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proves, from Porphery Pilo, Clemens, Dionys. Halicarn. and Diod. Sic. that the practice of offering up buman sacrifices prevailed all over the world. The authors of the Universal History inform us, from Plutarch, that in the reign of Trajan, who succeeded to the imperial throne in the year of Christ 98, two men and two women, natives of Greece and Gaul, were, by the advice of the Sybils, buried alive in the Forum boarium, or Ox-market, for the expiation of a certain crime. Univ. Hist. vol. xv. And the same learned gentlemen inform us, from Porphery, upon the authority of Pallas, that the Emperor Adrian, whose accession to the throne took place about the year of our Lord 117, published an edict prohibiting all buman sacrifices, which were still offered in several provinces of the empire. However, this execrable custom was afterwards revived, and obtained in Africa, where children continued to be immolated to Satura, till the time of the Proconsul Tiberius, who caused the inhuman priests of that deity to be crucified on the trees which formed the grove round his temple. Those who executed the sentence of the Proconsul were still living in the beginning of the third century, as appears from Tertullian. And they add, it is evident from the ancient writers, that human sacrifices were, notwithstanding Adrian's prohibition, immolated to Diana in the neighbourhood of Rome, and even in Rome, during the solemn mysteries, till the time of. Constantine, or rather of Gratian, who utterly abolished that execrable practice. Univ. Hist. vol. xv. What a striking commentary is this barbarous and inhuman conduct of the Romans upon that expression which the inspired writer applies to them, when he represents them as without natural affection. Rom. i. 31."

On the whole, this discourse, which is beautifully printed, containing seventy-six pages, and sold at one shilling, comprehends much theological sentiment perspicuously communicated; and is calculated, in a very happy manner, to advance the pious end for which it was preached, and is now published.

A Saint in Deed; or, the Great Work of a Christian opened and pressed, from Prov. iv. 23. By John Flavel, Minister of the Gospel. 12mo. Pages 158. Price 8d. J. Matthews, and C. Dilly, London.

THIS is a very cheap, and a very seasonable publication. While it searches the heart, and removes from the hypocrite the refuge of lies, it administers to the sincere Christian the best of advice and the truest consolation. But we need not speak in praise of Mr. Flavel's works; every production of his pen has been blessed of God to the souls of thousands. The editor of this little tract has, for the sake of brevity and perspicuity, omitted some passages, and made alterations in the arrangement. We hope his laudable design in re-publishing it will be answered, and that many may reap the advantage intended by the eminent and pious author.

POETRY.

POETRY.

A

TRIBUTE OF FRIENDSHIP:

AFFECTIONATELY ADDRESSED TO THE BRETHREN WHO HAVE WILLINGLY OFFERED THEMSELVES TO THE WORK OF THE LORD, IN THE CONVERSION OF THE HEATHEN.

7HENE'ER from faithful friends we're call'd to part, And bid a long, perhaps a last, adieu,

WHE

Keen is the pang that rends th' afflicted heart,

A like that which now we feel for you.
pang

Oft did our souls with mutual joy repair

To mark the traces of Immanuel's feet;
As, on the balmy wings of faith and pray'r,
We mounted upward to his mercy-seat.
We took sweet counsel, and, delighted, trod
The sacred courts where Jesus meets his saints;
Blest with the visits of our gracious God,

Whose smile dispell'd our sorrows and complaints.

Now at his call, whose voice all must obey,
Whose righteous counsels shall for ever stand;
Led by the Lord, you tread the thorny way,
And follow Abraham's friend at his command.
Strong in his strength, go forth, and nobly brave
The rage and rigour of the restless main;
Your Jesus lives-omnipotent to save,

And hush the tempest to a calm again.

"Fear not," he saith, " your God is with you still,
"Nor shall you sink beneath the briny flood;
"The winds and waves obey my sov'reign will,
"And all conspire to bless and do you good.
"Mountains and hills shall break before my voice,
"And living waters at my call shall come;
"The dreary wastes shall blossom and rejoice,
"And rival Lebanon and Sharon's bloom.
Bending, the suppliant tribes will hail the day,
And gladly yield their willing hearts to me;
"Blest with my righteous sceptre's gentle sway,
"The long-benighted nations.shall be free,

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"Go-wave the peaceful olive o'er the land,
"Invite the sons of misery to rest;
"And num'rous converts, conquer'd by my

hand, "Shall come-imploring mercy-and be blest." The Lord, our Shepherd, ne'er forsakes his sheep, Alike in darkest as in brightest days;

His friendly crook shall still their footsteps keep,
And guide them in the paths of truth and grace.
When call'd to tread the trackless desert o'er,
With burning heat and parching thirst oppress'd,
Their souls, defended by almighty pow'r,

Shall find a safe retreat, a blissful rest.
Beneath the shadow of that living rock,

Which follow'd Israel's tribes their journey through 3.
Whence cooling rivers flow'd to cheer his flock,
Still shall they sing of mercies ever new.

Should ye (for duty's path admits its tears,
And tribulation is our lot below),

Feel your pain'd hearts assail'd by rising fears,
Still to the shelt'ring breast of Jesus go.
Think on the glorious cloud around the throne,
Who went without the camp, and bare the cross,
To make the savour of the Gospel known,
Esteeming all beside but dung and dross..
They got the vict'ry through the Saviour's love!

How bright their crowns! How pure their robes appear! Exalted to partake the joys above

Ceaseless they sing his worthy praises there.

Almighty Grace! thy servants' hearts inspire;
Let each his Master's sacred presence prove;
Baptiz'd with holy unction and with fire,

Bid them go forth, and loud proclaim his love.
Arm'd in the glorious panoply of Heav'n,

Dauntless from conqu'ring and to conquer go,
And, through the joyful sound of sins forgiv'n,
May thousands at the Saviour's footstool bow!
While in the narrow way they journey home,

O! may a growing zeal possess each breast,
Till the last welcome messenger shall come
And call their souls "from blessing, to be blest."

J. A. K.

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