Select Remains of the late Rev. Eben. White, of Chester: to which are prefixed Memoirs of his Life, and Extracts from his Correspondence. By Joseph Fletcher, A. M. With a Preface, and a short Obiluury of Mr. White's Mother. By the Rev. W. B. Collyer, D. d. Sve, Price 5s. 6d.

EXALTED pre-eminence in any of the departments of human life, is the portion of few. It is not to be expected, therefore, among the numerous biographies of deceased persons, that very many of them should present any remarkable features of character or conduct to view. The great mass of mankind move along a beaten track from the cradle to the grave: and even of those who journey in the strait and narrow road which leadeth to life, there is only a single traveller, here and there, who excites surprise and admiration, by the greatness and splendour of his achievements. On these accounts, objections have been made to the publication of memoirs of those, in whom nothing extraordinary has appeared. But it should not be forgotten, that every man of integrity and virtue is of importance in his own sphere; and every man who, by the power of vital religion, pursues a steady course of holiness and usefulness, is worthy of being held up to geueral imitation. Such a person was the Rev. Eb. White, of whom we have a concise account in this little volume; and some of whose productions are here exhibited to the public. In the memois will be found what is chiefly interesting to those in whose society the deceased once lived. The extracts from his correspondence and his theological pieces, contain proofs of a sound judgment; and several of the poetical selections, though they do not sparkle brightly with genius, will afford the reader innocent amusement and devout pleasure. We cannot but regret that the Editors, whose talents and virtues we highly

'Unaided by Cecilian art,
Sweet chorister, thy notes impart
Sincere delight to me.
Thy simple Octave entertains
With all the mellow-flowing strains
Of wild variety.

'But silent thou, an useless toy,
Till due precautions we employ,

And hush the clam'rous throug
In a devout position laid,
As if t' invoke celestial aid,-

Then swells thy charming song!
So this weak frame, by ills oppress'd,
To air and exercise address'd,

How soon its languors fly! The gales that wake thy tuneful pow'r My drooping faculties restore

To strong activity.

So in a pensive mood and sad (For souls there are not always glad,

Nor such unknown to me)
Soft friendship charms the gloom away;
Its soothing breath revives the play
Of mental harmony.

The faithful preacher lays to view
The Christian system, pure and true,
A toneless harp to me!
Till vital breezes from above
Make up the energies of love,

Then sweet the melody!

My harp, in concord let us dwell;
Thy magic shall the spleen dispel,

And anxious cares remove;
Till all my tale of sorrow told
I change thee for a barp of gold,
And join the choirs above!'

The work closes with a short Obituary of the excellent mother of Mr. White; whose end seems to have been accelerated by the loss of a son, whom she loved as her own soul.'

lish, &c. with a Selection of his Letters, and a Poem, entitled Rest for the Weary, &c. By John Griffin. 8vo, 5s.

Ir biographical sketches like those contained in this volume, do not rank high in the catalogues of literature, yet they will afford much gratification to the lovers of true excellence, and are well adapted to produce a valuable impression upon all who may give thein a perusal. The history of that man, who has steadily pursued the path of duty, and patiently borne the trials of life, cannot fail to excite interest; and more particularly in the circle which was once the scene of his labours and sorrows; for there he has friends who have embalmed his memory; and there perhaps he has enemies, who, although they rejected his admonitions while living, may be disposed to receive the instructions which spring from his tomb. The memoirs of a faithful minister, moreover, are likely to be beneficial to those who sustain the sacred office. His surviving brethren and successors may be eucouraged, from his example, to persevere in spite of all their discouragements; and in considering his conversation and the end of his faith, may be stimulated to imitate the one, and more fervently to aspire after the other. Mr. Griffin, to whom we feel indebted for this little work, has so well expressed our ideas on the appropriation of biography to the several classes of mankind, that we shall give his own words:

·

If Biography be intended for general instruction, encouragement, and example, it must accommodate itself to all ranks in society. To Philosophers, it must describe a man of science; to Politicians, a Statesman; to Merchants, a man of business to Plebeians, a man in common life. If it be used as an auxiliary in the cause of evangelical truth, it must exhibit not only pastors of celebrated eloquence, and extensive erudition, but others, - most eminent for deep experience, for great piety, and for tried pru deuce; and also ministers of af

as well as those of athletic constitutions and undaunted minds, that divine grace may be exemplified in different persons, and under vastly different circumstances.'

vantage from these papers, though Ministers especially, will reap adtheir people also may be taught by them to sympathize in the afflictions of their pastors, and to avoid the lesser as well as the

greater impediments, which obStruct their usefulness, and often abate their ministerial energies.

The memoirs themselves con

tain an interesting account of Mr. English, from his birth to his funeral; the intermediate space being filled up with details of his education, settlements, and removals, labours, personal and family afflictions. Mr. Griffin has interwoven a variety of excellent observations,

which discover that he has studied his own heart and society with adVantage; and of which the following is a specimen. Adverting to he observed in Mr. E. he says,― a strain of abject reflection which

cess.

'Men may overrate their talents, and underrate their efforts and their sucThey may lose sight of the excellence of their own characters, as applied to the sphere in which they move, and for which they may be admirably adapted by a combination of talents; which, when viewed separately, may not be of the first order, nor have any remarkable brilliancy in them; yet, viewed in their association, may form an useful, and for that station, a celebrated character. Should such a person discourage himself, by pursuing a train of mortifying reflections, because he is not celebrated as a pro

found linguist, an acute logician, and an eloquent orator, it would not be hu mility but pride; not emulation, but discontent. To compare himself with men to whom such epithets might justly apply, would be to erect a false standard, by which to try himself, and prevent, a proper estimate of his own character. His early habits and associations, his engagements and opportunities, the diversified nature of his duties, and the natural weakness or tones of his voice, might render his being eminent in any of these acquire. ments a natural impossibility. would, therefore, be neither wise nor

It

proper, to reflect on himself for not possessing celebrity for endowments, which are equally out of the sphere of his abilities and necessities. A short man might as justly reflect on himself for not being a giant; a poor man for not being a Croesus or a human being for not being angelic. Real worth consists in improving to the utmost the talents we possess, acquiring others within our circle of energies, and applying them to the most useful purposes to which they are adapted. The diversified duties of a pastor in a country town or village, require great diversity of talent. To possess a number of qualifications, improved to a good degree of perfection, and well ́applied to the accomplishment of useful and noble ends, must constitute a man an excellent character, and ought to be the subject of praise, and an ob ject of imitation.'

Some of Mr. English's letters well deserve preservation; and may be read with profit by those who are conflicting with temptations, harrassed by doubts, or bowed down with the weight of heavy afflictions.

In these extracts from his correspondence, there is a copy of a note from Lord Grenville on the subject of a disturbance created by his servants, in the meeting-house at Wooburn, which is highly honourable to his Lordship's reputation.

The volume closes with a poem and a piece of prose, entitled Rest for the Weary, and a Leaf from the Tree of Life.' They betray the author's soundness of religious sentiments, and the spirituality of his mind.

Had we sufficient room, we should have gladly presented some more extracts from Mr. Griffin's work, which we must content ourselves, however, with warmly recommending to our numerous readers.

The Resurrection of the Two Witnesses, exhibited in the Formation and great Success of the British and Foreign Bible Society; being a Paraphrase of the eleventh chapter of the Revelation. By Major General Burn. 12mo, Is.

So extremely various and discordant have been the sentiments of commentators on the meaning of

the prophetical book of the Revelation, that many pious persons have been deterred from paying a due attention to it; while others, not so pious, have declared that the study of this book either found a person insane, or left him so. It is, however, declared by the divine author of this part of Scripture, that Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,' &c. which seems to imply the necessity of studying them, in order to understand and keep the things which are written therein.' Rev. i. 3.

The worthy and pious author of the small pamphlet before us, thinks he has discovered, with certainty, what is intended by the Two Witnesses who were to prophecy 1260 days in sackcloth, &c. Former interpreters have given it as their opinion that they are Enoch and Elijah, or that they are unpolluted priests and faithful magistrates. Bishop Lloyd thought they were the Waldenses and Albigenses. Others have supposed they were John Huss and Jerome of Prague; or, Luther and Calvin; or, the principles of civil and religions freedom; but the greater part think the Two Witnesses mean a succession of persons or churches, few in number, who should bear testimony to the truth, even in the worst of times; these prophecy in sackcloth; that is, continue in a depressed and afflicted state during 1260 days (or years) as predicted in Daniel

Many have been of opinion, with our author, that the Old and New Testament are intended by the Two ed to bear testimony, in a depressed Witnesses, that they have continustate, for the last twelve centuries, or longer, the Scriptures having been in a great measure suppressed in popish countries; but the Major thinks that they are putting off their sackcloth, and rising into glorious splendor; while the great men of the earth, who formerly silenced and disregarded them, now espouse their cause, support and encourage them to go forth and deliver their heavenly message to every nation under heaven;' p. 21. He supposes that they began to

throw off the sackcloth about the time of the Reformation; and in the present day, we have well attested facts in the Reports of the Bible Society, to assure us that these Witnesses are not only risen, and standing on their feet, but marching boldly through the earth, proclaiming as they advance, their heavenly message of free and full salvation to every perishing sinner of the human race, carrying on the grand design for which the Almighty has sent them, the complete establishment of the dear Redemer's kingdom among men.'

This, he adds, ought to encourage the Missionary Societies, the British and Foreign Bible Society, and other religious Societies, to double their diligence, and unite cordially in powerful exertions to promote

the ONE GREAT CAUSE.'

The Design of God in blessing us: a Sermon preached at Sallers' Hall, Feb. 23, 1812, for the Benefil of the Royal Lancastrian Instilution: with an Appendix, containing Notes and Illustrations from various writers. By John Styles. 8vo, 2s. 6d.

This is an able and eloquent discourse in favour of the education of children according to Mr. Lancaster's mode; with some severe strictures on the opposition which has been raised against the institution supported by his friends. From the text' I will bless thee; and thou shalt be a blessing' (Gen. xii. 2.) Mr.Styles shews, that as far as men profess a capacity to bless, they are to be a blessing. This is the law of our being; and in discoursing from these words, in which it is so plainly recognized, I shall, in the first place, consider a capacity to bless simply as power. Secondly, As power associated with all that is necessary ary to render its possession a blessing; and Thirdly, As actually employed in the cause of general happiness.'

Under the third head Mr. S. enJarges on the benefits resulting from Mr. Lancaster's Institution; which he largely and warmly defends against its adversaries and rivals.

In a copious Appendix the plan of National Education, as confined to the limits of the Establishment, is fully considered, and the Daubenys, the Marshes, and the Bells, receive some smart lashes from the literary whip of the author. We could have wished the author had manifested more of the gentleness of Christ' in his remarks on those who differ from him; being persuaded that the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.' There are, however, many admirable passages in the sermon, and many important observations in the Appendix, which it would be easier to censure than to refute, and which deserve the attention of Mr. L.'s opponents.

Apostacy: a Discourse delivered at Red Cross Street, Jan. 23, 1812, before the Monthly Association of Baptist Ministers and Churches. By V. A. Cox, A. M. 8vo, 1s. 6d.

THE Monthly Meetings of the Independents and the Baptists have exerted a beneficial influence beyond their merely local sphere. Some of the sermons preached on those occasions, which have been published, exhibit, in a favourable point of view, both the talents and the piety of their authors. The sermon before us discusses an important and awful topic; it is one of a course of subjects, the preceding part of which comprehend the various communications of divine knowledge. The superiority of Christ to Angels,-the glory of God in the scheme of Salvation, - the pre-eminence of Christ to Moses,— the Rest of believers, -the pursuit of Christian knowledge, the prefiguration of Christ in the person of Melchizedec, the efficacy of the Saviour's sacrifice, and the superior excellence of the new covenant. Topics such as these cannot fail of exciting a high degree of interest in the mind of the real Christian. Whether each was discussed in a manner equally creditable to its author, with the present, it is of no importance to enquire; the practical result should be the ob jeet paramount to every other.

causes, sequences.

A

Under the first of these heads, he considers Apostacy of Spirit, of Sentiment, and of Conduct. few of those methods by which apostates attempt the concealment of their real characters, are then enumerated which are, the misapplication of terms,--the claiming esteem for certain kinds of goodness, the attempt to invest themselves with a literary lustre.--2dly, The preacher considers the different degrees of approximation to real religion which is possible, even to apostates.

The second general division comprehends the causes of apostacy: 1st, It sometimes originates in fear. 2d, In the present age, in a love of the world. 3dly, Levity of mind. 4th, Pride. The consequences of apostacy are said to be, 1st, The moral condition of the apostate is far more base and degenerate than previous to his profession; and he is often proportionably miserable. 2dly, The apostate exerts a pestiferous influence on society. 3dly, The apostle affirms the impossibility of the apostate's restoration to repentance. 4thly, Apostacy is a fatal and damaatory sin.

The style of this discourse is animated, and often elegant; but in some places rather deficient in classical simplicity. We should gladly have given extracts both from this discourse and the preceding, but we cannot, without infringing on our intelligence.

troduction of considerable length, Mr. Innes proposes the leading division of the sermon in the following words: Our text deserves attention, whether we consider it as stating a fuct which observation will justify, or asserting a principle which religion will improve.

Let

us take both these views of it.' Under the first head, it is observed, that the Apostles were the depositaries of divine truth, the instruments of divine agency, and the occasions of divine glory. These remarks are illustrated in a very pertinent and satisfactory manner.

Some ambiguity seems to attach to the statement of the second division of the discourse (the text asserts a principle which religion will impose'); the ambiguity, however is in great measure removed by the amplification which follows. The principle' is considered, with reference to God, to ministers, and to the hearers of the gospel. The conviction of it, observes Mr. Innes, is adapted to keep ministers humble,-to keep them near to God, and to prevent their discouragement. With respect to hearers of the gospel, the preacher observes, It will produce in them satisfaction with our message; it will induce our hearers to aid us by their prayers, and by their co-operation.

We understand that this discourse was addressed to a congregation at Camberwell, ou the author's entrance on the engagements of the ministry among them; and it will doubtless be read with pleasure and advantage by those for whom it was particularly designed, and probably by many others also. It has our cordial approbation.

Repentance explained and enforced: being a Serious Appeal to every Man's Conscience, on its Nature, Necessi'y, and Evidence, By J. Thornton. 12mo, Is. 6d.

THIS little volume is divided into six.chapters; on the State of the Impenitent, the Nature of Re pentance,-the Necessity of Repent ance, the Means of promoting Repentance, the Evidences of Repentance, and the Encourage