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"The glorified saints are more hap- | answered, py, but not more secure than are the saints upon earth." At another time she broke out, saying, "Worthy the Lamb that died they cry, To be thus exalted;"

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adding, "There will be millions and millions, a multitude that no man can number." It was said, " And you will be one of them." Yes, I hope I shall, unless I have greatly deceived myself; oh, my God, let me not be deceived, what an awful thing would it be to go to hell from the gate of heaven. How could I bear to hear the word, Depart? The thunder of that dreadful word would so torment my car. What! to be banished to that dismal place, where I must not taste his love. Oh! blessed Jesus! thy blood cleanseth from all sin."

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4. Her feelings at the prospect of dying. She would say, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. I am dying, but not dead, for my life is hid with Christ in God." She said to me at that time, "I am near to heaven." I said, "Your flesh and your heart faileth, but God is the strength of your heart;" she subjoined, "And my portion for ever." I added, "You can now adopt the words of Joshua, 'I am going this day the way of all the earth, and ye know in all your hearts and all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things God promised to do for you, he hath brought every thing to pass.' She answered, "I shall see that all clear when I get to heaven." I said,

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“Then you will see, & hear, & know,"

She went on with the verse"All I desir'd and wish'd below; And ev'ry power find sweet employ, In that eternal world of joy." "Yes, I shall leave this frail heavy body behind, which has for a long time been a clod to me." I said, "I am glad that the clouds that were upon your mind are all dispersed." She replied, "Yes they are." I added, "The promise then is fulfilled in your experience, At evening tide it shall be light.'" She

"Yes! that was my hope in my darkest seasons.' Оп a candie being placed near her bed, she said she could not bear much light. It was said to her, "Bnt you will be able to bear the light of heaven." "O yes," she replied, "I shall then have a heavenly body, I shall not then be upon this earthly ball."

She once said, alluding to Bunyan's pilgrims passing the river, and of Christiana having been sent for, "I shall be glad to hear that the messenger is come to town, and that the news is spread, "That Mary Bagster is to go over the river to day:' To go to sleep in the body, and to awake without it?" It was said, "Then you are not of the opinion that the soul sleeps with the body till the resurrection?" "No!" she replied, "but that opinion is not a damning sin, though it is a dangerous error.-I shall not go up yet, I wish I could; oh! that I had wings like a dove, then would I flee away and be at rest." To an old friend, a member of the church, she said, "I am going to the land of the upright, where I shall see his face, and never, never sin. Oh if we have but a glimpse of glory, we shall not wish to stay here. You and I have known each other a long time. I have not been so comfortable in my mind as you have. I have had many fears and doubts." It was remarked, "You have been well paid for waiting." "O yes," she replied.

In this happy state of mind she continued till the very last. I had frequent opportunities of witnessing her work of faith, her labours of love, and especially her "patience of hope;" and I never saw the exercise high perfection. It was delightful to of the last named grace in such find that as she approximated towards the heavenly state, she was evidently assimulated both to its employments and enjoyments. She was wrought by divine grace for that self-same thing, for God had given her the earnest of his spirit. She gave frequent expressions during her illness, of her love to this church, and some of its poor members have lost a kind and generous benefactress.

I saw her about a week before her

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death, and conversed with her, and was greatly delighted to hear how heavenly were her expressions, and that her faith and hope were firm in God: she certainly enjoyed everlasting consolation and good hope through grace." During the night before the day she was seized for death, she was heard to say, "Thou knowest, O Lord, I am one of thy children, shew me what thou hast prepared for me." The 16th Psalm was read the next morning, and it was delightful to hear how she appropriated its language to her own case and circumstances, "O my soul thou hast said unto the Lord, thou art my Lord." She dwelt with inexpressible delight upon the terms my Lord." Adding, "My sweet Lord Jesus help me, come and take me, thou everlasting Father, my Prince of peace."

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I had the privilege of seeing the dying scene of this worthy christian's life, when she was passing over the river. She could not hear or understand, perhaps, because of her deaf- | ness, with which for many years she had been afflicted, but there was no

proof that she was insensible. The
river was as still as a stone while she
went over. I remarked to my friend,
her eldest son, "There are no
terrors of death here. Here is no-
thing alarming, nothing terrifying. It
is the scene which Dr. Watts has
so correctly painted, when he
describes the peaceful departure of a
saint,

'Jesus can make a dying bed
Feel soft as downy pillow are.
while on his breast I lean my head,
And breathe my life out sweetly there.""

Who can have heard this account
without being convinced, that with
the righteous it will go well even in
death. Who without having felt
the desire expressed even by wicked
Balaam. "Let me die the death
end be like hers."
of the righteous, and let my last

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REV. MR. LOWELL. RECENTLY departed from this mortal state, the Rev. Mr. LowELL a respectable minister of the Inde pendent denomination of Bristol.

Review.

Sketches of Sermons preached to Congregations in various Parts of the United Kingdom, and on the European Continent; furnished by their respective Authors. Vol. VỈ. Ir is an encouraging sign of the times, that publications of this description are so eagerly sought after, and so widely circulated. We have noticed the five preceding volumes in our number for October last.

The sixth volume contains fiftythree sketches on subjects of great importance.

We admire all the Sketches that are signed Beta. In the eighteenth, on' Daniel's devotions,' he remarks, "How easily might Daniel have eluded the watchful vigilance of his euemies! He might have prayed elsewhere-shut his windows, and used a thousand acts to avoid detection. What would not worldly

prudence have suggested? But oh! Daniel was above all this. That abominable system of time-serving, so common in the christian world, was unknown to Daniel." The distinction between ambition and envy, is well marked by the same writer "There in the fifteenth sketch. appears to be this difference between ambition and envy; the former excites in us a desire to rise above others, but the latter leads us to wish to get others beneath us."

entitled The twenty-ninth is "Christ's description of his sheep, and his assertion of their security,” on John x. 27, 28. This writer, who subscribes himself Iota, certainly wrote by the light of an Arminian lamp. (See page 101.) And some of our readers will think that many of these sketches smell of this | lamp!

The Argument in Support of Infant-lent Andrew Fuller will be sure to rebaptism, from the Covenant of Circumcision, examined, and shewn to be invalid. By Joseph Kinghorn, Price 2d. JOHN OFFOR.

MR. KINGHORN is so thoroughly conversant with the baptismal controversy in all its parts, and in all its aspects, that a very small pamphlet from his pen must be valuable. And for these few pages, which are sold for two-pence, we have only to ask that they may be appreciated as their merit requires.

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The argument derived from the Abrahamic covenant, is the last fortress of Pædobaptism; and this, we apprehend, cannot hold out Jong. Mr. Kingborn clearly shews, that if we concede the principle of our opponents, it follows that any man who believes the truth of the christian revelation, and acknowJedges the propriety of the baptism of infants, may require it to be administered to his children." And he might have added, to his servants too-and if he were a West-Indian planter, to all his slaves too.* It follows also," that baptized infants are church-members, and have a right to all the privileges of the church, without making any profession either of repentance or of

faith."

We hope our excellent friend will pursue this principle into all its natural and necessary consequences, and shew how it will affect the ordinance of the Sabbath-the ordinance of the supper-and the constitution, the offices, and the officers of a christian church. These little tracts, we hope, will be read with much profit in many houses where large and expensive volumes cannot enter.

The Preacher or Sketches of Original Sermons, chiefly collected from the Manuscripts of two eminent Divines of the last Century, for the Use of lay Preachers and young

Ministers. Vol. 5.

THIS volume contains sketches of thirty-eight sermons, in which every reader who has heard the late excel

* See Gen. xvii. 12, 13, 23.

cognise his masterly hand. Some of them are among the best productions of his pen. The same strong attachment to evangelical truth-the deep and intimate acquaintance with scripture, and with the human heart the simplicity of a great mindwhich appeared in the former volumes, will be found here also.*

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If there be some that were not

written by Mr. Fuller, they were certainly written by a man who had adopted the same theory-and was accustomed to the same track of thought, to the same sources of illustration, and even the same modes of expression.

Another volume, we are told, may be expected; and that will complete

the series.

Dissenting Registers of Births, Marriages, and Burials, examined as Documents of Evidence. By a Barrister. London: Offor. Pp. 50. 1s. 6d.

So much solicitude has lately been felt on the important subject to which this pamphlet refers, that the learned attention to it, and has, in these wellauthor has been induced to turn his written pages, given the Dissenting body his opinion-without a fee. We shall not attempt to give an analysis of the performance, since it will, doubtless, be eagerly procured by those who feel interested in the subject. It must suffice to say, that it is surely time to awake from the apathy which has so long prevailed, and to express our hope that the Dissenters will speedily unite in an application provision as may establish for the use legislative of their posterity a little substantial testimony, which shall not be torn to tatters the moment it comes into a court of law."

to Parliament for such a 66

The concluding paragraph is too important to be omitted.

"Nevertheless, if no legislative assistance should be obtained, I hope and trust the Dissenters will not lose

sight of so important an interest as is

involved in the subject under discussion. After all, the remedy is in their own hands; and what Parliament can do for them is nothing as compared

*See our Number for May last.

with what they can do for themselves. Let them only feel the importance of a punctual attention to order and regularity; and let not their ministers, because they have not a host of births and burials to enter, imagine for a moment that the little they have to do may be done ill. Those who excite jealousies, though they be unfounded, have the more reason to be particular in their conduct. Let the Dissenters only act justly towards themselves, and then justice will not be denied them by others." We have noticed a slight typographical error, which will doubtless be corrected in a second edition. In page 35, for 35th of the late king," read "25th."

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.
Just Published.

The Continuance of Brotherly Love recommended; in a Sermon, delivered on Thursday Morning, October 23, 1823, at the Rev. Dr. Rippon's Meet

ing-house, Carter-lane, Southwark, before the Ministers and Messengers belonging to the Baptist Monthly Meeting, and published at their Request. By Rev. George Pritchard. 1s.

An elegant Engraving, and in the Opinion of competent Judges, an

exact Likeness of the late Rev. William Ward, has been recently published: painted by Overton, Bond-street, and engraved by Scriven, Historical Painter to his Majesty. Proofs 7s. Prints 4s.

Baptism a scriptural and indispensable Qualification at the Lord's Table or Consideration designed to prove the Impropriety and Inexpediency of departing from the original Constitution of the Christian Church, and forming open Communion Churches, especially in those Neighbourhoods where evangelical Congregations already exist: including Animadversions on the Preface to the Rev. Robert Hall's Reply to the Rev. Joseph Kinghorn. By Joseph Ivimey.

Intelligence, &c.

Glasgow, Rev. William Shirreff. ples. At the last meeting, the comExtract of a Letter written by a Mem-mittee reported, and he confessed that, ber of the Church at Glasgow.

Glasgow, Oct. 20, 1823. An event, my dear Sir, has recently occurred which is exciting not a little conversation in this part of Britain.

after free and repeated conversations on the subjects which had occupied his attention, he was still of the same mind: he retired

Last Wednesday he was baptized in this city. The subject of baptism, and There was in Stirlingshire a much- what is naturally connected with it loved and venerated clergyman, of the had, a year or two ago, arrested his Presbyterian church, (which, in Scot- attention, and at length had urged land, you know, is the one established him to take his recent steps, and cåst by law)-the Rev. William Shirreff, himself with his family on the provipastor of St. Ninian's. His piety, and dence of God. No opening, at the erudition, and uncommon talents, as a time, presented itself for his future preacher, had, for thirty years, been settlement and usefulness. But he increasing his reputation, and endear- went forward. His offering his resiging him to the lovers of evangelic truth. nation, and his reasons for it were ruNothing, indeed, seemed to be want- moured extensively. A very small ing in his situation to make the rem- baptist church here, of which he knew nant of his days happy, and embalm nothing, had procured a suitable his memory in the hearts of his minis-place for public worship, the chapel in tering brethren, and of the people for whom he had long prayed, and watched, and toiled.

But, at a late meeting of the Presbytery, he offered his resignation, stating that he could not, without violating his convictions of duty, continue to perform what was expected of him in the office which he then sustained. A committee was appointed to converse with him and remove his scru

Albion-street, formerly occupied by the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw, and were hoping, and praying, and striving to obtain a pastor. They heard the rumour concerning Mr. Shirreff. They wrote to him. An interview was agreed on. When the delegation met him, he said, "Before we begin the conversation, let us pray; and all kneeling down, he proceeded, but was interrupted, aud, for a while,

quite overcome by the fulness of his

heart.

and to look, with faith and fervency, to the proper source for all their strength. It was with great pleasure that I heard him preach, last Lord'sday, from 2 Cor. iv. 7, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Ah! my dear Sir, what spiritual blessings would every where descend, did every minister and every church lay this to heart, and, at the same time, use the means which Heaven has ordained.

My affectionate salutations to all that are with you. Adieu. Yours sincerely.

Itinerant Preachers' Academy.

THE desirableness of improving the learning of some worthy men, who had been encouraged by the churches at Portsea, to labour in Village-preach

The interview led to his complying with their request; and, last Thursday, he was publicly inducted into his new pastoral charge. It was an impressive sight, and adapted to awaken a train of deeply interesting reflections. The ministers present on this occasion were Mr. Innes and Mr. Anderson of Edinburgh, Mr. Edwards of Greenock, Mr. Watson of Cupar in Fife, and Professor Chase of the College of Columbia, at Washington. The conducting of the introductory services of praise, of reading the scriptures, (Ephes. iv. 124, with 1 Tim. iii.) and of prayer, devolved on Professor Chase; after which a discourse was delivered by Mr. Edwards from Psalm cii. 16, When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. The cordial and unanimous call of this church having been declared in reply to questions puting, induced some ministers, who from from the pulpit, and Mr. Shirreff, when asked, "Do you now, as before, accept this call?" having replied, "In the fear of God, I do," he was, with the laying on of hands, commended to the grace of our Lord in prayer by Mr. Innes, who, after the singing of the hymn, Let Zion's watchmen all awake," addressed to him an appropriate charge. The members of the church were then addressed by Mr. Anderson from Philippians i. 27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind strixing together for the faith of the gospel. After prayer by Mr. Watson, the services were concluded in the usual manner. In the evening, Mr. Anderson preached from Rom. xiv. 17, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

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keeping a seminary, were in the habit of teaching, and others of the ministers, to undertake, on one evening in every week, from eight to nine o'clock, to give instructions in the English language, Geography, History, Composition of a Sermon, Theology, &c. Seventeen persons are in the habit of attending these lectures at the Vestry of White's-row Meeting-house; some of whom have made considerable improvements. Ministers occasionally address them on the subject of preaching the gospel, &c. It is conducted with scarcely any expense, and it is presumed will be attended with very valuable results. May not this plan be imitated in those larger congregations, where students and instructors may, perhaps, be both provided? It is well adapted to promote the respectability of many worthy men, who are not able to avail themselves of the advantages of our Academical Institutions at Bristol, Stepney, or Bradford.

Western Association.

SEVERAL ministers having been in

It is unnecessary to add, that an overwhelming audience are now pressing to the chapel where Mr. Shirreff preaches. This is only a natural consequence, and, in itself, it is of no im-vited to meet at Broadmead Vestry on portance. Almost any preacher, in certain circumstances, may, for a while, be followed by a multitude. But what gives me hope is, that, instead of being a novice, or vain and superficial, he seems to know the emptiness and danger of a transient popularity, and that the members of his church, while they rejoice at the signal favour which they have received, appear to " rejoice with trembling,"

Tuesday, Nov. 11, for the purpose of forming an Association, comprehending what may be termed the Upper District of the late Western Association. Seventeen ministers, with some other gentlemen, assembled on that occasion, when, Dr. Ryland having taken the chair, the following brief Resolutions were unanimously agreed upon.

That it is desirable that an Asso.

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