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too firmly established among mankind | ings; it behoves me to be more cauin its excellence and beauty, to be uprooted, it sides in the general opinion, and joins in its praise,—not without reserve, however, which it hopes will tarnish, at least, some of its present lustre. It is regretted, that "one otherwise so perfect, should bear even the taint of suspicion." And again, "the injustice of those who breathe of such things" is condemned. This is a species of that envy which

"Withers at another's joy,

And hates the excellence it cannot reach." Truly is it said, that "Envy follows Merit as its shade." What is there too base for its achievement? It has ruined individuals; it has broken up family concord; it has crushed the spirit of the joyous ones; it has broken hearts! Oh, envy is the fruitful parent of a malignant progeny! Its slimy brood, snake-like, hide themselves from view, that they may unseen effect their wily purpose upon unsuspecting victims! The wickedness of its course is, however, more easily felt than described. Alas, that there should be so many, who must, if honest to their own consciences, bear testimony to its tyranny in their heart,-must own that it nullifies their judgment, as to any practical steadfastness. Yes, there are self-discovered discrepancies in all, of which we feel ashamed; while we suffer them, it may be unwillingly, yet which we suffer to usurp an undue sway over our actions. A report, for instance, detrimental to the character of an individual, is raised; and what is the effect on the party whose ear it reaches? Just this: The judgment remains unchanged, it may be; but the feelings are so disturbed as to occasion a giving way of the confidence. And what, at this moment, is the reasoning process? This: "Well," says A., "I cannot fancy B. is not what I have always thought him. Yet this person who has alleged so and so against him, knows more than I do of his proceed

tious for the future." Now, the necessity or desirableness of caution, once admitted into the mind, the warm heart, the transparent smile, the anxious desire after friendly intercourse, is at an end: "Ichabod" might be written on that friendship, for truly "the glory will have departed;" and there will follow, perhaps, sundry comments on this or that circumstance, this or that transaction; in short, the individual becomes, from the moment of such-like insinuation, a person to be talked of, and at, rather than to: in a word, he is a victimized man! This is only one class of evils incident on envy.

But we will further expose this demoniac power to our readers; for which purpose we will again draw our illustrations from Scripture,—in the case of Cain and Abel, for example. In this early age of the world's history, envy was discoverable. So soon as superiority existed, envy was born; and this, we think, substantiates what we have stated as to its being an essential element of the heart of man. What moved the hand of Cain to slay his brother? Was it not envy? "His own works," we are told, "were evil, and his brother's righteous." What occasioned the wife of the patriarch Abraham to hate the faithful Hagar? Was it not the remains of envy lurking still in her bosom? What raised the displeasure of the amiable Rachael against her own sister? It was envy. In fine, what delivered our Saviour into the hands of his enemies? We are told that " Pilate knew that for envy the Jews wished to have Jesus delivered into their hands." Although there was a noted robber, who for sedition and murder was sentenced to death, yet was there heard the remorseless cry, the demoniac yell," Crucify him, crucify him!" Here envy, as it were, reached its climax! here the depravity of the human heart was fully revealed! How humiliating to the pride of man

"Oh! better 't were to live in some lone cell,
And breathe existence out from human ken,
Than on this fair and lovely earth to dwell,
The sport of envy and of malice fell-
And be the victims of our fellow-men.
"Tis base-'tis ignoble-to idly tell,
With venom'd tongue, the foibles of each
other;

'T were better far, as sister and as brother,
Frail members all of one great family,
In charity and love to step between,
And try each other's frailty best to screen.
For who can see the mote in his own eye?'
Ah! better 't were, indeed, to cease to be,
Than live encircled round by calumny!"

is such a picture! Yet, how consoling the | equivocally as by him, who, on the first fact, that man, thus fallen from original opening to a brother's humiliation or righteousness, having lost the Divine disgrace, would eagerly seize upon it, image of his Maker, his glory laid in and rejoice in the hold that he had gotruins, may, in virtue of the obedience, ten-who would now delight himself sufferings, and death of Christ, be re- with the ignominy of him, on whom he instated into all the honours, all the was wont to lavish the hypocrisies of immunities of a citizen of the New Jeru- his seeming friendship; and like that salem. We must not suppose, however, great father of lies, to whom he bears a that this best gift to man precludes the family resemblance so strikingly approdisplay of Almighty wrath against such priate, would convert the base advanoffenders as we have described-the tage into an instrument by which he crime of envy He abhors. His Word might tyrannise, and entangle, and declares of such, "Lord, when thine destroy." hand is lifted up, they will not see; but they shall see and be ashamed for their envy of the people, yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them." And again, of the judgments of Mount Seir, for their hatred against Israel, it is said, "Therefore as I live, saith the Lord God, I will even do according to thine envy, which thou hast used out of thine hatred against them, when I have judged thee." These, and similar passages, proclaim aloud the displeasure of God towards those who are swayed by this monster passion. What the late Dr. Chalmers said of slander, is equally true of envy, for envy is the mother of slander. "The complacency," observes that great man, “which is felt by some on the discovery of a neighbour's weakness or his crime, savours of the spirit and the morale of Pandemonium; the zest which is so currently felt when scandal mixes up its infusion with the gossip of an assembled party, are the distinct traces of a contagion from below. There is a secret exultation of heart on some humiliating exposure of an acquaintance, which is absolutely fiendish. In the hateful temperament which I am now labouring to expose, there is, upon the sight or the report of such iniquity, a hellish joy—a gleam of malignant triumph, that is peculiarly hideous; and were I called to fasten on the one trait that forms the most sure and specific indication of a satanic heart, I would say, that never is it given forth so un

VOL. XXIX.

More than enough, we think, has been exhibited to convince our readers not only of the odiousness and wickedness of envy, but also of the misery and the self-persecution which, when cherished, it entails on the spirit which is the subject of its corroding and peacedestroying properties. We would, therefore, most affectionately exhort any who may peruse these pages, especially such as may be conscious of the workings of this insidious foe in their own bosoms, to resolve, with Divine aid, to dethrone the monster, and instead, to strive to possess themselves of that godlike benevolence which makes to delight in the happiness and prosperity of those around us, however depressing our individual circumstances. The tyrant is to be expelled! The writer knows of an instance in the circle of her friends, where defeat was achieved.

Miss, who in every other respect 20

"These weapons of the holy war,
Of what almighty force they are,
To make our stubborn passions bow,
And lay the proudest rebel low!
Great King of grace! my heart subdue,
I would be led in triumph too,
A willing captive to my Lord,
And sing the victories of his word."

was truly amiable, yet, whenever brought | furnishing a bright specimen of the into collision with superior talents, overcoming influence of the religion of Oh! it is this which always showed signs of an envious and Jesus Christ. discontented state of mind. This, in- sanctifies the whole nature, body, and deed, rarely occurred, for the individual soul, and spirit, and makes the once referred to was herself highly gifted, proud and rebellious heart a fit resiand possessed beside many admirable dence for the Holy Ghost. On qualities of mind and of heart. such occasions, however, there might be seen the struggles of mortification and wounded pride with the better principles of grace and love. The clouded brow, the flushed cheek, the stifled sigh, the resistless tear, the petulant reply,— all told the triumph of envy. But, to the praise of grace be it told, after long and frequent battles between these antagonistic principles-envy and gracethe latter prevailed. And now, hand in hand, and heart in heart, walks forth this excellent and happy individual, alike weeping with those that weep, and rejoicing with those that rejoice: and

May all our readers seek to possess themselves of these spiritual weapons! Then shall envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness, flee away, and give place to love, kindness, gentleness, and liberality, and the cause of truth and righteousness be exalted in the earth. S. S. S.

AN ECHO FROM THE ASHES OF THE
GLORIOUS REFORMATION.

Poetry.

"Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altars, and say, Wherein have we polluted thee?" -Mal i. 7.

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."-Rev. ii. 5.

RISE, England's Church! and cast away
The unclean, unholy thing
Which brands thy services impure,

And taints thy prayers with sin.
Let not the blood of martyr'd saints
Cement thy walls in vain;
Let not apostate actions slay

The "Crucified" again.

Hurl from thy fold the sheep-clad wolves,
Which enter but to kill,

And captive lead the silly flock

Obedient to their will;

The fiend-form'd creed of Baptism's

Regenerating power,

And that the Eucharist can save
In life's departing hour;

That self-styled priests-frail, faulty men-
Can mediate on high,

And bring the soul, by them confess'd,
To God, its Maker, nigh.

Rise, England's Church! and hurl thee back
Such deadly, dire deceit;

Rise! gird thee for the conflict now!
Arm thee for battle meet!

Plant Faith's pure standard proudly free
On battlement and tower,
And from each altar, pulpit, font,

Proclaim its unshared power.

Tell of the sinless, sole High Priest
A righteous God can heed;
Then point to Calvary's cross-crown'd
mount,

As all a sinner's need.

Thus trample down Delusion's lie,
The arch-fiend's mock to lure
Unwary souls, who, blindly led,

Seal their damnation sure.

Arise and shine! Bride of the Lamb!
Thy light shall surely come;
And soon the glory of thy Lord
Shall bear thee gladly home.
London.

ELEANOR SELLMAN,

Review of Religious Publications.

FATHERS of INDEPENDENCY in SCOTLAND;
or, Biographical Sketches of early Scottish
Congregational Ministers, A.D. 1798-1851.
Small 8vo. pp. 476.

A. Fullarton and Co.

IN the annals of Religious Revival, the Congregationalism of Scotland must ever occupy a conspicuous place. It was itself the child of such revival; and it became the instrument of an impulse which was powerfully felt from the Scottish border to the furthest limits of the Shetland and Orkney Isles. In looking back to the closing period of the French Revolution, it is not a little interesting to find that, both in England and Scotland, there was a noble band of religious men on whose minds God was graciously acting to prepare them for producing a great impression upon the age in which they lived.

The era was signalised by the publication of the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, and the formation of the London Missionary Society. These movements, originating with a few apostolic spirits, full of zeal for a new and better state of things in the churches of Christ, drew around them the great body of evangelical men, north and south of the Tweed; and the Revival of Religion which followed was shared alike by the friends of Christ, both in Scotland and England. They were, indeed, from the first, in close correspondence with each other, and were acted upon by circumstances by no means dissimilar in their ecclesiastical character and tendency. In the South, High Churchmen, and frigid Dissenters, looked on with nearly equal scorn and derision upon efforts which they deemed to be irregular and enthusiastic; -and in the North, the cold-hearted bigotry of Moderatism fulminated its anathemas upon all, in and out of the Establishment, who ventured to disturb the repose of spiritual death. All honour be to the men, north and south of the Tweed, who came "to the help of the Lord-to the help of the Lord against the mighty." The names of Newton, Hawes, and Venn, and Scott and Eyre, in the Episcopate; of Hill, Wilks, Burder, Bogue, Waugh, and Hardcastle, among various bodies of Dissenters, in England; and of Drs. Erskine, Balfour, Davidson, and Wardlaw, and Messrs. Ewing, Innes, Haldane, Aikman, and others in Scotland, will be had in everlasting remembrance.

When the flame of holy zeal for the salvation of perishing souls was kindled on the bleak mountains of Caledonia, no express plan had been formed for the establishment of churches on the Congregational plan. But the opposition which sprung up in the Estab

lishment to plans and agents who were deemed irregular, and which, in some instances, were branded as a traitorous conspiracy against the peace and good order of society, awakened inquiry, and, after a time, brought the leaders of the movement to feel that if they were to enjoy liberty for a free publication of the gospel, and a further promotion of Christian, in opposition to worldly communion, they must come out from the Establishment, and form societies instinct with the spirit of self-government. In this state of things, it is impossible to say how much this incipient movement, which was now beginning to convulse and agitate all Scotland, was indebted to the providence of God for raising up to its aid the Messrs. Haldane, men of apostolic spirit, who were willing to consecrate their time, their talents, their property, for the evangelization of their native country.

We are old enough to remember the Pentecostal times in which these events occurred. Everywhere were the Missionaries, as they were opprobriously styled, spoken against; yet everywhere did they prevail. The slumbers of the Establishment, and of other religious bodies, were thoroughly disturbed. The clergy fulminated, but the people would hear the itinerant preachers; and few were the districts in all Scotland in which many precious souls were not " called out of darkness into marvellous light." It was "a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord," in which all rejoiced and sympathised, except those who were wedded to pure formalism, or where ecclesiastical prejudices took the lead of their better feelings and convictions. We could wish nothing better for the independency of Scotland and England, than to see the return of such "days of the Son of man," when thousands flocked to hear the gospel of Christ; when "the Word of the Lord had free course and was glorified;" when dead and lifeless members of churches were led to discover their false position; when hardened sinners "were pricked to the heart," and were heard crying, "What must we do to be saved?" and when the gospel was extensively propagated and settled, where, for many a long year, the trumpet had given an uncertain sound. There may have been some mistakes in the early management of Scottish Congregationalism; but, take it altogether, we see, as in the light of a sunbeam, after the experience of fifty years, and when nearly all its fathers and founders have fallen asleep, that it was God's express ordinance for arresting the progress of Moderatism and clerical bigotry; and for reviving the spirit of primitive religion in the land of Knox, and Ruther

furd, and Boston, and Erskine, and Willison. We most thoroughly believe, that Scottish Congregationalism did more to help forward the religious reform in the Establishment, which issued in the disruption, than the most generous of the Free Church party are disposed to admit. Be this as it may, we hope that now all good men in Scotland, whether ranking in the Establishment, or belonging to communities supported by voluntary contributions, will agree in thinking that the Fathers of Scottish Independency are worthy of a monument to perpetuate the hardships they endured, the toils they encountered, the virtues they displayed, and the good they effected throughout the length and breadth of their native land.

We thank Mr. Kinniburgh for his seasonable effort to carry down the names and the excellences of his brethren to posterity. He has done a good work, which will not only add to the peace and joy of his evening hour, but which will cheer and comfort many a Scottish fireside, while fathers and mothers read to their children the simple annals of these "men of God," to whom they were indebted for the light and sanctity of their religious life. If the author of this volume, dedicated to the memory of the "Fathers of Independency in Scotland," has not attempted a series of original Biographies, he has at least availed himself of all authentic written documents extant, and has shed much light upon the path of his heroes, by observations and facts which have come within the scope of his own knowledge. The work is carefully edited, and will prove extensively useful and acceptable. We have read many of its pages, with great emotion, as we have thought of men, once familiar to us, but whom we shall never meet again till the heavens are no more. But they still live; and the work of their hands shall never perish. May we be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises!

The Memoirs are Thirty-eight in number. We could have wished to see some other names of the deceased included, such as the late Rev. Joseph Gibb, of Banff. But the author very justly apologises for this omission by stating that he was unable to procure the requisite facts.

The notices, all interesting, are devoted to the following individuals, some of whom were men of the highest order of sanctified humanity, and all of whom were greatly useful in their day and generation:

The Rev. Messrs. James Garie, of Perth; G. Cowie, of Huntly; James Hill, of Haddington; James Clerk, of Thurso; Peter Grant, of Blairgowrie; Thomas Paton, of St. Andrew's; John Dunn, of Dumfries; George Cowie, of Montrose; William Brown, of Inverury; Thomas Smith, of Garliston; Alex

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ander Arthur, of Dalkeith; John Hercus, of Greenock; William Orme, of Camberwell; John Martin, of Forres; John Aikman, of Edinburgh; John Elder, of Leven; Alexander Kerr, of Shetland; Archibald Miller, of Gatehouse; John Smith, of Blackhills; George Douglas, of Elie; William Henry, of Tooting; John Campbell, of Kingsland; Greville Ewing, of Glasgow; William Lindsay, of Letham; Richard Penman, of Aberdeen; John Cleghorn, of Edinburgh; James Dewar, of Nairn; John Watson, of Musselburgh; Thomas Just, of Newport; George Reed, of Lerwick; Francis Dick, Edinburgh; David Russell, D.D., Dundee; Alexander Dewar, of Avoch; Alexander Knowles, of Linlithgow; Robert Aikenhead, of Kirkaldy; Peter Maclaren, of Edinburgh; Robert Caldwell, of Howden; and James Alexander Haldane, Edinburgh. All the Memoirs are arranged according to the order in which the deceased brethren were called to their rest.

Few volumes of the modern press are more fitted for a wide and useful circulation than the "Fathers of Scottish Independency."

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THE veritable history of Lord Bacon has In in it all the characteristics of a romance. intellectual stature he was the prodigy of his age, and, all things considered, perhaps the greatest man that England ever produced. Yet how strangely dwarfish were his moral qualities, and what remarkable vicissitudes attended his personal and political career! We have always, by some unaccountable tendency of our nature, been struggling to hide from ourselves, or to explain away, the moral phenomena of Bacon's life;-but, in spite of ourselves, we have been compelled to sit in judgment and to condemn; and have been driven to the melancholy conclusion, that great mental power, even when associated with the most ardent and diligent application, has no necessary connexion with a right state of the heart, and a due regulation of the moral faculties.

We fear it is impossible, with truth as our guide, to rescue the character of Bacon from the worst suspicions. With all his magnificence of intellect, with all his power of inductive discovery, with all his just views of much that pertained to religion, with all the noble principles which he announced and inculcated upon others, he was, nevertheless, the victim of infirmities, which, but for his great parts, would have covered him with everlasting scorn and contempt. It is impossible to deny his craving ambition, his over self

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