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lous providence to suppose that a plant the ordinary course of even his miracunaturally of rapid growth was chosen, and that this natural quickness of

They set him in his place, and there he standeth." Dr. Kitto agrees with those interpreters who believe that China is expressly growth was preternaturally stimulated promised to Messiah in the forty-ninth of Isaiah, when it is said, "Lo these from the north and the west, and these from the land of Sinim." After discussing the subject fully he concludes thus: -“On the whole, then, a hypothesis which solves all difficulties, satisfies the claims of philology and history, unites the suffrages of the most independent schools and parties, fully meets the requisitions of the text and context, and opens a glorious field of expectation and effort to the church, may be safely regarded as the true one."

The following judicious observations close the chapter on Jonah's gourd :"Another point entitled to remark, is the assertion of the Lord's providence in the frequent intimation that the Lord prepared all the material and circumstantial agencies that wrought in the history of Jonah. In his first adventure, the Lord prepared the storm, the Lord prepared the great fish: and, in the second the Lord prepared the gourd, the Lord prepared the worm, the Lord prepared the east wind-all is of the Lord's preparing. This also accounts for everything; and we are not bound, in the case of the gourd, for instance, to find a plant which, without the special ordinance of the Lord's providence, should attain such growth in a night as to afford adequate shelter to the prophet's head. The Lord, however, is in all his dispensations economical of prodigies; and we are to suppose that in this instance He did not create a new plant for the occasion, or choose one of naturally slow growth. It is more in

and quickened for the occasion. The word employed in the original Hebrew is generally supposed to denote the castor-oil plant. It is of exceedingly rapid growth, and its broad palmatic leaves extend a grateful shade over the parched traveller. It is not unknown in our gardens: but it does not in them, though still a plant of most rapid growth, attain the size or grow with the quickness that it does in the region of the Tigris."

One of the Lord's day meditations is introduced by a fragment of auto-biography with the citation of which we will conclude our notice of these very interesting volumes. "Thirty years ago," says Dr. Kitto, "before the Lord caused me to wander from my father's house and from my native place, I put my mark upon this passage in Isaiah,—'I am the Lord: they shall not be ashamed that wait for Me.' Of the many books I now possess, the bible that bears this mark is the only one of them all that belonged to me at that time. It now lies before me; and I find that, although the hair which was then dark as night, has meanwhile become 'a sable silvered,' the ink which marked this text has grown into intensity of blackness as the time advanced, care spending with and in fact recording, the growing intensity of the conviction, that 'they shall not be ashamed that wait for Thee.' I believed it then; but I know it now; and I can write probatum est, with my whole heart, over against the symbol which that mark is to me, of my ancient faith."

BRIEF NOTICES.

Letters on the Church of Rome, addressed to the Rev. Emmanuel Feraut, D.D. and LL D., Chaplain to the King of Sardinia, and Italian Missionary to England. By BAPTIST WRIOTHESLEY NOEL London: Nisbet. 1852. 16mo. pp. 595. Cloth.

Having had opportunity to characterize some of these Letters while they were in progress, we need not say more now than that the series being completed furnishes a comprehensive and lucid view of the Romish system. The doctrine and practice of the church of Rome are contrasted with the doctrine of the bib'e and the practice enjoined by our Lord and his apostles, and in the development of this contrast Mr. Noel has shown, as he says in the preface, "that the church of Rome is the rival and enemy of the church of Christ; that its hierarchy is without commission or authority; that its doctrine is a spurious gospel, that its purgatory is an antichristian fiction; that its worship is idolatrous; that its sacraments are delusive and disgraceful; that i's sacrifice of the altar is fictitious, useless, and profane; that its transubstantiation is a blasphemous absurdity; that its confessional is a tyranny which enslaves and corrupts mankind; that its discipline is at once relaxed and sanguinary; that its opposition to the study of the word of God is impious; and that its whole system, against scripture and reason, is constructed to give dignity, power, and wealth, to the priests." The most curious parts of the book however are the few pages which proceed from the pen of the challenger, Dr. Feraut; few as they are they may be studied advantageously as illustrations of the remarks in the book of Proverbs respecting "a scorner." Mr. Noel has wisely left them to make their own impression on the reader.

Christophany. The Doctrine of the Manifes tations of the Son of God under the Economy of the Old Testament. By the late Rev. GEORGE BALDERSTON KIDD, of Scarborough. Edited by Orlando T. Dobbin, LL.D., M.R.I.A. London: Ward and Co., Paternoster Row.

This is a posthumous work; the author having completed it just before his death. It is written to prove that the manifestations of the Son of God under the Old Testament dispensation were much more numerous than Christians have been accustomed to believe, and that the right understanding and reception of this truth by the church would be the basis of unity among all its members, and the precursor of universal triumph. The author has exhausted his subject; and to any one who feels disposed to study it his work will be an invaluable authority. It abounds in biblical criticisms-Quotations from the Fathersand strictures on the writings of such men as Lord Brougham and Richard Watson. The question discussed is one of interest and importance; nevertheless we are inclined to

think with the gentleman who has undertaken to introduce the volume to the public, that the writer had over estimated its practical results. We cannot speak in approving terms of the "getting up" of the work. It is intended, however, for a class of readers who overlook inferior paper and type if the matter be theroughly good.

A Discourse on the Greatness of the Christian Ministry, delivered before the Students and Supporters of Horton College, Bradford, Yorkshire, on Wednesday, Angust 4th, 1852 By J. P. MURSELL, of Leicester. Published by Request. London: 8vo., pp. 44. Price Sixpence.

Taking as his motto the apostolic question, Who is sufficient for these things? Mr Mursell calls upon his hearers to form distinct ideas of the ministerial office in connexion with the work to which it relates, illustrates its diversified excellencies, specifies the qualifications necessary for the right performance of its duties, and gives wholesome counsel respecting the spirit and manner in which they should be discharged. He says, however, "I believe it to be impossible to convey in language or adequately to conceive in thought, the magnitude of the Christian ministry. There is in it an essential and abiding glory, which no detraction can obscure, nor any eulogy enhance. Amid the marvels of that state to which we are all advancing, it will not be the least that such a work should in the inscrutable wisdom of God have been committed to the hands of the feetle children of men."

Bethel; or the Blessedness of Frequenting the House of God. By JONATHAN WATSON, Elder Street Chapel, Edinburgh. London: Houlston and Stoneman. 32mo., pp. 32.

This is the third edition of a little book eminently calculated to promote attendance at week day services. We are informed that s large edition has been printed by the permission of the excellent author which will be sold at s churches will employ it as a stimulus where the low price, in the hope that deacons of our prayer meeting is not well attended.

Notes and Narratives of a Six Years' Mission,
Principally among the Dens of London. By
R. W. VANDERKISTE.
Late London City
Missionary. Half the Profits of this work
are devoted to the Funds of the Mission.
London Nisbet. 16mo. pp. xvi. 352.

It has long been our conviction that there is no part of the world that needs missionary exertion more than the metropolis of the British empire. This opinion will be diffused, we doubt not, among the readers of this volume, which supplies ample evidence of the gross ignorance of multitudes by whom we are surrounded, of the necessity for persevering and

systematiu efforts in order to gain their attention, and of the cheering fact that filthy courts, garrets, and cellars, strongly as they are fortified against evangelical artillery, are not impregnable. The experience of the author led him to think it desirable to call the attention of the Christian public to this subject by some publication which should illustrate the general labours and successes of the city mission; but on consulting the secretaries they judiciously advised him to confine himself to what had fallen under his own observation. He apologizes for the personal character that the work has consequently assumed, but it is on this account the more

interesting and the more trustworthy. We recommend it earnestly to perusal, especially to the perusal of those who live within ten miles of

St. Paul's cathedral.

A Sermon to Sunday School Teachers, by the Rev. J. P. CHOWN. Bradford: Scarlett. pp. 15.

This discourse delivered to the Teachers of the Sabbath School at Sion Chapel, Bradford, urges the importance of sowing good seed, sowing it perseveringly, and continuing to work though the circumstances may be discouraging and the results undiscernible.

Remarks on Certain Statements of Alexander Haldane, Esq. of the Inner Temple, Barristerat-Law, in his Memoirs of Robert Haldane, of Airthrey; and his Brother, James A. Haldane." By JOHN BROWN, D.D., Professor of Exegetical Theology to the United Presbyterian Church, and Senior Pastor of the United Presbyterian Congregation, Broughton Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh: Oliphant and Sons. 8vo. pp.

Dr. Brown and Messrs. Haldane took opposite views of the duty of a dissenter in reference to" that singularly ill-contrived impost by which the greater part of the incomes of the established clergy of Edinburgh is raised." Dr. Brown impugned and Messrs. Haldane vindicated the payment of the rate. The remarks of Mr. A. Haldane on the manner in which this controversy was conducted and the consequences accruing from it, have given occasion to this pamphlet, the publication of which Dr. Brown thought to be necessary in order to set the course which he had pursued in its true light.

The Local Ministry; its Character, Vocation, and Position considered, with suggestions for promoting its more extended usefulness. By JOHN HENRY CARR, Wesleyan Local Preacher, Leeds. London: John Kaye and Co., small 8vo. pp. 243.

This Essay obtained the Second prize of £25, offered by John Kaye, Esq., for Essays on the Local Ministry as exercised among the Methodists. It seems to us worthy to rank side by side with its more successful competitor on the same important subject.

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life. The absence of any table of contents or any headings to the several divisions to show the course of thought pursued by the author, makes the book, though small, somewhat tedious.

Every-day Astronomy; or, Practical Lessons on the Celestial Sphere. By BERENICE GAZEWELL. Bath: Binns and Goodwin. London: Whittaker and Co.

An elegant little volume, written in simple and fascinating style, adapted to attract the young to read with pleasure this page of the testimonies of God; gaze with intelligence upon the starry sky which reveals his glory; listen to the tale which the heavens are always telling of his wisdom and power, and thus improve their minds, enlarge their perceptions of the vastness of his works, and learn to adore him the Creator of all worlds.

Isabella Hamilton. A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. Edited by the Author of " Aids to Development," "The Memorials of Two Sisters," "Gift at Confirmation," &c. &c. London: Shaw. Square 24mo. pp. 95.

Fact and fiction are blended together in this narrative, in a way which we think it a duty t› embrace every opportunity to condemn, as greatly prejudicial to the interests of truth.

What of the Night? A Glance at the Past, the Present, and the Future. A Poem, in Four Parts. By THOMAS BODEN. London: Jackson and Walford. 12mo. pp. 122.

Had the writer allowed himself more time for correcting and polishing his lines, we do not think that he would have regretted it ultimately. As it is, we can only say that he has shown that his sentiments are scriptural and his intentions praiseworthy.

The Union Harmonist, a Selection of Sacred Music, Consisting of Original and Standard Pieces, Anthems, &c. Suitable for Use in Sunday Schools, Congregations, and Musical Societies. Arranged by THOMAS CLARK, of Canterbury. London: 12mo. Price 2s. 6d. Cloth.

It affords us pleasure to announce a new edition of this esteemed collection in a size and style corresponding with the pocket edition of the Union Tune Book.

Fire Side Harmony; or Domestic Recreation in Part-Singing: a Selection of Favourite Old Glees, Rounds, and Canons, arranged to words Suitable for Families and Schools. By HELEN S. HERSCHELL. Third Edition. London: Partridge and Oakey. pp. 34.

The principles on which the compiler has proceeded are these:-that it is far from desirable to confine young persons to sacred music alone; that the pleasures of the battle and the chace are not suitable topics for the employment of their vocal powers; and that it was therefore advisable to prepare for them some of the compositions of the old masters of English song, arranged to words which might be sung in the family and the school-room.

Half Hours of English History selected and illustrated by CHARLES KNIGHT. Part XXIV. 8vo. pp. iv, 52.

This portion concludes the series.

The Highlands; the Scottish Martyrs; and other Poems. By the Rev. JAMES G. SMALL, Bervie. Third Edition.

Of the first edition of these poems we gave a a favourable report in August, 1843. We are glad that a third has been demanded, and that it is enriched with some additional pieces A specimen of the new matter may be found on a preceding page of our present number.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS,

Approved.

[It should be understood that insertion in this list is not a mere announcement: it expresses approbation of the works enumerated, not of course extending to every particular, but an approbation of their general character and tendency.]

The Life and Epistles of St. Paul; comprising a complete Biography of the Apostle, and a Translation of his Letters inserted in Chronological order. By the Rev. W. J. CONYBEARE, M. A., late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; and the Rev. J. S. Howson, M.A., Principal of the Collegiate Institution, Liverpool. With numerous illustrations on steel and wood of the principal places visited by the Apostle, engraved expressly for this work, from original drawings made on the spot, by W. H. Bartlett; and by maps, charts, coins, &c. Part XIX. London: 4to. Price 28.

The Pictorial Family Bible, according to the Authorized Version; containing The Oid and New Testaments. With Copious Original Notes. By J. KITTO, D.D. London: W. S Orr. Part 30. 4to. Price 18.

Six Lectures on the Christian Evidences, addressed to Students attending the United College of St. Salvator's and St. Leonard's, St. Andrew's. By JOHN COOK, D D., Minister of St. Leonard's, St. Andrew's. Edinburgh: Paton and Ritchie. 16mo., Pp. 119.

Boys of the Bible; consisting of Descriptions and Dialogues. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. Square 8vo., pp. 192.

Divine Communion; or a Familiar Treatise on Prayer. With an Appendix of Scripture Readings. Second edition. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 24mo., pp. 124.

Monthly Series. Dublin: A Historical Sketch of Ireland's Metropolis. London: R. T. S. Pp. 192. Price 6d.

Monthly Series. Lives of the Popes. From the Dawn of the Reformation to the Romanist re-action, A.D. 1431-1605. Part III. Lon don: R.T.S. Pp. 192. Price 6d.

Bible Exercises, or Scripture References, for Schools and Families. By Miss ANN. London: R. Theobald.

Brief Notice of the late Rev. J. J. Weittbrecht, Missionary of the Church Missionary Society at Burdwan, Bengal. London: J. F. Shaw. Pp. 53.

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INTELLIGENCE.

ASIA.

MADRAS.

A gentleman who speaks of himself as having been in connexion with pædobaptist churches nearly twenty-six years, and sustained three years and a half the office of deacon, has communicated to the editor of the Oriental Baptist the following narrative :

not then, in my estimation, a very important one, and I soon dismissed it from my mind.

On

Things continued in this state until August, 1841, when Mr. Pengilly's excellent little work, The Scripture Guide to Baptism, fell in my way. The candid and truly Christian spirit of this book, and its unceasing appeal "to the law and to the testimony," greatly pleased me, and secured for it a more than ordinarily attentive perusal. laying it down, I felt that my mind was thoroughly shaken. I saw that my previous views respecting an important Christian ordinance were grievously at variance with suaded to be a baptist. There being howthe word of God, and I was almost perever no baptist minister in Madras whom I could consult on the occasion, nor indeed been immersed, I prosecuted the inquiry at a baptist church which I could join had I that time no further, but adopted the resolution (a resolution which has been strictly kept) that no more infants of mine should be sprinkled.§

When an unconscious infant, my beloved parents (long since in heaven) took me to the church of the parish in which I was born, and had me sprinkled at its font, an act which no doubt they considered perfectly right and proper, they being at the time conscientious members of the Anglican establishment. For my own part I never had the slightest doubt of the propriety of the deed, its scripturalness or validity, till many years after I had reached man's estate. The fact is that, like the great majority of persons similarly brought up, I to k for granted what had been taught me respecting infant baptism, as it is called, was right, the baptist persuasion arrived here, and a and was satisfied. Though sprinkled however in connexion with the Church of Eng-church, of which he took the pastoral oversight, was formed. In consequence of this I saw it to be my duty to give the whole subject a fresh, full, and final examination,

land, and placed for some years at a church school, I made but small progress in church principles, and never had the faintest desire to be confirmed.

As nearly as I can recollect, about 1825, two years after my admission to a padobaptist church, of which I was a member up to the period of my departure from England,t the first doubt respecting the scripturalness of infant sprinkling was lodged in my mind. At the time alluded to I attended a very interesting branch meeting of the British Reformation Society held at the Grove House, Camberwell, where, after several addresses by Protestant speakers, Roman catholics present were invited to controvert, if they pleased, the statements that had been made. A zealous papist instantly rose and cried out, "Where did you get your infant baptism from? Did you not get it from us ?" The inquiry startled me. I feared there was truth in what this man

said, and the thought of deriving from the corrupt anti-christian church of Rome what I had been accustomed to regard as a divinely instituted observance, made me feel uncomfortable. This uneasiness did not, however, long continue. The baptismal question was

* St. Saviour's, Southwark. + March, 1835.

Towards the close of 1847, a minister of

and embraced the earliest season of leisure
This occupied several months, during which
from pressing official duties for the purpose.
I investigated every passage in the Bible in
which baptism is either mentioned or alluded
to, and that with the deepest and most
prayerful attention. I also compared scrip-
ture with scripture, with the greatest, I may
The result was
say, the most anxious care.
my full conviction that there was not the
slightest authority in the word of God for
infant sprinkling, that believers in the
Lord Jesus Christ were the ONLY proper
subjects for baptism, and that the ordinance
could be ONLY rightly administered by im-
mersion.

Shortly after reaching this conclusion I separated from the pædobaptist church, of which I had been a member since my arrival which, as already intimated, I had for in this country in August, 1835, and in several years held office; and having, in

In concert with my late beloved wife, whose views entirely coincided with my own on this subject.

§ At that time I had one living child, who was sprinkled shortly after her birth in 1837. I have since had two, neither of whom has been taken to the font.

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