Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

unspeakable pleasure of seeing him athirst for the knowledge of God until a few hours before his death. After he came out of the hospital to his own house, he was recommended to the Willow Walk Society, Shoreditch, instituted for visiting the sick at their own habitations; and, during the same time, was also visited by the Lazarus Society. Their joint labours of love concurred, under the divine blessing, to prove to him his state, and caused him to cry mightily to God to have mercy upon him a miserable sinner! His ideas, as to the spiritual meaning of God's holy word, were, at this period, very dark; but he was very im portunate in his enquiries, and earnestly desired an interest in the petitions of God's people. He repeatedly desired to know how God could be just, and yet the justifier of those who were born in sin and shapen in iniquity. Upon being informed from the Scriptures, he was enabled to ask of God to impart that measure of faith that should enable him to behold his interest in the blood of Christ; and would frequently request his wife to read those parts of Scripture, especially the New Testament, where the promises were recorded. He frequently expressed a fear of being delivered from his affliction, lest he should be permitted to resume, his former evil practices. In the last stages of his disorder, he would

frequently observe, That it would not profit him to hear of Christ having made a satisfaction for sin, unless he had an interest in his love, and was enabled to bear his affliction with much patience and resignation to the sovereign will of God. -On the Friday evening before his death (which was on the Lord's Day) he put one of his arms out of bed, and said to a person that stood by," See, this arm is mouldering away; but dust it is, and unto dust it will soon return." A few hours before his death, the compiler of this obituary, and a Christian woman, called to visit him, and found him with longing desires to be gone, that he might land on the shore of everlasting bliss. He expressed a fear, however, lest when death should cut the slender thread of life, his bodily pain should be so great as to deprive him of those sweet foretastes of God's love he then enjoyed. About nine o'clock in the evening he breathed his last; -sensibly departing without a sigh or a groan; and, we trust, is now among the redeemed. This was on Nov. 14, 1802, being only twenty-five years old.

It is hoped this Obituary will encourage many that have the love of God in their hearts, to visit sick and dying persons; and that others, in affluent circumstances, may be encouraged to assist Societies formed for this laudable purpose.

E. H.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

Village Dialogues, between Farmer Littleworth, Rev. Mr. Lovegood, and others. By Rowland Hill, A. M. Vol. III, 12mo, 15. 6d. stitched, 25. bound.

-

THE two former volumes of this work having been reviewed by us, with very ample extracts, it will be less necessary to enlarge on this, which continues the same narrative, but with the introduction of such new characters and incidents as dişcover a wonderful fertility of in

vention; while, at the same time, a correct taste keeps the writer close to nature and real life throughout.

As our room is limited, it will perhaps do more justice, both to the author and to the reader, to give an outline of the contents, than partially to gratify them by a broken extract, which can give but a very defective idea of the variety before us; and few of our readers, we presume, will be satisfied without perusing the whole."

The last volume, some of our readers may recollect, left good Henry Littleworth on a visit of mercy to the unhappy Mr. Chipman. In the interval of his ab. sence, the present volume begins, with relating the character and his tory of Mr. Merryman, who is now supposed on a visit at Mr. Worthy's house; and this naturally introduces the conversion and experience of Mr. Lovegood. This Dialogue (which is numbered the 18th) is properly entitled, "The Character and Experience of the Christian Minister exemplified."The next Dialogue continues the subject, and gives the character of three sorts of ministers, under the names of Mr. Slapdash, Mr. Slopdash, and Mr.Taplash. This concludes with a farther account of Mr. Lovegood and Mr. Merryman. Dialogue XX. is entitled, "The Contrast" (being a contrast to the unfortunate History of Mr. Chipman) or Conjugal Happiness, founded on Chastity, Fidelity, and Affection, in the History of Mr. Lovely, and his Marriage with Miss Commerce, now Mrs. Lovely, whose conversion forms the subject of the following Dialogue. In Dialogue XXII, Mr. Lovely defends, with great zeal, the doctrine of justification by, works, at least in part; but is at length constrained to give it up. Dialogue XXIII, resumes the Story of Mrs. Chipman, with an Account of the Return of Henry Littleworth, and the Conversion and Death of Mr. Chipman; on hearing of which, poor Mrs. Chipman goes out of her mind, and remains so to the end of this volume. Dialogue XXIV is between the Lovelys, the Worthys, and Mr. Considerate, on the Doctrine of Justification, with Dr. Orderly's Sentiments upon that point. Dialogue XXV, between Mr. Worthy and Mr. Free, gives the miserable Character of old Alderman Greedy, of Grediton. The last Dialogue relates the Departure of the Lovelys for Brookfield Hall; which concludes the volume, and leads us to expect that another will complete the whole.

Upon a careful perusal of this

1

volume, we hesitate not to say, the spirit of the Dialogues is well supported,-the new characters introduced are sketched with the hand of a master, and the reader's attention is kept alive throughout, by the judicions introduction of new and affecting incidents. Oa the subject of Justification, we have a good deal of sound divinity, well. supported by arguments,-and seasonably relieved by touches of humour or of pathos peculiar to Mr. Hill's writings.

Apples of Gold for Young Men

and Young Women, and a Crown of Glory for Old Men and Old Women, or the Happiness of being good Betimes, and the Honour of being an Old Disciple, clearly and fully discovered, and closely and faithfully applied. By the Rev. T. Brooks, Author of the Mute Christian, &c. A new Edition, 18m0. 25.

-

THIS little volume contains nine chapters; the contents of which are as follow: Chap. I. That it is a very desirable and commendable thing, for Young Men to be good Betimes; II. The Honour of an Old Disciple; - II. The several Evils that most properly attend Youth; -- IV. Exhortation to Young Persons, with Motives to excite them to Early Piety; -V. Whether, in the great Day of Account, the Sins of Saints shall be brought into the Judgment of Discussion and Discovery, or no? The Negative proved by divers Arguments; VI and VII. Directions to such as would be good Betimes; - VIII. Objections answered; IX. The Old Man's Doubts resolved.

--

This is an instructive and entertaining volume, abounding with many just and striking remarks, calculated to impress the heart and lead the mind to the contemplation of divine things. The author, in his usual style, quotes much from history, and intersperses through the whole a variety of pleasing and appropriate anecdotes. This renders it a suitable work to be put into the hands of young persons, who generally love entertainment

[ocr errors]

blended with instruction. We give the following as a specimen:

Beza, in his last will and testa. ment, gave God thanks for this; that, at the age of sixteen years, he was called to the knowlege of the truth, and so many sins and sorrows were prevented, that otherwise would have overtaken him, and have made his life less happy and more miserable. Young saints often prove old angels; but old sin ners seldom prove good saints. The ancients pictured Youth like a young man naked, with a veil over his face, his right hand bound behind him, his left hand loose; and Time behind him, pulling one thread out of his veil every day; intinrating, that young men are void of knowledge and blind, unfit to do good, ready to do evil, — till Tine, by little and little, makes them wiser. It was a wise and christian speech of Charles V. to the Duke of Venice, who, when he had shewn him the glory of his princely palace and earthly paradise, instead of admiring it, or him for it, only returned him this grave and serious memento, "These are the things which make us unwilling to die "It was a good saying of one to a great Lord, upon his shew

[ocr errors]

ing him his stately house and plea. sant gardens, Sir, you had need make sure of Heaven, or else, when you die, you will be a very great loser."

Milk for Babes, or a Catechism in Verse; principally designed for the Use of Schools, and intended as an Introduction to the Assembly's Cate chism, 12mo, ad. each.

The Assembly's Catechism paraphrased. By Joseph Whitehouse, Minister of the Gospel. Second Edit. with Additions.

THE Author of the first Catechism, takes the most simple and important questions in religion, and gives the answers in verse; many of which are avowedly borrowed from Doddridge's Principles of Religion, and some from Dr. Watts. Of the original lines it is but justice to say, they harmonize well with the selections.

The answers given by Mr. Whitehouse, are a paraphrase of some of the most important parts of the Formulary composed by the Asembly of Divines. Both these

authors claim the merit of smoothing, and so shortening the road to religious knowledge.

SELECT LIST OF NEW Village Dialogues, by Rowland Hill, A.M. Vol. II, 15.6d, sewed,

-zs. bound.

Theological Dictionary, by Rev. C. Buck. Two vols. 8vo, 19s.bds.

An Ecclesiastical History, Ancient and Modern, from the Birth of Christ to the Beginning of the Eighteenth Century. By the late Learned J. L. Mosheim, D.D. &c. Translated from the Latin, and accompanied with Notes, Chronological Tables, and an accurate Index, by Arch. Maclaine, D. D. Six Volumes, 8vo, 11. 10s. boards. Dissertations on the Prophecies. By Thomas Newton, D. D. Lord Bishop of Bristol. A new Edit. Two Vols. 8vo, 125. boards.

Miscellaneous Papers, by the late Geo. Griliths, of Bristol; also a short Account of his last Days, and his Funeral-Sermon. By S. Lowell, zamo, 2s. 6d.

PUBLICATIONS.

The Divine Inspiration of the Jewish Scriptures, asserted by St. Paul; and Dr. Geddes's Objections Examined. By R.Findlay, D.D. 38.

The Reasonableness of an Ecclesiastical Establishment, preached at Lambeth Chapel, by W. Foster, D.D. F.A.S. Is, 6d.

Remarkable Passages in the Life of W. Howard. By J. Milner, A.M. Third Edition, 8vo.

Dr. Doddridge's Sermons on the Power and Grace of Christ, A new Edition, 18mo, 18. 3d. boards, or is. 6d. bound.

The Use of Sacred History, espe cially as illustrating and confirm. ing the Doctrines of Revelation. By John Jamieson, D.D. F.A.S.S. Two Vols. 8vo. 14s.

The Sum and Substance of the Prophecies relating to the Last Tines, or Gleaning from the cele◄ brated Mr. Mede, &c. 12mo, 3d.

New Publications, continued.

First Ripe Fruits; including Two Sermons, with Essays, Memoir, and Portrait. By J. M. Mason, of New York. 4s. 6d. bds.

The Works of Dr. Doddridge, Vol. II. Demy 8vo, 75. Royal, 8s. 6d.

LITERARY NOTICES.

We are concerned to hear, that the General History of Missions, by Mr. Greatheed and Mr. Burder, is obliged to be postponed, if not given up, on account of the names of subscribers coming in so slowly.

But the Missionary Society have determined on immediately publishing the Journals of the Missionaries at Otaheite, Tongataboo, and South Africa; which will make two vols. in 8vo, and form an introduction to their future Accounts, which are intended to be published periodically, beside the outline of their proceedings in our Magazine. See the Missionary Intelligence, and Advertisements on our Cover.

We are glad to hear that Mr. Burder is engaged in preparing for

the press a Fifth Volume of that useful work, The Village Sermons.

Two handsome editions, 8vo and 12mo, of Bunyan's Holy War, divided into chapters, with notes, explana tory and practical, by Mr. Burder, are now printing, and may be expected in May next.

But we understand, Mr. Burder has resigned to Dr. Williams and Mr. Parsons, the publication of a new and complete edition of all the Works of DR. OWEN; as he found it formed a part of their extensive plan, previously concerted, of printing an uniform standard edition of our best British Divines; in consequence of which, Dr. Watts's Works, and the first volume of Dr. Doddridge's have already appeared. N. B. Two First Volumes.

QUERIES.

I.-E. E. professes himself much puzzled with that article in the Apostle's Creed, that Christ" descended into Hell," and as to the true meaning of these Scriptures, Ps. xvi. 10. and Acts ii. 27.

H. A Young Pilgrim earnestly inquires, What line of conduct a child ought to pursue, who beholds his parents indulging in sensual gratifications, and devoting themselves to the world; and either despising or disregarding all religious exercises?

AWFUL EVENT.

Extract of a Letter from a Minister in a small Sea-port Town în Scotland. "I HAVE just now heard of a dreadful scene: - One -, for many years master of a coasting-vessel, an inhabitant of this place, had, in his younger days, made a distinguished profession of religion, and, among the small but respectable body to which he belonged, he was deemed an eminent Christian. Many years ago, this man became a Deist; nay, an avowed Atheist and made the Being of Deity and a future state the subjects of his ridicule and profane mockery. For horrid swearing and lewedness he had perhaps few equal's in Scotland. Last night, in a public-house, when in a rage of swearing, he dropped into eternity in a toment, by the rupture of a blood-vessel.-How awful, to be hurried before the tribunal of God in the very act of blasphemy

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE

MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE Directors have lately received some interesting communications from Africa and France. The particulars of the former, it is their intention to insert in the first Number of their periodical Publication; which will be published immediately after the publication of the General History of the Transactions of the Society, which is now the press. The accounts contain several circumstances of a pleasing and encouraging nature, intermixed with some instances of trial and difficulty. The Missionary settlement at Algoa Bay, under the direction of Dr. Vanderkemp, appears to have been disturbed by a number of the uncivilized natives, for the purposes of plunder; and they succeeded so far as to carry off the cattle, but they were afterwards recovered. This happened after the departure of the English garrison; and, no doubt, the absence of an European force induced the attempt; but as the station at Algoa Bay would most probably be re-occupied by a military force soon afterwards, we hope the peaceful, and useful labours of our Brethren there would meet no further interruption. The general aspect of Missionary concerns in that colony is encouraging; but as we have reason to expect that Brother Kicherer will shortly visit Europe, with the professed view of returning back with his aged mother, we shall then learn the exact state of our concerns there.

[ocr errors]

Our Letters from France state, That our correspondent had for two months suffered a severe and dangerous indisposition. This circumstance has unavoidably retarded, in some degree, the accomplishment of the objects committed to him. The New Testament, however, is printed, and also the Essay on the Divine Authority of the New Testament, as well as the Catechism; and they are now considering of the best means for their eirculation. He speaks in terms of gratitude of the kind family under whose roof he resides; and mentions, that when the state of his health permitted, they had much enjoyment in the worship of God on the mornings and evenings of the Lord's Day. That his study was then converted into a chapel; in which a few well-disposed persons in the vicinity also united with them. He mentions several individuals who are desirous of the opportunity of hearing the Gospel, and of having their children brought up in the Protestant faith.

He adds, "You will be pleased to hear, that wherever I have distributed either the Tracts or the Catechisms, they have been uncommonly well received. To a person occasionally employed in the house, I gave one of each she has an aged and infirm mother, to whom she read them. The next time she called, she told me, with tears of joy, that they had given her aged mother such comfort, that she could never thank me enough! She lent them to two Catholic priests, who lodge and board with them; who declared they had never read such sweet little books in their lives; and were exceedingly anxious to buy such to give among the people they could hardly believe they were Protestant books, because they contained nothing against the Catholic religion, and expressed the wish to see thousands such reprinted and distributed. An aged woman, who, while sitting at the door of one of the churches, was railing against the wicked Jacobins who had shut them up,-on being questioned, what hope she had of her salvation? replied, She believed in the church. But when asked, What would have become of her had she died when there was no church to go to? she was confounded, and ingenuously confessed, "Sir, I see clearly this moment, that if I had then died, I should have been lost, for I did not believe in the Saviour'; but trusted to myself,to my prayers and fastings to save me.", She was pricked to the heart,

« AnteriorContinuar »