ner in which they use those fragments of time, so to speak, which fill up the measure of our existence. We address ourselves to those, who, holding the great truths of Christianity, and believing themselves bound by the very strictest obligations to "abhor that which is evil," and "hold fast that which is good," will be anxious, in consequence, to learn every good which may be done, and every evil which may be avoided. To such persons, then, we would say, you may do an infinity of good, or an infinity of evil by the manner in which you con

verse.

In addressing ourselves therefore to professing Christians, we deem it altogether unnecessary to say a word upon the subjects of the profane use of God's name, or of slander, or the utterance of falsehood, or of indelicacy of any kind whether direct, or in the way of allusion. To do such things is so highly unbecoming our Christian profession, as to forbid the necessity of our remarking on them. The Scriptural record has already denounced these, and as we acknowledge that such things coming forth out of the mouth "defile a man," we might without much impropriety say, that they rank under the head of that which the Apostle warns his brethren against, "filthiness." But are there not many, who, acknowledging the propriety of this Apostolic caution, forget the

words which follow and which forbid "foolish talking" and "jesting which are not convenient?"

Let not our readers here be alarmed as though we were going to proscribe all cheerfulness as unbecoming the followers of Christ. We are about to do nothing of the kind. It is our conviction that the melancholy demeanour of a poor penitent of La Trappe is as little in character with the nature of a true Christian profession, as would be the boisterous merriment of the tavern. At the same time we are persuaded, that there is a sobriety of spirit naturally growing out of a genuine conversion to God, which must tincture the Christian's deportment. We say naturally growing out of, because here is the grand distinction between the gravity of the hypocrite or formalist, and that of the real servant of Jesus, that the latter is natural, while the former is but assumed. And that gravity to a certain extent should be natural to the Christian will be seen at once from considering that all the topics about which his mind is conversant, are of a soul-subduing character. The snatching of immortal spirits from the brink of unfathomable ruin; the mysterious agonies of the adorable Son of God; heaven and hell; death, judgment and eternity; one and all of these are themes which cast the soul where they visit often and abide, into a sacred stillness, and while they produce peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, have yet, questionless, a tendency to solemnize the heart, and bid its petty bustlings and its jarring anxieties to be hushed in blessed stillness. Who has not felt the beauty of that sentence (Rev. viii. 1.) " and there was silence in heaven for the space of half an hour?" What splendid images does it awaken! The choral symphonies of Cherubin and Seraphim are at a pause; the bright intelligences rest,

bending over their golden harps, and seem to adopt the idea of the poet,

"Come then expressive silence, muse his
praise."

But does not there seem a peculiar propriety in
it? Do we not acknowledge the truth of the
painting. And as we feel that there must be
often around the sapphire seat of the mighty
God, sweet intervals of perfect and unbroken
stillness; so we feel that in the hearts of his
people here below, those hearts in which he
dwells and has enthroned himself, there must
be seasons frequent and of constant recurrence,
when the soft calm of the empyreal Heaven
diffuses itself in the rejoicings of devout medi-
tation and of holy communings with Him who
sits above. These things tell us then, that
Christianity can have very little to do indeed
with jesting and levity. It is nothing to say
that they have no positive criminality in them:
we must acknowledge that they are out of
place, at least that their frequent recurrence
must harmonize badly with the other purposes
and pursuits of one who is but a pilgrim and a
sojourner here, and looks continually to that
place where he "shall be ever with the Lord."
Especially must we admit, that in a Minister,
of the Gospel they are unbecoming. Let a
man be heard preaching the sublime truths of
Christianity. Behold him standing there
"The legate of the skies; his theme divine,
His office sacred, his credentials clear.
By Him the violated law speaks out
Its thunders; and by him, in strains as sweet,
The Gospel whispers peace."

Behold a man like this, and do we not continu
ally say, O! that I were acquainted with that
holy person-O! that I could but enjoy the be-
nefits of an intimate and every-day intercourse
with one so heavenly-minded. Alas! how of-
ten are we taught that gifts are not graces,
and who is there almost that has not found how
different men may be in the pulpit and out of
it. We paint to ourselves the Minister, his
lips dealing abroad sentences of piety and wis-
dom and spirituality from a heart filled with
piety, and zeal, and love, but how do we find
him? Perhaps ever tattling on the news of
the day, on some of the perishable vanities of
that world, to which on the last Sabbath he
seemed to have bidden an eternal farewell.
O! it is a grievous failing that, when the con-
versation of Ministers is not spiritual, when
their meetings together are not for edification,
but for the wasting of the precious time in that
idle laughter, it may be, which Scripture com-
pares to the crackling of thorns under a pot.
Were we asked what is that, which more than
any other cause almost, mars the usefulness of
many powerful preachers; we would reply,
the want of sobriety and spirituality in their
conversation, its not being "seasoned with salt,
ministering grace unto the hearers."

What we have said concerning the conversation which becomes the lips of Ministers of Christ, leads us to remark that a very great deal of the ill success which many parents have in the rearing of their children arises from the same cause, neglect of watching over the conversation. The child gets, it may be;

its stated lessons of piety and morality daily, but daily also its ear drinks in from the conversation of those who teach it, lessons more readily learned by far, lessons of censoriousness, of anger, of pride, and such like. For just as these may happen to show themselves in our conversation, so will they be adopted by the young. It is vain, therefore, for us to think of leading our little ones to heaven, till we have it formed in our own hearts, and on our own lips-till spiritual things come naturally from us. The mouth of a true Christian should resemble, in short, that of the young person in the Fairy Tale, who could not speak but there fell from her lips a pearl or a diamond.

As we do not wish to exceed the limits of a hint or two upon the matter, we would conclude by observing, that to those who are desirous of ascertaining the real nature of their spiritual circumstances, whether they be, indeed, "born again," or whether they are yet "dead in trespasses and sins," nothing might help to give a better insight to the truth of their case than a faithful survey of their every-day conversation. We may, from various causes, be in the habits of stated and official Christianity, so to speak. If Clergymen, we may be preachers, and catechisers, and visiters of the sick, and so forth; and we may be engaged, if laymen, in the advancing the interests of the various religious societies, and in the education of the young, and in the promoting the temporal and spiritual interests of the poor; and our internal household regulations may bring us forward daily as presiding over the religious services of our families, reading to them God's word, and praying with them at the throne of His grace. These things are often, however, but the well arranged draperies, which give the semblance of a good proportion to the body; but which, after all, may but be concealing the defects of it. If we would see our Christianity aright, it must be seen as the ancients painted truth, without any veil or covering. It must be examined when we have laid aside those occasional proprieties which custom perhaps, as much as aught else, has clothed our everyday life with. We may talk of the things of God, for the set time is come to talk of them, we say to ourselves. But do we talk of them when the set time is past? We should be Christians when we are reading aloud the Bible; but we should be Christians just as much, if only reading aloud the newspaper; and the selections we make, or the remarks formed on them, should indicate a heart which has acquainted itself with God. That is a very just estimate of human nature in the book of Proverbs, where depicting the real character of a person, it says, as he thinketh in his heart so is he." The natural current of the thought tells what the man is. And so with the conversation; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, and if the words of folly or levity be often present with us, if we should "woo a jest when we should win a soul" where is our Christianity? How awakening is that sentence of the Apostle, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his own heart, that man's religion is vain."

NOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

INTERESTING NARRATIVES from the Sacred Volume illustrated and improved: showing the Excellence of Divine Revelation, and the practical Nature of True Religion. By Joseph Belcher. 12mo. pp. 388.

Mr. Belcher has a very happy talent at improving the incidents recorded in the sacred volume. We have before recommended the first part of this work; the second will be found not less acceptable: its contents are-The Dutiful Son-The affectionate Brother-The faithful Steward-The pious Prisoner-The right. eous Governor-The Blasphemer stoned-The hypocritical Prophet-The Enemy discovered

The joyful Reapers-The faithful Prophet -The Prophet preserved-The important Challenge-Distress relieved-The Unbeliev er punished-The mistaken Courtier-Disappointed Ambition-The convivial Party-The terrified Monarch-The disobedient ProphetThe tempted Messiah-The Publican's Feast -The Saviour transfigured-The awful Apostate-The bereaved Widow-The Cottage of Bethany-The dying Redeemer-The runaway Servant.

BABYLON DESTROYED; or, the History of the
Empire of Assyria; compiled from Rollin,
Prideaux, and other Authorities. By the
Author of Lily Douglas, &c. &c. 18mo.

The records of Assyria, that powerful oppressor of God's peculiar people, have been preserved in the pages of ancient history, and tend to confirm the truth of revelation, in which Babylon is described as "the golden doms-the beauty of the Chaldees excellency," city-the lady of kingdoms-the glory of kingas well as to show the fulfilment of prophecy in the destruction of its grandeur. Modern travellers too confirm what is predicted respecting its ruinous condition. But while these records are of much importance in the argument against infidelity, they are almost like the ruins of the city itself, buried, even in Rollin, in a mass of materials that make them inaccessible to many, and especially forbidding to the young; or concealed in modern publications, from the great expense at which they must be purchased. The design of the author of this little volume is, to select the most interesting facts, and render them instructive and amusing to the young, in which we greatly mistake if he has not thoroughly succeeded.

MAP, illustrating the Travels of the Apostle
Paul, constructed from the Design of the
Rev. J. C. Crosthwaite, A.M. By A. Arrow-
smith, Hydrographer to his Majesty.

One of the pleasing features of the present day is the taste for acquiring biblical knowledge. By means of a map, all the scenes of apostolical labour are brought readily to the view, and make a prompt and lasting impression upon the memory. The Travels of the Apostle Paul form a most interesting part of church history, and lead us correctly to contemplate its roots and ramifications. In glancing over the map, in connexion with the scale,

92

it is surprising to think of the extent of the
Apostle's travels and labours to plant the gos-
The voy-
pel of Christ. We have by this means an epi-
tome of the Acts at once before us.
ages and journeys of this surprising labourer
were, however, so dodging, and the routes he
took so frequently crossed each other, that
even with the most careful marks it is some-
times perplexing to find them. Mr. Crosth-
waite's plan is to number each route, and di-
'rect the eye to follow it by darts pointing the
same way: where one road has been traversed
several times, it is marked by several figures.
Greek letters adjoining the names of any place
refer to a table on the map, showing what epis-
tle was written from it. The name of Mr. Ar-
rowsmith is a sufficient guarantee of its ac-
curacy. The size of the map is about eighteen
inches long and fifteen broad.

PRETATION.

ELEMENTS OF BIBLICAL CRITICISM AND INTER-
Translated from the Latin of
Ernesti, Keil, Beck, and Morus; and accom-
panied with Notes. By Moses Stuart, Asso-
ciate Professor of Sacred Literature in the
Theological Seminary at Andover, North
America. Republished, with additional Ob-
servations, by E. Henderson, Theological
and Resident Tutor of the Mission College,
Hoxton, and Author of "Iceland," "Biblical
"Travels in Russia."
Researches," and
Holdsworth. 12mo. pp. 152. 4s.

The original works from which the transla-
tions now before us have been made, have
been long known to the more accomplished
Biblical scholars of the age. But they were
extremely scarce, were clothed in a dead lan-
guage and in a German idiom, and contained
some sentiments and views, in reference to
Biblical interpretation, which were but little
calculated to benefit the inexperienced student.
By the labours of Mr. Stuart, in translation,
selection, and occasional explanation, the most
valuable parts of the works of ERNESTI, KEIL,
BECK, and MORUS, have been rendered availa-
ble to the mere English reader, and with supe-
rior advantages, for which posterity must
thank this able and learned American divine.

For a reprint in England, we sincerely thank
Dr. Henderson, as also for those able remarks
which he has added to those of Mr. Stuart.
While he has contributed to the benefit of
those devoted young men committed to his
care, he has also put into the hands of students
in general a work of immense interest and
ntility.

1. THE LIVES OF CLEMENS ROMANUS, IGNA-
TIUS, AND POLYCARP. By the Author of
"Salomi," &c. 2s. boards.
2. THE HARBINGERS of the REFORMATION;
or, a Biographical Sketch of Wickliffe, Huss,
und Jerome. By the Author of "The His-
tory of the Reformation," &c.
3. LIFE OF ULRICUS ZUINGLIUS, THE SWISS
REFORMER; with a Biographical Sketch of
John Coulampadius. By the Author of
"The History of the Reformation," &c.
4. THE MORNING OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH;
or, the Lives of its early Reformers; con-
taining those of Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley,

and Hooper.

and Collins, Glasgow; Finiay, Newcastle;
Hatchard & Son; Hamilton; Adams; Nis-
bet; Du can; and Holdsworth, London;
Tims, and Curry, jun. Dublin.

There would be little occasion for works of fiction, were a due attention paid to the narrathe stage of life. While history supplies us tives of those who have actually figured on with a multitude of references to men, "of whom the world was not worthy," it is the bane of many of our young people, that their memories are only stored with the "hairevil will become more obvious, as publications breadth escapes" of ideal personages. This like these continue to multiply.

"The Lives of Clemens Romanus, &c. &c." The Lady, by whom this work is written, has shown considerable judgment in the selection of her characters, and as much in the choice of ples. Clemens Romanus, Ignatius, and Polymaterials to illustrate their lives and princicarp, were all "burning and shining lights," and we rejoice that they have been so fairly exhibited to our rising progeny. As a first book for those who wish to study the Fathers, we think also that this volume will be highly valued by some who have passed the era of youth.

"The Harbingers of the Reformation;" by the author of "The History of the Reformation," will support the character of the writer as an able instructor on subjects which should be understood by every Protestant. We are concerning Wickliffe, Huss, and Jerome, comdelighted to see so much valuable information at so cheap a rate. pressed into so small a compass, and published

"Zuinglius and Eculampadius," especially the Reformers. It has evidently been the aim the first, may be classed among the chief of their characters and sentiments, and we think of their biographer to give a faithful sketch of he has succeeded.

"The Morning of the English Church," besides the lives of the eminent persons mentioned in the title, contains a valuable introductory sketch, "On the Religious History of England previous to the Reformation." For this gratuity, the author has our thanks. We generally think ourselves well off, when we find as much in a volume as is promised by the whole we wish circulation. title, but here we have rather more. To the

These works are printed neatly and uniformly, and we are happy to see the names of some Irish publishers annexed to them. For that Country they seem peculiarly suited. While, proval, we feel it right to append an extract however, we thus give them unqualified apfrom the preface of the first, which will, at once, recommend the writer, and show the purposes for which we think they should be employed.

"It does not detract in the slightest degree from the excellence and utility of many books which have been lately written, to say, that the young ought not and must not fancy themselves have perused nothing else than these; on the deeply read, or even well-informed if they contrary, the usefulness of these works is in

creased tenfold, if they even excite in them a desire to advance farther in the paths of knowledge. A superficial acquaintance with any subject may, and almost inevitably does, render young people vain; while solid and more extensive study, if under proper regulation, will make them humble, by showing them their own ignorance, and will induce habits of patient and persevering industry, without which nothing, either permanently useful or great, can be performed.

BARZILLAI, THE GILEADITE; or, Considerations on Old Age; addressed to the Old and the Young. By the Rev. John Cormack, A. M. Minister of Stow. 18mo. pp. 243. 3s. Oliphant, Edinburgh.

In our Number for February last, we recommended to the favourable attention of our readers, an excellent work on Old Age, by the Rev. Dr. Belfrage, of Falkirk; and we are now happy to introduce to their notice another volume on the same subject, which, from its general excellence and convenient size, merits an extensive circulation. Mr. Cormack evidently possesses a reflective mind; and his remarks on human life, conveyed, as they are, in a familiar and affectionate manner, will, we trust, be found highly beneficial to the old and the young, for whose improvement they are intended. We have been particularly pleased with the sections entitled, The Aged Disciple enjoying his Provision," and the "Address to the Aged Believer at the Close of Life." From the last of these we give the following quotation, which is calculated to excite joyful feelings in the hearts of our venerable read

ers:

66

THE GUILTY TONGUE; By the Author of "The
Last Day of the Week" Seely & Son. 2s. 6d.

"The Lord will not hold him guiltless that
taketh his name in vain."

Many, very many, important lessons may be learnt from this book; the subject of it we should wish impressed upon every heart; and were it not for some of the expressions used in it, we should say, let this book be put into the hands of every child. By the title of this work our readers will naturally suppose it is written with a view to expose the sinfulness of cursing and swearing; these are not the only evils noticed. There are many persons who would shudder at an oath, and yet are in the constant habit of using expressions, such as "My goodness! Gracious me! Upon my life! &c. &c." The author shows the sinfulness of these expressions, and their evil in the sight of God. The language used by many of the persons in this book is such, that it would not be right for many of the children in our Sunday Schools to know; it is true many of them hear the worst and most impious expressions, but there are others to whom they may be new: such being the case, we must at present say this is not a fit book for children. It may be put into the hands of those parents who are in the habit of breaking the third commandment, and it may be read with advantage by teachers, as it will furnish them with many important suggestions and topics for conversa

tion with their children.

HISTORY OF THE TRANSMISSION OF ANCIENT BOOKS TO MODERN TIMES; or, a Concise Account of the means by which the genuineness and authenticity of ancient historical works are ascertained: with an estimate of the comparative value of the evidence usually adduced in support of the claims of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures. By Isaac Taylor. London, B. G. Holdsworth, 1827, pp. 262. 8vo. price 8s. bds.

This is, beyond dispute, a very clever book; and, though, from the nature of the subject on which it treats, not likely to attain a very extensive circulation, it will maintain its ground and acquire increasing respect and esteem in proportion as it gets known. The object which it aims at, is to show the incomparably greater strength of the evidence which supports the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures above that in which the historical and classical writings of antiquity are universally received in our day.

My venerable and aged friend,-It would seem to you that you are done with the world -at least with the power of doing any good in it. Every thing that you see and feel, seems to be the bearer of a message to you from the Lord Jesus, saying, 'Surely I come quickly;' while your soul gladly lays hold of the tidings, and says, 'Amen! even so; come, Lord Jesus.' You frequently feel that 'flesh and heart are fainting and failing; but you feel, at the same time, that God is the strength of your heart; and that he is, and will be, your portion for ever. And now, aged disciple, my eye follows you to the verge of time. I see guardian angels ready to convey you to the purchased possession. The good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep is there. He is there with his rod and staff, to conduct you safe through the dark valley; and I perceive that you fear no evil. Fear evil?-Nay, that "Nothing can be more equitable," says the is the note of triumph!-Hark, again! O author," than that the genuineness and authendeath, where is thy sting! O grave, where is ticity of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures thy victory!-The sting of death is sin, and should be judged of by the rules that are apthe strength of sin is the law. But thanks beplied to other ancient books. And nothing is to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Aged disciple, depart in peace, and the Lord be with thy spirit! And having employed the later residue of time in teaching the strains of Zion to those you leave behind you, may you find it a sweet and appropriate prelude to the high hosannahs and hallelujahs of your heavenly home!"

[Evan. Mag.

more likely to produce a firm and intelligent conviction of the validity of the claims advanced by the Holy Scriptures than clearly to understand the relative value of the evidence which supports them. To furnish the means therefore of instituting the comparison so just in itself and so necessary to a fair examination of the most important of all questions, is the design of the following pages."