family connections; when he made a frank confession, and told him, that he was born of praying parents, related the manner in which he was brought up, his association with two young men of deistical principles, his leaving home, and the life that he had led since that time. This confession was made with sighing and weeping. The captain gave him suitable instructions, and directed him to the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." In a few days after this, Jack "found him of whom Moses in the law and the Prophets did write," to the joy of his soul. What a happy circumstance! The soul of a prodigal restored-the soul of an infidel saved-the soul of a sailor, on the bosom of the deep, converted from the error of his ways! This event would give joy to angels; "for there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth! Old things passed away, and all things became new. Jack was a new creature in Christ Jesus. He often talked with the captain, in a very feeling manner, of his parents, wondering whether they were dead or alive, as he had not heard of them for more than six years; and wished to be at liberty as soon as the ship arrived, that he might return to his father's house. This request was readily granted by the pious captain; for on his arrival in Liverpool, Jack was permitted to go home. On his way, his mind was variously exercised; sometimes his spirit rejoiced in him, at the thought, that in a short time, he should communicate to his distressed parents the pleasing intelligence of his conversion to God; anon, his mind was greatly depressed, lest on arriving at the destined spot, he should be under the painful necessity of dropping the unavailing tear over their mouldering ashes. At the close of the second day's journey, he arrived at the place of his nativity. On entering the village, he inquired of an old man who was crossing the road, if such a person lived at the high end; on receiving an answer in the aflirmative, his heart leaped for joy. He thought within himself, he would knock at the door, and see if they could recognize him. On approaching the house, he heard the voice of devotion:it was his father at prayer. He listened; and among other petitions, heard the following:-" O Lord! thou knowest where he is, who is near and dear unto us, if alive, follow him with the strivings of thy Spirit; and may it please thee to restore the prodigal again to his father's house." Jack could no longer forbear; he knocked at the door;-his affectionate mother appeared, he threw his arms about her neck and kissed her: his father, rising from his knees, embraced his long-lost child; and with inexpressible feelings of pleasure, exclaimed, "This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." All were suffused with tears; and every countenance bespoke the inward emotions of the heart." At the close of his narrative, Mr. Jackson gives some excellent admonitions-to the Public-to the Supporters of Seamen's Friend Societies-to Captains of Ships to Christian Parents-to Sailors and to Ministers. The Author is happy to observe, that, since these Lectures and Discourses were first published, other works, having the same object, have made their appear. ance. Of these, the most useful, perhaps, are; SEA SERMONS (12 in number), by the Rev. George Burder, re-published by the Religious Tract Society, at only 1s; and, THE BETHEL FLAG, containing 23 Sermons to Seamen, by the Rev. Robert Philip; also a neat and cheap Volume. Within these few months, another vol ume of DISCOURSES TO SEAMEN has appeared; and will be found highly interesting, as coming from the pen of the Rev. William Scoresby, F. R. S., &c., &c., formerly a Greenland Captain. To secure for this volume an extensive circulation, it also will require to be republished in a cheap form; the present price (68.) being too high for the pockets of most Seamen. The same remark applies to those excellent works of the Rev. R. Marks, formerly an Officer in the Navy; THE RETROSPECT, THE OCEAN, and MORNING MEDITATIONS; which, though not so much adapted to be read in public worship, appear eminently calculated to assist Seamen in their private devotions. It is gratifying to find, that while there is such an increase of spiritual food for Seamen, there is a corresponding increase of their appetite for such provision. Within the last twelve years, the number of praying Seamen and devout Captains has vastly increased; and consequently, the practice of having divine service on board every Lord's day, has become far more general. May the practice, not only of weekly, but daily worship, continue to grow and abound, till every ship that crosses the seas, be like a floating temple, consecrated to the honour of God, and enriched with the blessings of his grace ! Whitby, Dec., 1831. LECTURES ON THE BOOK OF JONAH. LECTURE I. INTRODUCTION.-JONAH'S COMMISSION AND FLIGHT. Chap. I. 1-3. THE book of Jonah, though numbered with the prophetical books, does not exhibit the same character, being more properly a history than a prophecy. It is not composed of visions and revelations concerning things to come, nor of predictions and exhortations. intermingled, as we find in the writings of the other prophets; but presents a simple narrative of a portion of Jonah's life and ministry. This part of his history, is more interesting to the church, than creditable to himself; and, as it appears to have been written with his own hand, we have here an instance of the faithfulness of the sacred penmen, who, being guided by the Spirit of God, and not by their own spirit, record their own sins, without attempting to extenuate their B |