are perpetually re-appearing, and claiming the faith and homage of the world. This fact at once shows the importance of being acquainted with the origin and history of such eriors. It is absolutely impossible effectually to combat them without the qualifications derived from this knowledge. There are also many other collateral advantages which cannot but arise from a careful and impartial study of ancient opinions. The mode of thinking prevalent among the primitive fathers; the views entertained by men of undoubted piety and colossal intellects; the conflicts between truth and error; the her. meneutics of other climes and former days, must aid us in our theological researches, and throw light on the pages of inspiration.

The

Dr. Hagenbach divides his work into five periods. The first period embraces from the apostolic age to the death of Origen, or from the year 80 to 254. This was the age of apologetics. In connection with this branch of the subject, we have discussed, -the views of the apostles, heresies, Judaism and Ethnicism, Montanism and Monarchianism, the theology of the fathers, canon of the scriptures, the peculiar developments of the doctrine of God, anthropology, Christology, the church and her means of grace, the doctrine of the last things, (eschatology.) second period embraces from the death of Origen to John Damascenus, namely, from 254 to 730. This was the age of polemics, when Augustine, Lactantius, Sabellius, Paul of Samosata, Arius, Marcellus and Photinus appeared. Many and strange were the principles which were now introduced. The third period extends from John Damascenus to the age of the Reformation, or from 730 to 1517. This was the age of systematic theology, when scholasticism and mysticism overspread the whole of Christendom. The fourth period reaches from the Reformation to the abolition of the formula consensus in Reformed Switzerland, and the rise of the Wolfian philosophy in Germany, that is, to the year 1729. The last period is designated, the age of criticism, of speculation, and of antithesis between faith and knowledge, philosophy and christianity, reason and revelation This period extends from 1720 to the present day.

The reader will at once discover that this is a production of no ordinary comprehensiveness, and we can assure him that it is well worth a careful perusal. Perhaps we cannot do better in furnishing a specimen of the work, than give a few brief extracts from Dr. Hagenbach's account of the ordinance of baptism during the primitive ages. 'The doctrine of the church stands in immediate connection with the doctrine of baptism. Some of the fathers, especially Irenæus, Tertullian, and Cyprian, in treating of this subject, often indulge in exaggerated language, in fanciful and absurd allegories,

and in symbolical interpretations; while Origen draws a more distinct line, between the external sign and the internal thing which it is meant to teach. Infant baptism had not come into general use prior to the time of Tertullian. Though a strenuous advocate of the doctrine of original sin, he nevertheless opposed pædobaptism.... The passages from scripture which are thought to intimate that infant baptism had come into use in the primitive church are doubtful, and prove nothing-Mark x. 14, Mat. xviii, 4-6, Acts ii. 38, 39. Nor does the earliest passage occurring in the writings of the Fathers, (Iren. adv. hær. ii. 2, 4,) afford any decisive proof. It only expresses the beautiful idea that Jesus was Redeemer in every stage of life and for every stage of life; but it does not say that he redeemed children by the water of baptism, unless the term renasci be interpreted by the most absurd petitio principii to refer to baptism.' This is important testimony, though it is evident that Hagenbach vacillates between the conflicting and equivocal statements of some of the Fathers.

Many of the notes in these volumes are not translated, and perhaps some will regard this as a drawback. We think, however, that as the work is more especially designed for theological students, it will in this state furnish those who are not tolerably acquainted with Latin and Greek, and are seldom led to peruse works in those languages, with a useful and healthy exercise. The statements of Dr. Hagenbach cannot at all be studied without a careful perusal of the notes.

THE BIBLE NOT OF MAN, or the Argument for the Divine origin of the Sacred Scriptures, drawn from the Scriptures themselves. By GARDINER SPRING, D.D., of New York. London, Religious Tract Society. THIS is a very useful book, writtep in a correct and pleasing style. It contains essays on the following important topics: The fitness of the time selected by Divine providence for the introduction of the christian dispensation-the Bible above the invention of the human intellect-the spirit of the Bible a superhuman spirit-the moral rectitude of the Bible-the peculiar doctrines of the Bible -the religion of the Bible a proof of its Divine origin-the unity of the scriptures-adaptation of the scripture to the character and wants of man-the Divine origin of the scriptures attested by christian experiencethe Bible accordant with human reason.' We very cordially commend the work.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. An Essay in three parts. By LOUISA DAVIDS. London, Sunday school Union, 60, Paternoster Row. 1847.

We have read this essay with great pleasure,

and feel persuaded that it contains instructions of vital importance. It displays deep anxiety for the temporal and spiritual welfare of the rising race, and describes to those engaged in the work of teaching them, in clear and forcible language, the duties to which they ought to attend. Sabbath-school teachers will do well to procure and study this volume.

A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, Concerning the Dead who die in the Lord; with some account of the late Mrs. John Sands, who departed this life Jan. 25th, 1847. By Philip Cater, Minister of Alfred-place chapel, Brompton. Glasgow: James Maclehose.

London: Jackson and Walford.

MRS. SANDS was evidently a lady of deep piety. Her experience and correspondence as contained in this small volume may be read with advantage. Mr. Cater's remarks are pertinent and useful.

REMARKS ON THE SCRIPTURAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE PASTORAL OFFICE. BY AN ELDER London: W. Foster, 6, Amen Corner, Paternoster Row, 1847.

THERE is nothing very extraordinary in these 'Remarks, and why they were published we are scarcely able to say. The writer, (as all writers of this class do,) manifests a great deal of self-importance and arro

277

gance. He should remember that persons as well qualified to judge as he is, and perhaps better, if we can form an opinion from his style, and the character of his reasoning, have come to somewhat different conclusions respecting the passages which he adduces. OUR DOMESTIC FOWLS. Religious Tract Society.

A HIGHLY interesting volume, which may be profitably read by all classes.

MR. PEGGS informs us that his favourite tract, Berridge's 'Great Error Detected,' has been translated into French and Dutch, and he thinks into German and Polish; and that now a gentleman at Gibraltar, formerly a monk, but at present a clergyman of the church of England, is translating it into Spanish. Our esteemed brother would be thankful if any of our friends could render a little assistance towards printing it. Certain we are that the above tract cannot fail of being productive of good in any country, and especially in Spain, which is cursed with so much superstition, formality, and hypocrisy.

QUERY.

WILL Some friend, in the next number of your valuable work, show the benefits arising from teaching Sunday school children to sing? C. B. B.

REV. JOHN LINDLEY. REV. JOHN LINDLEY late pastor of the General Baptist church at Hugglescote, died July 22nd, 1847, of typhus fever, at Manchester. W. L. S.

SARAH BRIDGFOOT died in the faith of Christ, March 12th, 1846, in the twentysixth year of her age. She was a silent, steady, and consistent member of the church of Christ at Gedney Hill. When young she was admitted a scholar in the Sabbath school, and afterwards became a teacher. The in. structions she received in the school, com. bined with the preaching of the word under Air. Birch's ministry, was the power of God to the salvation of her soul. She having found peace and pardon through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, offered herself as a candidate for baptism and fellowship, and was baptized and added to the church, Sep. 1840 By divine grace our sister not only maintained a steady, but very consistent conduct, both at home and abroad; in the

church of which she was a member, and also in the world. She suffered much per secution from those of her own household During the period of her affliction the soul of our young friend did indeed rejoice in God her Saviour, who regarded the low estate of his handmaid. She conversed freely with her parents, as well as her brothers and sisters, and exhorted them to return again to Jesus as their Redeemer, and give their hearts to him. To her christian brethren also she declared the love of God to her soul; nor were her simple, warm, and earnest exhortations in vain; her parents, her brothers, and also two of her sisters, have since joined the church of Christ. Her end was peace, perfect peace. The death of our young friend was improved by Mr. J. Easom, Long Sutton, from Isaiah Ivii. 1. "The righteous is taken away from the evil to come.'

EMILY BRIDGFOOT.-The subject of this short and hasty sketch was brought to rely more fully on the death of Christ for salva

tion through the instruction imparted by her
late beloved sister. She became a scholar
in the Sabbath-school at Gedney Hill at an
early age, and was very attentive to her
books, and dutiful to her parents. But it
was not till she saw and witnessed so much
of the patience and submission of her sister
to the will of God in her affliction that she
was enabled to give her heart to the dear
Redeemer; then indeed she found joy and
peace through faith in Christ Jesus. Shortly
after she had given her heart to God she
gave her hand to his people, and witnessed
a good profession before many witnesses,
on Lord's day, August 23rd, 1846. It soon
became painfully evident that the same in-
sidious complaint which had carried her
sister to the place appointed for all living
was making rapid progress on her hitherto
weak and delicate constitution; but she was
enabled to look to him who has said, 'They
that seek me early shall find me.' The last
time of her attendance on the public means
of grace closed with the year. During her
illness she was visited by many friends, with
whom she conversed freely, even beyond her
strength, on the great salvation. The ad-
dress to four of her companions, who
came to see her when fast sinking in the
arms of Israel's kind and gentle shepherd,
will not soon be forgotten. How affection.
ately she warned them to flee from the wrath
to come, to seek the Lord, to love the
Saviour, Though you are young, you
may soon die; and O remember, you must
die. Then prepare to meet your God. Look
at me, a poor sinner, a dying creature; and
this may soon be your condition. But I
can bless the Lord he is my Saviour. Make
him yours.
Now is the time, now is the
accepted time, now is the day of salvation.

"Your youth and strength will not avail,
To save you in that hour."

On the Wednesday evening previous to her Ideath, it was thought by all then present, she had gently breathed her last; but she revived a great deal, and was enabled to talk of the Saviour's love. She wished to see her father once more, (he being from home) but said, 'Not my will, but Thine be done.' Some time was spent in prayer in behalf of the afflicted, in which our young friend heartily joined her Amen, and also exclaimed with the poet,

'If our fellowship below

In Jesus be so sweet,

What heights of rapture shall we know
When round his throne we meet.'

The desires of our friend were granted; for contrary to the expectations of all present, she continued till her father came home on

Saturday night, when she saw him a few hours before she entered into the joy of her Lord,-aged fifteen years.

REBECCA BRIDGFOOT was called to resign her fleeting breath within the short space of one month after her sister Emily, in the twenty-seventh year of her age. They were sisters, not only by natural but gracious ties; both of them brought to the saving knowledge of Christ as their Saviour by the pious conversation of their sister Sarah; both of them baptized in the Saviour's name on the same day; united to the church of Christ at the same period; and both of them trusted in the Lord, who is mighty to save.' Rebecca was soon led away from the paths of piety in which she had been instructed in the Sabbathschool; but happily for her, she returned to Jesus the shepherd and bishop of her soul. Her repentance and godly sorrow for sin was such as needed not to be repented of, but that which worketh salvation. Her faith in Christ was lively and firm, and her hope in the Saviour was sure and steadfast: it stayed her soul in the hour of death. When the writer last saw her, and conversed with her, after reading the xxiii Psalm, he said, 'Is the Lord your shepherd?' 'Yes.' 'Do you feel Christ precious now?' 'Yes, bless the Lord, I do.' On Lord's day, March 28th, her happy spirit entered into the paradise of God, having been a member of the church of Christ the short period of six months and five days. J. E.

MARY TYSON, widow of John Tyson, was a much-respected member of the General Baptist church, Killingholme. She left this vale of tears for the mansions of eternal joy on the 24th day of August, 1846, in the 93rd year of her age. She was baptized in early life, and was called to sustain many severe conflicts with the world, with Satan, and the corruptions of human nature. Our sister's last days, it is believed, were some of her best days. Her soul breathed after God. The precious atonement was the sole ground of her hope. We remember, with peculiar pleasure, the joy she expressed when she understood it was the intention of her pastor and some brethren to celebrate with her the dying love of the Redeemer. It was a feast of fat things to the believers present, and especially to the deceased, who, by infirmi. ties and afflictions had long been prevented from enjoying the public communion of the church of Christ. The death of our friend, which was peaceful and happy, was improve.l by a discourse on the words, I will walk through the valley of the shadow of death,' &c.

G. S.

VALEDICTORY SERVICES, ENON CHAPEL, MARY-LE-BONE.-On Monday, Aug. 2nd, a meeting was held at the above place, on the occasion of Dr. Burns taking leave of his church and congregation, preparatory to his departure for America. A numerous and deeply interested auditory was present. Several ministers attended, among whom were Revds. Dr. Hoby, W. R. Baker, G. W. Pegg. Rev. W. R. Baker offered an appropriate prayer. Mr. G. East, deacon of the church, occupied the chair, and called upon Dr Burns to state the nature and object of his mission to the United States. Dr. Burns said, 'Our present meeting is occasioned by a resolution passed at our last annual Association, that the Rev. J. Goadby, of Leicester, and myself should visit the Free will Baptists of America. The Free-will Baptists are a body of christians holding the same general sentiments with ourselves. Benjamin Randall, a pious man, who was converted by the preaching of Whitfield, in America, devoted himself to the work of the ministry, and being eminently blessed in his labours, may be looked upon as the founder of this denomination. Randall commenced his useful career about 1780, and died triumphantly in the faith, Oct. 1808. The connexion has spread rapidly since then. From their last annual register it appears they have 1197 churches, 806 ordained pastors, 209 licensed preachers and evangelists, and 55,000 members. They have also six literary institutions, a book room, and a weekly religious newspaper-" The Morning Star." They are a plain, simple minded, zealous people. They are among the most strenuous, decided, and constant friends of the slave in the United States. As a body they have their quarterly meetings of the elders and officers of the adjacent churches, yearly meetings of general districts, and a triennial conference of the elders and delegates of the whole body. It is to their next triennial meeting that brother Goadby and myself are deputed.' Brother Burns then stated the objects contemplated by the deputation. Dr. Hoby said, 'We live in a marvellous age; not an age of miracles, but an age of marvels.' The doctor then alluded to the strides made in modern days for expedi. tious travelling. Why should not,' continued the doctor, the great inventions of science be subordinated to the promotion of the grandest of all causes-the spread of christian truth, and working out the mighty problems connected with man's spiritual destiny and eternal welfare? He (Dr. Hoby) thought it important that Baptists in England and America should hold fraternal intercourse. The transatlantic population is of our blood and kindred-of that Anglo-Saxon race des

tined to spread abroad civilization wherever planted. While American Baptists are more wealthy, they are far behind us in the missionary spirit. You must awaken their slumbering energies.' Rev. W. R. Baker then gave some judicious advice to the church. Rev. G. W. Pegg expressed his sympathy with the church, and his cordial concurrence with the objects contemplated by the deputation. Rev. Blake trusted that missionary efforts would be greatly helped by this deputation. Dr. Burns then gave the church some affectionate counsel. After prayers by Mr. Blake and Dr. Burns, this very interesting meeting was concluded.

ΤΟ

DEPARTURE OF THE DEPUTATION AMERICA. We beg to inform our readers that our beloved brethren Goadby and Burns left Liverpool on the 4th of August, by the 'Cambria.' A kind brother from Nottingham accompanied them on board. In a communication we have just received from him, he says, 'We were conveyed in a small steamer to the Cambria,' which was about two miles up the Mersey. It was an interesting sight to witness the various parties hastening to get on board. Some, as usual, not arriving until the last minute. Then there was the great variety amongst the passengers themselves-Englishmen, Americans, Germans, and others. The Cambria' is a noble steamer. The sleeping apartments are small, but in other respects the accommodation is very ample. After seeing our brethren on board and in possession of their berths -the bell rang for all persons not passengers to leave the vessel. Then came the separation; and with hearty good wishes I bade them farewell. I am happy to say that they both appeared in cheerful spirits.' Will our friends think of our brethren before a throne of grace, and commend them to the protection and guidance of heaven?

We are sorry to find that as yet only £47. 11s., exclusive of the money voted from the Association and Foreign Mission Funds, have been received towards defraying the expences of the deputation. It is very desirable to spare the mission fund as much as possible. We hope the churches will not delay sending their contributions. The treasurer is Mr. Robert Seals, Nottingham. We furnish our readers this month with the address delivered by brother Goadby on the Lord's-day evening before his departure, and an interesting account of the valedictory service held at Ænon chapel, London.

DUDLEY. Chapel debt liquidated. --About seven years ago a new and spacious sanctuary was erected by the Independent church and

congregation in this town. It has four capacious galleries, and will seat 1,400 persons. Under it are two school rooms, occupied by 700 children, with a good library for their use. Its entire cost, inclusive of a large piece of ground for the cemetry, is £4,673. 12s. 2d. At the commencement of 1845 there was a heavy debt of £1,917. 4s. 2d, and being anxious for the removal of this burden and obstacle to usefulness, the friends here requested their present pastor, Rev. J. Raven, to prepare an address for the congregation on this subject, and provided a plan for its accomplishment adapted to their circumstances. Five friends promised to contribute £560., on condition that the people generally co-operated to liquidate the debt. The following list of contributions was presented at a large meeting for its approval, and was cordially adopted. Other congregations have since used it most suc. cessfully.

Weekly Payments. s. d.

Annual
Results.

L. s. d.

One years proceeds of collecting books 25 0 0 £608 7 0

Each subscriber was requested to write his name and address opposite the figure denoting the amount he was willing to give. This plan realized in two years, including the £560. given by our more wealthy friends, the noble sum of £1,571. 6s. 4d. Almost two-thirds of this was raised by the people generally. The poor as well as those in better circumstances, manifested great liberality. At the beginning of the present month, (July) the debt was reduced to £345. 17s. 10., and the removal of this was contemplated by the anniversary services and tea-meeting. On Lord's day, July 18th, Dr. Leifchild preached two excellent sermons, after which £115 were collected. On the following Wednesday afternoon, July 21st, after a very affecting sermon by Rev. J. A. James, £30. were contributed, leaving about £200. to be raised by donations after tea. A little after five o'clock, an assembly of 600 persons were provided with tea in the school-rooms; the Rev. J. Raven presided. The treasurer, Mr. J. Whitehouse, presented the financial accounts; and addresses were delivered by Revds. Dr. Leifchild, Dr. Redford, J. A. James, S. Crowen, J. Boaz, of Calcutta, and D. K. Shoebottom of Kidder-. minster, and many other ministers of dif.

ferent denominations were present. Mr. J. Whitehouse generously offered £50 on condition that the whole debt be paid off that evening. Several deacons, and others, promised £5. each; Mr. Rogers £10., Mr. J. Wood £40., and Mr. W. Whitehouse £10. It was soon found that the money would be easily provided. One of the deacons, Mr. R. Rogers, proposed that a surplus of £50. be contributed, as an expression of gratitude and affection to their esteemed pastor, for his diligent and faithful labours. This proposition was cordially responded to, and the sum speedily supplied; several friends of other congregations cheerfully and liberally aided this object. The pastor was taken by surprise, and overwhelmed by devout emotions on beholding the generous and unanimous demonstration of love and gratitude on the part of his people towards himself. The Great Head of the church is blessing the labours of both the pastor and his flock. During the past year they have promised and given more than £120. to aid a neighbouring congregation to remove a debt of £300. from their sanctuary; and now they can rejoice in celebrating the jubilee of their own place of worship. They anticipate the pleasure of assisting and raising other congregations in their densely populated neighbourhood. It is a blessed circumstance, that while this congregation has contributed during the last two years about £1,600. for the removal of their own chapel debt, they have almost doubled their subscriptions to Foreign Missions, greatly increased that for British Missions, and every ordinary purpose; besides originating and supporting several new objects of usefulness. They have raised for religious and benevolent purposes £1,300. per annum, and also increased the salary of their pastor. Patriot.

ANNIVERSARIES.

NORTHALLERTON. Having made con. siderable alterations and improvements in our preaching room at Northallerton, three sermons were preached on Lord's day, Aug. 8th, 1847, by the Rev. D. Peacock, of Masham in the morning at our preaching room Brompton, and afternoon and evening at Northallerton. A tea meeting was held on Monday evening; Mr. Dawson presided, and addresses were delivered by the Revds. D. Peacock, R. Horsfield, D. Dolamore, M. Tanfield, and our pastor. T. H.

LEEDS.-On Lord's day, July 18th, the Sabbath school sermons were preached in our chapel by the Rev. R. Brewen in the afternoon, and Rev. H. Horsfield in the evening. Collections nearly £5.

MAGDALEN.-Three useful sermons were preached in the General Baptist chapel here on Lord's-day, August 8th, by the Rev. W.