ministerial improvement, he might con- | and undefined candour, under the imtemplate “The Vision of the Heavenly posing guise of Christian liberality, is World." On this pleasing, but difficult subject, the serious reader will meet with many statements to raise and animate his hope, in prospect of that period when heart and flesh must fail. This portion of the volume is divided into six parts:-1. The Vision of Heaven; 2. The Vision of God; 3. The Vision of Jesus; 4. The Vision of the Angels; 5. The Vision of the Saints; 6. The Vision of the pleasures and employments of the Saints.

In these devout and judicious reflections, there are many passages which we should have much pleasure in presenting to the view of our readers; but this department of our pages is too confined to admit us to add more than our cordial recommendation of the work, and to express our sincere hope that its circulation may be equal to its merit. "The profits, if any, are to be appropriated to the Baptist Mission Fund for Widows and Orphans."

We are happy to inform our readers,

that a second edition of this excellent publicatiou has just issued from the press.

MANY years since we remember to have read, with considerable interest, Mr.

Slee's farewell Sermon to the Church of England. It was then very extensively circulated, and we have no doubt was the means of doing much good. But such illustrious examples of conscientious deference to the claims of

divine truth, and practical conformity to the paramount will of Jesus Christ, are but too seldom imitated and but too soon forgotten. We are much obliged, therefore, to Mr. Kinghorn, for calling back our attention to this excellent discourse, and to certain important incidents in its author's life. At a period when a spirit of latitudinarianism

so trenching upon the line of demarcation between the church and the world, as to render its venerable indications scarcely perceptible-when to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and to keep the ordinances as they were originally instituted and regarded, will incur the suspicion of being favourable to antinomianism, and challenge the imputation of intolerance, we are glad to listen to a voice, even if it proceeds from the tomb, for "he being dead yet speaketh," which says,

in the Church of England, is wholly unscrip"The ordinance of baptism, as it is used tural. For, 1. Notwithstanding the rubric enjoins dipping, according to the Scriptures, yet sprinkling, or pouring, is now universally practised. And though, in my ignorance, I have done it, yet now I dare no searching, lie-avenging God, that I baplonger declare, in the presence of a hearttize, i. e. dip, or immerse thee,' &c. when I am only sprinkling, or pouring from a basin a few drops of water upon the face. 2. After the most accurate investigation of the New Testament, can find neither command, precedent, nor certain consequence, for baptizing infants: in that sacred book, I find none but those who professed repentance for sin, and faith in Jesus Christ, were admitted to this holy ordinance. 3. I cannot, in conscience, after the performance of this work, declare, that the child is regenerate and grafted into the body of Christ's church; nor declare unto God, that it hath pleased him to regenerate this infant with his Holy Spirit:' all which implies that it confers grace, ex opere operato; a sentiment justly detested by all true Protestants." P. 10.

The precision and force of Mr. K.'s concluding observations greatly enhance the value of this pamphlet; one of these is as follows:

"It is deeply to be lamented, that a value of true religion, is, in the minds of sense of the authority of Christ, and of the many, at a low ebb. It is to be feared that in their own religious circles they do not seek to promote each other's edification, in a manner that is desirable; while the things of time and seuse gain a share of their regard to which they are by no means entitled. How cheering to the heart, when we meet with an instance like that of Mr. Slee, whose whole conduct was a practical illustration of

the animated language of the apostle, I side, a blank page, for private observations, count all things but loss for the excellency of reflections, resolutions, and meditations.” the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." p. 22.

The Crucible; or Christian Self-Examiner. As the Lord has commanded us to examine and prove ourselves relative to the Christian faith, there can be no ground to question if self-examination be a duty; and that it has many and great advantages is quite obvious. When we discover defects in heart or conduct, we are induced to repent and pray for forgiveness and an increase of holiness; and when we perceive the existence of pious feeling, and recollect righteous conduct, it clearly is a duty to be grateful to Him whose influence causes all sanctity in men and angels. But we do not perceive how it is possible to keep such a register of experience as will give, with tolerable accuracy, the comparative state of religion at different and distant periods, in the same individual. Words employed to embody thoughts and feelings, have an extent of meaning at one time very different in his intentions who uses them, to their import at another. They may indicate the general character of our experience and deportment, but cannot determine the degree in which these are pious or defective; and thus, in the spiritual book-keeping which our author recommends, we shall be continually liable to strike false balances, and at one time to be unduly elevated, and at another unjustly depressed. It is proposed in the Self-examiner, to keep an account of the state of our hearts and our conduct relative to our faith, and love, and humility, and diligence, and motives; and, indeed, to ascertain whether we advance or decline in religion, and all practical righteousness. The plan according to which all this is to be effected we will give in the author's own words.

"There are fifty-two ruled pages, for the number of weeks in the year. First, a column containing the particular duties, as the subject-matter of investigation; secondly, there are appropriate texts of Scripture prefixed to the several duties, either expla natory of their nature and extent, or as rules and directions for the due performance of them. There is, opposite to the ruled

This volume was evidently prepared with the purest intentions, and those who think it will assist them in their best interests will do well to try it, and have our good wishes for success.

A

Discourse on Justification by Faith; preached in the course of Sermons on the Points in Controversy between the Romish and the Protestant Churches, at Tavistock Chapel, Drury-lane, on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 1827. By the Rev. E. BICKERSTETH, Morning Preacher at Wheler Chapel, Spital-square. Second edition, corrected. Seeley. In our estimation, this is a sermon of considerable value. Its doctrine is scriptural, its argument is forcible, its style is perspicuous, and its temper is Christian.

We suppose our readers are aware, that a number of clergymen are engaged in delivering a series of discourses at Tavistock Chapel, Drury-lane, on the Roman Catholic errors. Mr. Bickersteth, it appears, was appointed to preach on the doctrine of Justification by Faith, and, we think, he has ably and faithfully discharged the duty assigned him. The text selected on the occasion is Rom. iii. 28. "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the law." Mr. B.'s plan is to consider, “ 1. The doctrine of the Romanists on justification; 2. the Scriptural doctrine of justification by faith; 3. the vast importance of the scriptural doctrine." These points are briefly, but judiciously discussed. Under the last division, the bearings of this cardinal doctrine on peace of conscience, the analogy of faith, obedience of life, the day of judgment, and the glory of God, are distinctly and impressively stated; while the discourse concludes with a serious address to Roman Catholics, nominal Protestants, and real Christians. We are gratified by observing that a second edition has been so speedily demanded. We would suggest whether, with some abridgement, and the omission of the notes, it might not be converted into a tract for extensive circulation, both among Catholics and Protestants.

216

LITERARY RECORD.

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OBITUARY.

ANN MILLER.

ANN MILLER was the daughter of Mr. Thomas Miller, Baptist minister at Oadby, near Leicester. She died May 24, 1827, in the 27th year of her age.

would take away my stony heart, and give me a heart of flesh. About this time I was filled with an ecstacy of joy at the amazing love and condescension of the Lord Jesus Christ in dying for little children like me."

From a child she took great delight in reading the Holy Scriptures, which The 14th chapter of St. John was a are able to make us wise unto salvation, very favourite portion of Scripture with through faith which is in Christ Jesus. her, particularly that part which treats Her mind was the subject of very early of the mansions in her Father's house. serious impressions. In her diary she With what pleasure would she talk and says, “I can never recollect the time meditate on these things! When quite when I was without some fear of offend- a child, she adds, "Since his love is so ing God. I knew that he was a holy great to little children, I will love, seek Being, and looked upon sin with abhor- and serve him, above every thing else. rence; I felt myself a sinner, but knew I will devote my future life entirely to not how to obtain pardon and favour in his service." At this time, she adds, his sight. I thought if I attempted to "I was but little acquainted with the the Lord would not hear me, be-working of human nature, and the decause I was such a child. I asked my ceitfulness of my evil heart. I often father if he thought the Lord would read Mr. Janeway's Token for Chilhear me if I prayed unto him? He said dren, and wept, and wished I was but he would, and also teach me how to like them." pray; for out of the mouths of babes and sucklings the Lord would perfect praise. This conversation with my father greatly encouraged me to go on and plead for mercy, that the Lord back in religion. I endeavoured as

pray,

She was naturally fond of reading, but her favourite books were the Pilgrim's Progress and the Bible. After these things, she says, "I sadly went

much as possible to banish all serious murmuring word dropped from her lips, but in patience she possessed her soul. She was not able to talk much, but what she did say was always expressive of a calm and submissive mind. She was not at all distressed with the fear of death, but frequently said she was not afraid to die.

thoughts from my mind. I neglected private prayer, but notwithstanding all this I could not feel myself happy: my conscience would become my chief tormentor. About this time I heard Mr. Chater, of Kebworth, preach from these words: Unto you is the word of this salvation sent.' The word came with a divine power, and I rejoiced to think that the word of salvation should be sent unto unworthy me. I resolved, in the strength of the Lord, to live more unto his glory."

Early in life she became a teacher in the Sunday school, and was very zealous, diligent, and persevering in that labour of love. This was her element: she was greatly beloved by the children, and highly esteemed by her fellow teachers. Her conduct certainly did correspond with her professed feelings and sentiments. May 19, 1822, she put on a public profession of the Gospel, being baptized by her father, in the name of the sacred three; but she did not think baptism was a substitute for personal religion, or that because she had attended to the positive command of Christ, she was excused from other duties. No, she persevered in the service of the Lord, and was always ready to every good work.

Neither was she favoured with those transports of joy that some believers experience; yet at times she possessed strong consolation. In two instances, during her illness, when just recovering from fainting, she observed, "O could I tell you what I have enjoyed! but I cannot talk now, if I get better I will tell you." Twice she was greatly harassed and distressed with Satan's temptations, but after prayer had been offered up to God on her behalf, the distress of her mind was removed, and she was again blessed with tranquillity and confidence. At one time when we were all hoping she would get better, she wrote as follows, "O my Father, if thou wilt permit a worm to claim an alliance with thee, and call thee my Father; O may my late affliction be abundantly sanctified to the good of my precious soul, so that it may appear to all around that nothing is lost in my affliction, but the sin, and dross of my corruption may a sense of thy delivering mercy, teach me humility: O may I never lose sight of the goodness of God towards me, in supporting me by manifesting himself unto me, as He does not unto the world. I have not been favoured with those ecstacies and joys many are favoured with, but I hope I can say I felt a firm reliance on Christ, as my advocate before the throne of God: what rock could I rest on with more safety and dependence than this? there is salvation in none other; thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift; what a mercy to have any hope that I am interested in this boon, and that a complete atonement has been made by Jesus Christ for my sin. Clothed in the Redeemer's righteousness, I shall appear before him complete; for no other garment will hide my deformity from the eye of divine justice. I cannot

Her career, however, was not long in this world she was preparing for a mansion above. During the last three years of her life, or nearly so, she was the subject of much pain and sickness, but her disorder did not assume any alarming symptoms until last November, when she was seized with a violent inflammation, which left us but little hope that her life would be spared. It pleased God to bless the means used to subdue the inflammation, and our hopes again revived; but no sooner did she appear to be a little better, than she was taken with a distressing cough, pain, and sickness, which continued with little intermission until her death. Her disease bid defiance to all medical skill: we could perceive that her appointed time was come, and that she was about to be taken from us. During her long and distressing illness, not a come in any other character than that