pages gives them an unpleasant aspect, which in his future publications it will be easy and advantageous to avoid. Christian Consolation: or, The Unity of the Divine Procedure a Source of Comfort to Afflicted Christians. By the Rev. E. MANNERING, Author of "Christian Consistency," "Christian Happiness," &c. London: 12mo. pp. 310. Price 4s. It is evident that Mr. Mannering enters fully into the spirit of his work as a Christian pastor. His thoughts are exercised about the welfare of the people of his charge. Several volumes have previously been prepared by him in reference to their diversified cases and dangers; and this will be acceptable and useful to the very numerous class who are called to the endurance of disease or grief. The style is simple, perspicuous, and unaffected; the sentiments are appropriate to the condition of afflicted believers; and the spirit cherished is in accordance with the merciful design with which painful visitations are sent. Fragments of Expositions of Scripture. London: Wright and Co. 16mo. pp. 285. In the Introduction we are told that "the tracts composing this little volume are literally what they profess to be,-recollections noted down by different individuals of sermons and expositions felt at the time to be very precious." It is intimated also that they are not the product of one teacher but of more, and that "their earlier writings are distinctly seen to contain the germ of those truths which they have since been enabled more fully to unfold." To what section of the Christian church these expositors may belong we know not, but they are evidently men of cultivated minds, and the directness of their appeal to the oracles of God is quite refreshing. There is not much verbal criticism; but a constant aim to seize the spirit of a passage and exhibit it to the auditors, with a sustained endeavour to illustrate and enforce the fact that it is only an experimental acquaintance with divine truth that can render it really profitable. Some passages are very beautiful; but some, in our judgment, are refinements on truth, going beyond the beautiful into the regions of fancy. The theology approximates, in some cases, too much to what is technically called Arminianism, to accord exactly with our views. Ministers, however, will find in these pages many thoughts out of the usual course of their reading, which they may advantageously ponder. The Friend of Youth: or, A Series of Papers addressed to the Young on the Duties of Life. By WILLIAM MACKENZIE. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd. 16mo. pp. 332. The counsels contained in this volume are generally good; but the motives adduced to enforce them are essentially defective. It is not the love of God, the propriety of seeking to please him, or the injunctions of his word, to which the appeal is made, but the tendency of the prescribed course to promote personal happiness or win respect. We do not say that there is no reference to higher principles, but they are vague and rare. "Regard with decent respect the volume of inspiration," says the author (page 119); and to this rule he conforms himself, decent respect" he uniformly renders. He adds, with propriety, "To quote from it on trivial occasions, or for purposes of humour, may give it an air of ridicule;" but what then? Are any considerations mentioned having reference to its divine origin and solemn import? No but it is added, "and what man of humanity and honour would sully the innocence of youth and offend the pious, by rendering ludicrous the source whence they derive their consolation and happiness." This example will serve to illustrate our view of the pervading fault of the whole book. The Wrongs of our Youth; an Essay on the Evils of the Late Hour System. By RALPH BARNES GRINDROD, LL.D., Author of "Bacchus," &c. London: 8vo. pp. 76. Price 1s. The subject of this essay deserves more attention than it has hitherto received. We must not leave it to employers of young people, as exclusively their business, as there are few of us who are not more or less responsible for the numerous evils arising from the system of transacting business at unreasonably late hours. This pamphlet traces the origin and progress of the evil; illustrates its nature, extent, and causes; shows its effects; and adduces motives for an alteration, in reference to the employed, to the employers, and to the public. Astronomy and Scripture: or, Some Illustrations of that Science, and of the Solar, Lunar, Stellar, and Terrestrial Phenomena of Holy Writ. By the Rev. T. MILNER, M. A., Author of History of the Seven Churches of Asia," "Life and Times of Dr. Isaac Watts, &c. London: Foolscap 8vo. pp. 398. Price 7s. To all who are partial to astronomical studies, and to all who desire a pleasant initiation, this volume may be cordially recommended. The author unites to the requisite scientific knowledge a desire to turn the information he comHe takes care municates to good account. therefore to point out evidences of the wisdom and goodness of the Creator of the worlds described, and to illustrate those passages of scripture on which astronomy sheds light, or to which its exhibitions have been thought to be opposed. Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature. By JOHN KITTO, Editor of the Pictorial Bible, &c., &c. Assisted by various able Scholars and Divines. Part IX. Edinburgh: 8vo. pp. 80. The value of this portion, which includes the articles from "Ephesus" to "Fruits," is enhanced by a large and elaborate engraved map of the principal countries of the ancient world, extending from the Alps to the southern frontier of Egypt, and from Carthage to Persepolis. The Pictorial Sunday Book. Part I. London: Folio pp. 40. Price 1s. 6d. Our readers will form their own estimate of the character and execution of the woodcuts if we say that a large proportion of them have previously adorned the Pictorial Bible, and the Pictorial History of Palestine, works which have deservedly acquired a high reputation. We regret that the letter press accompaniments are not written in a style sufficiently simple to be understood by young persons of the early age to which pictorial illustrations are most suitable for Lord's-day use. An illuminated map of Armenia, Mesopotamia, and Syria, is prefixed to this first part. The number of woodcuts is one hundred and twenty-two. Payne's Universum, or Pictorial World; being a Collection of Engravings of Views in all Countries, Portraits of Great Men, and Specimens of Works of Art of all Ages and of every Character. Edited by CHARLES EDWARDS, Esq. London: Quarto pp. 8. Vol. I. No. I. Price is. It would be premature to do more than announce this work, which is to be published in monthly parts, each containing four highlyfinished steel engravings, accompanied with a few pages of letter-press. The engravings in this number are well executed. The Indians of North America. London: (Tract Society) 16mo. square, pp. viii. 296. Price 4s. gilt edges. This volume deserves special commendation. It will secure the approbation of juvenile critics, as well as that of their seniors. The Complete Suffrage Almanack, for 1844, being Bissextile, or Leap Year. Compiled and Published under the Sanction of the National Complete Suffrage Association. London: 18mo. pp. 72. Price 6d. Political statistics, and information bearing on parliamentary elections, are the distinguishing features of this calendar. RECENT PUBLICATIONS Approved. The Happy Transformation: or, The History of A London Apprentice. An Authentic Narrative, Communicated in a Series of Letters. With a Preface, by W. H. PEARCE, Missionary from Calcutta, to whom the Letters were Addressed. Third Edition. London: Dyer. 24mo. pp. 106. Price 18. Two Lectures on the Historical Conformation of the Scriptures; with Especial Reference to Jewish and Ancient Heathen Testimony. By WILLIAM BLATCH. London: Mason. 18mo. pp. 108. A Cry from the Ganges. The Present State of the Exposure of the Sick on the Banks of the Ganges. A Letter to the Right Hon. the Earl of RIPON, President of the Board of Control. By the Rev. JAMES PEGGS, late Missionary at Cuttack, Orissa, Author of India's Cries to British Humanity," &c., &c. London: Snow. 8vo. pp. 56. Thoughts on Sacramental Occasions, extracted from the Diary of the Rev. Philip Doddridge, D.D. London: (Tract Society) 24mo. pp. 136. Price 18. Tangible Arithmetic and Geometry. An Easy and Effectual Method of teaching Addition, Multiplication, Subtraction, and Division. The Analysis and Composition of Numbers and Fractions; also the Formation of Squares, Triangles, Cubes, Prisms, Pyramids, &c. Illustrated by Cuts and a box of Cubes: forming a permanent Fund of amusement and instruction for all ages. By HENRY BUTTER, Author of the "Etymological Spelling Book and Expositor;" "Graduations in Reading and Spelling ;" "The Gradual Primer," &c. Second Edition, revised and improved. London: 18mo. pp. 40. Price 18. INTELLIGENCE. CHINA. BAPTIST CHUBCHES IN HONG KONG. A letter from Mr. Shuck to Dr. Cox, with a sight of which we have been favoured, gives pleasing intelligence respecting the church of which he is pastor. "The little band," says Mr. Shuck, "now numbers twenty-six, Chinese and foreigners. We have besides formed a second church from native converts speaking a different dialect, of which Mr. Dean has the pastoral charge. Our congregations, both Chinese and foreign, at both chapels are very good, and there are at present a number of inquirers. Of the inquirers under my care, three are native men of high literary acquirements in their own country; another is an intelligent native doctor of medicine, and another is a priest of the Budha sect. Pray for us that God would grant the converting descent of the Holy Ghost. This is what we now most need, and without which all is abortive. The health of myself and family is good, although we have been from our native land eight years. We have had a valuable accession to our mission in Dr. Macgowan. He leaves in a few days for Shanghei, where he designs locating; this being another station of our board." The date of this letter is August 16th, 1843. GERMANY. BAPTIST CHURCH AT STUTTGARD. In the Christian Watchman we find an account drawn up by Mr. Neale, pastor of one of the baptist churches in Boston, U. S., who has recently visited the continent of Europe and this country, of the formation about five years ago of a baptist church in Stuttgard, the captital of the kingdom of Würtemburg. We shall gratify our readers by transferring it to our pages. "A Mr. Schauffler, and Dr. Römer, and one or two other individuals, became dissatisfied with a religious establishment, and with many of the doctrines and practices of the degenerated Lutheran church, of which they were members. They took occasion in public meetings more and more frequently to express their dissatisfaction and dissent. At length they withdrew from the established church, and held meetings by themselves, in which they were wont to read the bible, and by prayer and mutual consultation endeavour to ascertain its meaning. In these interviews different subjects connected with the errors of the Lutheran church engaged their attention. They were first, and more especially, impressed with the evils arising from the connexion of church and state; the worldiness and impiety, which were thus introduced into what should be a most sacred enclosure. The subject of baptism also, in the course of their scripture readings, arrested their attention and became a frequent matter of meditation and remark. "At this time they knew not that there were any baptists on earth existing as a denomination. They had only heard evil reports of some few anabaptists in Switzerland, but had no knowledge of our sentiments and history as a denomination. The object of their holding meetings by themselves, was to study the bible prayerfully, and endeavour thus, by the guidance of the written word and the illumination of the Spirit, to form their sentiments and regulate their conduct. Dr. Römer was at this time agent of a tract depository, and had been for some time holding correspondence with Mr. Oncken of Hamburg, who was engaged in the same business. Their correspondence was solely in reference to the business of their respective depositories. At length a letter was received by Römer written by another hand. This of course excited some surprise, and in his reply he inquired what had become of his old correspondent. The answer to this letter stated that Mr. Oncken had become a baptist, in consequence of which he had been dismissed from his agency and was then in prison. This letter was laid before the meeting of praying bible-readers, and its contents most carefully knows but this Mr. Oncken has had similar pondered. A baptist!' said they, who trials and exercises of mind with ourselves?' menced a private correspondence with Oncken "Schauffler and Römer immediately comon the subject. This resulted in their becoming decided baptists. In the year 1838, Mr. Oncken was invited to visit them for the purpose of administering the ordinance of baptism and forming them into a regular church. He came, and baptized two or three of the leaders. This was on Friday. On Saturday he baptized two or three more. On Sunday six were to be baptized. A meeting previous to the baptism was held in Mr. Schauffler's house. Curiosity called in quite a large assembly. Mr. Oncken preached. The discourse was very solemn and effective. After the discourse he engaged in prayer, in which he seemed to have a near communion with the skies. The assembly were upon their knees, and as Mr. Oncken, who was becoming more and more earnest in prayer, invoked the special blessing of heaven upon the six precious souls who were about to follow their Lord and Master in the solemn ordinance of baptism, all were melted in tears, and as he mentioned the number six, an old soldier present exclaimed, with emphasis, 'Say seven. 'Seven,' immediately responded the man of prayer, and thanked God that the old soldier was willing to enlist under the banners of the cross. Such a scene as I then witnessed,' said the son of Mr. Schauffler, from whom I had this account, I never conceived of before. I was myself ready to join with them, and would, if I had dared, have spoken out too, and requested that the number might be eight.' "As the assembly arose from their knees at the conclusion of the prayer, the old soldier remarked, I am afraid I have been too hasty. I spoke, it is true, only as I continue to feel; but I am an old man, and my wife, with whom I have lived happily a great many years, is an old woman; and if I was to be baptized now, without her knowing it, I do not know what would be the consequence. 1 am afraid it would kill her.' He was strong in the faith, and firm as ever in his purpose of duty. But thoughts of the grief which this step would occasion to his wife caused a struggle in his bosom : 'Dauntless was the soldier's heart Though tears were on his cheek.' He would be baptized, he said, at some future time, but he felt as if he must see his wife and prepare her mind for it first. Mr. Oncken and Mr. Schauffler proposed going with him immediately and speaking to his wife on the subject. To this proposal he acceded, but went trembling, fearing what might be the result. His wife met them at the door and welcomed them in; said she was very glad they had called, and before they had time to introduce the subject, began herself to tell how her mind had been exercised on the subject of religion, especially that morning, as she had been at home alone; and she had been praying that she and her husband might be joined with the baptist Christians. O,' said the old man, in tears of joy,' 'that is enough. I am ready to go now and be the seventh. His wife, instead of being killed, or offended, was delighted to hear of what had occurred in the meeting, and of the determination to which her husband had come, and she agreed to go to her closet and pray for him and herself, while he went with the brethren and the six candidates, to receive the ordinance of baptism. In the afternoon, Mr. Schauffler's son and another young man, and the old soldier's wife, related their religious experience to the church, and were baptized. "Thus the church in Stuttgard began. They were looked upon with hatred and contempt by the people of the place. Their own relatives and former friends refused to associate with them. They would take pains to avoid meeting them in the streets. Had we been among the Jews,' said young Schauffler, and affected with the leprosy, we could not have been more thoroughly loathed, or more carefully avoided;' and with deep emotion, his eyes filling with tears, he remarked, No one was more bitterly opposed to us than my dear mother. She had, from the first, no sympathy with my father's sentiments or proceedings; and especially regarded his opposition to infant baptism as impious and awful.' It happened that just about the time his eyes were opened upon this subject, his principles were put to the test by an addition to his family. His wife insisted on having her infant baptized, according to the custom of their fathers. He as strenuously opposed it. This brought on a most unhappy and long-continued collision. The mother was so affected that she became sick with a fever, and for some weeks was confined to her bed. I recollect,' said the son, as she lay upon her head, pale and emanciated, and not expected to live, she addressed my father, who was standing by the side of the bed,-'My dear husband, it is your strange conduct that is bringing me to the grave. Why will you refuse baptism to our dear child. My father's whole frame trembled, and he wept like an infant. For some time he was unable to speak. At length he recovered himself and remarked, My dear wife, you know there is nothing I would not cheerfully do or suffer for your sake, except to violate my conscience. That I cannot do if your death, and my own, and that of our whole family should be the consequence.' Mrs. Schauffler, however, recovered, but with as strong a determination as ever that her child should be baptized, and her husband with as equally strong determination that it should not be. The wife, however, eventually gained her point. Schauffler's brother is a Lutheran clergyman, and, of course, with most of the other relatives, took the part of Mrs. Schauffler in this controversy; and as they could not obtain Mr. Schauffler's consent to the baptism of his child, they resorted to stratagem. During the absence of the father on a preaching tour, the uncle stood as godfather, and the child was baptized. When Mr. S. returned, he was much hurt, and published a remonstrance in the public papers. "When again there was another addition to his family, a similar scene was acted over. Mrs. Schauffler is a very talented woman, and an amiable and affectionate wife; but she was a most sincere believer in infant baptism. She could not endure the thought of giving nour ishment and care to an unbaptized child. She felt, too, that her husband was guilty of sacrilege in taking upon himself the office of a minister, whilst uneducated, and not having been set apart and ordained by the regularly constituted authorities. "The members of the church dreaded her opposition more, if possible, than that of the government itself. She occasionally sent to them long and pointed remonstrances in writing, charging them with destroying the peace of her family, and doing that which would inevitably result in the separation of herself and husband. "Two years ago, however,' said young Schauffler (and here his emotions overcame him), my dear mother became, by the grace of God, as decidedly in favour of Christ and of the despised baptist cause, as she had been before opposed. My father said nothing to the members of the church of the change which his wife had experienced until he was himself fully convinced that it was the work of the Holy Spirit, nor until she had herself requested that he would administer to her the ordinance of baptism. One evening, as the church were assembled for prayer and conference, who should enter but Mrs. Schauffler, The church had heard nothing from her for some time, and supposed that a storm, perhaps, had been gathering, only to burst now with the greater fury. She had before not only sent them written admonitions and remonstrances, but, on several occasions, had come into their meetings and addressed them in person; and expecting now a repetition of her reprimands, they trembled as she entered. Mr. Schauffler, however, understood it all, and only wanted his brethren to experience the surprise of joy. When she had taken a seat, he remarked, Mrs. Schauffler is present, brethren; and has come to relate to us the dealings of God with her soul, and to propose herself as a candidate for baptism.' At this announcement the whole assembly rose with one accord, fell upon their knees, and broke forth in audible weeping and expressions of thanksgiving to God. She related a most satisfactory experience, was received by the church, baptized by her husband, and is now an humble and faithful member of the baptist church in Stuttgard." NEW CHAPELS. BLAKENEY, NORFOLK. The baptist congregation in the seaport town of Blakeney, which was raised in the autumn of 1842, under the auspices of the Norfolk and Norwich Baptist Association, fitted up a small out-building as a temporary place of worship; but the accommodation afforded by this place being soon found insufficient, a new chapel has been erected for its use. This chapel was opened by public services on the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, January 2, 1844. Brother Gooch commenced the afternoon service by reading and prayer; brother Venimore preached, from 1 Cor. i. 21; brother Wherry (general baptist) concluded. After this service there was a public tea-meeting in the chapel, the expense of which was provided for by the friends of the cause, and its proceeds were devoted to the building fund. Addresses were delivered after tea by brother Cragg, the minister of the place, who presided, and brethren Harcourt, Wherry, Gooch, Venimore, Griffiths, Colman (Wesleyan), and Lynn. The new chapel is erected on a commanding site, and is a neat and substantial edifice; it will contain about 200 persons, and has ample height for the addition of a gallery when required. The people have for some months been preparing for this movement by weekly contributions; yet the realization of their wishes must have been long delayed, but for the aid of a friend who, in addition to other substantial proofs of kindness, has advanced money for the building: the debt remaining after the opening services is about £100, which, with the kind assistance of neighbouring churches, they hope soon to discharge. PARTNEY, LINCOLNSHIRE. A neat little baptist chapel was opened in this village, Oct. 5th; when sermons were preached by Messrs. Horsley of Burgh, and Simmons of Spilsby. It will seat about one hundred persons. NEW CHURCHES. SOMERS' TOWN. On Monday evening, Nov. 20, 1843, fifteen persons who had resigned their connexion with Beulah Chapel, Somers' Town, publicly united themselves in church fellowship at Northampton Street Chapel, Battle Bridge, formerly occupied by the Scotch Baptists, and now supplied by the assistance of the John Street Christian Instruction Society. JUBILEE STREET, MILE END ROAD. A baptist church, with open communion, consisting of twenty-six members, twenty-one dismissed from other churches, with five new converts, was formed in Providence Chapel, Jubilee Street, Dec. 13, 1843. The Rev. R. G. Le Maire read the scriptures and prayed; the Rev. J. H. Hinton, M.A., delivered an effective address, explanatory of the service, and administered the Lord's Supper to the newly-formed church and members of other sections of the Christian church present. The number of the communicants exceeded a |