Memoir of the Life and Writings of the late Rev. Edward Williams, D.D. with an Appendix, including Remarks on important Parts of Theological Science. By Joseph Gilbert. Westley. 1825.

THIS highly respectable volume deserves a more extended notice than we can take of it. But we shall be happy to gratify those of our readers, who have not access to it, with a few of the leading particulars in the life of a great and good man, whose memory will be dear to Christians of all denominations. His great-grandfather was a Baptist. "He was," Mr. Gilbert says, "a man of principle and integrity, bumble in his judgment of himself, but faithful to his convictions of duty; for, when tempted by his landlord to relinquish bis connexion with the Baptists, and to attend the parish church, like the rest of his neighbours, by the alluring offer that he should occupy his farm for some time rent-free, he replied, • Though I often doubt whether I have religion enough to be worth a shilling, yet I would not take in exchange for it, the estate which I cultivate.""

We learn from this Memoir that Dr. Edward Williams was born November 14, 1750, at Glanclyd, near Denbigh, on a farm which bis ancestors had occupied for near a century and a half; and that, while very young, the evidences of his early piety gave promise

of future excellence.

In 1771, he became a student at Abergavenny, under Dr. Davies. Here he appears to have been very exemplary in humility, diligence, and spiritual-mindedness; pursuing his inquiries with an unquenchable ardour, supplied by the love of truth.

Having gone through his academical studies with great credit to himself and to his tutor, he undertakes a pastoral charge at Ross; and his commencement was worthy of the high character he bad maintained in the Academy, "spending considerable portions of his days in devotional reading, prayer, and meditation." His ordination took place

March 27, 1776, when the charge was given him by Dr. Davies, from 1 Tim. iii. 15; and the sermon to the people from Acts ii. and part of the last verse, by the Rev. Mr. Fawcett, of Kidderminster. July 28, 1777, he was married to Miss Mary Llewellyn, a lady of highly respectable family, of singular amiableness of character, and of genuine piety.

After little more than two years, he' was called to a scene of more extensive labour at Oswestry; to which place he removed, with the advice of his revered tutor, Sept. 13, 1777. Here he becomes tutor, first to the students of Lady Glenorchy-and then, as successor to Dr. Davies, to those of the Congregational Fund-board. And the Academy is removed from Abergavenny to Oswestry. The correspondence relating to these matters, in the year 1781, and the following, forms a valuable portion of the present volume. In 1786, he published a new edition of Morrice's Social Religion exemplified, with important improvements, and some account of the Author.

Mr. Booth's "Pædobaptism Examined" appeared in 1784, and in 1788 Mr. Williams published his reply. Ou this we do not stay to remark now, as one of our correspondents will, perhaps, in a future Number, review Mr. Gilbert's account of this controversy, which occupies a very long and laboured chapter in this work.

In 1790, our Author published his abridged edition of Owen on the Hebrews-containing two valuable letters, one to Dr. Priestley, and the other to Mr. David Levi, the Jew. In 1791 was printed, his "Discourse on the Influence of religious Practice upon our Inquiries after Truth;" with a Letter to the Rev. Mr. Belsham.

Worn down by labour, and pierced by domestic affliction, Mr. Williams, in the year 1791, resigned his station at Oswestry, where he had been very extensively useful.

On January 1, 1792, we find bim entering on his ministry at Birming

ham, in his forty-second year. He had received, through the Rev. R. Hill, an invitation to succeed Dr. Addington, at the Mile-End Academy; but he determined to devote himself more completely to the engagements of a pastor. Into this new field of exertion he appears to have entered with heart, and soul, and mind, and strength. While he was studying his first sermon on" Glorying in the Cross of Christ," he received the intelligence that the University of Edinburgh had conferred on him a Diploma, constituting him Doctor of Divinity. At Birmingham he continued three or four years, and on July 22, 1795, he was called to mourn the loss of his pious and affectionate wife, with whom he had lived in the enjoyment of domestic happiness for eighteen years.

Dr. Williams entered upon the last and most important scene of his labours, by removing to Musbro', near Rotherham, on the 30th of September, 1795; and the Institution over which he went to preside, was opened November 5, of that year. In the latter part of the year 1796, he was married to Miss Yeomans, who survived him till February 2, 1823.

Mr. Gilbert has very properly noticed Dr. Williams's publications, as they appeared in successive years-the most important of which were, his Essay on Sovereignty and Equity, and bis Defence of Modern Calvinism, in Reply to the Bishop of Lincoln.

In the spring of 1808, we are told, Dr. Williams, after enduring for many weeks an extreme degree of weakness, was able to be removed to Cheltenham, where he received so much benefit as to return with renovated health and spirits. But on his resuming his usual course of incessant application, he sunk again under the pressure of dis

ease.

The brief account of his last illness is very edifying. With peculiar emphasis he frequently repeated, “I am in the hands of a sovereign God." At length, to use Mr. Gilbert's own words, (which we have done very freely in this Memoir,)" After appearing for a time a little to revive, the hopes of his friends were suddenly cut off, by an unexpected turn in the tide of life; which, from that moment, ebbed to return no more. Not a word, a look,

a movement, or a sigh, marked the arrest of death. Gently and imperceptibly, on the evening of March 9, 1813, he fell asleep, and rested from his labours, with the blessed that die in the Lord."

This work is divided into fifteen chapters-in the last of which Mr. Gilbert has delineated the character of Dr. Williams with a master's hand.

The Appendix on Metaphysics contains much valuable matter, which may profitably engage the attention of students and ministers, and the tutors of our theological academies.

The Notes on the notion of DeityDes Cartes' Demonstration of the Divine existence-liberty and necessity-the origin of evil-and moral science, are all replete with proofs of the biographer's learning and industry; there are some things, indeed, of doubtful disputation; particularly the favourite notion of Dr. Williams, respecting passive power, which Mr. Gilbert has explained and defended with great ingenuity. Very few theologians, however, we apprehend, have any sanguine hope of success now from an appeal to that obscure hypothesis, in relation to the origin of evil.

On the whole, though we cannot agree with Mr. Gilbert in all his opinions, we acknowledge ourselves much obliged to him for the contribution he has made to our biographical treasures. And we congratulate the religious public on the appearance of this volume, with a strong assurance that future generations of young ministers will read this Memoir of the Life and Writings of Dr. Williams, with advantage and delight.

The Baptist's Apology for the Mode in which he worships God. A Sermon preached at the New Baptist Meetinghouse, Clonmel. By_Stephen Davis. Holdsworth. Pp. 60, price 1s. 6d.

THE Occasion on which this sermon was delivered, was the opening of a new Meeting-house at Clonmel. An extraordinary event to take place in Ireland, where there had been no houses for worship built among the Baptists, until since the formation of the Irish Society, for more than a century past.

Mr. Davis, who is one of the So

ciety's agents, thought it a suitable occasion to state and publish his sentiments, as a Calvinistic Baptist: he has done so without disguise and without fear. It contains some very valuable extracts from good authors, and proves the preacher to have read extensively and thought closely on all the subjects on which he treats. We most cordially recommend it as a good defence of the Baptists' sentiments.

The Negro's Memorial, or Abolitionist's Catechism; by an Abolitionist. Hatchard, Piccadilly; Arch, Cornhill. Octavo, Pp. 127.

THIS work consists of seven sections: -Of Slavery-Of the African Slave Trade Of Slavery in the West Indies -Of the effect of Slavery, and particularly that of the West Indies, upon the Morals of those connected with it-Of the Political Consequences of Colonial Slavery-Of the commercial Results of the West Indian Slave System-Of Remedies for the Evils of Slaveryand of the Abolition of Slavery.

It is impossible to speak in terms too high of this excellent pamphlet: it is a condensed statement of all that has been written on the subject of Slavery, as well as a general history of all that has been done in England to promote its abolition. Every person ought to read it, that he may fully appreciate the abominable system which holds nearly eight millions of our fellow-subjects, and fellow-immortals, in the most horrible condition of bondage; and which exposes yet countless millions to the same degraded and galling yoke.

We quote only the last question :"What are the Duties of an Abolitionist?" Answer, "To make himself acquainted with the history and facts of this great moral question. To abstain, as much as possible, from consuming West Indian produce, such as sugar, rum, coffee, &c. in proportion to the demand for which the value of the slaves is enhanced, and the difficulty which that value interposes in the way of abolition is augmented; and, generally, to oppose all schemes which are calculated to strengthen the hands of the upholders of the West Indian system, and render them independent of public opinion; but to favour all projects of an opposite description, and upon all occasions diligently to

A Christian Father's Present to his Children. By J. A. Jumes. In Two Volumes.

He who can be quite at ease in an indolent belief, that all who are to be wise and good among mankind, are sure to make such attainments because it is thus decreed, will not approve the volume before us. But, should it be taken up by any who desire to employ suitable means for improvement in piety, and every species of good conduct, they will not read far without an expectation of reaping high advantage from a thoughtful perusal of the whole work in which, unless we are greatly in error, they will not be disappointed. For the benefit of the young it is peculiarly adapted, but no one, of any age, who is disposed to be made more upright, useful, and pions, can read Mr. James's volumes in vain. They are distinguished by good sense, and an extensive knowledge of human nature; by a spirit of true benevolence and piety they are pervaded; and the style is clear, powerful, sufficiently lively, and truly pleasing. After an address to the pious who have families, the author describes the anxiety of a Christian parent for the spiritual welfare of his children. The second chapter represents the dispositions with which we should enter upon an inquiry into the nature of religion. The third is on right sentiments in religion. The fourth defines the nature of true religion. The fifth states the advantages and responsibility of a pious education. The sixth presents the obstacles which preVent young people from entering on a religious life. The seventh paints the deceitfulness of the heart. The eighth respects transient devotions. The ninth estimates the value of decision of character in religion. The tenth mentions the pleasures of a religious life. The cleventh cnumerates the advantages of

early piety. The twelfth shows the influence of religion upon the temporal interests of its possessors, and the final chapter in the first volume, directs in the choice of companions. The second volume treats of Books-Amusements, Periods of Life-Public Spirit-Female Accomplishments-The Redemption of Time-Fellowship with a Christian Church-Choice of a Companion for Life-Keeping in view the End of Life-And the Meeting of a pious Family in Heaven. These are important subjects, and they are well stated.

Hymns for Children, intended chiefly for the Use of Sunday and other Schools. Offor. 4d.

THIS little book contains fifty hymns, and some of them are among the best for children we have ever seen. The sentiments are evangelical, the topics are well selected, the style is ardent, and the diction is always marked by simplicity.

The lady who composed them, tells us in her modest, sensible preface, that "She has, from early childhood, been the subject of an affliction which totally incapacitates her from taking an audible part in the ' songs of Zion,' or offering unto God, in vocal thanksgiving, that homage her heart gratefully renders him. She would, therefore, gladly borrow (as it were) the tongues of others, with which to sing his praise, since she may not do so with her own -even the tongues of little children."

We cordially wish her the most gratifying success in these pious and useful labours.

Services at the Ordination of Mr. Thomas Price, to the Pastoral Office over the Particular Baptist Church, meeting in Devonshire-square, London, November 25, 1824.

THESE services are published in their present form at the request of the members of the church mentioned in the above title and, while we lament that so many articles issue from the press, that are, either feeble, useless, or pernicious, we are truly gratified at the sight of that which is now before us. It contains principles of the greatest' value, and passages composed in the

very best style; and, he who could read any part of it without receiving important information, or recollecting valuable ideas, or being the subject of holy feelings; must be very wise, very ignorant, or very ungodly.

it is

The introductory discourse contains not a few of the immortal principles of nonconformity, clearly expressed, and well supported by references to the divine word. The statement relative to the event that issued in the union between Mr. Price and the church in Devonshire-square, is interesting, and well drawn up; and we have not often read a better confession of faith well expressed, scriptural, and comprehensive, and just what the occasion required. The charge, which was addressed to the young minister by his ble; indeed, we scarcely think that esteemed relative, is peculiarly valuaone deserving higher commendation, ed from giving quotations by the diffiwill easily be found. We are restrainculty of selecting from that which is uniformly excellent. The discourse tains good advice, which, we trust, the that was preached to the people, conmembers of it will habitually regard; and holy excitements, we wish them long to feel.

Baptist Free School.

ON Tuesday, the 12th ult. this excellent Institution held their annual meeting at Highbury Barn. After dinner, at which the company was numerous, the children were introduced, and a considerable accession was made to the attendance. The boys who were examined, acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of all present. The meeting was then addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Pritchard, Hutchings, Edwards, White, Dyer, Elvey, Evanson. Mr. Sheppard, and W. Napier, Esq. Treasurer; who explained and recommended the objects of the Institution. It appears that this School was founded in the year 1807, that it now educates and clothes forty boys and thirty girls, that several who have enjoyed its advantages, are now filling respectable situations; and that some, who were once on the list of its scholars, are now to be found on that of its subscribers. We were sorry to hear that the worthy Treasurer is about £160 in advance, which Christian liberality, we trust, will not suffer long to remain.

Subscriptions and donations will be thankfully received by W. Napier, Esq. Treasurer; Mr. B. Kirkham, Secretary, 9, Bentinck-street, Manchester-square; Mr. S. Newbery, Superintendent, Hatton

Garden; and Mr. W. B. Kendrick, Schoolmaster and Collector, at the School House, 10, Took's-court, Castle-street, Holborn.

ASSOCIATIONS.

Minutes of the Northern Association of Particular Baptist Churches, held at North Shields, Northumberland, May 23 and 24, 1825.

MONDAY, May 23, assembled at three p. m.: Messrs. Rennison, Long, and Crook, engaged in prayer.

In the evening, at six, Mr. John Rennison was ordained to the office of deacon. Mr. Fisher commenced the service; Mr. Ruston offered the ordination prayer; Mr. Pengilly addressed the charge, from 1 Tim. iii. 13; and Mr. Long concluded with prayer.

Tuesday, 24th,-Assembled for prayer at seven o'clock. Messrs. Foster, Hallowell, and Hill engaged. Re-assembled at half-past ten. Mr. Douglas prayed; Mr. Long preached from 2 Thess. i. 3, and Mr. Ruston from Psal. xlv. 1. The letters from the several churches were then read, and Mr. Sample concluded with prayer.