THE decease of such a man as the Rev. George Burder is an event of peculiar interest and solemnity, inasmuch as he was one of the remaining few who connected the past with the present, and who carried back the associations of the Christian public to the early history of those distinguished efforts of Christian activity and benevolence, which have shed lustre on the present age, and which furnish increasing promise of the approaching glory of the latter day. There were scarcely any of our great societies to the formation or prosperity of which the deceased did not contribute. And it is a pleasing recollection of this departed servant of God, that his mind was never permitted, through a long and active life, to indulge in a single speculative tendency on any one great point; and that amidst all the changes and vicissitudes of religious opinion which obtained in his day, he was steadfast and immoveable to the last, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Dr. Fletcher's funeral discourse is a highly suitable tribute to the memory of an individual so much revered as the deceased. As a sermon it is full of rich unction and scriptural illustration. The text, which, we understood, was chosen by Mr. Burder himself,

selected from JUDE, 21.-"Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." In discussing these words, the preacher takes occasion to examine the OBJECT, the SOURCE, and the HABITUAL EXERCISE of Christian hope. Apart from the relation which this discourse bears to our late venerable friend, it may be regarded as an able and impressive exhibition of the nature and influence of that hope which maketh not ashamed, and which will realize its brightest and most blessed consummation in that mercy which will be so gloriously displayed in the final award to the righteous of life eternal. In the memoir department for the present month, we have, with the author's permission, inserted the whole of that portion of his discourse in which he has traced the early history, depicted the character, described the usefulness, and unfolded the closing scene of the deceased. We beg particularly to recommend to our readers the perusal of the whole, as greatly fitted to subserve the great ends of "godly edifying."

Dr. Winter's address at the funeral is cha racterized by that propriety, sound sense, and enlightened piety, which run through all his public exercises. We beg to lay the whole of it before our readers.

"We are assembled in this house of prayer on an occasion of great solemnity. Death is always solemn. And the burial of the dead calls up so many remembrances of those whom in this world we shall see no more, and makes such irresistible appeals to the living, all of whom will sooner or later be summoned to the grave, that, with the thoughtful, an attendance on a funeral must be a serious employment. But, dissevered from the light of Christianity, and from all pleasing reference to the influence of Christianity on the deceased, it is a most gloomy and heartless employment. It is at the burial of a true Christian, more than on any other occasion, that we adopt the apostolic anthem :'O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.'

"That our beloved and venerated friend, the REV. GEORGE BURDER, was a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who that knew him could doubt? Our great consolation this day is just the consolation which we should derive from the glorious and everlasting gospel, on the decease of the most obscure of Christ's disciples. And what lustre does this reflect on Christianity, while it diminishes all the circumstantial differences between one Christian and another, that the same word of promise is applicable to all, and has been fulfilled in each!

"Yet, as one star differeth from another star in glory,' we are allowed to extract both comfort and admonition from the circumstances of each individual case. In this case there are many particulars which claim our attention. Some of these allow me to place before you. It shall be my effort so to do it, as not to intrude on the duties which will devolve on my friend and brother, the REV. DR. FLETCHER, who is to preach next Lord's-day morning to the bereaved church, which has been called upon to part with a beloved pastor, after a union of twenty-nine years.

"It is delightful, at such a moment as this, to look back on a lengthened course of devotedness to God. Such was the life which is now closed, and which, had it been extended only to THIS DAY, would have completed exactly fourscore years. The eightieth anniversary of his birth thus celebrated, although but a circumstance, is one which is much calculated to impress on relatives and friends sentiments which it may be profitable to che

rish, and which may render this birth-day of our now deceased friend more beneficial in its consequences than any which preceded. A large proportion of a life unusually long has been occupied in the service of Christ. On much more than half a century thus employed we may unhesitatingly fix our thoughts. In youth, in mature years, and amidst the infirmities of age, he was the same humble, dependent, devoted servant and follower of his adorable and beloved Lord. His was the path of the just,' and, like the shining light of the morning, it shone more and more unto the perfect day.'

·

"During nearly the whole of this lengthened period he has been a faithful minister of the gospel-active, laborious, persevering-even to the last feeble remainder of his ability to serve his Lord, and to be instrumental in saving the souls of his fellow-creatures. His ministry has been blessed with signal usefulness through every stage into which it was divided. The morning of his professional life at Lancaster, the meridian of his exertions at Coventry, and the long-protracted summer evening at Fetter Lane-the spot where he had been trained by parental affection-where he profited by the judicious ministry of one of his honoured predecessors, and where he commenced a profession of the gospel, will unitedly bear witness that he laboured not in vain, and spent not his strength for nought. When such a life has been prolonged nearly fourscore years, and such a ministry continued within three months of the final hour, how beautiful, how lovely is the retrospect !

"But the ministry of the gospel, and the pastoral care over the churches over which he presided, were not the only scenes connected with the public life of our departed friend. He will be long recollected as the gratuitous and honorary secretary of the London Missionary Society, with the interests of which most valuable institution his name was entwined from its earliest commencement. A memorable circumstance relative to his connexion with that great society deserves to be mentioned. For a reason which will instantly appear, this is the time, and this is the place, for referring to it. At the public meeting of the society, in the year 1828, which was held, through the kindness of the managers, in this chapel, Mr. Burder offered the introductory prayer. It was the last time that he was able publicly to appear in connexion with an institution so long endeared to his heart. And it is in the same sanctuary, that, by a renewed expression of liberal sympathy, we have now the privilege of assembling, before we consign to the earth the remains of our revered friend. These little coincidences are very instructive. Whoso is wise and shall observe such things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.'

"The numerous small publications of our late excellent friend, and especially his 'Village Sermons,' have been the means of communicating the great principles of evangelical religion in very many circles, to which otherwise he could not have had access. It was a distinguishing feature of his character, that his mind was always at work; and if ever he appeared uncomfortable, it was when he supposed that he had nothing to do. By his indefatigable labours, among many other means, the Great Head of the church was pleased to carry on his own cause, and make manifest the savour of his name. And now, how gratifying to look back on these exertions, and to hear the faithful labourer, in the tranquil evening of life, addressing us, as he might most suitably have done, in the language of the aged apostle, when the time of his departure was at hand :'-'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also, that love his appear. ing.'

"I cannot but notice another coincidence, of which this chapel is the memorial. On the day when, as already mentioned, our venerable friend, now deceased, opened with prayer the meeting of the London Missionary Society, having in the preceding year, 1827, resigned, through increasing infirmities, his official labours, the REV. WILLIAM ORME was appointed to succeed him, and publicly accepted the office of Foreign Secretary to the society. Alas! his able and efficient services were of short continuance. Two years ago his funeral was solemnized in this chapel. The voice which you now hear was employed in addressing the auditory on that mournful occasion. And the same minister whom he appointed to preach his funeral sermon, has been selected also by our aged friend to perform the same office for him. Our friends, and brethren, and fathers, have finished their course. We are yet spared. For how long, or how short a time, we know not. Happy will it be for us if, humbly endeavouring to know and to do our Lord's will, we are waiting the expected summons, which shall call us to give an account of our stewardship.'

nourable and useful professions, they will ever account it their duty and their delight to follow him, so far as he followed Christ.

"The members of the church of which, for nearly thirty years, he had the pastoral charge, will remember him who had been their spiritual guide, and will follow his faith, considering the end of his conversation.' How thankful should you be, my dear friends, that you are not left as sheep without a shepherd; and that while your aged minister is received to his reward, you have still one presiding in your assemblies, and labouring for your good, whom he who is now gone delighted to take by the hand as his colleague and his friend! *

"And if in this listening assembly there should be any of the hearers of our departed friend, who have lived to this hour careless of their eternal interests, let me beseech them to pause, and consider what excuse they will be able to make at the tribunal of the Son of God, for neglecting the great salvation.' Oh, my friends, if the living ministry of the excellent man, who is now gone, failed to impress you, I intreat you, let his death awaken you to the consideration. And if this solemn return of his birthday should prove the day of your conversion to God, of your acceptance of Christ, of the Commencement of true holiness in your hearts and characters, what a blessed era will this day become, and how thankfully will you review it both in time and in eternity! "The directors of the London Missionary Society, who have expressed their veneration for the memory of a long honoured and highly valued friend, who have come hither in a large company on this affecting occasion, will be encouraged and animated to maintain the great interests of that important institution, thankful to that Divine Providence which, on the withdrawment of our friend by reason of infirmities, directed their attention to another,—a wise, a faithful, and a devoted labourer in the same cause; and when his exertions were broken off by death, has at length conducted them to a third, who, either in this department or in some other, we trust will be long continued to serve the society in its most important interests, and to advance the kingdom of God our Saviour.†

Finally; how pressing the call on us who are ministers, whether in elder or in younger life, to persevere in our momentous work as long as we have opportunity, waiting for the day of our discharge. Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing.'-Amen."

*The Rev. Caleb Morris, who was designated to the co-pastorship with the Rev. George Burder, at Fetter Lane, Sept. 12, 1827.

The Rev. William Ellis. VOL. X.

A BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY; explanatory of the History, Manners, and Customs of the Jews, and neighbouring Nations. With an Account of the most remarkable places and persons mentioned in sacred Scripture; an Exposition of the principal Doctrines of Christianity; and Notices of Jewish and Christian Sects and Heresies. By RICHARD WATSON. Second Edition. Imperial Octavo.

Mason, City Road.

Considerable expectations were awakened in the public mind on the first announcement of Mr. Watson's dictionary. His well-known theological attainments, and the taste and energy of mind which characterize his other writings, induced an expectation of something far above mediocrity. How far the anticipations of the public will be realised we cannot undertake to pronounce; but this we may say, that the work before us cannot be considered, by any competent judge, as common-place. It is full of valuable information, and of sound and conclusive reasonings on a vast variety of topics, deeply interesting to all biblical students and private Christians. The research involved in the production of such a volume, even with all the modern helps which the theological student can now command, must have been immense; and the care which has been obviously exerted to avoid tiresome prolixity on the one hand, and unsatisfactory brevity on the other, is deserving of the highest commendation. We think well of the author's impartiality on the whole; but there are instances in which we cannot help perceiving a slight deficiency of this most desirable quality. When Mr. Watson describes the opinions of Arminius, he is tenacious, beyond measure, to show, by a reference to that divine's writings, that many who call themselves Arminians are not his true followers in doctrine. This is as it should be. But when he describes Calvinism, he has by no means taken the same pains to show what are the real sentiments of persons who, in the present day, call themselves Calvinists. He has printed largely from Calvin his most objectionable passages; but he has done very little indeed, in a satisfactory and candid form, to show the real opinions of modern Calvinists. We hope this is an sight, and, indeed, when we think of the amiable and upright dispositions of our friend, we cannot for a moment doubt it.

over

Upon the whole, however, we consider Mr. Watson's dictionary as a great treasure, and cordially recommend it to the attention of our theological seminaries.

first love, before her ardour for the spread of divine truth was quenched by the prevalence of human opinion and secular ease. Our author has shown that it is of the very genius of Christianity, that it should constantly aim at its more general propagation; and that nothing but a departure from its primitive and genuine spirit has tended to restrict it within its present narrow boundary. We recommend our friend's essay to all the friends of missions. It is well fitted to infuse fresh energy into all their plans, and to teach them their responsibility for the salvation of a world. There is much sound reasoning, and very pathetic and powerful appeals, in

this volume.

THE DEVOTIONAL LETTERS AND SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS OF THE REV. PHILIP DODDRIDGE, D.D.; with his Lectures on Preaching and the Ministerial Office. Crown Octavo. pp. 349.

Gilbert, 228, Regent Street.

We need not spend our own time or the time of our readers in recommending the well-known works of the amiable and immortal Doddridge. His writings will be dear to the church as long as the world stands. They breathe a fervour of devotion, which is only equalled by the candour and sound sense which they every where evince. We rejoice to see his Devotional Letters, Sacramental Meditations, and Lectures on the Pastoral Office, in their present elegant form. They have never before appeared under such decided advantages; and we must give it as our deliberate opinion, that, of all the works extant on the several subjects to which they refer, they are decidedly the best; this remark we wish particularly to apply to his lectures on the ministerial office. Never was the multum in parvo more happily displayed than in these lectures. We thank the publisher for this neat and elegant edition.

SELECT ESSAYS ON VARIOUS TOPICS, RELIGIOUS AND MORAL. BY HENRY BELFRAGE, D.D. 12mo.

Thomas Melrose, Berwick. It is always a great pleasure to us to read the works of our esteemed author, who has

an admirable talent for rendering his writings agreeable, and even attractive, to the young. These essays are all on interesting topics, and a few of them have already appeared in our pages. Much of the author's peculiar taste and genius are displayed in them; so that they are altogether a suitable present for the young. The views of human life and of true religion here exhibited will be found most improving to the heart, and strictly ac cordant with the dictates of revealed truth; and the air of devotion spread over the entire volume entitles it to a high place among works of practical piety. The subjects treated are as follow:The Rainbow-False Refuges in Misfortune-The Contentment of the Shunamite The Resignation of the Shunamite The Sin against the Holy GhostThe Memory of the Good-The Counsel of Gamaliel-Å solemn Summons-An Angel's Sympathy-The Dimensions of Christ's Love -The Home of Jesus-The Blighted Floweret The Mixed Character of our Earthly Condition Admonition for Youth-The Wilderness Blessed-The Fatal BanquetThe Old Tree-On Religious ImpostureOn the Due Care of the Necessaries of Life -The Morning Star-The First Exile-The Last Journey-On Singing Psalms-Christ Glorified by the Spirit-The Methods by which Providence checks the Abuse of Pardon-and Jehovah in the Pestilence. The last essay is admirably adapted to the present circumstances of our country.

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MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF THE LATE REV. JOHN MERRY, A.B. 12mo.

Hatchard and Son.

This is an unusually interesting memorial of a clergyman who was distinguished by eminent piety and great devotedness to the work of God. As it has been superintended and corrected by Mr. Cox of Stonehouse, our readers will be prepared to expect something in it out of the ordinary way. Such clergymen as the subject of this memoir confer a lasting benefit on mankind.

THE FALL OF NINEVEH-THE DESTRUCTION OF BABYLON. Painted and Engraved by JOHN MARTIN.

The publication of another of Mr. Martin's splendid engravings reminds us that we have too long neglected one of the most powerful and effective productions of British art-the Fall of Nineveh. The painting, which was exhibited about four years ago in London, and subsequently in several of the provincial cities, is undoubtedly the chef d'oeuvre of the accomplished painter; and it is engraved in such a manner, by the artist himself, that none of its beauties or attractions have been lost in transferring it to the steel. The awful event it commemorates is well known to our