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testimony, it would be worse than to deny the evidence of the natural senses; becausé it is founded upon the truth of God, which cannot deceive; and upon the power of God, which worketh all in all.

These are some principal outlines of the Christian in his faith, experience, and conversation. There are others, Reader, which, if these are once transcribed upon thy soul, will, by the power of grace, come in to heighten the amiable picture of thy heart and life. But, does there not appear, even from these, some benefit and advantage in being a Christian ?・ The Devil himself spake truth for once, when he said, that "Job did not serve God for nought;" nor doth any true believer. If the Heathen moralist could affirm that "Virtue is its own reward," what superior advantages hath such a believer, who, with Abraham, knows that Jehovah himself is his shield, and his "inexpressibly exceeding great reward ?"

Redeem'd from slavery of earth,

In Christ renew'd by heav'nly birth,
Which only Christ could give; →
Patient, submissive, humble, mild,
With life and conscience undefil'd,
See how the Christians live!
Looking to Jesus as their friend,
Watching for glory as their end,

With ardent, longing eye; -
Yielding with joy their latest breath,
And rising o'er the force of death,
See how the Christians die!"

SELECT SENTENCES.

KING Henry the 1st made the length of his own arm a standard mea. sure (since called a Yard) throughout England, Do not bigots act much the same part in matters of religion?

As I would not throw away my watch for varying a few minutes from the exact point of time, so neither would I disclaim a regenerate person for his not in every thing thinking with me. Christians are not more infallible than watches.

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Some very knowing professors are like a frosty night in December : very clear, but very cold.

Do Christ this one favour for all his love to thee: Love all his saints; even the poorest, the meanest, the weakest, notwithstanding some slight differences in judgment. As the names of the children of Israel were graven on Aaron's breast-plate, so are the names of all God's saints engraven on the heart of Christ: let them be likewise so on thine,

Young converts are generally great bigots, When we are first converted to God, our brotherly affection too often resembles the narrow, ness of a river near its head. But, as we advance nearer to the Great Ocean of all Good, the channel widens, and our hearts expandymore and more, till Death perfectly unites us to the Source of uncreated love.

Exptanations of the following Texts of Scripture are requested by
various Correspondents: -

Acts ix. 7, compared with xxii. 9.

Ezek. xvi. 55.

1 Cor. iii. 15.

1 Tim. i, 20.

Luke xiii. 24.

John xv. 2.

When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, &c
If any man's work shall be burnt, &c.

Whom I have delivered unto Satan, &c.
Strive to enter in, &c.

Every branch in me that beareth not, &c.

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MRS, NICHOLS,

OF NOTTINGHAM,

Dbituary.

WAS called by divine grace in early life. At the age of 18, she was led to remember her Creator, under the ministry of a pious clergyman, for whom she ever after maintained the most cordial respect. She continued where she received her first serious impressions about seven years; and then, in consequence of her marriage to Mr. Nichols, removed to Nottingham, where she spent the remainder of her life, and where she thought it her duty to unite with a Baptist-church,

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Her walk and conversation has been uniformly ainiable. She was a living epistle, known and read of all her numerous friends. The frame of her mind was usually steady and even, not subject to great elevations nor remarkable depressions; but enjoyed a good degree of holy peace, maintained by faith in Christ, and daily communion with God.

When the illness which terminated in her death first seized her, her mind was calm, and prepared to meet the event. Under the acute pain which she suffered (a rheumatic fever, attended with the loss of the use of her limbs) she expressed the most entire resignation to the will of God; and would say, "The Lord knows what is best for me, and has an undoubted right to do with me as it seemeth good to him.”. In reply to the affectionate enquiries of her husband, she would say, Pray for me, that I may have faith and patience to bear up under my pain; and to others, "I have need of the prayers of all my friends, that I may not faint." She was sensible of the mercy that was mixed with the affliction; and said, at one time, "I am burnt up with fever; but what a mercy the complaint has not seized my head!" On the Tuesday preceding her death, her friends were alarmed, when the pain in her limbs, which had been very great, now suddenly subsided; and, for a

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time, she became rather delirious but soon afterwards had the use of her reason mercifully restored, and continued till her departure.

Whether she had any apprebension that her disorder would terminate in death, it is difficult to say, as she gave no intimation of it; but it is evident she did not expect to be called away so soon. About eight o'clock in the evening on which she died, she was got up; and did not appear to be worse than she had been. After having sat up about half an hour, she wished to be put to bed again, saying she would sit up longer on the morrow; but the great Disposer of life had otherwise determined. Mr. Nichols and one of her servants assisted her in getting into bed. Immediately, in attempting to lie down, she was seized with a spasm; and soon after with a second, when in a moment she sunk in death, and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, on Thursday evening, the 29th of January, 1807, aged 47.

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She

The natural powers of her mind were of a superior order. Her understanding was acute, her perception quick, and her decision prompt and judicious. Her advice was often solicited and much respected. had great presence of mind on sudden emergencies, always appearing, even on those occasions, to have an entire self-possession. Having a large portion of intelligence and a cheerful disposition, her conversation was so entertaining and instruc tive, that it was much desired and sought after. Her friendship, not formed by humour and merè caprice, was ardent and steady. Eager to vindicate the character of the absent, and slow to believe reports to the prejudice of others, she detested those whisperings which separate chief friends. She was distinguished as a lover of peace, and had the happy art of uniting Christians together, who in some respects were widely different.

In her was combined dignity of deportment with the sweetest condes

and revered her. Those who had the happiness of being the best acquainted with her, could enlarge the most on the subject, and will not think this account exaggerated. By them she will long be remem bered with admiration and regret. A. Q. C.

cension; which rendered her amiable in the eyes of all. Her whole demeanour was equally remote from a disgusting familiarity on the one hand, and a haughty preciseness on the other it was easy and respect. ful. In the management of her domestic concerns the utmost regularity prevailed; -industry and economy were visible in the whole.

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From respect to the memory of the pious dead, she became a mother to the orphan. In a manner adopting for a son, she reared, with the tenderest affection, the eldest son of the late excellent Mr. Pearce, of Birmingham, whom, considering as having become fatherless, in some measure, through the zeal of his parent for the cause of Christ, it strongly recommended his descendants to her regard.

Given to hospitality, she was ever ready to receive under her friendly roof the friends of Christ with the utmost cordiality, and she spared no pains in providing for their comfort,

Her attendance on the means of grace was regular and diligent. She enjoyed her privileges, and, therefore, prized them; and would oiten say, We know not how long we may have the opportunity of serving God here, -Tet us einbrace the present." All her concerns were so arranged as not to prevent her from filing up her place, either on Sabbath or week-day opportunities:neither business, nor pleasure, nor a slight inconvenience, nor sickness, hindered her.

Her duty and affection to her husband was cacommon; and it happily met with a suitable return. No person could be conversant in the family without observing and admiring the great harmony that subsisted between them. She conformed to his inclinations, and constantly endeavoured to promote his comfort and happiness. She would carefully conceal from him what she thought was likely to grieve him. By every means in her power she strengthened his hauds, being always ready to unite with and assist him in any good design.

Let not this imperfect sketch of her character be thought too highly coloured, the writer has long known

MASTER JOHN HALL,

SON of Mr. and Mrs. Hall, in St. Mary Axe, Loudon, was born Jan. 5, 1794. From an early period of childhood his disposition and manners were very engaging. Concerned to educate him in the fear of the Lord, his parents endeavoured to. instruct him in those things which relate to the everlasting welfare of the soul. He listened with great attention to their affectionate advice; and seemed pleased to go with them on the Lord's Day to hear the Rev. Mr. Newton.

About three years before his death, hearing that Mr. Gaiïee catechized children, once a mouth, at his meeting - house in New broad Street, he requested of his parents permission to attend those exercises. Being earnestly desirous of his spiritual good, they cheerfully consented; and he regularly attended, while able to go out.

If the things spoken on those occasions were not the means of his Erst saving impressions, they estabushed his mind in the truths of the gospel, and rendered the divine Change God had wrought on his hear more conspicuous. His parents say, that he anticipated the return of those exercises with great eagerness; and never would allow any motive of relaxation, however lawful in itscif, to prevent his attending. Afterwards he used to dweli much, in conversation with his parents, ou the substance of the exhortations that had been given to the chidren. When he had repeat. ed the catechism through, in the answers to each questioa, he went over it again, with the proofs from Scripture; and the attention he paid to the statement and vindication of Christian doctrines, was very evident from his frequently observing afterwards to others, concerning

things advanced in sermons he heard, that they were established on the appropriate passages which supported the doctrines stated in the Catechism.

In October 1806, it pleased God to lay on him an afliction which terminated in his death, after long and sharp sufferings. At the commencement, of his illness, he requested that Mr. Gaffee might be sent for. He had his desire; and his reply to enquiries concerning divine subjects, and the only method of salvation by the sacrifice and righteousness of Christ, with the desire he expressed for their proper influence on the heart, characterized him a subject of that heavenly instruction, which brings testimonies to the Saviour's honour, even from the lips of children.

Divine truth was precious to his heart; and though so young, he felt the importance of knowing Christ and the power of his resur rection. He was persuaded, that unless the tree be made good, the fruit cannot be good; and that religion must have its seat in the heart.

To Mr. Gaffee and others who visited him, he expressed a deep conviction of a sinful nature, derived by union to Adam, --the absolute need of an interest in Christ, in order to salvation, the equal necessity of the blessed Spirit's work to convince and convert sinners, and enable them to trust in Jesus for a righteousness to justify them, and communicate grace to sanctify and prepare them for Heaven.

His mind was greatly supported, and, in general, very much composed, during the whole of his try ing affliction. Before he was laid aside, he used every endeavour among his young acquaintance at school, and in every circle, to im press their minds with the awful condition of sinners, and the importance of seeking Christ early in life.

The same mind was discovered on his sick bed, by his addresses to some who visited him; and his desire that those who were catechised at Broad Street might improve the opportunity for their spiritual ad

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vantage. He exemplified great patience under sufferings, frequently checking himself when pain extorted a sigh or a groan, lest it should appear like murmuring against God. When a friend enquired how he felt himself, "In body," said he,

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very low; but the peace, happiness, and comfort I find in my Saviour I cannot describe: it is so great, that it is better felt than tongue can express!" To a young friend visiting him he made this remark:~" This affliction has been more pleasure than pain to me, from a sense of the love of Christ!"

When it was observed that the sun shined upon him, he said, "But what is that to the Sun of Righteousness!" When his friends supposed he was dozing, on their remarking that the book some one had just taken up, was a reward he received for his attention in learning the Catechism, he suddenly lifted his hands, and exclaimed, "But I have a better prize than that, for I have won Christ!"

He particularly requested Mr. Gaffee would deliver the oration at his grave; and preach a funeralsermon at the meeting-house, as an improvement of the event to children and youth. The text he chose for that occasion was Psalm cii. 11, 12," My days are like a shadow that declineth," &c.

His mind was chiefly occupied, through the whole of his trying ill ness, about spiritual and heavenly things. He expressed great joy and comfort derived from the love of Christ and the thoughts of Heaven; saying, "The Lord has been my support hitherto; and, I trust, he will guide me through to the end. He is good and gracious, full of tender mercy, shewing love to the afflicted!"

On the morning of the third Lord's Day in March, he said, "Now ! shall very soon be where I wish, with my dear Jesus, my precious Jesus, for he is mine!" and so it proved; for in the afternoon of the same day he departed this life, sen. sible to the last, and very composed, aged only 13 years and a few weeks.

B. G.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

Lectures on the History of Joseph. By G. Lawson, D. D. Minister of the Associate Congregation in Selkirk, 12mo, Price 48.

THE very useful practice of expounding the sacred Scriptures in public worship, which we apprehend to be reviving in England, is well known to prevail commonly in North Britain. That of publishing Lectures thus delivered, seems to increase; and if all expositors equalled the author of this volume, we should by no means wish it to be diminished. His excellency as a practical commentator, is probably well known to many of our readers, by his former volumes on Esther and Ruth. His track, in those parts of Scripture, was comparatively unbeaten; and his performances tended to shew what could be done on the subjects. The History of Joseph is a more customary theme; and his illustration of it admits of a fair comparison with the productions of others. It will by no means be discredit able to Dr. L. His insight into the natural and religious feelings of the human heart, his accurate observations of human manners, and his familiar acquaintance with sacred and profane writers, eminently qualify him for a profitable discussion of this very pathetic and instructive portion of sacred history. His exuberance of remark has sometimes betrayed him into slight instances of tautology; and his language is often injured by the substitution of will for shall, in the first person future, as is usual with persons who are not natives of England.

Dr. L.'s observations are always consistent with evangelical principles; and he sometimes beautifully introduces the doctrines of the gospel to illustrate and enforce practical lessons. Without approving of perpetual typical allusions, or of any that are either forced or merely speculative, we confess, that a more frequent reference to the sublime truths of divine revelation, precisely similar to that which we have

commended in the author, would have given us additional pleasure. The New Testament furnishes unequalled patterns of that union between practical and evangelical inadapted to promote the spiritual struction, which is certainly best welfare of mankind.

lume without finding a passage that We have perused the whole voseemed less worthy of being extracied than the rest. We do not remember to have read a book so uniformly and equally interesting. Instead, therefore, of selecting any part of Dr. Lawson's comment, we cordially recommend the whole.

Mistakes in Religion exposed: an

Essay on the Prophecy of Zacharias. By the late Rev. H. Venn, M. A. 12mo, Price 4s.

THIS work is so well known, and so justly esteemed by religious readers, that it stands in need from us of little more than to be announced in a new edition. From the evan⚫ gelical prophecy of Zacharias (Luke i. 68-79) the late excellent author took occasion to correct a variety of dangerous mistakes, that are, and usually have been, but too general among persons who profess the belief of Christianity. His animadversions chiefly relate to those errors which may be termed Anti-evange• lical; but he does not pass unnoticed such as may be called Hyperevangelical; and are probably more frequent and more extravagant among professors of religion now, than they were when the author wrote. Thus, not merely the mistaken ideas which many hold of man's native innocence or power to save himself, &c. are exploded by him, but likewise those which tend to the abuse of the covenant of grace, and to the neglect of good works, are detected and opposed. We doubt not, that persons whose minds are perplexed or misled, concerning the most es

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