version? Is it at all possible, in a multitude of cases, to account for what have been not unaptly termed "the crane-neck turns" in the human mind, as well as in human life? Nay more, can a man himself frequently or easily retrace the progress of his own mind, in the various steps of reasoning or feeling by which he has found himself at length treading, as he humbly hopes, within the limits of the spiritual Canaan? Those who hold the uniform and instantaneous infusion of an holy principle at the sacred font of baptism, must in consistency believe the reception of Christian impressions to be always prior to any distinct or definite reasoning upon the subject. And those who hold the necessity of personal faith and actual obedience in after life, to complete the baptismal act, must, nevertheless, have often observed the arrival of those saving acts of the soul, to be, to appearance at least, without the intervention of any very long or connected intellectual process.

All this we feel to stand in need of many guards and qualifications on every side; without which, of course, we should by no means hold ourselves bound to any consequences that might be attempted to be crudely drawn from our cursory hints and with which, we mean to express no doubt of having the full assent and consent of Mr. Birch's judgment to what we have advanced. We have too long detained, perhaps, both him and our readers upon a discussion in which it may be said we have no opponents amongst real and rational Christians. What we have said has been rather with a view of calling the attention of our readers, in a very general manner, to a most important subject, and touched in a new and striking manner by an able hand. And to this we might add our fear, lest some of Mr. Birch's less considerate hearers might have been led into an admiration of his doctrine upon a some

what mistaken ground; and might, on his supposed authority, have given credit to the supposition of any natural powers whatever of fallen humanity, even in circumstances erroneously conceived the most favourable, being sufficient for the reception of those principles which are expressly declared to be of Divine origin in the human breast.

It will, we sincerely hope, be understood, that we have taken up this Sermon of Mr. Birch's with no desire to find exceptions against its contents, when we further add, that we have foreborne to notice what certainly must be deemed no inconsiderable deficiency in the course of the reasoning; namely, the total omission, as far as we can observe, of the doctrine of the Atonement, as an argument for hu mility or gratitude in the philo sopher's mind, or, indeed, as ever rising in review before him. We wish to make no use whatever of this circumstance further than, in taking our leave of this able Sermon with hearty good will to its Author, to admonish him and other influencial advocates for our invaJuable faith in these critical times, that it does not become them to tread lightly over the ground of those most important, fundamental, and distinguishing doctrines of true Christianity, justification alone by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and sanctification, regeneration,and conversion by his all-powerful Spirit. Here we must take our bold and resolute stand; and, resting with either foot on these strong and immovable pillars of our faith, we must aim, in sincere and humble imitation of the all conquering Spirit himself, to "destroy the wisdom of the wise, and to bring to nought the understanding of the prudent." The proud soarings of philosophy, the unsubstantial dreams of heathen science, the baseless fabric of a self constituted morality, have all done their best for the interests and happiness of mankind. They have

each had their turn, betrayed their weakness and insufficiency, and passed away. Dogmatical positiveness about doubtful opinions, and sceptical doubts about the most clear and certain truths," have been, as it is strongly ob served by Lord Lyttleton, the boasted sum of the proudest efforts of the pagan school. Christianity has commenced her march over the ruins of the Academy and the Stoa; and, with her simple creed in ber hand, has already erected her durable trophies in every age and quarter of the world. In her future progress to a still more extensive and commanding station, is involved at once the credit of her doctrines and her prophecies, and all those who rest on the one or are charged with the promulgation of the other. These have no need to shrink from their charge, or to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ," which is still, as it ever was, "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." But if they would make good their high commission, or secure themselves at least, if not the Gospel they preach, from ultimate confusion and defeat, it must be by closely and conscientiously adhering to the pure elements of their most holy faith. It must be by casting from their hands every instrument of unhallowed temper, every resource of mere carnal wis dom or a disgraced philosophy. They must carry up their views and plans to the simple standard of first principles; they must strive as their fathers strove before them; and, erecting the naked and unadorned symbol of the Cross, "in that they must conquer." They must neither despise the day of small things, nor the use of appaYently small means. They must Jemember the very intent of such divinely-appointed observances, "that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of man;" and, perhaps, the cause and the progress of Christianity must always

be expected to present something of the same paradox with the lives and fortunes of its earliest teachers. "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."

Sketch of my Friend's Family, intended to suggest some practical Hints on Religion and Domestic Manners. By Mrs. MARSHALL, Author of Henwick Tales. London: Hatchard: 1817. 12mo. pp. 150. price 4s. 6d.

THE object of this interesting little work is, to illustrate the position that "a woman whose mind has been properly expanded, is the best calculated to discharge, with honour to herself and comfort to her family, the duties of the conjugal and maternal relation.s" Of this position we ourselves entertain no doubt, and we trust that its belief daily becomes more prevalent. The Celebs of Mrs. H. More has tended not only to give currency to that sentiment among the reading classes of society, but to furnish so many practical rules for its attainment, that it will be a sud reproach to the present race of fathers and mothers, if the succeeding generation of females in this country shall not be qualified intellectually, as well as morally, to take a very prominent part in the institution of youth. Mrs. Mar shall appears to us to have aimed at adapting a few of Mrs. More's most important suggestions to the situation of persons in a somewhat lower rank of life than that of those to whom Mrs. More's admirable work is specially directed; we mean, to that numerous class which in London is denominated Tradesmen. Mr. Chifford, a member of

that respectable body, is exhibited to us as united to a lady, whose early predilection for literary pursuits qualified her, in an eminent degree, when she had happily learnt to study the duties of life in the Volume of Inspiration, and to live under the influence of the religion of the heart,-to exercise all the social charities of a mother, wife, and friend, to govern her family with judgment, and to unite to the cares of maternal tenderness the higher offices of a skilful instructress. It is not our intention to follow the thread of Mrs. Marshall's narrative, which does not derive any of its interest from those intricacies of plot, or that novelty and variety of incident, or those harrowing bursts of passion, or those perplexing situations or unexpected developments, which

constitute so much of the fascination of modern works of fancy. The story serves only as a kind of frame-work to connect and sustain her practical hints, as well as to diversify and enliven her arguments and illustrations. And of these, which form the substance of Mrs. Marshall's present contribution, towards the improvement of domestic manners, we can say nothing more recommendatory than that they are marked by good sense, and practical utility, and scriptural principle, and right Christian feeling.

We give the whole of the Seventh Chapter as a favourable specimen, of the author's manner.

"What do ye more than others?' is a reproach with which the enemies of Christianity have, in all ages, but too successfully assailed its votaries. Would that the religious world,' (as it is called), had never given just occasion for the inquiry, by the inconsistency of their lives with their profession. Yet, let the observer be candid-the Christian, though a renewed, is an imperfect creature still; and the true Israel is not the less holy, because some foreigners have assumed the garb, and learned the dialect of Canaan.

"The visitors at Mr. Clifford's house were few and select; yet even in this

CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 195.

limited circle, there were some whose conduct might provoke the interroga. tion charity herself can plead no more. tive reproach; and in whose extenua

"We had not risen from the break

fast-table one morning, when a female, rather young, and fashionably dressed,

entered the room. After a few com. mon-place civilities, she turned to Mrs. Clifford, saying, I called to tell you that Mr. Sis in town; he preaches

hear him.'

to-day at, and you must positively put on your things, and go with me to Could I consistently do so,' replied her friend, I should be very happy to accompany you; but excuse me if I say, that were this excellent man to see the dear little group by which I am surrounded, he would be the first to forbid my leaving them to listen to his sermon.'

"Perhaps the conscious recollection of some duty unperformed at home, just then stung the feelings of our fair guided zeal which reddened on her devotee; or it might be purely a mis

cheek, as she retorted, somewhat sharp

ly, When, like Martha's, the heart is

careful and troubled about many things," it is easy to find a pretext of duty, to prevent our listening to the words of Jesus.'

"Mrs. Clifford mildly answered, ‘I hope I am aware of this plausible deception, but in the present instance I am not conscions of meriting the rebuke. You may remember, my dear Mrs. Hammond, that Martha was not censured for a necessary attention to her ordinary and relative duties; but for an undue anxiety, an ostentatious and ill-timed desire of providing "things more than hospitably good." Perhaps, gists a visible difference between her too, I may remind you, that there subneglecting to hear the words of the Redeemer, when he honoured her roof with his sacred presence, and my declining to attend the discourse of one of his servants, when such an attendance would necessarily involve a neglect of duties, more strictly enjoined upon me.'

"You have always a great deal to say, about duties, my dear,' resumed the lady; but if I read my Bible aright, no duties are so acceptable with God, as an affectionate reception of his Gospel, and a desire to see his kingdom advanced in our own hearts, and in the world around us.' She then magnanimously declared her resolution to persist in her attachment to the word 2 C

preached,' although it continued to expose her to many domestic sacrifices, and involved her in several petty persecutions.

"I believe Mrs. Clifford could have evinced to her fair friend, that she had not read her Bible aright;' but as a spirit of recrimination certainly was not the temper by which she sought to maintain the honour of religion, she thought it better to drop the subject, than to expose her visitor to the imminent risk of losing her temper.

"A short silence therefore ensued, till Mr. Clifford inquired of Mrs. Hammond, Whether she had yet had an opportunity of visiting the sick woman, whose case he recommended to her? No, really,' she replied, I have not had one moment of leisure since you named her to me. On Monday, I was at a Bible Society's meeting; Tuesday, I went to hear Mr. preach; Wednesday, I dined at Mrs. Nelson's, where a select number of serious friends were assembled to meet the Rev. Mr. H; all Thursday I was occupied in endeavouring to procure subscribers to our Dorcas society; and to-day, I shall hardly have time to swallow my dinner, on my return home, before the arrival of a lady, who lias promised to go with me to hear a sermon for the benefit of our Sunday-school.'

"As Mrs. Hammond paused, I asked my friend, in a low voice, If it were possible to be religiously dissipated? I fear it is possible, though not, I should hope, a very frequent case,' he observed; then turning to the lady who had given birth to the supposition, he said, As your engagements are already so numerous, I fear your intended charity will come too late for poor Susan. Our Emma saw her on Wednesday, she was then almost incapable of receiving any nourishment; and I believe, that in a few days, her sufferings and her wants will cease.'

"If I mistake not, Mr. Clifford designed to convey a practical reproof to this wandering star,' and perhaps for a moment it was felt as such; but soon the salutary effects of her regret evaporated in extravagant expressions of sorrow. Surely,' she exclaimed, there never was so unfortunate a being before. I would have made any sacrifices rather than have lost the opportunity of hearing the dying language of this poor but pious creature! Then addressing Emma,' How I envy you, Miss Clifford!

it must be a sweet satisfaction to reflect on the many hours which, for this year past, you have spent in reading to the aged sufferer. Perhaps, my dear, you will write a short narrative of her; it would be a charming obituary: send it to me when it is drawn up, and I will get it published next month. Don't you think it would be very interesting, Mrs. Clifford?' she continued, turning to her, before she had given Emma time to reply.

"Emma bit her lips to prevent a smile, though the mention of Susan's name at other times, might more easily have drawn a tear to her eyes.

"Mrs. Clifford, replied, To us, who have so long witnessed her patient sufferings, every circumstance of Susan's death would be highly interesting: but I doubt whether it would be equally so to the public eye. I agree with you, however, in thinking that Emma has been highly privileged in reading to her from that sacred volume, which has furnished the comfort and support of a long life. In witnessing the triumph of a faith like Susan's at once so humble and so strong, she has enjoyed an opportunity of instruction, which may never again occur, and which, I trust, she will not fail to improve.' A tear, which involuntarily started in Emma's eyes, seemed to promise that she would

not.

"Nor shall I forget, mamma,' said Harriet, a sprightly girl, not twelve years old, how cheerful and thankful poor Susan was, the last time I went with you to see her. Don't you recollect, mamma, how she shook my hand, when I toasted the bread, and put the spice aud sugar in her water-gruel?’— Harriet would have gone on, but her mother prevented it, by saying, 'Since you have so much to say about yourself, Harriet, I must, in future, take Sophia or little Jane with me.'

"The clock now struck nine, and our morning visitor, starting from her seat, took a hasty leave, alleging, that she had a long way to walk, and must be there by ten o'clock; for if she were not in time for the prayers, she should have to stand all sermon-time, as it would be impossible to obtain a seat afterwards.

"After Mrs. Hammond had left the room, I asked Emma, What made her feel so deeply interested for poor Susan?' 'OI have known her ever since I remember any thing; and then

she is so cheerful, and so neat, in the midst of all her poverty, that it would be impossible not to love her. And besides, mamma accustomed me to feel a pleasure in doing something for Susan, before I was old enough to know what a good old woman she was.' • How was that, Emma? Whenever I had been good through the week, it was my reward on Sunday to put a sixpence into Susan's hand; who never failed to be in the aisle in her clean white apron, and her tidy Sunday-gown'

"Ah, sister Emma,' interrupted Sophia, but you have not yet told Mr. Bently what would please him most.' Suppose you tell it me, then Sophia.' O sir, it is not worth telling, I dare say,' said Emma, rising to follow her mother, who had left the room. Yes, bat indeed it is worth telling though; for Susan has often told me that Emma used to sit on her knees, and teach her to read the Bible, when she was not so old as Jane. And if you will promise not to say any thing about it, I will tell yon something which even mamma does not know.' 'I will promise you then, Sophia.' Well, do you know, that Emma and Harriet give all the money which mamma pays them for making and mending papa's linen, to Susan every Saturday; because Emma says, that Susan needs a great many nourish ing things now.' And do you work for your pocket-money too, Sophia? Yes, but I can only mend stockings, and hem and sew, at present; so that I seldom get more than two pence a week. And mamma says that is pretty well; for I must tell you, that when I have learned my lessons, and read, and walked as long as mamma chooses we should, I have not much time to work; but I hope I shall soon earn three-pence, and then I can subscribe two-pence instead of a penny a week to mamma's Bible Association. Here the engaging prattier left me, to begin her morning tasks; and I remembered an engagement in a distant part of the town.

་

"In the course of the day, our con. versation happening to turn on Mrs. Hammond, I asked my friend, If he knew to what' petty persecution' she alluded? I fear,' answered Mr. Clifford,' that the persecutor is her husband;

a prudent and domesticated man; whose

virtues should command her esteem, and whose kind forbearance entitles him to her gratitude. But, unhappily for the honour of the Gospel she pro

fesses to embrace, she regards his person with indifference, and meets both commands and entreaties alike with contempt. By this unconciliatory behaviour in his wife, it is not likely that Mr. Hammond's objections to the evangelical doctrines, which she perverts, should be greatly diminished. The reverse, I fear, is daily the result of her unamiable conduct. And this neglected husband, finding that the high-sounding profession of his lady is unaccompanied by Christian meekness and unadorned by Christian virtues, is brought to conclude, that Christianity is but an empty name, and that her followers are fanatics and hypocrites.' 'Alas, then,' said I,' will not the blood of the husband's soul (should he perish in unbelief) cry for vengeance to his Judge against her, whose inconsistent conduct furnished him with weapons to reproach the Cross of Christ, to the faith of which she might have won him, by meekness, gentleness, and goodness? Are not these wounds, my dear Clifford, which are inflicted on religion in the house of her professed friends, more deep and fatal, than any that can be effected by the feeble shafts of enmity and prejudice? It was such characters as this, my friend, who, in conjunction with my own unhumbled pride, had induced me to conclude, that morality was all which God required; and that all beyond was the dream of enthusiasm, or the cant of hypocrisy.' 'Let us not, however,' resumed Mr. Clifford, bear too hardly on the character of Mrs. Hammond: she may be sincere in seeking her own salvation, though she is not affectionately desirous of her husband's. We may hope that she has within her that latent spark of eternal life, which, to the glory of free grace, shall hereafter burst into a flame; although we must lament, that her light does not now so shine before men, that they may see her good works, and glorify her Father which is in heaven.'" pp. 54-66.

We will add to this extract, only two brief passages: one intended to illustrate Mrs. H. More's maxim, that "before we determine that small faults are innocent, we must undertake to prove that they shall never outgrow their pri..

mitive dimensions;" the other con. veying a lesson to parents, on the mode of repressing in their daughters the vanity of dress.