greeted my entrance; on the calm, and solemn, and fervent devotion of spirit, with which she joined in the service-the tears that glistened in her sunken eyes, when she received the consecrated bread-and that rolled down her emaciated and pallid cheeks, when the striking emblem of her Saviour's blood was put to her lips. They were tears not of anguish-but of faith, and hope, and love: offered a sacrifice to heaven, they were accepted as pearls of great price.

Her afflicted, resigned, grieved, gratified mother and sister, both of whom have since gone to meet her on a happier shore, partook with her.

After a short time of silent devotion had elapsed, Eliza was asked if she had received the comfort and gratification she had expected. "O yes," she replied, "and far more and higher. It is indeed meat and drink to my departing soul." Then raising her glazing, streaming eyes to heaven, she exclaimed, with the glowing rapture of an entirely devoted spirit, "Oh blessed Saviour, I am now happy in the faith and love of thee. In thy own good time, take me from this painful being, to dwell for ever with my Lord; and O, let my dear unhappy mother- Here she sunk under the weight of unutterable emotions, and her voice ceased to be audible, though her freezing lips still moved. She was evidently passing through the valley of the shadow of death, supported and comforted by the staff of the divine Shep. herd. All that could be done for her at this time, was done already.

Early in the evening, I again called. She had not yet passed the vale; and was still in great pain. She was spoken to of comfort-she needed none. I retired to a remote part of the room, where were seated several of Eliza's dear, sorrowing, weeping relations. The chamber was filled with a deepening twilight-the dying saint was surrounded by its darkest gray. About to retire, I approached her, enjoying the pleasing, grateful hope, from the deathlike stillness of the apartment, that her pain had left her, and that she was breathing out her last hour of life without anguish. I wished to hear her voice once more, and to know, from her own lips, that she was at peace, and leaving the world with a hope full of glory and immortality. For this purpose, a question was framed, requiring, as was presumed, but a simple yes.

It was a mistake-it was not so framed a mistake most deeply regretted, when it was seen that it much increased her excruciating pain to answer it. "I hope," said I, "Eliza, you are both happy and easy?" "Happy," she replied, with much difficulty, "but not easy" "" These were the last words-and he will never forget them that were heard by her pastor, from the death-bed of Eliza.

Albany Bible and Common Prayer Book Society.

THE anniversary meeting of the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of Albany and its vicinity, was held at St. Paul's church, in the city of Troy, on Tuesday, the 6th of September. Divine service was performed by the Rev. Mr. Potter, and a sermon delivered by the Rev. Mr. Lacey.

We make the following extract from the annual report of the board of managers:

The committee, in behalf of the board of managers, congratulate the society that its permanent fund has increased to the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars, the interest arising from which, by an article of the constitution of the society, is devoted to the purchase and distribution of Bibles and Common Prayer Books. By a recurrence to the records of the society, the committee observe that the principal portion of this fund was raised in the infancy of the institution: few comparatively of the present members of the society have had the honour of contributing to its accumulation, the donations received in latter years not much exceeding the annual expenditures of the society. Fourteen years have elapsed since the formation of the society-many of its founders repose in the silent grave-their zeal can no longer be exercised in its support, but their example remains: though dead, they yet speak and the committee trust they will not speak in vain. Episcopalian churches have sprung up in every direction around us: the number of the members of our communion is greatly increased. This society, regularly incorporated by an act of the legislature, is, and was intended as the parent society of all similar institutions in the western and northern parts of our state-it is "The Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of Albany and its vicinity." Several societies have already been acknowledged and received as auxiliaries, and participated in the advantages of this institu tion. All are equally entitled to be received, and are invited to unite themselves with us, and co-operate in the good work in which we are engaged. Our land is blessed with peace and plenty, and few, if any, individuals can be found among us, who cannot without inconvenience contribute to the funds of the society, and thus enlarge its means and extend the circle of its usefulness. In common with our brethren of the Bible societies, we distribute the Bible-the bread of life; but we accompany it with the Common Prayer Book, containing the liturgy of our church, which, to be admired and esteemed, is only necessary to be known. If those who have preceded us have done so much in the endowment of this institution, may we not hope that now, in the more prosperous

éircumstances of the church, we will emulate the noble example that has been set us, and that the succeeding annual reports of the society will evince the increased zeal and exertions of its menibers.

noon.

After the reading of the report, and the élection of officers, it was resolved, That the thanks of this society be presented to the Rev. Mr. Lacey, for his able and very appropriate sermon delivered this afterResolved, That the next anniversary of this society be held in St. George's church, in the city of Schenectady, on the second Sunday in September, 1826, at 7 o'clock P. M.; and that the election of officers take place on the morning following.

At a meeting of the board of managers, held immediately after the adjournment of the society, it was resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Dorr be requested to deliver the next anniversary sermon; and that in case of his failure, the Rev. Mr. Lacey be requested to preach in his stead.

For the Christian Journal.

REVIEW.

which, by the lure of small and interesting historical illustrations, might draw the attention of the young members of our church to the important subject of confirmation.

The book, we confess, presented strong claims to attention, as it was written by a lady-a lady too professing to bear an ardent attachment to the Church of England. It is not of ten that the sex are enabled to summon sufficient confidence to step forth as champions in the field of theological inquiry, or to occupy the chair of grave ecclesiastical order. When, therefore, they thus exhibit a benevolence which spreads new brilliancy over all the graces which adorn their character, we are bound by the rules of courtesy and good breeding, not to say of Christian charity, to welcome their aid in the cause of humanity.

With such prepossessions we addressed ourselves to the perusal of this

of Conversations on the Subject of Confirmation; intended for the Use of the middle and higher Ranks of young Females. By Mrs. SHERWOOD, Author of Little Henry and his Bearer, &c. &c. II. Body and Soul. Third edition. II. "The Week."

Ir is something very attractive to the young mind, when the deep mysteries of abstract truth are clothed in the easy attire of fancy, and we are enabled to learn through the medium of a story, what we would never take the pains to 'know by the method of dry and uninteresting demonstration. The parabolic method of conveying to the mind important truths, has been adopted from the earliest ages and in almost every nation, as addressing a certain taste which seems to be founded in nature, a taste which appears to arise from a love of contrast between the real and unreal incidents of life; and by comparison of the true passing events of the day with these pictures of the imagination, to draw lessons at once instructive to the understanding and useful to the heart. It is with impressions such as these that we were attracted by the title of the work which stands first at the head of this article. We considered it to promise something VOL. IX.

1

and odious features of Calvinism which deform this work, did we choose to alter our favourable opinions of its plan.

We acknowledge, in the outset it did not appear to us a great compliment to the clerical order, that there should not be sufficient time, to be subtracted from more serious avocations, to bestow on these important preliminary instructions-although we disclaim such exclusive ideas of the sacred office as would reject the aid, in beneficial purposes, of the pious laity. Not to say any thing then of "the lady's" views of the rite of confirmation, as expressed in her introductory conversation with the Rev. Mr. Vernon-not to say any thing of the very liberal feelings she expresses towards those who entirely reject infant baptism-nor of her ideas of the "invisible church," with its consequent “invisible members"-nor of a certain quaint or technical phraseology which very fre quently appears, and especially seems to inspire her prayers-the first pas- .. sage which arrested our attention, was one in which she is engaged in explaining to her young friends "the leading doctrines of the Christian religion." She begins very properly with the nature of God; and after stating the duty 46

of believers in the doctrine of the Trinity, she proceeds to say, before the foundation of the world the Lord Jehovah, the glorious Three in One, established the mighty scheme of salvation, by which he decreed by his counsel, secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he chose in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ unto everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honour(Articles of the Church.) These chosen ones of the human race are described in Scripture," added the lady, " to be as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand of the sea: they are elsewhere spoken of as being clad in robes made white with the blood of the Lamb, and clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Whence we are taught to understand the method of their salvation."*

From this, in the outset, we imbibed the opinion, which we had not afterwards any reason to change, that one main purpose of the work was to communicate Calvinistic views of the formularies of our church, and an extremely indifferent taste, if not a complete disgust, for her distinctive principles. When we sat down to write this article, it was our intention to offer some remarks on the several histories of this work in order; but as we proceeded, the objectionable sentiments multiplied so rapidly, that really to give them the critical observation they would require, a volume even greater than the work before us would be requisite. It is not right, however, that works of this sort should be suffered to be circulated among the members of the church, with the specious recommendation of being explanatory of her services, without, at the same time, a word of caution from those whose profession must give them equal claims with those of "the lady" to an acquaintance with the subjects which are here discussed.

Belonging, as we do, to that class of the clerical corps who are by no means indifferent to correct views of doctrine and discipline, we must confess it is with equal surprise and disappointment that we have found reason to throw

aside this work with great disgust; for however entertaining some of her histories may be to a young person, we cannot but express the opinion, that in that very degree in which they may be regarded as pleasing, is the fault of the author, and the danger of the work conveying the poison, as we consider it, of false views under the agreeable bait of novelty and popularity*-insinuating unsound opinions of the church, under the garb of peculiar Christian moderation. We shall give a few extracts from this work, that the public may judge of that savour which they may here expect, and which we should be sorry to believe was acceptable to the mass of our members, whether of the clergy or of the laity.

"In that part of our catechism," proceeded the lady of the manor, "which I have chosen for our consideration this evening, supposing ourselves to be believers, we thank our heavenly Father that he hath called us to a state of salvation through Jesus Christ our Saviour, and we pray unto God to give us his grace that we may continue in the same unto the end of our lives. Now," said the lady of the manor, “in these few words we find a concise form and acknowledgment of that doctrine which is stated more largely and plainly in the 17th article of our church. This article, which treats of predestination and election, is thus worded"— [Here follows the 17th article at length.] "From this article," continued the lady of the manor, "it appears, that

The idols of the day.

a mem

Where is the ground for this "supposing ourselves to be believers ?" The catechism expressly states the effect of baptism to be, making the baptized child, or person, 66 ber of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven;" and then, without departing in the least from the subject of baptism, but with a clear and distinct allusion to it, speaks of "this state of salvation," ie. this being "a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven," the declared effect of baptism. Instead, therefore, of "supposing ourselves to be believers," a fair view of the standards of the church would substitute the words, knowing ourselves to have been baptized. It is surprising how, by the aid of little salvoes, such as supposing, if, charitably hoping, &c. &c. the language of the church is often completely wrested from its plain honest meaning, and made to subserve the purposes of erroneous and strange doctrine.-Ed. C. J.

those who are to be saved, were chosen, before the foundation of the world, to be delivered from curse and damnation, and to be brought by Christ to everlasting honour. It also appears that they are called according to God's purpose by his Holy Spirit, and that through grace obeying the call, and being made sons of God by adoption, they walk religiously in good works, and at length, by God's mercy, attain to everlasting felicity. Thus it appears that there is but one way in which sinful man can be accepted with God," &c.*

A question is put by one of the young ladies, "that as all men are equally sinful by nature, and equally guilty in the eyes of God, wherefore are not all predestinated to everlasting happiness?" To which "the lady of the manor" shrewdly replies, "that the true state of the case forbids us to ask any such questions."+ The lady of the manor then proceeds to point out how grace might properly be said to reign throughout the whole wonderful process of man's salvation-in his election, his calling, his pardon, his justification, his adoption, his sanctification, and his perseverance to the end."+

"Election, it is supposed, makes no real change in the state of its object;§ so that the chosen person often remains in an unconverted state to an advanced period of life, as may be proved from the parable of the labourers in the vineyard; but when the time of conversion comes, the Spirit of God speaks to the soul, and awakens it from the dead."

One more extract, and we are done. "It is possible," replied the lady of the manor, "for a man now living in sin, and greedily committing evil works, to be one of the elect or chosen not withstanding; for St. Paul was one of the elect [pray is not this begging the question ?] while yet engaged in persecuting the servants of God, and compelling them to blaspheme. But grace had then only selected him as an object of mercy through Christ; he had not

yet been called, pardoned, justified, adopted, sanctified."

II. Quite different in its tendency and views is the very popular and well written work entitled "Body and Soul," -as we suspect, from the pen of the author of the Velvet Cushion, Sermons, &c. In this work the reader follows the rector of a country parish in his domiciliary visits, and is made acquainted with the various sentiments of persons at one time correct, at another incorrect, but chiefly of this latter sort; and by the worthy pastor he is presented with those " strong reasons" for loving the church, which her doctrines, discipline, and worship so abundantly afford, and which so clearly demonstrate her divine origin.Unitarianism, Puritanism, Separatism, Evangelism, (by sectarian accommodation so called,) and various other deviations from primitive simplicity and truth, are here, in the method of plain conversation, severally discussed; and while there is nothing that some fastidious tastes or delicate nerves might apprehend of sectarian narrowness, there is always that grave, and decent, and rationally pious sentiment, which properly represents the character of our venerable church.

We particularly admire the gentlemanly and amiable characters of the rector and his curate; and if such could always be the terms on which they could hold their respective stations, we should be disposed to alter an opinion which we may have formed in too much haste, that these connexions were not always favourable to the interests of the church.

We should be pleased to present specimens of this work, but are unwilling to enlarge this article beyond the compass of our present design, which is merely to recommend to the members of our church this little book, which afforded us great pleasure in reading, and which we hope will be as favourably received in this country as it was in England, having there passed through its third edition.

III. Before we lay aside our pen, we must take notice of the useful little work

entitled "The Week," which is another of those various methods (we thankfully hail it) to draw the youthful mind towards a religious view of things, particularly in the disposition of their time, and in keeping holy, in a rational manner, the Lord's day. It is written in a familiar and perspicuous style, and will not fail, we trust, with the blessing of God, to be useful to those for whose benefit it was intended. Certainly if the present age is not more enlightened and more religious than any preceding, the fault cannot be attributed to any dearth of books, pamphlets, and magazines. There is a danger and a duty arising out of an excessive bibliomania, which the sober Christian and scholar will keep fully and steadfastly in view: the danger is, reading indiscriminately the good and the bad-the duty is, to read with discrimination.

ANSELMO.

Address of the Right Rev. Bishop Ravenscroft, delivered in St. John's Church, Williamsborough, North Carolina, at the Ordination of the Rev. Messrs. Otey and Brainerd, on Sunday, October 16, 1825.

To you, my sons, who have this day received the commission of the great Head of the church, to proclaim the unsearchable riches of the salvation that is in his only name, to the sin-ruined, blood-ransomed race of Adam-it is my sacred duty to press upon your deepest consideration the magnitude and importance of the trust committed to you. You have said, and we trust you have well said, that you are "moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you this office and ministry;" and that all just confidence may be placed by others in your now sacred character, you have been publicly and solemnly se. parated to the Gospel of God, by the sig. nificant, sacred, and ancient rite of imposition of hands. You are therefore no longer your own, but another's; you have now not only your own souls to save by your own personal religion, but by the word of Christ dwelling in you richly-by the faithful administering of the counsel and encouragement, the warning and reproof, the hopes and the fears, of the Gospel of salvation, to save the souls of others. To this you are now pledged, my brothers, as the main business of your future days; nor can any earthly power release you from the sacred obligation. Bear in mind then, I beseech you, that to diligence and faithfulness in declaring the whole counsel

of God, you must manifest, in your own conversation in life, that the truths you press upon your hearers are not matters dear realities, which fill your hearts and of speculative knowledge, but near and rule your lives. He that would preach the Gospel with effect, must live as be cometh the Gospel. If then it is triumph beyond expression, a victory to be celefor a sinner to overcome and conquer the brated for ever by the heavenly powers, enemy, and, through the grace of the Gospel, gain the crown of life; what must be the glorious and exalted triumph of him the seals of his ministry in souls won to Christ? Let the contemplation of this triumph then arm you, my reverend brothers, to meet the double duties of your high calling with zeal and diligence. Your course is arduous, but your help is mighty

who carries with him to the bar of God

The Lord Jesus

He

your labour is unceasing, but your remulate to exertion or animate to perse. ward is unspeakable. Whatever can stiverance, is bound up with the sacred cha racter this day conferred on you. The common feelings of humanity, the sancti, fied affections of divine love, the glory of God and the interests of your own souls, all combine to press you forward in snatching brands from everlasting burnings God has honoured you with his high commis. reconciliation with his fallen, rebellious, sion to negociate the terms of peace and yet redeemed creatures. Christ hath committed to your care a portion of his blood-bought flock. He bids you unfurl the banner of the cross, and draw all men to him, who tasted death for every man. He authorizes you to assure even the chief of sinners, that if he comes to him, he will no wise cast him out. sends you to preach good tidings unto the meek-to comfort all that mourn-to bind up the broken-hearted-to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and withal, the day of vengeance of our God. O it is an awful trust, my sons, and which nought that this world can offer could tempt to undertake, which no hu man accomplishment can furnish to fulfil Yet fear not he who hath called you is faithful; and as your day is, so shall your grace be. "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world," is the soul-strengthening declaration which in sures the victory to the faithful soldier of the cross. The world may frown, and hell may rage against the truth of God; but not one jot or tittle shall fail. Labour then, my brothers, to make full proof of your ministry, that "Well done, good and faithful servants," may crown your toils, and welcome you to the higher mînistrations of those exalted spirits who stand for ever before the throne of God, and