high distinction we call the Bible, is a divine communication, intended to supply us with all needful information respecting the character of God, and the relation in which we stand to him, we esteem it our duty to embrace all the doctrines it contains, in whatever degree of mystery they may be involved.The word 'THUS saith Jehovah,' is an authority from which there can be no appeal; and most happy are we to possess a revelation so eminently adapted to check our wanderings, and quiet our fears. In the dim twilight of uncertainty with which we find ourselves sur

has directed his studies in such a channel, and who has a mind of such a peculiar tact, will be an able defender of the doctrines of the gospel, and an eminently useful minister. At the same time, in his usual preparations for the pulpit, we would certainly recommend to Mr. Burder a less argumentative, and a more popular manner of preaching. We know there is danger in a minister's pursuing with ardour such studies as have led to the composition of the production before us. To general hearers on this side the Tweed, discourses like the present would be entirely uninteresting, if not unintelligible.-rounded, while exposed to the

At an association of ministers, indeed, the case is somewhat different; and, on such occasions, a man insults his brethren, and dishonours the denomination to which he belongs, if he does not put forth all the strength of his mind in elucidating and defending some grand and essential theological topic. The text which Mr. Burder has chosen as the foundation of his discourse is 2 Cor. v. 19 and 21,

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God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,' &c. The questions which from this passage our author proposes, and to which he very ably replies, are these:

storms and billows of life, this voice from heaven directs to a haven of peace, where safety and repose are enjoyed,-Faith descries it, Hope drops her anchor, and the soul is at rest.

But while we thus implicitly follow the directions of revealed truth, we cease not to be rational beings, nor do we conceive ourselves at all forbidden to exercise our mental powers on the doctrines which we embrace. Now, these doctrines, when subjected to examination on the principles of reason, divide themselves into two classes: the first consists of such as are completely intelligible; the se cond comprises those which we are

1. By what means has peace with heaven been lost? 2. To what evils has that loss exposed us?-able but partially to comprehend. 3. And in what manner has reconciliation been effected? We are not a little surprised that the admirable reasoning on the inefficacy of repentance, as a ground of a sinner's acceptance with God, should find a place under the second head; its appropriate situation is certainly the third branch of the subject, and comes under the discussion of the means by which reconciliation has been effected. As a specimen of Mr. B.'s manner, we quote his preliminary observations: Most cordially do we subscribe to the truth, that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness." Believing on irresistible evidence, that the volume, which, by way of

In the reception of the former, reason and faith are equally employed; the second is the pure immediate province of faith. But human reason, when under the influence of sober thoughts of its own strength, retires from this sacred province with perfect complacency, deriving, from a view of the exalted nature of the truths whichTM baffle its researches, an argument of sufficient force to silence every murmur. Thus, then, discovering, as we think, that all the doctrines of Scripture are either thoroughly comprehensible, or of such a peculiar nature, that adequate reasons may be stated to account for their obscurity, the whole volume of inspiration commends itself equally to our reason as to our faith.'

J- S

THIS affectionate and sensible address to young people, is founded on 2 Tim. ii. 22, Flee also youthful lusts,' &c. The text,' observes Mr. Fletcher, naturally arranges itself into three inquiries: respecting what you ought to avoid, what you should follow,

and with whom you should associate.' Mr. F. very judiciously prefaces his reply to these inquiries by stating the indispensable necessity of Christian principles, in order to a compliance with the apostolic

exhortation. The sermon abounds

with remarks exceedingly well adapted to inform, and to impress the minds of youth; and contains many hints of caution and advice, particularly calculated to be useful to those who have nearly arrived at the state of manhood. On this account the sermon appears additionally worthy of notice and recommendation; the greater number of discourses for the benefit of young people, being chiefly adapted

to the circumstances of children.

Christian Mercy. A Sermon, preached at the Request of the Glasgow Female Society. By Ralph Wardlaw. Is. 6d.

THE text of this excellent discourse is taken from Matt. v. 7, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.' Mr.Wardlaw, in the first place, adverts to the general nature of mercy;-in the second place, to its objects; and, in the third place, to the consideration by which, in the text, the cultivation and exercise of it are enforced. In the illustration of the third division of the subject, the judicious preacher is peculiarly successful in pointing out, most clearly and scripturally, the nature of the connection which there is between the exercise of mercy on our part, and our obtaining mercy from God. Blessed, observes Mr. Wardlaw, are the merciful; for, in exercising the disposition of mercy, from regard to divine au

from Prov. x. 6, Blessings are upTHIS is an eloquent discourse, the character of the just man is deon the head of the just; in which scribed, and the blessings which are upon his head are enumerated. The preacher then shews that the quali ties which compose this character, and the comforts which result from the blessings aunexed to it, were strikingly exemplified in the late Mr. Sharp. Mr. Owen employs 30 pages in the delineation of his excellent character, which was indeed

truly exemplary, and which deserves to be imitated as well as perused.

A Sermon, addressed to the Children of several Sunday-Schools at Axminster, on Christmas-Day, 1810. By James Small. Second edit. 6d.

Ir is pleasing to see men of learning condescending to use the language of children for their instruction, as Mr. Small (the tutor of a Dissenting Academy) does in this discourse; which is founded on Matt. xxi. 15, the children crying Hosanna,' &c. Mr. Small first speaks of the grandeur and kindness of the glorious person referred to; and then directs his little hearers how they should act towards him. Some excellent instruction is conveyed in a very familiar manner; and enlivened with Anecdotes, calculated to engage the attention and impress the memory of children. We think the sermon may be read with advantage in Sunday-Schools, or given to the deserving as a Reward Book.

SELECT LIST OF RELIGIOUS Practical Piety; or, the Influence of the Religion of the Heart on the Conduct of the Life. By Hannah More. Two vols. 8vo, 10s. 6d. Missionary Anecdotes, by the Rev. G. Burder, 12mo, 5s.

Thoughts in Solitude: a Poem, in Six Books; An Elegy on Richborough Castle, with Historical Remarks; and other Poems. Eleanor Tatlock. 2 vols. 12mo, 9s. Patriarchal Times, or the Land of

Canaan: a Figurate History, in 12mo, third edition, 7s.
Seven Books. By Miss O'Keeffe.
Two vols. 12mo, 10s. 6d.

History of the Reformation in Scotland. By J. Cooke, D. D. Minister of Laurence Kirk. Three vols. 8vo, 11. 11s. 6d.

Miekle's Traveller. Second edit. 12mo, 4s. 6d. ; 8vo, 8s. Memoirs of the Life and Writings, of the late Rev. T. Boston, A. M. Abridged by G. Pritchard. 4s. 6d.

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

The Age before the Flood; being the First Part of a Scripture His tory for Sunday Schools. 3d.

The History of Noah and the Flood. Part II. 3d.

The History of Isaac Jenkins and his Wife, &c. 3d.

The Edinburgh Christian Instruc tor. Nos. 1 to 4, 1s. 6d. each,

Missionary Society.

DEMARARA.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Wray, dated December 12, 1810..

In this wilderness, I trust that the Lord is still carrying on his work of grace among us, and giving some a desire to love and serve him; but we have to lament that a few, who appeared to set out well, have become lukewarm and indifferent. May they repent, and do their first works! We have had occasion to exclude only one from the Lord's Table. Our present number of communicants is 37.

Our congregation on the Lord's Day, I think, rather increases. Many negroes from an estate near, who were formerly prevented from coming to hear, have obtained liberty to attend. Some of them make good progress in learning the catechism. The manager tells me that he often hears them praying and singing in their houses, after their work is done, in the evening.

It gives me pleasure, that some of the negroes are able to conduct the singing in the meeting, without the assistance of any white person; and a few have learned to read sufficiently to be able to make use of their hymn-books. A man named Romeo, about 50 years of age, is able to read very well in the New Testament; and one much older, though h✈ cannot read, can pray with great fluency and propriety. It is astonishing to hear what use he makes of the Scriptures in his prayers. His name is Jason he comes from a great distance; and bad weather never stops him.

• At —————————, 1 frequently preach on the Lord's Day in the afternoon; but find it too much to ride ten miles in the hot sun, and preach thrice; yet I do not like to neglect a field of labour when it is open. About 400 frequently attend: but perhaps 100 of them may sometimes attend at Le Resouvenir and elsewhere. It is rather affecting to hear some of these poor people say, Massa, do teach me the catechism,' when I am obliged to refuse them, either on account of weakness, or having to preach in the evening. A gentleman who manages three estates said, that if I would send him catechisms, the overseers should teach them to the negroes.'

We are sorry to learn that Mr. Wray is in a poor state of health; by which he is sometimes prevented from preaching. He has had an inflammation in one eye, which there was some fear that he might lose. Some apprehension was also entertained of a liver complaint. The doctor prohibits him from speaking or reading much at present. When he can. not preach, Mrs. Wray reads a chapter or a sermon to the negroes; and Mr. Wray speaks a few words. Mrs. Wray's school prospers; and she continues her prayer-meetings with the women, on Thursday evenings; and also frequently catechizes both children and adults.

The late visit of the Indians to Demarara, afforded some curious information. The king said, in answer to some enquiries by means of an interpreter, That he knew that at first the Great One made only two persons: he believed that there is an Hereafter, where the good will be happy, and the bad miserable; and that this world is to be destroyed; but whether by fire or water he could not tell.

A gentleman present describes them as having a very savage appearance. I never,' said he, had heard their flute, - it was played to oblige me; but what a terrific sound! It gave me an idea of what I have heard of the war-whoop of the North American Indians. The king had an interesting appearance, and seemed to possess great sagacity; one proof of which was, that when any question was asked him, he would pause at least a minute before he auswered it.'

TOBAGO.

MR. ELLIOT, in letters lately received, states, That matters wear a more pleasing appearance than before. Since I last wrote,' he says, two coloured women and one free black woman appear to be earnestly seeking the salvation of their souls. The negroes at discover an increasing desire of instruction; and their conduct during the Christmas holydays has been very pleasing. Some of our hearers at Scarborough, spent that season like Christians, — in reading the word of God, singing, and prayer.'

A person, who expressed doubts whether the negroes received any real advantage by their hearing the gospel, was asked, Whether he did not think that one named Jack was the better for the preaching? He replied, Why, I must confess that he was a drunkard, a liar, and a thief; but certainly he is now a sober boy, and I can trust him with any thing; and since he has talked about religion, I have tried to make him drunk; but failed in the attempt.'

On Sundays,' Mr. E. says,' I preach at Scarborough, at six in the morning, to about 20 or 30 persons; at eleven, to about the same number, at Plymouth; and in the evening again at Scarborough, to between 60 and 80, besides children. The singing meeting is better attended than ever; from 40 to 60 or more attend it. The Missionary Prayer-Meeting is also well attended. Some of those who once could not be prevailed upon to hear the word, now never miss an opportunity. Others are concerned to keep the Sabbath holy; and will neither buy nor sell on that day. From all these circumstances I am led to conclude, that good has been done; and to entertain pleasing hopes that some are seriously seeking the salvation of their souls.'

[When Mr. Elliot wrote last, bread was 2s. sterling per pound.]

DEATH OF MR. DESGRANGES.

A WORTHY clergyman in India, writing to a friend in London, says, Before this reaches you, you will doubtless have heard of the loss which has been sustained in the death of Mr. Desgranges. I never saw him personally; but his character was thoroughly known, and his labours appreciated by us more highly than I can express. In him and Mr. Cran the Mission at Vizigapatam has suffered most deeply. Two such men are rarely found; yet it has pleased the great Head of the Church to take them to himself whilst in the full career of their usefulness. We must Fot, however, complain, for he doth all things well. Prayer can do great things; it may, for instance, bring two or more such men from England to fill their places. May the Lord pour out a spirit of prayer and supplication for that purpose!'

The translation made by Mr. Desgranges is about to be printed. He was, it seems, finely adapted to that important line of labour. O that he had lived to complete it! He wrote and studied with all his heart; aud was to the last full of love and of holy fice!

[We are glad to hear that the Rev. Mr. Bogue has printed his funeralsermon, preached at Gosport, for Mr. Desgranges.]

CRUCIFIXION.

Extract from the Journal of Mr. Pritchett, at Rangoon,
in the Burman Country.

MR. CAREY, jun. riding out this afternoon (Aug. 15, 1810) to visit his patients, and passing by the place of public execution, saw two men sufferng the punishment of crucifixion. At that time they had not long been led up. After Mr. C. had continued a spectator about half an hour, an arder, procured by a Ceylon Poengee, arrived for the release of one of them, who was immediately taken down. Moved by the suffering and ries of the other (a young man) and understanding that he had com

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