THE IRISH MISSIONARY MAGAZINE, gence, being performed according to the liturgy of the Church of England. His funeral sermon, which contains many particulars of his life, was preached by Dr. Nicholas Bernard, who had formerly been his chaplain, and was then preacher of Gray's Inn. His library, being the only part of his property which remained to him, he bequeathed to his daughter; from whom it was purchased by the officers and soldiers of the Irish army, for the purpose of forming the basis of a public collection. Its value and importance may be estimated from its containing ten thousand volumes, printed and manuscript; and liberal offers were made for it by the King of Denmark, and by Cardinal Mazarine. It now forms an important portion of the valuable and extensive library of Trinity College, Dublin. Reviews. "The Scripture Text Book; being a new edition, carefully revised, of Scripture Texts, arranged for the use of Ministers, Teachers, Visitors, &c., compiled by the Religious Tract and Book Society for Ireland." Dublin: P. DIXON HARDY and SONS. London: GROOMBRIDGE. We are glad to perceive that the new edition of this excellent and useful work, so long promised, has at length made its appearance. Next to the Bible itself it will be found to be of the greatest importance to Ministers, Scripture readers, Sunday School teachers, and all persons desirous of a perfect understanding of the sacred writings. Although a mere book of reference-a simple text book-in it the Biblical student will find doctrines, precepts, warnings, threatenings, encouragements, &c. &c., so arranged and classified, as to enable him at once to ascertain what the Scriptures really say on each particular, and in this way to test the value of any doctrine or opinion that may be proposed for his acceptance. In order to enable the reader to form a correct judgment as to the merits of the work, we subjoin an extract which we take at random from the first page: ADOPTION. Explained. 2 Cor. 6: 18. Is according to promise. Rom. 9: 8. Gal. 3: 29. Is of God's grace. Eze. 16: 3-6. Rom. 4: 16. 17. Is through Christ. John. 1: 12. Gal. 4: 4,5. Eph. 1:5. Heb. 2: 10, 13. Saints predestinated unto. Rom. 8: 29. Eph. 1: 5, 11. Of Gentiles, predicted. Hos. 2: 23. Rom. 9: 24-26. Eph. 3: 6. The Adopted are gathered together in one by Christ. New birth connected with. Jno. 1: 12. 13. Saints receive the Spirit of. Rom. 8: 15. Gal. 4: 6. Saints wait for the final consummation of. Rom. 8: 19, 23. 1 Jno. 3: 2. Subjects saints to the fatherly discipline of God. Deu. 8:5. 2 Sam. 7: 14. Pro. 3: 11, 12. Heb. 12; 5-11. God is long-suffering and merciful towards the partakers of Jer. 31: 1,9, 20. Should lead to holiness. 2 Cor. 6: 17, 18, with 2 Cor. 71. Phi. 2: 15. 1 Jno. 3: 2,3. SHOULD PRODUCE Likeness to God. Matt. 5: 44, 45, 48. Eph. 5: 1. A desire for God's glory. Mat. 5: 16. A spirit of prayer. Mat. 7:7 – 11. A forgiving spirit. Mat. 6: 14. An avoidance of ostentation. Mat. 6: 1-4, 6, 18. Entitles to an inheritance. Mát 13: 43. Rom. 8: 17. Is to be pleaded in prayer, Isa. 63: 16. Mat. 6: 9. Exemplified. So OMON, 1 Chr. 28: 6. In this way the entire contents of the sacred volume are laid open to the inquiring eye, and, as will at once be perceived, the student of Scripture is saved an infinity of labour. We understand that the former edition of fifteen thousand copies was sold in about two years, although the price was considered high. The present edition is a great improvement on the former one, and while nearly a sheet of matter has been added, the price has been reduced to two shillings and six-pence per copy, with a promise of liberal allowance to Sunday Schools and Lending Libraries. It contains three well executed maps, one of Palestine. "Prove all things." By the Rev. W. ASHE. Dublin: P. DIXON HARDY and SONS. London: GROOMBRIDGE. This is another valuable little work, of a genus similar to the one just noticed. It is a simple reference to the sacred volume. The excellent author justly observes in the preface, that" the doctrines of redemption and grace are purely matter of revelation. The justice and mercy of God, unlike his wisdom, power, and goodness, cannot be learned from the works of creation. these we can form no idea from all that is before us.' We must bring no preconceived opinions to the Scriptures. It is for God to speak, for us to hear; for God to promise, for us to believe; for God to command, for Of us to obey. He declares, but will not explain his counsel. Reason has nothing to do here but to distinguish the Lord's voice, and comprehend what he says. It is by faith we stand; by faith we walk; by faith we live. We must receive the kingdom of God as a little child, or we shall in no wise enter therein." Such is the spirit in which the little work has been compiled and small as it is, and trifling as the price is, it contains a compendium of divinity. The compiler commences with "Scripture given by inspiration"-" contains all things necessary to salvation"-" ought to be searched" "cannot be understood till God enlightens the understanding, opens the heart, and reveals the things of the Spirit ;" and so on, through the various doctrines contained in Scripture; to each of which the appropriate references are given. The inquirer is thus led to apprehend what the doctrines of Scripture really are, and under the Divine blessing, we have no doubt this miniature volume will effect much good. The Irish Scholar. By Rev. T. AVELING. T. WARD and Co.: London. This is a very delightful little book. The history of the principal character is full of striking and touching incidents, and the whole narrative deeply interesting and instructive. The work is calculated to enlighten the understanding and impress the heart, by the accuracy with which it describes the process through which an ingenuous mind emerges from the darkness of error into the light of truth. Whether the tale is founded on fact, or is entirely the work of imagination, we are not informed; but in either case it strikingly illustrates that which a celebrated Commentator has called the "force of truth." We most cordially recommend the work. No Sabbath School library should be without it. will make the young in general love reading, and the more advanced feel a deeper interest in the spiritual condition of Ireland. The author's style is very attractive; and the whole work strikingly illustrates the Scriptural statement, that the "entrance of God's Word giveth light"-spiritual lightto every sincere inquirer after truth. It Wild Flowers. By Miss C. S. PYER. J. SNOW: London. There are many very pleasing poems in this collection that under any circumstrances would have claimed a notice at our hands. But our especial attention has been called to the volume because in it are found some that have reference to Ireland; and as we read them our hearts were warmed as were Erin's chieftains and warriors of old, when the harp-seer sang of the green isle -of her glorious mountains, her lovely vales, her placid lakes and range of glens; or discoursed of daring deeds of arms; or which to us would have been far more welcome, told how warm were her children's hearts; how ardent their love; how generous; how brave! The soul of the Poetess kindles as whose would not, that had a spark of ethereal fire within them ?-at the mingled grandeur and beauty of Killarney; and the longest poem in the volume commemorates her impressions of that lovely spot. Again, we have some sweet lines on the Shamrock; and the following appeal to British Christians on behalf of Ireland: PLEA FOR IRELAND. Oh, Erin! I would seize my lyre, A plaintive strain to sing; Thy pensive mien my notes inspire, And shades of sorrow bring: I would unbind that cypress bough, That wreathes so mournfully thy brow. I have seen beauties rich and rare, Thy lovely form invest; The shamrock garlanding thy hair, The emerald on thy breast; But still there is a weeping eye, I would that I had power to dry. Ah! why is sorrow's gloomy shade, O'er all thy beauty hung? Why dark despair a mantle made And round thy bosom flung? Thou hast the golden prize; Around poor Erin's head? To thee she looks with streaming eyes, Her throbbing pulse with ardour beats, A stranger's eye she kindly greets, Kind hearted, generous, warm and true, To you I make appeal; And shall not zeal and love combine Oh! come and give that precious Word And bid its harp-strings rest:- We cheerfully recommend the volume to our readers. There is a healthy feeling pervading the several pieces that one likes to meet with in fugitive poetry. We shall be very glad to welcome Miss PYER again in the bowers of the muses. Kingsland. T. A. The subject of it has been very appropri ately taken up by the esteemed author of "Christian Consistency," and "Christian Happiness;" for the exhibition of the one, and the possession of the other, are essential to "Christian Consolation." To shew that it forms a most important part of the divine administration to try the faith and patience of believers, by afflictive dispensations, and that this trial is in perfect harmony with every other part of God's government, is the design of the author. This we think he has accomplished in a manner which must commend itself to every serious reader, but especially to the tried and afflicted. It is eminently an experimental and practical book, and therefore of great value to those who may be called to walk in the darkness of trouble, or to wade through the deep waters of affliction. It shows such, that their afflictions form a part of that vast moral and spiritual machinery, which however perplexing and mysterious its movements may appear now, is accomplishing with unerring certainty the purposes of Him who "worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." It likewise urges the af flicted to that entire acquiescence in the trials they are called to endure, which the consideration that, He who sends or permits them is "too wise to err and too good to be unkind," should produce. If we were disposed to criticise, perhaps we might say, that the matter might have been a little more condensed; that the work is divided into too many chapters, and that similar thoughts occur too frequently. But when we think that the afflicted are frequently weak and weary, both in body and in mind, this, which to general readers may appear a defect, may be to the tried believer a recommendation, as he feels he needs "line upon line, and precept upon precept." The style of the author is characterized by great simplicity, but a simplicity which admits of thoughts at once sublime and beautiful. We most cordially recommend the work to pious readers in general, but especially to those who belong to God's afflicted family. Such will find it a useful companion in the chamber of sickness and the hour of trial. We trust, too, that our short notice of its contents and character may serve to introduce it to our Christian friends in Ireland, where we think the circulation of such treatises on practical piety would be eminently beneficial. The Hebrew Martyrs.-By JOHN WADDINGTON. J. SNOW: London. Who is John Waddington? This would be the first question asked by many, in taking up this little book: and upon the reply given to it, they would be disposed to form their estimate of its value. In this way, books ("tell it not in Gath") are too often approved or condemned by those mysterious personages called Reviewers. There are exceptions to this statement, and of course we wish to be considered as forming one of those exceptions, as we really know nothing of the author, and can have no prejudice either for or against his production. Though designed for the young, some may consider it too philosophical for juvenile readers; but we rather commend the author for endeavouring to call into exercise the higher powers of youthful minds, by leading them to think more deeply on religious subjects, than they are likely to do from the perusal of works of a superficial and imaginative character. Without the excitement produced by a tale, the work is sufficiently interesting, to induce those who read for mental and spiritual profit, to peruse it. The design of the author is clearly to exhibit and illustrate the great principle of entire consecration to the service of God, regardless of the sacrifices which the working out of that principle in the practice of the believer may involve. The introductory chapter is well conceived; and contrasts, in a very striking and original manner, the difference, in principle, of the warrior and the Christian. Both are in the pursuit of honour, but the one is content with that which cometh from man, the other soars to a sublimer elevation, and seeks the "honour which cometh from God only." The title of the book, and that of each chapter into which the work is divided, are admirably adapted to excite attention and elicit thought. To intelligent young persons the work cannot fail to be acceptable; and the author is deserving of the patronage of all those parents, who desire to see their children become the subjects of enlightened piety. To all such we can most conscientiously commend the work, as calculated by the divine blessing to be eminently useful to their offspring. Miscellaneous. REMINISCENCES OF A CHRISTIAN TRAVELLER IN IRELAND. To the Editor of the Irish Missionary Magazine. Sir,-Before steam vessels had been seen, even in a dream, I embarked at Holyhead, in a packet bound for Dublin. The captain and some of the passengers were but too manifestly intimate, and whiskey seemed the bond of union. My head was too much affected by the motion of the vessel to have any wish for protracting the voyage; but the leading persons were, by the motion of the grog glasses, induced to prolong their fellowship; and soon there was a cry that we had sprung a leak and must return. The ship was put about, and we reached Holyhead, but at a spot where we were obliged to climb over the rocks at midnight, in order to reach our inn. There the captain and his party were quite at home again; and we novices were mystified about the cause of our disappointment, and left to guess whether the leak was purposely created, or only pretended to exist; but it was clear they were in no hurry to finish the voyage. At length we set sail again; but, by this interruption, were thrown upon the morning of the Lord's day for our entrance into Dublin, to the deep regret of the Christian party, which was lamentably small, compared with those of another spirit. Twelve o'clock arrived, and perched in one of the numerous nondescript carriages which met us on our landing, we entered the city, through ranks of persons whom we sup posed to be returning from public worship. But no; they were going to their first service. What! I exclaimed, do they suffer the middle of the day to arrive, ere they begin to apply it to its proper use? Such is the custom of the place, which is thought to be a sufficient reason for any thing; as the African thinks it sufficient to account for his leaving an aged mother to starve, when she can no longer carry his burthens. The first service is over, and a sumptuous dinner is protracted, till there is scarcely sufficient time, and certainly not too much inclination, for a second. How much man claims for himself, and how little he gives to God, thought I; though I am not sure that I said so. For the people were bland and hospitable, and would fain have made us content with all around us, having little suspicion of my religious scruples and regret at the air of nonchalance and bonhomme which everywhere prevailed. Becoming intimate at some houses, and joining in certain religious reunions, as the French call them, I saw such schemes formed, and such resolutions passed, that I began to cheer up, and say to myself, "Well, there is some hope; for there is more of God here than I thought; and certainly better days are coming." But one who knew them better, and saw my simplicity, whispered, "Don't expect too much; for they will forget it all presently, and the fine things you have seen on paper will remain there, and nowhere else." So it proved. This quicksilver people are always going to do wonders; but they want that determination, for which THE IRISH MISSIONARY MAGAZINE, a friend of mine used to be called "Cast-iron Jack." If" the way to hell is paved with good intentions," I tremble for those who are so expert paviors. But as the whiskey, which at that time helped to form the national character, contributing largely to elevated schemes, and oblivion of all practical excellence, is now (thanks to Father Mathew, the best repealer,) out of fashion, I expect better things. ; With one thing I was struck in Dublin magnificence touching on meanness, without any intervening grade. Splendid architecture surrounded by squalid poverty; buildings fit for princes surveyed by shirtless beggars. For I was surrounded by petitioners too numerous to be all relieved, and too wretched to be refused. "Where is the middle class?" I asked. Would the palaces were away, if the beggars were but gone with them! On further acquaintance, I found that the middle classes were so bent on aping the grandees, that it was difficult to know those who are best worth knowing. The tradesmen came home to late and expensive dinners, from which they could not find it in their hearts to return to business, till a night's sleep had made them other men. I longed to read to them Dr. Johnson's description of a thrifty tradesman of London, in his younger days. These are what Ireland then wanted. I know not whether she still wants them-men of dogged industry, as Johnson would say, too busy to think much about politics, which spoil tradesmen, and too thrifty to have nothing to spare for the relief of their fellow-creatures. There was no poor law in Ireland at that time, and I am one of those who are so doubtful of the expediency of all compulsory support for the poor, that I know not what to expect from the new law. But as one evil creates a necessity for another, perhaps the state of things which has made so many Irish paupers ought to be accompanied by a law to relieve them. I should like to see Ireland again, and to see it without having my feelings harrowed up by swarms of beggars, numerous as the locusts. I went out with a friend, to the county of Wicklow, and was charmed with the country, green as the Emerald, with some beautiful seats, which I could have admired, if I could have forgotten the wretchedness by which they were surrounded. But where were the neat and comfortable farm houses? Where the clean cottages, with pots of flowers in the windows? And echo an swered, "Where are they?" Arriving at my friend's house, after dark, I was not aware of my position that night; but was waked up in the morning by the cawing of the rooks; for the rookery round the house, and the lofty trees, and beautiful scenery were, to one just roused from sleep, like fairy land. Again, however, I was afflicted by the poverty of the surrounding inhabitants; for I attended a religious meeting in the evening, and oh, what dreary poverty-stricken persons I saw there! My friend was an Irishman; and a Christian; and a generous, benevolent creature, who loved his neighbour, but did not seem much affected with what distressed me. I looked at the scenes of nature, and then at the people around me, and exclaimed, “God has done every thing for this country, and man every thing against it. Oh! if the inhabitants were like their isle, what a paradise would this be!" I think of Moffat's book on Africa, and ask, "Why have we no such transformations in Ireland as have been seen among the Bechuanas? If Hibernia is not so low as Africa, it is equally true that it is not so far off; and considering our obligations are greater to Ireland, why have we done so little for her? I am cheered by the hope that the temperance movement will raise the Irish physically, and thus, at last, morally. For the temporal condition of the mass among them is extremely unfavorable to their eternal interests; often making them unfit to appear in public worship, so that the Lord's day is lost to them; and their houses are not fit for family worship; so that God seems to be excluded every day. I hope that reading will raise them mentally; for they have minds peculiarly fit for improvement, and the gospel flourishes most among those that have minds in their material frames; and it always either finds intellect, or gives it. In England's agricultural population, which approaches nearest to the character of the Irish, by ignorance and destitution, the gospel has least success; while in the manufacturing districts, where there are the most active intellects, there are the greatest numbers of thoughtful pious poor. Long is it since I travelled in Ireland, and sad is my recollection of it; for its moral condition made me continually melancholy; but I long to see it again, elevated and blessed. All who regard this as a consummation devoutly to be wished, should seek its temporal welfare, with a view to the spiritual; and its intellectual improvement with a view to the moral. But above all, we should cry to God, to pour out his Spirit upon an isle that has hitherto been one of the greatest enigmas in the moral government of the world. Islington. 66 J. B. NOTE. Let not Irish friends be offended with these reminiscences: it is more than twenty years" since their author saw what he describes; and, looking back, may excite gratitude for the present; while comparison inspires hope for the future. ED. |