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which, however futile it may at first appear, there is reason to hope that considerable sums may be raised. The money which children, from the highest to the lowest classes, spend in gingerbread, pastry, and other articles which often prove injurious to their health, and are the means of their acquiring a pampered appetite, and a disposition to extravagance, is very considerable, and is the source to which we allude.

No doubt can be entertained that many of these children, or at least those who are the offspring of religious parents, and those who are trained up at serious schools, whether boarding, day, or Sabbath schools, might be disposed to pity the poor Heathen who are ready to perish, and to aid the blessed cause by contributing their penny (or halfpenny) per week to the support of Missions. If a Society be formed, and properly conducted, a considerable sum might be thereby raised; and if the plan be generally adopted throughout the kingdom, its amount would exceed the most sanguine expectations, and afford very important aid to the excellent Society it is designed to support.

We

Although the leading object in the formation of this Juvenile Institution be the enlargement of the funds of the Society, may we not indulge a prospect still more animating and delightful to the mind? may presume that children, from having their attention thus early directed to this important subject, and being from time to time put into possession of information relating to it, may, under the divine blessing, have their sympathy excited, and be led to lift up their infant hearts to God for a blessing on the poor Heathen. And may we not sweetly anticipate, that many of those who in childhood contribute their mite, may, in their riper years, be sent forth as labourers in the Lord's Vineyardand, having themselves tasted that the Lord is gracious, become the Heralds of Salvation to the Heathen?

Proposed Plan of a Juvenile Auxiliary Missionary Society.

First, That this Society be called the Juvenile Auxiliary Missionary Society.

Second, That all children subscribing one penny per week, be considered members of this Society.

Third, That suitable addresses be published, from time to time, giving them such information of the state of the heathen as is calculated to excite their attention, and improve their minds.

Fourth, That such addresses shall be circulated among families and the heads of schools; who shall be solicited, either by letter or personal application, to receive the subscriptions of such children as may be disposed to contribute, and to pay the same to the Treasurer quarterly. Fifth, That the printed addresses be sent gratis to each child that subscribes.

Sixth, That the whole amount of the childrens subscriptions be remitted quarterly to the Missionary Society, without any deduction

whatever.

Seventh, That for defraying the expences of printed addresses, and other charges attendant upon the Institution, a distinct fund be established by adult subscribers of 2d. per week and upwards; from whom shall be chosen annually a Committee, Treasurer, and Secretary ;— and if any surplus of the fund remain, after paying all expences, the same to be carried to the childrens' fund.

Eighth, That all ministers who countenance this Society, be considered as Members of the Committee.

Ninth, That an Annual Meeting of the adult subscribers be held at ; at which time the Committee and Officers be chosen for the ensuing year.

on

[We are much obliged to the unknown friend from whom this paper is received; and are glad to find that the proposed plan has been in part adopted in Bristol, and at several other places.]

Obituary.

MR. JOHN PURDUE, JUN.

OF MILE END, LONDON

(AGED 23 YEARS)

GAVE pleasing hopes to his parents, that their endeavours to train him up in the way he should go' would redound to their own comfort in future life, for they discovered in him early indications of seriousness. When at boarding school; he was often observed searching the seriptures during the hours of recreation; and, for the better understanding of them, his tutor favoured him with the use of Dr. Doddridge's Exposition. On his leaving school, there was no deficiency in the judgment and prudence of Mr. Purdue's parents, nor in him was observed any vi cious propensity, but not having an immediate situation he became exposed, and though he never went from religious connexions, yet, in forming his friendships, it was too soon evident his choice had embraced some of gay fancies, who seduced him from his former simplicity, and his attention from religious duties. The detail of this from himself, is deposited in the bosom of his best earthly friend. He summed up the whole with declaring, I was never happy afterwards! At a suitable age he obtained a situation in one of the public offices, where he progressively rose to a salary suited to his new arrangements. But just as he began to taste of worldly plea sures, he was arrested by a fatal consumption. In the autumn of 1810 his physician directed him, without loss of time, to seek relief from a foreign climate; and he sailed for Mateira in the month of September, followed by the constant prayers of his numerous faily. During the few months he was at Madeira, it does not appear that he thought seriously of his latter end. After Madeira he visited Barbadoes, where also he continued careless and thoughtless. He next sailed for Charles Town; and at length, after an absence of

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eight months, he proposed to return home by way of New York. Now commences the dispensation of covenant mercy; for at Charles Town he was detained by so severe a state of illness that his life becamé doubtful; and, during his confinement, his mind was directed to review past days, and to recollect his religious pleasures at school. His apartments were at the house of Mrs. B. a serious lady, who put into his hands Dr. Doddridge's Sermons to young people; when God opened his mind, and the contents of the little volume had a ready entrance. Being now deprived of many religious helps, and of all friends except the relative who accompanied him, he had recourse to the Scriptures; and his mind was soon engaged in the 88th Psalm, the contents so suiting his situation, that temporally and spiritually the Psalm became his own; he was humbled, he was brought to the throne of mercy, and he sought the favour of God; and since his return he has often referred to these soul transactions, and ascribed it to God's holding him up that he did not die in despair, or by his own hand. Before he left Charles Town he wrote home, and betrayed what was going on in his soul. This distress did not leave Mr. P. upon his being sufficiently recovered to undertake the voyage to England, it continued until he was about midway from Charles Town, when, betaking himself to the throne of grace, he was enabled to pour out his soul before the Lord; and the pleasure he enjoyed at this season he often recollected with gratitude; nor could he ever, by the buffettings afterward known, relinquish the belief that God was then with him! On reaching home, it was evident his disorder had not abated; and some of his friends, who were unacquainted with the above letter, now sought to know his religious views; and the more, because some had entertained fears, previous to his leaving England, that he was sceptically inclined.

He now read books which indicated the bias of his mind. Paley's Evidences, and afterwards the Temple of Truth, he read through; no other book regularly through, by reason of his extreme weakness. But the Bible was the fountain to which our young friend referred for every thing to be believed and practised. Nor was it a cold assent he gave to revealed truth; for his heart was engaged to enjoy the power, and to practise the duties of religion.

We must pass over many pleas ing particulars, and come to his dying room; and here we found him, and left him with his Bible and his God! No controversy! no doubtful matter was allowed to enter here; the concerns of the world also were excluded. Converse with him of soul-matters, engage with him in prayer, and your company was agreeable; not else. The first word of promise he was enabled to rest on was Matt. yii. 7; and during the subsequent misgivings of his heart, when reminded of this promise, he took fresh encourage ment, and said, ‘True, I cannot let go that promise.' Not long after his confinement, a pious relative from Chelmsford visited him, and when expressing the pleasure it afforded her to find him seriously disposed, he replied, Aunt! it is a solemn thing to die!' adding, • Oh! should I find that I have been deceiving myself! His good friend exhorted him to rely on Christ alone for salvation. He answered, I do cast myself at the foot of Christ. The writer of this enquired of him one day what were his views of the gospel; and if he had any doubt concerning any one of its doctrines. His immediate answer was, Not one! for though there are some which I cannot fully comprehend, there is not one from which I withhold my assent: I believe salvation is wholly by Christ.' His reply to a question touching his belief of the doctrine of the Influence of the Holy Spirit was, * I find the truth in my own experience; for of myself I can do no thing good! This was the rather observed, because he had formerly imbibed the notion, that by ha

bitual exertion man can acquire an ability to perform spiritual actions. When expressing himself one evening that he was happy, it was tenderly asked what it was that made him so: 'I have been meditating (said he) on the great transactions of the Three in One, and on the suffer. ings of Christ, which were for every poor sinner that applies to him.'

Our dear friend embraced op: portunities to be a witness for the Lord. Indeed, immediately on his return to England he wrote to his companions, declaring his views of the doctrines of Christianity and those of them who visited him in his chamber more than once received his dying testimony; and it is well known, on the recommencement of concern for his own soul, how anxious he became for the souls of his companions. One of his young friends, whose views of divine revelation were known to Mr. P. gave him an opportunity of speaking on this important subject, and to whom he was very affectionately faithful. You and I have been long acquainted (said he) and I hope you will not be of fended when I express my fears that you entertain objections to the leading doctrines of Christianity. Now, my dear friend, take the advice of a dying man, and supplicate the Throne of Grace for the teachings of the Holy Spirit, without which you cannot understand nor believe the Scriptures.'

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Friday, June 17th, his mind became very dark; and he apprehended some distressing feelings before his departure. Lord's Day morning following, on receiving his breakfast, he exclaimed, Could I but read my title clear, how I should long to be gone! In the evening he was more comfortable, although he was informed that his medical attendant doubted if he could survive the next day; for when receiving this information, he lay down and appeared perfectly tranquil; and, after a little interval, requested a friend to engage in prayer, and particularly to pray for faith, love, and patience. Ou the family retiring to rest, he informed one, that it was impressed on his mind he should lose his

doubts, and that God would be better to him than al! his fears; which he happily realized before his departure. The night of the 20th was a very restless one. On the 21st he prepared all about him for his dissolution, by desiring them not to be alarmed. On opening his eyes, after some time, either dosing or meditating, he exclaimed Beautiful! Beautiful! This induced the inference from one pre sent, Then you are happy! and he gave a significant assent with his head. His end was now fast approaching; and presently it was enquired, How do you feel yourself? are you still happy? He instantly replied, Very! Not long after, he emphatically said, Happy! Happy! and scarcely spake again. About half past five in the afternoon he expired. Thus terminated the life of a dear youth, beloved by those who best knew him, who in his juvenile years had known something of the power and pleasure of religion; who, subsequently, experienced the bitter consequences of sacrificing religious duties and pleasures to worldly trifles; but whom a gracious God was pleased, by afflictive dispensations, to humble and restore; to permit him to return to the bosom of his family, to bear testimony to the exceeding riches of His grace; and make him meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.-On Friday, Jan. 30, his remains were interred in the family grave, in Bunhill Fields. On Lord's Day morn ing, Feb. 2, Rev. G. Ford improved his death, in a discourse founded on Gal. iii. 13. A

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MRS. ELIZABETH BEST

WAS born at Lower St. Coluinbe, Cornwall, in 1741. From early years she accustomed herself to read the Scriptures; which, under God, rendered her thoughtful of religion, and concerned for the salvation of her soul. The ministry of the late Rev. Mr. Biddulph was useful in imparting to her much delight and satisfaction; and she often derived great happiness from the sermons read in the meeting-house by a venerable brother.

About seven years since she was visited with a paralytic seizure, from which she in a great measure recovered. In this affliction her mind was supported by the word of God, particularly Isaiah xl. 28.

During her violent sufferings she said, Christ hath suffered a hell for me, and I ought not to complain; but the Lord knows my frame, he remembers that I am but dust; he will not let me suffer one pain more, nor one moment longer, than he sees necessary. O! that I may be truly sanctified! I depend on his promise that he will lay no more upon me than he will enable me to bear. O! how happy it is to lie here under a sense of the pardoning love of Jesus!—he hath borne my griefs and earried my sorrows! he hath suffered my hell, that I might enjoy his heaven!'

Our late friend was favoured with much confidence in God, and appeared to trust him, even in the darkest seasons. She would speak sweetly of the Lord as the Refiner of his people, adding, I know that my God is faithful to his promise. The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my lovingkindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.'

Her last seizure was on Nov. 23. For the first fortnight she was very delirious, but had some intervals of reason, during which she repeated Isaiah xxvi. 3. After this she fell into a lethargic state; her friends concluded she would speak no more; but during the whole time she seemed to be in a praying frame, raising her hands at intervals, and saying 'O Lord, help me! My God, help me!'

The Lord released her from all her sufferings on the 21st of December, 1811, aged 70 years. She left this world without a sigh, struggle, or groan, to join the general as. sembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven. Her death was improved at St. Columbe, on Sunday evening, Dec. 29, by the Rev. R. Cope, of Launces ton, from Rom. viii. 38, 39: a text which she selected upwards of 20 years since. IGDALIA

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

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MR. BENNET's Christian Ora tory, to which Mr. Palmer in his abridgment has given a new title (far better understood than the former) is well known to the religious world, and has contributed to the devotions of the closet, in numerous instances, for almost a century. But the author himself was of opinion that he had exceeded all due bounds in his work, which extended to above 700 pages: and Dr. Doddridge, while he speaks of it in high terms, says, it would have been better if it had been less." The religions public is therefore obliged to Mr. Palmer for the pains he has taken in lessening the bulk of the work, while he has retained the principal substance of it.

The general Contents of the work arc,- The Introduction; on the place of retirement; the time of retirement; -the obligation to worship God in retirement, and directions for the performance of this duty. But the far greater part of the work, in both editions, consists of pious and useful meditations on several chapters of the Bible, on select passages of scripture, on various religious topics, and on particular seasons and occasions. worthy Editor of the abridged edition has prefixed Brief Memoirs of the Author, who was eminently pious, a hard student, and a wise, prudent, peaceable, and spiritual minister. His Christian Oratory is the Dissenter's whole Duty of Man; but unspeakably superior to that work for its evangelical strain*,

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The

Letters to a young Dissenter, on the General Principles of Nonconformity. By T. Drummond. Price 28.

THE design of the Writer, as he states it in his Preface, is to offer such a view of the general principles of dissent, as may be useful to those whose employments in life afford little leisure for research. The Contents of the 12 Letters are as follows: Religious liberty, of conscience, ecclesiastical establishments and principles of dissent; — history of the Church of England;

church government, liturgies, priests' garments, pictures and statucs, bells, musical instruments, rules and ceremonies, churches, burial-places, &c.;-holidays; the Church of England itself the principal cause of dissent;-creeds, articles, &c.; tests and penal laws; concluding remarks.

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On the circumstantials of religion, about which truly pious and good men entertain contrary opini ons, it is our practice not to decide, nor attempt to widen those breaches which we sincerely la ment. It is enough, therefore, for us to give a mere analysis of this little work, and to say that it ap pears to us to be written in the spirit of moderation.

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Bogue and Bennet's History of Dissenters, p. 432, vol. 111.

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