with that verse. I think the import of the expression in the close of the verse is simply this, that he spoke or acted in such a way as indicated a design to go onward. And who can say that he ought not to have entertained such a design?-aye, and carried it into effect, if his company had not been very much valued, and his fellow travellers very earnest that he should spend the evening with them. His language and conduct, when they drew nigh to Emmaus, were probably framed for the very purpose of testing them as to these points. They stood the test: they did value his company highly: their "hearts had burned within them, while he talked with them by the way," and they were very desirous that he should remain with them during the night; -"they constrained him," and he yielded.

Just as Paul and Silas, in their first visit to Philippi, Acts xvi. 15. They yielded to the earnest entreaty of Lydia, to make her house their home while they remained in the city. They had got other lodgings, but they left them— and "she constrained us."

دو

Surely there was nothing wrong in this, either on their part or on that of our Lord.

The apostle Paul comes next, in your correspondent's paper, as to which he remarks, "The apostle (2 Cor. xii. 16), on one occasion, even takes a certain credit to himself for dexterity in artifice. Being crafty, I caught you with guile.

A little reflection might suggest, that there is a strong prima facie presumption that this view of the passage cannot be correct.

Not only is the general character of the apostle opposed to such a view, but the strongest internal adverse evidence is furnished by other parts of the same epistle.

He had been traduced as practising deceit and cupidity, by some of the leading men in the church at Corinth-so that, in the very first chapter of this epistle, he vindicates himself from these foul charges solemnly and emphatically. "Our rejoicing is this," (he says, 2 Cor. i. 12,)" the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to youward:" and again, in the 18th verse, "As God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay."

Can any one imagine that after having so expressed himself in the beginning of the letter, the apostle should, towards the close of it, tell his friends and his calumniators, that being crafty, he had caught them with guile? It cannot be. The mere statement of the opinion refutes it. Whatever be the meaning of the passage in xii. 16, this cannot be correct.

A few minutes' consideration of the circumstances under which the apostle wrote, and of the context in that chapter, will suffice, I am persuaded, to convince your correspondent, and your readers, that here the apostle adverts to, and indignantly refutes, the vile insinuation which some of the brethren at Corinth had thrown out against him.

After so long a course of disinterested labour at Corinth, during which time he had not received one farthing from the church there, although they were the fruits of his ministry, his children in the Lord, he was still determined that when he came among them he would not be burdensome to any of them-he sought not theirs but them. And if any of them would be so perverse as to argue that they the children should not lay up for the parent, that is, for the apostle, but he for them, although he could very easily answer that, and establish his right to maintenance, especially from them, he was not going to dispute that point then he was in fact just going to act in the spirit of it, and he would very gladly spend, and be spent, for them (marginal reading, for your souls). And then, having, in passing, reminded them of the utter want of reciprocity

of feeling on their part towards him, he obviously introduces a specimen of the calumnies to which he was subjected. Be it so, said his enemies, he did not himself burden us; he was too knowing for that, but he effected the same selfish, mercenary object, by those that he sent after him. THEY alleged, that "being crafty he caught them with guile." His indignation was justly roused against these ungrateful, false brethren. "Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus (to come unto you), and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you?" Did not he act on the same disinterested, noble principle, as myself? "Walked we not in the same spirit?-walked we not in the same steps?"

Thus the apostle indignantly throws back the charge of avarice and guile; and throws an effectual shield over the head of Titus, clearly intimating that the conduct of Titus was as honourable as his own.

This paper has extended to a much greater length than I anticipated, so that I dare not present, as I intended to do, in conclusion, some general reflections on the necessity of Christians maintaining, uniformly and unmistakeably, the character of Men of Truth and Sincerity. It is exceedingly painful to observe how many there are, who, by suppression of material circumstances-unduly colouring what they tell-varying their statements according to the company they are in, and according as they like or dislike the person spoken of-by equivocation, and a thousand other mean, paltry devices, convey false impressions, do incalculable mischief to society and churches, and accumulate no ordinary degree of guilt in the sight of Him, who is a God of Truth, and without iniquity, and who abhors the deceitful man.

DAVID.

X.-LITERARY NOTICES.

An Exposition of the Epistle to the Galatians, showing that the present divisions among Christians originate in blending the ordinances of the old and new Covenants. With an Appendix. By J. A. Haldane. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 1848.

In this most useful commentary, the respected author has especially directed his attention to the mischiefs resulting to the church of Christ from attachment to Judaic notions. He has also endeavoured to make manifest the evils which flow from a departure from those rules delivered in the New Testament for the government and guidance of the church in every age, as if they were now become insufficient.

"The primitive churches consisted of those whom it was meet for the Apostles to view as partakers of the grace of Christ, who had come out and separated themselves from the world that lieth in the wicked one, that they might observe the ordinances of Christ, and mutually watch over each other in love. For the government of such an association, the few and simple rules laid down in the New Testament are amply sufficient; but modern churches embrace whole nations, and their complex machinery requires many regulations which were totally inapplicable to the primitive churches. While the name of churches is retained, the nature of the institution has been completely altered, and then we are gravely told that the instructions contained in the New Testament are insufficient for our direction. The obvious inference is, that we are in a great measure left to our own discretion, or rather, that power is committed to the clergy or the civil magistrate to regulate those matters according to circumstances a principle which of necessity divides the disciples of Jesus into sects and parties."-Introd. pp. 6, 7,

In these views we cordially concur. The constitution of the church, its freedom from mere ritual observances, its separateness from the world, and its exclusion of the unregenerate from the fold, are truths of the highest value, and not until they are understood can the church be what it ought to be. We heartily commend Mr. Haldane's work to our readers. They will find much to strengthen their faith in God, to instruct them concerning the cardinal doctrines of the gospel, to lead them into views at once pure and spiritual of the new economy, delivered in a perspicuous style, and with a seriousness and earnestness befitting the themes it professes to expound.

Dissertations, Letters, Sermons, &c., &c.

By Archibald McLean. Elgin:

Macdonald. London: Longman and Co. 1848.

THIS Volume, the fourth of Mr. McLean's collected works, contains several most valuable pieces of that wise and well-instructed steward of the mysteries of God. We may especially mention his Defence of the Doctrine of Original Sin,' and the dissertation on The Influence of the Holy Spirit.' With him truth was no speculative perception, but had a dwelling-place in his spiritual consciousness. That internal experience of its power, and a judgment enlightened by the testimony of God's Spirit, were the sources of those vigorous and just expositions of the word of God, of which so many excellent examples are to be found in the volume before us. Our readers will do well to obtain this cheap and beautifully-printed edition.

Common Sense, versus Baptismal Salvation; or, Strictures on an Address to the Parishioners of St. Stephen Walbrook, and St. Benet, signed E. Croly, LL.D., Rector. Reprinted from the Universe.' Partridge and Oakey. London. 1848.

are not

AN admirable tract for distribution, especially in those places where the clergy of the state church attempt to circulate the pernicious document of the Christian Knowledge Society, urging their parishioners to bring their babes to baptism, because, without it, they "remain in a heathen state; members of the church of Christ; have no part in the blessings purchased for us by Him; nor are inheritors of the kingdom of Heaven." We regret that Dr. Croly should be found disseminating the same destructive error. style of the tract is pointed, earnest, and vigorous.

The

The Appeal; a Magazine for the People. No.1. London: Simpkin & Marshall. THIS first number of the new magazine, especially addressed to the unconverted, is all that we can wish it to be. Its articles are short, terse, pointed, and serious; proclaiming at once the lost condition of the impenitent, and the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every church member should have it at hand to give to his unconverted relatives and friends.

The Religion of Moses, and the Religion of Christ essentially the same. A Lecture, by the Rev. Henry Allon. London. 1848.

Inspired Prayers for Israel: a Selection from the Sacred Scriptures. London.

Hymns for Israel: a Tribute of Love for God's Ancient People. By W. B. Collyer, D.D. London: 1848. Published by the British Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Jews.

MR. ALLON'S Lecture is of great interest and value, and well calculated to lead the Jewish mind to the reception of Messiah. It is ably and lucidly argued, and intended to show, that amid the diversities of outward form in the two economies, the same great essential spiritual truths pervade both. The other two little works are published to aid the extension of an interest in the welfare of the Jews, and for that purpose we commend them.

Divine Blessing essential to Human Salvation: a Sermon preached on behalf of The Baptist Missionary Society. By the Rev. Thos. Archer, D.D. B. L. Green: London. 1848.

THERE are many passages of truth and beauty in this sermon; but there are some also exaggerated, and, we think, wanting in scriptural support. As for instance, when it is said that it is the church's mission "to convert the earth," that the church is erected "to convert the world to peace, and life, and holiness." Neither prophecy, nor precept, can be found for this view; notwithstanding that the servants of Christ are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature. To preach and to convert are very different matters, requiring very different agencies. Still, generally, we can commend the sermon as effective and vigorous, both in thought and expression.

XI.-HOME AND FOREIGN RECORD.

SABBATH DESECRATION.-An alliance has been formed in Scotland for promoting the observance of the Lord's day, under the title of the Sabbath alliance. It has for its basis "the divine authority and universal and perpetual obligation of the Sabbath, as declared at large in the word of God, and more formally and particularly in the fourth commandment of the moral law." It proposes, by tracts and lectures, to diffuse information, and in particular, to take steps to prevent the desecration of the Sabbath by railway and other travelling, to obtain the cessation of post office work throughout the empire on that day, and to suppress, if possible, all Sabbath traffic. Among its Committee we find the names of Dr. Alexander, J. A. Haldane, W. Innes, and Dr. Wardlaw.

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.-The receipts of this Society have amounted to 31,521 dollars. Assistance has been rendered to translations of the Scriptures into the languages of Pegu, Assam, the Karens, China, Germany, Bengal, Orissa, and the purchase of German and English Bibles for the use of Colporteurs and missionaries. During the year have been published 17,018 Bibles, and 33,877 Testaments. The Society is stereotyping in Germany a portable German Testament, besides some others in English. A French Testament is nearly printed, and an Italian one is in preparation for the press. The Society maintains six Colporteurs in Germany, exclusively engaged in Scripture distribution. Rev. J. G. Oncken urges their inThe success has been beyond anticipation. Great numbers have been converted. Brother Oncken writes:

crease.

"Five thousand and forty copies of the word of God left the depot during the past year, and have been distributed in most parts of Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Elsas, Denmark, and Poland. Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Roman Catholics, have been enriched with heaven's best gift, and sinners from each of these classes have experienced that the word of the Lord is like a hammer breaking the heart of stone, and then like a precious balm, healing the wounded spirit. No longer dare we VOL. I.-No. VII. b2 F

ask, in the voice of complaint, Who hath believed our report?' but rather exclaim, with holy and grateful astonishment, 'Who has begotten us these?'

"The changes and revolutions in Europe, and the rapid progress of liberal principles, have added a new interest to the operations of the society, and created increased demand for the sacred scriptures.

The society commences the new year in debt. Its operations are everywhere growing in importance and in interest, and the demand for appropriations is constantly increasing. A large increase of receipts for the ensuing year is absolutely indispensable.

JAMAICA.-Owing to the depressed and precarious condition of the West Indian islands, the churches are suffering much. A correspondent writes, "Without help our schools must be abandoned, agency lessened, and I fear some brethren will be compelled to return home. There is little but distress and gloom around us. The following things seem to be necessary to the existence of our mission:-1. The supply of vacancies occasioned by death, or the loss of health. 2. Provision for the widows and orphans of missionaries. 3. Help for schools. 4. Assistance to those brethren whose stations cannot support them. Without this assistance the work of God may go on-He may raise up help from some other quarter, or try the faith and patience of his servants by privations and distress; but so far as human foresight can extend, unless our friends at home hold out a helping hand to us, the fruit of the expenditure of wealth, energy, and life, for the last thirty years, will, to a great extent, be lost. Last year there was a decrease of several hundreds in our churches-this year I trust we shall, at least in some churches, have a better state of things. So great are the difficulties under which some brethren labour, that if, without violating their fealty to God, and their obligations to the souls of the people, they could leave their work, they would do so, and return to England." These are painful facts. receive, we doubt not, the kind consideration and aid of our brethren.

They will

SOUTHAMPTON. At a fraternal meeting, held on Whit-Monday, the Baptist church, at Chipperfield, with the congregation and school, presented to Mr. Cowdy, their pastor, as a token of unity of affection, a purse, containing a number of sovereigns.

LEWES, SUSSEX.-On May 24th, Mr. Henry Lawrence was ordained pastor of the Baptist church, Lewes. The introductory discourse was preached by the Rev. W. S. Edwards, of Brighton; the Rev. W. Groser, of London, asked the usual questions, and offered the ordination prayer; and the Rev. J. H. Hinton, M. A., of London, gave the charge. The sermon to the church and congregation was delivered by the Rev. W. Groser.

XII.-MISSION RECORDS FROM ALL LANDS.
WESTERN AFRICA.

Baptist Missionary Society.-Although the following letter is long, its very interesting character forbids any part of it to be withheld. Our brother, Mr. Clarke, and Mrs. Clarke, are now in this country, and both are labouring under severe affliction. The sympathies and prayers of our readers will be excited on their behalf. The letter was written by Mr. Clarke on his departure from Jamaica, in March last, and addressed to the "ministers and members of the churches of Christ in Jamaica, who feel interested in the work of sending the gospel to Africa."