if it were not for the blood of Christ, which was shed for their redemption, they must have perished for ever. They therefore look upon Jesus as their greatest friend. All their happiness and all their, hopes arise from the knowledge of his salvation. Every one of them (even the best and most moral) disclaims all pretensions to happiness on the ground of his own goodness, and rests his hopes on Christ alone. Each, with the Apostle Paul, will acknowledge; "What things were gain to me, these I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; and I desire only to be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but the righteousness which is through the faith of Jesus Christ; even the righteousness which is of God by faith." And this love of Christ is the spring of all their holy obedience and devotedness to his service. "The love of Christ constraineth them because they thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they who live should not live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them, and rose again +."

Let us then examine ourselves, whether we are born of the Spirit. Our happiness or misery in the eternal world turns entirely upon this point. It has been too much the custom to ridicule the new birth; but whatever men may think of it, we are expressly told by our Saviour himself, that without it "no man can see the kingdom of God." It is, therefore, a matter of the greatest concern. And it behoves us to be particularly careful, that we rest not satisfied without it. Do we, then, ever remember the time when the Spirit of God convinced us of sin?--when we ever saw, and felt our danger?-when we ever had any earnest desires after the salvation of our souls?-or ever made any efforts to obtain the hope of eternal life? Let it be remembered, if we are indeed born of the Spirit, we shall be made new creatures. We shall no longer be satisfied to have our

portion in this life; but our hearts and our treasures will be in heaven. Now, are we

convinced of the vanity of earthly things,

and of their insufficiency to make us happy? -and do we seek our enjoyments and pleasures from God alone? Do we delight to read his word? Do we take a pleasure in withdrawing from the world, to hold converse with our Maker; and to make our

humble approaches to him in fervent private prayer? Do we love the ordinances of his house, and attend them with constancy and pleasure? Can we say with the Psalm

Phil. iii. 7-9. + 2 Cor. v. 14. 15.

ist, "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts! One day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I love the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth*?" Are we daily making advances in the divine life; becoming more and more holy; hating sin with a perfect hatred; and fighting resolutely against the world, the flesh, and the devil? Do we disregard the scoffs and sneers of the ungodly and profane, and resolve to pursue the paths of holiness and religion, notwithstanding the reproach and the cross which attend it? Do we feel ourselves prepared to endure afflictions and sufferings, with a pious resignation, becoming those who have a foretaste of the joys of heaven in their hearts? And can we look forward to the time of our death without terror? we say with David, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me +?” Then happy are we. If we have these marks of our being born of the Spirit, we have great reason to be thankful, and to praise God that he has visited our souls with his salvation.

Can

But if not, we ought to be alarmed at the great danger in which we stand, and give no rest to our souls, nor rest to God, till we are brought under the influence of his Spirit;-till we have obtained forgiveness of our sins, and the hope of eternal life, by faith in the death and sufferings of his Son Jesus Christ. We ought not to be content without this change which is spoken of in the text. It is absolutely necessary to our salvation; and nothing is more certain than that we must perish without it. May the Lord grant us all the grace of his Holy Spirit, to renew our souls to repentance ;to lead us to Christ for pardon and salvation;-to purify our hearts, and sanctify our natures;-to make us holy, and obedient to his will upon earth; that so, at the last, we may be found meet for his kingdom in heaven. Amen. Pp. 228-234.

-

The following striking expostulation, from the close of the first of three sermons On Walking with God, may well conclude the present article.

But are there not some present, who never address themselves to God in the morning of each succeeding day? Do they not rise from their beds as unconscious of of his protecting care over them, as the their dependence on God, and as insensible beasts, which have no understanding? Allow me, my brethren (if such there be

*Psalm lxxxiv. 1. 10; xxvi, 8.
+ Psalm xxiii. 4.

among us), to ask you, where is your reason? Have you lived so long in the world, and never yet inquired, "Where is God, my Maker?" Have you still to learn who it is that gave you your being-that preserves you from day to day-that provides you with food and raiment, and all the necessaries and comforts of life-that has sent his Gospel to you with the offers of pardon and salvation through the sufferings

and death of his own Son? It is God-that God whom you know not-whose face and favour you give yourselves no concern to seek-to whom you pray not, nor return him thanks. His temporal mercies you receive; but his spiritual and eternal blessings you utterly despise. O, think, I entreat you, what will be the event! Ere long you will be summoned to the awful bar of that God whom you thus treat with indifference. And what will you answer him, when he charges you with your ingratitude?

You think it unnecessary to pray to him now, and therefore you neglect it. But, remember, if you pray not to him now, it

will be of no avail to entreat him in the day of judgment. The season of prayer will then be over. His bowels of mercy will be shut against you for ever; and you must yield yourselves up to eternal despair. But if you proceed a little longer in your present course, the season of being heard may perhaps be past even before you die! God threatens those who neglect to pray to him whilst in health and strength, that be will cast out their petition in the time of their afflictions! And who knows but this may be the case with you. the Lord, therefore, while he may be found; call ye upon him, while he is

near * "

"Seek ye

Rise every morning betinies, and plead humbly and earnestly with God. And let not your morning petitions suffice; but cry day and night unto him, until he vouchsafe you an answer of peace. Never suffer that awful threatening to be fulfilled in you—“ Because I called and ye refused, I stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh ; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find met."-Vol. ii. pp. 15 -17.

* Isaiah, lv. 6.

1. Proverbs, i. 24-28.

ост. 1823.

Advices to the Young at the Outset of Life: with an Appendix, containing some interesting Anecdotes, illustrative of the Utility and Advantage of Sabbath Schools. Edinburgh, 1823. Pp.

134.

THIS is a well-written series of admonitions to young persons, when leaving School, on the sanctification of the Sabbath;-the importance of reading the word of God; the importance and advantage of prayer; their duties to parents;-to brothers and sisters;-to masters;

with reference to various temptations, as swearing, drunkenness, inconsideration, &c. with a suitable conclusion and various interesting anecdotes. We think its price (2s. 6d.) will very much impede its circulation among that class for whom it is especially intended; an evil which, we trust, will be remedied in the next edition.

The following extract may afford a specimen of the author's style:

Again, be not given to change, for there is nothing so unseemly in a young person as the love of novelty and change in the quitting a place in which you cannot enjoy business of life. You may be justified in health, nor obtain reasonable support and comfort; but prudence requires you to be cautious how you change your place, merely for the sake of a greater income. Many a one hath sold health, comfort, and chabody, for a paltry consideration in this reracter, yea, the safety also of the soul and spect, and learned, when, alas! too late, much better (all things considered) than that one place, with small wages, is often another with still greater.

Much less ought a hasty word or a moplace. This is acting more like a passionate mentary vexation induce any to leave their child than one who ought to be under the Whatever is done in guidance of reason. passion, will afterwards be a subject of deep regret. It is always folly,-often

madness.

"No government," says an able writer, "could subsist for a day, if single errors could justify defection." They who would throw up their post for an error's sake, will in all probability have occasion to repent of their rashness.

THE eleventh Anniversary of this Institution took place at the Mansion House, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1823; when the Egyptian Hall was, as usual, filled with a numerous and highly respectable assembly.

The Lord Mayor opened the business of the day by a short speech; in which he intimated, that it was not necessary to enter into arguments in defence of Bible institutions; the whole case was now before the public; and they had decided, that any mistakes which might have occurred in the management of the Institution admitted of an easy explanation; and that the distribution of the Scriptures was the greatest possible blessing to mankind. His Lordship expressed himself happy, that his official situation enabled him to render assistance to so valuable an Institution, and then called upon the Rev. J. Clayton to read the Report.

The Report stated, that the receipts of the past year were upwards of nine hundred and twenty six pounds, of which seven hundred and fifteen pounds had been paid to the British and Foreign Bible Society; so that no less than fifteen thousand nine hundred and twenty one pounds have been paid to the parent Society from this one Auxiliary. In the last year, 1043 Bibles and 622 Testaments have been issued from the depository; making, with those issued in former years by this Society, 81,752 Bibles and Testaments, the greater part of which have been distributed among the different members of the Association; while some have been deposited in prisons, lockup houses, hospitals, &c. The Report then noticed the exertion of the Ladies' Associations, and pointed out a few instances of usefulness; at the same time justly remarking, that the mass of good produced must necessarily exceed conception.

Lord Bexley congratulated the Chairman on the appearance of the assembly; their number afforded a plain proof, that the cause of the Bible had not lost its influence. His Lordship then adverted to the first formation of the Auxiliary eleven years before, which he had the honor of attending; he felt much in reverting to the period which had elapsed, both as affecting his own situation, his country, and the cause of the institution. The Auxiliary was formed just at the crisis, when this country was engaged in the struggle for liberty, and when the Conqueror of Europe was going forth in the attempt to vanquish the North. His Lordship had just then entered on the duties of an arduous office, and could now, with gratitude, reflect, that after eleven

years he was permitted to retire to a peaceful home. But he had especial reason to congratulate them on the progress of the Bible cause during that period. The Bible Society was then, comparatively speaking, in its outset; it was assailed with violent opposition; we were told, when we talked of communicating the Scriptures to the world in thirty or forty languages, that our hopes were exaggerated, and that we were only imposing on the public. Whereas, we now know, that editions in no less than one hundred and forty languages are in progress. The extension of Bible Societies in our own country had been exceedingly great;-at the former period, the Auxiliaries were very few, and Associations were almost unknown; while,at present, there were no less than eight hundred Auxiliaries, comprising two thousand Associations. But, rapid as had been our success at home, the cause had met with even more than proportional success abroad. At the period before referred to, there were only six foreign Societies; there are now ninety-six principal National Societies, comprising six hundred Auxiliaries; all in a greater or less degree connected with the Parent Society. Much, indeed, still remained to be done in foreign countries; but at home, Associations appeared in every direction. Amidst this splendid galaxy, the City of London Auxiliary shone conspicuous; and it was highly important this should be the case, in order to shew that commerce might be applied to more important purposes than the mere acquisition of national wealth; employed not in ostentatious display, but for the diffusion of truth and righteousness; and it therefore became all who desired the welfare of their country,-all who desired her to be rich without envy, to support such institutions, whose object is the benefit of the world.

Mr. Favell expressed great pleasure in seconding his Lordship on the present occasion, as he had had the honor of doing at the formation of the Society. He had great satisfaction in knowing, that there were occasions, on which they could merge every difference of opinion, and engage heartily in the same cause. He congratulated the Lord Mayor, the Citizens, the wives and daughters of Citizens, on celebrating the Bible banquet in the Egyptian Hall. They had, indeed, the disadvantage of losing novelty; but they had acquired, in return, that experience which might well compensate for the loss. At the formation of the Society, they could only hope and trust that it would prove beneficial; they could now appeal to the demonstration of fact that

such was the case.

The institution was not only an Auxiliary to aid the Bible Society, but it was also an Auxiliary to diminish the labours of magistrates, and prevent the commission of crime: sure he was, the preventive service was of the utmost importance; and those benevolent individuals who were so actively and usefully engaged in promoting the prison discipline, would most cordially rejoice if the commission of crime could be so prevented as to render their service unnecessary,

Mr. F. then adverted to the striking fact, recorded in the Report of the Society for improving Prison Discipline, that, of one hundred and nineteen female convicts in Newgate, not more than three or four had ever been at school-had ever received the benefit of instruction; and then concluded by expressing his happiness at seeing the Lord Mayor, several Aldermen, the Sheriff and Sheriff Elect, all present, actively engaged in such a cause, and referred, in an impressive manner, to the contrast exhibited by the scene before him to that of former times, when Protestants were dragged to the Poultry Compter for daring to read the word of God.

Peter Laurie, Esq. the Sheriff Elect, remarked, that, had he consulted his own inclination, he should certainly have remained in the back ground; but he considered himself called upon by his situation to appear before them. The Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs could never do themselves more honour than when supporting religion; nor could any cause be so important as that of the Bible. The Bible was the rock upon which all must rest: the fountain from which all must drink. Mr. L. then adverted to his never having taken a public part at a Bible Society before, though long a subscriber; "But," said he, "could I begin better than at this place, at a house which changes its master every year; and which thus affords an apt picture of human life: long may this Hall be devoted to such a cause, and those seats filled by a succession of persons engaged in this great work." He next noticed the exertions of the City of London in support of the Bible in former times, and related the interesting anecdote of Queen Elizabeth's receiving the Bible in Cheapside, and clasping it to her bosom as the most valuable gift. Mr. L. hoped the ladies then present would, in like manner, clasp the Bible to their breasts. They were not now called to buckle on their armour and assume the Cross, and thus manifest their zeal; but he hoped they were still zealous in a good cause; and if females were not zealous in support of that Book, which had advanced them to their proper

station in society, he should recommend them to join the colony going out to Persia, where they would soon learn how deeply they were indebted to the Bible. Adverting to the smuggling, in ancient times, of Bibles into Scotland by the Dutch skippers, he remarked, that many of the present Scotch pulpit Bibles had been originally obtained in this way. It was to the diffusion of Scriptural light in Scotland that its superiority to the sister island was very much owing; and in proof of this, he remarked, that in those parts of Ireland where one person in twelve could read, the country enjoyed peace; while in those where only one in nine hundred could avail themselves of this privilege, all was tumult and disorder. Mr. L. closed an interesting speech by contrasting the difference between the families of profligate and pious labourers, as actually existing in the metropolis, and thence deduced a powerful motive to exertion in this great cause.

The Lord Mayor, in acknowledging the vote of thanks, intimated, that while it was with the utmost pleasure he rendered any assistance in such a cause, he had only imitated the example of his predecessors; an example which he trusted would long be followed for while it was most clear, that the Bible is the only book which can afford adequate direction and support, both in prosperity, and adversity, it unquestionably tended to diminish the labours of those in official situations. If the Bible was duly attended to, criminal laws would be unnecessary, and the office of magistrate little more than a sinecure.

His Lordship being obliged to withdraw on account of business, Alderman Sir C. S. Hunter kindly occupied the chair.

Mr. Alderman Brown, Mr. Alderman Thompson (one of the Sheriffs), and Mr. Alderman Key then addressed the assembly; speaking highly of the Institution, and pledging themselves to its support.

We have not room to notice the eloquent and able addresses of the Rev. Messrs. Hull, Fletcher, Boiceau, Hillyard, Venn, Dr. Macbride, Saunders, Mr. Allen, &c. Mr. Boiceau, Minister of one of the French Protestant Churches, related an interesting anecdote of the ardour with which copies of the sacred Scriptures were received abroad; and the Rev. Mr. Venn ably exposed the fallacy of the Abbe Dubois's objections to the East Indian Versions, by recounting some striking and well-attested facts, which occurred in the very part where the Abbe had resided; and thus clearly evinced how little dependence could be placed on his representations.

THE Committee of the Society for mitigating and gradually abolishing the state of slavery throughout the British dominions, have recently published a Brief View of their Progress and Prospects, with some suggestions as to the further measures to be adopted.

Such appears to have been the effect produced by the exertions of this Society, aided, in some slight degree, perhaps, by other causes, that previous to the discussion of the question, no fewer than two hundred and thirty petitions were addressed to Parliament, praying for the mitigation and gradual extinction of slavery.

The Brief View notices the motion of Mr. Buxton, on the 15th of May, and the specific objects with which he intended to follow up that motion; and recounts Mr. Can ning's amendments, which are inserted in our Number for June, p. 240; and next states a general outline of the present purposes of His Majesty's Government concerning slaves, which are as follow:

"That the existing obstructions to manumissions, arising from stamps or fines, or other fiscal regulations, shall be removed.

"That the slaves shall be protected by law in the possession, and also in the transmission, by bequest or otherwise, of any property they may acquire.

"That means shall be provided of religious instruction for the slaves, and of Christian education for their children.

"That the driving system shall be peremptorily and entirely abolished; so that the whip shall no longer be the stimulant of labour.

"That an end shall also be absolutely put to the degrading corporal punishment of females; and that measures shall be taken to restrain, generally, the power of arbitrary punishment, and to prevent its abuse.

"That the means of religious instruction being provided, the Sundays shall be given up to the slaves for rest, recreation, and religious instruction and worship (Sunday markets being abolished); and that equivalent time shall be allowed them, on other days, for the cultivation of their provision grounds.

"That the marriage of slaves shall be authorised, and sanctioned by law; and that they shall likewise be protected in the enjoyment of their connubial rights."

Several other points have been admitted as highly important by His Majesty's Government, and are still under consideration; so that the Committee express great satisfaction in reviewing the resolutions of Parliament, and the intentions of Ministers. At the same time they deeply regret, "that the

mode of proceeding by Parliamentary enactment, in effecting the colonial reforms which have been recognised as necessary, should not have been preferred to that of leaving this great work to be carried on through the medium of the colonial legislatures. Past experience, to say the least, discourages any sanguine hope of their prompt, cordial, and efficient co-operation; and the Committee, therefore, lay their account in meeting with much delay and disappointment, as the consequence of this arrangement.

"But, besides this disadvantage, it must be recollected, that there are some points of great and vital moment, on which no distinct hope of reform has as yet been given. It has not been declared, that slaves shall cease to be chattels; that they shall no longer continue, in this respect, as well as for every other purpose of sale or transfer, on the same degrading level with the beasts of the field. They are still liable to be transported, as the master's interest or caprice may dictate, from one island to another, and separated for ever from their families and dearest connexions, and from their native home. It has not yet been settled, that their testimony shall be received in courts of law, although without this the value of many other provisions in their favour must be greatly diminished. No expectation has yet been given, that they shall enjoy facilities for obtaining their freedom by their own exertions. And, above all, their progeny are still doomed to be born to the same wretched inheritance with their parents, notwithstanding the undeniable injustice and cruelty of such a destination. And with respect to the points on which a more favourable decision has been signified, they are yet to be fulfilled; and that in the face, it is to be feared, of many unappreciated difficulties.

"Let not, therefore, the friends of our enslaved fellow-subjects assume that their work is accomplished. In fact, it is only begun. We are only entering on the field of our labours. We have made, it is true, a fair and hopeful commencement. The influence of the public feeling, which has been so remarkably displayed, has effected much. But the ground we have already gained may be lost; and, still more, our further progress may be delayed, or even wholly obstructed, if we should remit our efforts. Nothing which has occurred ought to have the effect of relaxing, in the very slightest degree, our vigilance and activity. On the contrary, the success already obtained should only stimulate us to increased exertion; for whatever measures, with a view to the ultimate attainment of