CRITICAL NOTICES OF NEW WORKS. WARD'S LIBRARY OF STANDARD DIVINITY. NOTES ON THE EPISTLES TO THE CORINTHIANS. BY ALBERT BARNES. Reprinted from the Second American Edition. Medium 8vo. pp. 410. Price Eight Shillings and Sixpence London:-Ward and Co., Paternoster-row. Mr. Barnes is already well known to the christian public in this country, by his Notes on the four Gospels, the epistle to the Romans, and other works. And now we have great pleasure in introducing the present volume to the notice of our readers. The epistles to the Corinthians contain so many truths, doctrinal and practical, as entitle them to the most diligent study of every public instructor, of every candidate for the holy ministry, and of every individual christian. The commentary here supplied, is the result of great critical investigation. On the more difficult passages the author has consulted the most approved sources of information; and though on some points there will still be a diversity of judgment, yet on the whole it is an able and judicious exposition of the sacred text. The volume is a valuable addition to our Biblical literature; and, from its price, is within the reach of all. THE GIFT OF PRAYER. BY THOMAS MANN, Minister of Sun Hill Chapel, West Cowes. Third Edition. Cloth, 18mo. pp. 234. London :-T. Ward and Co. Paternoster-row. This little volume cannot fail to be of great practical use among christians of all denominations, and at every stage of mental and holy experience. On the subject of prayer, almost the whole church of Christ yet requires to be instructed and set right. If the existing errors which are to be found, even in the minds of those who are no strangers to the throne of grace, could be corrected, our social devotional services would be of a more attractive and powerful character. To effect this, is the design of the present volume. We recommend it to the candid attention of every christian. THE HEAVENLY SABBATH: A Discourse. By the Rev. J. P. DOBSON. 8vo. pp. 124. London: Nisbet and Co., Berners-street ;-Rolfe and Fletcher, Cornhill. To those who would enjoy an intellectual and spiritual repast, we strongly recommend this discourse. It is well adapted to gratify the most refined taste, and minister to the happiness of the most holy mind. The subject of which it treats is grand, lofty-for ever interesting. Nor is it disposed of in any common-place manner. following are the topics illustrated under the idea of THE HEAVENLY SUBJECT; The I. The work of creation that will then have been completed. II. The state of rest and of blessedness that will then have been entered upon. III. The intellectual employments which are then to be pursued. IV. The security which is then to be enjoyed. V. The worship that shall then be presented. VI. The interminable duration of that Sabbath. Our readers will do well to put themselves in possession of this discourse. THE IRISH SCHOLAR, or POPERY and PROTESTANT CHRISTIANITY: a Narrative. By the Rev. W. AVELING, Author of " the New Year's Party." 32mo. pp. 108. Price Eightpence. London :-T. Ward and Co., Paternoster Row. To our young readers this will be found a very interesting and instructive little book. It contains some lively sketches of Irish character, and clearly exhibits the grand features of both popery and protestant christianity. SCRIPTURAL GEOLOGY, or AN ESSAY ON THE HIGH ANTIQUITY ASCRIBED TO THE ORGANIC REMAINS IMBEDDED IN THE STRATIFIED ROCKS. Communicated in abstract to the Geological section of the British Association, at the annual meeting held in Newcastle. In two parts: Part I. Proving that the strata, instead of requiring myriads of ages for their formation, may have been deposited nearly about one period. Part II. Showing that the deluge was the period when all the secondary and tertiary works were formed. Second Edition. With an Appendix, containing Strictures on some passages in the Rev. Dr. J. Pye Smith's lectures on SCRIPTURE and GEOLOGY, particularly his Theory of a Local Creation, and Local Deluge. By the Rev. GEORGE Young, D. D., M. W.S., etc. etc., Author of "a Survey of the Yorkish Coast," etc. Large 8vo. pp. 10. Price Three Shillings. London:-Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. Edinburgh :-Oliphant and Son, and Paterson. Glasgow ;-M'Leod. And all Booksellers. As the science of geology has hardly advanced beyond hypothesis, we must adopt that theory which appears to us most probable, and most consistent with revealed truth. We can expect but little more of writers upon the subject, than that they overthrow the grounds of preceding speculations, and present others less objectionable. In many respects, we consider the views of Dr. Young as scientific and candid, affording matter for entertainment and reflection, to those who interest themselves in the important science. But different minds will adopt different conclusions. It is a valuable addition to our geological works. Monthly Chronicle. HEAVY TIDINGS. The burden of this month's intelligence is, the loss which has been experienced at sea, during the winter. We refer, not so much to the property which has been lost, though it is great, as to the melancholy loss of life. Thousands have sunk beneath the cold wave of death, to rise no more, till there shall be heard "the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God;" and "the sea give up the dead which are in it." But their souls! their precious souls !—whither have they fled? What is now their state? We will not presume to lift the curtain from futurity, or decide on the condition of any soul. But we entreat and beseech christians of every denomination to realize the fact, that at least THREE THOUSAND of our own seamen, are every year perishing in our service; and then to say whether something on a greater scale ought not to be done for British sailors? There are at least TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THOUSAND of them yet to be instructed and taught the way of salvation! Are they to perish ? AGENTS' MEETING-HELD ON FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 12th. That the work of God is advancing among our seamen, no one will deny who reads our monthly reports. But still more exertion is wanted. And could funds and suitable agents be obtained, much more might be attempted and done. AGENTS' Junior Thames Missionary.- MR. WELCH.-Should the question ariseWhat tidings from the river Thames, amidst its wintry state and from its icebound fleet? I am happy to answer, in spiritual things, the new year has commenced well, and promises a good harvest at no distant period. The sun of righteousness has arisen amidst the dark dispensations of providence, and the glooms of death, giving light to them that sat in darkness and in the shadows of death. How cheering the REPORTS. thought, that no changes in men or circumstances, produce any alteration in the spirit of divine grace, or the blessings of the gospel; how well suited to all the changing circumstances of erring man. I have been much struck with this thought of late, in our little cabin assemblies. After reaching the ship, through storm, ice, and other difficulties and dangers, how amply repaid when, in a few minutes, surrounded by earnest souls, who seek their sins forgiven ;' while all appeared wintry without, the cabin within reminded me of cheering spring. How appropriate the language of the sailor's poet : "The Bethel Meeting! hallowed place! I shall only have reason to notice two or three of our recent meetings, the nature of which I shall not soon forget. On Monday evening, Feb. 1, met for divine worship on board the W-, Capt. Z-, lying in Mill Hole. On visiting this ship during the day, the captain, who had lately joined her, expressed himself much affected by the conduct and prayers of his crew, saying, he had never been accustomed to such things; and felt both awkward and uneasy about it. He wished to have a Bethel meeting on board, and to know what was best to done. The anxious crew were waiting the decision of this interview, and the word of command. Up flew the Star of Hope to the mast-head, and I believe, many a breath of prayer went higher still. Much pains was taken to accommodate a large meeting. Between twenty and thirty captains and sailors were present. I was kindly assisted in the service by Captains Anderson, Burn, B. Fairly, and many praying sailors. After reading the scriptures and singing the praise of God, several prayers were offered up, accompanied with sighs. An address was given from Acts x. 43, 44. Him gave all the prophets witness, that through His name, whosoever believeth in Him, shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word.' The same Spirit seemed to rest on all present; for, on returning a second time to prayer, there appeared a moving through the whole cabin, or what is called, 'a shaking among the dry bones.' Some of the crew had affectionately prayed for the comfort of their master, then in distress of soul. 'Unto At length he burst into tears and prayer, exclaiming, 'O Lord, this has been working upon me some time, but I durst not pray. O Lord, I ought to have been their leader, but I have need to be taught by them. I have been a wicked sinner all my life long. O, my Saviour! can it be you will save me? I am afraid I do not pray aright. Lord! teach me! I am not worthy to pray! Lord! help them all to pray for me!— Amen.' A young man then began,— O Lord! have mercy on my poor wicked soul! Pardon me! I am a great sinner! And do not forget my dear master. O pity and bless him! And forgive us both, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.'-Amen. About eight or ten sailors offered up to the divine mercy, such prayers as these, during the evening; and it was evident, that most had prayed for the first time in public. But what most striking was, the appearance of a venerable old white-headed captain, in the meeting, under deep feelings. One said to him- Come, Father W—, won't you pray for these dear lads?' He answered-'I am afraid; I never ventured before in public.' Being asked the second time, he said-'I'll try.' It was truly touching to look upon them, helping the old gentlemen on his knees. In simplicity, he said -'0 Lord, thou hast brought me through many storms, and saved me from many a death! O Lord, I want to praise thee, but I am afraid all is not right within. I have gone to many churches and chapels in my time; I have heard many a sermon; but I am afraid I have never been converted yet. Lord! convert me to-night! O Lord, I have lived to see a great change for the better among sailors. Thou hast done us all much good here to-night! I am going to sea. Lord, grant we may all meet in heaven at last!'-Amen. All seemed unwilling to separate, although the meeting continued longer than usual. I refer next, to our christian fellow ship-meeting held at the Sailors' Chapel, on following evening; we had a much larger attendance than usual. After prayer and a short address, opportunity was given, to any disposed to tell what God had done for their souls; when about ten or twelve, in christian order, rose, and with much simplicity, and generally in tears, testified of the grace of God in their conversion to him from wicked works. Some spake of long knowing the stable supports of religion, amidst the storms and calms of a seafaring life. Whilst others had just entered the field of conflict, about eight or nine could say little more than, they were great sinners; but loved Jesus Christ, because he died for them; and were more happy now at the Bethel meetings than ever they were while servants to sin and satan. Two young men affected us all much,-monuments of divine mercy-rescued from the wreck of the 'Syria,' while their shipmates sunk around them. We now hope they are also rescued by the Redeemer's grace, from a life of sin. One spake of the divine goodness in saving them at that awful moment, he hoped for a good end. The other says, 'they saved us in the life-boat, but since that, blessed be God! we have got into the life-boat of the gospel with Christ, and hope now to land on a better shore than Sunderland.' One more meeting must be noticed, held on the 3rd inst., on board the J— and M—, Capt. Z. F. A week or two since, while she lay in the river below, a remarkable work of grace began amongst her boys, (of which her crew chiefly consists at present, six of them in number.) Up to sabbath Jan. 24th, they had been profligate, unruly, swearing boys; since that they have been orderly, obedient; and, from the least to the greatest, have become praying boys; the whole arose from the * Referred to in our last magazine. Two out of three persons only saved, from the wreck of the Syria. divine blessing on the simple circumstance of the worst of them reading a tract alone, that had been left on board, some former voyage. Swearing was at once done away, they commenced and have carried on a prayer-meeting amongst themselves, every night since.* Cabin crowded as usual, state-rooms, steerage, lockers, or wherever we could put a man or boy. Many young present. The boys referred to above, gave pleasing proof of their sincerity. Addresses were given by Capt. Anderson and myself. Many seemed to be earnestly seeking the Lord, and, I trust, several found Him to the joy of their souls. One captain, who evidently had been much affected the whole meeting, broke out in these words, O Lord, if any sinner here should praise thee, it is I. O Lord, I cannot pray much, forgive me I cannot hold my peace any longer. Only this day three weeks you brought us through that dangerous Swin, before a heavy gale of wind, when we could not steer her under eight points of the compass, expecting every minute to go to the bottom; and here we are safe arrived in port, and not a single life lost. I came here on purpose to praise thee to-night; but little did I expect [weeps aloud] to see my wicked son here on his knees, and hear him praying for mercy. O Lord, it is too much for me; I thought nothing would make me weep, but this breaks my hard heart in pieces. [Stops to weep again.] Oh! that wicked lad! I never thought he would turn; but thou canst save him and his old father too. I trust Christ has died for us both. O Lord, send thy servants on board my ship with the Bethel flag. I am not worthy, but may they come for the sake of those on board.' He said, 'Lord, I have been a long while ashamed of thee! but I have hoisted my colours now, and, by thy help, I'll nail them to the mast * A fuller account of this will be given in the Child's Bethel Flag. |