for ON, as there is when we ourselves express the sayings of Alfred the Great, or of William the Conqueror, in words which those monarchs never used.

That ON had been used in the days of the Patriarchs, as a name of the true God, is evident from its being used as a substitute for EL, God* even in Jacob's own name. For this word IsraEL which means a prince with GOD, is sometimes changed into IsraON, or, according to the pronunciation with which we are familiar, JeshurUN and JesurUN. Thus in Isa. xliv. 1, 2, we read, "Now hear, O JACOB my servant, and IsraEL whom I have chosen: Thus saith Jehovah that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, who will help thee: Fear not, O JACOB, my servant; and thou, JesurUN, whom I have chosen."

With respect to the perpetuation of Sacred Truth among the Jews, it is abundantly evident that some parts of the Old Testament were transcribed from earlier writings. Thus in Prov. xxv. 1, we read, "These are also Proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah COPIED OUT." All transcriptions, however, that affect the Old Testament stand on as solid a basis as the quotations in the New Testament. For our Lord himself gave his hearers to understand that the Jewish Scriptures were all of Divine authority, and that there was not any exception to be made even with respect to one jot or tittle of the law. The Apostle Paul also has expressly said, "ALL SCRIPTURE is given by INSPIRATION of GOD." 2 Tim. iii. 16.

Bromley, Middlesex.

J. F.

REMARKABLE CONVERSION.

ABOUT the middle of the seventeenth century, the venerable John Flavel, whose excellent practical writings are known to many of our readers, was settled at Dartmouth, where his labours were greatly blessed.

*For the meaning of El, and the early age in which it was used, see the Baptist Magazine for April last, page 163,

Mr.Flavel's manner was remarkably affectionate and serious, often exciting very powerful emotions in his hearers. On one occasion he preached from these words: "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema maranatha.". The discourse was unusually solemn, particularly the explanation of the words anathema maranatha-" cursed with a curse, cursed of God with a bitter and grievous curse." At the conclusion of the service, when Mr. Flavel arose to pronounce the benediction, he paused, and said, “How shall I bless this whole assembly, when every person in it, who loveth not the Lord Jesus Christ, is anathema maranatha?" The solemnity of this address deeply affected the audience, and one gentleman, a person of rank, was so overcome by his feelings, that he fell senseless to the floor.

In the congregation was a lad named Luke Short, then about fifteen years old, and a native of Dartmouth. Shortly after the event just narrated, he entered into the sea-faring line, and sailed to America, where be passed the rest of his life, first at Marblehead, and afterwards at Middleborough, Massachusets.

Mr. Short's life was lengthened much beyond the usual term. When an hundred years old, he had sufficient strength to work on his farm, and his mental faculties were very little impaired. Hitherto he had lived in carelessness and sin; he was now a 66 sinner an hundred years old," and apparently ready to "die accursed." But one day as he sat in his field, he busied himself in reflecting on his past life. Recurring to the events of his youth, his memory fixed upon Mr. Flavel's discourse above alluded to, a considerable part of which he was able to recollect. The affectionate earnestness of the preacher's manner, the important truths which he delivered, and the effects produced on the congregation, were brought fresh to his mind. The blessing of God accompanied his meditations: he felt that he had not "loved the Lord Jesus Christ;" he feared the dreadful" anathema;" conviction was followed by repentance, and at length this aged sinner obtained peace through the blood of atonement, and was "found in the way of righteousness." He joined the Congregational Church in Middle

borough, and to the day of his death, which took place in his 116th year, gave pleasing evidence of piety.

In this case, eighty-five years passed away after the seed was sown, before it sprang up and brought forth fruit. Let the ministers of Christ be encouraged: in due season they shall reap, if they faint not."

"Though seed lie buried long in dust,
It sha'n't deceive their hope;
The precious grain can ne'er be lost,
For grace ensures the crop."

The above narrative is taken from the American Baptist Magazine.

The hissing Audience reproved.

A CELEBRATED vocal performer being taken ill on the night of the promised appearance, an inferior singer was iustitute being hissed by several of the troduced to supply his place. The subaudience, he came forward very humbly and said, "Gentlemen, you expected to hear a voice of fifty guineas a week; but, consider, I have only five."

Washington Gazelle, Wednesday, June 1, 1825.

MRS. ANN PORTER,

OF OAKINGHAM.

THE subject of this Memoir was born in the neighbourhood of Oakingham, and went, when about the age of fifteen, to reside in the family of Mr. Whitehood, at that time pastor of the church at Hosiers-lane, Reading; she soon became seriously impressed under the ministry of Mr. W. It appears from the account she has at various times given, that her first convictions were deep and poignant, and it is probable they did not subside until she had obtained that relief which the gospel is designed to impart; and which she first enjoyed under a sermon preached by Mr. Whitehood from Prov. viii. 17, "I love them that love me,' &c. From what she has often stated, it is believed her former distress was succeeded by a measure of that joy which is "unspeakable and full of glory;" and that, under that influence she was constrained to testify her obligations to her Redeemer, by making a public profession of her love to him, and uniting herself with the church at Hosiers-lanc. When about the age of twenty-six, she was married to Mr. Mark Porter, who, for some time previous had been a member of the same church; he was afterwards many years an honourable member, and an active and useful officer of the church at Oak

ingham; his memory still lives in the affections of many of the members of the church, and his name is never mentioned but with respect.

Not long after the union of this pious couple, they came to reside at Oakingham; at that period there was no church of the Baptist denomination there; and the town and its vicinity, in a moral and spiritual point of view, presented a dismal aspect, but very few persons making any pretension to the possession of vital religion. About this time the little band that feared the Lord, and wept over the miserable condition of their neighbours, began to meet together for social prayer; if these meetings did not originate with Mr. and Mrs. Porter, they took a most decided part in supporting them; and they eventually led to the introduction of the gospel and the formation of a church in the town. Mr. Davis of Reading at first preached occasionally in a private room, and had to encounter the most violent and determined opposition; success, however, attended the word preached, and Mr. Davis had the happiness of witnessing the fruit of his labours. In the year 1773, a house was erected for the worship of God; and in 1778 a church was formed, consisting of seventeen persons dismissed from, the church at Reading; including Mr. and Mrs. Porter: only one of these is now living.

The station occupied by our venerable friend so many years, was not likely to furnish many incidents worthy of being brought under the notice of the public; yet there were occasions when her faith and patience were severely tried, and when the genuine nature of her religion was made conspicuously to appear. In the year 1803, the sudden death of Mr. Porter dissolved a union which had subsisted for thirty-three years, a union founded in mutual affection, and cemented by real piety. Mr. Porter left his habitation in perfect health, intending to visit some relations in Cambridgeshire, but was taken ill in London, and died after a few days' illness; by this event his widow was plunged into the depths of affliction and perplexity. But in this season of sorrow the word of God proved the source of solid comfort; Divine grace enabled her to "be still;" and Providence kindly appeared on her behalf, in answer to believing prayer.

Being possessed of a vigorous constitution, Mrs. Porter enjoyed, with little interruption, a good state of health to an advanced age; about seven years ago, Providence laid her upon a bed of affliction, when her family entertained little or no hopes of her recovery; in that season of trial, her confidence in God was remarkable, looking forward with pleasing anticipation to those joys which are at God's right hand. Whilst a friend was engaged in prayer on her behalf, at her bed-side, and her children around weeping, she gave vent to her feelings in the words of the poet, and exclaimed with rapture,

"O glorious hour! O bless'd abode! I shall be near and like my God! And flesh and sin no more control The sacred pleasures of my soul."

Contrary to the expectation of her friends, she sufficiently recovered from that affliction, to be able to go occasionally to the house of God, though only at long intervals; and it appeared as though she was only spared a little longer to testify of the Divine faithful ness, a theme on which she delighted to dwell. After that period she was the subject of great bodily pain and many infirmities; her condition often reminding her friends of the picture of old

VOL. XVII.

age drawn by the Psalmist, Psalm xc. 10, "The days of our years are three score years and ten, and if by reason of strength they be four score years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow." In this situation her prevailing fear was, lest she should be left to murmur® and repine; desiring patiently to wait the development of the Divine will concerning her. For a considerable time previous to her decease, she was confined to her room; during that period she was not the subject of ecstatic joy, nor was she entirely free from some measure of solicitude with respect to the final result; this frame of mind probably arose in part from the abasing ideas she entertained of herself, and partly from extreme weakness and debility. On one occasion, having alluded to some painful exercises of mind of which she had been the subject, she was reminded that her salvation did not depend upon pleasant frames; she replied, “No, I know it does not, Christ is my salvation." At another time, a friend remarked that the Lord who had led her so many years through the wilderness, would not forsake her then; she answered, "No, I am sure of that; if Christ was ever precious to any, he has been so to my soul." She tried to say many things, which, through weakness, she could not utter distinctly; the last words she spoke, that could be unders stood, were, "Dear Jesus! my dear Jesus!"

Thus did this aged believer gradually descend into the tomb at the age of eighty-one, beloved and revered by her affectionate children, whose attention to her in her declining years was truly exemplary, and for whose tenderness, she often, in the strongest terms, expressed her gratitude to the writer. Her funeral sermon was preached on Lord's-day evening, December 5, 1824, to a crowded congregation, from Luke ii. 29, 30.

The author of this sketch, reflecting on the pleasing and profitable intercourse be has been privileged to enjoy with the deceased the few last years of ber life, and being surrounded by many whose concurring testimony proves the excellence and the uniformity of her character, who bave also been united with her many years in the bonds of Christian fellowship, is constrained to add, to the honour of Divine grace, and 2Q

as a further illustration of the effects of righteous principles, that

As a branch in the living vine, she was eminently fruitful.-Humility, gentleness, goodness, faith, were fruits that were for many years produced by this "tree of righteousness:" while she had lived to witness the apostacy of many who had promised fair, she continued to "bring forth fruit in old age."

As a lover and promoter of peace she was distinguished. Whatever divisions and dissensions she witnessed in the church of God, these things never originated with her, nor was she ever employed in fanning the flames of discord, but, on the contrary, sought "peace and pursued it."

A fervent attachment to divine ordinances was a prominent trait in the character of Mrs. Porter; nothing but insuperable difficulties could prevent her from appearing in her place in the house of God at the stated seasons for worship, both on Lord's-days and on week-days. For some years it was customary for her minister to call on her the evening preceding the Sabbath, when she seldom or ever failed to express her regret that she could not as semble with those who "keep holy day," where she had so often had the

foretaste of an eternal Sabbath.

The cause of God lay near the heart of this venerable woman.—Intelligence of the advancement of the kingdom of Christ in any place was always received by her with evident satisfaction; but the church of which she had for fifty years been so ornamental a member, had the pre-eminence in her affections.

She was one of the original number of those of whom it was composed; she had watched its progress with lively interest-she had been called to parti cipate in all the trials and changes to which it had been exposed; and had long prayed for its prosperity and increase. At her house the ministers of Christ have often been cordially welcomed, and hospitably entertained, and a succession of pastors could bear witness, that she was always ready to encourage their hearts and strengthen their hands; her countenance beamed with sweet pleasure when she was informed of any additions, and as long as she was able to make her appearance in public, was remarkable for giving of

0

RECENT DEATHS.

J. C.

REV. JOSEPH HARRIS. THE Rev. Joseph Harris, many years the able and useful pastor of the Baptist Church at Swansea, departed this life on Wednesday, August 10, 1825. He was a native of Wales, and was educated at the Bristol Academy. As a preacher, both in the Welch and English languages, he was very acceptable. He published several religious works, besides an Edition of the Bible, in English and Welch; and was the editor of the "Seren Gomer," or "Welch Star:" a Monthly Magazine, circulated in the Principality. A few months before his decease, he relinquished this engagement, on account of increasing ill health, chiefly occasioned by grief for the death of his eldest son, a youth of great promise. Mr. Harris's loss will be much felt in the Principality, tion. He was only fifty-two years of particularly in the Southern Associaage.

Mr. Giles was an honourable and useful member of the church in Deanstreet, Southwark, for fifty years, having joined that community in August, 1775. He was much beloved by his brethren: at their social prayer-meetings they were always edified by the humility and ardour of his devotion; and in affairs of church discipline his advice was much valued. It was only regretted that his modesty and retiring habits prevented him from undertaking the Deacon's office, to which he was more than once chosen.

As an author, Mr. Giles has been, and will doubtless continue to be, very useful. The "Guide to Domestic Happiness," the "Refuge," and some other works, were written by him, and are well established in the public approbation.

REV. EDWARD TORLIN.

DIED, on Lord's-day, August 7, 1825, aged fifty, the Rev. Edward Torlin, pastor of the Baptist Church at Harlington, Middlesex, where he had laboured during the last twenty-five years, with considerable success. His last illness was long and painful, but his end was happy. On Lord's-day following that on which he died, his remains were deposited in a vault near the pulpit which he had occupied so long. Mr. Phillimore, of Kingston,

conducted the solemnities of the interment, and a funeral sermon was delivered in the evening, from Psalm lxxiii. 26, to a very crowded and attentive congregation, by Mr. Dyer, of Bat

tersea.

A Dissertation intended to explain, establish, and vindicate the Doctrine of Election. By W. Hamilton, D.D. Minister of Strathblane. Hamilton and Adams. 1824. Pp. 273. 12mo. We were very glad to meet Dr. Hamilton again, and especially to find him standing forward in defence of the Doctrine of Election. From the talent and ardour of feeling he shewed in a former work, "The Establishment of the Law by the Gospel," we anticipated a bold manly defence of the doctrine he now discusses; nor are we altogether disappointed; yet we must honestly say, we wish he had gone farther into the subject, and investigated it in some additional points. If, however, Dr. Hamilton should ever read our pages, let him not mistake us, we sincerely thank him for what he has done; it is the covetousness of desiring still more that makes us complain.

Dr. Hamilton divides his work into three chapters-On the Nature of Election;-Proof of the Doctrine ;and Vindication of Election. The first chapter is short. The second exhibits the proof of the doctrine, from the love of order, the desire of enjoying their

own will, and the habits of inquiry and consideration, observable in rational agents-from the attributes of Godfrom the evidences of design apparent in the works of God-from prophecies and promises-from salvation by grace-and from the testimonies of scripture. The third chapter, which is a vindication of the doctrine, enters on a defence, from the charge that it is dishonourable to the character of God:

that it is inconsistent with the freedom of the human will, and the responsibility of man;-and, from its supposed inconsistency with the universal calls and free offers of the gospel.

It will instantly be seen by this general outline, that the author enters a large field of inquiry; and we regret that he did not prosecute the subject still farther. He says, he would gladly have subjoined a chapter upon Reprobation, but his work swelled to a size that prevented him. He informs us, that the objections examined are almost all urged by living writers; and that to preclude all occasion of irritation, he has generally transcribed their language, but suppressed their names.