telligible and instructive. Natural and acquired talents are not intended "to unfit a man for any part of his office; but to qualify and aid him the better to perform it." The judgment of the most approved critics on this subject, particularly when applied to the business of the pulpit, must commend itself to our regard : "clearness of expression and simplicity of thought are the first marks of elegance.' Preaching should not be a series of logical definitions. In the Bible, "all is life and motion." Such should be the case in pulpit performances. A sermon may define, and discuss, and argue; but whatever it does, should be done with vivacity; for the preacher has to deal with beings, to whom pertain imagination and passions, as well as intellect. Several other topics are alluded to in the Preface; and the author's free use of Scripture language and of poetry is vindicated. But we have not space for mentioning all that is excellent even in this introductory part. We will just say, that the principles exhibited are well adapted to this stirring age, and that Mr. Jay's work is a happy exemplification of his principles. It is not our purpose to enter upon a minute detail of each Lecture. We shall do little else besides expressing the impression made upon our minds by the perusal of the work. There is displayed in these Lectures a very extensive knowledge of human character. The author is a man of accurate observation. He has not mingled with his fellow-men without becoming acquainted with their qualities, both good and bad; without knowing their necessities, and the suitable manner of relieving them. He views men as they actually are, and adapts his instructions to their case. As an illustration of our remark, we refer to the following extract. 'Some seem afraid to administer the consolations of the glorious gospel fully, as if they would have, if not a licentious, yet a paralyzing effect on the receiv But these timid dispensers of divine truth, though they may be well-meaning, are not well informed. They are ignorant of the very principles of our nature; and know very little of the comforts of the Holy Ghost-or they would know that these comforts are not opiates, but cordials-that while they refresh, they also animate. If there must be any thing of an extreme (for which, however, we do not plead,) the leaning had better to be on the side of privilege than legality, even with regard to practical religion. Such a man grateful for his indulgences, at the feet of his Benefactor, as well as Lord, will feel himself much more disposed and bound to dedicate himself to his service; and his language must be, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?" er. 'Let us view the Christian in his perils. He is perpetually surrounded with temptations in the world. These flatter him, and would entice him away from God. And these he is to resist, steadfast in the faith. But how is this to be done? By threatening? By constraints? These may indeed induce him actually to refuse the offers and allurements; but not in affection. The joy of the Lord is his strength; and without this, a man will only leave the world as Lot's wife left Sodom-she left it, but her heart was still in the place; and she inwardly sighed, O that I was there! O that I could return and not be destroyed! Thus there are some who forsake the world, as far as they are impelled by the fear of hell, or the dread of reproach, or shame of inconsistency; but they hate the obligation that keeps them back from their loved indulgencies; and like wasps burnt out of their nests, are angry and resentful towards all around them, for the injuries they have endured. Prohibition, so far from killing desire, has a tendency to increase it; sin takes occasion by the commandment; and that which was ordained to be unto life, proves to be unto death. The Christian is not saved from the world by the law, but by grace. He is not driven out of it against his inclination-he leaves it voluntarily; and gives proof of it; for truly if he were mindful of the country from whence he came out, he would have opportunities to return. He has the same allurements and seductions presented to him, as others. But here is the difference: they are alive to them; but he is dead. He has found something infinitely superior; this, by refining and exalting his taste, has weaned him; and he can no longer relish the mean and ignoble provision of former days. Having found the pure spring, he no longer kneels to the filthy puddle. Having tasted the grapes of Eshcol, he longs no more for the leeks, and garlic, and onions of Egypt. The palace makes him forget the dunghill. 'This, this is the way, and the only effectual way of separating the heart from the world; it is to subdue the sense of an inferior good, by the enjoyment of a greater. Who would exchange the green pastures and still waters for barrenness and drought? Who wants lamps, or even stars, when the sun is up? As by the light of opening day This joy exorcises a man of carnal affection, and we are persuaded the efficacy of it is far greater to mortify us to the world, than the influence of afflictions. Losses and disappointments may surprise and confound us, and lead us to lament the uncertainty of every thing below; but they do not make us feel their unsatisfactory and polluted nature. Even under the pressure of their trials, and amidst all their complaints, you will often discern the disposition of the sufferers remaining unchanged. And if not, how soon after does renewed pursuit succeed deplored deceptions, and they flee to a repetition of similar experiments till all the mad career is ended! But the experience produced by the sight of the cross, and communion with God in Christ, will never allow the world to become again the Christian's end, or portion. If by the power of delusion he be drawn astray for a moment, he will soon find that it is not with him as in months past; and he will be sure to feel the wretchedness of what he has chosen, compared with the glory of what he has left. And this feeling will serve to recal him. The apostate has no such experience as this to check and turn him. But the backslider has: and see the result-"I will go," says the Church," and return to my first husband, for then it was better with me than now.", pp. 283-285. [To be continued.] LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. The Christian Spectator, "conducted by a number of" Pedobaptist "Gentlemen," at New-Haven, Conn. will hereafter be published quarterly. "Its leading feature will be doctrinal discussion, the inculcation of a sound theology, as it regards the friends no less than the enemies of truth,-the edification of believers as well as the convincing of errorists and gainsayers." The price will be, as it has been, three dollars a year. In most respects, this work has deserved well of the public, but not in respect to its boasted catholicism. It has, we believe, industriously represented "our Baptist brethren" as un questionably deserving a large share of censure,-as in the bondage of sectarian feeling and of ignorance, as unwilling that others should think for themselves, and as remarkably destitute of charity, and so envying and vexing a portion of the people of God. We complain not of the fair and Christian use of arguments. Truth fears not investigation; and charity rejoiceth in the truth. Memoir of Mrs. Judson.-We have great pleasure in being able to state that Messrs. Lincoln & Edmands have in press, under the direction of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, a MEMOIR OF MRS. ANN H. JUDSON, including a History of the Burman Mission, by James D. Knowles, Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Boston. The work will consist of about 350 pages, 12mo. and will be accompanied with a copperplate engraved portrait of Mrs. Judson, with a Map of the Burman Empire, and a specimen of the Burman language. The price will be one dollar neatly bound, and eightyseven cents in boards with cloth backs. From what we know of the subject and of the author, we anticipate a highly interesting and instructive book. We hazard nothing in predicting that whoever procures and reads it, will be amply repaid. Essays on Baptism, by the Rev. Joseph Samuel C. F. Frey, late Agent of the American Society for meliorating the condition of the Jews, now Pastor of the Baptist Church, Newark, N.J. are in the press, and will soon be published by Lincoln & Edmands, Boston. The work will consist of about 120 pages, 12mo. and will be sold at 37 1-2 cents a copy. The Lord's Day.-Proposals have been issued at Philadelphia for publishing by subscription an Essay on the Divine appointment of the Sabbath, and of the Lord's day. By William Ballantine. It is to consist of five parts. 1. On the first institution of the Sabbath. 2. An attempt to prove that the Sabbath was kept holy from its first in stitution to the coming of the Messiah. 3. On the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. 4. On sanctifying the Lord's day. 5. Arguments and motives for keeping the first day of the week holy. Sermons on the xxxiii. chapter of Deuteronomy.-The publication has been begun of a series of Sermons on this chapter, by William Parkinson, A. M. Pastor of the First Baptist Church in the city of New-York. The work, consisting of twenty-six sermons, averaging, in octavo, about 24 pages, will be printed on good paper, and with a large type. The Aged Christian's Cabinet.— Proposals have been issued for publishing, at New-York, a work with this title, containing a variety of interesting Essays, Dialogues, short Discourses, Letters, &c. adapted to the instruction, consolation, and animation of aged christians of every denomination. By John Stanford, A. M. The work is to be published in about ten numbers, and to make one volume 8vo. Paley's Theology, with copious notes and Illustrations. Lincoln & Edmands. Baxter's Call, to which will be added, Now or Never, and Fifty Reasons why a Sinner should turn to God without delay. Lincoln & Edmands. Thomas à Kempis, edited by Rev. Howard Malcom. Lincoln & Edmands. NEW PUBLICATIONS. Letters of David and John.-These Letters, containing animadversions upon the Lectures of Dr. Woods on Infant Baptism, with an appendix by Dr. Ryland, the whole making a pamphlet of 106 pages, have been republished at the Tract Depository, No. 118 North Fourth Street, Philadelphia; price 25 cents, single, or two dollars a dozen. The authors have agreed to give all the profits of the sale to the Baptist General Tract Society. An Account of the High School at Rock-Spring, Illinois. By Rev. J. M. Peck, one of the Board of Overseers. The Memory of the Just. A Discourse delivered at the First Baptist Meeting-house in Providence, R. I. August 20, 1828, at the interment of Rev. Stephen Gano, A. M. late Pastor of the First Baptist Church in that town. By Daniel Sharp, Pastor of the Third Baptist Church, Boston. Obligations of the Baptized; or Baptism an Emblem of the Death and Resurrection of Christ, as connected with the State and Prospects of the Believer; a Sermon delivered before the Boston their Session at Cambridge, Mass. Sept. Baptist Association, introductory to 17, A. D. 1828. By Irah Chase, Professor of Biblical Theology in the Newton Theological Institution. MISSIONARY REGISTER, FOR JANUARY, 1829. BAPTIST BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. BURMAH. THE faith and patience of the saints are often put to severe trials, before ulti mate success attends their efforts. This is calculated to lead them more particularly to notice the Divine hand, when extended for their relief. Dark clouds have long been suspended over the Mission to Burmah. Obstructions in varied forms have been presented to the Missionaries; death has diminished their ranks, and desolating wars have interrupted the efforts of survivors. But more gratifying prospects are now opening before them, and hopes of a richer harvest may be cherished. The last intelligence from the seat of the Mission exhibited them uninterruptedly pursuing their labors, instructing in schools, conversing with the natives, and preaching the Gospel. It is hoped the time is not far distant, when the powerful instrument for diffusing knowledge, the press, will be forwarded, and put in successful operation on the Mission premises. The indications of Divine Providence should be carefully noted, as one means of ascertaining the path of duty; and we view with peculiar interest the almost simultaneous proposals, in different sections of the country, for raising funds for printing the Scriptures in the Burman language, as they evince a preparedness in the public mind for effecting the object. Every friend to the circulation of the Scriptures was pleased with the Generous Donation, noticed in the Magazine for December, taken from the N. York Baptist Register, for printing the Scriptures in Burmese. The attention of our readers is now solicited to the following proposal, which issued nearly at the same time from another part of the Union. New Year's Gift to the Heathen. Appreciating in some small degree the value of that Word of eternal Truth, which we humbly hope, has by the power of God, imparted a spiritual life to our own souls-affected in some imperfect manner by the condition of millions of our fellow men, who are perishing in moral darkness; and feebly conscious of the high claim of the God of our salvation to all we possess ; two persons engage to unite with eighteen others who may wish to participate in the pleasure of making up the sum of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS, for publishing the NEW TESTAMENT of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, in the Burman language. Those who may be disposed to give the sum of Fifty Dollars, payable within ninety days from the first of January next, for the above purpose, as a small token of love to perishing sinners, and of gratitude to Him who crowneth the year with his goodness, are respectfully requested to give information of the same to Dea. Heman Lincoln, of Boston, Treasurer of the General ConvenUnited States for Foreign Missions. tion of the Baptist Denomination in the [Ch. Watchman, INDIAN STATIONS. WITHINGTON STATION. Mr. Compere, Missionary at the Withington Station, has forwarded his Journal, detailing events from March 3, to November 3, 1828. The Indians in the neighborhood have manifested a determined opposition to the efforts making for introducing the gospel and education among them. By exhibiting a persecuting spirit, and inflicting severe punishment on some who at tended meeting, many have been intimidated, and no longer assemble. Mr. Compere's requisition for religious toleration has not been granted by the Indians, and the prospects for his usefulness at the Station do not present an encouraging aspect. The condition of these poor wanderers calls for the prayers of the disciples of Christ, that an effectual door may be opened for introducing civilization and the blessings of Christianity; without which, their numbers will continue to diminish, and their miseries to increase. SOULT DE ST. MARIE, The Baptist Board of Foreign Missions have commenced a new Indian mission station at the Soult de St. Marie, between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, with very encouraging prospects, and appointed Mr. Abel Bingham to occupy the field. By his Journal, just received by the Secretary, we learn that he has entered on his duties, by establishing a school, and preaching the gospel to the Indians. His Journal presents this pleasing indication of the progress of the gospel, that on board the two vessels in which he sailed on the lakes, the commanders welcomed the religious services of the Sabbath, by assembling the seamen in the cabin, and listening to the gospel dispensed by Mr. Bingham. It is a source of joy to the church, that the large and interesting class of our fellowmen, who "go down to the sea in ships and do business in great waters," haye of late years been so materially benefitted by religious instruction. It is hoped the time is hastening, when every vessel, as she crosses the deep, will present an assembly, paying reverence to the Sabbath, and enjoying the scenes of religious worship. From Mr. Bingham's Journal, we present the following extracts: Coe in particular seems much devoted to Indian reform. But they expect to leave here by the first vessel that comes to the place. 15. This evening, had my first interview with an Ojibway Indian, one of the minor chiefs, and as I was informed by the Agent, a pipe bearer to the principal chief. I informed him, that in compliance with the arrangements made in the treaty at Fon du lack, I had come to establish a school, for the instruction of their children, and to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus to them. He said he was very glad I had come, for he had three chil dren he wished to send to the school. 19, Lord's day. Preached at eleven o'clock to the citizens, in my school room. At 3, P. M. had a collection of Indians in the same room, about thirty in number. Our services were as follows: after prayer by the Rev. Mr. Coe, we sung an hymn, composed by Miss Charlotte Johnson, (in Ojibway,) who was my interpreter at this time; then I addressed them, and briefly noticed the creation of the world, the creation and fall of man, remarked that notwithstanding we were of different complexions, and spake different languages, the first pair were the common parents of us all; that, as we sprang from them after they became sinners, consequently, we were all sinners; endeavored to show them what the wages of sin were, &c. Appealed to their consciences and experiences, to prove my doctrine; brought a Saviour to view, spoke of his holy life, his sufferings and death, his resurrection, and the hope of salvation through faith in his name. And closed with a short exhortation to them, to give themselves away to him, soul and body, &c. Had the happiness of seeing them listen with attention. Oct. 7, 1828. At half past 8 in the evening, anchored at the Soult de St. Marie. Never felt myself under greater obligation, and very seldom esteemed it a greater privilege to bless and praise God for his goodness to me, than at this time. As we had prayers regularly on board the vessel when I was able to attend to it, on our arrival the captain called all hands into the cabin for worship; I was directed to the sixty-sixth Psalm. It seemed that we all felt a peculiar pleasure in offering a 26, Monday. This day opened the tribute of praise to God. After prayer, school, had twenty-seven scholars, I read the sailor's address, a hymn nine of whom I put immediately to which I had written, (Ye sons of the writing on slates. They behaved remain, &c.) On learning that the cap-markably well. O may these small tain was pleased with it, I presented it to him, together with some tracts, which he received with pleasure. 10. Soult de St. Marie. Early this morning went on shore-called on Mr. Schoolcraft, U. S. Agent, by whom I was kindly received. I went in company with Mr. Schoolcraft to visit the Rev. Mr. Coe, a Presbyterian brother, who has been laboring here for more than a year, under many disadvantages, who, together with his lady, appears extremely anxious to build up Żion. Br. beginnings, be to these poor Indians, as the first openings of the morning to the benighted traveller. Tuesday, 21st. To-day had fifty scholars.-22d, had fifty-seven scholars -23d, fifty-24th, forty-five-25th, forty-three. I would here remark, that I am better suited with the place than I expected to be, and feel that I have entered on my work again; and in it I take comfort, and hope I enjoy some tokens of the divine presence. |