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I answer, there is much need every way; for though sins and miscarriages shall never damn a believer, yet they sadly sully his evidence, and worry his conscience, that he may walk in clouds and darkness many days. Therefore the apostle, and every good man, is earnest for the " testimony of a good conscience," to " keep faith, and a good conscience." 1 Tim. i, 19. He is for joining them in conversation, but not in justification; that is to say, he is for "faith in a pure conscience," as the apostle words it, 1 Tim. iii. 9; that is, he would keep that rare jewel of faith in the clear perfumed cabinet of a pure conscience; for he knows, by sad experience, that is, an experienced christian, that the least guilt upon the conscience of any sin fallen into, will cast a mist upon the jewel of faith, as the breath of a toad upon a sparkling diamond will obscure its rays till the diamond be wiped. The truly conscientious soul is so far from neglecting the peace of his conscience because his sins were all perfectly done away by Christ's being made sin for him, that he flees every day, in the virtue of Christ's once bearing his sins, for the sprinkling his conscience with the fresh application of Christ's blood, by faith in him, for the cleansing his conscience from all dead works. He knows, that if he straggle out of the way in a vain conversation, the Lord Jesus, the great shepherd, will let some stings fall into his conscience, that, like the shepherd's dog, shall teaze and tear his mind, that he shall have little peace till he return to his rest by fresh repentance, and actings of faith on, and communion with, the Lord Jesus, and fetching from him fresh power to walk in some measure answerably to his good pleasure. Thus he looks after "the answer of a good conscience," 1 Peter iii. 21, not by outward washing of the filth of the flesh, but in virtue of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He looks to Jesus effectually made sin for him, in that he not only died for sin, but is risen again; and from thence it is, he continually, upon every occasion, fetches his ease of conscience. The true believer is so far from taking the opium of a counterfeit faith for carnal security in his sins, to lull his conscience asleep, because Christ died for sinners, that he makes use of the blood of Christ, once shed on the cross, for his cordial every day, to quicken all his vitals, and to make his blood and spirit circulate vigorously "in all holy conversation and godliness," that so he may be manifest to his own conscience, to God, and the consciences of others," 2 Cor. v. 11. The sincere believer finding that Christ was made sin for him, he is for making all the advantage thereby that may be; he is for "coming boldly to the throne of grace" thereby; but this he cannot do if his heart condemn him, which it will do if he have not a good conscience; therefore he is daily looking after his conscience, that for every default he may get it fresh sprinkled with the blood of Jesus, by true and lovely faith in him, that so his heart may not condemn him; for "if our heart and conscience condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God;" 1 John iii. 21.

Report of Two Funeral Sermons for the late Rev. Wm. Howels, A.M. By the Rev. Henry Melvill, A.M. and the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, A.M. Preached in Long Acre Episcopal Chapel, on Sunday, Nov. 25, 1832. To which is added, The Substance of a Sermon by the late Rev. W. Howels. 8vo. pp. 34. London: Strange.

IN our entire disapprobation of most of the early part of Mr. Melvill's sermon, we think we should have been joined by the

respected deceased. Mr. M. we fear is one of those preachers who, for the display of their abilities, select a text of scripture from which they can deduce some over-strained and before unthought of position, which they erect high, and barrier round about with so much dark and verbose argument, that the awakened sinner, who attends the ordinances of his God with other hopes than to be amused or astonished by the preacher, leaves the temple of God in admiration, it may be, of his talents, but utterly ignorant as to any real essential knowledge of the text which was talked about.

That preacher occupies a dangerous station indeed, however elevated, and the more elevated the more dangerous, who thus trifles with the souls of men; and instead of placing before them food convenient for them, brings only the husks of some incomprehensible and untenable theory.

Mr. Noel's sermon is from Hebrews xiii. 7, 8, and contains some good observations. There is a sketch of a sermon by Mr. Howels appended, which contains many original and striking remarks. Mr. Howels was indeed a scribe well instructed; we should rejoice to see more like him in this day of empty profession. Preachers who tear aside the gaudy covering, and shew the corruption which revels in the mind of man, and when, by the divine blessing, the affrighted soul hath perceived his depravity, points to the only and efficacious fountain wherein is cleansing, such as these are indeed scarce.

The Missionary Annual for 1833. By William Ellis. 18mo. London: Seeley.

ANOTHER of that now numerous class of ephemeral publications, whose best recommendation is their prettiness. Few of our readers would care to open the pages of this gaudy volume, still less would read them with any gratification. They are like the summer insect, born to be admired for the brilliancy of their garb, and then to die useless and uncared for.

A Religious Catechism, including some Hints of a Biographical and Historical Nature. By John Stevens, Minister of Salem Chapel, Soho. Fourth Edition, 18mo. pp. 60. London: E. Palmer.

WE are glad to see that Mr. Stevens has again republished his very excellent "Religious Catechism." Although intended for juvenile readers, let not adults suppose it unworthy a perusal; there are but few who would rise from a reading without having gained some information of which he was before igno

rant.

Original Gospel Hymns and Poems. By John Kent. Being the whole of his Writings, with recommendatory Prefaces by John Andrews Jones and Thomas Hardy. Seventh Edition, 18mo. with Portrait. London: J. Bennett.

ANOTHER new edition of the well-known little volume of John Kent, to which however is appended some additions: we observe the Elegy on Dr. Hawker, the Fall and Restoration of Zion, and a few others, not contained in the preceding editions. To those who know this author, and have already tasted the pleasure of perusing his hymns, we need say nothing to recommend them; to those, if there be any among our readers, who are strangers to our friend's writings, we would say, John Kent is one gifted really with a poetic talent, which he has been privileged to devote to the cause of his God; and he has furnished for the church of God hymns which the saints may join in singing without being compelled to cease by the leaven of Arminianism intruding, as is the case with too many,-and thereby spoiling the whole lump.

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Oxford: Academical Abuses disclosed by some of the initiated. 8vo. pp. 30. London: B. Steill.

THAT in the new parliament an attempt will be made towards a reform in every department of the church establishment is quite evident; but while we are constrained to acknowledge with unfeigned regret the crying necessity for some alteration in the secular ministration of her affairs, as well as a judicious and tender revisal of her liturgy, we hesitate not to declare our great apprehension, that attempted as the matter appears too likely to be, by those who know not God, by those who are evidently the votaries of a blind and selfish infidelity, the church of England will lose all that is truly spiritual, and that ere long, England will sit desolate, making, nationally, no profession of belief.

We wait these events in a prayerful attitude, confident, however, that the God of the whole earth will do right.

The pamphlet before us is a disclosure of circumstances relating to the introduction and education of youth in the University of Oxford. We have neither the means nor the disposition to bring their accuracy to the test: if true, they are further confirmation of what has long been our opinion, that some reform is necessary, if otherwise, they will effect no injury.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

ON Tuesday, November 6, 1832, Mr. John Trimming was set apart to the Pastoral Office over the Particular Baptist Church, at Irshlingborough, Northamptonshire. Mr. Woollacott, of Westminster, stated the principles of dissent, explained the

nature of a gospel church, and received the pastor's confession of faith. Mr. Vorley, of Charlton, offered the Ordination prayer. Mr. Coomb, of London, gave the charge from Col. iv. 17. Mr. Murrell, of St. Neot's, addressed the church, from Deut. i. 38; and Mr. Woollacott preached in the evening, from Acts ii. 1, 4. Messrs. Abingdon, Whittemore, and Adcock, engaged in the devotional exercises. The congregations were very large, and a rich unction from the Holy Ghost was enjoyed; while each heart seemed to be in unison with him who said, “Send now prosperity, O Lord, I beseech thee; O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity."

A STRIKING OBSERVATION OF WILSIUS ON

GENESIS iii. 21.

"Unto Adam also, and to his wife, did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them."

No doubt that the skins of beasts put on our first parents by the Lord God himself, were those of beasts offered in sacrifice. That sacrifices were offered in the garden, appears plain by what is said respecting that of Abel, for it is explained by God the Holy Ghost, Heb. ii. 4, that it was offered by faith. Faith in what, but in him who was promised to bruise the serpent's head, while his heel, which implied suffering, should be bruised also. Abel, saith he, offered by faith; that is, he knew that himself and his sacrifice were acceptable to God, and in his offering he looked by faith to the future offering of the Messiah. But such a faith plainly pre-supposes the divine institution of sacrifices, and a revelation about their significance. Moreover, God gave testimony to the sacrifices of the ancient patriarchs, to intimate that they were acceptable to him. But in all matters of worship, nothing pleaseth the Lord but what the Lord himself hath commanded. All will-worship is condemned. And if there were no other cause, what is said concerning the clean and unclean of beasts, taken into the Ark, strongly implies the existence of sacrifices, before the deluge. For, otherwise, what made that distinction relating to beasts?

May it not be added, in relation to these coats of skin, with which the Lord God is said to have covered our first parents, that it was emblematical of our being clothed in the robe of Christ? For as the body of man received raiment, taken from the slain creature, to shelter from storm and rain, so his soul, stripped of original righteousness, needs covering from Divine wrath, by a garment of salvation, taken from one who was offered in sacrifice to put away sin, and bring in an everlasting righteousness, which is to all, and upon all, that believe. And this, in the language of the New Testament, is "to put on Christ." Rom. xiii. 14, Gal. iii. 27.

POETRY.

(For the Spiritual Magazine.) "I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness."

WHEN Justice bares her sword

On my devoted head,
And Sinai's sin avenging roar
Strikes all my comforts dead;
If I but hear thee say,

"Fear not, for thee I died, Thy sins are far removed away," Lord, I am satisfied.

And when on tempted seas

My shatter'd bark is toss'd,

When hell itself seems at the helm,
And every hope is lost;
If I but see thee walk

Upon the roaring tide,

I know 'twill dash me nearer home,
And I am satisfied.

When cold and dead I lie,

And no devotion feel,
My soul with neither wings to fly
Nor power, nor scarce a will.

If once again thou'lt shew

The fountain from thy side,

Like thy first pledge of love it seems, And I am satisfied.

And when death's icy hand

Shall freeze about my heart,

When, rack'd with agonizing pains,
Body and soul must part;
On thy supporting breast

My head oh let me hide,

And though hell's legions howl around I shall be satisfied.

And when that mighty blast

Shall wake the day of doom, When ev'ry voice in heaven and earth Shall shout "The Lord is come"

If, in thy likeness, I

Rise glorious at thy side,
Lord, 'tis enough, my soul shall be
For ever satisfied.

LINES,

JOSIAH.

Composed on a Ring being presented to the Rev. J. CARTWRIGHT, Minister of Mount Zion Chapel, Devonport, containing a Lock of Hair of the Rev. Dr. HAWKER, late Vicar of Charles, Plymouth.

DEAR pastor, by constraining love
Accept the circling gift I bring,
The relic speaks of one above,

Whose hair is form'd within the ring.

By it the herald speaks to you:
Attend his solemn silent voice;
Not one eternal truth forego

That makes the quicken'd soul re-
joice.

Stand firm to truth, and make it known, From heaven the gospel-hero cries, Tear Satan's Bable banners down,

And trample them no more to rise. Forget not what your finger bears; Remember truth's eternal fame; Beneath the cross maintain the war,

And let your boast be Jesu's name. O may the throng who press to hear Within Mount Zion's sacred place,* Those truths which banish slavish fear, And bring the wounded conscience

peace.

Grant, Lord, to them the hearing ear, And beams of glory from thy face, And may the church assembled here Enjoy the power of sovereign grace. Devonport, Devon. SELINA.

LET THERE BE LIGHT.

When darkness spread her gloomy

reign,

And chaos fill'd the wide domain,
Mid the confused eternal night,
A God exclaimed, Let there be light.

His word dispersed each sable cloud,
And drove them to a far abode;
He pour'd the sun's effulgent ray,
And murky chaos fled away.

Then the new earth, in verdant green,
With smiling habitants was seen;
Then, for a time, was general joy,
And innocence the sole employ.
But, Lord, no more these exiles roam,
My breast is now their dreary home;
There, with a tyrant's hostile sway,
They bar th'approach of opening day.
Not less than God a world could speak,
Not less than God my chains can break;
Then still my prayers shall climb the
skies,

My tyrants tremble as they rise.

*Mount Zion Chapel was erected in the year 1823. A spacious and elegant edifice, at which a numerous congrega. tion attends, where the unadulterated truths of the gospel are preached by a stated ministry, whom we pray that God the Holy Ghost may keep firm to God and truth.

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