66 (Rom. viii. 16.) he says, the third is rational, flowing froma full conviction that we have the marks of those who are born of God."* 3. What our author means here by intuitive evidence, and the direct witness, we cannot tell precisely, and we should be very sorry to misrepresent him. What he has plainly said, we fear, will be discouraging, and distressing to many who are true believers; who are nevertheless painfully exercised with doubts and fears respecting the genuineness of their faith. A man can read nothing in the dark. When the sun shines upon the last will and testament which he holds in his hand, he may be able to read bis title clear to the estate which has been bestowed upon him. 4. The celebrated William Kiffin has a passage in his experience worthy of notice on this point. Many weeks I continued in this great distress, keeping all things to myself; being ashamed to open my state to any. At last being in the company of some christians who were talking about the least measure of true grace, I understood they concluded that the least measure of true grace was to know that a man had grace. [Although, indeed, this was my own mistake of them.] I presently drew this conclusion, without any further examination, that then I had no grace. I was thus confirmed in my former dark thoughts, that all my enjoyments were but mere flashes, which greatly increased the sorrow and distress of my soul. Surely had not the Lord been gracious to relieve me, in a little time, I must have sunk under the burden. "It pleased his Divine Majesty to give me seasonable relief in about a week after this. Having an opportunity, I went to hear Mr. Moulin, who preached at the church by Londonstone. Before he gave a positive answer to the question [what is the least measure of grace?] he proved, that for a man to know he had grace, could not be the least measure, but a very large degree of grace; it being a reflex act of faith. He then gave several characters of the least measure of true grace. I greatly wondered within myself, to hear him fall upon that * Vol. I. p. 70. which did so much, and particularly I also found some small concern me. beginnings of those signs of true grace, which he laid down, in my own soul. This wonderfully relieved my hopes again; God being pleased to give me some strength to depend upon his grace, more than I had received for many weeks before." ORME'S Life of KIFFIN, p. 8. These Sketches will probably be called for in many successive editions. Some passages, no doubt, the writers will improve. There is one that needs revisal in Vol. V. P. 73, on the words "take away all iniquity." [1. Take it away from our affections, that we may no longer love it. 2. From our consciences, that we may no longer labour under the burden of it. 3. From our lives, that it may not have dominion over us. 4. From our hearts, that we may be dead to it.] Query-Do not the first and the fourth of these particulars coincide? The Heroism of the faithful Minister of Christ displayed, in reference both to Life and Death. A Sermon preached at Maze-poud Meetinghouse, July 24, 1823, at the Baptist Monthly Meeting; the Subject of which took its Rise from the sudden and lamented Death of the Rev. William Ward. With an Appendix, containing a short Biography of the Deceased. By J. Ivimey. Published at the unanimous Request of the Ministers and Messengers. 40 pp. 1s. 6d. THIS sermon deserves, and no doubt will have, an extensive circulation. We deem it, therefore, unnecessary to give an analysis of it in our pages. It pays a wellmerited tribute of commendation to a very eminent Missionary, whose name is already embalmed in the hearts of thousands, and whose memory will be honoured through all succeeding generations. We must wait the next arrivals to learn the particulars of the funeral solemnities. It appears from his "Farewell Letters," that he antici pated being “laid with Pitumbur- advantages of a liberal education, sing, Futick, and others, in the as is evident from his perpetual burying ground at Serampore."* violation of the first and easiest rules He informed the writer of this of grammar. The advocates of rearticle, while he was in England, ligion, however, (among whom he that the Pundit who appears asso- is to be classed,) should be treated, ciated with Dr. Carey in his picture, as he justly observes, “with mildness and whose name appears to have and lenity; for it sometimes hapbeen, Mrityoonjoy died at last, pens that much of the spirit and it was feared, in idolatry! temper of the gospel is to be found, where the individual can boast but little vigour of conception or mental culture." The subjects of these "Letters” are, The Iniportance of ReligionEarly Picty-Decision of Character Mr. Ward's recent visit to this country, reminded us of the "angel flying in the midst of heaven, haying the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth." Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as England, heard his animat--Hypocrisy and Self-deception→ ing appeals. He crossed the Atlantic, and made an extensive tour in North America. He travelled in Hollaud also, with the same object always in his heart-always in bis mouth. That journey must have included, , we apprehend, not less than 50,000 miles. In every volume of our "Periodical Accounts" it appears that Mr. Ward had a pastor's heart. His kind affability and warm affection endeared him to all the junior, as well as the senior missionaries-the native converts-the inquirers-the missionaries of other societies-and to christians of all countries, and of all denominations. It will require a volume of considerable size, (which we hope is in forwardness) to do justice to his labours, which were so diversified, so ardent, and so abundant. Mr. Ivimey has given some account of Mr. Ward's publications in the appendix. We shall be happy to give our readers a complete catalogue, with a respectful notice of them, as soon as we can procure it. Letters from a Father to his Daugh ter, on serious Subjects: Designed for the religious Improvement of Youth. 12mo. Boards. 133 pp. 2s. 6d. Prayer-The Importance of Watchfulness and Self-examination-Diversity of Opinions among Christians-The Right Improvement of the Sabbath and the Public Means of Grace-Intercourse with the World The Choice of FriendsReading and Meditation-And the Improvement of Time. In Letters from a Father to his Daughter it would have given us pleasure also to see a marked attention paid to the Doctrines of Divine Revelation, and especially to the doctrines of grace. They are, it is true, now and then glanced at, but it is only ineidentally and by the bye. But are we not, according to the motto in the title-page, "bound to cast the minds of youth Betimes into the mould of heavenly TRUTH, That, taught of God, they may indeed be wise, Nor IGNORANTLY wand'ring miss the skies"? It is of importance for them to be taught that he that keepeth the divine commands, and he only, shall be saved; but it is of equal importance for them to know that by the deeds of the law no flesh living shall be justified-that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth-and also that he could not have been so, nor have been a propitiation for the sins of the world, if he had not been truly and properly divine. The exhibition of christian doctrines, so far THIS little volume proceeds from from endangering morality, estathe pen of a pious and sensible wri-blishes it. "Do we," says the aposter, but who has not enjoyed the P.86. Farewell Letters, P. 180. tle," make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law." What morality can tice. there be where there is boasting? help wishing they may be very exand by what law is boasting extensively brought under their nocluded? of works? nay, but by the law of faith. Or what morality can there be without gratitude to God? and what so much tends to promote this as the doctrines of grace, and a belief in the divinity of the Author of our salvation? We could also have wished to see a Letter in proof of the being of a God, and another in proof of the truth of Divine Revelation, with an answer to objections. Thus finding fault not with what is said, but with the omission of what is not said, we hope that in the next edition the Author will supply this defect. We also recommend the revision of the work by some person qualified to do it before it again meet the public eye. Scripture Riddles, taken from some Spring Day," &c. &c. Pp. 80. "SCRIPTURE Riddles?" Yes: but is this perfectly consistent with the profound seriousness and unutterable importance of the Bible? "But may not the end sanctify the means?" We must never do evil that good may come, but rather inquire if the end may not be obtained by means of a nature less questionable. Still it is urged that these enigmas are founded on some of the historical passages of the Old Testament;" yet still we demur, and were it not for the redeeming quality of the " appropriate keys," we should risk the danger of being considered fastidious by recommending severe abstinence from every such use of the inspired volume. These dialogues, however, not withstanding several typographical deformities, are, generally, so well adapted to accomplish the instruction of children on subjects of everlasting interest, that we cannot It has been hinted to us that the pious author is destitute of the inestimable blessing of natural sight. In this most trying situation we offer to him our christian sympathy. We cannot, however, but express our unfeigned thankfulness for that spiritual illumination which we trust cheers his solitude, and disposes him to engage in pursuits edify, ing to himself and beneficial to others. In the event of a second edition of the work now before us being required, it might be desirable par ticularly to revise the answer that is given to the question, What is my soul? LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. Just Published. The Excellence and Utility of the Evangelical Ministry, as exercised among the Protestant Dissenters. A Sermon occasioned by the Death of the late Rev. James Hinton, A.M. of Oxford: preached at the Meeting-house in Eagle-street, London, August 3, 1823, by Joseph Ivimey. Offor, New. gate-street. The Bible Teacher's Manual. By a Clergyman. Part II. Exodus. Price 8d. Works of the late Andrew Fuller, Vol. VIII, and last. 8vo. Price 12s. In the Press. Preparing for Publication, in an Octavo Volume, The Life of the late Rev. James Hinton, M. A. of Oxford, comprising Ext acts from his Diary and Correspondence. By John How ard Hinton, M. A. of Reading. With a Portrait, engraved for the Purpose, from a Miniature recently taken. The Writer conceives that interesting Let ters and Information may be in the Possession of many of his late Fa ther's Friends, to whom he may not have the means of making personal Application: he will, however, esteem himself highly obliged by any Communications of this Nature. The Sixth Volume of Sketches o Sermons. Furnished by their respective Authors. Intelligence, &c. Projected School for the CHILDREN OF BAPTIST MINISTERS. MR. EDITOR, which has now been thrown out, and have any suggestions to offer on the subject, would, as early as possible, communicate these sentiments (post paid) to A. B. at Mr. Whittemore's, 62, Paternoster-row, London. Sept. 13, 1823. A.B. N. B. Samuel Salter, Esq. of New IN an age when education has become so general, no one will deny, that the children of our ministers should participate in its advantages, and thus be rendered capable of occupying useful and respectable sta-gate-street, London, has kindly consented to become the Treasurer, pro tempore, to receive Donations or Subscriptions towards this object, until a society be formed for carrying it into tions in after life. It is equally clear, that the provision made by the great majority of our churches for the maintenance of their pastors, is so slender, that after providing food and raiment for their effect. families, they are unable to provide Reply to the Inquiries of J. P.A. competent instruction for them. Is it not then desirable that some plan should be devised, by which the great object may be attained, if not altogether gratuitously, yet on such terms as may put it into the reach of many who are now longing for it in vain? I do not intend to expatiate upon the manifold advantages of such a plan, or to urge the inducement presented in the example which has been set us, for many years, by our friends of the Wesleyan denomination. In the present stage of the business this is unnecessary; nor am I insensible to the arduous difficulties which will attend the formation and execution of a scheme sufficiently comprehensive to meet the object. Nothing useful has ever been accomplished without difficulty. But my design at present is simply to announce that such a plan has been in contemplation, and to elicit from our friends throughout the country, such information and suggestions, as may at once furnish more ample ground to judge of its expediency, and supply hints to render it more complete, previously to another address* on the subject, which will appear sanctioned by many ministers and gentlemen of respectability and influence in the denomination. I conclude, by requesting that such 'of your readers as approve the idea * We have had an opportunity of seeing the address alluded to above, and most cordially hope that its object will be attained. Ed, MR. EDITOR, IN your number for the present month, J. P. A. has made some remarks on the increase of our denomination, and proposed some inquiries respecting a number of churches contained in a list in his possession, and not to be found in the one recently published. Feeling, as I do, deeply interested in the subject, you will perhaps allow me to reply to those inquiries; at the same time indulging a hope that some more intelligent correspondent will supply my lack of information. We The comparative view of the two lists is highly encouraging, and I am persuaded that a complete exhibition of the present state of the denomination would be still more so. have many churches, the origin of which, and the ordination of whose pastors, have never been recorded. It is a lamentable fact, that whatever interest a person may take in the welfare of the body, he has no means of obtaining even a list of the existing societies, but by a knowledge of the whole kingdom. It would be well if the ministers and officers of our churches would take the hint, and more regularly forward to the Magazine the information of whatever events among them would be interesting to the denomination at large. In reference to the churches in Monmouthshire and Staffordshire, I can only inform your correspondent, that in the year 1790 Dr. Rippon published in the Baptist Register, a list of the Baptist churches in England, collected Pastors about two years before by James Smith, Esq. to which he has subjoined the list for Wales. In Staffordshire, he mentions two churches only, viz. Thomas Smith. Joseph Bissell. Cosely, Hanley Green, John Hindle. These good men have long since entered on their eternal rest. The latter church has long been extinct; and the meeting-house, which is a handsome building, was for many years shut up. About three years ago it was re-opened, and a new church formed. With its present state I am not fully acquainted, but fear that its interests are very low. In Monmouthshire Dr. Rippon mentions five churches, viz.— Bethesda, Pastor John Hier. Caerleon, Llanwenarth, Pontypool, Trosnant, Thomas Evans. Caleb Harris. Morgan Rees. Miles Edwards. 1666 Besides these, that list ought to 1729 1745 and 1772 I will now proceed to give your correspondent what information I possess respecting the individual churches of which he inquires. Of EVERSHALL, CHRISTCHURCH, DaGON, BICKNELL, and RODWELL-END, I can say nothing, except that they are not to be found in any modern list with which I am acquainted. If your correspondent will turn to the list of 1823, he will find LITTLE STAUGHTON church under the name of Staughton, Little. The venerable and excellent Emery has been long dead. Could no memoir of him be furnished for the Magazine, or must his memory, with a multitude of other excellent ministers, be lost to posterity? The present pastor of this church, the Rev. James Knight, from the church in Blackfriars' road, London, was ordained in 1806. The church formerly at THORNE, now worships at Dunstable and Houghton Regis, under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Anderson, from Bristol Academy, ordained in 1810. The churches at FENSTANTON, and NANTWICH, belong to the General Baptists, and have never, I believe, been attached to our body. GRANSDON, or more properly GREAT GRANSDEN, is not in Cambridgeshire, but in the county of Huntingdon, near Caxton in the former county. J. P. A. will find it in the list of 1823, under Grandsden, Great. Its present pastor is the Rev. Robert Skilletter, from the church at Little Staughton: he was ordained, I apprehend, about the year 1798. The church at BRASSEY GREEN has long been extinct. The late Rev. Cornelius Gregory, General Baptist Minister at Tarporley, used to preach in the meeting-house one Sabbath in the month; and two other Sabbaths in each month, it was, and I suppose still is, supplied by local preachers of Lady Huntingdon's connexion. The meeting-house is private property. WOOTTON RIDGE. Of this church I can find no account in any documents I possess, and doubt whether such society has ever existed.* The state of the Baptist denomination in Cumberland is very low. The Rev. Samuel Ruston of Broughton, is, I believe, the only Baptist minister in the county. Perhaps the only way in which the cause could be promoted in that neighbourhood, would be the employment of Home Missionaries, the population being generally thin, and widely scattered. In a private conversation with Mr. R. two years ago, he pointed out an important station for a Missionary, making at the same time, an offer to relinquish £30 per annum, to wards his support. CODNOR. Previously to the publication of Dr. Rippon's list in 1794, the church which had occupied a [I suppose dwelling] house at Codnor had removed to the old Presbyterian meeting-house at Loscoe, the latter people having dwindled away. RIDGWELL, Essex, and GISBUrn, or rather GISBURN FOREST, Yorkshire. These churches were in existence a few years ago: of their present state this deponent knoweth nothing. The church formed at WINWICK in 1784, removed its worship soon after to GREAT GIDDING, where it now meets. Its present pastor, the Rev. W. Crockford, from the church at Keysoe, was ordained in 1812. The second church at FOLKESTONE, which was formed in 1783, by a secession of the pastor, Mr. Daniel Gillard, and some of the members from the old church in that town, has long been extinct. Mr. G. continued their pastor but a short time, and then retired to Hammersmith: in a few years he gave up the ministry, and died at the latter place. Mr. Read, the pastor Q. Wotton-under-Edge? Editora. |