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"I beg you to bear these two or three things in memory. persons are invariably the most captious hearers: for this many reasons may be assigned, I leave them to the suggestions of your own understanding. I beg you to bear in mind, further, that I do not preach for criticism, but to save souls; not to tickle the ear, but to mend the heart. When I stand up here, those solemn, those thrilling words, are ringing in my ear; 'Son of man, I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word from my mouth, and give them warning from me,' &c. &c. Ezek. iii. 17, 18. * * * * I beg you to bear in mind the awful responsibility under which we both lie; this will rid you of the desire to criticise, and me of the fear of criticism. It is said to you, Take heed how ye hear,' just as well as to the preacher, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.'

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Having given the above short specimen, taken at random, to afford some idea of our author's manner and faithfulness, we cordially recommend an attentive perusal of the sermon, and we trust that the valueď minister who delivered it will long occupy the important post to which he has been called, and be eminently useful in diffusing a knowledge of the great salvation, and in building up a church, pure and spiritual, in which the grand principles and holy practices inculcated in the New Testament shall abound, and through which they shall, in that locality, be handed down to the latest posterity. We congratulate the church and congregation of Harley Street Chapel on their choice, while we sympathize with the loss our beloved brother's late flock at Arundel has sustained.

The Millennium a Spiritual State, not a personal Reign. By John Jefferson. Snow: London.

The personal Reign of Christ. By O. T. Dobbin, B. A. Minister of Harley Street Chapel, Bow. Second Edition. Dinnis: London.

WE hail with satisfaction the appearance of publications of this nature. It proves that our watchmen are awake, and are not only prompt to detect, but also powerful to expose, the devices of the enemy. Our opinions on the subject of the millennarian heresy are well known, and happy are we to say that they characterize the body whose name we bear, and are obtaining a more general acceptance with the church at large. We have lived to see millennarianism undergo an important change. Ten years ago it was recommended to the notice of the public by the powerful eloquence and rare enthusiasm of Edward Irving, whose personal and mental powers gathered around him a formidable band of credulous and confiding disciples, who imbibed his ardour and imitated his dogmatism. Now it does not possess an advocate who can command public attention, and its most zealous professors are to be found in the ranks of the Plymouth brethren.

We have read Mr. Jefferson's valuable discourse with pleasure, and are glad to meet him again on ground which he so efficiently occupies-that of practical and devotional truth. We doubt not that the statements in this address, if candidly weighed, will be productive of even more extensive good than that which the respected author states to have attended it on its delivery from the pulpit. While it will be especially acceptable to the members of his own congregation, we would hope it may find its way into other circles, and at once, by the importance of the subject discussed, by the weight and succinctness of the arguments employed, and the solemn urgency of its closing appeals, interest the careless, enlighten the ignorant, and establish the wavering.

The sermon is professedly an exposition of Rev. xx. 1-6, but, in fact, takes up the whole question.

The objections urged with considerable power against the doctrine of a personal reign, are the following:

1. It is marked by the most glaring absurdities.

2. It is unsupported by the general tenor of divine revelation.
3. It is destructive of the essential properties of Christianity.
4. It is opposed to the scriptural doctrine of Christ's mediation.
5. It is equally derogatory to the glory of the Holy Ghost.

6. It entirely alters the character of christian expectation and hope.

At this stage of the controversy little new can be advanced. Truth, however, like gold, loses none of its value by being old. It is Mr. Jefferson's least merit that he has put the old coin into circulation under a new and attractive

exterior.

Of Mr. Dobbin's sermon we expressed a favourable opinion in our former notice. The present is the second edition.

Seven Hundred Domestic Hints in every branch of Family Management: combining Utility with Elegance, and Economy with the Enjoyment of Home. By a Lady. 32mo. London: C. Tilt.

THIS neat little book is not in our way; but as friends of good sense, domestic order, and christian economy, we cordially recommend it to the notice of our female friends. Its instructive pages are enriched by citations from the best authorities.

The Colonial Magazine and Commercial Maritime Journal. Edited by Robert Montgomery Martin, Esq. No. I. January, 1840. 8vo. pp. 152. London: Fisher, Son, and Co.

WE are so deeply interested in the social and moral improvement of the British colonies, that we are prepared to welcome every publication that proposes to diffuse information respecting those important settlements.

The British public are already greatly indebted to Mr. Montgomery Martin for his laborious history of the British colonies, and under the editorship of a gentleman of his industry, intelligence, and perseverance, we confidently anticipate that this new periodical will be a repository of highly valuable and interesting information relating to the social and religious interests of the colonists themselves, and to the heathen around them.

The present number is an interesting specimen of the work, both as to typography and authorship, and we think it should be found on the table of every literary institution, and in circulation amongst the members of every book society.

We suspect, from some passages in the present number, that Mr. Martin has a feeling of resentment against certain authorities, on the ground of supposed neglect. He must permit us to urge upon him the importance of abstaining from political or religious partizanship if he wishes his work to have a general circulation amongst the friends of the colonies of all sects and parties.

Discourses on Special Occasions, by the late Rev. Robert S. M’AU, LL.D. with a Sketch of his Life and Character. By the Rev. Ralph Wardlaw, D.D. 2 vols. 8vo. London: Jackson and Walford.

ALTHOUGH these beautiful volumes have only come to our hands as this sheet is going to press, yet we cannot refrain from announcing to our readers the fact of their publication, and the general nature of their contents.

The life and character of our lamented brother, with the prefatory notices from the pen of Dr. Wardlaw, occupy nearly 200 pages of the first volume, from the perusal of which we anticipate no ordinary gratification.

These are followed by a Funeral Sermon for Mr. Roby-a Discourse on Parental Duties-Three Discourses at the Opening of Chapels-Seven at the Ordination of Ministers-One at an Association of Ministers-Two for Home Missions, and Four in connection with Foreign Missions. Thus the two hand

some volumes comprise nineteen discourses of the pre-eminently eloquent and gifted author, occupying more than 900 pages, besides the biographical and introductory matters which we have already described. We need not say that we shall be anxious to enter at an early opportunity on a lengthened examination of these deeply interesting relics of their sainted author.

THE EDITOR'S TABLE.

Glimpses of the Old World; or Excursions on the Continent and in Great Britain. By Rev. John A. Clark, Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia, United States. In Two Vols. Royal 8vo. London: Bagster and Sons, Paternoster Row.

Millennarianism incompatible with our Lord's Sacerdotal Office: a Letter to the Rev. Edward Bickersteth, Rector of Watton, Herts. By George Hodson. 12mo. London: Nisbet and Co.

A Biblical and Theological Dictionary for Bible Classes, &c. With numerous Engravings. By Samuel Green, Walworth. 12mo. London: Wightman, Paternoster Row.

The Pagan Altar and Jehovah's Temple. An Essay. By R. Weaver. 12mo. London: Ward and Co.

Hours of Thought; or Poetic Musings. By J. S. Hardy. 12mo. London: Harvey and Darton, Gracechurch Street.

Progress of the Confessional. 12mo. London: R. Groombridge.

On the Means and Manifestations of a Genuine Revival of Religion. An Address delivered before the United Presbytery, Edinburgh, in Rose Street Church, Edinburgh, on November 19th, 1839. By John Brown, D.D. Published at the Request of the Presbytery. Second Edition. 8vo. London: Hamilton, Adams and Co.

Fragments from the Study of a Pastor. By Gardiner Spring, D.D. New York. 18mo. London: Whittaker and Co.

The Day-Spring from on High; or the Lord Jesus Christ exhibited to the Sinner as the only Source of Peace and Salvation. 32mo. Edinburgh: William Oliphant.

Memoirs of Felix Neff, John F. Oberlin, and Bernhard Overberg. Translated from the German, by Mrs. Sydney Williams. 8vo. Published by the Society for the Promotion of Popular Instruction. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

Memoir of Thomas Cranfield. By his Son. Fisher and Son, Newgate Street. The Friend of Ireland: containing an Exposure of the Errors and Superstitions of the Church of Rome. By P. Dixon Hardy, M. R.I.A. With numerous Wood Engravings. 4to. London: R. Groombridge, Paternoster Row. Popular Airs and Sacred Melodies, adapted for social singing; with Hymu Tunes and Anthems arranged for Congregational Worship. 4to. London: R. Groombridge, Paternoster Row.

Discourses on Special Occasions. By the late Rev. Robert S. M'All, LL,D, With a Sketch of his Life and Character. By the Rev. R. Wardlaw, D.D. In Two Volumes, 8vo. London; Jackson and Walford, St. Paul's Church-yard. The Outpouring of the Spirit. A Discourse delivered June 6th, 1839, in the Baptist Meeting-house, Saltash, before the South Devon and Cornwall Association. By L. P. Hewlett. 12mo. London: Ward and Co.

The Union Harmonist: a Selection of Sacred Music, consisting of Original and Standard Pieces, Anthems, &c. Suitable for the use of Sunday Schools, Congregations, and Musical Societies. Arranged by T. Clark, Canterbury. Part I. London: Sunday School Union, Paternoster Row.

The Whigs and the Dissenters: a Letter to Edward Baines, Esq. M. P. 8vo. Jackson and Walford.

The Tendency of Socinian Principles to lead to Infidelity. A Sermon, by Andrew Russell, M. A. of Haddington. 12mo. Edinburgh: J. Johnstone. An Address delivered on laying the Foundation of Salem Chapel, Burley-inWharfdale, on Monday, Oct. 14, 1839. By Edward Jukes, Leeds. 12mo.

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TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES, AT HOME AND ABROAD.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LETTER OF DR. URWICK RESPECTING IRELAND.

(To the Editor.)

MY DEAR BROTHER,-I read the energetic appeal of Dr. Urwick on behalf of Ireland, in your last number, with great interest, and in his statement of the painful inadequacy of all existing evangelical operations to meet the wide and pressing necessities of that benighted country, I entirely agree. I cordially concur also in opinion with our esteemed and judicious brother, that missionary operations, conducted on the sound scriptural principles and with the elastic spirit of Congregationalism, are admirably adapted to the present peculiarities in the social and moral aspect of that kingdom.

I am, however, impressed with the apprehension, that from the letter of Dr. Urwick conclusions will be drawn by many of your readers, alike unjust to the congregational churches of Britain, and to the institution through which their kind (though inadequate) assistance has been rendered to the sister island.

The Irish Evangelical Society, which has been in active operation for more than five and twenty years, and with which I have been officially connected for nearly half that period, although not denominational, has done good service to the cause of Congregationalism in Ireland. In proof of this I need only adduce the following facts:

·

When the Society was formed, the number of congregational churches in that country was eleven; it is now twenty-eight; and of these seventeen newly raised societies, fourteen have resulted from the labours of its agents; and of the additional three, two are now supported by its funds.

Of these twenty-eight churches, not more than five are capable of supporting their pastors; our respected brethren presiding over other three, are sustained by their own resources, and all the remainder derive their incomes, wholly or in part, from the Irish Evangelical Society.

Beside these pastors of churches, who also occupy wide circles of itinerant labour, the Society entirely supports five additional congregational ministers, who are wholly engaged in missionary service; a class of agents the Committee are most anxious, as their funds will admit, to multiply.

The Society also employs about twenty Scripture readers and expositors, (a most useful and much required class of evangelists,) and these, with three or four exceptions, are all members of congregational churches, and valuable auxiliaries to their pastors.

To these particulars I may add, that, during the period of the Society's existence, about sixteen new congregational places of worship have been raised, and towards the erection of every one of these, the Society has afforded liberal assistance. The students also who have been educated in the congregational seminary at Dublin, with a single exception, have been adopted by the Society, and now supported as its agents.

The Irish Evangelical Society, like the London Missionary Society, was formed on comprehensive principles, that invited the union and co-operation of all classes of christian men; but Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Methodists have since established separate institutions, formed upon their several distinctive peculiarities, for the advancement of their separate interests, and these they prosecute with vigour and efficiency. The funds of our Society are, therefore, now derived almost exclusively from the congregational churches of Britain, (with occasional aid from our brethren of the Scottish Secession,) and with

perfect equity they are applied, in the same proportion, to the support and extension of congregational interests in Ireland. Whether, in the altered and peculiar condition of religious parties, it be desirable for the Society to assume a denominational, rather than continue that general character which was deemed best at the time of its formation, is a subject on which I should deem it improper, on this occasion, to express an opinion; but it is one that I think demands the early, candid, and most serious consideration of the Committee.

In conclusion, while I have been anxious, in this brief statement, to perform an act of justice to the pastors and members of our churches by whom the funds of the Irish Evangelical Society have been supplied, and to the successive Committees by whom they have been administered, I cannot too strongly express my entire sympathy with our devoted brother, Dr. Urwick in his anxious desire for a large increase of missionaries of our own faith and order, who shall go through the length and breadth of the land, making known the way of salvation to the millions of Ireland who are ready to perish.

London, Jan. 20, 1840.

I am, my dear Brother, yours faithfully,

ARTHUR TIDMAN. P. S. I wish this statement to be considered as unofficial, as it is quite unauthorized by the Committee, and, indeed, unknown to any individual but the

writer.

CHRISTMAS EXAMINATION OF THE STUDENTS AT SPRING HILL

COLLEGE, BIRMINGHAM.

The above examination took place at the College on the 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th, and 18th days of December last, under the superintendence of the Rev. Dr. Redford, of Worcester, and the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, of Nottingham. The former gentleman presided in the classical department; the latter in those of Mathematics, English Grammar, Philology, Hebrew, and Theology. The following are the testimonies given on the occasion. In explanation of the later date of the third paper, it should be observed, that owing to the regretted absence of the Rev. John Burder, of Stroud, who was unable to attend, the examination of the papers in Hebrew and Theology was kindly undertaken by the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, who, not having time to peruse them while he remained in Birmingham, was obliged to forward his testimonial from Nottingham.

I. CLASSICAL DEPARTMENT.

With great pleasure I hereby express my satisfaction at the results of the present examination. It has been conducted upon a plan calculated to put fully and fairly to the test the abilities and acquirements of the students. They have executed the work assigned them in a manner which reflects high credit upon their diligence, and affords pleasing promise of their future usefulness. My expectations of the accuracy with which the examination questions would be answered have been fully realized, and in some instances surpassed. GEO. REDFOrd.

Birmingham, Dec. 17, 1839.

II. MATHEMATICAL DEPARTment.

It will not, in reporting the result of my examination of the classes in Plane Trigonometry, Geometry. and Algebra, be necessary to explain to the Committee the course which has been adopted. The printed papers prepared for the Christmas examination, will be laid before them. It may not be improper, however, to remind the Committee, that the students are unacquainted with their contents, till the time when they are individually required, without reference to books, to write on the respective subjects. This mode, it will be admitted, is a complete test of their substantial acquisitions. The Committee will also remember the brevity of the session now coming to its close, and the various other objects of study which have demanded a large share of their attention.

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