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nd containing his terms of capitulation; but | trifles." Who has not felt the mighty influhen the officer who was charged with their ence of some little office of kindness opporonveyance was departing, Nelson called him tunely and delicately performed in one's beack, stating that he had only wafered the lot-half?"As in filling a vessel," says Boswell, er, and this circumstance might indicate haste rising from his want of resources, and in conequence prove fatal to the enterprise: he herefore proceeded deliberately to seal it with he British arms; and thus avoiding all suspiion on the part of the enemy, his terms were ccepted.

Again: trifles have often been sources of reat encouragement and consolation under ircumstances the most trying. When Robert Bruce, king of Scotland, "had retreated to one of the miserable places of shelter in which he Could venture to take some repose after his lisasters, he lay stretched on a handful of straw, and abandoned himself to his melanholy meditations. He had now been defeated four times, and was on the point of resolving to abandon all hopes of farther opposition to his Fate, and to go to the Holy Land. It chanced, his eye while thus pondering, was attracted by the exertions of a spider, who, in order to fix its web, endeavoured to swing itself from one beam to another above his head. Involuntarily he became interested in the pertinacity with which the insect renewed its exertions after falling six times. At the seventh it gained its object; and Bruce, in consequence, was encouraged to persevere until he carried his own. And at a period much later, we have, in the case of Mungo Park, a striking illustration of the use which Providence often makes of the most trifling means to animate the mind. When travelling in Africa he was seized by a banditti, plundered, and left almost entirely destitute of clothing. In this wretched situation he sat for some time around him with amazement and horror. "In the midst of a vast wilderness; in the depth of the rainy season; naked and alone; surrounded by savage animals, and men still more savage; five hundred miles from the nearest European settlement"-all these circumstances crowded at once on his recollection, and no wonder that his spirits (as he confesses) began to fail him. "At this moment (says he) painful as my recollections were, the extraordinary beauty of a small moss, in fructification, irresistibly caught my eye. I mention this (he adds) to show from what trifling circumstances the mind will sometimes derive consolation; for though the whole plant was not larger than one of my fingers, I could not contemplate the delicate conformation of its roots, leaves, and capsula, without admiration. Can that Being (thought I) who planted, watered, and brought to perfection, in this obscure part of the world, a thing which appears of so small importance, look with unconcern on the situation and sufferings of creatures formed after his own image?

DA

the interesting biographer of Dr. Johnsonas in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses, there is at last one which makes the heart overflow." On the contrary, the first and slightest feeling of distrust, and the merest indication of insincerity or appearance of reserve, may lead to results the most painful, and eventually burst asunder bonds that once appeared infrangible. How important, therefore, in cultivating the charities of life, to beware of the many little things which might cause us either to give, or to take, offence!

In MORALS, their importance is no less evident. As a single leak, though at first comparatively small, may expose a whole crew to the horrors of shipwreck, so the first and most trifling aberration from the path of rectitude, may involve consequences as baneful as they are lasting. One step leads to another, until the strides in folly and guilt are successively lengthened, and become proportionably rapid. At length, a series of actions, like so many confluent streams, which, taken separately, may seem inconsiderable, urge the individual forwards with all the impetuosity of a mighty river, forming habits the most inveterate, and constituting the elements of a character equally depraved and dangerous.

As viewed, moreover, in connexion with RELIGION, their importance is especially worthy of notice. The earliest intimation of contrition for sin, and the feeblest breathings after holiness, may, under the fostering influence of meditation and prayer, prove the germ of permanent and spiritual principles, connected with the salvation of the soul, and bearing the fruit of immortality. "Who hath despised the day of small things?" is the language of God himself. And if he graciously regarded, and condescendingly approved of Abijay, "because in him there was found some good thing towards the Lord God of Israel;" ought we to neglect, either in ourselves, or with reference to others, any, although the faintest, desire towards him, and the remembrance of his gracious name? Should we not rather regard it as the incipient influence of the Spirit of God on the mind, and be solicitous to catch the gale of that Spirit to waft us into the ocean of divine love, and ultimately, to the shores of heaven?

On the other hand, the earliest and smallest indication of the decay of piety or of indifference with regard to the requirements of religion, should be guarded against as a dangerous prelude to consequences replete with mischief. This observation applies even to the minutia

From the Baptist Magazine

WISDOM AND KNOWLEDG】
SOURCES OF GRIEF.

For in much wisdom is much grief that increaseth knowledge, increa row. Eccles. i. 18.

ours? If one of his injunctions, or the smallest part of his commands, be culpably neglected, a precedent is established for inattention to other parts, until there is no telling whither such negligence may tend. We readily admit, that the present is emphatically the dispensation of the Spirit; and that the chief importance of the ceremonial observances peculiar to it, consists in their subserving spiritual purposes. But how can those purposes be accom- Was it the design of the sacred wr plished, and the things signified realized, if the pear before us as the apologist of ig means be neglected, or the symbols perverted? surely not, for he himself had sough Can the Eucharist, for example, as deteriorated wisdom, and laboured to become fam by the Church of Rome, conduce to that spi- all knowledge. Had he then a design ritual reception of the Redeemer, and feeding happiness? This cannot be adunitte by faith on the merit of his sufferings, as sub- tendency of all his writings is to pro sidiary to which the king of Zion appointed it? secure it. Wisdom and knowledge a Still, it is the spirit of piety respecting the lent; and that the soul be without th smallest decline of which we should be parti-clared not to be good. It is for th cularly jealous. When that bloom of health, and (if we may so speak) that vivid verdure of soul, produced by the fervour of devotion, are once effaced, and yield to the sickly hues of lukewarmness, let us beware of the winter which such appearances precede-of the spiritual death they forebode. For, as in autumn, the stateliest tree of the forest loses its foliage, almost imperceptibly, leaf by leaf: so by small degrees, the most flourishing professor of religion may be stript of his vernal beauty, and divested of his spiritual fragrance, until only the bare trunk is left, the mere form of godliness.

Speculation is delightful and often useful in reference to general subjects; but if indulged in, beyond due bounds, in connexion with religion, it may eventually prove dangerous in the extreme. How often has a speculative spirit, by many considered, not only harmless, but praiseworthy, induced a dereliction of principles and truths fundamental to salvation, and a fatal departure from "the faith once delivered to the saints!" Hence, for example, sentiments have been cherished, and hypotheses broached, derogatory to the glory of Christthe sun and centre of the system; and, in consequence, those who have espoused them, have been reduced to a spiritual paralysis, and driven to the frigid zone of Christianity-Christianity falsely so called. We do not, however, mean to intimate, that all investigation is to be laid aside, and every thing taken on trust. But what we wish to impress on the mind-especially of the young and inexperienced, is, the paramount importance of taking the Bible for its chart, in order to steer clear of the rocks on which so many have made shipwreck of faith; and also, the solemn thought, that the smallest deviation from the course which it prescribes, may, if not promptly rectified, finally engulf us in everlasting ruin. We firmly aver, what we fully believe, that no speculative error, relative to the vital truths of Christianity, however small in its origin, is harmless or final. If not strangled in the birth, it will in all probability grow to a gigantic magnitude, gain a complete mastery over the mind, and expose the soul to indescribable loss.-Let us constantly bear in mind the importance of the apostolic apothegm, both with respect to religion and morals: “A

knowledge that the people perish. and knowledge are imparted to mar highest purposes. His mind is illumin he may contemplate the perfections of that he may see the path of duty-tha attain everlasting felicity. Yet it i that an increase of knowledge is an in sorrow and grief-let us attempt to ac this fact. Knowledge may be regard pecially conversant with three or four

lars.

1. An experimental acquaintance wi ly things. We see a great deal in t which looks fair, and promises in its p a large portion of pleasure. If we cou to independence in our circumstances agine that we should at once be carrie summit of our wishes. Many have pas a state of comparative poverty to a While all has been novel, a certain el invested every object, but in a little spell has been broken, satiety and w have succeeded, and vanity of vanities found inscribed upon all that promise ness. Disappointments and mort have attended honour, grandeur, and and those who have risen to the high nence in society, have often manife greatest impatience to be rid of life an intolerable burden. The mind is f vinced, the more this world is known proper nourishment, and the source stantial joy, if existent any where, are not among the things which perish using. What is the anxiety, what is to find that tens of thousands of p splendid retinue and a sumptuous e ment, are all only for a moment, and that moment rather tantalize, than p drink the cup of permanent pleasure."

2. Knowledge of ourselves.-When Tarsus was ignorant of his true chari regarded himself with unmingled comp As touching the law, he was blamel thought his expressions of malignant towards Christ and his followers a do service. Light thrown upon his mind covered to him, his real circumstances, ritual destitution, and till we become ex ly acquainted with our own hearts, we ways cherish an overweening opinior

the Divine Being is as well pleased with him as he is with himself. And hence every true delineation of human nature is extremely offensive and disgusting to him. The cross of Christ is a stumbling block, as it supposes him in a condition before God exceedingly abject and humiliating. His self-confidence perishes as light shines around him, and he who was all, and thought he needed nothing, becomes in his own sight poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked. That heart which was vainly imagined to be so good, appears as a cage of unElean birds, and the seat of all pollution and defilement. A thousand evils and dangers present themselves in the very path where previously he had walked with heedless securiEy, and the desert of divine indignation is at ength admitted, however humbling. The heart is broken with sorrow, and the enlightened sinner is taught to cry out, "Oh! wretched man that I am!"

3. Knowledge of others. An individual will frequently trust society, so far as to pierce himself through with many sorrows. Where he reposed the most unhesitating confidence, there he finds himself deceived and betrayed. The sincerity on which he calculated, proves to be the most refined treachery. If it be a man in the lower orders of society of whom we speak, who has lived in a peaceable country village, and seen but little of human wretchedness, how is such an one confounded, when led into the retreats of sin and misery, furnished by populous towns and cities. He comes from these haunts of vice and wretchedness, horrified at scenes whose existence he had never before suspected. Or is it a Christian whose knowledge of mankind is enlarged? Alas! what an extent of wickedness does a Christian country present to him, when accurately known! What a mournful idea that six hundred millions of his fellow immortals are with-out hope and without God in the world-that Mahometanism is at this moment much more extensively spread than even the gospel of Jesus Christ! How deplorable to witness the triumphs of Satan, and to see the thousands and the millions who have fallen under his usurpation, who are spiritually dead, and whose bones lie bleaching in the sun and the storm! Must not scenes like these fill the heart of a Christian with grief and dismay? What then, shall we remain in ignorance, and bless ourselves that we are so happy? By no means. Things are as we have described them, whether we know it or not. Our ignorance is no remedy, no alleviation of the overwhelming load of misery. All it can effect will only operate to prevent our attempts to remove the evils; or, which is quite as probable, cause us to add to the mighty aggregate.

We ought to attempt the acquisition of knowledge, were it only that this world, and the future, may each be held in proper estimation. The proximity of the things which

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From the Comen

from the press, it has been our design, ever since its first appearance, to notice it in our Miscellany; but, desirous of giving it that degree of examination which its merits justly demand, we have postponed our intention from month to month, in hopes of obtaining proper room for a more enlarged review. It does not, however, appear very probable that these hopes will soon be realized; and we deem it a duty which we owe to the work itself, and especially to our readers, to give as satisfactory an account of this interesting volume as our limits will permit, rather than leave them ignorant of its numerous claims to their attention. And, as we conceive that a plain and faithful report of its valuable contents will most effectually recommend it to those who properly value the oracles of divine truth, and are sincerely anxious to study them with understanding and edification, we shall at present attempt only to give a simple and concise description of the Comprehensive Bible."

In a very appropriate Dedication, the publisher thus states the design of this undertaking. "This edition of the Holy Scriptures is intended to comprise copious explanation in a concise form, and thus diffuse a more correct and enlarged knowledge of this Sacred Bookestablish in the minds of men a firm reliance on its Divine inspiration-and communicate more widely and more deeply the instruction, the consolations, and the hopes of Christianity." In prosecuting this very laudable object, the volume is introduced by the original Preface, prefixed, by the venerable Translators, to the first edition of the present authorised version of the Scriptures into English. This is a learned, sensible, and very instructive discourse in defence of Translations in general and of that Version in particular; which will afford much satisfaction to the intelligent reader. To this preface succeeds, "The Contents of the Old and New Testaments; arranged in a manner by which the Books, Chapters, &c. may be read as one connected History." In this useful Table, the several portions of the historical books are referred to, in the order in which the events recorded in them are supposed to have occurred; and the psalms, prophecies, epistles, &c. are introduced in those periods of the history when they are assumed to have been written. Thus those who are desirous of obtaining a regular and complete view of the volume of inspiration, may survey it as one grand whole; including the varied dispensations and operations, of providence and grace, from the creation to the close of the sacred canon. How useful such a perusal would prove in arranging, connecting and illustrating the important facts, doctrines and precepts, contained in the pages of Revelation, the intelligent reader will easily perceive." A second Contents of the Old and New Testament in the present order of the Books; forming an Analysis and Compendium of the sacred Scriptures," follow; in which the subjects of every chapter in the Bible are concisely but clearly stated; and thus the inquirer may, at one glance, perceive the context, scope and matter of any part of the word of

God which he has secast.

An

Introduction" to the Script ceeds this Analysis; and forms a ve tant and useful part of the work. I ses laboured and valuable Essays und nomination of Chapters, on the follo jects.-1. The genuineness, uncorru servation, authenticity, and inspirati Sacred Scriptures.-2. The Divis Marks of Distinction that occur in t tures.-3. The Manuscripts and ear Editions of the Scripture, and also of glott Bibles.-4. The Samaritan Pe and Ancient Versions of the Script also of the Authorized English Transl The Ancient Jewish Writings conne the Scriptures, the Apostolic and Prin thers and Doctors of the Church, Jewish Sects, Factions and Orders of The Jewish and other Weights, Mea Coins.-8. The Jewish and Roman Computing Time.-9. A brief Outli Geography and History of the Prin tions mentioned in the Scriptures chapters are full of important inf closely compressed; collected with g ment and industry, from the most re Biblical writers, ancient and modern and foreign. For the Editor lays no originality; but candidly refers to th from whom he gleaned the valuable for this very useful Introduction.

This preliminary matter, which ninety-six closely printed quarto pag to the body of the work; in which the cal Books are excellently printed with type, after the standard edition of Dr. To each book is prefixed a Summary ject, character and contents; and is by "concluding Remarks," partly and partly illustrative. At the end of is introduced "A general Outline of t ry of the period, from the close of th canon of the Old Testament until the the New," which is well adapted to pr reader to enter on the history of th with more advantage. Every page into four columns; the two outermost are occupied by the sacred text; and innermost contain an inestimable appa the illustration of it: rendered by its on the middle of the page more promi secured also from soiling or injury in

over the leaves.

These columns include: 1. The Ch of every event which is recorded and prophecy, &c. delivered: marked, no the top of each column, but also oppo particular. The year of the world, the fore Christ are constantly given; an it could be done, the corresponding y principal eras of antiquity: such as th ing of Rome, the Grecian Olympi Athenian Archons, the Kings of Israe Egypt, &c. How greatly these dates sist the student, who wishes to compar with profane history, is obvious.

2. The Various Readings, as give venerable Translators are carefully not the explanation of Hebrew and othe

nd explanatory; and never interfere with octrinal points. In general they are brief; ut often contain, in a few words, the essence of large dissertations and convey very satisfacory information on many difficult subjects. They are in number about four thousand.

4. The most important, as well as by far the argest, portion of these marginal treasures is che list of references to Parallel Passages: which are stated to amount nearly to five hundred thousand. This department must have required immense labour. The whole of the references found in the collections of Blaney, Scott, Clarke, and the English Polyglott, have been copied into this work; and a copious selection has been made from Canne, Brown, and Wilson. Parallel Passages are esteemed by many eminent divines, a most excellent mode of investigating the genuine sense of the sacred text, in which the Holy Spirit becomes the interpreter of his own words. After having frequently had occasion to consult these references, we have invariably found them relevant, judicious and instructive; and can therefore cordially recommend them to all who are desirous to understand what they read.

At the close of the volume, three large Tables are subjoined. 1. “A Chronological Index to the Holy Bible, according to the computation of archbishop Usher; showing in what year of the world and in what year before or after Christ each event happened, and the places of scripture where they are recorded; interspersed with the principal events in profane history." This Table appears to have been compiled with great care; and the original historians are constantly referred to, when the event is not mentioned in the inspired volume. 2. "An Index to the Subjects contained in the Old and New Testaments." This Index includes all the Proper Names of Persons, Places, &c. together with a very detailed enumeration, in alphabetical order, of the various subjects, whether historical, doctrinal or practical, on which the sacred writers have treated. Whatever topic therefore may employ the reflections of the reader, he may, by consulting this Table, turn to all the places in his Bible where it is introduced. 3. "An Index to the Notes, Introductions and Concluding Remarks" very necessary to a ready use of the valuable treasures contained in the illustrations to which it refers.-We fear however that a laudable desire of compressing the greatest quantity of information into the smallest compass possible, has induced the Editor to employ a type in all these Indexes, but especially in the second, the smallness of which will render it less useful.

Such are the contents of " the Comprehensive Bible:" and we should not do justice to the learned Editor, to us unknown, did we not fully acknowledge the ability, judgment and diligence which he has displayed in the execution of a task, that must have cost him incredible labour and intense application. The wor

good of mankind. We earnestly hope that this laborious and expensive work will meet with that support which its excellence so justly merits. Every private Christian would do well to enrich his parlour with a copy of this volume; but the minister of Christ ought to make great sacrifices rather than remain destitute of this valuable assistant in his sacred and arduous employment.

From the Baptist Magazine.

THE ANTIDOTE; OR MEMOIRS OF A MODERN FREETHINKER. Including Letters and Conversations on Scepticism and the Evidences of Christianity. 2 vols. pp. 526. Price 9s. Holdsworth.

WORKS of this description are sure to obtain readers, and therefore, we sincerely wish they always combined as much solid instruction with affecting and interesting narrative as we find in these volumes. It is not against the occa. sional perusal of such works that there appears to us to lie any objection, but only when, by their inordinate use the tone of the mind becomes so relaxed, that more severe and serious studies are reluctantly pursued. "He that winneth souls is wise." Every endeavour, therefore, to secure so important an object, which is not at variance with the principles and the spirit of revelation, is wise also.

It is, indeed, a lamentable fact, but one that we suppose none will venture to deny, that there are persons who, though they cannot be prevailed upon to read a few pages of the best book in all the world, would need no persuasion to sit down and peruse the Antidote, from its preface to its finis, without suffering their attention to be interrupted. And if, after this, in any instance the Bible should be consulted, as it had never previously been, which we think far from improbable, such an occurrence would prove a most ample apology, were one required, for employing a method to reach the conscience which, without any compromise of truth, possesses at least, the advantage of bringing the mind fairly into contact with subjects infinitely momentous to its own welfare, when other means had been resorted to apparently without success.

The respectable compiler of these memoirs, who, on this occasion prefers retirement to publicity, in a short well written preface assures his readers that the superstructure he has reared is based upon facts; but, at the same time, forbids any nearer approach to minute discovery, which curiosity might prompt, than the history now submitted to the public may afford. For our own part, we would earnestly recommend, that no obtrusive inquiry should be instituted, not only because that after the foregoing intimation, it would scarcely

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