Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub

Intimate, to be more earnest in exhorting the people, and to pray for the influence of the Holy Spirit up on their hearts." She said that some time after the death of her husband, the Lord repeatedly followed her with this question, “What is thy petition, and what is thy request?" and her answer was, "Lord, if it be thy blessed will, that one creature may be permitted to love thee more than another, O let me be that creature; and O how good my Lord has been to me. I used, when that hymn was sung,

'The place of John I covet

More than a Seraph's throne.'

to long for it; but blessed be God, I have got it." She once said, "It was my wish that I might die suddenly, but it was brought to my mind with power, Will a sudden death be glorifying God?" At another time she said, "I am as in a furnace; my throat, arm, and breast are burning with the cancer; but I will sing "Bless ye the Lord, praise him and magnify him for ever!” When near death she said, "I have more cause to bless God for these sufferings than for all my health;" and added, "Not one pain too many; I am just as I should be."

When some friends who came to see her, entered the room, she said "I am filled with glory; I am going to glory." On a Sabbath morning she had a sore conflict with the enemy; for when, by reason of her com

plaint, it was with much difficulty

she could be moved in and out of bed, she said, The enemy seems to he mocking me with those words, Where is now your God?" and suggesting that she never more could be moved into bed, but must continue in that painful posture till she died. But shortly after this she found relief, and the Lord, by his blessed Spirit, shone upon her soul, and the tempter vanished.

When a person said to her “ I trust the Lord is with you,-she answered," he is always with me; his everlasting arms are more than ever underneath me. Oh, what a God!" The morning before her departure

she was convulsed; she sent for her brother to pray with her, took him by the hand and said, " My work is done the Lord has been good to me: I have been dandled on his knees: I have had the place of John." After which she lay composed. The next morning, in the most placid and gentle manner, she departed to her eternal rest. Peckham.

:

RECENT DEATH.

A. C.

At

On Sunday, the 1st of November, died, at the Countess of Huntingdon's College, at Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, the Rev. Richard Owen, aged 30, Tutor of that Seminary. This excellent man, who had formerly been a student there, had, at one time, intentions of receiving Ordination in the Establishment: and, by his attainments as well as by his piety and zeal, he appeared well qualified for the clerical function but the terms proposed (a suspension of his ministry for three years) determined his choice. the beginning of this year, an opening presenting, he accepted the of which, from his acquirements and fice of Tutor of the college; in assiduity, he not only promised much benefit to the institution, but was also very highly respected by the trustees and students. His remains were solemnly interred in Cheshunt church-yard, on Friday, Nov. 6, followed by the students bitants of the neighbourhood also now at the college. Several inhaattended, to testify their esteem of the deceased, who had ministered among them, the word of life. It will, no doubt, console the promo

-

ters of this Institution to consider that Ile who, in his wisdom, takes away an Elijah, can raise up an Elisha, endued with all necessary gifts.

**We are informed, that the Rev. Dr. Draper, of London, has accepted the office of Tutor of the above Seminary: a circumstance which affords the most lively satisfaction to the Trustees, and to the connection at large.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS,

Sermons, by the Rev. Thos. Mutler,

D. D. Second edit. Price

THE critical, argumentative, eloquent, and simplest preachers have their respective admirers; and

this diverse "manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."

Some are set for

the defence of the out works of Christianity; others enter more deeply into its vital essence; and a happy few have the singular art of combining a variety of excellence in their pulpit productions. It is nevertheless mournful to reflect, that discourses are frequently published, which contain, amidst scriptural and useful remarks, a lamentable defect of evangelic sentiment; and which forbids a faithful Reviewer to give them an unqualified recommendation.

We are grieved to say, that the latter observation is confirmed by several of the sermons in the volume before us. While we discovered in it sound sense, a vindication of some gospel doctrines, and numerous remarks calculated for general utility, we occasionally inet with paragraphs which seemed to militate against the revealed method of a sinner's acceptance with God, and to expose our author's ignorance of those principles, which are the only legitimate sources of practical holiness.

Speaking of the character of Job, the Doctor says, "As he was an eminently good man, and thorough ly conscious, on the most impartial enquiry, of his owu sincere piety, charity, and candour, it is upon this foundation and the answer of a good conscience, that he interests himself in the Redeemer, and claims so near and saving a relation to him. We readily admit, that the holy patriarca, in the distracted state of mind which his accumulated afflictions occasioned, employed, more than once, very unjustifiable language; but he nowhere expresses such a consciousness of personal merit as entitled him to the

divine favour. One of his final confessions is," I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes;" and tho he knew that he was free from many of the crimes which his injudicious friends alleged against him, yet, we doubt not, but the foundation of his hope was the sole merit of that Redeemer, who was to stand at the latter day on the earth, and give him a part in the glorious resurrec

tion.

The tenth discourse, on 1 John iii. 9, contains some unguarded and injurious representations. Dr. Mutter, without alluding to the natural depravity of the human mind, or informing us of the necessity of its renewal, introduces his discussion by this sentence: "Let this one impression be deeply fixed within us, That goodness in the heart is the best symptom of truth in the understanding; and that he who is the most benevolent, is also, in the eye of God, the most orthodox man.". At page 202, alluding to the beneficence of the Deity, he asks," Why should men doubt our attachment to the original, so long as we are kind to the offspring, and beneficent to the image of God?" It would have been well if our author had studied with closer attention the 13th chapter of the 1st epistle to the Corinthians: he would there have found, that it is possiblé for a man to bestow all his goods to feed the poor, and yet be destitute of that divine principle of love which God approves, and which is the result of the Holy Spirit's agency on the soul. "Many wonderful works" are performed by persons who were never born again," and those actions alone deserve the epithet of good, which flow from the love of Christ shed abroad in the heart. Suavity of temper, and a charitable disposition will follow the cordial reception of the truth as it is in JeThe tree, however, must first be made good before the fruit can be good also.

sus.

We totally disapprove of the strain of remark in page 214, The

following assertion is advanced and supported in too open a way to be inis nderstood:-"I dare say a man's personal worth has very little connection with his opinions in matters of speculation.' Doubtless, there are some inferior speculative point,, which are perfectly harmless; but, generally speaking, there is a strict alliance between sentiment and conduct. False opinions will be the parents of incorrect and vicious practices. The quotation from Psalm 95 is mutilated; and had it been given entire, would have thrown a weighty argument against

the tenet which Dr. Mutter so

[blocks in formation]

In the second edition of a work, we should not have expected to find so many literal inaccuracies. There is no such word as prophanity in the English language, though we see it sometimes used instead of profane

ness.

The printer is to be blamed for giving us exhilirate for exhilatate, examplify for exemplify, decent for descent, clossest for closest, concience for conscience, &c. Nor can we acquit the Doctor for his frequent substitution of will for shall; tw instances of which occur in the last page but one of his volume: yel these are minor defects, which we could have willingly over. looked, had the discourses possessed more evangelic consistency and worth. A regard to the religious principles of our readers has compelled us to expose the serious faults of this work, because they are more likely to be unnoticed, or to prove injurious, mixed as they are with solid sense and scriptural quo

tations.

The Nature and Importance of Preparatory Studies, prior to entering on the Christian Ministry, considered: a Sermon delivered at Loughborough, before the Gover

nors of the General Baptists' Evan gelical Academy. By D. Taylor.

Price Is.

THERE are but few religious societies which would refuse the acceptance of a minister, merely because he had enjoyed academical advantages. The occasional clamour which Ignorance has raised, is highly censurable; we mean that which is directed against all kind of preparatory tuition whatever. The reasoning, or rather the folly, that would contend for ministerial ignor ance, cannot be too much exploded. On the other hand, it ought to be conceded, and even deplored, that knowledge puffeth up;"- that youthful instructors are apt to be

66

wise in their own conceits ;" and that the advantage of passing thro an academical course of studies is

magnified into an occasion of boasting, where solid acquisition and useful furniture are wanting. While, therefore, Mr. Taylor and others are demonstrating the importance of of students, and young men just preparatory studies, the example emerged from our seminaries, should add weight and dignity to their sentiments. Our friendly advice to them on this topic shall not fatigue their memories: it is merely this:-Let Simplicity and Humility accompany them to the pulpit, to the parlour, and to the collage. Such a mode of conduct would be seen and admired in every circle; and it would cfectually put to silence those who affect to despise ministerial preparation, and whe speak contemptuously of those young preachers who have enjoyed it.

Mr. Taylor's subject is founded on Matt. xiii. 52; and the manner in which he illustrates and applies it to the institution for which he pleads, and to academical instruction in general, is sensible, candid, and just. He obviates popular prejudice by saying, We do not design to make ministers, nor gentlemen, nor men of general leaning." Having discussed these topics, he next states the nature and importance of those studies in which they are to engage.

[ocr errors]

Mr. Taylor affects no parade of learning, nor pomp of expression; but the wisdom and acumen, the candour and seriousness of the sermon are such as entitle it to general attention, and especially to the friends of the General Baptist Society. With a design of correcting ignorance and carelessness, Mr.Taylor makes the following pertinent remarks, which, for the same reason, we insert:

"We wish to convince young ministers, of what many of them and many others seem not to understand, what kinds of knowledge are necessary to render them respectable and useful in their sacred employment. It cannot be ration-. ally denied, that a man who is ignorant of his own mother tongue

cuts an awkward figure in a pulpit. His pronunciation frequently erroneous; his language destitute of propriety and precision, frequently transgressing the plainest rules of concord and government, not to mention the higher qualities of style. Surely, a man who speaks in public ought to understand these elementary things, respecting which, an accurate school-boy of ten years old would easily detect his errors. Yet it is well known that, for want of this knowledge, many ministers have exposed themselves to ridicule; and their ministrations, which were otherwise far above contempt, have been forsaken by men of tolerable understanding and refinement.

"We grant that there is no necessity for ministers to take up much of their time in polishing their discourses. This is seldom of much use; nor is it, by any means what we wish, at least on common occasions, to recommend. Ministers who have used the greatest plainness of speech, have generally been the most useful and most respected: but I trust we are all able to distinguish between plainness and inpropriety. The former we wish to inculcate and recommend; the latter, we wish to correct, as that which ought by all means to be avoided. To express divine things in proper language, however plain, seems to be one of the first qualifications of a good preacher.

We

may say, without hesitation, that composing sermons for the instruction of mankind, is a principal part of a minister's business. I make no scruple to give it as my opinion, that if young ministers were more attentive to writing their sermons than many of them are, they would be abundantly recompensed for their labour. At least to write large, full, and correct skeletons of sermons, would be of unspeakable advantage to themselves, and to the people they are called to serve. Without reading their sermons, or confining themselves to their skeletons, they will find upon trial, that great advantage results from large and careful writing."

The Duties of the Marriage State: a Pastoral Address; designed also as a General Illustration of the Form of Solemnization of Matrimony. By Basil Woodd, A. M. Price 9d. or Three Dozen for a

Guinea.

THIS Address was originally delivered by the author in the form of sermons. The subject is very important; and is treated in a plain, pious, and scriptural manner. Were the excellent rules recommended by Mr. Woodd duly observed, they would secure the permanent happie ness of married persons. The following passage deserves peculiar attention: The too frequent contentions and petulances of the domestic scene, too often prove that neither party is influenced by the love and fear of God. The fact is, that they are no longer under external restraint, and they havt not sufficient religious principle to restrain inwardly their own peevish humours. "What is the reason of the frequent uneasiness betwixt man and wife, and their sometimes giving full scope to their passions upon very trifling occasions, even among persons who behave with decency, calmness, and general good temper to all others ?" It is because they think their reputation safe in each other's hands; and, therefore, are not afraid to discover their natural sourness and malignity. This shows that neither love of rectitude nor the

fear of God is at the bottom of that

poor thing we call Virtue, since we exert it least where it is most due, and where it would be most serviceable to ourselves, only because we think we can do so without disgrace."

In the latter part of this treatise, in which the author insists on Parental Duties, an attention to the dress of young persons is thus recommended: " Modesty in dress ought also to be regarded: there is a maedium, an observable difference between an affected singularity and fashionable conformity. It is also true, that different situations in life authorize a different style of appa

rel;

but in every rank the Christian rule is, "Let your moderation be known unto all men." The best general direction, as to dress, is probably this," Dress so as not to be observed whether you dress or not." This concise excellent rule will preserve modesty and propriety in dress, and will prevent that vanity and ridiculous attention to ornament and fashion, which the love of dress and the pride of the haman heart occasion. The style of female dress, in the present day, is disgusting and abominable: the half-naked unbecoming exposure of the person is an affront to decency and good manners. Every religious woman, every virtuous woman, ought in conscience to set her face against, and oppose such shameful, such wicked fashions."

We heartily join issue with the worthy author on this head; and cannot but impute many of those improprieties in female appearance, so loudly and so justly complained of by all pious persons, to the cuipable neglect of mothers, rather than to the vanity of their daughs

[blocks in formation]

readers to this singular and interesting publication, in which every one who feels as he ought for the true welfare of his country, will find much to impress his mind and excite his zeal.

The Hibernian Society, wisely judging that, in addition to the valuable information they had obtained by correspondence with good men in Ireland, they should attain further advantages from the observations of gentlemen who should visit that country, and prosecute those enquiries which related to their object, prevailed on the Rev. Mess. Charles, Bogue, and Hughes, together with the Treasurer, Mr. Mills, to undertake this mission. These gentlemen sailed from Holyhead, July 24, and arrived at Dubin next day. After several interviews with the friends of the Society there, they commenced their tour July 31; and taking different routes, one party visited Athy, Castle-Comber, Kilkenny, and Clonmell; another took the road thro Wicklow, Arklow, Gorey, Fearns, Enniscorthy, and New Ross. They met, August 3, at Waterford; from whence they travelled together to Cork and afterwards to Limerick, Tuam, Castlebar, Sligo, and Armagh; and returned through Dundalk and Drogheda to Dublin. The detail of their journies is mingled with many entertaining observations on the appearance of the country and the manners of the people; together with an account of the wretched superstitions of the Catholies in performing stations, as it is called, at Croagh Patrick, from which St. Patrick is said to have driven all the venemous reptiles of the country into the sea. Suitable acknowledgments are also made for the generous hospitality and judicious advice which they received from pious friends, particularly in Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Sligo, and Armagh.

The Report then proceeds to its more immediate and very important object, the state of religion among the following classes: The Roman Catholics, the Protestant Episcopalians, the Presbyterians, and the

« VorigeDoorgaan »