Williams and Son, Stationer's | he cuts down with his scythe, like grass; where twenty die at 60, thirty die at 50, forty at 40, fifty at 30, and sixty at 20.' (See Encyclop. Brit. Art. Annuity.)-so little reason have Court, and Messrs. Burton and tention. The Moral Tendencies of Knowledge: A Lecture delivered before the City Philosophical Society, Dorset Street, &c. By Thomas Williams. pp. 50. REAL knowledge is real light; and, in this dark world, the more light we have the better. We cordially recommend to our young friends this instructive and entertaining lecture. It is written with great perspicuity, and enlivened with some strokes of humonr that The on the principles of chance. aged, it is true, stand foremost in the ranks of time: but the lines are thin, and the arrows of death are continually passing between them, to strike the thicker ranks of the athletic and the young." Memoirs of the Life of Martha Laurens FEMALE piety is piety appear will not make it less acceptable. ing in her most lovely form. And We shall give two or three ex-Milton says that -Nothing lovelier can be found "When Darius invaded Page 7. Scythia, the Scythians sent him a bird, a mouse, a frog, and five ar- Mrs. Ramsay had a very surows; by which, we are told, they perior mind, and enjoyed the admeant, That if he did not fly away vantage of high literary cultias a bird, or hide himself like a vation. Having exhibited the mouse or a frog, he must perish by their arrows. (Warburton, Divine excellence of Christian principles, Leg. ii. 87.) To Jeremiah was com- in diversified scenes of prosperity, manded to send yokes to the kings of and especially in her heavy and Edom, Moab, and other countries, complicated afflictions, she died to signify the necessity of their sub-in the 52d year of her age. We jection to the king of Babylon. Jer. feel much obliged to the publishers of a work, which, we trust, has already been of great use in promoting the cause of pure and undefiled religion in America. xxvii. 1." Page 39. "Dr. Halley, the astronomer, was one of the few real philosophers who have rejected Christianity, and once ventured to sneer at it in the presence of the immortal Newton. Sir Isaac immediately replied, Dr. Halley, when you talk about philosophy and mathematics, I always hear you with pleasure, because these are subjects with which you are well acquainted; but I must beg that you will say nothing about christianity, for it is a subject you have never studied: I have, and I know that you know nothing of the matter.'" (Watkins's Anec. p. 415.) Page 48. "Death lays his axe to the root of the aged; but the young Many very interesting extracts we should gladly make, if our limits would permit; but we hope that our female readers, especially, will avail themselves of the opportunity of being possessed of a little volume, which contains not only a body of experimental religion, but a fund of good sense and of genuine humour, which too often would in vain be sought for in much larger works. Relative Responsibility: A Sermon delivered at the Rev. J. Leifchild's Chapel, Kensington, Sept. 7, 1815, &c. By John Innes. THIS sermon is dedicated to the Duke of Roxburgh. It is highly creditable to the talents and the zeal of the preacher; and, we trust, the circulation of it from the press will do good extensively. The discussion of the important article of responsibility is adapted to enlarge the mind; and the energetic appeals to the conscience and the heart cannot fail to be useful. A few intemperate expressions, the natural effervescence of juvenile ardour, will not, probably, appear in the second edition, which we shall be happy to announce to the public. The text is Phil. ii. 4. not every man on his own things; but every man also on the things of others." The author is occupied principally in showing how we are responsible for the state of others; and in warmly urging the apostolic exhortation on persons of every description. "Look Conversations on Matrimony, &c. By John Ovington. pp. 143. MANY years have elapsed since Dr. Witherspoon wrote "Letters on Marriage;" but, of late, efforts have been multiplied to give our young friends "line upon line" on this very interesting subject. The Christian law of marriage, expressed by the apostle in few words, only in the Lord," is too little regarded. We have seen and perused with pleasure" The Guide to Domestic Happiness," and Mr. Jay's "Sermon on Marriage," and the " Letters on Marriage," &c. in the publication of the Religious Tract Society in London. Mr. Ovington's little book is adapted to be very useful to young tradesmen, and to whom, in particular, we cordially recommend it. Some young persons will take up this work to find the way to a happy marriage; and they will find also the way of salvation, which we are pleased to observe the writer has clearly marked out. We take the liberty of suggesting to Mr. O. that when he is called to prepare a second edition for the press, it will be worth while to consider whether the names of persons should be retained. Perhaps it would be preferable to retain only initials. The allusion, in page 89, would be better omitted. In page 97, what is said about the "covenant commenced in the manger," is not quite clear. And, in p. 55, the author says, "Catholics and Protestants, Churchmen and Dissenters, keep up their distinctions principally by means of family connections and worldly interests, &c." The statement here is not so much qualified as we could wish. There is such a thing as religious principle; and there are some who conscientiously adhere to it, whatever may be the bias of family connections and worldly interest. All this the writer, no doubt, will concede: we hope, therefore, he will revise this pasword of graver import, and should sage. In the title, marriage is a therefore be preferred. Christian Triumph: A Sermon occa sioned by the Death of the Rev. James Wraith, who died, on the 1st of May, 1815, aged 81 years. By the Rev. Jacob Snelgar. pp. 28. Baynes. "THE memory of the just is blessed." This motto has been again exemplified in the respect specting paid to the memory of the wor- | give in a future number, from the thy minister, by whose decease conviction we feel that it contains this sermon was occasioned. the leadings of providence reAfter having laboured the last a faithful man who twenty-one years of his life with feared God above many:" In the the congregation assembling at conclusion, there is an affectionHampstead, Mr. Wraith died, ate address to the widow of the as he had lived; humbly, confi- deceased; who, we understand, dently, and cheerfully trusting in has since finished her course also. the rich and sovereign grace of the Saviour of sinners. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. Just published, The Rural Christian, to which are added, Sylvan Letters, on the pleasures of a country life, in prose and verse. The fifth edition, enlarged with occasional notes and illustrations. By G. Wright, Esq. author of Solitary Walks, Retired Pleasures, &c. 18mo. Preparing for Publication. lished, Closet Prayer, the Duty of all In the press, and speedily will be pubChristians, proved and illustrated by the example of pious believers. By that truly The text selected by himself is Luke, ii. 29, 30, from which the preacher (who has succeeded Mr. Wraith in the pastoral charge) considers, that "the glorious object exhibited is worthy serious consideration. "The fervent prayer presented, requires particular observance,”—and,"the mournful event [which has] transpired calls for due improvement." A variety of particulars deduced from these general observa-eminent Minister, The Rev. Oliver Heytions are discussed in an impres-in times of persecution. Revised. With a wood, B. D. one of the ejected Ministers sive and evangelical manner. The short Sketch of his Life, by The Rev, style is rather too much of the Joseph Kerby, of Lewes. fashionable kind: it is pretty, but The Rev. Josiah Kinghorn, of Nornot elegant. The following pas-tise on Communion, occasioned by The wich, has committed to the press, A Trea-, sage on the effects of the fall of Rev. Robert Hall's recent publication on Adam, may serve as a specimen, that subject. and may certainly be read without the idea of " great plainness of speech," once striking the mind. "The cup of earthly bliss is dashed in pieces; the fair garden of the East is changed into desert wildness; the "tree of life" is transplanted to the heavenly Paradise ; and the perfection, in which man first enjoyed the Divine presence, and contemplated the Creator's works, is irrecoverably lost. In all the gradations of society-in all the ages of time in all the countries of the globe-in the depths of poverty, and in the agonies of distress-in the tones of some, and in the tears of others-we read the doctrine of human apostasy, in a plain, powerful, and universal language." The Sermon contains, a brief, but interesting memoir of Mr. Wraith, which we may probably Mrs. Mary Hays, authoress of "The Brothers," is preparing for publication two additional Tales, designed to promote happiness in domestic life. Mr. Robert Thomson has it in contem plation to publish an interesting Dialogue Catholic Priest, at Paris, upon the subject of Infant Baptism. between himself and a French Roman A Journey to Salem, Containing a description of that famous city, its customs, laws, and privileges; the rare products of Immanuel's Land, and the grand prospects of Mount Zion, &c. an Allegory. By Amicas. 18mo. Hervey's Letters. A Selection of valuable Religious Letters, from the different volumes published since his death; with several original ones, in one volume. of Letters, from printed books and MS. Captain James Wilson. By the Rev. A New Edition of the Memoirs of Missionary Retrospect, and Foreign Intelligence. BAPTIST MISSION. THE last letters received from the missionaries in India announce that they are all in good health. Dr. Carey says, he has reason to bless God, that he was never better, nor more able to pursue his labours. By a letter, dated July 14, 1815, he says, "I expect to baptize nine persons next sabbath-day." The following Letter was written by Sebuk-rama in, Bengallee, addressed to the Reverend George Barclay, * Kilwinning, Scotland. "VICTORY TO GOD. Sebuk-rama supplicates an interest in the compassion, holiness, forbearance and gospel of God. "Receive my affectionate acknowledgements, and ten thousand thousand expressions of my love. I must now relate the particulars of my reception of the gospel: and, first, from the day of leaving my mother's womb to come into this infamous world, I prepared my soul and body to break the commands of God; I worshipped, served, and praised, and partook of the offerings to the gods and goddesses; my mind was wicked; I associated with the vile; I was unrighteous; full of wrath and of filthy conversation; resorted to wicked places; and, being intoxicated with abominable pleasures, I gave that body which should have been the temple of the blessed God, to the devil, and prepared my everlasting bed in hell, at once to lie down in eternal torments. "At length, at a certain time, in the Khooroot market-place, Ramkrish-na-poora, Mr. W. Ward, and our soul's beloved brother Krishnapal, came to the house of Mr. Cuningham, at which time and place, making known the words of Jesus Christ and the good news, they left a New Testament, and pious books, which books our excellent brother Jugunnat'ha receiving into his own. hands, placed them in his house.At this time, I was a servant in the the above day, about four o'clock in cannon foundery in the Fort.—On the afternoon, after leaving my work, Jugunnat'ha said, Brother, God has immediately on my arrival, brother called us; and has sent a messenger of the holy book.' I said, 'Well, brother, as soon as I have ate a morsel, I will come from home, and look at it.' After a little time, I returned, and read, and examined the book. I saw it contained only the way of holiness, and that God for sinful men in his own body, bearing sufferings, had completed the sacrifice. Therefore, brother, judging in thy own mind, see that in this we may indeed obtain salvation. This is certainly the truth. Being confident of this, the same night two or three friends getting together, and throwing open the doors of our hearts, we confessed that we had committed the blackest crimes, and wept much. We confessed to each other, that our Lord Jesus Christ was truly the Son of God, the Saviour of sinners: we really believed this, and making it certain in our minds, with, a loud voice we called out in faith, 'Oh! Lord? where art thou! Oh! Saviour, save us.' Then closing our eyes, we saw, through our tears, the light which the Holy Spirit had shed in our hearts. Thus, possessing a mind fixed in faith, we were brought to hate all transgression and sin, all evil connections and works, the gods and goddesses; all the cvil customs of this wicked world, so that hearing of them, our ears tingled, and secing them, we turned another way. This we considered as the pouring out of the Holy Spirit; and, through the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, our minds became prepared. Then God, taking hold of my hand, and raising me from an unfathomable hell of everlasting sorrow, placed my feet on Mount Sion, and prepared me to enjoy everlasting life in his service. "Thus obtaining the mercy of God, and being full of joy, I would be ever ready with my Spirit in the work of God, in ascribing blessing to the Holy Spirit, and in proclaiming for the salvation of sinners, the glad tidings of our Lord Jesus Christ's death. Wherefore, I intreat, that having thus found the Saviour, you will kindly pray for this sinful, wicked, ungodly, unbelieving man, that Satan may never enter into him, nor into those brethren and sisters who live in the same place, nor into any who may embrace the gospel. "This is now my desire, and day and night, full of fear, this is my prayer to God, that I may be constantly ready to proclaim his gospel." Dec. 30, 1814, Extract of a Letter from the Rev. 66 Columbo, March, 17, 1815. not the least hope for him; that it appeared to me he was to that moment a stranger to true penitence, and that if he did not begin to weep for sin immediately, I feared he would weep, and wail, and gnash his teeth for it in hell for ever. As he afterwards said, he thought me, on this occasion, very harsh. I visited him on the sabbath morning, and found him in such a state, as it appeared to me, that I wished to see him, deeply sensible of his guilt, his misery, and helplessness. I began then to point him to the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. And though he was deplorably ignorant, had much encouragement to hope, that he was brought to place his whole trust in the great atoning sacrifice. One thing, however, which not be satisfied without having a was not pleasant, was, that he could priest, and confessing to him. But, on the Monday morning, the time appointed for his execution, he appeared fully prepared to meet death. As soon as he left the cell, 'This,' says he, 'is a blessed day; it is the best day I have ever seen.' The priest, in going to the place of exe DEAR BRETHREN, "OUR little church, on the 1st of January, was increased from three to five; Mr. and Mrs. Campbell on that day put on Christ by baptism; and now, like the Ethiopian eunuch, are going on their way rejoicing. Wecution, walked before him, mutterfind in them a considerable acquisition to our comforts. They are Christian friends, such as we have long felt the want of; persons with whom we can take sweet counsel, and walk to the house of God in company. There are several in the 73d regiment that we hope are truly pious, and some of the best of them are agitating the subject of baptism. I hope some of them will soon follow the example of Mr. Campbell, who, even in New S. Wales, was a leader among them. We have hopes, that the Lord is taking possession of the hearts of some, who have hitherto been entire strangers to religion. One man, an Irish Catholic, who was some time ago condemned to be shot, and pardoned after the cap was drawn over his face, is now an attentive hearer. I visited him once or twice in the condemned cell, before the most awful things I could say made the least impression on his mind, though he considered himself even at that time a penitent. I left him on Saturday, telling him I had ing Latin prayers. Mr. Armour, who had also attended him in the cell, on the one hand, and myself on the other. I constantly warned him against false dependences; reminding him, that there is but one Saviour, one Advocate, one Intercessor. He gave such appropriate answers to all I said, and enjoyed such a composed and happy state of mind, that if he had died, his death would have come but little short of being triumphant. The same week that this occurred, we began a prayer meeting at our house in the Fort, at which, though he had to march for Kandy at two next morning, he was present, and seemed determined to seek the Lord. After all that he said, and felt in the near prospect of death, he gives at present no good evidence of conversion; but is brought to attend the means, and we hope will not be permitted to attend in vain. With regard to the inhabitants of Columbo, I can say but little. All classes of society are deeply sunk in earthly, vain de |