ration by the Tract Society, upon which considerable pains appear to have been bestowed. It would be too much to pledge ourselves for the entire accuracy of so large a volume of closely printed matter; but so far as we have been able to test the authorship of the work, we have been much struck with the sterling character of the undertaking. The marked peculiarity of the History is its distinct recognition of Christian principles throughout, and the vast number of valuable biblical illustrations with which it abounds. As a work for the use of youthful students of ancient history, we regard it as invaluable; and cordially recommend it to the attention of Christian families and public and private schools.

The PEACE ALMANACK and DIARY for 1845, under the Superintendence of the Manchester Peace Society. Illustrated with a steel Engraving of Wm. Penn's Treaty with the Indians, when he founded the Colony of Pennsylvania. To be continued annually.

Manchester: W. Irwin. London: C. Gilpin;
Darton and Clark; and Strange.

Wonders never cease; but the greatest wonder is that a work like the one we here announce has never been attempted before; for we can conceive of no method more likely to fix a sentiment in the mind than its iteration and reiteration daily in such forms and connections as will show its application to the realities of life and to the highest destinies of man. Such appears to be the aim of the compiler of the Peace Almanack; and feeling with him an earnest desire for the time when they shall learn war no more," but "there shall be abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth," we give our earnest recommendation of his work, and shall be happy to learn that his success this year prompts him to a much larger issue for years to come, till there shall be universal, evangelical, and lasting peace.

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This Almanack is adapted either for the study and counting-house or for the pocket, and in the latter form it has about eighty blank pages for daily memoranda and cash accounts. We wish it every success.

WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

1. Logic; designed as an Introduction to the Study of Reasoning. By JOHN LEECHMAN, A.M. Second Edition, enlarged and improved. 12mo. pp. 294. J. Maclehose, Glasgow; and Jackson and Walford, London.

2. Sights in all Seasons. Tract Society.

3. The Jew, in this and other Lands. Tract Society.

4. The Union Magazine for Sunday-school Teachers. Conducted by the Committee of the Sunday school Union. Vol. I. 1844. 12mo. pp. 400. Sunday-school Union.

5. Kindness to Animals. By CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH. 18mo. pp. 108. Tract Society.

6. The Holy Land; being Sketches of the Jews, and of the Land of Palestine. Compiled from the best Sources. 12mo. pp. 456. Seeley.

7. Bible Stories for the Young. D.D. Old and New Testament. the Thirtieth German Edition. Tract Society.

By C. G. BARTH, Translated from 18mo. pp. 284.

8. The Bible Reader's Hand-Book; combining many of the advantages of a Dictionary, Index, Concordance, Natural History, Geography, and Commentary; explaining the Terms and Phrases, and elucidating some of the most difficult passages of the Holy Bible, chiefly arranged in Alphabetical Order. By the Rev. INGRAM COBBIN, A. M. 32mo. pp. 381. Thomas Arnold.

9. The Christian Gleaner; consisting of Original and Selected Pieces. 12mo. pp. 252. Tract Society.

10. The Child's Companion for 1844. Third Series. 18mo. pp. 380. Tract Society. Part XII.

11. The Sunday-Book. and Co.

C. Knight

12. The Sunday-school Teacher's Class Register and Diary for 1815. 12mo. Sunday-school Union.

13. Reality of the Gracious Influence of the Holy Spirit. By the late JOHN JAMIESON, D.D., F.R.S., F.S., and A.S., Author of "The Scottish Etymological Dictionary," &c., &c. 12mo. pp. 4.7. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

14. Tahiti; containing a Review of the Origin, Character, and Progress of the French Roman Catholic Efforts for the Destruction of English Protestant Missions in the South Seas. Translated from the French of Mark Wilks. 8vo. pp. 134.

J. Snow. 1s. 6d.

15. The Family Hymn Book; or, Hymns, Selected and Original, adapted to Family and Private Devotion. By J. J. J. KEMPSTER, Minister of the Tabernacle, Norwich. 32mo. pp. 122. J. Snow.

16. Egypt and the Books of Moses, or the Books of Moses illustrated by the Monuments of Egypt. With an Appendix. By Dr. E. W. HENGSTENBERG, Professor of Theology at Berlin. From the German. By R. D. C. ROBBINS, Abbot Resident, Theological Seminary, Andover. With additional Notes. By W. COOKE TAYLOR, Esq., LL.D., M.R.A.S., of Trinity College, Dublin. Biblical Cabinet. New Series. Vol. III. 8vo. pp. 272. Thomas Clark, Edinburgh.

17. Essays on Christian Union. By Dr. Chalmers, Dr. Balmer, Dr. Candlish, Rev. J. A. James, Dr. King, Dr. Wardlaw, Dr. Struthers, and Dr. Syming ton. 8vo. pp. 538. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

18. The Encyclical Leller of our Lord Pope Gregory XVI. To all Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, and Bishops. Issued May 8th, 1844. Translated into English, by Sir CULLING EARDLEY SMITH, Bart. With the Latin Text, and the Authorised Italian Translation Appended. 8vo. pp. 34. J. Snow.

MRS. RANYARD.

August 30th, 1844, died at Clifton, near Shefford, Bedfordshire, Sarah, the beloved wife of Mr. Robert Ranyard.

Mrs. Ranyard was the daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Haycraft, of Deptford, whose prayers, example, and pious instructions, with those of her affectionate mother, produced a salutary effect on her early years. From a child she knew the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

A long affliction of her father's, and the somewhat sudden death of her mother, deeply impressed her mind, as to the uncertainty of all terrestrial things, and the vast importance of eternal realities.

About two years afterwards, she gave herself wholly to be the Lord's, in joining the church assembling at Haberdasher'shall, London, then under the pastoral care of the late Rev. Joseph Brooksbank. With this church she continued a valuable member, until her removal to Leicester, when she received her dismission to the society at Bond-street; here, and in connection with that at Lutterworth, with which she was afterwards united, she exemplified the Christian character in no small degree. The law of kindness was in her heart, her happiness was to make others happy; all who knew her loved her.

The year 1835 was the commencement of her protracted affliction, when she was considered by all around her to be on the verge of an eternal world. Her own feelings were, that she should soon stand before the throne of God, and praise Him for redeem. ing love.

The following are some of the expressions uttered by her at different periods, which were written at the time by her affectionate daughter, who observes,-It is delightful to hear my beloved mother converse of the love of Christ; his unspeakable value to poor sinners. When feeling very weak, she said, "I shall soon have to pass through the dark valley; but no, it will not be dark; Jesus is precious. I have no triumphant feelings, but I have a calm reliance. He will not, oh no! He will not leave me in trouble to sink." "Begone, unbelief," was one of her favourite hymns. "I have no righteousness of my own, but depend wholly upon Christ." 'Jesus, thy blood," &c. "I do not wish to be impatient; but if it be the Lord's will, I should like to be dismissed."

To her friends she spoke faithfully, and urged them to live near to Christ. She said,

"The testimony of a dying person is often remembered;" and exhorted them to "flee to Christ; to rest in Him, to be active in His cause; that He was precious." "I want to go home; though I do mourn, I do not murmur. I wish to be patient. Oh! for grace for dying moments."

She often mentioned her beloved pastor, (the late Mr. Webb,) and said, "He will welcome me; he is a star of the first magnitude; he brought many to righteousness; but I shall be far from him in heaven; the lowest place, not near the throne; for I am an unprofitable servant; but I wish to do all I can, and to bear my dying testimony for Christ."

She urged her brother, with all a sister's affection, to be "decided for the Saviour, active for him :" and often mentioned her eldest brother, earnestly longing for his eternal salvation. She said, "Oh! that I may meet you all in glory." "If I am found in Jesus' hands, my soul can ne'er be lost."

To her medical man, she spoke of the good he might do in his profession, and urged him to speak for Christ, and bring up his family in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." When he told her he thought she would continue some time, she said, "I do not wish you to tell me so, for I want to go home:" afterwards, she said, "but I hope I shall not be impatient; I wish to wait the Lord's time; for 'tis sweet to lie passive in his hands, and know no will but his.'"'

At another time she said, "Christ is preparing a mansion above for me; but it will not be near Mr. Webb's; yet I shall see him, and he will see me: I hope I am not deceived." Then she directly added, "Oh, no!

"His love in times past forbids me to think He'll leave me at last, in trouble to sink. Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review, Confirms His good pleasure to help me quite through.'"

"Jesus, lover of my soul," was also another of her favourite hymns.

To her beloved partner she said, "My love is strong in death. I trust you will be supported under it. I have not a doubt of meeting you in glory, but I want you to be more active in the cause of Christ; to live near to him. You will soon have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death."

She often repeated verses from that beautiful hymn, "When languor and disease invade," &c.

"I desire to trust in his faithfulness, and love, and mercy." Awakening from an

uneasy sleep, she said, "Jesus, to thy dear hands," &c. "Would he thus far have brought me, to put me to shame?"""He is interceding for me; he is merciful and faithful." "My powers are so torpid; I cannot think but he is faithful. Give my love to my brothers and sisters; tell them I have found Christ precious to the last, and I hope they will.-Dying work is hard work."

On my repeating the line,

"My God, my portion, and my love,"

she added,

"My everlasting all,

I've none but thee in heaven above,
Or on this earthly ball."

I said, "The Lord's portion is his people;" she immediately replied, "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance."

"Tis sweet to look beyond the cage,
And long to scar away."

Her faithful and affectionate servant, speaking to her of passing through the dark valley, she quickly replied, "It is not dark, Ann, it is all light."

On her partial recovery, feeling that life might be lengthened through many years of weakness, her struggles for acquiescence in the Divine will were for a time very strong. She wished to say, "Thy will be done." Heaven had been in her view, and it seemed hard to linger on the threshold.

It pleased God, subsequently, in a measure to improve her health: and on her daughter's marriage and settlement in Bedfordshire, she with her partner removed into that county. Though seldom enabled to visit the sanctuary, she evidently enjoyed much of the presence of the Lord in retirement whilst the passive graces of the Spirit were for several years most beautifully illustrated. Patience seemed to have its " perfect work." Nearly three years since, she was deprived of speech; but patience, with its companion, resignation, maintained their seat and influence in her heart.

The placid countenance and expressive smile were something like a heavenly beam, emanating from the bright sun, under a dark cloud, to cheer and console the minds of her sorrowful friends. It was pleasant to behold her; the hand of the Lord was visible, reflecting his promise to those who love and fear his name, that the "Sun of righteousness should arise with healing in his wings."

What she had said, when to her apprehensions so near death, she seemed now silently, yet expressively, to repeat, "I am too weak to think much, or to feel great joy; but I feel like a little child in his father's arms; he knows his father will take care of him, and is not in any trouble."

Thus she continued; until, gently removed from weakness and suffering, she entered into that rest which God has in reserve for all who love and follow him. Her remains were interred in the burial-ground connected with Union-chapel, Shefford, on Thursday, the 5th of September; and her death improved on the following Lord's-day evening, by the minister of the place, the Rev. B. S. Hall, from Eph. ii. 8: "By grace are ye saved, through faith," &c.; words selected by herself many years since.

May it be the earnest prayer of every reader to be a follower of those who, "through faith and patience, are now inheriting the promises."

MR. W. A. TAYLER.

Mr. W. A. Tayler was born August 13th, 1821, at Castle Coombe, a village in Wiltshire. He was the son of a respectable agriculturist, of the same name. In his infancy he was blessed with a pious mother, whose fervent prayer was, that he might be trained in the paths of virtue and holiness. In his childhood, he became acquainted with wicked boys whom he made his companions, and consequently soon began to cherish a fondness for sin, and a disrelish of spiritual instruction. His disposition was naturally bold and resolute. He possessed such a principle of independence, that he would not be restrained from the obtainment of a desired object by any difficulties that might be thrown in his way. Such was the evincement of his character in youth, that his friends were not without the most distressing apprehensions of his becoming a bad man. Still he was sometimes the subject of powerful convictions, which, to some extent, proved a check to his wickedness. But when he arrived at his nineteenth year, it pleased God to open his heart, and to make him feel the power of his truth and love. Convinced of the evil of sin, and the necessity of a change of heart, he sought at once for mercy, and soon became one of the most devoted Christians I ever knew. I became personally acquainted with him shortly after his conversion, and we formed an attachment to each other which nothing but death could sever.

His deep-toned piety, spiritual conversation, and Christ like life, left an impression on my mind which I never can forget. I have now before me, a large portion of his diary, autobiography, and epistolary communications, which breathe a spirit of such fervent piety, close communion with God and spiritual-mindedness, which would benefit the world, and which, alas ! is too seldom found in the church militant. He was

a zealous and devoted Christian; lived near

46

the throne of grace and cross of Christ. Often would he retire from the family circle to his chamber, and there commune with his God in secret. He deeply felt his responsibility and the necessity of maintaining a holy deportment and unsullied character. He was sensible of the many duties incumbent on him as a Christian; and deeply feeling the constraining influence of the love of Christ, all the powers of his soul were absorbed in efforts of usefulness. He established a flourishing sabbath-school and temperance society in the village; to both of which he was devotedly attached, and laboured hard and successfully for their promotion. He also founded prayer-meetings in two different villages, at which he laboured. He was, indeed, in the fear of God all the day long," and his lips fed many. It was his delight and happiness to visit the afflicted, warn the ungodly, and gather around him a little band of hearers in different cottages, to encourage them to seek the Lord. His love for souls was very great; and he strove earnestly for their salvation. Nor did he labour in vain, for he was made a blessing to many : and I have met some who bless God that they ever knew him. And when on his dying bed, some wended their way to his habitation, desirous of thanking him for what he had done for them. Frequently, when in the fields, superintending his father's workmen, would he converse with them about their souls; and retire to some contiguous hedge to meditate upon the Scriptures and pour out his soul to God in prayer.

He soon became desirous of entire devotedness to the service of God, and was anxious to receive instruction preparatory to the work of the ministry. He was encouraged in his desires by several ministers, and on January 11th, 1844, he placed himself under the care and tuition of the Rev. B. Parsons, of Ebley; where he enjoyed numerous advantages, which he greatly appreciated. But I should have said, that in this step he took upon himself a heavy cross. His trials were numerous and great; and proceeded from a quarter the most undesirable and distressing. To me, as a confidential friend, he made known all his troubles, and I can say, they were distressing indeed; and all through his devotedness to God.

The short time he was with Mr. Parsons, he made diligent progress. Mr. P. was much interested in him, and felt persuaded he was designed for extensive usefulness. In a communication I received from him a few weeks since, he says, "He left an impression on the minds of all who knew him, that his piety was of the highest order, and we all mourn his early removal to glory. The gain to him is unspeakable, and the loss

to us cannot be told. His religion was of a seraphic character, and was evidently kindled at the same shrine whence the angels and glorified spirits obtain all their purity and devotion. We deemed it a privilege that so bright an example of godliness was permitted to sojourn among us for a short time. Had he lived long, he would, without doubt, have allured many to the cross. His removal is a great and lasting loss to the church," &c.

He had not been at Ebley long, before indisposition became apparent. He was soon obliged to retire from his studies, and returned home followed by the affections, and devoted attachment of all who knew him there. It soon became evident to his medical adviser that a mortal disease was preying on his vitals. His lungs were affected; the consumption was rapid, and in a few weeks terminated his earthly career.

During his heavy affliction, he was patient, and resigned to the will of God. Not a murmur was heard to fall from his lips. Not a feeling of impatience or dissatisfaction was perceived. He experienced the sweet enjoyment of that religion in which he had believed. During his affliction many of his numerous Christian friends visited him, and frequently would he hold a prayer meeting with them, and urge them to activity in the cause of God; urging as a motive the love of Christ and the shortness and uncertainty of life. He anxiously looked forward to the happy time of his departure, and said,

"Oh! I shall soon be dying,
Time swiftly glides away;
But on my Lord relying,
I hail the happy day!"

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On the 6th of August he became much worse, and, from that time till death, was extremely weak. On the following Thursday, (August 8th,) he felt that his time was near. The family were summoned around his dying bed. He addressed them individually, affectionately, and earnestly; and turning to his dear mother, he said, My dear mother, do not weep for me; dying is only going home. You and I have drunk the consolations of the gospel together and we shall drink of the wine of the kingdom together in a better world. I shall not eat again till I sit at the marriage supper of the Lamb." He took an affectionate farewell of all, and then asked them to sing a long hymn. After he was told such could not be the case then, he said, "I shall soon sing to harps of gold!"

"O glorious hour! O blest abode!

I shall be near and like my God." "Death cannot make our souls afraid!" "Tell my dear friends, I now prove that, 'Jesus can make a dying bed, feel soft as

time will I wait." The moment was now at hand for the deliverance of his soul. Extending his arms in ecstacy, he cried, "Come, Lord Jesus, let me embrace thee. Into thy hands I commit my spirit; for thou hast redeemed me." After this, he was heard to say, in a whisper, "Victory, victory, through the blood of the Lamb!" and then sweetly breathed out his soul into the hands of his Redeemer. O may our last end be like his.

OBJECTIONABLE ADVERTISEMENTS.

MUCH discussion has, of late, been held among the friends of religion and humanity, on the subject of certain advertisements which occasionally make their appearance on the covers of our religious periodicals; and heavy censures have been pronounced upon ourselves and others for not having excluded all announcements of quack medicines, spirits, and wines. We beg at once to say, that we have no desire, by any act of ours, to retard the progress of national reform, or to put a stumbling-block in the way of our brethren. We are firm friends to the temperance cause; and detest quackery in medicine, in religion, and in mercantile life. It is greatly to be lamented that the plan of advertisements resorted to in our day has much of quackery in it, in almost every department. Every commodity now exposed for sale is the best and cheapest of its kind. Some tradesmen not only live, but get rich by this system of puffing, not to say untruthful, advertisement. But can the editor of a religious periodical sit in judgment upon the merits or demerits of such articles? Or ought he, or the work which he conducts, to be held responsible for them? We think not; unless there shall be found upon the face of any advertisement admitted by him, an assault upon religion, or a plain violation of the morality of the gospel.

We are quite ready to take our share of blame, in looking at the past. Announcements have, at times, been made on our cover, through inadvertency, which we have deplored, and for which we have instantly apologized. And it may be, also, that we have not laid down so strict a rule for ourselves in this matter as we ought.

We are

not, however, so wise as not to yield to growing light; nor so self-willed as to prefer our own opinion to the preservation of peace and good-will among our friends. Our anxiety, too, for the poor widows of ministers cast upon our care has made us desirous of obtaining the largest revenue applicable to their relief; and as the cover of the Magazine has all along been a main source of income, we have endeavoured, by all fair means, to keep it above par. But we respect the opinions of wise and good men too much to persevere in any course calculated to inflict pain, or, as may be supposed, to impede the course of that popular reform which we sincerely believe temperance institutions are effecting throughout the civilized world.

We will, therefore, cheerfully abandon in future the publication of all advertisements of quack medicines; which will be an act of homage to our own taste and judgment, no less than a concession to the strongly expressed opinions of some of our best friends, who, with ourselves, deeply deplore the disease and mortality occasioned by the nostrums of medical quacks published daily in this vast metropolis.

In conceding the second point pressed upon us from so many quarters, we must beg it distinctly to be understood, that we do not regard it as unlawful to sell or buy spirits or wines, and that, therefore, we cannot hold it to be sinful to advertise them. But as many, whom we greatly respect, differ from us on these points, we shall consider that we are acting on the safe side in acceding to their warmly expressed wishes. If, in doing so, we can in any degree advance the cause of temperance, we shall indeed