Page images
PDF
EPUB

disregard it. Many Coach-masters and Innkeepers, also, are convinced that a great saving of the lives of their horses, and of consequent heavy expenses to themselves, would be attained if there were an entire cessation from labour on every seventh day. It is also obvious, that the evils of a redundant population, and the consequent difficulty of finding employment for the poor, must be greatly enhanced if the seventh day is added in every week to the labours of the poor. The effect of such an addition, in proportion as it may be either total or partial, must assuredly be still further to lessen the price of labour; and ultimately the poor will probably obtain less from seven day's labour than they now earn in the other six days.

In all these points of view, it seems important to the interests and comforts of the community at large, that such amendments should be made in the existing laws as will fully secure all classes of the community the uninterrupted rest of the Lord's-day. And the Members of both Houses of Parliament are entreated to bear in mind that these amendments do not rest upon any untried theory; as the principles to which they seek to give effect are already recognized by the established laws of the land, and are only intended to remedy defects which lapse of time and other causes have produced in these laws, rendering them now inefficient for the objects they were intended to accomplish.

Such amendments can be injurious to no one, but, under the Divine blessing, may be most beneficial both to the temporal and spiritual interests of the people; and will, it may be fairly anticipated, issue in a diminution of crime, and in that improved morality of the people at large on which the strength, safety, and welfare of the state will ever, under the blessing of God, mainly depend.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

ADVICE TO COTTAGERS.

REGENERATION EXPLAINED.]

W. M'COMB, Belfast. P.p. 51. 1833.

THIS is a short, plain, practical, and useful tract, on a most important subject. The style and illustrations are altogether suited to the persons for whom it is designed. Indeed, it may be read and enjoyed by any person, however extensive his knowledge, or high his attainments; while it is level to the understanding of the simplest readers. We recommend it as particularly suitable for distribution among the class of persons to whom it is addressed.

BAPTISM by POURING and SPRINKLING; together with INFANT BAPTISM VINDICATED. By WILLIAM BROWN, Minister, Tobermore. W. M'COMB, Belfast. P. p. 80. 1833.

THIS pamphlet has been called forth by the elaborate and able work of Mr. Carson, upon Baptism. It does not profess to be a full reply to that work, but it consists of some important observations upon it. The method pursued by Mr. Brown is the following:-The mode of ascertaining the meaning of the term, baptizo, in the Holy Scriptures—the authority of Lexicons upon this question the term, baptizo, has other meanings besides to dip, in the Scriptures, where he quotes Heb ix. 10. I Cor. x. 2. Luke xi. 38 the mode ascertained by the instances of bap. tism, recorded in the Sacred Scriptures-view of the mode of baptism,

taken from ancient history-infant baptism-presumptive arguments for infant baptism, from circumcision, 1 Cor. vii. 14. and Mark x. 13, 16 –—– positive arguments, from the original commission, the practice of the apostles, and that of the primitive church. Mr. Brown's pamphlet exhibits much research, and is, throughout, written in the most meek and christian spirit. He is one of the few writers who has maintained, on this question, the most amiable deportment towards his opponent. In this respect he sets a good example to Mr. Carson. On the subject of baptism we differ from Mr. Carson; yet we cannot express our dissent from him without, at the same time, recording our deep sense of his worth. We regard him as one of the best men and best writers of his age. He has been a watchman on the walls of Zion, who has keenly observed, and powerfully repelled many subtle attacks upon her strong holds. And it is, therefore, painful to us to have to profess our dissent from him on this important question. He has written ably upon it, but to us not conclusively.

LETTERS by MARTHA MUIR; with an Introductory Memoir, by the Rev. D. MACFARLANE, Minister of Renfrew. G. GALLIE, Glasgow. P.p. 204. 1833.

WE were quite refreshed by the perusal of this interesting volume. The letters are the production of a truly enlightened and pious young woman, who was confined to a bed of sickness for several years. They were written in the prospect of eternity, and all her soul was poured into them. They are deeply, imbued with the theology of an older and better age than the present. Indeed, we scarce remember to have read any letters in whose sentiments we can so fully and cordially concur. If we would fix upon any distinguishing trait by which they are characterized, we would name their faithfulness. They come from the heart, and are well fitted to reach the heart. We were particularly delighted with the address to her brothers. The volume is much enriched by the prefixed memoir, written by the Rev. D. Macfarlane, a brother whose name has become dear to Irish Presbyterians, and especially to those of the Synod of Ulster, who have been favoured with his acquaintance.

EDWIN, the WANDERING PRINCE of DURA; an account of the Introduction of Christianity into Britain. JAMES GALL, Edinburgh. P.p. 84. 1834.

THE character and design of this little volume are well expressed in its motto amuse as well with truth as fiction." The introduction of christianity to Britain is related in a style of very interesting narrative. It is particularly suited to engage the attention of the young; and, while it will not fail to entertain, it will also be imparting useful knowledge. It is strange, indeed, that authors have not found enough in the real history of the world to engage the attention of their readers; and have been so fond to run into the regions of fancy. This little volume is only the beginning of a series similar to it, and we cordially wish the worthy author much success and pleasure while he prosecutes it.

Obituary.

DIED, on the 28th November, in the 72d year of his age, Mr. HENRY LYNN, of Broadisland-a man possessed of many of the most amiable

sensibilities of the human heart. His soul was cast in the mould of much natural sweetness; and the mildness, gentleness, and suavity of his manner, endeared him much, and secured to him the respect and love of all who knew him. For nearly thirty years he was a ruling elder of the Presbyterian congregation of Ballycarry; and, when a portion of that congregation, with the minister, seceded from the Synod of Ulster, in 1829, he remained firmly attached to the church of his fathers, and, by his unwearied exertions and his prudent councils, contributed in no small degree to the establishment and prosperity of the Synod's very flourishing congregation in that place the cradle of Presbyterianism in Ireland. To the noble stand made by himself and his brethren for the truth as it is in Jesus, he always looked back with feelings of unmingled delight; and very thankful was he to the Great Head of the Church for crowning their measures with such abundant success. Though he always held Orthodox sentiments, yet, under an evangelical ministry, he attained clearer and more comprehensive views of the doctrines of grace in their individual excellence, and in their glorious harmony; and, with such views of the 66 great salvation," his love to his Redeemer increased. He considered no sacrifice too great to be made for Christ and his Zion. The peace of Jerusalem was near his heart. Feelingly alive to whatever concerned the glory of God his Saviour, and the salvation of his fellow-men, he witnessed, with lively emotion, the diffusion of God's "saving health" in the church around him, and listened with joy to the recital of the triumphs of the cross in heathen lands. Strictly observant of the sanctity of God's Sabbaths, and earnestly desirous to be "satisfied with the goodness of his house," he constantly and devoutly resorted to the pools of ordinances, and, with joy drew water out of the wells of salvation. Amid all the viscissitudes of his christian lot, this was his refuge, that, "by grace ye are saved"—that Jehovah keeps his people as the apple of the eye, and makes all things work together for their good. And that he might be prepared for carrying this consolation about with him, he opened his heart continually to the impression of the "dying of Jesus." Under an impressive consciousness that he had nothing in himself worthy to form any part of the ground of his acceptance, he humbly relied on the mercy of God, through the finished work of Emmanuel-resting on his atoning blood, pleading his'spotless righteousness, and looking to his all-prevailing intercession. Jesus was "all his salvation, and all his desire." '0, Sir," said he to his minister, not long before the silver cord was loosed, "I am very unworthy; but it is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, even the chief; and on that faithful saying I rest all my hopes for eternity." "The Lord is my shepherd"-"Christ is the good shepherd, who gave his life for the sheep." "O, it is a dreadful thing to entertain low thoughts of the Saviour; it destroys all vital godliness." As he drew nearer to the end of his pilgrimage, he grew richer in grace, and indicated a visible maturity for the services and rewards of God's everlasting kingdom. His last hours furnished a noble display of the triumph of right principles; he possessed his soul in patience; and, as he approached the margin of the river of death, he threw from him all the incumbrances of time, set his house in urder, and breathed forth his pious spirit into the bosom of his God.

"His hand the good man fast ens on the skies,
And bids earth roll, nor feels the idle whirl."

66

JOHN JAMISON, of whom the following is a brief account, lived in Comber. His last illness was consumption of the most flattering kind, so that in its first and second stages he had little or no pain, and entertained the fond hope of recovery; but it was that by which he was to be removed from this to another world, and it was the means God had appointed to lead him to the blood of an all-sufficient Redeemer. The Word of God was regularly read by his bed side, and its divine Author made it quick and powerful, changing him from a state of nature to that of grace. Although he was what the world calls a good man, in the Word of God he was taught, he must be born again before he should see the kingdom of God; and, as a perishing sinner, he cast himself down at the foot of the cross, from whence the Sun of righteousness shone on his heart; and, as the wounded Israelite was healed by looking on the serpent, so his soul was healed by believing in ChristJohn iii. 14, 15. He now gloried in the cross, desiring the knowledge of Christ, and him crucified, above all other things; counting them but dung in comparison with Christ. Having received the Lord Jesus, his only desire was that he might walk in him, giving all diligence to make his calling and election sure-2 Pet. i. 10. The doctrines of the Bible were now his spiritual delight, in the knowledge of which he enjoyed a peace which the world could neither give nor take away; and whatever came to him with "thus saith the Lord," he received and rested upon as the unquestionable word of truth. The particular providence of God over his people, in both temporal and spiritual things, he could view with delight; that the hairs of their heads are numbered he doubted not; and that God had a glorious purpose in all his dealings with his children, whether in prosperous or adverse circumstances; and he could commit his family and himself to the care of that God who has said, "the earth is the Lord's, and the, fulness thereof." I once said to him, concerning a certain event, you might think that it happened by chance." "No," said he, "it was sent by the providence of God." He paid so strict notice to every movement of God in his providence, that no one could spend any length of time in his company without perceiving this to be an article of his faith; and his honest simplicity sometimes subjected him, as it did his Lord, to the displeasure of those who deny this truth. He loved the truth, and those whom the truth had made free-John viii. 32. He waszone of the most patient sufferers. He was confined to bed for six months, and I have not known a murmur to fall from his lips. He believed the Lord would perfect that which concerned him, and that when the Lord's work was accomplished, he would remove him from the furnace; thus waiting, with much patience, all the days of his appointed time, till his change should come. On the 6th of May, 1833, he left this world, and entered upon his eternal state. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."-Rev. xiii. 13.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

66

ORDINATIONS.-On Wednesday, the 4th September, the Presbytery of Newcastle met at Hexham, and ordained the Rev., Robert Carswell to the pastoral charge of the congregation of that place.

The induction of the Rev. Walter M'Lean, late of Birmingham, to the

pastoral charge of the Scotch Church, at Douglas, Isle of Man, took place upon the 19th September.

*

On the 20th Nov. the Presbytery of the North-West of England ordained the Rev. Walter Nicol, licentiate of the Presbytery of Glasgow, to the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian Church at Longtown. Services by Rev. Messrs. Turner, Fairlie, and Court.

THE MARTYR.

www

THE pile was reared-with quick and broken step
They hurried him along the victim seemed
As one who heeded not the wrath of man,
But viewed with recklessness the bitter taunts,
The buffetings and mockings of a world
O'errun with guilt and sunk in wretchedness.
Upward he gazed, his countenance composed
Bespoke the silent rapture of his soul,

Which seemed to have a foretaste of the joys
Reserved for him in heaven, and even a smile
Played sweetly o'er his features, contrast strange
To all the dark and fiendish looks around!

I heard him breathe a prayer, which, when observed,
His executioners in wonder gazed

And paused till it had ceased.—It was his last
And mightiest aspiration-full of faith
And holy confidence in Him who once
In frail humanity sojourned awhile,,
Suffered and died, a mighty sacrifice!
He prayed for all mankind, but most for those
Who held the truth in righteousness and love,
The little flock, their Father's special care,-
Aye and a tear did glisten in his eye,
When he made mention of their wanderings,
And of their being scattered to and fro,
Exiled and driven from the haunts of men
By persecution sore-their enemies

And his he pleaded for, and sought of heaven
A blessing and a pardon for them all;
And then as if like Stephen he had seen
The heaven opened and the Son of man
Standing in glory to receive him there,
"Jesus receive my spirit!" he exclaimed,
And said no more-but oh! who can describe
The looks of horror and insatiate rage
That sate on every countenance, when he
The object of their fury, was no more!
When far beyond their ken his spirit fled,
And soared exultingly-while nought on earth
Was left behind but its frail tenement,

Pale, cold, and motionless, with eyes that looked
Unceasingly to heaven, and seemed to say,
"Yonder the Martyr to his rest is gone."

G.

« PreviousContinue »