

Having adverted to the Reformation, the author inquires "What have been the effects of two hundred and fifty years of evangelical doctrine? Look at EUROPE itself, the seat of this great blessing. Are not the fairest portions of Christendom still, in the nineteenth century, adhering to the papal apostacy? It is an astounding fact, that perhaps more than one half of all those who bear the Christian name, are Roman-catholics. Turn

your eye to Africa. Where are now the churches in which Cyprian and Augustine taught? The pale crescent of Mahomet has cursed the regions where the sun of righteousness once shone! In the EAST, what is the condition of Arabia, Persia, the far largest part of Hindostan, and Southern India, the Malayan Archipelago, the immense regions of China; to say nothing of the lesser Asia, Palestine, and the rest of Syria? If we turn to the NEW WORLD, what is the state of the American continents? what is the whole of South America but one dark spot; scarcely relieved by the faint illumination of a Christianity debased by Popish superstition? I ask, is the church a praise in the earth?" p. 7.

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A Letter to his Excellency the Prince Talleyrand Perigord, &c. &c. &c. on the Subject of the Slave Trade. By W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. Hatchard.

It is no mean praise to say that this pamphlet is worthy of the subject and worthy of the author. The subject is one of the greatest interest at this moment; viz, the Abolition of the Slave Trade; and the author is an illustrious philanthropist, whose fame is already diffused through every quarter of the globe. He is completely master of his subject, and writes out of the fulness of his heart. We cannot but earnestly wish that this letter may be read in every part of France, in particular, and we think no Englishman should visit that country without taking pains to promote the circulation of it. If the French translation of it bear any considerable likeness to the spirit of the original, we think it must prodace a powerful impression. Most of the extracts in the appendix, which contains his authorities, are eminently curious and entertaining.

It is remarkable that several of the most distinguished luminaries of the church, in the first four centuries, adorned the provinces of AFRICA. Tertullian and Cyprian of Carthage; Clemens, Origen, and Athanasius, of Alexandria; and Augustine of Hippo; are names familiar to every reader, who is at all conversant with ecclesiastical antiquity. All these were burning and shining lights in their day. Dr. Adam Clarke, in his Bibliographical Diction

ary, (on what authority we know not,) tells us that Cyprian as well as Tertullian, was a strait-haired Black. May the time soon come, when Africa shall rejoice in the liberty of the sons of God. If the Son of God shall make them free, they will be free indeed!

Report of the London Society, for the encouragement of faithful female Servants. Instituted, 1813. With the Rules, List of Subscribers, &c. Hatchard, &c. price, 6d.

This is an interesting Report, and the object of the Society, which is particularly stated in it, and which is summarily comprehended in the following extract, is truly laudable.

"To excite, where it is not, and to cherish, where it already exists, mutual tenderness, good-will, and confidence, among the superior and subordinate branches of a family: thereby to induce servants to view their employers as their friends, and to continue as long as possible in the same service"

A gratuitious Registry is opened at No. 71, Hatton Garden. Since the commencement of the Registry in the beginning of 1814, to the 12th of April; 179 servants have been gratuitiously registered; 16 of these have lived from 10 to 19 years each, in one situation, respectively-125 of them have lived from 2 to 10 years. &c. Three thousand copies of a tract, entitled, Friendly hints to Female Servants," have been printed, which are sold for extensive distribution, at the low price of 3s. 6d. per dozen.

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Treasurer, Samuel Tomkins, Esq. 76, Lombard Street. Secretary, (gratis) Rev. H. G. Watkins, M. A. The Committee, Rev. W. Gurney, Rev. Dr. Collyer, Rev. G. Clayton, Rev. Dr. Pye Smith, and other highly respectable names for further information, we must refer our Readers to the Report itself, which we cordially recommend to their attention.

Religious Books recently published.

1. Review of Dr. Brown's History of the Propagation of Christianity among the fleathen, since the Refor

mation; from the Edinburgh Christian Instructor, for October and November, 1814, containing brief Sketches of the Moravian, Baptist, and London Missionary Societies; with strictures on the Review of the same work in the "Evangelical Magazine," for August, 1814.

2. Studies in History, Vol. II, containing the History of Rome, from its earliest records, to the Death of Constantine, in a series of Essays, with Reflections, &c. by Thomas Morell, St. Neots, Svo. 10s. 6d. boards.

3. Messiah, a Poem in Twenty-eight. Books, by Joseph Cuttle, handsomely printed in one volume, royal octavo. 11. 1s.

5. Dr. Gill's Body of Divinity, in one handsomely printed Volume, Quarto, price, 35s. boards.

THEOLOGICAL NOTICES.

Information of works in hand from Theological Writers will be inserted under this article.

In a few days will be published, a brief view of the Baptist Missionary Society, and of the Translations and Printing the Scriptures at Serampore: with specimens of various Languages, in which the Scriptures are Printing at the Mission Press, accompanied with maps, compiled from the printed accounts of the Baptist Missionary Society.

In the Press, and will be published with all convenient speed; Introductory and Occasional Lectures, to young men, intending for the holy Ministry, by Professor Bruce, Whitburn. Also, by the same Anthor, Discourses on Evangelical and Practical Subjects, with some occasional addresses, to be continued in five or six Numbers.

Dr. W. B. Collyer commenced on Wednesday Evening, December 21st. at Salters' Hall, London, a course of Lectures on the " Scripture Parables:" these will be put to press immediately, and when published will form the Fourth Volume of Dr. Collyer's Lectures.

There will soon be printed in Glasgow, a Selection of the most valuable Religious Letters of the Rev. James Hervey, late of Weston Favel, auther of Theron and Aspasio, &c.

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MISSIONARY RETROSPECT, AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCÉ.

BAPTIST MISSION.

Extracts from the Journal of Mr. John Peter, a Missionary in Orissa.

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1813. Sept. 1. Two sipahees, who heard me yesterday in the market, came this day for the sungskrit testament. I gave them one, assuring them that it contained words whereby the soul might be saved. 5th. (Lord's day) preached twice. In the evening from I, even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions, for mine own sake." &c. Six of us then partook of the Lord's Supper. In the forenoon, Kaverl Singha, one of the above sipahees, came with another brahmun, and requested that the Sungskrit testament might be explained to him. I took the Bengalee and from that explained to him, while he compared the Sungskrit with it. He acknowledged he had been a great sinner ever since he had been in the army. He asked, "How shall I be saved?" I held up Christ to him, and then sung and explained a Bengalee hymn, and concluded in prayer in Hindoost'hanee. 6th. In conversing with some Ooriyas, near the creek, one of them said, "We have Rama and Govinda, the repetition of whose names, only once procures the pardon of thousands of sins." I endeavoured to shew them the error they were in, and held up to them the true character of Rama and Khristna. On hearing this, some were offended, and retired, exclaiming, "Radha Khristna! Radha Khristna!" Others said, Upon what name shall we call? Upon the name of Jesus Christ. They pleaded they could not understand this name. In the evening we had our monthly prayer meeting. 8th. Some days ago a viragee came to me, who declared he knew no God but his belly and Rama. To-day I saw him in a most deplorable state; he had been very corpulent, but was now reduced almost to skin and bone. His countenance was so altered, I was not able at first to know him; and he was further disfigured by a wound in his throat, having attempted to put an end to his own life. He said it was better to die, than to suffer by sick

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ness. He had the dysentery. I asked him "Where is Rama now?" He said he did not know. I intreated him to believe in Jesus, and he should be saved. He paid but little attention to this, but asked for medicine and clothes to cover his nakedness. I still urged him to think of his danger as a sinner sinking into misery. After some time he began to call on Jesus in Hindoost'hance, 66 Lord Jesus Christ, Saviour of men, have mercy upon me, and pardon my sins." I was sorry I could not take him to my house and give him medicine; I gave him a few annas to buy him a garment; and intreated him not to destroy himself, but wait till God had separated soul and body. He declared he would drown himself. Alas! what will become of this poor creature, if he do not lay hold of the Saviour, he is inevitably lost. 11th. Spoke of one God and one Saviour to a viragee, who informed me that the sick viragee was dead, and that his body had been thrown into the river. 13th. 1 hear that the sipahce continues to read the Sungskrit testament.

From Mr. W. Carey to Dr. Carey. Cutua, Dec. 9, 1813.

Very dear father,

I am glad to hear of the wish of Jabez to engage in the work of the Lord. I shall be very glad to hear what the brethren have decided about Amboyna: I have been thinking a good deal of late about it.

I should have taken a journey to Lakra-koonda some time ago, but the least exposure to the night air brings on my cough, which has prevented my going to a distance.

Last week a jackal bit about forty persons at Dewan-gunj, of which number, I hear that six are already dead. Two nights ago, a mad jackal bit eighteen persons in Cutwa, and then came to our garden, and bit a person who was once a member of the church; he caught the jackal, and I killed it; but I fear the poor man will not live.

Yours, affectionately,

W. CAREY, junr.

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