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When alluding to the word "baptize" in the Commission, Theophilus asks three very relevant questions:

"1st. How were the disciples likely to understand their Saviour from the sense in which the word had been usually employed by him previous to this time? 2nd. If, whenever the Saviour commanded his disciples previous to this period, he meant water-baptism, were they not likely to understand their Lord in the same sense now as on all former occasions? 3rd. In what sense DID the apostles actually understand their Lord with regard to this command? We have not a single passsage in the history of the apostles' labours, from which it may be certainly inferred that any one person, converted by their ministry, was received into the number of the primitive churches, without receiving this rite; but in numerous cases, and on thousands of persons, we read of its solemn administration.'

Many of our readers, we fear, are unacquainted with the admirable Letters from which these extracts are taken. Their Author is revered and loved wherever known, and that he is widely known will be granted when we say he is no other than the Rev. R. Pengilly, who, for forty years, was pastor of a Baptist church in Newcastle. We rejoice that he yet lingers among us, full of years and full of honours, and still occasionally engages in pulpit ministrations. We have read few passages more replete with instruction and pathos than one that occurs in the "Concluding Reflections" of these Letters, which, for want of room, we must deny ourselves the pleasure of quoting. Did we not fear that we should be imposing too onerous a task on our revered friend in the evening of his useful life, we should ask him to favour us-in addition to the distinguished service he has already rendered to the church in general, and to our denomination in particular-with a new and enlarged edition of the Letters. Such an edition, prepared with special reference to Mr. Macnair's volume, would be emphatically "a word in season." While many in our day are prone unduly to exalt the ritual element above the spiritual, we fancy we discover in more quarters than one a determination to jostle the ritual altogether out of the position which it divinely holds in the Christian system. There are surely men among us, if Mr. Pengilly declines acting on the suggestion we have respectfully made, who will be willing, as they are competent, to supply a reason for the PERPETUITY of the rite with which they are identified, which no author like the present shall be "able to gainsay or resist." Mr. Macnair's special pleading, on some particulars, deserves much severer handling than we have given it.

The second writer on our list was, we understand, a Minister of the Free Church of Scotland for upwards of ten years-highly respected and useful. Some two years ago, however, he relinquished his charge in consequence of a change in his views of baptism. He did not, like Mr. Macnair, cease to regard it as a rite, but he considered that the rite is properly observed only when the believer is immersed on a profession of faith. In other words, he exchanged the unscriptural for the scriptural view of the ordinance, and was baptized by his brother-in-law-who had himself some years previously renounced Pedobaptist sentiments-the Rev. Mr. Anderson, of Old Aberdeen. In the treatise before us, Mr. Gavin does not discuss the mode of baptism, persuaded "that no one who concludes that believers only should be baptized, will have much difficulty in discovering that the proper mode is immersion." The themes to which he directs attention are the nature and design of baptism, the analogy of dispensations, the analogy of faith, the constitution and character of the Church, and the Apostolic practice. We gladly welcome this contribution to our denominational literature, for we know of no work-next to the New Testament itself-we should more readily put into the hands of a person devoutly anxious to understand the spiritual nature of Christ's Kingdom, and the consequent duties of all His subjects. It is kindred in its manner to the

YOL. III.-NEW SERIES.

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unanswered and unanswerable tractate by the late venerable Isaiah Birt, on "Personal Religion vindicated in relation to Christian Baptism." It is marred by no sectarian bitterness. It "speaks the truth in love;" and for the benefit of those who still cling to the sentiments which our Author felt it his duty to expose as radically unsound, we quote a passage on the variety of opinion prevalent amongst them on the relation of baptism to the "Covenant of grace:""It would ill become one-who has himself, during a ministry of upwards of ten years, baptized children--to speak disrespectfully of those, who now do so. Nor is anything offensive or disrespectful meant to be expressed, when it is affirmed that many Pedobaptists talk on the subject before us in a contradictory manner. It is but the statement of a palpable fact, which none are more conscicus of than some of themselves. Hence their earnest endeavours to explain it away."

Will Mr. Gavin excuse us if, with hearty thanks to him for his excellent book, we demur to his interpretation of the parable of the tares and the wheat? He reasons as if "the field" spoken of were the Church,-whereas it "is the world."

Mr. Wallace, the third on our list, once belonged to the Established Church of Scotland, but, discovering the unscripturalness of infant sprinkling, was himself immersed as a believer. About two years ago we thanked him for the first of the treatises we have indicated with his name, and now we have to express our admiration of the second. Our readers will find this "rejoinder" worthy of its author; and A. G. will, we are persuaded, be chary of again troubling the "waters of controversy," so long, at least, as Mr. Wallace is seen perambulating their banks.

To the work by Scrutator we call special attention. Scrutator was the late Mr. David Macallan, of Aberdeen, and the revision of these pages for the press was his last literary labour. Ere they met the public eye, however, he had exchanged worlds, having fallen asleep in Jesus in May, 1858. He was no ordinary man. Originally a member of the Scottish Ecclesiastical Establishment, he joined the Independents, but soon felt that they had stopped short, where conscience would not allow him to remain. He became a Baptist. Long as he lived he was one of the brightest ornaments of our denomination in Scotland, and one of the most intelligent Dissenters in the northern metropolis of Caledonia. He was self-educated, and his literary attainments and taste were of a high order. He was, moreover, one of the most genial and generous and modest of men. He was warmly esteemed by Christians of all denominations. His memory will long be fragrant, and his works in almost countless spheres of philanthropy will continue to "praise him in the gate." The church of which he was deacon, and of which, for years, he was, amidst all the trying vicissitudes through which it passed, a main support, deeply deplores his death. We wonder not. No pastor had ever a kinder, a better read, a more prudent, a more estimable friend than had those brethren who in succession held the pastoral office in John Street, Aberdeen. He was the very opposite of a Lord-Deacon. His affection was intense, but thoroughly manly. His counsel was invariably in request, but never obtruded. His candour was sterling, but never ostentatious. His judg ment was as discriminating as the manner in which he expressed himself was kind, and some who had the privilege of being his pastor still recall seasons of intercourse with him to which they feel they owe more than they could ever derive from books. Were all deacons like David Macallan, both pastors and churches would be readier than perhaps they often are to recognise the claims which "he who uses the office of a deacon well" has on the gratitude of both the pulpit and the pew.

The first edition of the work before us was published in 1841. It examines

all the arguments that have been produced by Pædobaptists in favour of their practice, and in a very condensed but masterly manner demonstrates the futility of each. We have frequently had occasion to refer to it, and always with the highest satisfaction. Never were the reasonings of the late Dr. Wardlaw more thoroughly sifted, and proved to be chaff. For a shilling each, our readers can be furnished with an armoury from which they may invulnerably equip themselves for nearly every encounter with those who, like some in ancient times (Isaiah xxiv. 5.), "have changed the ordinance."

The present edition contains a very valuable Appendix in which both a Prelate and a Peer are respectfully and irreparably relieved of their honours as advocates of Pædobaptism. Mr. Macallan states only a simple fact when he declares:—

"In my replies to Archbishop Whately and Lord Lyttelton, I have shown THE IMPOSSIBILITY of reconciling the baptism of infants with the language of the New Testament; and hence the strainings and twistings to which men of intelligence find it necessary to have recourse in treating the Scriptures in connection with an assumption of the propriety of infant baptism issuing, generally, in all the extravagances of Puseyism; or in the shiftings and self-contradictions of such evangelical reasoners as Whately and Lyttelton."

S.

The Christian Harp. Вy JOHN SHEPPARD. London: Jackson & Walford. In a very modest preface, Mr. Sheppard disclaims for himself "any pretension to the name of poet,' and for "these metrical pieces any title to be called poems." If this be intended to assuage the severities of criticism, it is needless. Few volumes which Mr. Sheppard has published will be preferred to the one now before us. The light and pleasing play of fancy, the refined and delicate taste, the pure elevated tone of sentiment, and the chastened piety, which are so conspicuous in all his productions, give a peculiar charm to this collection of minor poems; for so, in despite of his disclaimer, we must call them. The devotional pieces have specially interested us. A want of glow and fervour which forms the main defect of his writing is here seldom apparent, and the religious feeling, though not demonstrative, is deep and earnest. The following we select, not as being by any means the best in the volume, but because their subjects are appropriate to the season, and their brevity adapts them to our space.

THE CLOSING YEAR.

Now the year's last hours are waning,
All its moments well-nigh flown;
Weeks and months elapsed and vanish'd,
Gone irrevocably gone!

Soon life's days will fill their number,
Soon its final sun must set!
Oh! my spirit, canst thou slumber?
Loiter, finger, trifle yet?

Dar'st thou still misuse the golden

Swift-winged minutes which remain ?
Now, in health and peace upholden,
Lavish latest days in vain?

Soon thy torch of life must humble,
Soon be quench'd in cold decay;
Soon will mourning friends assemble.
Following slow the coffin'd clay.

Oh! my soul, God's love adoring,
Grateful own his mercies past;
Then, his richest grace imploring,
Seek to have thy best at last!

THE NEW YEAR.

Source of life, whose changeless being,
In unfading glory reigns;

Whose omnipotence all-seeing
Still our fleeting life sustains;

Guide and guard us,

Through all dangers, snares, and pains.
This new year of life commencing,
Veil'd from us, thine eye surveys;
Father, thy own grace dispensing,
Bless to us its transient days;
Teach and prompt us
To thyself our souls to raise !
Help us Lord, with meek endurance
Still to walk by faith in thee!
Grant at length the blest assurance,
Our Redeemer's face to see;
Gracious Saviour,
Thine for evermore to be!
When our years on earth are vanish'd,
And we enter death's dark vale,
O let not our souls be banish'd,
Let not, Lord, thy mercies fail;
Save and keep us
Till thy grace in heaven we hail !

E.

Brief Notices.

TALES FOR THE YOUNG.

1. Days of Old. Three Stories from Old English History. For the Young. Macmillan.-2. The Golden Rule" Story Books, 3d. each. Jas. Hogg & Sons. 3. Warfare and Work. By Cycla. Nis

bet & Co.-4. Stories to Teach

me to

Think. By T. D. P. Stone. H. Lea.
5. Don't Tell; or, Mistaken Kindness. By
Mr. Bennett. H. Lea.-6. Try. A Book
for Boys. By "Old Jonathan." W. H.
Collingridge.

From among the huge pile of tales, good, middling, and bad, which cover our table, we unhesitatingly select "Days of Old" as being not only the best of those before us, but one of the very best tale-books for the young we have ever read. Of the three stories, the first is selected from the British, the second from the Saxon, the third from the Norman periods of our history. Of these the second is our favourite, and we think will receive the suffrages of such of our young friends as are fortunate enough to become possessed of the volume. The moral inculcated is always pure and high, and is never offensively obtruded. The flavour of the powder does not overpower that of the spoonful of jam in which it is administered. The outward circumstances of the times are described with admirable fidelity; but we are constrained to say that the tone of feeling is altogether too modern. That Deva, a British maiden, should, while yet a heathen, have attained to the good side of Mr. Maurice's theory of sacrifice is an obvious anachronism. This, however, is but a slight defect where all else is excellent. Of inferior pretensions, as works of art, but in their way no less excellent, are "The Golden Rule' Story Books." (2.) They are similar in character to the "Stories for Summer Days and Winter Nights," which had so large a sale a year or two ago. These are books to make girls lay aside their dolls, and boys forget their hoops for hours together. A bright-eyed child called from play an hour or two ago to receive one or two of them, has scarcely looked up since, and replies to the question whether she has read through every word," by saying, "Yes, every word, except the good little bit at the end." And "the good little bit at the end" is not always present, and it is never needed. The story tells its own moral and conveys its own lesson.-"Warfare and Work" (3) is more decidedly religious in its tone and tendency than the tales which

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precede it on our list. At the same time it is scarcely inferior to them in interest. The plot is well conceived, developed with considerable skill, and the suspense and interest are sustained to the last. Though the religious experience of poor little Johnnie is somewhat too precocious, yet the childish feelings are, on the whole, well given; the boys talk, think and feel, get into scrapes and get out of them, as boys do. The tale has our thorough commendation. - "Stories to teach me to

Think " (4) and "Don't Tell" (5) are little volumes uniform in size, price, and style of getting-up. The first betrays its American origin on every page, and we confess is not much to our taste. All that the stories teach, children would learn fast enough without their aid; and they have scarcely interest enough to be read for their own sakes. "Don't Tell" is in every respect a good and useful book. We rather question the propriety of the sugges tions made here and there, that a child's promise "not to tell" ought to be broken when a parent or teacher requires it. But, waving this question of casuistry, the morality inculcated is unimpeachable, the story is interesting, and there are some passages of very considerable power and beauty.-We are a little doubtful whether "Try," (6) should come into our list of tales. It professes to be an autobiography, and we suppose it is so, The narrative is somewhat disjointed and fragmentary; it is often difficult to see the connection of the parts or the pertinence of the illustrations; but the aim and practical purpose of the whole are so excellent, that we are not disposed to criticise. It is an additional recommendation to the book that it is printed at the Bonmahon establishment, and contains, in a supplement, a copious and very interesting account of the industrial schools established there by Mr. Doudney, to which we call the attention of our readers.

MISCELLANEOUS.

1. The Last Supper. After Leonardo da Vinci. Hall, Virtue & Co.-2. The Wife's Trials. By the Author of "Grace Hamilton's School Days."-3. Lucknow and other Poems. By S. H. Sharman. Hamilton, Adams & Co.-4. A Thunderbolt for Rome. By C. Vines, Professor of Theology.

J. F. Shaw.

Every visitor to Milan has passed through the stable-yard of the cavalry barracks,

since the Reformation. He says, "Here let anyone turn from this preface, and read only pages 106 and 107 in this work, and we promise him such an intellectual treat in reference to the subject as he never enjoyed before; he cannot fail to be electrified and illuminated beyond all anticipation." Having duly fortified ourselves, and provided for all contingencies, we turned to the pages indicated, and were somewhat less excited than we expected. The secret which Mr. Vines has discovered is revealed in these words: "Many are the errors and evils of Popery, but the cause of them is one only, namely, the withholding the sacred Scriptures from the people." This is true, but not new. Luther announced it some centuries before Mr. Vines was born, and put into operation the cure which he proposes of circulating the Scriptures. Though Mr. Vines has made no discovery, he has written a useful book, proving clearly the incompatibility of Papacy with the Bible.

ALMANACS AND POCKET-BOOKS.

1. The Scripture Pocket-Book.-The Young People's Pocket-Book.-The Christian Almanac. The Religious Tract Society. 2. The Teacher's Pocket-Book and Diary.-Sunday School Union. 3. The Baptist Almanac.-The Bible Almanac. Partridge & Co.

with its noisy profanity and vice, and entered a retired and silent room, where he has stood in silence, or spoken in whispers before the masterpiece of Da Vinci-all at least that remains of it, as it peels and crumbles from the walls; and as he drinks in its wondrous beauty, sadly perceives that this generation is the last which will see it. All the copies of this wonderful picture have either been so costly as to be beyond the means of any save the affluent, or have been mere caricatures of the original. This admirable wood-engraving (1) is incomparably the best reproduction of the original that we have ever seen at a moderate price. As a specimen of what can be done with wood it is interesting. As a cheap copy of a picture which has delighted the world for some centuries, but which is hastening to extinction, it is worthy of all praise. For the low price of half-a-crown our readers may possess themselves of this admirable work of art.-The author of "Grace Hamilton's School Days" has produced a tale of great interest and admirable tendency, entitled "The Wife's Trials" (2). It might have been called, with nearly equal truth, The Husband's Trials, for in the first half of the book he is quite as much sinned against as sinning. The lessons suggested by the sad story are thoroughly good. Brides and bridegrooms, if they were susceptible to reason, might read it with profit; and anyone who begins it will inevitably read to the end-so ad- The Pocket-Books and Almanacs of the mirably is the interest sustained. We Religious Tract Society for the present cannot tell whether the writer intended to year possess their customary excellence. illustrate the importance of the injunction We do not know any which, for general that "a man should leave his father and use, surpass them. The Christian mother and cleave unto his wife;" but Almanac, (1) especially, is a repertory of incertainly this is among the lessons of the formation on almost every subject for which book. Mr. Basil Hope, like hundreds in one could ever consult such a work; and, real life, found that a ménage which in- as usual, is very strong in its astronomical cluded both parents and spouse, does not lore.-The Sunday School Union have pubwork harmoniously, and generally proves lished a Pocket-Book (2) specially adapted a source of discomfort to all parties.-The for teachers. In addition to the usual volume of poems entitled, "The Relief of contents of a Pocket Book, it contains Lucknow "(3), is dedicated, by permission spaces for Sunday-school memoranda, lists of Lady Havelock, to the memory of Sir H. of lessons, &c., of great service to one whose Havelock. The writer pleads for indul- heart is in his work. The price is very mogence on the ground of the interest of the derate, varying from 1s. to 2s., according theme; and because these lines have been to the style of binding.-Partridge & Co. penned "at the close of days of tedious have published two cheap, useful Almanacs, toil." We are not quite sure that either the titles of which are given above.-The pleas are valid in the court of review. But Baptist Almanac contains much well-conthe poems have sufficient merit to pass densed information on the statistics of our muster of themselves. Notwithstanding body; and the Baptist Directory is a useful the frequent occurrence of prosaic lines and index to the residences of the London passages, the narrative is not without fire, ministers, their places of worship, and nor are the lines destitute of rythmic times of service.-The Biblical Almanac melody. Many of the minor poems at the gives, with the usual Calendar and other close of the volume have much pathos and matter, many illustrations of Scripture, beauty.-Mr. Vines (4) believes himself to religious anecdotes, &c., which, though have made a great discovery conclusive of good in their way, seem out of place in a the questions which have been debated ever publication of this kind.

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