JOHN OUSBY, B.A.

REFINEMENT is distinguishingly perceptible in the forthcoming ministers of christianity. They not only preach the truth, but they preach it with taste. But there are yet some advantages peculiar to them, peculiar at least to their situation, and which invariably conciliate both the mind and heart. Ingenuous themselves, their manner is full of candour, and their exhortations of affection; and whilst they neglect no means, either of study or labour, which are calculated to inform themselves on the subjects of which they have professionally to treat, they appear solicitous to disseminate their sentiments so as to render them acceptable to their stated congregations. Novelty also gives an indescribable attractiveness to their pulpit exercises. Religion is as yet new to them,

-all is new to them; and hence, full of what they have, for the first time, thus known and felt, what they deliver has much of interest, and not less of novelty. Novelty of manner itself is indeed matter of novelty.

John Ousby, B. A. formerly Curate of Olney, Bucks, and recently Assistant Minister at the Lock Chapel, will in all probability suggest, when heard, remarks not unlike those with which he is here introduced to the critical attention of the religious world. Amongst the promising young ministers of this age, therefore, he may be equitably remarked for knowledge, and judgment, and utility. Nor need we stop here. Although his voice is not strong, nor altogether free from monotony, and though, owing chiefly to his reading of sermons, he exerts but little action, yet he must be pronounced, on the whole, an informed, convincing, and persuasive preacher. His figure is somewhat striking, his countenance fine, his deportment perfectly meet, and his language classically pure; whilst his perceptions are clear, his reasoning just, and his exhortations warm.

He indulges in the pictorial style. What he still wants in experience,―intercourse with humanity, ingenuity here makes up to him. He finishes his pulpit portraits with scientific skill.

Accurate conceptions of human nature, however, are only to be obtained by scrutinising mankind. Hence the youthful preacher, who pops from his study into the hive of men, is frequently mistaken in his estimates of them, and is, moreover, rather given to undervalue that inqui

sition which might more fully qualify him for his important station in life. If, notwithstanding, 'the proper study of mankind is man,' if, before we can come home to men's business and bosoms,' we must be apprised of the first, and qualified to appeal to the last; if so, then the preacher should not, since preaching is designed to persuade men, live in ignorance of the characters and conditions of beings with whom he has so eminently to do. Experience will soon shew the present preacher the force of this reasoning. When he shall have thus known mankind more, his hearers will hang more on his words. Ignorance of mortal miseries, seclusion from sin and its ravages, frequently implies sheer selfishness. The woes of our world must be known and felt, by those who wish to do most good in it. Let all his preachers then remember who it wasthat was once a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;' but still reflecting that they are not, like Him, endued with an intuitive knowledge of nature and of man!

The reverend John Ousby has recently become Minister of Tavistock Chapel, Broad Court, near Drury Lane.

RICHARD POVAH, LL. D.

UNCOMMON attention has been excited towards the clergyman whose pulpit talents now constitute the immediate subject of critical investigation. By one party he is charged with having made the pulpit a stepping-block to his ambition; whilst it is not less strenuously asserted, on the other hand, that he ranks amongst those preachers, who, evangelically denominated, belong to that gospel system which, say they, is so shamefully persecuted in this day. It is against what are now called evangelical sentiments and extemporary eloquence, it would seem, that the artillery of episcopacy is about to be directed; but with what effect, as to us, time alone can shew. Truth will make its way, however, and must have its course. Should the evangelicists prove wrong, time will determine their fate. Should their views of truth be just,-what arm of flesh shall stay them?

When will establishments derive information from time! Does any religious churchman hope

for the keeping off intruders on his own flock, once proposed by the author of certain Hints for the Security of the Established Church, by, instead of securing,' excluding the most 'vigilant pastor,' of that church? Now, the truly vigilant pastors of the Church of England,―pastors dear to the hearts of its people, who instruct and reform them, and whom, therefore, a vigilant episcopacy' should be intent most to secure,seem to have become unfortunately obnoxious to those who can best honour and advance them. What means this sad contest, seriously speaking, between high and low church? Here may be seen the beam which is now full in the eye of our church! Often have I heard,' remarks one of her divines, a great cry against Seceders from the Church, as though they were conspiring against her, and sought her ruin: for my part, I would recommend the advice of Gamaliel, to let these men alone at least till we have got rid of the Conceders, who are occupying the richest pastures in her inclosure. Wishing to be thought Churchmen, and still professing to speak the truth, they yet so mangle the Scriptures that the poorest churchman can easily detect them of being Arminian methodists, by a simple reference to the Articles and Homilies of his church; yea, the readingdesk will contradict their flimsy pulpit jargon.'