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lilee, and the exemplary zeal and consistency of those who ranked themselves as the disciples of the cross.

"If, then, the agencies of Christianity were merely human, or if they were nothing more than a system of deliberately adjusted imposture, how comes it to pass that there was so little in the apparent process to account for the effect produced? If all was of man, how did it happen that he constructed a scheme in the very teeth of human prejudice? And, more than this, how did it happen that a scheme so constructed obtained a footing among mankind? Was it so easy a thing to subvert Jewish prejudice, in the very city of Jerusalem, and to silence the oracles of heathenism, where they had ruled with despotic sway, that twelve fishermen, just quitting their nets, and determining to become the founders of a new religion, should be deemed equal to the task? Let such a case be imagined to take place in our own age and nation. For, if Christianity be not from heaven, nothing forbids the success of such another experiment on the credulity of mankind now, any more than formerly. But, does any one in his sober senses believe that it would succeed, or that it would produce even any considerable impression? We have had, it is true, occasional excitement produced by certain extravagant persons; but their partial success has mainly depended upon their appeal to the general data of Christianity, and upon their professed adherence to its cardinal doctrines. We might challenge all the philosophers who ever lived to invent or to propagate any imposture answering to the character of Christianity. The thing is impossible. Its facts and its success are solitary examples in the history of our world. Paganism and the religion of the false prophet have nothing in common with them. The former accumulated its materials by a progressive departure from all right notions of the moral character of God, and by its marked coincidence with every thing base and polluted in human nature; and the latter was propagated at the edge of the sword, and amidst all those promises of sensual indulgence which are so grateful to a nature prone to the love of sin. But Christianity stood forth in the spotless purity of its divine author, and refused to own any as its true disciples who remained under the dominion of their crimes. It assailed men with none of the weapons of human power, but made its triumphant appeal to the understanding and the heart. It boasted of no earthly patronage, but went forth in a secret and hidden power, which was 'mighty to the pulling down of strong holds.' All weakness in its exterior agencies, it became the wisdom of God and the power of God to the salvation' of thousands and tens of thousands who embraced its merciful provisions. It changed the very face of society, and effected revolutions

in the manners, customs, and laws of mankind, which all other systems had failed to achieve."-Pp. 186, 191.

In his examination of the sceptical character, the Doctor refers to the works of those infidels who have boldly and daringly put forth their doctrines as matter for serious notice, and out of their own mouths are they judged.

To all classes of our readers we earnestly and affectionately recommend the perusal of this work. The annual season for bestowing presents on those whom we regard and esteem is near at hand. A work more truly adapted for this Christian purpose we cannot conceive.

We conclude our notice in the following important extract from the author's preface :—

"As the forms of infidelity are constantly changing, it becomes the duty of all good men to watch its versatile movements, and to endeavour, according to their several abilities, to counteract its subtle and pernicious influence. Standing, as we now do, in the full blaze of secular knowledge, there is the utmost danger, through the depravity of our fallen nature, of our preferring the wisdom of man to the wisdom of God; and if the advocates of revealed truth do not rush into the field of conflict with the enemies of human happiness, there is reason to fear that scepticism will obtain a partial and momentary triumph :-I say partial and momentary, for the truth of Heaven must ultimately prevail, and every power that would silence the voice of THE LIVING ORACLES' must at last be crushed by the omnipotent energy of the Son of God. I am not afraid for the ark of the Lord; but I regard it as a solemn duty to contribute my aid, however humble, to the defence of revealed truth; and particularly to make my appeal to that portion of my fellow men who, either from mental tendency or association in life, are particularly exposed to the desolating and pernicious onset of sceptical opinions.'

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1. The Amethyst; or, Christian Manual for 1833. Edited by RICHARD HUIE, M. D., and RoBERT KAYE GREVILLE, LL. D. This volume will prove a high Christian treat to all devout and enquiring minds. We hope to notice it more fully in January.

2. The Missionary Annual for 1833. Edited by WILLIAM ELLIS. 12mo. pp. 300.-See Supplement. 3. The Landscape Album; or, Great Britain Illustra:ed in a series of sixty views. By W. WESTALL, Esq., A. R. A. With Descriptions of the Scenery. By THOMAS MOULE, Esq. 8vo. This is a richly embellished volume, containing nearly one hundred engravings of British landscapes, with excellent and entertaining historical descriptions.

4. A Pictoral and Geographical Chart; displaying, at one view, the Rise and Progress of the Evangelical or Christian Dispensation, from the

commencement of the Gospel Narrative to the Ascension of Christ. Arranged, by permission, according to Greswell's " Harmonia Evangelica." By R. MIMPRISS. 31. 13s. 6d. See Supplement just

published.

5. Pastoral Letter, addressed to the Church and Congregation assembling in the Independent or Congregational Chapel, Wallis Street, Glebe, South Shields. By SAMUEL BLAIR. 12mo. 6d. This Letter presents a fine specimen of pastoral appeal. Would that all our churches could read it, and had grace to follow its excellent counsels!

6. A Grammar of the English Language: together with the Principles of Eloquence and Rhetoric. By RICHARD HILEY. 12mo. 4s. bound. This appears to be a very clear and well-written work, and evinces considerable knowledge on the part of the author of the philosophy of grammar and rhetoric.

7. Exercises adapted to Hiley's English Grammar: together with a new system of teaching composition. By RICHARD HILEY. 12mo. 2s. 6d. bound. These exercises are on a better principle decidedly than Murray's, and go much farther into the minu tiæ of our language.

8. The Harmony of Religious Truth and Human Reason Asserted, in a series of Essays. By JOHN HOWARD HINTON, A. M. 12mo. 5s. 6d. pp. 336.

10. The Christian Bouquet: a selection of Religious Poetry, from the pens of various admired Authors; with an original Introductory Essay. By FRANCES BLAIR. 12mo. 4s. This selection of sacred poetry does much credit to the judgment and piety of the excellent lady, to whom the public are indebted for a gift so valuable.

11. An Address, delivered at the Ordination of the Rev. W. Craig, at Belthorn, and of the Rev. J. Cummins, at Blackpool, by the Rev. JOSEPH HAYNE, minister of Ebenezer Chapel, Darwen.

12. System of Irish Education Explained and Defended. By JAMES CARLILE, of the Scots Church in Mary's Abbey, Dublin, and one of the Commissioners for superintending the appropriation of the Parliamentary Grant,

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

1. On the first of January will be published, The Official Glory of the Son of God, or a Treatise on the Universal Headship of Christ. 1 vol. 12mo. Вy JOHN JEFFERSON.

2. Baynes and Son's Annual Catalogue of Books for 1833; containing an extensive collection of Books, in all languages, and every department of literature.

3. Mr. T. Williams's long promised Private Life of Christ, is in the Press, in considerable progress, and may be expected soon after Christmas.

4. Autobiography of the late Dr. Adam Clarke. -On January 1st, 1833, will be published, in demy 8vo., Vol. I. of An Account of the Life of the late Dr. Adam Clarke; the first part left in MS. written by himself; with a continuation, to the time of his Decease (collected from original papers), by a Member of his Family.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

LONDON.

LITERARY HONOURS.

We have been informed by our excellent friend, J. B. Williams, Esq., of Shrewsbury, that the university of Dartmouth, in America, has, in the handsomest manner, conferred, by diploma, upon the Rev. William Urwick, of Dublin, the degree of D. D. If correct and enlarged views of theology, if sound biblical learning, and, above all, if ardent consecration to the best interests of the protestant faith, entitle an individual to such distinctions, there can be no doubt that our highly-esteemed friend has well earned them.

CONGREGATIONAL LIBRARY-MEETING OF THE CONGREGATIONAL BOARD OF MINISTERS, NOV. 13, 1832.

It was resolved,

"That this Board has received, with feelings of deep concern and unaffected regret, the intelligence of the decease of their late revered Secretary, the Rev. Thomas Harper. They deem it their duty, upon this solemn occasion, to record the high sense they enter tain of the value of his services to this body, and of the assiduity, correctness, punctuality,

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TRADING ON THE LORD'S DAY.

One of the most respectable, interesting, and important meetings ever held in the City of London, took place on Tuesday, the 13th ult., at the London Coffee-house, Ludgate Hill. The objects proposed by the provisional committee, by whom it was convened, were the following:-To form a Society to promote the Suppression of Sunday Trading; to petition parliament for an alteration of the existing but inefficient laws relating to the profanation of the Lord's day; to invite the co-operation of public bodies and religious communities to petition the legislature on the same important subject; and generally to promote the better observance of the Sabbath. Sir A. Agnew, Bart., M. P., the Chairman of the Select Committee of the House of Commons, appointed to hear evidence, and report to the house on the subject of the pro

fanation of the Lord's day, presided on the occasion, and introduced the business of the day by some judicious remarks on the importance of the proposed institution, especially to the trading classes, the utter insufficiency of the present "Lord's-day Laws," the efforts made in the House of Commons to procure their alteration, and the urgent necessity which exists for a powerful and universal appeal to the legislature in support of those efforts, and in furtherance of the object proposed. The meeting was afterwards appropriately and eloquently addressed by R. J. Chambers, esq., the magistrate of Union Hall; the Rev. D. Ruell, Chaplain to the county of Middlesex; Mr. Alderman Venables, M.P.; Mr. Sheriff Peak; the Rev. J. Clayton, A.M.; T. Wilson, Esq.; J. James, Esq.; T. Prichard, Esq.; Dr. Fletcher; F. Edwards, Esq.; Dr. H. F. Burder; T. Walker, Esq.; Rev. H. Watkins, A. M.; Col. Torrens, M. P.; Apsley Pellatt, Esq.; Rev. J. Pratt, M. A. ; and a warm-hearted Cambrian, named Lloyd, who stated himself to be one of the working class. There appeared to be but one opinion as to the laws already enacted for promoting the observance of the Sabbath, viz. that they are altogether inadequate to secure the end designed by them, in consequence of the trifling amount of the penalties which they impose. The same unanimity prevailed as to the legitimacy of parliamentary interference, all agreeing, that the Sabbath being a civil as well as sacred institution, affecting the health, comfort, and moral and spiritual interests of the community, the legislature may and ought to interpose for the protection of the conscientious observer of the day, against the mean and avaricious trader, who would increase his gains, at the expense of his neighbours, by publicly doing business on the Sunday. While each speaker verbally or tacitly admitted the principle, that legislative measures for coercing the conscience, or for promoting a belief of particular religious doctrines, are both weak and wicked, he concurred in the opinion, that no man conscientiously violates the Sabbath, and that, therefore, no infringement of religious liberty results from enactments compelling every member of the community to close his shop and abstain from openly and flagrantly desecrating the septennial day of rest.

Nor

were the speakers less unanimous as to the numerous and extensive evils resulting from the non-observance of the Lord's day. The Rev. Mr. Ruell, Mr. Chambers, and the Cambrian, whose opportunities of witnessing the effects of Sabbath-breaking had been numerous, were particularly explicit on that subject, and their remarks were of a striking and interesting nature.

The ministers, and other friends of the Sabbath, present, appeared to be highly gratified by the formation of this new institution;

and, perhaps, never before was there witnessed so much of unanimity and enthusiasm in the Sabbath cause. The establishment of this society at this particular juncture, the general interest excited in reference to the Sabbath, and the desire felt for the suppression of Sunday traffic amongst all the more respectable traders of the metropolis, are certainly auspicious circumstances, and augur well, both for the improvement of the nation, and the prosperity of religion. Until the Sabbath be externally kept, the instructions of the sanctuary cannot benefit the whole of the nation; but, when it is thus observed, we may hope that the house of God, and the worship of the Most High, will have some attractions for those who now employ themselves in secular affairs during that holy day. Nor is it desirable to wait for moral means alone to effect the suppression of trading, and other open violations of the Sabbath. The fact is, that the persons who set at defiance the laws of God, and their country, are, for the most part, inaccessible to the means referred to; and, while we are waiting for them to produce this result, the conscientious are suffering losses of various kinds, and the community is exposed to unnumbered annoyances and injuries.

We confidently hope that this society, and all others established for the same purposes, will obtain the pecuniary support, and the active and zealous co-operation of all who wish well to the Sabbath, to the nation, and to Christianity.

The following resolutions, passed at the meeting, clearly exhibit the character and objects of the institution :

I. That, as the appointment of one day in seven as a day of rest has been recognized by the laws of the land, and the customs of society, as enjoined by the Christian religion, and as essentially connected with the happiness of man, it is therefore desirable that the right to its enjoyment should not be aggressed by partial trading on Sunday.

II. That this meeting considers the admitted fact that Sabbath labour, were it generally practised, would produce no extra remuneration; and that working seven days would produce, in the end, but six days' pay; they therefore deem a better observance of the Sabbath to be a subject highly interesting to the working classes of the community.

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consider the inefficiency of the present Sabbath laws, and enforce a suspension of trade on Sundays, such laws having subjected to considerable pecuniary loss those who have hitherto deemed it their duty to keep the Sabbath, and to abstain from trade on that day.

IV. That this meeting earnestly and respectfully recommends to the wealthier classes not to place temptation in the way of the tradesman to break the Sabbath by withholding their orders until the Sunday, but rather to give their orders on Saturday, which it appears, by evidence taken before the House of Commons, the tradesmen themselves so much desire; thus, by their good example, in this and other respects, strengthening the hands of the magistracy in their efforts to cause a due observance of the Sabbath.

V. That this meeting earnestly hopes that the new parliament will apply itself, at an early period of the session, to the consideration of the evil of Sunday trading, with the view of suppressing it, for which it is presumed the legislature will be fully prepared --a large mass of evidence (on the subject) having recently been taken before a Committee of the House of Commons, whose report, in the opinion of this meeting, has clearly established the fact that the great mass of the respectable traders in the metropolis, who now exercise their calling on the Lord's Day, would consider a more strict law for the better observance of that day, not as a restraint, but "as a blessing."

VI. That, although this meeting deprecates the interference of the legislature with religious duties, it is anxious to obtain the enactment of laws which shall effectually secure to all classes of the community one day in seven as a day of rest.

VII. That, with the view of preparing the way for the better observance of the Sunday, this meeting recommends that merchants, manufacturers, tradesmen, and others, should, if possible, alter their pay-day from Saturday to an earlier day of the week, or, at least, to pay at an earlier hour on the Saturday, that the too frequent practice of late paying on that day may not compel the poor to provide for their families by making their purchases on the Sunday. And that this meeting also strongly recommends to masters, tradesmen, and manufacturers, to discourage the system of pay-tables, or payment of wages in gangs, now too frequently established by foremen and clerks, at public houses.

VIII. That a petition to Parliament, founded upon the foregoing resolutions, be now signed; that the meeting respectfully suggests to public bodies, and religious communities, the propriety and importance of petitioning Parliament on the same subject; and that, to carry fully into effect the principles of these resolutions, a society be now

formed, to be called "The Society for the suppression of Sunday Trading in the City of London and its Vicinity."

IX. That John Labouchere, Esq., be the treasurer; that subscriptions to defray the necessary expenses be entered into forthwith; that the following gentlemen be a committee, with power to add to their number; that all clergymen and dissenting ministers, being subscribers, be at liberty to attend and vote on the committee; and that such committee be authorized to appoint a secretary, or secretaries, and to advertise or otherwise circulate the foregoing resolutions, according to their discretion.

J. Kelly, Esq., Alderman; Ant. Brown, Esq., Alderman; William Venables, Esq., Alderman, M.P.; Richard Peek, Esq., Sheriff; John Pirie, Esq., late Sheriff; John Labouchere, Esq.; Apsley Pellatt, Esq.; Thomas Wilson, Esq.; Thomas Gandell, Esq.; T. Saunders, Esq.; J. E. Saunders, Esq.; John Clark, Esq.; Thomas George Williams, Esq.; George Powell, Esq.; Daniel Green, Esq.; Joseph Blades, Esq.; David Allan, Esq.; James Muston, Esq. James Smith, Esq.; Samuel Ridley, Esq.; G. T. King, Esq.; John Mendham, Esq.; W. Stormes Hale, Esq.; Gillman, Esq.; James Lowe, Esq.; William Knott, Esq.; Joseph Batho, Esq.; William Hunter, Esq.; William Pritchard, Esq.

Petitions lie for signature at the London Coffee House; King's Head, Poultry; and the London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street.

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL.

The half-yearly general meeting of the above institution was held on Wednesday, the 24th of October, at the Congregational Library, Bloomfield-street, Finsbury; when the following three children were elected out of a list of seven candidates :-John Brown, Josiah Redford, and John Harwood Crossley.

We wish we could congratulate the friends of this institution on a more flourishing state of their finances, that the admissions might not be so limited in number. Efforts, we understand, are making, by an appeal to ministers to make collections for it; and we hope they will be attended with much success.

BRITISHI AND FOREIGN TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

SIR, The Committee of this Society have again been obliged to appeal to the public for funds to carry on the important work to which their labours are devoted. We have indeed every encouragement to go forward. The number of members connected with our auxiliaries, and with societies in correspondence with us, is nearly 38,000. "Such,

however, is the actual situation of the society," as stated in the Herald for the current month, "that if their numerous friends continue to support them, as most have hitherto done, only with their approbation and. good wishes, the engagements with their agents, which are now nearly terminated, cannot be renewed. The principles of Temperance Societies are intimately connected with temporal prosperity and moral improvement; and they have a most important bearing on the spiritual interests of multitudes of immortal beings. The secretaries, therefore, entreat every individual who may feel satisfaction at the present progress of these principles, to ask himself whether he is prepared to consent to the immediate dismissal of the society's agents." In the hope that some of your correspondents will make a similar offer, twenty per cent. will be added to whatever shall be collected within the next three months, by

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We rejoice to learn, that this invaluable institution continues to prosecute its great and excellent undertaking with indefatigable zeal, and with a considerable measure of the divine countenance. During the last year, it had 1569 day, Sunday, and adult schools, containing 90,085 scholars; and it employed 55 inspectors and Scripture-readers, and circulated 17,943 copies of the Holy Scriptures in the English or Irish languages.

We have been requested to state, that a legacy of £50 (less duty) has been left to the Society, by the late Mr. Edward Dicks, of Stroudwater, Gloucestershire, and that his executor, Mr. Henry Hodges, of Rodborough Butts, desires that it may be acknowledged in our Magazine.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON THE SUBJECT OF THE SABBATH.

We particularly recommend to the attention of our readers the Report of the Committee of the House of Commons on the subject of the present state of the observance of the Lord's day. It is a document the evidence of which must go far, with any enlightened mind, to show the absolute and immediate necessity of putting down, by law, those shocking outrages upon religion and morality which are now practised, unblushingly, in the very face of day.

VOL. X.

PROVINCIAL.

ASSOCIATION.

The half-yearly meeting of the South Devon Association will be held at Teignmouth on Thursday the 27th instant. The Rev. T. Gibson, of Newton, is expected to preach in the morning, and Admiral Pearson to take the chair at the public meeting in the evening.

NEW CHAPEL.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, 1832, a new chapel, with large vestry and school-room, was opened at Hadleigh, in Suffolk, capable of accommodating 1200 persons; when two sermons were preached by the Rev. James Stratten and the Rev. Andrew Reed. The prospect of usefulness under Mr. Raven's ministry is very encouraging, and the liberality of the congregation has been displayed by their undertaking to pay the whole expense, which will be about £3000. No collection was made at the opening.

REVIVAL MEETING AT STAINES, MIDDLESEX.

On Thursday, the 15th instant, united meetings for prayer for a revival of religion were held at Staines, Middlesex, in the Independent chapel. The meetings took place at 11, 3, and 6 o'clock. It had been proposed to hold the afternoon meeting in the Baptist chapel, but the number of persons assembling rendered that arrangement inconvenient. A succession of prayers, with short addresses intervening, were offered up by the ministers present, and the blessing and presence of the Lord seemed to be realized in a very pleasing degree. Though the state of the weather was very unfavourable, several friends to the object assembled from the neighbouring towns, and returned much impressed and delighted with the solemn and awakening services they had attended. Several ministers, both Independent and Baptist, were present, and took part in the services; among whom were Rev. J. S. Baker, late curate of Staines; Stoughton, of Windsor; Fuller, of Drayton; Hall, of Poyle; Schofield, of Chertsey; Atkinson, of Hownslow; Bailey, of Datchet; West, of Sudbury; Hawson and Porter, of Staines, &c.

It is fully expected that other meetings of the same character will shortly be held at Windsor, Poyle, &c., which we may confidently hope will be even more delightful and encouraging than this has been.

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