On all these topics the author has written pertinently and forcibly. His first appeal, on every subject, is to the word of God, to bear out his assertions, and then to the conscience of his readers, to urge a direct and pungent application of the truth. We recommend this "Guide" to those who would walk in the "good old way," towards the "rest that remaineth for the people of God."

As a specimen of this valuable performance, our readers may take the following quotation from the section on pleasing God in the closet:

"If the holy fear of displeasing God canast be maintained in its tact nor integrity without habitual prayer, how much less can the higher principle, of a conscientious desire to please Him, be kept up without intercourse with God! That principle is not very familiar to us in theory, and not much acted on in practice, even when we are most prayerful. It has not yet that place in our understanding or conscience which the dread of offending God has acquired. It is not yet domesticated amongst our practical maxims, however much we may wish it to be so. Indeed, nothing but greater love to God can ever bring the desire to please him into practical operation or influence. And greater love, or even the continuance of the love we now feel, is an impossibility if either the spirit or habit of secret prayer be allowed to languish."

1. A SCRIPTURE CALENDAR, for reading the Old Testament once, and New Testament and Psalms twice, during the Year. By the Rev. JAMES SHERMAN, Reading. 32mo. 2. THE CHRISTIAN'S DEATH AND HEAVEN, AND HIS DESIRE FOR BOTH. By the Rev. J. SHERMAN, Reading. 18mo. pp. 107. Fourth Edition.

3. A GUIDE TO ACQUAINTANCE WITH GOD. By the Rev. JAMES SHERMAN. Tenth Edition. 18mo. pp. 180.

4. A PLEA FOR THE LORD'S DAY. By the Rev. JAMES SHERMAN, of Reading. 32mo. PP. 160.

Fisher, Son, and Jackson.

It is gratifying to find that a writer of Mr. Sherman's piety is so great a favourite with the public. His devout and Scriptural counsels cannot fail to benefit those who read them with becoming dependance on the Spirit of God. Indeed, we have heard much of their usefulness, and have pleasure in thus introducing them to the attention of all our readers, especially the young.

The first of these publications, entitled, "A Scripture Calendar," contains an excellent digest of Bible reading for every day during the twelve months, upon a plan, securing the reading of the Old Testament once a year, and the New Testament and

Psalms twice. It is also accompanied with some valuable rules for the profitable reading of the Scriptures.

The second volume contains an improvement of the death, by accident, of a most consistent Christian, and is full of useful and truly impressive suggestions.

The third and fourth works have long been before the public, and deserve to maintain that standing they have taken among publications devoted to the interests of experimental and vital godliness. We sincerely wish the amiable author all success in the various labours of his active and devoted life.

THIS elegant volume well deserves the name it assumes. It is a work entirely Christian, and contains articles upon the subject of religion, of the greatest value, from the pens of some of our most approved divines. It is chargeable, at the same time, with no measure of dulness, but is sprightly and animating throughout. We can, without a blush or a single misgiving, introduce it into the hands of all young Christians. While the worthy Editors continue to supply such a volume as the present, there can be no reason to fear as to its success with the more pious and enlightened portion of the Christian public. We give it our warm approval.

THE NATURE OF CHRIST'S CHURCH, AS DESCRIBED BY ITS FOUNDER: an Address, delivered at the Ordination of the Rev. W. CRAIG, at Belthorn, and of the Rev. J. CUMMINS, at Blackpool. By JOSEPH HAGUE, Minister of Ebenezer Chapel, Darwen, Lancashire.

Westley and Davis.

In this unpretending address, the author has admirably condensed and illustrated the ecclesiastical polity of the New Testament. From the declaration of Christ, My king

dom is not of this world," he deduces the following inferences :-Then ought the subjects of that kingdom to sustain a character suited to the nature of the kingdom to which they belong-in other words, a purely spiritual society demands spiritual members; then should it reject the pomp and splendour of worldly kingdoms; then is it unnatural to borrow from earthly kingdoms its principles of government and rules of discipline; then all alliance with the kingdoms of this world is forbidden; then is it not dependant for its existence and progress upon the kingdoms of this world, nor to be supported and advanced as earthly kingdoms are.

These Scriptural principles are ably sustained and vigorously enforced; and the whole is conceived in a style which well combines a tone of ecclesiastical independence with the spirit of Christian love. From the promise and power occasionally shown, we cannot help wishing that the author had given himself more scope, and amplified his address into a less fugitive size. As it is, we cordially recommend its perusal; and part from it with the conviction that such discourses, delivered on occasions like those which called it forth, cannot fail to commend themselves to "every man's conscience in the sight of God," and to hasten the dominion of pure and unsecular Christianity.

2. THE LIFE OF DANIEL THE PROPHET. By the Author of "The Protestant." 18mo. pp. 65.

MR. M'Gavin's reply to Smith's Dialogues appeared first in the "Scottish Guardian" newspaper; and the "Review of Alton Park" in the " Birmingham Protestant Journal." Both parts of the volume are fitted to do admirable service to the Protestant cause, as they discuss all the popular arguments on the side of popery, and show that it is as much opposed to common sense, and to the true freedom of the human mind, as it is to the express mind of God as contained in the Scriptures. We have not seen any volume more fitted for distribution among our poor deluded Catholic peasantry, who are withering, body and soul, beneath the horrid blight of that system of imposture and crime which is foredoomed of God.

The Life of the Prophet Daniel will be found an admirable exposition of that portion of sacred history with which the name of that holy seer is connected.

WORKS RECENTLY PUblished.

1. The Works of Robert Hall, A. M.: with a brief Memoir of his Life, by Dr. Gregory; and observations on his Character as a Preacher, by John Foster. Published under the superintendence of

OLINTHUS GREGORY, LL.D., F.R.A.S., Professor of Mathematics in the Royal Military Academy. Vol. VI. 16s. Memoir-Öbservations, &c. Sermons-Index.

2. The Official Glory of the Son of God; or, the Universal Headship of Christ. By JOHN JEFFERSON, of Stoke Newington. We have seen enough of this masterly work to warrant us to announce our intention to review it with great care.

3. Winter Lectures: a series of Discourses illustrative of Divine Dispensation. By JOHN ELY. 8vo. pp. 552. We regret not to be able to insert a review of this most valuable theological work for the present month. Our friends inay give us credit when we say that it is not every day in our power to introduce such a volume to their notice.

4. Counsels to Controversialists; or, the Temper of Mind in which Religious and Political Controversy ought to be maintained; a Sermon, preached before the monthly meeting, at New Broad-street Meeting-honse, Nov. 6th, 1832. By JOHN MORISON, D.D. 6d. for cheap distribution, This is a tract eminently adapted to the times, and written in an excellent but decided spirit.

5. The Imputed Madness and Folly of Religion: an Address, delivered to Medical Students, Maze Pond, Borough, on Sunday Morning, Nov. 11th, 1832. By the Rev. T. BINNEY. Reprinted from "The Pulpit." Price 4d. This is an appeal, most suitable and convincing, to young medical meu against the seductions of scepticism and vice.

6. A Dialogue on the Subject and Mode of Baptism. 12mo. 6d. This is a valuable tract on the subject of which it treats, and is well worthy the attention of those who wish to peruse a brief but comprehensive pamphlet on this much disputed but important topic.

7. The Christian Ladies' Union Pocket Book for 1833. This is a neat, well-arranged Pocket Book, containing all the ordinary information to be found in such works.

8. An Evangelical Synopsis; Part I., for the Use of Families: the Holy Bible, with Notes, Explanatory and Practical, intended to assist the understanding in the perusal of the Sacred Volume, and to furnish a body of Evangelical Truth founded on its contents. Selected from the writings of esteemed Divines and Biblical Critics of various denominations. Illustrated with Steel Engravings after the old masters. Imperial 8vo. 1s. We beg to inform our readers that this work will prove an invaluable help in the study of the Scriptures, if prosecuted in the admirable way in which it has been begun.

9. The Child's Own Book for 1833. The profits to be given to the West London Auxiliary Sunday School Union. (R. Davis, 4, Paternoster Row.)This is an excellent little periodical, evidently snperintended by some one who is well acquainted with the Sunday-school system, and with the best methods of exciting and promoting the improvement of the young and tender mind. Is.

10. A Voice from the Dead; addressed to Children. Id. This is the substance of an address, and a very suitable one, delivered to the children of Paddington Chapel Sunday-school, on the 14th Sept. 1831, by the late Mr. Stevenson, of Gatestreet Chapel. May it prove to many a child as a

voice from the dead!

11. The Sacred Trust: a Charge, delivered at the Ordination of the Rev. T. Atkinson over the church assembling at Hounslow, Middlesex, on the 2nd of October, 1832. By ANDREW REED. Published by request. 8vo. Is. This discourse, like all the other publications of the esteemed author, bespeaks talents of a high order, and a religions feeling pre-eminently devout. We hope, next month, to givê it a more full notice.

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

Elijah: By the Author of " Baalam,' &c., in a few days.

LONDON.

AN APPEAL TO THE NUMEROUS READERS OF THE EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE.

A NEW year brings along with it new responsibilities. Sensible, in some measure, of this solemn fact, the conductors of this Magazine would arouse themselves and its numerous friends, in town and country, to renewed efforts on its behalf, that the cause of the widow and fatherless may not be suffered to decline through a culpable want of zeal.

They would confidently remind the Christian public, that no periodical has done more than the Evangelical Magazine to advance the interests of vital godliness and true charity; and they would earnestly entreat that, as the claims made on its funds increase, there may be a disposition, on the part of the friends of evangelical truth, to meet them. The trustees are most anxious not to refuse assistance to one legitimate case of widowed distress that may be placed before them; but, with the great multiplication of ministers' widows in the present day, they cannot hope to realize the best wishes of their hearts unless a vigorous effort be made to increase the sale of the work.

Is it too much, then, to ask of all their subscribers that every reader of the Magazine would endeavour to find one other? Could this be realized, more than double the amount of donations hitherto granted might be distributed among the widows of godly ministers. Surely such a prospect ought to induce any benevolent individual to endeavour to procure an additional subscriber of one sixpence per month; and we are fully satisfied that the effort has only to be made in order to its success. Where is the individual, however obscure, who could not prevail on some one to take in a periodical at the expense of three halfpence per week? And, indeed, it must be confessed that the Evangelical Magazine has all along been greatly indebted to individuals in the humbler walks of life; and what a comfort must it be to the poorer members of Christ's body to feel that they have been greatly instrumental in raising a fund which has benefited the widows of faithful pastors to the amount of more than twenty thousand pounds!

Besides, is it not a fact, that the Evangelical Magazine has imparted to them, and thousands more, that species of religious instruction and excitement which has tended to cheer and animate them in their spiritual journey, and to bring them into a general and delightful sympathy with the universal church? If such has been the case (and we

VOL. XI.

do know that thousands can attest the fact), ought not the whole mass of our readers to determine that, in 1833, the number of those who read the Evangelical Magazine shall be doubled?

May this thought, suggested by earnest concern for the widows and orphans of Christ's ministers, find an entrance into many generous hearts; and may the blessing of him that was ready to perish come on all who countenance a design so much in accordance with the mercy of the gospel! Signed, on behalf of the Trustees,

H. F. BURDER, Treasurer.
JOHN MORISON, Editor.

REASONS FOR HUMILIATION AND PRAYER.

We rejoice to learn that the Baptist churches of London, together with the Independents and Calvinistic Methodists, and some other devoted Christians, have determined on observing the 16th of January as a day of special religious exercise. How many and powerful are the reasons for the observance of such a day! If we look across the Atlantic to our suffering brethren in the West Indies, how must our hearts bleed for the persecuted and silenced ministers of Jesus Christ, and for their poor and enslaved flocks, who are as sheep without a shepherd, looked on with suspicion, and subject to be imprisoned and tried for their lives, upon evidence which, in this country, would not be listened to for a moment by an English jury! Our public prayer and our cordial sympathies are imperatively demanded.

If we contemplate the present unsettled state of the Continent, and think of the blood which has been spilt, and of the cloud which at present hangs over all public affairs, surely we cannot deny the high propriety and duty of congregating our churches, and praying to the God of peace that he would control the evil passions of men, and say to the sword of war, return into thy scabbard !

If we call to remembrance that a New Parliament, which has been elected under the auspices of a measure which greatly exercised the public mind, is about to assemble, how suitable is it, at such a crisis, to meet together to pour out our hearts to God, that he would impart eminent measures of divine wisdom to those who are thus about to congregate for purposes involving some of the dearest interests of man!

And shall we forget, on such a day, the mercies we have recently received? Shall we refuse to blend our thanksgivings with supplications? Surely the removal of God's judgments demands our ardent gratitude. How gentle, comparatively, have been_the

D

is unanimous and determined, in the strength of God, no longer to be satisfied with the oppression, or endure the persecution, of their fellow-subjects and Christian brethren-that slavery must and shall cease for ever in the dependencies of Great Britain, and that with the least possible delay.

I beg leave, therefore, earnestly to suggest, for the consideration of thy brother ministers, how exceedingly desirable it is immediately to have a lecture in their respective places of worship, for the information of their hearers and the public generally, as the best possible preparative to the successful getting up of petitions on the subject. Should it not suit their convenience to speak on the occasion themselves, the Anti-Slavery and Agency Societies will appoint gentlemen for the purpose, whose acquaintance with this deeply affecting subject, and devotedness to their object as a religious duty, qualify them for the important office as lecturers. Nor is it known by the friends of the anti-slavery cause, or the ministers of the gospel, how great and general is the ignorance of the public on the subject of the slave-trade and slavery, and that it is most important to its speedy annihilation that they should promote the diffusion of knowledge, without delay, by lectures and the distribution of the publications of the Anti-Slavery Society. This subject I may be allowed to press on thy consideration from my personal knowledge of its great importance to the success of the cause; and I sincerely hope it will receive thy sanction and recommendation at this most urgent and awful crisis of British colonial slavery and persecution of Christian missionaries and pious slaves. A M. A. S. S.

NOTICE.

We understand that the Committee of the Congregational Union have under consideration a plan for the establishment of a general Life Assurance Society, for the benefit of the ministers of the Congregational denomination and their families.

PROVINCIAL.

CHESHUNT COLLEGE.

ON Thursday morning, 8th of November, 1832, several of the friends of the above institution, including some of the trustees, assistant committee, and ministers, witnessed an examination of the students in theology, Biblical criticism, &c. Essays were read by four of the students-on the doctrine of election, on the objections to that doctrine, on the answers to those objections, and on the reformation from popery. The chief portion of the time was devoted to a very interesting series of questions founded on J. Marckii Christianæ Theologiæ Medulla, and on the latter chapters (in the Greek) of St. Matthew's gospel. The Rev. J. Bickerdike presided,

On Wednesday, the 14th of November, the Rev. I. E. Good, late of Salisbury, was publicly recognised as pastor of Zion Chapel, Bristol.

The Scriptures were read, and prayer offered by Dr. Ross, of Kidderminster. The Rev. John Davis, of the Tabernacle, gave a lucid statement of the principles of nonconformity. The Rev. Simon Binks, on the part of the congregation, detailed an account of the origin of the chapel, the mode in which it had been supplied, and the steps by which the congregation had been led to elect a pastor. Mr. Good then signified his cordial acceptance of the charge, and stated his reasons for removing from his iate beloved and united flock at Salisbury, to the arduous labours of the present station. The Rev. Mr. Thorp, of Castle Green, then supplicated the Divine blessing on the union thus recognised; after which the Rev. R. Elliott, of Devizes, addressed the pastor and people on the discharge of their relative duties. The Rev. Geo. Legge, M.A., pastor of Bridge-street, closed the morning solemnity with prayer. Thirty-five ministers and lay gentlemen adjourned to the hospitable mansion of John Hare, Esq. Firfield House, the munificent founder of the chapel, to dine.

The Rev. Mr. Jay preached in the evening. Messrs. Lucy, of Lady Huntingdon's chapel, and Winter, of Counterslip, engaged in prayer. The services of the day were highly interesting, and deeply impressive. As an encouragement to gentlemen of wealth and piety, in different parts of the kingdom, to go and do likewise, it is proper to state, that this commodious chapel, which accommodates 1200 persons, has been built and given to the public by the sole liberality of one individual; and, through the blessing of God on his pious exertions, a congregation has been raised in the midst of a dense and much-neglected population, of upwards of 1000 hearers, and a minister settled over them, within the space of three years.

On Wednesday, the 28th of November, the Rev. P. Thompson, late of Liverpool, was publicly recognized as the chosen pastor of the Congregational Church, Edmonton. The attendance was large and respectable, and