Reviews. Last Scenes. By H. Hunter, Minister of Stoney Street Chapel, Nottingham. London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co. Our esteemed brother, who is pastor of one of the largest baptist churches in the kingdom, has here given his numerous friends his own thoughts on the great things that must shortly come to pass," both with regard to individuals, the kingdom of Christ, and the world we inhabit. For instance we have chapters on "The spirit returning to God"-"Restoration of Israel"-"Fulness of the Gentiles" 66 Coming of Christ'-"The Resurrection," and other solemn matters; all of which are treated in a thoughtful spirit. We are not able to endorse every sentiment which our friend has propounded; but we can commend what he has written to the serious consideration of those who are looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. For, as Mr. H. observes, "The christian may derive not a little advantage from the frequent realisation of those momentous scenes of which he is to be the spectator, and with which he is to mingle." Sermons designed for the Sick London: to christian families when deprived of the public means of grace, and also to aid village worship, in the absence of the usual preaching of the word. To answer these ends, they have been studiously condensed, so as not to weary those who may peruse or hear them; and also to be suggestive of trains of thought which might lead to extended profitable meditation. In the fiftytwo discourses, there will be found subjects of a doctrinal, experimental, and practical character; and it has been the earnest design of the preacher, that the whole should be so simple and plain, as to be easily unthe spirit and letter of God's infallible word, derstood, and so thoroughly imbued with that they should lead the mind from the uncertainties of human opinion, to the utterances of the living oracles, which convey to us the essential truths of salvation." Proceedings of the Union Missionary Convention, held in New York, May 4 and 5, 1854. Together with the Address of the Rev. Dr. Duff, at the Public Meeting in the Broadway Tabernacle. Published by Order of the Committee. New York: Taylor and Hogg. THE above is the title of a pamphlet which was kindly forwarded to our pubRoom,lishers in September, but which did not reach us in time for our last. We had heard of this Convention in the United States, and were anxious to know the results. Through the favour of the Secretary of the British Organization we have them here, and beg he will accept our thanks. Moreover we have a capital portrait of that energetic missionary, Dr. Alexander Duff. As regards the contents of this pamphlet, they will be better explained in the words of the Preface. THE author of these discourses is indefatigable_in writing and publishing sermons. Indeed his labours in this department have been so extensive, that we have sometimes feared that the quantity would affect the quality. On looking over these sermons, however, we have pleasure in being able to express our opinion that they are of an improved character. One thing, and it is the "The following pamphlet, published by main thing, we always find in the disorder of the committee, will give its own courses of this author, and that is, a history. The friends of missions, taking clear and distinct enunciation of gospel advantage of the presence of the Rev. Dr. truths. We think so much space should Duff in this country, called the Convention not have been occupied with verses of of which this is the brief but pregnant meordinary hymns; this, in our judgment, mento. Its object was to unite in cordial is a defect of this volume. The author love and sympathy the friends of missions; to excite them to higher effort for the consays:version of the world; and to discuss, in the presence of the greatest and most experienced of living missionaries, topics in which all missionary boards are equally "These Sermons have been published with a view to the edification of those persons confined in the chamber of affliction, RR concerned. And if the circulation and perusal of this pamphlet will, in any degree, excite and extend among the churches the warm, catholic, elevated, and pious feeling which pervaded the Convention from its opening to its close, its object will be attained." We presume that this pamphlet may be obtained through the American publishers in London; and we trust that care has been taken to supply the secretaries and missionaries of the various evangelical missionary societies with copies. We shall be happy to hear that a similar Convention has been held in Britain. One Thousand Questions on the Old Testament, with Explanatory Introductions to each Book; designed to aid an intelligent use of the Sacred Volume. By a Teacher. London: Jarrold and Sons. We welcome every attempt to aid the parent or the teacher in the instruction of the young in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures; for when that instruction is given in an intelligent and interesting form, it is likely to obtain and hold a sure and lasting place in the plastic mind of youth. We cordially commend this valuable little scripture assistant. Library of Biblical Literature. Vol I. 1s. 6d., boards. London: Freeman. We noticed some of the parts which make up this volume as they appeared. Eight are here gathered into one book, forming together a very interesting collection. The engravings are spirited sketches of the scenes and circumstances of the various chapters, which are written in a style that arrests the attention, and throws a sort of romantic interest over the narration. The Threefold Cord; or, Musings on Faith, Hope, and Love. By James Buttfield. London: Houlston & Stone man. THESE musings on the three cardinal graces are expressed in easy verse. There is a delightful spirit breathing through the whole; and we feel assured that this little volume will be perused with profit and pleasure by the sincere christian. School Room Lyrics. Compiled and Edited by Anne Knight. London Darton and Co. THIS is a very nice selection of about 150 poetic pieces on moral and religious subjects by favourite writers; many of mitted to memory by the young in our which might, with propriety, be comday and sabbath schools. MUSIC. Continuation of the Union Tune Book. A Selection of Tunes and Chants suitable for use in congregations and Sunday Schools. Arranged by J. I. Cobbin. London: Sunday School Union. THE Union Tune Book is so well known to our musical friends, and is such a general favourite, that the continuation before us will, we feel sure, be very acceptable to them. The tunes and pieces contained in it are of the same substan tial and original character as those in the larger volume. Rudd's Complete System of Instruction in Singing. London: Jarrold & Sons. THIS will be found to be one of the cheapest and best handbooks for either home or class practice published. The exercises are simple yet comprehensive, and are agreeably interspersed with more than seventy well-selected rounds. Its price places it within the reach of all. MINISTERIAL SKETCHES.-There have lately appeared several popular works of this character, some writers of which take unwarrantable liberties. We lately met with one of these volumes-"Lamps of the Temple." The author had referred to several popular preachers of other denominations. He then says: Among the baptists we could have spent time. With Brock, one of the most manly and fervid spirits of any pulpit; no wonder that be gathers young hearts in crowds to his chapel. If his powers are not the greatest in range of vision or expression, manliness and genuineness, are of far more importance than these-with John Howard Hinton, the master of the oratory of metaphysic, and psycologic ratiocination or Charles Stovel, the master of blazing passion, with lava words and volcanic eruptions or Mursell, of Leicester, who, in fact, includes all three, with a superaddition of boundless impudence in reserve for extraordinary occasions." Christian Activity. A FIRST-FRUIT OF MISSIONARY EFFORT feeling, expressed his thankfulness to IN A POPULOUS LONDON LOCALITY. MR. RICHARD CHAPMAN, who is the subject of this brief outline, lived at 48, Lower White Cross Street. It was in the course of regular visitation from family to family that the missionary met with him soon after the commencement of his labours in 1850. He, with his wife and family, occupied the front room only on the second floor, as is the case with poor families generally in the city. When I first met with him I found him afflicted with asthma. He was the son of a gentleman in Bristol; and he had been the captain of a merchant ship. It appears that at that period he lived a gay and thoughtless life, and imbibed the infidel sentiments of Thomas Paine. Having once offended his father, he cast him off, and left him to struggle as he best could with misfortunes and poverty to the day of his death. For though during the missionary's visits to him he wrote several very humble letters to his father, in which he begged his father to forgive him, he never heard from him. Though he had entertained infidel notions, yet their hold of him was, I believe, in a great measure shaken by his painful affliction; and thus God, in his providence, prepared him for the visits of a christian missionary. For when I first visited him, he arose from his bed, welcomed me into his room, and received me as heartily as if I had been a friend he had long been waiting to see, though I was indeed a perfect stranger to him. Never, I think, shall I forget that visit. He then seemed to lose no time in seriously telling me his doubts about the truth of the bible, and in eagerly catching all I said or read to him on that subject. The visit was closed with prayer; and that visit, I believe, God did bless to his soul as a nail fastened in a sure place, as a word spoken in season. His wife, when I called again, particularly thanked me for that visit, which, she said, had done her husband much good. By my weekly visits to him since, I have seen in him the fruits of repentance toward God, and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And more than once he has, with evident God for sending me to him. He has been very ill, more or less, ever since I have known him; though at different times, when he felt a little better, I have found him doing a little work at tent making. He has but seldom been able to go to a place of worship. He came one evening to my meeting and engaged in prayer: but he exhausted himself by so doing. But none, I believe, enjoyed the means of grace in public more than he did when he was able to attend them. I shall now proceed to give a few recorded accounts of my weekly visits to him, with the dates. Friday, March 7, 1851. Mr. C. I visited. Speaking of the tracts he said, I once treated them with contempt, but now they are to me worth more than their weight in gold. He spoke so feelingly of his interest in divine things that it was good to hear him. May 23. He spoke very much of the benefit he was receiving from my humble visits. July 4. He was greatly concerned about the conversion of his family. He hoped that he should be able to go to the house of God next sabbath. He never could be thankful enough to God for my visits. Dec. 12. I read and prayed with him as usual, expounding a portion of scripture. He seems to be ripening for a better world. He assured me that in general I am the only christian visitor he has, and that he was far from being decided for God before I visited him. Jan. 23, 1852. He seemed a little better, sitting up in bed. He told me his thoughts about Lazarus who was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom. I was pleased to hear him. He seems to be growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus. Feb. 20. Last week I visited him. He told me that the doctor had called to see him, and said that he could not last much longer. It was pleasing to hear him speak of death as going home. Feb. 27. To-day I found him very ill. Having his face towards the bed he was unable to look at me. But he squeezed my hand and said, as well as he could, "It is all right; my mind is in peace. Christ is everything to me." And I believe, most firmly, that he is all right for heaven. I have often heard him, with much feeling, express his selfrenunciation and his entire dependence on Christ for acceptance with God. On the various parts of christian experience I have heard him speak as one familiar with the subjects. And this shews me, most satisfactorily, that the Holy Spirit is teaching him. His wife, with tears, asked me to come again soon; for, said she, "you are the only one that visits him." But, contrary to expectation, the Lord spared him another year to give further proof, and more delightful evidence, of his being a christian indeed. March 5. I took Mr. B. to see him this morning. And what he said was very encouraging to me, and very satisfactory to Mr. B., that he is a brand plucked out of the fire through,the humble instrumentality employed. April 9. I found him much better in health than he had been; and his conversation was that of a spiritual mind. May 7. We had a good deal of conversation on family prayer. He told me how he had tried to begin it, but had failed in carrying it out. But he quite fell in with what I said on the subject, and said he would try again, It was truly a delightful visit. June 11. He eagerly listened to me, and warmly conversed on being rooted and grounded in love, so as to be able to comprehend, with all saints, the length and breadth, height and depth, of Christ's immeasurable love. July 19. I found him at home sitting at the window to catch a sight of a funeral. As far as I know he is the only christian in this house. He expressed to me his anxious concern that his children may be converted; and to this end that they may be placed in religious families when they leave him. I have never met with any thing yet from him but what is consistent with his christian character. Aug. 27. It was good to hear him talk upon divine things; for he spoke as one that felt and loved them more and more. Sep. 24. He told me the trouble he lately got into by his son being robbed. But with much feeling he spoke of the Lord's goodness to him. Oct. 22. He said, I hope that I am a little nearer heaven than when I saw you last. I dont think, he added, that there is more than a step between me and death. He then told me how secure he felt himself to be on the rock, Christ; and what sweet communion he frequently had with the Lord. Nov. 26. He said that he had been very ill all the week. It was pleasing to hear him speak of his assurance of salvation through the blood of Christof his delight in the things of God-and of his desire to depart, when it shall be the will of God, and be with Christ, which is far better. Dec. 31. Again we had sweet fellowship in the reading of the scriptures, remarking upon them, and in prayer. He spoke of his long affliction as being sent him by God to be a blessing to him. The words of Christ still seem to be spirit and life to his soul. Jan. 7, 1853. He told me that he was poorly; that the doctor had told him that fresh symptoms, very unfavourable, have appeared. But he is not afraid of death. He spoke cheerfully of his hope of heaven through Christ. His eldest son came into the room. I seized the opportunity of exhorting him now to attend to his soul's best interest. After he was gone the father told me how glad he was that I had thus spoken to his son; and he expressed his earnest hope that I would not forget to look after him when he, the father, should be no more in this world. Jan. 28. He could say but very little to me. He said, "I am very sadly; but God is good to me." I said, "I am very sorry to see you so ill." He said, "rather rejoice that I am going to be with Christ, which is far better." Feb. 18. He said that during the few minutes ease he had he was quite happy in the Lord. He could say but little, but what he said was very good. This was my last visit to him alive, as he had just breathed his last when I next called to see him. But I hope to meet him in heaven. I will just record one other visit which I have omitted doing in its regular place according to date. Jan. 14, 1853. He was very ill, but rallied up in bed to talk to me. "Thrice welcome," said he, stretching out his hand to me. He then told me of his bodily sufferings, which I know must be great. But," said he, "I am quite happy. I feel that Christ is with me; that his grace is sufficient for me. 0 66 that peace of God, how it passes all unmerited grace through Jesus Christ. His wife has frequently said to me with tears, "What a comfort have you been to my husband: he never was so happy before." I mention this as her testimony of the true comfort the gospel brings to every sinner repenting and believing from what she saw in her husband. His last week was one of great suffering, so that he could say but little. His mind was composed and peaceful to the last. His lips were often seen to move in prayer. A little before he died his son asked him how he felt in respect to death. With a low whisper he said, "I am quite prepared." So he evidently died in the Lord on February 24, 1853. Narratives and Anerdotes. A WELSH TRACT.-Some friend in the Principality has sent us a Welsh tract with this title: EGLWYS RHUFAIN, AC EGLWYS CRIST, YN CAEL EU CYMHARU. What these words mean it is not for us to say; but the tract is printed in Welsh and English parallel columns. We give a copy of the English, which explains itself. 1.-The Church of Rome has the Pope for its head. The Church of England has the Queen for its head. But the Church of Christ has no head but -Christ himself. II. The Church of Rome is governed by the laws of the Pope. The Church of England is governed by Acts of Parliament. But the Church of Christ is governed by no laws but the Bible. III.-The Church of Rome says it has power to appoint rites and ceremonies to be observed in the worship of God, and to decide what is truth in matters of faith. The Church of England claims the same power (see the 20th Article in the Book of Common Prayer). But the Church of Christ does not acknowledge any to have that power but Christ himself. IV. The Church of Rome denounces all that dissent from her as heretics. The Church of England denounces dis senters as schismatics. But the Church of Christ receives all who love Jesus Christ as brethren, whatever sect they belong to. V. The Church of Rome pretends to make all that join her christians. The Church of England pretends to regenerate all that she baptizes, and to send to heaven all she buries!! But the Church of Christ teaches that none are christians, or go to heaven, but such as are regenerated by the Holy Ghost. VI. The Church of Rome pretends to forgive sins! The Church of England pretends to absolve from all sins!! (See the Order for Visiting of the Sick). But the Church of Christ maintains that none can forgive sins, but God only. Form of Absolution in the Church of Rome.-"Our Lord Jesus Christ absolve thee; and I, by his authority, absolve thee from thy sins, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Form of Absolution in the Church of England."Our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath left power to his church to absolve all sinners who truly repent and believe on him, of his great mercy forgive thee thine offences; and by his authority committed unto me, I absolve thee from all thy sins, in the name of the Father," &c. VII.-The Church of Rome is to be destroyed. The Church of England is in danger. But the Church of Christ is founded on a rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. |