to accord with the principles laid down in the resolutions adopted at the recent delegate meeting of the Methodist reformers, I shall be happy to render any aid in my power to bring about a union between it and the Association; and should rejoice in a union of all the professedly liberal sections of the Methodist family.

Apologizing for the great length of this communication, and heartily thanking you for your kindness in consenting to give it insertion, I am, dear Sir, yours truly,

6, Argyle Square, April 10, 1850.

ROBERT ECKETT. From the preceding, our readers may judge whether there was not good reason for our bringing the erroneous statements of Mr. Cooke under public notice. The matters referred to are of too much importance, especially under existing circumstances, to be allowed to be subjected to unexposed misrepresentation.

WOMAN'S DEVOTEDNESS TO CHRIST.

When

WOMAN'S love followed Jesus from the cradle to the grave. From a mother's love he received the nurture of helpless infancy. he had not "where to lay his head," women administered to him of their substance. While even his disciples were ignorant of the real nature of his character, and recognized in him only the temporal deliverer of Israel, a daughter of Samaria had the faith to believe, and the grace to confess, that He was the Christ, who should "tell them all things." When the multitude vehemently demanded his death, a woman publicly proclaimed her sympathy in his fate, and made a bold though unavailing effort for his rescue, by the urgent message sent to Pilate, "Have thou nothing to do with that just man." When betrayed by one Apostle, denied by another, and forsaken by all, a woman clung to him with all the constancy of woman's affection; she asserted her privilege by tears, and followed in the Saviour's train, bewailing and lamenting him. With untiring affection and undaunted, she was the last to linger at the cross, and the earliest to seek his tomb. The lowly Magdalen who had loved much, was made the harbinger of those glorious tidings which are the anchor of the Christian's hope. Some of these ministering women were mothers of Apostles. They gave not only their own selves, but their sons, to the Lord. In the infancy of the church, the house of Mary, the mother of Mark, was chosen by the Apostles for their place of social prayer; and throughout the whole of the sacred narrative we still find the female sex, who are almost entirely excluded from honourable mention in profane history, foremost among those who promoted the cause of the Gospel. Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened to attend to His word; the beloved Persis, who laboured much in the Lord; Tabitha, whose faith shone forth in her good works; Priscilla, who expounded even to an Apollos the way of God more perfectly; Eunice, who though married to a Pagan, preserved the unfeigned faith, which dwelt first in her mother Lois, and which she transmitted to her youthful son, Timothy; Damaris, who amid

the mockings of the supercilious Athenians, could dare to confess Christ crucified; Tryphena and Tryphosa; Phoebe of Cenchrea, who was a succourer of many, and of Paul also, and for whom not only he gave thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles.

Nor were women ready merely to embrace the profession of the Gospel. History abounds with instances of the devotion and heroism with which they died for their faith; and every Christian female, who was married to an unbelieving husband, or dwelt in a heathen family, had to undergo numerous trials; in fact to die daily.

Female Disciple.

REVIEWS AND LITERARY NOTICES.

Objections to the Doctrine of Israel's Future Restoration to Palestine, National Pre-eminence, &c. By EDWARD SWAINE. Second Edition. 18mo. 163 pp. JACKSON AND WALFORD.

MANY persons suppose, that the Jews are preserved as a distinct people, in order that they may hereafter be gathered together, and be restored to the possession of Palestine, their paternal inheritance. This, they believe, has been announced by Divine prediction. Some are also of opinion, that a very splendid temple, which is to be the wonder of the world, is to be again built at Jerusalem, that the Redeemer is, in person, to reign at Jerusalem, literally to sit on the throne of David, and that the Jews are to be exalted above all other nations.

The work now before us controverts the doctrine of the restoration of the Jews to the land of Canaan. The author maintains "that this doctrine is unsupported by the New Testament; is at variance with the genius of Christianity; that the allusions in the New Testament to the language of the Old Testament, and the use made of those allusions, are opposed to it; that the prophet Malachi does not predict such a restoration; that the predictions of the other prophets, on this subject, had their literal accomplishment in the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity, and the long period of prosperity which they afterwards enjoyed; that the doctrine is encumbered with great difficulties; apparently contradicts the Scriptures, is fruitless of good, and prolific of bad effects on the minds of Christians, and on the minds of Jews in particular."

It must be admitted that many passages in the writings of the prophets, in most glowing language, describe the glory of Israel, and represent the throne of David as established for ever. Mr. Swaine, however, contends, that all these predictions, relating to the glory of Israel and of the throne of David, which have not received their full accomplishment, are to be understood as referring to the true spiritual Israel, and the spiritual reign of the Messiah. He also states, that many of the phrases on which the advocates of the doctrine, which he opposes, rely, are of figurative import; that, for instance, Mount Zion, and Jerusalem, are typical of the Christian Church.

Mr. Swaine maintains, that there is no scriptural reason to suppose that any peculiar advantages are reserved for the Jews. He believes, the Scriptures teach, that they will become converted to Christianity, and cease to be distinguished from other people. It is a work which will amply repay a careful perusal. The points are clearly stated and ably argued. The topics discussed are highly important, and their discussion is conducted with much candour and ability.

Missionary Encouragement in India; or the Christian Village in Gujurat. By the Rev. WM. CLARKSON. Second Edition. 18mo. 131pp. JOHN SNOW.

THIS compendious but highly interesting work, describes the nature of the self-denying and arduous labours of Christian Missionaries among the natives of India. It records several cases of conversion, and brings out to view the trials to which the native converts are subjected. It is a delightful narrative of most interesting Missionary facts, and incidents of thrilling interest; and is well adapted to sustain and increase Missionary zeal and liberality.

The Three Questions: What am I? Whence came I? Whither do I go? 18mo. 176 pp. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

UPON the important enquiries brought under consideration, in this work, the mind of every person ought to be engaged. The design of the author has been to lead the reader to reflection upon his spiritual condition, and to an examination of the claims of Christianity, its adaptation to his moral nature, and its ability to afford a rich and permanent supply of blessings. It is a work well suited to be put into the hands of those who are undecided as to religion, but willing to consider its claims. These are presented in an instructive and forcible manner.

Life and Times of Leo the Tenth. Monthly Series. 18mo. 192 pp. TRACT SOCIETY.

AN excellent compendious history of the principal events, and persons, who took an active part in the papal ecclesiastical and Italian affairs, for some time previous to, and during the pontificate of, that most extraordinary man, Leo the tenth. It was when he was pope that Luther preached the doctrines of the Reformation.

Scriptural Names. By Dr. Watts with the Lessons derived from them in Verse. By W. F. LLOYD. SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION.

A VERY useful little work, admirably suited to engage and impress the minds of children.

The Old Testament Pocket Commentary; compiled from Henry, Scott, and other writers: with numerous Explanatory and Illustrative Notes. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

WITHIN the compass of so small a volume, no intelligent person will expect to find a complete critical and explanatory comment on all the books of the Old Testament. A large amount of Biblical illustration is, however, judiciously condensed into the work now before us. By omitting the text, space is obtained for the notes. The plan of the work is to give sectional explanations of the text, and explanatory notes of words and phrases. Brief, but valuable, chronological tables are added. It is a work well adapted for usefulness.

The Sunday-school Senior Class. An Essay. By J. A. COOPER. Royal 18mo. 88pp. SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION.

THE Committee of the Sunday-school Union having offered two prizes, of ten pounds, and five pounds, for the first and second best essays on con

ducting senior classes, it appears that "the prize" (we suppose the first prize), has been awarded to the author of this work. We attach very great importance to the formation and proper management of senior classes in Sunday-schools. We have often regretted, that a large portion of the scholars cease to attend Sunday-schools, just at the time when it is most important they should continue their attendance. This is to be accounted for by the operation of two causes-unwillingness to submit to the restraints of school attendance, and a want of proper school arrangements and tuition, to promote the advancement in useful knowledge, and secure the affectionate regard of the elder scholars. To point out how those evils may be remedied is the design of this little volume. Well qualified and thoroughly devoted teachers are required for the instruction of the elder scholars. Many very valuable suggestions are contained in this essay; generally, we approve of its contents, and heartily recommend the work to the attention of those who are engaged in Sabbath-school tuition. The author strongly recommends that ministers should occasionally give lessons to the senior classes. We agree with him that it is very important, wherever it is practicable, ministers should render their aid in instructing the senior scholars; and that the closest possible union should subsist between churches and Sabbath-schools.

SLEEPING IN PUBLIC WORSHIP.

THIS is the season of the year, when people are peculiarly liable to be overcome by drowsiness in the house of God. Of these, there are two classes. One class of sleepers would gladly keep awake if they could. They take a great deal of pains for it during the public exercises. When their eyes grow heavy, they resort to various expedients to shake off the sleepiness which is stealing upon them. They say, and we have no reason to doubt it, that they would give anything if they could overcome the infirmity, but they struggle in vain. Ere they are aware of it, the voice of the preacher dies away upon their ears, and they fall asleep.

The other class of sleepers, give themselves very little trouble about it. They are willing enough to keep awake, perhaps, and for appearance sake, if nothing else, would rather choose to, but they generally doze and nod, more or less; for what is more common with many, they lay their heads quietly down in some snug corner of their pews, till the amen or the last singing notifies that the exercises are drawing to a close. Under some of the most solemn and faithful Gospel sermons, they had rather sleep than not, though they cannot always succeed, when they have chosen the most convenient attitudes. To this class of church sleepers, we have not much to say, because we have but little hope that they would hear and heed us. We could remind them, that the time is coming when they must all keep wide awake, whether they will or not. It may not be till after they have done attending public worship-it may not be till they wake up and find themselves in a miserable eternity; but the time will come, and then, O how will they wish they had given the most wakeful attention to the messenger of salvation, under which they now so stupidly slumber!

To the other class of sleepers in God's house, who would fain shake off their drowsiness, we have a few things to say. It does not follow, because they really wish to keep awake during all the public exercises, that they are not to blame for losing themselves and losing the sermon. Do they use all the appropriate means to that end? It is not enough to pinch, or prick themselves, or freely to use the smelling-bottle. Some preventions are to be tried. If they would meditate and pray more in their closets, and thus get

their hearts more deeply interested in the subject of religion, as a personal concern of infinite moment, they would be less likely to be overcome by drowsiness under the droppings of the sanctuary. If they would reflect, when they enter the courts of the Lord, "perhaps this may be the last time; perhaps this may be the last sermon that I shall ever hear," would they be likely to fall asleep? What, would they not watch one hour ?" If they would remember, when the preacher rises in the pulpit, "there stands the legate of the skies," that it is Christ, speaking through the lips of his ambassador, would they be so indifferent to the message, as to fall asleep in the midst of his discourse?

And are there not predisposing physical causes to sleepiness in the sanctuary, which might and ought to be avoided? Are not labouring men, apt to work harder and to work later, on Saturday, than on other days in the week, in anticipation of the rest of the Sabbath; and is not this one great reason why they are so "dull of hearing ?" They get so worn down, so exhausted by the end of the week, that they are unfitted for all religious services, on God's holy day. They drop asleep as soon, almost, as they get seated in their pews, and their excuse is, that they are obliged to work so hard during the week, that they can't help it. But how far will this plea avail, in the court of conscience, or before that high tribunal, to which we are all hastening? Ought not labourers and other men of business, to remember, as the week wears away, that the Sabbath is "drawing on," and instead of laying out more work than common on Saturdays, so to order their affairs, as to close up at an early hour? Our Puritan fathers used to do it. We do not believe they do more work in a week, by driving all day and late into Saturday evening, than they might accomplish, by a little forethought and extra effort, earlier in the week. If hard labourers would favour themselves somewhat on Saturday, and retire at an early hour, they would rest well and find themselves refreshed on Sabbath morning, to their great comfort and wakefulness, when they go to the house of God, and indeed in all the religious duties of the day. Who is so poor, and absolutely obliged to work so hard, that he cannot keep awake for an hour and a half, forenoon and afternoon, in the church? We know by some experience, how difficult it is for men who labour in the field all the week, to resist drowsiness when they come to sit still; but just so much of it as comes from the cause above mentioned, will, we verily believe, prove at the last day to have been inexcusable. God does not require men to work so hard, at any season of the year, that they cannot enjoy the worship of his own appointment on the Sabbath.

Another way to avoid sleeping in church is, to refresh one's self for a few moments before going, or between the services. We are no apologists for dreamy slothfulness at home, on the Lord's day; but surely, where "the flesh is weak," it is better to take half an hour's repose at home, than in the house of God.

One thought more. A light and spare diet, on the Sabbath, is an excellent antidote to sleepiness in the church. No wonder if those who indulge themselves with full and luxurious dinners, cannot keep awake. It would be strange if they could.

The conclusion of the whole matter is, that it is wrong, is sinful, for persons of any class, ever to sleep" at meeting," if they can possibly help and that however they may be overpowered in the time of worship, if they are in health, and have not guarded against it as well as they could, beforehand, they are answerable. Dr. Humphreys.

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