"object" proposed, may seize occasion from this circumstance, to "censure" the" endeavours" that are made to instruct the rising generation.-12thly. Discouragement may have been felt from" the inattention of professed friends." Under the second division of the sermon, we have the best reasons for perseverance in the good work of Sabbath-school teaching. To those employed in it, the preacher thus addresses himself. 1st. Your work is in direct subservience to, and indeed a constituent part of, "the Redeemer's. -2dly. As it takes its origin from him, so it is conducted under him; so that your appeal is at all times, from the bar of man to his decision."-3dly. 66 As your work is with him, so it combines with it his power and grace."4tbly. "As your work is with the Lord, and your judgment with your God, so he gives you many enconraging foretastes of that judgment. But, finally, whatever may be its effect amongst your scholars, let this be your great support, you yourselves shall not lose your reward." Such are the points that are well ilJustrated, and the truths that are powerfully enforced, in this admirable sermon; and while there is very much in it which those immediately addressed should never forget, all who are engaged in holy and useful endeavours to effect good, may peruse it with the greatest advantage. Discourses on the Lord's Prayer, in a Series of Lectures; by Samuel Saunders. Pp. 439. Holdsworth. Price 10s. 6d. THIS beautiful epitome of devotion, on which Mr. Saunders has founded his instructing lectures, is every now and then brought afresh under review by the labours of some pious expositor or commentator. And, we regard every well-directed effort to explain its petitions, to illustrate its principles, and to commend its spirit, as an accession to the means of piety, and the persuasives to devotion. The attractive simplicity and admirable comprehensiveness, added to the high authority of what is usually called the Lord's Prayer, may rather afford surprise that we are not more fre quently invited to consider the devout reflections which its contemplation must suggest to minds habitually occupied in spiritual exercises, than that such a divine formulary should have so often become the theme of the Christian teacher in the progress of his mihisterial exercises. And, we doubt not, but future visitants to this part of our Redeemer's invaluable instructions, like the worthy author of the present discourses, being cheered and refreshed themselves, by the pure stream of divine truth, will be, also, constrained to give enlarged utterance to their enlightened views and devotional feelings. The volume before ns contains ten discourses-the ninth, however, is divided into two, making, in fact, eleven in the whole. These are sermons of no ordinary merit: they have been elaborated with much care, and though, in some paragraphs, they may be somewhat declamatory, they display considerable ability. The sentiments are always important, the imagery is frequently striking, and the style often dignified. Aided by the preacher's distinct and energetic enunciation, many passages must have been exceedingly impressive in their delivery. In his immediate circle these will be recognized, and perused with peculiar satisfaction; while, by pions readers in general, this work will be considered as highly respectable, and esteemed as a valuable addition to the accumulating helps to spiritual improvement. We sincerely wish our limits would permit us to do more ample justice to our author and ourselves, by quoting largely from these discourses; but we can only make room for the following extract, taken from the sixth. "My brethren, it is in this season of penitential agony, that forgiveness appears of all blessings the most desirable, and that the contrite heart, with sincerity and surpassing earnestness, adopts and Are there urges the prayer of our text. any persons in this assembly, who, at the review of their offences, are affected in a similar manner? Are you troubled for Do you go mourning all the day? Are your sins? Are you bowed down greatly? you ashamed and afraid to look up? Do not, I beseech you, attempt to repress the recollections which awaken this auguish. Do not try to alleviate your pain, by for getting its causes. Forgetfulness will not annihilate them, but rather impart to them an additional vigour, and, on a future day, will render them more appalling than they are at present. Who imagines that, by neglecting a malady he removes it; or, that by turning his thoughts to an indifferent subject, he shall make a disaster which involves the ruin of his circumstances, unreal? The burden which oppresses you, if you would have it effectually removed, must be carried to the throne of grace. The wound which rankles in your bosom must be laid open before the great Physician; otherwise it were madness to give you any hope of relief. To soothe you with assurances of pardon, because you have not been more sinful, or because you feel the pangs of guilt so acutely, were to act the part of an unfaithful adviser. The only way to avoid the destruction that threatens you, to obtain the forgiveness of your sins, and the favour of your offended God, is to confess your transgressions; to acknowledge the equity of God, though he should sentence you to perdition; to renounce all dependence on your own supposed worthiness, on the depth of your convictions, on the sincerity of your hearts, or on the earnestness of your prayers; and to rely simply and wholly, for your acceptance, on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ." P. 243. The Christian's great Interests; in two We think Dr. Chalmers has done well in recommending, as he powerfully does, this work to general attention. The essay he has connected with it represents the great importance of self-examination, accounts for its neglect, and gives some good directions for its successful practice. Besides the introductory article we have noticed, there is a memoir of the author of this valuable work on self-examination given, that is worth the cost of the whole volume. Mr. Guthrie's book is divided into two parts, the trial of a saving interest in Christ, and how to attain to a saving interest in Christ, The author appears to have been well fitted to write on the subject he has chosen, by his intimate knowledge of the workings of the human heart, and experimental acquaintance with the operations and genuine fruits of the Spirit; and he has afforded the best assistance in the work of determining what is our true character and state before God. The deceitful expectations of the insincere he clearly exposes-the causes of declension in piety be honestly states, and is urgent in moving the backslider to examine anew his spiritual condition, and the subtle nature and evil consequences of security in such an attention to religion, as leaves the heart unchanged, he powerfully describes. Nor is this work less valuable as a guide in the way of salvation, and as aiding the faithful in the cultivation of holy tempers, and the discharge of Christian duties. The style of this performance is very plain and nervous: it is earnest and affectionate. It is just the opposite, as it ought to be, of that heartless, indefinite, intolerably wordy, bloated, barbarous bombast, which persons of feeble intellect, and no good taste, can so easily employ; and which, in our time, so many admire. In the volume before us, all is easy to be understood, is powerfully stated, and of the greatest value. This book resembles a tree that has only a natural amount of foliage, but an unusual quantity of the finest fruit. When this volume first appeared, it was much valued, both at home and abroad, and of its merits we possess the opinion of Dr. Owen. "You have," said he, when addressing a minister of Scotland," truly great spirits in Scotland; there is, for a divine," he said (taking out of his pocket a little gilt copy of Mr. Guthrie's treatise,) "that author I take to be one of the greatest divines that ever wrote. It is my vade mecum, and I carry it and the Sedan New Testament I have wrote several still about me. folios, but there is more divinity in it than them all." The moderation of the Price, and the excellence of the printing, as well as the peculiar value of duty to recommend the present volume the sentiments, make it a pleasing to general attention. The Saints Everlasting Rest, by the Introductory Essay, by Thomas Ers- he said, " with the Holy Spirit, and kine, Esq. Advocate. RICHARD BAXTER was truly great in native power of intellect; in industry no one ever surpassed him; his piety was equal to his diligence; and his success, as a minister of the gospel, and a Christian writer, has been rarely equalled. He lived in such unhappy times, and wrote so many books, that it would have been marvellous indeed had he always preserved a perfect command of temper, and had written with distinguished accuracy of style, and correct ness of opinion; and we are far from either justifying all that he felt, or from approving the whole of his sentiments. But, when not heated by controversy, and, when his subject was either Christian experience, or duty, or expectation, no uninspired man has done better, and few men, if any, have done so well. And of all the books produced by this immortal man, none is more worthy of general attention than the volume before us. He who could read it, and feel inclination, and find time, severely to criticise the style or arrangements of the work; or very nicely to weigh every sentiment it advances, might have a little knowledge, but he could not possess much holiness; had such an one been present when the angels addressed Abraham relative to the doom of Sodom, he would have been diverted from their message by attentions to the extent of their age, or the peculiarities of their attire. It was written under the conviction that death was near to its author: when his ardent soul had in it more of heaven than earth. And no book that ever uninspired man wrote, in any language, is so much adapted as this to inspire its readers with habitual regard to the rest that “remains to the people of God." It should be translated into every human language, and be read by every child of Adam. Of its author, Dr. Barrow said, "His practical writings were never mended;"and Dr. Manton "thought Mr. Baxter came nearer the apostolical writings than any man in the age."-Dr. Bates has given it as his opinion that there is no resisting the force of his discourses, without denying reason and divine revelation. He was animated," breathed celestial fire, to inspire beat and life into dead sioners, and to melt the obdurate in their frozen tombs." We devoutly wish the present age may so improve in sense and piety, as to delight in such works as Baxter's Saints Everlasting Rest, and we recommend it to all as one of the best means for effecting such a change. We would affectionately urge the young to give it a careful reading. Let them pray for a Divine blessing on its perusal, then read it unto the end, regularly, and at suitable times, and labour to have it in habitual remembrance, to purify motives, to regulate behaviour, and to produce felicity. The Rev. James Janeway, in his Token for Children, mentions a little boy, whose piety was greatly promoted by reading the work before us, which he regarded, as some of the greatest and the best of men have done, as next to the Bible; and when he was enduring his mortal illness, he said, “I pray, let me have Mr. Baxter's book, that I may read a little more of eternity, before I go into it." Memoirs of Mr. John Stanger, late 12mo. Pp. 171. With a Portrait. 4s. 6d. THE venerable subject of this Memoir, who died at the advanced age of eighty years, spent nearly sixty of them in the retired situation of Bessel's Green, a very small village. It is not to such a life we are to look for much that is called incident, or variety. If we find that the character which he sustained as a minister of the gospel, and as the pastor of a church, was well supported; if his life were that of “a holy man of God;" if his preaching were evangelical; if his labours were useful to the conversion of sinners, and to the edification of saints; if his conduct were honourable, and his death happy; this is all that could be rationally expected: and proof of all these distinguishing traits of character and of excellence, are found in the brief history of the late worthy John Stanger. The account given of the trials of this good man, arising from the inadequate supplies for a large family; and the appearances of the divine Providence in his behalf, is remarkably interesting, and well adapted to strengthen and confirm the faith of all Christians, especially of ministers. As the work is chiefly a compilation from a diary written by the late Mr. Stanger, the biographer had not occasion to write much of the volume; what he has written, however, is very creditable to the correctness of his principles and judgment. A Guide for young Disciples of the holy Saviour, in their way to Immortality; forming a Sequel to Persuasives to early Piety: with an introductory Essay on the divine Origin of Christianity. By J. G. Pike. London, Richard Baynes, Ivy-lane. 18mo. Pp. 595. Boards, 4s. 6d. THE favourable opinion we have expressed as to some former works of this sensible writer, is equally, if not in a superior degree, applicable to this volume. It is all that "young disciples" need as a body of doctrinal, and practical divinity; enriched with abundance of well-selected scriptural quotations: occasionally illustrated by appropriate anecdotes, as well as many valuable historical extracts. It is a suitable book for ministers to put into the hands of inquirers after truth;-nor are there any serious persons, whatever their age or standing in the church, but might obtain from it edification and comfort. We recommend it with the utmost confidence and cordiality, to all our readers; while we congratulate the worthy author that he has compiled a work for the use of Christians, at once creditable to bis ardent piety, and correct judgment. If the confined limits of our miscellany did not imperiously prevent, we should have copied some of the edifying paragraphs with which this work abounds: we allude more particularly to chapter viii., entitled, "The Christian Life, a Life of Prayer." P. 226-259. Juliana Oakley. By Mrs. Sherwood. THIS is an amusing tale. As a fiction it is well written; but its valuc, as to the useful instruction it gives, is not very great; and it is an enormously dear book. Still, if the public will give two shillings and sixpence for such a trifle as the little tale on our table, we have no right to blame those who receive it, and we may well rejoice that in England moncy is in great plenty. Memoirs of the Rev. Thomas Halyburtom; with an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. David Young, Perth. THE essay attached to the volume ble. It is so well timed, and so adwe have now to notice is truly valuamirably written, that persons of good sense, general observation, and sound piety, who shall peruse it, will certainly estimate it as worth more than the price of the whole book, of which it is but a small part. It is directed to the exposure and the cure of some of the chief delusions “which are current in the world, under the name of Christianity." Its style is good; its sentiments are very just; its spirit is truly benignant; and its statements are clear, pointed, earnest, and, we scarcely need add, very convincing. And, since nothing is morely likely, under a Divine blessing, to cure the evils that now afflict the church of God, than the presenting anew "the practical writings of England's Puritans, and Scotland's Covenanters," we are truly happy to recommend the present work. The noble Puritans and Covenanters, whom no liberal, upright, pious, or benignant mind can know, and not esteem, may have had, as the essay remarks, "their superiors in amassing the lore of didactic theology, but in dissecting the workings of the human heart-in laying open the arcana of its sins or its pieties-in tracing its practical sophistries through their manifold labyrinths and illusions-in correctly discriminating between the spirit of Christianity, and the spirit of this world-in arousing the dormant energies of the soul, by bringing Christian motive with point upon the conseience, in fearlessly meeting, and putting to shame, the prevalent enormities of their times-and in suffusing the whole of their lucubrations with the warmth and raciness of evangelical feeling, they And, Lastly, he proves the importance of minding the things of the Spirit. This is obviously a very interesting subject, and, if the discourse before us be read with seriousness and prayer, the best interests of the immortal soul cannot fail of being promoted. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. stood high among the highest." The writer goes on to say, "Of all the productions, however, which belong to these times, or come within their vicinage, we know not of one which is so well fitted to produce the effects referred to, as the following Memoir."Mr. Halyburton, it is true, was not one of the Covenanters, but he immediately preceded them; and, as the introductory essay observes, "he was cradled and educated amidst the jeopardies which befel them; their struggles and manner of life were fresh in his recollection; and he was ultimately inspired with a large portion of their spirit."- The Fourth Part of the Bible Teacher's The Memoir, which is the chief part of Manual. By Mrs. Sherwood. Price 8d. this volume, is so well fitted to instruct The Duty and Advantage of Early the heart; it is so much adapted to de- Rising, as it is favourable to Health, Butect its corrupt inclinations, and to re-siness, and Devotion. With an elegant strain them; and there are in it such and appropriate Engraving. 18mo. Second motives to godliness, that we would, had we the power, give it the widest possible circulation. A Discourse on Spirituality of Mind. By Joseph Fletcher, A. M. THIS discourse is founded on the apostle's words, in the 8th chapter of Romans, and at the 5th verse. It breathes a spirit of elevated piety, and the important truths it contains are communicated in a neat and pleasing style. The preacher First, reminds us of the origin of spirituality of mind. Secondly, its characteristic indication. Thirdly, he points ont the means by which it may be improved. Just Published. Stowell's Lectures on the Ten Come mandments. 12mo. 2nd Edition, 5s. Edition. Price 2s. 6d. A Reply to the "Letter of the Rev. John Birt, of Manchester, to Dr. Wardlaw, on certain Passages of his Dissertation on Infant Baptism;" by Ralph Wardlaw, D.D. Author of the Dissertation. 8vo, Price 18. Also in the Press. Two Discourses, occasioned by Mr. installed Lord Rector of the University Broughan's Inaugural Address on being of Glasgow, in which Dr. Wardlaw combats the assertion, "that man shall no longer render account to man for his belief, over which he has himself no controul; which he can no more change than he can the hue of his skin, or the height of his stature." Intelligence, &c. School for the Children of Baptist their children;-if they would send them Ministers. ABOUT two years ago some efforts were made to excite the attention of the Baptist Denomination towards a Plan for the Education of the Ministers' Children. Some persons of no small consideration were consulted, and highly approved the general design. Circular Letters were printed, and pretty generally sent to the ninisters, in order that information might be obtained respecting the numbers of to a Public School, should one be established;-what they would pay annually to the Institution, if they sent their children to it, and what was the general feel. ing respecting it. Nearly two hundred letters were received, and with two or three exceptions only, they expressed great pleasure that such an object was in contemplation. Many whose children were of a fit age, would have been glad to have embraced the opportunity of sending them to such an Establishment: some were willing to |