real enthusiasm and self-deception Like Edwards, in his treatise on religious affections, he strenuously maintains, that gracious and holy affections have their exercise and fruit in holy practice. See the twelfth sign of gracious affections, p. 279-356. The same writer shews, in p. 95, &c. that there are no signs of grace which can suffice to enable those to descern their own good estate, who are very low in grace, or have departed much from God, and sunk into a carnal unchristian frame, nor is it agreeable to God's design, that such should know their good estate, nor desirable that they should, but every way best they should not; and we have reason to bless God, that he has made no provision that such should certainly know the state that they are in, any other way than by first coming out of this evil frame, and returning to God. It would be easy to refer to numberless passages, in Mr. Scott's exposition especially, which would prove the extreme injustice of the representation this Reviewer endea vours to give of his religion. The volume of his letters, and the extracts from an unpublished work also, which his son has printed, since the Memoir of his Father's life, would surely make him ashamed of his treatment of this excellent man, if his prejudices against evangelical religion are not such, as to divest him of all candour and impartiality. Bristol, February 21, 1825. COTTAGE PIETY. ש כ IN one of those short excursions which most people have occasion to take in the course of life, my road lay near a small cottage, the sight of which immediately brought to my recollection a valued friend, who a few years ago, resigned that earthly dwelling, for "a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." The beautiful vale of T was to the south, with hanging-woods skirting along the side of the river, and rocky cliffs projecting from the summit of the hills. I soon attained the point where my late friend's house is situated. A small runnet of water, and a narrow road, are on one side; and a garden of herbs, and rows of gooseberry trees, are seen in front. An old wooden gate admits you on the east, by a clean, paved path, to the threshold of the cottage. With what pleasure have I often traced this path, and how many a happy hour have I spent! But its inhabitant is changed, its furniture removed. There is no longer to be seen that ancient and curiously carved desk which contained his books; nor that old oaken chair, in which he so often held converse with eternal things; nor that family clock, which had so long measured his hours. All is changed within the dwelling; and I am glad to turn from it to meditate on The excellent character of its late tenant. 1. He was remarkable for early piety. Many good people lament the ungodliness and immorality of their children: let such parents enquire whether they have not been negligent in giving them religious instruction, in restraining them from vicious examples, or in evidencing to them by a good example, the influence and power of the gospel. The father of the person I am describing, was a man of primitive integrity, fond of retirement, and deeply attached to the religion of Jesus Christ. His views of divine truth were much like those professed by the United Brethren; but distance, and the solitude of his residence, prevented him from enjoying much intercourse with Christian friends. He did not fail, however, to bring up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." The deceased, with an el der brother, who was destined for extensive usefulness, received their first religious impressions under their father's roof. There is, on the opposite side of the valley, a neat dwelling, at the foot of a lofty peak: this house, with the small estate attached to it, was the property of the parent of my friend. One can scarcely conceive any place more adapted for retirement and devotion; nature has sheltered it on every side from winds and tempests, an extensive common lies to the south, and its appearance might justify one in calling it a garden in a wilderness. Here D- was taught to seek and love the Saviour-here, like Isaac, he walked out in the fields to meditate; and I have now before me some of his papers, which contain pleasing evidences of his early devotedness to God. In one of these papers, after expressing his sense of his own depravity, he concludes a short piece, written in verse, with the following lines : : "Exert thine arm, O God of love; Send down thy Spirit from above: Inflame my heart with love divine; With love to thee, and all that's thine." He studiously refrained from evil company, and was singularly harmless and upright in his conduct. The word of God was his study from a child, and his parents were rewarded for their anxious attention to his eternal interests, by the dutifulness of his conduct and by the satisfaction of seeing him an useful, pious, and happy youth. 2. An eager desire for knowledge, and diligence in seeking it were striking traits in his character. Though, while his father lived, he assisted in managing the farm, and was accustomed to weave for his maintenance, till laid aside by sickness; he so husbanded his time and opportunities, that he obtained considerable knowledge of the Latin language, and was also able to read the Greek Testament. I have been surprised with his readiness in recollecting the words of the original text, when conversing on various passages of the word of God. The Scriptures, especially of the New Testament, were his constant delight. He gladly availed himself of opportunities of consulting commentaries and other books illustrative of them. He tried the spirits; whether they were of God; his religious principles were well digested. After proving all things, he held fast that which was good. He was able to give a reason of the hope that was in him, and was painfully sensible of the injurious influence of distorted views of divine truth. He ever strove to receive the Gospel in its own spirit, and for its proper ends. While he was far from indulging a sectarian spirit, he generally read but few authors. He was much attached to the writ ings of the excellent Jonathan Edwards, and would often recommend them to his young friends. The works of Dr. Owen, Dr. Watts, and Mr. Flavel, were often in his hands. He greatly esteemed the devotional writings of the late Mr. Meikle; and a short time before his death, was often reading Dr. Dwight's System of Theology. He was accustomed to make extracts from authors in the course of his reading, and many interesting volumes of this description, were directed by him, to be appropriated, after his decease, to the use of young ministers. He was fond of poetry, especially when employed for religious purposes; and I well recollect the pleasure with which he spoke of a visit to the neighbourhood, where 1 the poet Cowper had resided, and the interest with which he preserved a memorial of that eminent individual. History, and the present state of the world, also engaged much of his leisure time; but it was in the history of the Christian church that he felt the deepest interest. Every thing that respected this subject was valuable to him. He literally favoured the dust and the walls of Zion, and few persons are better acquainted than he was, with the particulars of modern church history. 3. He was distinguished by selfdenial, frugality, and consistency of character. Though fond of retirement, and averse to bringing himself into notice, yet he denied himself, and willingly came forward in every good cause. He denied himself of many of the comforts of life, that he might have more to devote to religious purposes. Often, also, had he occasion to deny his own peace of mind, and ease of body, in his efforts to serve the church of Christ. He was greatly attached to books, but forbore to spend much money for his own gratification in this respect. Few men less sought great things for themselves than he did. His domestic affairs were managed with great prudence and economy. When, at the decease of his parents, he came into possession of a small property, he continued his self-denying and frugal habits. Yet his frugality was not that which appears in distraining others to the last farthing, or, in illiberal, unkind, and over. reaching dealings with his neighbours; on the contrary, in these respects, he was generous, and anxious to give too much, rather than too little, for any service that was done for him. His frugality regarded himself, and his own comforts. He was never married, and there fore thought he was more peculiarly called on to devote his all to God. He was consistent in his character: you would not see him at one time a Christian, at another a man of the world. In all places, and in every company, he acted in his proper character. He thought Christianity should influence him in every relation. In transactions of trade for himself, and when acting in trust for others, he evidenced great integrity, and supreme regard to the laws of Christ. He professed to be a stranger and pilgrim on the earth, and acted accordingly. He professed to love Jesus Christ, and he evidenced that love in his spirit and conduct. No man could doubt his real character; his appearance was an index to his mind; for his appearance, his professions, and his whole deportment spoke one language. 4. He was exemplary for humility, meekness, and resignation to Divine Providence. His reverence for God was exceedingly great: he believed the scripture representation of his character; he lived under its influence. Contemplation on the infinite and gracious perfections of his Creator, led him to the deepest humility and prostration of spirit: yet, his was not the humility of many words; it appeared rather in the solemn reverence of his prayers, in his profound regard to the word of God, in conscientious obedience to the Divine will, and in the low estimate he formed of himself in the sight of God and man. Often would he repeat those striking words, as peculiarly suited to his feelings on this subject: "Great God! how infinite art thou! As his opportunities of inter course with mankind in general were not frequent, his meekness was not much tried; but there were cases in which it was called into exercise: and his friends will recollect many instances in which it was peculiarly evident. In speaking of the failings of others, he was very cautious. No provocations could lead him to railing, or violence of temper; he sought to moderate the impetuous feelings of others, and to promote peace and harmony amongst his connexions. He was convinced of equity and wisdom of the Divine dispensations though his health was al ways delicate, and often much impaired, he evidenced great resignation, and would commonly, when speaking of his indisposition, refer to the goodness of God, his own unworthiness, and the kindness of his friends. He regarded the operations of the Divine hand, in the course of public events, in the occurrences of the neighbourhood, in the variations of the seasons, and in his own afflictions and comforts, with admiration and praise. Nor could he have ever enjoyed that steady tranquillity and patience by which he was distinguished, had he not believed that the Judge of all the earth will do right; and that infinite wisdom, goodness, and truth, were engaged on his behalf. 5. I would mention Christian benevolence and zeal, as striking ornaments of his character. Various were the actions by which he evidenced that these were his principles. In addition to regular contributions to many of our benevolent institutions, he frequently bought small books, which he gave to his neighbours and acquaintance. He encouraged young men of promising talent and piety, by inviting them to his house, by the loan of books, and by his instructive conversation, He wrote occasionally in periodical publications, and published a small pamphlet for the use of Sunday-schools, which, on perusal, will convince the reader of his benevolent concern for mankind. But it was especially in encouraging missionary exertions that his soul felt all the fervour of compassion for immortal souls, and concern for the Divine honour. He had been familiar, from childhood, with the narratives of the Moravian Mission, He was personally acquainted with individuals, who had devoted themselves to Missionary labours; and some of his relatives and friends were among the first promoters of a Missionary Society, which has been, through a Divine blessing, an instrument of great good to the Heathen: to this Society, he, by will, left a great proportion of his property. Various other institutions, which he had been accustomed to support during life, were also partakers of his small estate. He abhorred an uncandid, illiberal spirit, amongst the disciples of Jesus Christ-rejoiced in the prosperity of all Christians-and anticipated, with sacred joy, that period when the whole earth shall be filled with the divine glory. It may be satisfactory to the reader to know, that in person he was tall and slender-his dress was of the same cast with that which he had been accustomed to wear in his early years, (for he changed not with the changing times)-his countenance was very intelligent, and expressive of the peace and benevolence of his mind—his manners to strangers were reserved, but very modest and unassuming: he would have been esteemed by many a man of few words; but if the right use of speech be our guide, few men said more. His habits were punctual, quiet, and orderly, and his life retired. And now, dear reader, what im pression has this character made upon you? Here is one of that cloud of witnesses with which you are encompassed. Does not a voice call upon you to "go and do likewise." But, remember, your own strength will never be adequate to the work. You are a sinner, and the subject of depravity. You must be born again, have a new heart given to you, and a right spirit put within you, before you will serve God in sincerity. If you follow my dear friend's example, you will acknowledge what you do to be your duty, and yet ascribe all you have and are, as a Christian, to the grace of God, and the merits of the Redeemer. W. F. ON SLAVERY. rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Behold the hire of the labourers which have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have condemned and killed the just, and he doth not resist you." The sun rises in the morning, but it is only to enlighten their path to the field of labour; he shines in an almost vertical direction, but they are, nevertheless, doomed to toil beneath his burning rays; he sinks beneath the western horizon, and they are allowed only a part of the time he is absent, to recruit their exhausted strength; he rises again, and the sound of the horn, and the smacking of the whip proclaim, that they too must rise, and again repair to the scenes of labour, and fulfil To the Editors of the Baptist Magazine. the work assigned them by their in SIRS, Notwithstanding all the "orders" and "recommendations" that have been sent out to the West Indies, by his Majesty's ministers, Slavery still exists (with only one exception) in its most appalling form; and notwithstanding all that has been said, and all that has been written in its extenuation and defence, it still remains an indefensible and cruel system, at which the heart sickens, and humanity revolts; and by characterizing it as one of the most crying sins of the times, we shall not greatly err. We can read of the barbarous yoke-the galling fetterthe lacerating whip, and, often too, with apathetic feelings, but we cannot see the unavailing tears that furrow their sable cheeks, nor hear the despairing groans they produce. Their language, however, if rightly interpreted, would doubtless bear some affinity to that recorded by the apostle James, "Go to now, ye exorable task-masters. The Sab- At this time last year, that balm of life-Hope, was kept buoyant in the mind of the philanthropist, by the assurance from his Majesty's ministers, that measures should be adopted, by which the state of the slave population in our West Indian colonies should be ameliorated, and they thus be put in possession of a |