set this before you in what I call a fair and ingenuous light, in order that, in the present age of agitation and controversy, you may not be soon shaken in mind, or led from the great landmarks of the Christian church. But I wish you, my dear hearers, to be Bible Christians -never to lay undue stress upon what after all is non-essential to eternal salvation. The point before us is important, but it is not a point which involves the salvation or the destruction of the soul; and therefore on all occasions we should en deavour to conduct ourselves kindly and affectionately, candidly and liberally, towards those who differ from us, not willing in any respect to wound or distress them, but wishing them much of soul pros · perity, and desiring that "every man may be fully persuaded in his own mind." God grant that we may be settled, stablished, and confirmed in every good word and work, and be kept blameless and unreprovable unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. THE PASTOR'S REMEMBRANCER. "And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou ?"-John i. 19. We have seen the extensive triumphs of the Gospel. We have in our possession the canon of Scripture complete. I. The predictions of John's character, work, and privileges-(Isaiah xl. 3; Mal. iii. 1; Mal. iv. 5, 6). The existence of these predictions show the omniscience of God; their fulfilment, His power, truth, and wisdom. II. John's parents. 1. The name, "the THE New Testament informs us who John was. The person who will study the account of this remarkable man, will be well repaid by that instruction which it supplies. The Old and New Testament came from the same Divine source; hence we find no disagreement between them. Though there are mysteries in Zacharias; the meaning of which is, the Word of God, there are no contra-" the memory of the Lord." This venedictions. When we read the New Tes-rable saint would never forget the mertament, and observe the remarkable cies of God. The name of his mother manner in which ancient predictions was Elizabeth; which signifies have been fulfilled, we see in this the oath of God." 2. The character of operations of Providence-the hand of his parents-(Luke i. 6). What a mercy Him, who rules the universe-the Di- to have such parents as these! Their vine origin of the Holy Scriptures. Sal- holiness was universal, visible, constant. vation through the Messiah, was revealed Their piety was sincere. They lived to Adam, to the patriarchs, to the pro- as under the eye of God. Children, phets. The promised Saviour is now value such parents as these. 3. Age. about to appear. The period is drawing John's parents were very old. "The nigh when the ceremonial law is to be hoary head is a crown of glory," &c. abrogated when Judaism is to give Perhaps these eminent saints had been way to Christianity-when the partition pious many years; if so, you see the wall is to be broken down~(2 Tim. i. | grace of God in keeping them faithful. 9, 10). Now John, the Messiah's fore- The promise of a Messiah had supported runner, might have said to the church in them through life. Now He is about to the words of the prophet, "Arise," &c. appear. Who can support the soul, but -(Isaiah lx. 1). The sun was preceded Christ? What a lovely sight to see the by the morning star-(Matt. xi. 11). aged pilgrim leaning on His arm! Who There were many great prophet; Moses, ever found His arm insufficient? "Mark Isaiah, Jeremiah, were great prophets; the perfect," &c.-(Psalm xxxvii. 37). but not one so great as John. John's 4. The office of Zecharias. light, privileges and honour were greater. priest (Luke i. 8, 9; Chron. i. 24). What they saw in types, promises, David divided the family of Aaron into predictions, John saw with his bodily eyes-(John i. 29). But our privileges are still greater. We live under the dispensation of the Spirit. He was a twenty-four courses. The incense which he was burning, seems to have been a type of the intercession of Christ—(Rev. viii. 3, 4). Christ's intercessions make our believing prayers acceptable-(1 attention. Observe-1. John's call. He Peter ii. 5). Christians are a spiritual did not enter into this office uncalled. priesthood-(1 Peter ii. 9). 2. Qualifications. John was fitted for III. The birth of John. 1. The the office he sustained. If God gives us time-(Luke i. 5). See Jacob's prophecy work to do, He will give us ability to do -(Gen. xlix. 10). 2. The promise it. 3. Time. When he was about (Luke i. 11, 17). These aged parents thirty-(Matt. iii. 12). 4. The subject did not expect such favours. God's of his ministry. Christ, the kingdom mercies sometimes take us by surprise. of heaven, repentance, &c.-(John iii. "Them that honour Me," &c. The 25, 36). 5. The effects of his ministry parents of John had honoured God, and (Matt. iii. 6). now God honours them. 3. The effects —(Luke i. 14). Well might they rejoice, when they knew he was to prepare the way of the Lord. John was a Noah, a comfort. VIII. The baptism of John-(Matt. iii). Consider, 1. The persons whom he baptised. 2. The manner. 3. The numbers. IX. The trials of John. Did he escape calumny? No-(Luke vii. 33). Ministers must expect trials, even if as holy as John was. X. The death of John.-(Matt. xiv). IV. The name. John. The import of this is, the favour of the Lord. And oh! what an unspeakable mercy to have children interested in the favour of God! Parents, make this a subject of prayer-1. The cause of his death; his fidelity (Psalm lxiii. 3). to Herod. The minister who is deter mined to be faithful, must count the cost. 2. Place; a prison. 3. Manner; beheaded. 4. The instruments. Herod, Herodias, and her daughter. How sinners co-operate in doing evil! Herodias persuaded her daughter to commit murder. What a monster! Children should not obey parents, when obedience to them involves disobedience to God. 5. The time. Not until his work is done(Job xiv. 5). Man is immortal, until his work is done. V. Circumcision-(Luke i. 59). The parents of John did not neglect the institution which God had appointed. There are some who believe that children ought to be baptised; yet act as though they thought little of it. "Then," &c. -(Psalm cxix. 6). VI. The character of John. 1. Purity (Luke i. 15). Ministers should be holy. 2. Self-denial—(Matt. iii. 4). Alas! how little do we deny ourselves! 3. Fidelity (Matt. iii. 7, 10). Woe be unto us if we are not faithful—(Ezekiel xxxiii). 4. Humility-(Matt. iii. 11; also John iii. 30). How unseemly is pride in a minister! John seems to have spent much time in retirement, meditation, and prayer. John was like Elijah in his character, appearance, and office-(1 Kings i. 17). VII. John's ministry. The King of glory sent His messenger to announce His coming; to clear the way; awaken XI. John's burial. John's disciples were not ashamed to own him-(Matt. xiv. 12). Learn, 1. The doctrine of Divine Providence. 2. Wherein true greatness lies. John's greatness is seen in his exalted piety, &c. &c. 3. The importance of receiving Christ. If it is our duty to preach Christ, it must be your duty to receive Him. Christ will come again. Who is ready to receive Him-(Luke xiv. 13, 14)? Amen. THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. The days of old were days of might, In forms of greatness moulded; When by our shrines He came to dwell, A blight hath past upon the Church; The cold and fearful-hearted; Nor man nor angel knoweth : A MEMORIAL OF THE LATE REV. WATTS, the mind of the revered, but now deWILKINSON, B.A: Consisting of a Memoir, and Sermons never before published. With a correct Portrait. cl. bds. Price 3s. 6d. Sherwood and Co., Paternoster Row. THE remembrance of this truly apostolic minister of the Gospel will live long in many a Christian heart. To what numbers, during his long career, he had been the instrument of conveying heavenly blessing, we pretend not to conjecture; but it is not often that the Church of Christ has (or can have) to part with one so honoured of God in his day and generation. His venerable aspect won upon the hearer in a moment; but his great hold upon the heart lay in the rich flow of Divine truth from his lips. There was not only a simplicity and gentleness, that peculiarly suited him for leading onward the lamb in the flock of God; but a depth and fulness of experience, singularly steady and constant to the scriptural pattern, that made the advanced Christian look up to him as one of our Lord's most privileged dispensers of the bread of life. He seemed indeed to be a mi nister "whom Jesus loved." His congregation on a Tuesday Morning was of a character quite unmatched; always large, and yet not a mixed multitude, but almost (doubtless often entirely) consisting of regenerated souls, "the living in Jerusalem,' temples of the Holy Ghost," "heirs of a kingdom." A wondrous sight, to eyes, (if such God has created,) that see through the outward appearance, and looking upon earthly congregations behold the uncovered spirit and read all the heart! 29 66 Quiet and uneventful as was this good man's life, it could not be that he should enter into rest without some visible record, beyond that which is graven on the stone above his mortal remains. If in heaven he is to “shine as the stars for ever and ever,' we may well desire, that in this night of our souls' eternal history the light which was reflected on him from above may sparkle still, that we may "follow him as he followed Christ.' We are glad therefore to see this very neat volume. It supplies us with a full and delightful portraiture of parted saint, and chiefly in his own words. The sermons too are admirable, and are evidently and exactly his simple strain of preaching. The two on Christ's intercessory prayer are very beautiful; but perhaps the last sermon at St. Bartholomew's Church is the most interesting of all. We recommend the volume, not alone to the experienced Christian, but to the anxious inquirer, who would know what is the counsel tendered him by one, who had been for sixty years endeavouring to exalt (as he delighted continually to say)—to "exalt" the great and the dear Redeemer, and to lift Him very high," in the hearts of sinners. THE BIBLICAL ATLAS. Containing seventeen Maps; with brief explanatory notices. pp. 32. Religious Tract Society. we THIS is a most valuable work, collecting into one volume what we may term the illustrated history of the Holy Land, and of countries which Scripture narrative has connected with it; a Land, to which, with the Jews, we confess turn with bright, though indistinct anticipations. It begins with maps of the world as known to the ancients, and of Canaan and Egypt in patriarchal days; next comes a chart of Israel's forty years' wanderings; then Canaan under the Judges-Canaan under SolomonJudah and Israel, when divided—and Canaan at the Captivities; we go on to Palestine in our Saviour's time, with a map of Jerusalem in particular, and a plan of the Temple; we have also a map of the voyages of St. Paul-of ancient Persia-of the Roman empire in Christ's days-of Turkey with reference to the countries mentioned in the Bible-of modern Palestine-and of modern Egypt. Here was a work worth doing, and worth doing well. And well it has been done. The maps are admirably executed; and such accurate information, with such a series of illustrations, has never (we suppose) been brought together before. Who will confess ignorance on these subjects, when such attractive and cheap instruction is at hand? THE EARLY BLOSSOM; or, THE YOUNG | revelation. The outer shell of our globe INQUIRER. In a Series of Dialogues is (as it were) rendered transparent. between a Child and his Mother. By The various strata, which bear so legiCelata. In the first bly the impress of an Almighty hand, We have been shown the manuscript are laid bare; and the records of creaof this little Volume, which is now in a tion," graven with an iron pen," and course of preparation for the press, and fixed "in the rock for ever," are transare able to express our unqualified admi-lated into a dialect intelligible to all. ration of the work. The plan of it is new The author directs his attention to three and very striking. The whole is in important subjects of inquiry, connected poetry, yet the simplicity of its style is with natural theology, well adapted to accomplish the end the place, he shows that the minerals and authoress has in view; which is, to con- materials of the earth, "although provey religious instruction to the youthful duced or modified by the agency of viomind. The subjects embraced are of lent and disturbing forces, afford abunthe utmost importance; and they are il- dant proofs of wise and provident intenlustrated in a way that cannot fail to in- tions, in their adaptations to the uses of terest the young. As it is to be em the vegetable and animal kingdoms and bellished with a variety of wood-cuts especially to the condition of man." He illustrative of the contents, it will be then proceeds to consider the "theories rendered more acceptable and en- which have been entertained respecting gaging; and although there is a vein the origin of the world; and the derivaof deep piety running through the tion of existing systems of organic life, whole, yet the dialogues, which are by an eternal succession, from preceding twelve in number, are interspersed with individuals of the same species; or by a variety of useful knowledge, which still a gradual transmutation of one species enhances its intrinsic value. And writ- into another;" to all which theories ings of the conversational kind, when" the phenomena of geology are decidwell executed (as this really is), are both edly opposed." In the third place, he amusing and instructive. So having felt applies to fossil remains "the same much pleasure in perusing the original, kind of investigation, which Paley has we can cordially recommend the book pursued with so much success," in his to all parents, that have the spiritual well-being of their children at heart. The authoress has a considerable number of subscribers already; and we would advise her still to increase the list while the Volume is preparing for publication. We hope it will meet with an extensive circulation. THE Sixth Bridgewater Treatise: GE- Pickering, Chancery Lane. VOL. XIII. Natural Theology." On this subject, we refer to a paper on "the fossil works of God," in our number for November, 1840 (No. 132, volume 12, page 446); and we quote, with the highest satisfaction, the conclusion to which the reverend author has been led, by his researches in this new and interesting field ::-- "The myriads of petrified remains disclosed by the researches of geologynot only afford an argument, of surpassing force, against the doctrines of the atheist and polytheist; but supply a chain of connected evidence, amounting to demonstration, of the continuous being, and many of the highest attributes, of the one living and true God." Great part of the treatise before us, is worthily occupied with a masterly display of the proofs of design observable in the structure of fossil animals and vegetables; which the operations going on in mines, and caves, and quarries, are daily bringing to light, after an entombment for unknown ages. This department of the work will afford a rich M that the time when the creation, recorded in the first verse in Genesis took place, is not fixed; but that an interval of unknown extent, occurred between that event, and the first day's operations. "Accordingly in some old editions of the English Bible, where there is no division into verses, we actually find a break" before the commencement of what is now the third verse; and "in Luther's Bible (Wirtemburgh, 1557), we have, in addition, the figure one placed" before this verse, as being the commencement of the first day's operations. It is very satisfactory to the devout mind, to find that the opinions forced upon us by modern science, were entertained by theologians of former days, as deduced from the independent study of God's Word, before the science in question existed. Instead of dwelling longer on this point, we turn to another, which will perhaps surprise, and certainly please the reader. The "Aggregate of animal enjoyment increased, and that of pain diminished, by the existence of carnivorous races." In this eloquent chapter the author extracts the poison from what is usually a bitter subject of contemplation : treat to those whom 'education and taste incline to such pursuits; while the general reader will turn with delight to such chapters as those on the "General History of Fossil Organic Remains;" and the "Relation of the Earth and its (brute) Inhabitants to Man." The learned Doctor examines the supposed cases of fossil human bones; and arrives at the same satisfactory result, as that to which the celebrated Cuvier was conducted-that none have been discovered older than the period at which the Pentateuch fixes the creation of man. He also quotes, with approbation, the opinion of the French comparative anatomist just mentioned; that thelast great convulsion to which our globe was subject, must have happened about the period at which we know from sacred history, that the Noachian deluge took place. That geology, when competently interpreted, agrees so well with Scripture on points where the latter speaks out decidedly, affords a strong presumption of the truth of its declarations, in reference to matters on which revelation is silent, or speaks ambiguously. On this subject-the consistency of geological discoveries with sacred history-we have a very important chapter; in which Dr. Buckland exa. mines and refutes the theories, which, "The appointment of death by the without suffieient knowledge of the sub- agency of carnivora, as the ordinary terject, have occasionally been advanced-mination of animal existence, appears that the stratified rocks were all pro- (in its main results) to be a dispensation duced by the Mosaic deluge-that they of benevolence. It deducts much from were formed at the bottom of the sea, the aggregate amount of the pain of uniduring the interval between the creation versal death; it abridges, and almost of man and the deluge-that the "days" annihilates, throughout the brute-creamentioned in Genesis, were periods of tion, the misery of disease, and accitime of great extent. The opinion he dental injuries, and lingering decay; adopts, is that entertained by Drs. Pye and imposes such salutary restraints on Smith and Chalmers, in our own the excessive increase of numbers, that country, and by Profeseor Silliman in the supply of food perpetually maintains America. To the work of the latter, a due ratio to the demand. The result reviewed in our number for May, 1838, is, that the surface of the land and the (volume 10, page 198,) we beg leave to depths of the waters are ever crowded refer the reader; and also to our num- with myriads of animated beings, the ber for June, 1840 (No. 128, volume pleasure of whose life is co-extensive 12, page 253). Dr. Buckland goes with its duration; and which throughout through the details of the sacred narra- the little day of existence allotted to tive, and shows their accordance with them, fulfil with joy the functions for this interpretation-an interpretation, which they were created. Life, to each not only sanctioned by sound philosophy individual, is a scene of continual and sound sense, but actually enter- feasting, in a region of plenty; and tained by many of the Christian fathers, when unexpected death arrests its course centuries before geology was heard it repays (with small interest) the large of. Augustine, Theodoret, Petavius, debt, which it has contracted, to the comEpiscopius, and others, considered mon fund of animal nutrition, whence |