"EARNEST Prayer.

"Item 1. Upon an interesting occasion, while the nervous system trembled and shook, imparted promptitude and vigour, by the fear of God dispersing that fear of man which bringeth a snare.

" Item 2. In a season of darkness and difficulty, when the counsels of friends differed, brought light from above, and opened the path of duty.

" Item 3. When weighed down with languor and indolence, amidst loud calls to immediate exertion, swept away idle, encumbering thoughts, and cleared the mind for action.

"Item 4. When the relish of enjoyment began to pall, sweetened the provision of my table; for every creature is good, and sanctified to us by the word of God and prayer." P. 269.

Part of Education. A Sermon
preached in Great Queen-street
Chapel, before the Teachers of the
Sunday-school Union, October, 1818.
By R. Watson.

a

Egis of her Minerva, admonishes us to put our trust within the shadow of the imperishable shield of the truth of the living God." P. 15.

Two Letters to the Rev. Dr. Chalmers, on his Proposal for increasing the Number of Churches in Glasgow. Second Edition, enlarged, With an Appendix, containing Thoughts on the Increase of Infidelity; and a Letter to the Editor of the Edinburgh Christian Instructor. By J. A. Haldane. pp. 66. (Nisbet.)

We know not how better to give our readers a correct idea of the nature and contents of this publication, than by employing the writer's words contained in the commencement of his strictures, addressed to the editor of the " Edinburgh Christian Instructor."

"In Dr. Chalmers's sermon, preached on the day of the funeral of the Princess THIS discourse is the offspring of Charlotte, he recommends increasing the a powerful mind. The text is Mark number of established churches and miix. 36. "And he took a child," &c. nisters in Glasgow. But he was aware, The preacher proposes to make " that the propriety of this measure defew remarks on education considerpended on the determination of the ed generally—to connect the princi-churches are agreeable to the will of previous question, Whether national ples we may thus establish with the institutions in which you take so leading a part-and to adduce considerations from the text, which may afford motives for perseverance in your important labours." The reader will find the sentiments evangelical-the style vigorous and elegant, and well sustained throughout-the spirit which it breathes, imbibed from the text itself, in which we have a most tender and affecting specimen of the condescension of our Lord-and the application very solemn, energetic, and impressive. To those Sunday-school Teachers who have had a liberal education, (we rejoice to think they are a numerous class,) Mr. Watson's sermon will be peculiarly acceptable, on account of the elevated diction and classical allusions, by which it is characterized. We can make room

for one short extract.

"Athens mourning along the galleries of her public museums, over the frail

God? In an appendix to the sermon, he therefore examines this question, and adduces various arguments to prove the affirmative. In my first letter, the validity of these arguments is considered, and a distinct answer given to each. In the second, the point at issue is brought directly to the test of scripture; and the propriety of this mode of deciding every religious controversy is established, not only from the authority of the word of tions of Dr. Chalmers, who, in a former God, but also from the explicit declarapublication, recommends the exploding of the principle, What thinkest thou?" and substituting in its place, What readest thou? justly observing, that want of unanimity must prevail among Christians, so long as they continue to forsake the safe guidance of scripture, and commit themselves to the endless caprices ofthe human intellect."

That our readers may duly appreciate this excellent pamphlet, we shall attempt a brief analysis. In the first letter, our Author remarks, that" the tendency of every national

church is to substitute the form for the uniform result, on every dispenthe power of religion. It is a com-sation, of deviating from those relipany incorporated by royal charter, to supply a demand for religious instruction; but it uniformly adulterates the genuine article, and gluts the market with an inferior commodity. It undertakes to watch over the state of the currency; and it fills the country with a base counterfeit coin." Our Author fully and forcibly exposes the want of analogy "between a civil establishment of Christianity, and the interference of government for the purpose of promoting general education," on which Dr. C. had particularly relied and asks, "After all, what is the object of a national religions establishment?" "The gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth, the message of reconciliation from the God of mercy to his guilty creatures, which has for its object man's eternal happiness, is employed as an engine of state, it is made the basis of a political contrivance, entirely designed for this present world."

gious observances which God was pleased to enjoin; refers to the history of Abraham; and briefly traces the progress of Christianity, from which he derives this safe conclusion, that we should be very careful "not to deviate from the word of God." Our Author anticipates the only objection he thinks can be urged to this obvious conclusion, " that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and that although nothing like national establishments is to be found in the New Testament, the principle of connecting church and state is sanctioned by Divine authority in the history of Israel." It is farther observed, that the epistles of the New Testament do not refer to matters of local and temporary interest, but contain the last and fullest exposition of the will of Christ, for the direction of his people in every age; and examines that church, branded in scripture as the mother of harlots, and considers the whole system as founded on the Old Testament. Our Author then refers to a sentiment, with which he had repeatedly met, that " a religious establishment is no part of Christianity, but a wall for her safety and protection,” and happily notices the striking analogy between the reasoning of the padre, mentioned in the Journal of the late lamented Henry Martyn, and that of Mrs. Hannah Moore, as also that of the writer in the Edinburgh Christian Instructor, (who had objected to the doctrine of Mr. Haldane's pamphlet,) all agreeing that "something must be added to Christianity." Mr. H. acknowledges with pleasure the

In the second letter, the writer asks, “Is there one passage in the New Testament which contains a warrant for a civil religious establishment?" and favours us with the following excellent remarks, which are well supported: that "the wisdom of God is infinite, and, in his revelation, he has omitted nothing which was necessary to regulate the faith and practice of his people in every age;" that " we are entitled to argue, from the silence of scripture, is the express dictate of revelation; national churches are in direct opposition to the nature of the kingdom of Christ, as exhibited in the New Testament; that the change of cir-liberality and kindness with which cumstances between us and the first Christians, cannot affect the present question; the unlawfulness of blending our own inventions with the doctrine of Christ, is most evident from the strong manner in which the apostles expressed themselves, when the churches deviated in any respect from the precepts which they had delivered." Our Author then inquires, whether the propriety of a national church, is not a mere hypothesis, and proceeds to contemplate

Dr. C. speaks of Dissenters, and rejoices that this spirit is rapidly prevailing, but views it as a novelty in the annals of a state religion, that Dr. C. should consider Dissenters as an appendage to national churches, without which they would be completely inefficient."

66

The Appendix contains some serious thoughts on the increase of Infidelity, which the writer considers as affording additional evidence of the impolicy of a state religion; and

which we were particularly struck with the weakness of the fourth."We read of no complaint by Jew

were by Christianity placed in worse circumstances than formerly, which they must have been, if altogether excluded from the covenant

of

a Letter to the Editor of the Edinburgh Christian Instructor, in justification of the letters already noticed, in reviewing which it was pro-ish believers, that their children nounced, that our Author " had not touched a single point, with which he professed to grapple." The reader will find in this publication much sound argument, main-grace." To the whole of these reatained with manly spirit, and yet sons, which our limits forbid us with Christian temper, and expressed to insert, we reply, in the words in a style well adapted to the im- of our Author, occurring in the portant subject. eighth page, merely taking the liberty of turning a question into an 66 answer: Christians are bound to A Catechism on the Constitution and imitate the practices which the Ordinances of the Kingdom of apostles sanctioned by their examChrist. By William Orme, Mi-ple, as well as those which they nister of the Gospel, Perth. Third Edition, corrected and enlarged. 1820. Pp. 60. (Holdsworth.)

We cannot regret the appearance of the Third Edition of this little pamphlet, calculated, as the far greater part of it is, to give distinct and definite views of the kingdom of Christ, in its present preparatory

teught in their writings;" and, we will add, no other; and as there is no proof that infant baptism was sanctioned by their example, and as we are certain it is not by those of their writings we possess, we dare not adopt the innovation.

Just Published.

The Christian's Annual Journal, and Record of Literature for 1821, with a Portrait of the Rev. G. Burder.

state. Although it is unquestionably LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. of far more importance that Christians should agree in the essentials, as they are called, of Christianity, yet, it cannot be matter of indifference, that their attention should be directed to an impartial consideration of apostolic advice and example, in reference to the constitution of a gospel church. Our Author deserves much praise for the copious scriptural references with which he has endeavoured to support his opinions, and which he has generally done with the greatest success.

66

As far as we are judges of our own hearts, we can truly say, we have read the section "on gospel ordinances" with candour, not excepting that part of it which treats on baptism," wherein we consider the writer very unfortunate. The subject of infant baptism is introduced by the usual presumption, that there were infants in the households that were baptized; after which, the following bold question is asked: "You consider then the baptism of the children of believers an appointment of God?" This is of course answered in the affirmative, for which six reasons are assigned: among

cation, exemplified in the History of The Benefit of a Sunday School EduThomas James.

A Letter from the Interior of Africa, containing the leading Evidences of Divine Revelation, by the Rev. J. Phillip.

In the Press.

J. Freeman's Method of teaching Adult Persons to read, which is designed to obviate their Objections, and accele rate their Progress. The original Pamph. let has been revised, and, in the second Edition, an Attempt will be made to adapt the System to the French Language also.

A small Work on the Privileges and Obligations of Christian Parents and their Children, adduced from a View of the Abrahamic Covenant.

The Crucifix exchanged for the Cross; illustrated in the Memoirs of Miss Mar garet Leader of Dublin.

Intelligence, &c.

ing, It was good for us to be there; and praying, in the language of the Psalmist, Send now prosperity."

NEW CHURCH.

DONNINGTON.

On the following evening, at Donnington Wood Iron Works a church was formed, consisting of twelve members, who were dismissed from several churches in the neighbourhood. Mr. Carr prayed; Mr. Palmer spoke on the nature of a gospel church, and delivered an address from Acts ii. 42; and Mr. Muckley concluded in prayer. The service was well attended, and many found it good to be there.

SHROPSHIRE

BAPTIST ITINERANT COMMITTEE.

THE Committee congratulate the Society, notwithstanding the embarrassments of the Fund, on the extension of its

operations, and the evidence of its utility Since the last Report, two additional Itinerants have been engaged, (Messrs. Thomas and Ashford,) two Churches have been formed (at Minsterley, and The Rolaw,) and another Church is expected to be organized (at Welshpool.)

Report, with an affectionate appeal to the subscribers, contributors, and friends of the Institution, and by calling upon others, to aid a Society so evidently of God. The Gospel is wisely and divinely adapted for all, but particularly so for the poor. When we consider the poor man, toiling as he must do all the week, for the bread that perisheth, and moreover, that his SOUL is in danger of eternal sufferings-how sweet, how precious, how important, is the sound of the Gospel on the Lord's-day! The Gospel reveals the love of God, points to the death of Christ for redemption, and when accompanied with the gracious influences of the Holy Ghost, it enlightens his darkness, removes his guilt, pours divine cordials into his heart, and opens to his view the glories of immortality: and while these prospects are before him, the Gospel supplies him with a good hope, until his prospects are realized in the eternal enjoyment of God. The Gospel, therefore, is the only thing you can send the poor man to make him happy, amidst the miseries of this mortal state, to rescue him from the consequences of sin, and to give hope in his death! Brethren, when we ask for your contribution, we ask you that giveth to the poor lendeth to the to send the Gospel to the poor,-and he

Lord.

that a Balance is due to the Treasurer, N. B. We perceive from the Account, (Mr. Crumpton) of £23 18s. 5d.

SOCIETIES FOR SEAMEN.

WELSH.

THE Cambrian ship-masters in the

Several have been baptized, and more are now waiting to acknowledge our Redeemer in that solemn ordinance. Mr. Meabry is expected to be ordained pastor at Minsterley, Mr. Thomas at The Rolaw, and Mr. Ashford at Welshpool. The Itinerants have been received with greatLondon trade, having found the inconapprobation; and repeated applications have been made from several places into which the Itinerants have not yet been able to extend their labours. The Committee have appointed their Secretary, (Mr. Crumpton,) to visit the congregations to which the Itinerants preach, once a quarter, to promote their order and spirituality, and also to make contributions to the Fund. They regret that they have not yet been able to make the smallest tender to their brethren, Butler, Snow, Keay, Hollis, Thomas, Muckley, Steel, and others, who preach the Gospel to the poor at Lawley Bank, Ketley, Horse-hays, Lineal-hill, Slate row, Salt-house, Crudgington, &c. A Church has been lately formed at DonningtonWood.

"Your Committee will conclude their

venience of not having a suitable place of worship in London for sailors, who having been brought up in villages in Wales, understand no other language than their own, have associated for the purpose of affording accommodation, by the grant of their ships' holds, at such time as they may be free from cargo, if there can then be also obtained a minister to have preaching in Welsh. Thus ships will be had in the Thames in succession, and a congregation of sometimes more than 150 sailors will be collected, for the worship of God on his holy day. This is a measure of very great importance, as the boys in the Welsh villages are generally trained in a respect for religious duties, and especially to the observance of the Sabbath. The preaching on board ship has, besides this, the ef