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would still extort the lamentation which millions of damned spirits all around would echo and re-echo, Oh, I would, but cannot die!'

O, my soul! listen then, now, with attention to mercy offered for thine acceptance:Now! while it is called To-day! Let not procrastination rob thee of the blessing, by putting again off till To-morrow ;-but now, in this the accepted day, flee to the cross of Christ; for he that believeth shall be saved.

M.

Sir,

Evangelicana.

The Existence of Cannibals an Argument for Missions.

To the Editor.

THE account of the conduct of the New Zealanders, in your Magazine for December last, reminds me of a passage which I lately read, on the subject of Cannibals, in Dr. Leyden's Essay on the Languages and Literature of the Indo-Chinese nations. The language spoken by the Balla tribes is the most ancient of Sumatra. Their savage manners, and the horrid custom of anthropophagy subsisting among them, have often been mentioned; but their cannibalism is not confined to prisoners of war, and to persons condemned for crimes, as some suppose. When a maa becomes infirm and weary of the world, he is said to invite his own chil dren to eat him, in the season when salt and limes are cheapest. He then ascends a tree, round which his friends and offspring assemble; and as they shake the tree, join in a funeral dirge, the import of which is, The season is come, the fruit is ripe, and it must descend. The victim descends; and those that are nearest and dearest to him, deprive him of life, and devour his remains in a solemn banquet. This,' adds Dr. Ley. den, is the account of some of the Battas themselves.' This inhuman custom, and the similarity of name, naturally reminded Dr. Leyden of the Padaivi, which he mentious (from Herodotus) about 500 years before our era, as not only addicted to eating raw flesh, but accustomed to kill and eat their relations when they grew old.

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When we consider such awful facts as the above, how should it stimu late us to sanction the propagation of the gospel in those dark parts of the earth, which are full of the habitations of cruelty! Civilization, it is said by many, must always precede the diffusion of Christianity; but, perhaps, it is forgotten that Christianity carries with it the principles of civilization. As a proof of this, let any one peruse the interesting ac count of the success of the Missionaries among the Hottentots. Our Mission,' says Mr. Latrobe, at Bavian's Kloof, is one instance, among many, that the preaching of the gospel is the surest and only way to promote civilization, whereas an erroneous idea has gone forth, that the latter should precede the former. By degrees, after the Hottentots had been brought to the knowledge of the truth, the Missionaries led them into better habits; and now the people who formerly sought roots for their support, and lived like wild beasts in the woods, are sowing and planting; and had last year a harvest of 800 sacks of corn."

Yours, &c.

ANECDOTE OF A QUEBEC PILOT.

C. B.

'Our Pilot, Louis le Clair, was an old French Canadian, who possessed, like the rest of his countrymen, a tolerable opinion of himself; yet was a good-humoured friendly fellow. It was not long before we found that

his predilection for the clergy was not excessive. He entertained us with many of his whimsical opinions, and declared, that for his own part, he never went to confession, though he allowed his wife and daughter to go. Women,' says he, can never be happy until they let out their secrets; and on that account it is necessary they should have a confessor; I there fore pay him his fees, which is only justice; but for myself, I consider it all as useless; and it must be so, since the women say that they only tell him him a part, and conceal the rest. A few years ago the Pilot picked up an old Bible, which had been thrown ashore from the wreck of a ship. As he understood the language, he read it through; and it opened his eyes so much, that he could not forbear soon after disputing with his Curé upon certain points of religion. The latter was much surprised to find him so knowing; and enquired how he had obtained his information: upon which the old man shewed him the Bible. The Curé declared it was not a fit book for him to read; and desired he would give it into his charge: th the Pilot refused; and the Curé threatened to write to the Bishop, and have him excommunicated as a heretic; but finding that neither threats nor intreaties had any effect, he was necessitated to request that he would keep it to himself, and not let any of his neighbours know that he had such a book. The old Pilot declared, that he considered the finding of that book the happiest event of his life, in consequence of the comfort and consolation which he received from perusing it.'

Sir,

Lambert's Travels through Lower Canada.

ANECDOTE OF GILPIN.

To the Editor.

THE remarks upon the Doctrine of Preventives' in your Magazine (vol. xvII, page 496) reminded me of a circumstance in the life of the famous Bernard Gilpin, who held the Rectory of Houghton le Spring, in the reign of Queen Mary; and, from his uncommon exertions in the cause of truth, was called the Apostle of the North.'

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It appears that his enemies, the Papists, had exhibited a number of articles against him, before Bishop Bouner; who promised that the heretic should be at a stake in a fortnight.' His biographer says, Mr. Gilpin's friends in London trembled for his safety; and instantly dispatched a message to him, that he had not a moment to lose. The messenger did not surprise him. He had long been preparing himself to suffer for the truth; and he now determined not to decline it. He received the account therefore with great composure; and immediately after called up William Airay, a favourite domestic, who had served him as his almoner and steward; and laying his hand upon his shoulder, At length (says he) they have prevailed against me; I am at last accused to the Bishop of London, from whom there will be no escaping; God forgive their malice, and grant me strength to undergo the trial! He then ordered his servant to provide a long garment for him, in which he might go decently to the stake. As soon as this garment was provided, it is said, he used to put it on every day till the Bishop's messengers apprehended him.'

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We are then informed of the earnest solicitations of his friends, who in vain urged him to make his escape. His determination continued firm, and be was apprehended. The narrative thus proceeds: In his way to London, it is said, he broke his leg; which put a stop for some time to bis journey. The persons in whose custody he was, took occasion thence maliciously to retort upon him an observation he would frequently make, That nothing happens to us but what is intended for our good; asking him, whether he thought his broken leg was so intended? He answered meekly, be made no question but it was; and indeed so it proved in the strictest sense; for before he was able to travel, Qeeen Mary died, and De was set at liberty.'

From Gilpin's Life of Bernard Gilpin, p. 1:5.

JUVENILE DEPARTMENT.

Account of the happy Death of THOMAS PARKER, belonging to the Sunday School at the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, Worcester, who departed this life, Sunday, Feb. 10, 1811.

THOMAS PARKER was admitted into our Sunday School, August 23, 1906, being then about eleven years of age. Since that time his conduct has been good; but during the last two years, particularly worthy of imitation, both as it respected his diligence in learning and the respect be paid his teachers, as well as for his fixed attention while hearing the Word in chapel. His father testifies that he was a dutiful son; and his master, that he was a faithful apprentice. About twelve weeks before his death, the first symptoms of disease appeared, and in three weeks after, a blood-vessel burst, which much increased his illness. Immediately, at his own request, one of his teachers visited him. He was shortly afterwards removed to the Infirmary, and there continued to be visited. During this time, he was questioned respecting a future world, and the state of his mind; his knowledge of the fallen state of man appeared correct, as well as of his own inability to do any thing to recommend himself to the favour of God; and his views respecting the salvation of Christ were clear. Being asked whether he loved private prayer? his reply was, That sometimes he enjoyed it much. He appeared fond of reading his Bible, and applied at the school library for religious books. About three weeks before he died, he left the infirmary without hope of recovery; and continued gradually growing worse On the Saturday night preceding his departure, a great change took place. About nine o'clock he requested to see the minister of the chapel, or the teacher who regularly visited him; the latter immediately went to him, and found him very weak and ill. He was asked how he felt his mind. His reply was, Happy! The next inquiry was, If he was afraid to die? He said, he was not at all afraid to die,- for he found Christ to be precious. I then asked him,' says the visitor, if he thought God would be just in punishing him and me with everlasting punishment? He said, He certainly would. I then inquired what his motive was in wishing to see Mr. L. or myself; Whether to pray with him, or to rejoice with him? He answered, To rejoice with him. His strength. was now so much exhausted, that he was not able to converse any more that night. I visited him again,' says the same teacher, early the next morning, Sunday, and then asked him, if Christ was still precious?-His reply was, O yes; more precious! I inquired whom he expected to find in heaven?-He said, Jesus Christ; and, I hope, one day I shall see my teachers there.' He was again questioned if he could enjoy heaven without Christ? He replied, No; not without Christ. In the course of the day he was further asked how he came by such a knowledge of Christ, and how long he had loved him? He said, More than a twelvemonth; and had cause to be thankful to God and his teachers, that he had ever some to the Sunday School.'

He continued to get worse, and at times was in much pain; but appeared at intervals to be earnestly praying. In the course of the day he gave directions about his funeral, and chose the persons who should carry and attend him to the grave. About four hours before his de parture, being much composed, he requested to see his master, his brother and sisters, with his father. When they came, he kissed them all with much affection, and bade them farewell. After this, he continued silent until near his dissolution. He appeared to have forgotten all ter restrial objects, and rejoiced at the approach of death. About twelve o'clock, looking up, with a smile upon his countenance, he uttered his last words, ⚫ I ain coming, I am coming!'-and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus,

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Dbituary.

CAPTAIN WILLIAM PERRY, of the County of Clare Militia. To the Editor.

Rev. Sir,

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I send you an account of the con-
version and happy death of Capt,
Perry, which was received from
Mr. W an officer in the same
regiment: a man of veracity and
sincere piety, who attended the
Captain during his last illness;
you may therefore depend upon
its authenticity. The Hell-Fige
Elub, mentioned in the narrative,
really existed some years ago in
the county of Limerick, and the
members actually roasted a man,
to see how far he could endure
the torments of Hell.A gentle
man is now living in Limerick
who was a member of that club;
and to this day, at the mention
of it, he falls into fits. This
you may depend upon to be true,
as I have it from undoubted au
thority.. Yours, &c.
Dublin.
ADOLESCENS.

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CAPTAIN PERRY was a gentleman of rank, and what is commonly called a man of pleasure. He en tered into the army when young, and almost immediately gave him self up to folly and dissipation gratifying to the extent of his abili ties every appetite of fallen nature. Introduced at an early period of life, into scenes and habits of fashionable gaiety, and urged onwards by the natural vivacity of his temper, he became the votary of fashion, passionately attached to what are called the innocent pleasures of life. Flattery was his daily food; the theatre, assembly room, opera-house, his temple; and pleasure the idol goddess, at whose shrine he presented his nightly of ferings. His companions were of the same disposition as himself, who strove to outdo each other in dissipation and debauchery. His concience became so hardened, and so insensible to every good impres op, that he gave way, without re

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The wisdom upon which they va lued themselves, chiefly consisted in vain metaphysical speculations, in logical subtleties, in endless dis putes, in high-flown conceits of the perfection and self-sufficiency of human wisdom, in dogmatical po sitiveness about doubtful opinions, or sceptical doubts about the most.

sure;

clear and certain truths.' Vice and
Virtue were only considered "as
terms expressive of pain and plea-
childish notion; - a future life as an
- a particular providence, a
this awful career, till they said, in
uncertainty. Nor did they pause in
the face of the world, and while
their eyes were fixed on yon glo-
rious orb, the liveliest emblem of
divine glory, There is no God!

Still as Captain Perry proceeded
in this career of wickedness with
his companions, his heart was often
sorrowful; and in his intervals of
retirement from dissipation, con-
viction for sin sunk deep into his
breast, and made him completely
miserable. And tho' these gracious
visitations produced 'no change,
either of heart or life, for many
years, yet it pleased God, in his long
suffering mercy, to continue them
occasionally till his last illness; in
which it pleased the Lord to work
that change in his heart which was
marvellous in the eyes of many:

In the year 1798 he became Adjutant of the Clare Militia; and filled that situation with credit to himself, and satisfaction to the regiment at large; being esteemed by all who knew him as a sincere friend, and a man of the strictest integrity.

Though then in the prime of life, the effects of early dissipation began to appear. A constitution, naturally good, was impaired through out, and his bodily strength much * We have the real name and address of this Gentleman.

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exhausted. Common remedies having been repeatedly tried in vain, he had recourse to a consultation of physicians, by whose advice he went to Bath, hoping to receive benefit from the waters; but his hopes were in vain: the disease was too inveterate, the foundation was sapped: the follies of youth and the sins of riper years cut short the day of life, and caused his sun to go down at noon.

From Bath he repaired to London, under serious concern of mind, himself on the verge of the grave, and his soul unfit to stand before God: there he attended the preaching of the Gospel, which seemed to make some impression upon him. His rapid decline of strength, which indicated a speedy dissolution (his complaint being principally on the liver) increased his distress of soul; and all hopes of recovery having fled, he returned to his regiment, sincerely determined to seek the knowledge of salvation from the Friend of Sinners. From this time his constant enquiry was, What must I do to be saved? He looked back on his past life with sincere sorrow and regret; he was amazed that he should be spared so long, wondering, as he often expressed it, how God should look on so vile a worm, after his so repeatedly breaking the many solemn cove nants, into which he had entered, to leave the ways of sin, and devote himself entirely to his service'

He saw and ranked himself among the greatest of sinners, and rested his whole soul upon Jesus Christ as the sure foundation. He had clear and distinct views of the plan of redemption by Christ alone, and was fully satisfied that nothing but the great atonement, the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus Christ, could procure the forgiveness of his sias, and entitle him to heaven.

He now began faithfully and affectionately to warn all who came to see him to turn from their sins; his soul thirsted for their salvation, while he pointed them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. He was so weak that he could not leave his bed; but desired to see all his former ac

quaintances, that he might tell them of their deplorable state. His words came with much power, so that all to whom he spoke felt sensibly, at least for that time. Being visited by one who had been religious for a season, but had turned back to sin, he pointed out his danger in lively colours and strong language. He urged him with streaming eyes to take warning from a dying man, to fly from the wrath to come; assuring him if he died in his sins, in the state he was then in, he would be lost for ever! He pointed him at the same time to the Saviour of lost sinners, and told him of his ability and willingness to save to the very uttermost all that would come to God by him. The power of God accompanied his word; all present felt the divine influence, and promised to forsake sin and turn to the Lord. Now,' said he,

is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation!'

In the midst of his afflictions he uniformly evinced a patient resig nation to the will of Jesus; and though his pain was excruciating, he never murmured, but always expressed the strongest desire to suf fer the whole will of God. He said,

What are all my sufferings when compared with the sufferings of the blessed Jesus! I suffer justly for my own sins; but He suffered on the tree for us! He drank the bitter cup that we might not die eter. nally!'

He had a longing desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better; and, being assured of his interest in him, he was enabled to rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Sleep had almost departed from him; but, one night, having rested for a few hours better than nsual, about midnight he awoke and broke out in a rapture of praise saying, Glory! Glory! for ever be to my redeeming God! O for power to praise the sin-pardoning God On being asked if he was asleep, he answered No; but I feel what lan guage cannot express. Were I pos sessed of the powers of an angel and the eloquence of all the hea venly host, I could not make know to the sons of men what love an

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