to every human being, on the termination of this vain and transitory life,

"Eternal happiness or woe

Must then his portion be,"➡ for a man of talent and learning to expend his entire energies in writing works of this class is the veriest trifling. In proportion as men become serious in religion, and practical Christianity prevails, such works as the "Waverley Novels " will cease to be applauded. Perhaps their greatest merit is, that they have, to a considerable extent, superseded publications of a directly injurious character. In point of real utility, however, not only are they immensely below the immortal productions of Milton's genius, but the works of such laymen as Clarendon, Locke, and Johnson; men who wrote under a deep sense of the fear of God, and of the truth and importance of Christianity.

Respecting Dr. Adam Clarke this is not the place for any extended remarks. His writings have long been before the world; and an authentic record of his studies and labours is speedily to appear. There is, however, one great lesson to be deduced from the history of this extraordinary man, to which I may be allowed to advert. It is, the incalculable advantages of industry and perseverance. From Mr. Moore's sermon it is evident, that the Doctor's literary attainments in early life were very limited. He had barely received an elementary knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages, when an attempt was made to initiate him into the mysteries of trade, and he was employed in the service of a merchant. In this state he was sent to Kingswood School; and soon after appointed to the labours of a Methodist Circuit. It was in the midst of these labours,-preaching three or four times on the Sabbath, and almost every evening in the week, travelling several miles daily, visiting the sick, and exercising a pastoral care over the societies,-that he commenced and prosecuted those studies, the fruits of which are before the world in several large and learned publications. His income was limited: the acquirement of books there

fore must have been a matter of difficulty; and either to engage the services of efficient tutors, or to attend to their instructions while travelling from place to place, was impossible. He was therefore almost entirely selfinstructed, and self-instructed under such disadvantages as to an ordinary mind would have been overwhelming. And yet, such were his attainments as an oriental scholar, a biblical critic, a theologian, an antiquarian, and a man of general knowledge, that he had not many equals even among the men who were placed through life in the most advantageous circumstances for the prosecution of their studies. Many individuals doubtless might easily be found who surpassed him in particular branches of scholarship; but few men among his contemporaries excelled him in the extent of their acquirements. I am not one of those who ascribe a sort of infallibility to this great and learned man. Indeed, it would not be difficult to show that on many occasions his constitutional ardour led him to make up his mind prematurely, and to express himself with undue confidence on subjects which he only imperfectly understood; but I think it doubtful whether the entire history of human nature supplies a more remarkable instance of the conscientious redemption of time, and of successful diligence and perseverance in unassisted study. Every young person, every poor scholar, and especially every young Minister, should place before him, in full view, the diligence of Dr. Clarke, and take encouragement. It is impossible beforehand to ascertain the ultimate proficiency of those who, like him, cherish a love of learning, which advancing years cannot abate; a resolution in the acquisition of it, which no difficulties and discouragements can move; and who pursue their studies in the spirit of prayer, and with a constant reference to the glory of God.

One of the most important events of the past year is the great legisla tive measure by which the elective franchise is so widely extended in the United Kingdom. In consequence of this enactment public opinion will

be brought more directly to bear upon all measures of government and legislation than heretofore; and every one must perceive that this will be beneficial or otherwise, as that opinion is directed and influenced. If a due regard for the institutions of the country be preserved, and an attempt only be made to reform abuses, and remove what is really evil, great good will result; but if a spirit of reckless innovation prevail, in connexion with that spurious liberality which regards every form of religion as equally valuable, and valuable only in reference to the temporal interests of mankind, the deepest injuries will be inflicted upon the country. Questions of the gravest kind, and affecting a large portion of the community, must speedily occupy the attention of the legislature; and if ever Great Britain needed wise and upright senators, she needs them now, when Colonial slavery, the state of the established Church, the observance of the Sabbath, and other subjects of vital consequence, await their decision. This is a country professedly Christian; the British constitution, which the wisest men have acknowledged as the perfection of political wisdom, distinctly recognises Christianity as a revelation from God; and under this constitution England has risen to a state of greatness, wealth, happiness, moral influence, and honour, unexampled in history. Our greatest danger as a nation, I apprehend, at the present, is from Infidelity. This hydra has already shown itself in the senate; and it seeks further influence there. Some of its apostles affect infinite "liberality," are clamorous against "abus es; " "and under the specious show of such professions would gladly subvert the constitution, and with it the Christianity, of the country. The disciples of Voltaire and Paine are ceaselessly active; and their pernicious principles are artfully mixed up with much of the periodical and cheap literature of the day; and while the principles of evil are so extensively at work, it does not become Christians to sleep at the post of duty, but to exert all their energies, both in private life, and in general

society, to diffuse the truth of God in all its simplicity and power.

The late admirable Report of the Committee of the House of Commons respecting the Sabbath will, it is hoped, prepare the way for some efficient legislative enactment which may in a great measure put an end to Sunday trading and travelling, and especially the publication of Sunday newspapers. Every effort should be made by religious people to secure this great point; as well as the speediest possible extinction of that horrible outrage upon humanity and religion, negro slavery.

In regard to the future destinies of this country, whatever the prophets of evil may intimate to the contrary, I cannot but think there is strong ground for confidence and hope. There is certainly a powerful leaven of vital Christianity in the land. The influence of religious people, both in the Establishment and among the sects, in many districts especially, is powerfully and extensively felt and acknowledged. Let that influence be strengthened by more active zeal, and by greater circumspection, on the part of professing Christians; let the blessing of God be sought in constant and believing prayer; and the national welfare will still be secured. The habits and relations of society may be changed, and we may pass into a new state of things, yet the institutions of the country may be perpetuated, and even rendered more efficient, and the public welfare be maintained. Under God, however, these objects can only be gained by the exertions, the prayers, the example of good men. Could all the different bodies of professing Christians be induced to suspend their mutual jealousies and strife, and unite as the heart of one man for the maintenance of evangelical truth and righteousness, neither infidelity nor any other evil, would be able to stand before them. Of this, however, in some quarters, I fear at present there is little hope. The abominable ecclesiastical insolence and pride, which have of late been manifested in certain periodical works, are terrible omens of evil in times like these.

In

While contemplating the principal occurrences of the past year, it is impossible to overlook the fearful mortality with which the nation has been visited. A disease, till lately unknown in Europe, except by name, made its appearance in the north of England, and gradually spread to almost every part of the three kingdoms, carrying dismay and terror in its train. In some places its ravages have been dreadful; and strongly remind us of those seasons which are recorded both in sacred and profane history, when God appeared in his majesty and power, and "before him went the pestilence." most of the large towns the parish authorities have been called upon to interfere; boards of health have been formed; medical consultations held; hand-bills have appeared in the streets, giving requisite precautions to the people; and the anxious looks of some persons, and the downcast countenances of others, have betrayed the deep emotions of their minds, and been strong indications that the work of death was already begun. Messengers of evil tidings were seen hurrying to and fro, medical men hastening from place to place, and Ministers of religion repairing in all directions to the abodes of disease, to comfort the sick and dying. In places of religious assembly, at almost every time of meeting, the pews of individuals, well known there, have been observed to be empty, their usual occupiers having gone the way of all the earth; persons have been seen, in their usual health and vigour, actively engaged in the business of life, and in a few hours have been in their graves. Deaths have been so frequent, and the speedy interment of the dead deemed so important in regard to the living, that in many cases the usual formalities of funerals have been dispensed with; and the survivors, instead of "going along the streets mourning," have scarcely had time to weep apart, but have been employed in tending other victims of disease, or anticipating their own seizure with trembling anxiety. The most tender and endearing reiations of life have been suddenly dissolved; families have

been entirely broken up; children deprived of both their parents in one day; and the sentiment has been almost universally echoed,

"Friend after friend departs;

Who hath not lost a friend ?"

The burying-grounds, in some populous districts, bave resembled ploughed fields; in almost every part of which the earth bad been opened to admit the dreaded remains of human frailty. These scenes have in a great measure passed away: but the agony connected with them will never be forgotten while the present generation remains.

The hand of God in all this was manifest to every mind, except that of the infidel, who appeared a personification of

"Moody madness laughing wild

Amid severest woe."

It is the "fool" that "hath said in his heart, There is no God; " no infinitely wise, benevolent, and righteous mind, directing and regulating the affairs of the world. Through the whole of this providential dispensation God has been eminently seen as the great and sovereign Arbiter of life. All that humanity could devise, and all that wisdom and experience could dictate, were equally unavailing to prevent the spread of this fearful epidemic. Remedies that were perfectly successful in some cases, were utterly powerless in others. To this day the manner in which the disease is conveyed from place to place, and from one individual to another, is involved in the deepest mystery; and the suddenness and extent of its ravages, both in Europe and America, show how little science has been able to achieve in arresting its fatal progress. Vain man would be wise and great; but God has shown the most refined and polished nations, that in his presence their wisdom is consummate folly, and all their power and glory perfect weakness and shame. One of the worst characteristics of the age is practical Atheism; a systematic denial of the agency of God in the works of nature, and the affairs of human life; but he must be blind, indeed, who does not see a divine hand in that mortality which has so recently filled

a large portion of the earth with lamentation, and mourning, and woe." If not a sparrow falls to the ground without our heavenly Father; an event so important as death can in no instance befal intelligent, redeemed, and immortal man, but under the divine direction. "The pestilence walketh in darkness, and the arrow flieth by day;" but every victim is selected by infinite wisdom, acting under the direction of mercy or of justice, according to the character of the person whose days are numbered. And if God is so intimately concerned in the dissolution of every individual, his righteousness and his power are eminently displayed in the sudden removal of great multitudes of mankind under circumstances of terror. Such has been the case in regard to the malignant cholera, which has hurried many millions of mankind into eternity. Calculations have been made respecting the number of persons who have fallen by this fell disease; but no finite mind can comprehend the consequences of the deaths which it has occasioned. Millions of hearts have been wrung with anguish; comprehensive plans of trade and commerce have been frustrated; families have been involved in distress and ruin; the friends and benefactors of their race have been arrested in their career of useful labour; the ministry of devoted servants of Christ has been suddenly terminated; and it is to be feared that myriads of mankind have been placed beyond the reach of hope and mercy. God's power over human life is absolute and uncontrolled. When he speaks the word, the stoutest heart trembles, the strong man bows himself in death, and even nations "fade away like a leaf."

We are apt to consider such dispensations of Providence as judgments, and indications of the divine wrath; and such they undoubtedly are. But at the same time we ought not to forget, that the world is under a mediatorial government; and that, in every providential dispensation, there is much of mercy. So far as our own country is concerned, this is strikingly seen in the events of the past year. For some time the public

mind has been directed, with undue interest and intensity of feeling, to secular objects; so that the most faithful and energetic ministry, among almost all denominations of Christians, was comparatively inefficient; the spirit of opposition and hostility among professing Christians has been rife; and in politics party-spirit has been unexampled in its violence. The prevalence of these evils has been greatly lamented by the wise and good; who have wept in secret, and earnestly prayed for a better state of things. We often pray without considering the entire bearing of our own petitions. We pray for the conversion of a beloved relation; and perhaps this desirable result can only be accomplished by the divine blessing upon the loss of his property, or some severe domestic bereavement. We pray for the conversion of the world, without recollecting that in order to this end, many ancient and hostile governments and institutions must be broken up; and that this can only be effected by national convulsions and revolutions in which blood will be copiously shed. Thousands of good men have prayed most earnestly that the general spirit of levity, ungodliness, and irreligion, might be effectually checked in the United Kingdom; and that the attention of the people might be every where awakened to the great concerns of religion and eternity. Perhaps God, in his wisdom and mercy, saw that this could only be done by sending forth a pestilential disease, bearing strong marks of his own resistless power. Be this as it may, incalculable moral and spiritual good has been connected with this visitation. The nation has been called to prayer and humiliation before God. Days of fasting, supplication, and thanksgiving, have been observed in a most devout manner, in different towns and neighbourhoods. God has thus been acknowledged; his mercy has been invoked; his anger deprecated; the mediation of his Son confessed; and glory has been given to him as the righteous Governor and the compas sionate Saviour of men. Prayer has been heard; the dreaded pestilence has almost entirely disappeared; an