of each other in Christ-the communion of redeemed spirits-the holy intercourse of renewed minds-the unutterable sweetness of talking of Jesus by the way, and as the "heirs together of the grace of life," the joy of looking forward to the re-union of the glorified beyond the grave. It is from the very nature of things impossible that these elements of happiness should exist in the relation we are considering: the individuals thus united, denizens of dif ferent countries- the one an alien from the commonwealth of Israel, a stranger and a foreigner; the other, a fellowcitizen with the saints, and of the household of God." They speak different languages, are travelling opposite roads, and are journeying towards different countries. Surely we may ask, What real union and communion can exist here? But more than this. There are not merely negative, but there are positive evils resulting from such a connexion. The influences that are perpetually all exerting their power, are hostile to growth in grace, advance in sanctification, upright and holy walk with God. The temptations to inconsistency of Christian conduct are many, perpetual, and alarming. The constaut inЯuence of worldly conversation, worldly example, wordly pursuits, weakens by slow but certain degrees, the spiritual life of the soul-impairs the taste for, and lessens the enjoyments in spiritual duties-unfits the mind for communion with God, and opens the door for an almost endless train of departures. We do not aver that all these evils are realized, but we do say, that the believer so shaping his course, is fearfully exposed to them; and that he has not, or may not be overcome of them, is of the mere grace of God. The evils themselves are necessary consequences of his departure from God's word, and that he is preserved from the direst of them, is only of the covenant mercies of that God who, in the midst of all their temptations, is alone able to keep his people from falling. A child of God, passing through this vale of tears, requires all the spiritual assistance he can meet with, to urge him on his way. All the strength, the comfort, the encouragement, and all the support it is possible for him to obtain from any and every quarter, he needs to call into full exercise, in order to bear up under many and peculiar difficulties that throng his path, and would keep him from advancing. Infirmities within, and impediments without; inward corruptions, and outward trials; the strugglings of sin, and the assaults of Satan, all conspire to cast him down; and often to extort from him David's exclamation, My soul cleaveth to the dust." At such a period, how strengthening, how supporting, how encouraging, and how animating, the communion and soothings of a kindred spirit-a spirit one with himself. If it be true, and most true it is, "that as iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the countenance of a man his friend;" to a much greater degree, and in a more endearing sense, is this reciprocity experienced in the high and enduring relation we are considering. The godly husband and the godly wife are true helpmeets the one to the other. They belong to the same family, speak the same sweet language, are travelling the same happy road, and are journeying to the same blissful home. For a child of God then to unite himself to one who can be of no assistance to him in his journey, but rather a hindrance ; who, when he speaks of conflicts, cannot understand them; of burdens, cannot lighten them; of perplexities, cannot guide them; of trials, cannot share them; of sorrows, cannot soothe them, and of joys and hopes, cannot participate in them, is indeed to mark out for himself a lonely and a desolate path, which may know of no termination of its trial until it conducts him to his grave. To any who may read this paper, and who may already have taken this step-guard vigilantly against its hurtful consequences: necessary as they are, they may in a degree be greatly miti gated. Draw largely from the grace that is in Christ Jesus, treasured up for all the circumstances and the necessities of his people. Be doubly prayerful, watchful and humble; let your whole deportment be marked by the fear of God, a jealous regard for his honour, and a beautiful harmony with the high "vocation wherewith you are called;" and may God overrule the event to his 66 glory, and your real good. To others we would say, guard against unscriptural marriage, this entanglement with the world. Marry only in the Lord." "In all your ways acknowledge him." Let his word be your guide, his fear your rule, his glory your aim, and he will direct your paths through life, will sustain you in death, and conduct you safely to his heavenly kingdom. LETTER OF THE LATE REV. WILLIAM ROBY, OF MANCHESTER, Spa-fields, May 8th, 1801. MY DEAR FRIend, - I intended to have written to you some time ago, but the hurry of continued engagements prevented. If I were to give you a journal of each day's business, you would see that I have not a moment unoccupied. My employ, though always with serious friends, and generally of a religious nature, has too much bustle to be profitable. I have been, however, as comfortable in my public work as I expected; and, I hope, it has not been without profit to others. I look toward the next Wednesday evening with much fear and trembling. O remember me at the throne of grace, that I may be preserved from the fear of man, and the pride that causes this fear. It oppresses me so at seasons that I have spent almost sleepless nights, through an apprehension that I shall not be able to get through the service. My dear flock, I hope, will not forget me on this solemn occasion. I was exceedingly thankful to hear, by Mr. Hanson, that the chapel is well attended, and that the people appear to be harmonious and affectionate. I think I can truly say that their mutual attachment and edification is what I principally desire; and I trust it will be their continued prayer, and mine, that these may appear with increasing evidence. There are so many things that threaten to injure these valuable enjoyments, and we are so prone to yield to every occasion, that we have need of great circumspection; and our most attentive watchfulness is entirely ineffectual without the constant supplies of Divine influence. our May the sensible persuasion of this be powerfully impressed upon hearts, keeping us habitually dependent on God for the blessing. Whilst we preserve this cautious and dependent temper, we are on safe ground. The hope that is founded exclusively on Him shall not be ashamed. Neither the promising nor discouraging appearances of sense should separate us from this hope; but both, alas! have a tendency hereto. The former too often seduces, and the latter too frequently drives us from the word of promise. The swiftness of time now brings the prospect of returning to Manchester very nearly to view. If I be spared to see you again, may I come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ ; and, oh! that the support and designs of a gospel ministry may be answered among you, in the conversion of very many souls to Christ; and in the building up of those who have believed through grace. All that may be done, in either of these respects, must be done by God himself; and his promise affords a weak and unworthy instrument the hope of success. He works by weak means, that the excellency of the power may more evidently appear to be of God. Remember me affectionately to all my dear people, that you may speak to, without distinction. May the Lord Jesus be with your spirit, and with Your affectionate pastor, W. ROBY. P.S. Tell Mr. Redmayne how much obliged I am for his kind services, and as he may be at considerable expense be accommodating me, beg he would make a demand upon you of what may by proper both for himself and his supply. If he wish us to settle with Blundell, we can save him that trouble. I must likewise request you to be seech brother Snoden to preach at our association, on Wednesday in Whitsun week. Tell him he must not deny me. As I hope to return on the Sabbath before the races, if there be any this year, you may give notice that I intend to preach a race-sermon in the afternoon. When you receive this, be kind enough to inform Mrs. Lewis, as soon as you can, that her sister continues to get better, and that her mother gives her this information by me, to save the trouble of a letter. Mr. Thomas Livsey, Hulme-place, Crescent, near Manchester. "AND is he gone? Is he indeed no more? Has he forsook the pains and woes of time? Is he removed to yonder heav'nly shore, Where spirits pure in robes of glory shine? Come tell me how he died." "Oh! massa, full of life!" the negro quick replied. Delightful thought; the Christian's body dies; But in that hour his spirit 's full of life; When heart and flesh doth fail, it upward flies To yon bright world, where pride, and sin, and strife, It never can annoy, For there is love, and peace, without the least alloy. Dead! No, the Christian cannot die: hé lives Christ is his life; and that is hid with him In God; and that which his own Spirit gives Can never be destroyed; for, free from sin, It shall in glory shine, And prove itself a spark, celestial and divine. The Bible brings immortal joys to light, serene; Ascends above the sky, To dwell in yon fair world where death itself must die. REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. As is stated in the prospectus of "The British Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Jews," "the single object of the institution is the spiritual good of the ancient people of God." During the short period of its existence, "approved agents have been employed in visiting the Jews, conversing with inquirers, and distributing tracts, and portions of the Holy Scriptures, in the Hebrew and other languages. The committee have also published in Hebrew a selection of passages from the Old Testament Scriptures, and the Epistle to the Hebrews in the same language.' The society, which deserves well of all the followers of Christ, consists of Christians of evangelical principles, interested in the propagation of the gospel among the Jews; its more immediate field of operation is London, and the large towns of the United Kingdom; and it engages to maintain a friendly correspondence and co-operation with the Church of Scotland's mission to the Jews, and with all kindred institutions. We heartily wish it success in the grand object of endeavouring to evangelize the posterity of Abraham. “Our heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved." To use the language of the committee,, " the privileged character of the Jewish nation, the wrongs inflicted upon them by Christian communities and individuals, their present state of spiritual darkness and destitution, and the copious prophecies recorded in the sacred volume relating to their conversion, and subsequent benignant influence on the world at large, justify our utmost exertions when summoned to their help. Such a summons appears, from a variety of circumstances, to be addressed to the Christian church at the present moment. Should it not be responded to by a united, unsectarian, and cordial movement, in the full exercise of love to the house of David, of compassion for our brethren, still "beloved for the fathers' sakes," and of believing dependence on the faithfulness of the God of Abraham? To such an interrogatory as this, as addressed to Christians, there can be but one response. They ought to unite their energies, in one hearty and self-sacri VOL. XXI. ficing effort, to promote the salvation of "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." They have been too supine, in reference to this grand object, in the past; though we would by no means disparage any scriptural means which have been employed by them to advance God's plan of mercy among his ancient people. We are glad to find that our nonconforming brethren are again embarked in this good work; we trust that many more of them will enter upon it; and, above all, we pray that the Holy Spirit may direct and bless the movements of this catholic and scriptural society for the benefit of that interesting race, whom God has preserved as a distinct people among the nations of the earth. If the power which pervades this volume of Discourses to the Jews, is to be regarded as any premonition of the vigour which is to characterize the future proceedings of "The British Society," &c., we may augur well as to its destined prosperity. The lectures were delivered in the Scotch National Church, to numerous and intelligent audiences; and we have reason to believe that not a few of the Jewish people were present to listen to them. Some of the preachers held interesting conversations with Jews, who came to hear the word of God from their lips. May it yet be found that the veil of unbelief has been torn from off the eyes of some of them, and that they have been conducted to the true and only Messiah. The Lectures are ten in number:-I., by the Rev. James Hamilton, on "The Destination of the Jews;" II., by the Rev. Dr. Cox, on "The National Characteristics of the Jews;" III., by the Rev. Thomas Archer, on "The Dispersion of the Jews;" IV., by the Rev. Dr. Bennett, on "The Present Condition of the Jews;" V., by the Rev. Dr. Henderson, on "The Conversion of the Jews;" VI., by the Rev. J. C. Burns, on "The Encouragements which Christians have to undertake the Conversion of the Jews;" VII., by the Rev. Dr. Burder, on "The Obligations of Christians to labour for the Conversion of the Jews;" VIII., by the Rev. Dr. Morison, on "The best means for effecting the Conversion of the Jews;" IX., by the Rev. J. S. Stamp, on "The Benefits which will accrue to the Church of Christ from the Conversion of the Jews;" and X., by the Rev. Dr. Harris, on "The Glory which will redound to God from the Conversion of the Jews." From this outline of subjects, our readers will perceive that the course of lectures is 3 H very comprehensive in design; and that it assumes a practical rather than a polemical character. Our conviction is, that the volume has high claims upon the notice of the church. It contains much information relative to the past and present state of the Jewish nation; and is distinguished by a character of scriptural sobriety and evangelical pathos, which entitles it to a measure of confidence,not always due to essays addressed to the seed of Abraham. Some of the discourses are eloquent, as well as enlightened and scriptural; and of them all we can affirm, without hesitation, that they are highly creditable to the theological discrimination, biblical research, and devotional feelings of their respective authors. We regret that we cannot make room for extensive quotations; we must, therefore, content ourselves by presenting to our readers the two last paragraphs of Dr. Harris's extraordinary discourse, on "The glory redounding from the Conversion of the Jews." 66 Finally, would you sympathize with, and appreciate the glory which shall redound to God from Israel's conversion? Cultivate the humble and adoring spirit of the apostle in relation to it. Your own history exhibits an epitome of the Divine conduct towards Israel. The history of the Jews is but an epitome of the Divine conduct towards the human race-conduct which is destined to fill the universe with his praise. For what is the nature of that glory which is to accrue to God from their conversion? Is it not the glory of a power which has carried them successfully for ages through every annihilating process that could assail them-the glory of a wisdom which saw the end from the beginning, arranging and foretelling the entire plan of a benevolence which resisted every kind of provocation to destroy them, pressed into its service every adverse influence, and illustrated every great principle of moral government in a manner directly tending to their highest welfare-of a mercy which, after following them nearly through all time, and through all lands, takes them, with all their accumulated guilt and depravity, and erects them into a monument of his saving grace; and the glory of making this dispensation the occasion of further joy to the church, and of the greatest good to the world? In a word, it will be the glory of Divine all-sufficiency receiving from them at length the homage of creature dependence. And so deep will be their conviction of that dependence, and so vast the views of that all-sufficiency which their history shall afford, that language will fail to describe or record them. And what a subject for contemplation to the minds of the blessed! 'Once,' says the apostle John, in the opening of the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half-an-hour;' 4 that was a pause of breathless suspense prior to a tremendous discharge of wrath. But when, by this splendid display of mercy, the principalities and powers in heavenly places shall behold the manifold wisdom of God, surely the silence of wonder will again ensue a silence during which every face will be veiled, every worshipper prostrate, every heart filled with mental adoration-a silence from which they shall recover only to utter the language of awful delight, 'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!' "Brethren, the tendency of all his dispensations, from first to last, is essentially the same. And never will they know a pause, till this end be gained. Then man will have found his proper place-the only spot in the universe which becomes him-at the feet of God. Then God will have recovered his proper glory-every rival power will be cast out-the eyes of all will wait upon him -he will be seen by the universe as the centre and stay of a dependent world. Then the design of the great constitution of mercy will be completed; the wise man shall no longer glory in his wisdom, nor the rich man in his riches, nor the strong in his strength; the only glory left will be the high glory of dependence upon God-every thing will be seen to have redounded to the glory of his grace alone. And when all flesh shall thus be seen prostrate before God, what will it be but a prelude to the worship of heaven? what will remain but that the whole should be transferred to the employment of praise above? And as the righteous at length shall go away into everlasting life; as the nations of them that are saved, shall' 'pass through the gates into the city;' what more appropriate inscription for the triumphal arch which shall receive them than this: Of him, and through him, and to him, are all things; to whom be glory for ever, amen!' Be this our sentiment in life, in death, and for ever." DISCOURSES on SCRIPTURE SUBJECTS. By WILLIAM GILLSON. Cambridge: Hatt. London: Simpkin & Marshall. THE writer of this unpretending but useful volume is the Rev. William Gillson, who has been for many years the laborious and respected pastor of a village congregation at Eversden, in Cambridgeshire. He is also the author of some small volumes of sermons, which, in their limited sphere of circulation, have been much read, and rendered, as we have reason to believe, very useful. Among the list of subscribers to his different publications, we find the names of Archdeacon Bathurst; the late Earl of Hardwick; Lord F. G. Osborne ; Professor Pryme; Rev. G. A. Browne, Chaplain to the Duke of Sussex; Rev. Dr. Lamb, |