ness. It appears that many of the articles comprehended in this volume, have long since been before the public

others are entirely original pieces. As to the former, Mr. Morris says,

are here presented to the reader, con- | these❝ last remains” of departed greatsiderable versatility of talent must have been required. At the same time, it is worthy of being remembered, that, how ever excursive may have been the re-in different periodical works; while flections of our author, they were uniformly under the convoy of sacred principles, and intimately associated with his ministerial profession: a boundary which the Christian instructor has in some instances overstepped, exposing himself to imminent peril, and exciting the apprehensions of his most pious adherents.

"The miscellaneous effusions of Mr.

In

Fuller's pen were extremely numerous.
one form or another they appeared succes-
sively in nearly all the religious journals of
the day, published among Dissenters, whose
editors were ever solicitous for his assist-
ance; but as they were written at different
intervals, during the space of about thirty
years, and during the process of intellectual
and literary improvement, they possess, of
course, various degrees of merit. A large
proportion of them are in answer to queries
on doctrinal or casuistical difficulties, and
some few on practical and experimental
piety; but in all, the peculiar turn of the
easily be recognized by those who are con-
writer is sufficiently apparent, and will
versant with his larger works. Some of
them are, indeed, in the author's best style,
and display all that discrimination and force
of reasoning for which he was so much dis-
tinguished." p.9.

As to the original pieces, the editor remarks

"

the present volume has been supplied, are The only remaining source from whence some private letters addressed to myself, or sent to be transcribed, but which were not intended to be printed. On examining these, I found, in addition to what has already appeared in my Memoirs of the author, a number of sketches, too valuable to be lost, and which may with propriety be inserted in the present volume, now that the parties to whom most of them refer are deceased." p. 10.

But, after all, how often have we had occasion to lament, that with these master minds there has been connected a deportment so supercilious and austere, that under its influence timidity has trembled, and modesty has been confounded. Too conscious of their own superiority, and elevated by the incense of adulation, which many liberally offer, that they may obtain a consideration to which they have no other title, they overlook the gentleness which has made them great, and whoever has the temerity to controvert their oracular decisions, must expect to be assailed in a style of arrogance and contempt which no eminence will justify, and for which the possession of the most extraordinary attainments can form no adequate apology. It has, therefore, afforded us the highest satisfaction to observe, that Mr. Fuller unites with the force, the sweetness of truth - he is as persuasive as he is energetic. Even his opponent, though he will find him firm and undaunted, has nothing to dread from provoking epithets, violent invectives, or coarse personalities. Knowing to whom he was accountable for the gifts by which he was distinguished, he was manifestly conscientious in the application of them, and hence his controver-familiar with this valuable volume, or sial papers, though remarkable for their tenacious grasp of the chief points in debate, are nevertheless free from that acrimony by which polemics have too generally wrought on the irascibility of their antagonists, and affectingly dete-introduced entire, for it must not be riorated their own productions. mutilated; but our confined limits de

The whole number of articles inserted in this highly interesting Miscellany is seventy-nine; nearly every one of which appears to us to convey important instruction on the particular subject of which it treats. We feel assured that our readers will very generally become

we should transcribe largely from its contents. The attention of our readers is earnestly solicited to the paper entitled, "Thoughts on civil government," which, but for its length, should now be

It is time, however, for us to give our termine our selection to the article, readers a more particular account of" PICTURE OF AN ANTINOMIAN."

Understanding that a certain preacher, | who was reported to be more than ordinarily evangelical, was to deliver a sermon in the town where I reside, and hearing some of my neighbours talk of going to hear the Gospel, I resolved to go too. I thought that I loved the Gospel, and felt a concern for my neighbour's welfare: I wished therefore to observe, and form the best judgment I could, of what it was to which they applied, with such an emphasis, that revered

name.

"I arrived, I believe unobserved, just after the naming of the text; and staid, though with some difficulty, till the discourse was ended. I pass over what relates to manner, and also much whimsical interpretation of Scripture; and shall now confine my remarks to the substance and drift of the discourse.

audience was harangued in a way which left each one to suppose himself included among the blessed. This confusion of character was the ground on which he stood exclaiming, I am saved- I am in Christ- I cannot be lost-sins and devils may surround me, but though I fall and sin, I am safe — Christ cannot let me go- lusts and corruptions may overwhelm me in filth and pollution, as a sea rolling over my head: but all this does not, cannot affect the new man — the new creature is not touched or sullied by this: it cannot sin, because it is born of God- I stand amidst this overwhelming sea unhurt.' All this the hearers were told in substance, and persuaded to adopt; and it was sin and unbelief not to do so!

"The whole was interspersed with levity, ́ low wit, and great irreverence. On the most solemn subjects of hell, devils, and damnation,' he roared like a Billingsgate, or blasphemer. On the adorable and amazing names of the blessed God, he rallied and sported with such lightness and rant as was truly shocking. This was especially the case in his repeating the words of the prophet Isaiah: Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketb in darkness, and hath no light; let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.' The manuer in which the sacred name was here used, was highly profane and impious.

"There were a few good things delivered, which, as they are stated in the Bible, are the support and joy of pious minds. I thought I could see how these things might please the real Christian, though on account of the confused manner of their being introduced, not the judicious Christian. Pious people enjoy the good things they hear; and being thus employed, they attend not to what is erroneous; or if they hear the words, let them go as points which they do not understand, but which they think the wiser preachers and hearers do. I cannot give you the plan of the sermon, for the preacher appeared not to have one. I recollect, how-affected with the delusion by which some of ever, in the course of his harangue the fol- my neighbours were borne away; crying up lowing things. Some men will tell you,' the preacher as an oracle; a bold defender said he, that it is the duty of men to be- of the Gospel.' To me his words appear to lieve in Christ. These men say that you answer with great exactness, to what is most get Christ, get grace, and that of your- called by the apostle Timothy, profane and selves; convert yourselves, make yourselves vain babbling; and which, from an accurate new creatures, get the Holy Spirit your-observation, Paul declared would increase selves, &c.' Here he went on with an unto more ungodliness, and would eat as abundance of misrepresentation and slander, doth a canker or gangrene.' too foul to be repeated.

"He asserted with the highest tone of confidence I ever heard in any place, much less in a pulpit, his own saintship; loudly and repeatedly declaiming to this effect'I must go to glory — I cannot be lost-I am as safe as Christ-all devils, all sins cannot hurt me!' In short, he preached himself, not Christ Jesus the Lord. He was his own theme, I believe, throughout one balf, at least, of his sermon. He went over what he called his experience, but seemed to shan the dark part of it; and the whole tended to proclaim what a wonderful man he was, Little of Christ could be seen: he bimself stood before him: and when his name did occur, I was shocked at the dishonour which appeared to be cast upon him. All accurate distinction of character, such as is constantly maintained in the Scriptures, vanished before his vociferation. The

"On returning from the place, I was

"Need I ask, can this be true religion? The effects which it produces both on individuals and on societies, sufficiently ascertain its nature. It was and is affecting to me to think, what a state the world is in ; so few making any profession of serious religion, and so few of those that do, who have their senses exercised to discern between good and evil. To think of Christian congregations, who have heard the word of truth for a number of years, being carried away with such preaching as this, is humiliating and distressing to a reflecting mind. Alas! how easily men are imposed upon in their eternal concerns! It is not so with them in other things; but here the grossest imposture will go down with applause. Yet why do I thus speak? There must needs be heresies, that they who are approved may be made manifest.""

We are apprehensive that preachers

"Return unto thy rest, O my soul." Like Noah's dove, the spirit seeks in vain, Whilst o'er the earth she wings her devious way,

of the above description seldom look | specimens of poetical excellence. We into the glass of our monthly pages; presume the following will be consider. and, were they even to condescend so ed deserving this character. far, we still doubt whether the correctmess of this graphical representation would be perceived and acknowledged. We have thought, however, that the appearance of this original sketch may preserve some of our readers from allowing their occasional presence and approbation to countenance certain characters, whom, in its principal features, it affectingly resembles.

Poetical Effusions, Miscellaneous and Sa cred, by Benjamin Coombs. pp. 120.Wightman ard Cramp. Price 4s. EVEN admitting the possession of refined poetical taste and talent, yet it does not necessarily follow that every effort of the muse should be equally successful. The evolutions of genius are so perfectly distinct from mere mechanical operations, and so dependent on circumstances over which human ability can exercise but a very limited control, that it seems impossible accurately to determine how high it may soar, or how low it may sink.

At the same time it must be acknowledged, that the reputation of genius may seriously suffer by inattention, or too easy a compliance with solicitation; especially if such ebullitions should be permitted to go at large in quest of public patronage, a boon which, now a-days, seems to be somewhat partially and parsimoniously distributed. We would, therefore, strongly recommend, particularly to the junior class of poetic authors, to exercise an unrelenting suppression of all those effusions, whose appearance might induce an estimate of their ability very much beneath its intrinsic value.

Our friend, Mr. Coombs, will know how to interpret and appreciate our observations. We can assure him it has afforded us the highest satisfaction to witness the pious feeling which pervades his publication; and, from the numerous pieces which it contains, it would not be difficult to produce many gratifying

Some solid ground-so

gain;

-some resting place to

The world, deceitful as the treach'rous main,
Is deluged with a thousand gilded woes ;-
Now cheer'd alas! y hope's delusive ray,
She lights to spend a long and cloudless
day;

And now, o'erwhelm'd by disappointment's
throes,

She mourns the ark she left- to heav'n she flies,

Where pleasure ne'er betrays, nor ever dies;

And on the tomb of faded earthly joys

Where hope's fair scene in scatter'd frag

ments lies,

She writes-and Oh! 'tis truth her pen employs

"Too low they build who build beneath the skies."

But even if Mr. C. were not to rise to poetical pre-eminence, we beg leave to remind him, that for some years he has sustained a more elevated character, which we sincerely trust he will be most of all concerned to cultivate and magnify.

A Review of the Congregational System, in Connection with a Department of its Local History. By John Howard Hinton, A.M. Price 18.

In this pamphlet Mr. Hinton has given the history of the Churches composing the "Berks and West London Association." He then proceeds to inquire into the effects of the Congregational System, as exhibited in that history, and to urge the importance of preserving the System in its purity, and bringing it into full and adequate operation. Our limits will not allow of large extracts, but we hope that many of our readers will procure the pamphlet for themselves, and derive much benefit from the judicious observations it contains. Mr. Hinton observes

"We are quite aware it must be admitted, and we are willing to admit it in the outset in the most express and ample manner, that

"If it should be thought discreditable to

our system has not accomplished all which | tion, might come into action, and almost might have been expected from it. So far inevitably also by fostering and propagating from producing kindred societies, or even the most serious evils. With respect to a increasing their own strength, there are in church characterised by false doctrine, or some churches marks of decay, and even a lax discipline, or unholy lives, we wish that struggle for existence. In conjunction with it may be either reformed or exterminated. this, however, let be remembered that We cannot conceive why it should be maininternal mischiefs have kept pace with the tained for its own sake, either to become an external, and enable us to assign a sufficient actual nuisance, or to afford an argument cause for them. Sometimes the introduc- against the necessity and an obstruction to tion of false doctrine, arianism here, and the practicability of better adapted means. there antinomianism; sometimes the neg- In these respects it would in our opinion lect of wholesome and necessary discipline, have been unspeakably advantageous, if all followed always by a declension of vital churches had resembled our own. godliness, and often by the prevalence of flagrant immoralities; sometimes the dis-our system that it is obnoxious to the generegard of divine ordinances, with the very ration of evils which may prevent its usefulinefficient occupation of the ministerial or ness and cause its decay, we might answer pastoral office; and sometimes a spirit of that it is so in no greater degree than other disunion and mutual estrangement, fostered religious institutions. Endowed or estaand embittered by angry debates respecting blished churches are equally liable to similar trifles and absurdities; by these various mischiefs, so that they at least can claim no maladies have our churches been afflicted; advantage, and are entitled to throw no and is it surprising that their strength has stone. But we go further, and assert that wasted, and their usefulness been impeded? such churches are far more readily overrun No rational ground can be exhibited for ex- by them, and by many others from which pecting a different result. But what is this the congregational method is exempt; to the reproach of the congregational system? while they have in themselves no reforming Are these necessary or approved parts of or renovating power, being adapted only to it? Are these among the elements from perpetuate and sanction things as they are, which we have ever professed to anticipate or as they become under the operation of ingood? Assuredly not. We expect bene- voluntary causes. The evils to which our ficial results only from sound doctrine and system is subject are in number fewer, and faithful discipline, from pure hands and in magnitude smaller, thau those which united hearts. Such things are the sinews attend any other; while the principles of of the body; they are actually to be found the system itself tend to keep open every in it; and in exact proportion to their pre- eye to their entrance, and arm every hand valence has been the prosperity and useful-for their expulsion. The instances are not ness of our churches. To say this is to say every thing. It is to admit that the system, so far as it has wrought at all, has wrought well. That the evils which attach themselves to it should produce advantage, is neither possible nor desirable. Why should there be a bounty upon false doctrine, or unholy living? Rather let those who wish to be either happy or useful, learn first to be holy and true.

"It may be observed, indeed, that as under such influences our societies decay, and in some instances perish, their capability of future usefulness is injured. We are far from regretting such a result. It is a most happy element in any institution, that its power to act at all should precisely correspond with its power to act beneficially. Farther than it is beneficial there is no importance at all in maintaining any society, most of all a religious one. When it become useless, let it decay. Additional force is derived to this sentiment from the very important fact, that in proportion as religious institutions become useless, they become also mischievous; at all events by preventing, or perhaps repressing, the operation of better elements which, without such obstruc

rare in which the purity and vigour of our churches have been maintained by these means, and in many others the inherent vitality of the system has shewn itself by a determined and successful struggle."

Benevolence, a Sunday School Anniversary Piece of Music, composed to the 523d Hymn, Dr. Rippon's Selection, by W.J. White of Braintree, late of St. Albans. Tuis Composer published some time ago Sacred Melodies, of which we were called to speak favourably, and this piece is equally creditable to his taste and feeling. It would be of advantage if those who compose for general use, would confine themselves to a smaller compass of notes than they usually do, few persons can sing in the air without flattening and consequent discord higher than F. While we would not confine melody within the four notes, of which the noble old tune Canterbury is composed, yet we must

regard it as an excellence, when a suit- in the whole course of our labours upon able and expressive air is produced, them, we maintain an uniform regard to that divine influence which only can mature without running to the extremes of high those principles of heavenly origin, and sucand low tones. The author will take ceed our efforts in what falls within the our hint in good part, aud perhaps, pro- province of human culture, and sactify to fit by it. To conclude, we wish that all the best of purposes the improvements teachers and scholars in our schools made. Thus shail we convince them that were as well employed on Anniversary we do not usurp this authority, but act in due subordination to those whose province occasions, as they would be in practis-alone it is to make men able ministers of the ing this piece. Music may have its New Testament." dangers, but to sing the praises of God might also be made a preservative from

In the third division the worthy Doctor gives the following as the ele

unbecoming amusements at such periods.ments of the ministerial character, viz.

The Able Minister; A Sermon, preached
at the Annual Meeting, August 3, 1825,
of the Northern Baptist Education So-
ciety, by William Steadman, D. D.
London. Wightman and Cramp.
THE office of a Minister of the Gospel
is so responsible in its nature, and so
important in its results, that it is highly
necessary those should be frequently
brought to the view, and pressed upon
the attention of those who are engaged
in it; especially young ministers who
have devoted themselves to the sacred
work, and who are training up for the
discharge of its various duties.

"True and eminent piety; ministerial gifts; a portion of acquired knowledge; and a constant supply of the Holy Spirit." All these particulars are illus trated most admirably, in a way well adapted to impress the lineaments of the character upon those young men who are under the Doctor's immediate care, as the President of the "Northern Baptist Education Society."

Our limits prevent us from enlarging. We congratulate the Denomination that it has such an able minister of Christ, filling a station so very important for

the future welfare of our churches.

The Baptist Children's Magazine, and

Sabbath Scholar's Reward. No. 1. Jan. 1827. To be continued Monthly. Price One Penny. J. F. Winks, Loughborough; Wightman and Cramp, London.

In the Sermon before us, founded apon 2 Cor. iii. 6. the esteemed Author, who presides over one of our Academical Institutions, has rendered an acceptable service, in showing "the special service assigned to able ministers;" "the work of God in making them able ministers;" and "the elements that constitute such characters." On the second general head the author has these vious to its publication; and hasten to appropriate remarks:

"I need not inform you, that in our Denomination there have existed, and in a degree still exists, strong prejudices against Academical Institutions, they have been thought to interfere with the prerogative of God, whose work alone it is to make men ministers, and to introduce into the ministry such whose qualifications are merely human; nor can we severely and indiscriminately cen sure such persons. The jealousy may arise from a proper, though a misapplied principle, But what is the most effectual means of sub duing the prejudices, of removing the jealousy? Not that of argument, though that has its use, but that of such a general course of action as may convince all, that we dọ not, and will not, patronize any but such as Christ has made ministers, and that

WE have been favoured with a sight of the first number of this little work, pre

announce it to the Teachers of our Sunday Schools, and to recommend its general adoption as a reward book. It is respectably printed, and is adorned with five decent-looking wood-cuts. The contents, too, are well adapted for the moral and religious instruction of children, and are pleasingly diversified by anecdote, tale, and dialogue, so as to keep up the interest of the work, and secure the attention of the infantile mind. We are informed that several Baptist ministers have promised their assistance in conducting this Magazine, and that it will be decidedly a Baptist publication. We hope it will be successful.