66 work which he designed them to per- nary wisdom distinguished the early form. In Mr. Knibb's case, especially, part of his career; but when the time there was, if we mistake not, more than came that they were needed for the usually apparent, the distinction be- arduous and critical duties which in the tween supernatural gifts bestowed for providence of God devolved upon him, a specific purpose, and the develop- a mouth and wisdom" were given by ment of original superiority. Mr. Knibb his heavenly Patron, which excited the certainly was not selected by human admiration of his friends and the terror wisdom for the station he was to occupy of his opponents. The work that it was through a perception of his adaptation assigned to him to perform is now done. for achievements so extraordinary as No servant of the Redeemer dies till those which he was called to accom- that portion of the comprehensive plan plish. But our Lord, before he left the is executed, which he was destined to earth, taught that his faithful servants finish. As Joshua was appointed to would sometimes be placed in circum- complete the work commenced by Moses, stances of difficulty in which great and Solomon to establish the kingdom abilities would be required, but assured founded by David, so men of qualificathem that he would be able to commu- tions somewhat different from those of nicate to them ability sufficient for Knibb and Yates, may be needed as every exigence, and that he would take their successors; but, if not-if men care to do so. "I will give you a mouth precisely similar to them in character and wisdom," said he, "which all your and endowments should still be wanted adversaries shall not be able to gainsay he who has the keys of death has also or resist." His power and faithfulness power over the human heart and inwere, we believe, remarkably exempli tellect, and can bestow whatever gifts fied in the case of Mr. Knibb. Neither the exigencies of his churches may extraordinary eloquence nor extraordi- require. BRIEF NOTICES. The Existence of Evil Spirits Proved; and their Agency, particularly in reference to the Human Race, Explained and Illustrated. By WALTER SCOTT, President and Theological Tutor of Airedale College, Bradford, Yorkshire. Second Edition. London: 12mo. pp. xl. 474. Price 6s. The former edition of these lectures, which were delivered in the Congregational Library, did not reach us. It was exhausted, however, without our aid, a fact which we cannot regret; and if the present edition should be sold also, before our notice appears, we should say, on public grounds, so much the better. The subjects discussed in this volume are difficult and important, and they have not received as much attention of late years as they deserve. On these, as on many other points in theology, the proneness of incompetent men to utter their crudities, has rendered all reference to them unwelcome to many sensitive persons, and deterred more judicious instructors from explaining them as frequently and fully as is desirable. The lectures are on the Existence of Evil Spirits,the Character, State, and Powers of Evil Spirits, the Agency of Evil Spirits,-the Nature and Manner of their Intercourse with this World,-Demoniacs, especially those of the New Testament,-the Saviour's Temptation in the Wilderness, and the Temptations of Satan in their Common or Ordinary Form. While these subjects are treated of formally, there is introduced incidentally much interesting matter relating to witchcraft, divination, heathen oracles, possessions, and kindred topics. On subjects so diversified and delicate, as might be expected, we do not concur in every opinion found him taking what we deem the right side advanced by the author, but we have generally of debatable questions, and in all cases it is evident that he has given them much thought and reading. We cordially recommend the volume, especially to ministers, to whom it will suggest themes for the pulpit which are not commonly chosen though important; and we are not aware of the existence of any other with equal comprehensiveness of knowledge, work in which the general subject is illustrated and soundness of theological sentiment. Hebrew Reading Lessons: consisting of the First Four Chapters of the Book of Genesis, and the Eighth Chapter of the Proverbs, with a Grammatical Praxis, and an Interlineary Translation. London: foolscap 8vo. pp. 70. Price 3s. 6d. Cloth. No works are more seasonable than those which tend to encourage and facilitate the study of the original scriptures. The dangers now pressing upon mankind can only be effectually averted by the diffusion of sound biblical knowledge. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that we direct attention to this small volume which will be, in connexion with the grammar, an admirable preparative for the perusal of the Hebrew Bible. The solitary student will find here the assistance he requires. The root can in every case be easily distinguished from the other letters, that being printed with black, and these with hollow types. A literal interlineal translation accompanies the text, and notes are appended illustrating the meaning of the words and their grammatical construction. Directions are also given for the pronunciation of the language, and the division of words into syllables. Hints on Church Discipline, with Tables of Cases Mentioned in the New Testament. By C. J. MIDDLEDITCH. London: 12mo. pp. iv., 43. Price 8d. Feeling that his acquaintance with the laws which, as pastor of a Christian church, it was his duty to enforce, was not so clear and complete as it should be, the author pursued the right course; he examined the New Testament with the simple inquiry, What are the laws of Christ? and noted down the results of his investigation. How different would have been the history of professed Christian churches had this course been uniformly adopted and practically followed in the administration of discipline! Mr. Middleditch's deductions from scripture respecting the design of church discipline-the parties concerning whom it is to be exercised the persons on whom it devolves -the rule by which it should be regulatedand the order of procedure, are recorded in this small pamphlet, and many judicious remarks will be found in it of which the members and officers of our churches may advantageously avail themselves. A Brief History of the Western Association, from its Commencement about the middle of the Seventeenth Century, to its Division into four small ones-the Bristol, the Western, the Southern, and the South Western-in 1823. Published at the request of the Bristol Association, by J. G. FULLER, Bristol: 8vo. pp. 70. Price 6d. Nearly or quite two hundred years have rolled away since the baptists of the West of England formed themselves into an association. Portions of their proceedings have been traced back by Mr. Fuller to the year 1653, and he sees evidence that the association itself existed previously. He has industriously brought together much information respecting churches, ministers, and public meetings, which will be found to be interesting by all who take pleasure in such researches. The very low price at which the pamphlet is sold, in proportion to the historical matter it contains, will, we hope, secure for it many purchasers in the northern, southern, and eastern, as well as in the western part of our island. The Dawn of Life, or Scripture Conversions. By a Clergyman. London. Foolscap 8vo. pp. 189. Price 3s. 6d. The author entertaining the conviction that the great change necessary to salvation is in all VOL. IX.- FOURTH SERIES. cases to be attributed to divine agency, believes that the manner of its accomplishment, and the circumstances by which it is evinced, depend on the age, previous character, and other particulars in the history of the individuals in whose experience it takes place. Supposing that we are supplied in scripture with "a few cases" selected out of "a great mass" of conversions, and each intended to be "the pattern of a large and separate class," he expatiates on the histories of Samuel, Josiah, and Manasseh, as severally illustrative of infant piety, youthfu, conversion, and late repentance; and on those of Nicodemus, Zaccheus, the restored Demoniac, the dying thief, the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul of Tarsus, Lydia, and the Philippian jailor, as supplying further specimens of the effects of the Holy Spirit's operations on the mind. The book is written in an interesting and superior style: it contains many pointed appeals and judicious practical reflections. Salvation Certain and Complete; or, The 32mo. Calls of Usefulness. London: (Tract Society) 24mo. pp. 196. Price 1s. 6d. "I have called in my way, on the grave and the gay, This is the visitor's motto; and people who are willing to receive gentle hints and wise directions are likely to find his calls pleasant and advantageous. The Young Instructed in the Gospel Narrative; being an Explanation of the Principal Events in the Life of the Lord Jesus Christ, Continuously Arranged. By the Author of " Bible Stories for very Little Children." With a Recommendatory Preface, by the Rev. THOMAS DREW, D.D. First Series. Dublin: Robertson. 24mo. pp. 496. Regarding an attention to the religious interests of the young as one of the strongest dictates of a holy policy, we are disposed to look on the various efforts which are made for their benefit as constituting one of the most pleasing features of the present times. The work before us is the production of an evangelical member of the church of England, and is adapted to the capacities of children from ten to fourteen years of age. We do not concur in all the sentiments contained in it, yet feel that its simple enunciation of the leading doctrines of the gospel, and its affectionate enforcement of the claims of personal religion, cannot fail to prove beneficial to such young persons as may be induced to study its contents. Glimpses of the Dark Ages; or, Sketches of the Social Condition of Europe, from the Fifth to the Twefth Century. London: 16mo. pp. 192. Cloth, gilt. Price 10d. The Fall of Rome-the Church-the Monastery-the Feudal Castle-and the Town, are the topics on which this second monthly instructor sent forth by the Religious Tract Society discourses; and we are happy to see, that while he is equal to his predecessor in personal respectability, he appears in clothing which will facilitate his reception into good company, and conduce to his preservation from the casualties of the way. Lesson Book for Adults. London: (Sunday School Union) 16mo. pp. 64. The Child's Own Book. 1845. London: (Sunday School Union) 32mo. pp. 190. The Union Tune Book; being a Selection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, Arranged for Four Voices. By Mr. T. CLARK, Canterbury. No. I. London: (Sunday School Union) 12mo. pp. 12. Price 1d. The Young Composer; or, Progressive Exercises in English Composition. Part I. Comprising Sentence Making, Variety of Expression, and Figurative The Biblical Review, and Congregational Maga- Language. With Appendices on the Use of Capitals zine. No. I. January, 1846. London: 8vo. pp. 88. Price 1s. Having been accustomed to regard the Congregational Magazine as one of the most respectable of our contemporaries, and having derived much pleasure from its pages, especially in its earlier years, it is not without regret that we observe the retirement of its conductor from the editorial corps. The gentlemen who succeed him are, however, undoubtedly competent to the task they have undertaken, and the plan they have laid down will meet the wishes of many intelligent readers. In every point of view, this first number is highly respectable. The Females' Friend. Under the Sanction of the Associate Institution, for Improving and Enforcing the Laws for the Protection of Women. No. I. January, 1846. London: 8vo. pp. 24. Price 3d. The society from which this new periodical emanates was formed under a persuasion that a system exists, by which not only are undue facilities and temptations held out to the immoral, the giddy, and the poor, to enter upon a life of infamy, but unwary young females, and mere children are frequently entrapped, and sold into the hands of profligate libertines. The contents are to be, Expositions of the Existing Laws relating to Females-Narratives, Facts, and Pictures of Real Life-Reports of the Progress of the Associate Institution - Female Literature - Correspondence, Poetry, and Miscellanies. -- The Waters of the Earth. London: Square. 16mo. pp. 159. Price 2s. cloth gilt. Five small publications of the Tract Society, entitled The Dewdrop, the Spring, the Lake, the River, the Sea, with many embellishments, in one beautiful volume. and Punctuation. By JAMES CORNWELL. Second Edition. London: 12mo. pp. 126. Price 1s. 6d. INTELLIGENCE. AMERICA. BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. OUR readers have been apprised that an extraordinary meeting of the American Baptist Triennial Convention was to be held in the city of New York last November, in consequence of the practical withdrawment of the churches in the southern states, and the consequent desirableness of a change in its constitution and arrangements. Our information respecting the result being now tolerably complete, we shall abstract from American periodicals those particulars that are likely to be most interesting to the English public. The following general view of the proceedings is by the editor of the Boston Christian Watchman : We returned from New York, wearied in body, but refreshed in spirit. The results we have spread fully before our readers. It was a good meeting. We went to it with some degree of sadness and foreboding. But the God of missions interposed, arrested the threatening danger, melted the hearts of his servants into pity for the perishing heathen, and thus prepared them to be of one heart and one soul in the cause. It was understood that the great business of the meeting was to reorganize under a new constitution. The committee of nine, appointed by the board to prepare such a document, presented a unanimous report, embracing a draft of a constitution, which will be found in our report. It is a concise, clear, and comprehensive document; and contains all the provisions which are essential to permanency and efficiency, if wisely administered. It was adopted without a dissenting voice, and will go into operation whenever a charter shall have been secured, and the necessary legal provisions made. But until the meeting in May next, the constitution of the General Convention will remain in force. The character of the meeting was highly encouraging. The presence of four distintinguished missionaries could hardly fail to impart a deep interest. There was Judson, the father of our missions, and the first American missionary; Kincaid, the well known success. ful missionary among the Karens; and as if by the special direction of heaven, Abbott and Davenport of the Karen and Arracan missions, arrived in New York just in season to attend the meeting. There was no disposition manifested to cast reflections on any one for what is past. And although many regretted the separation of our southern brethren, and others rejoiced at it, yet there was little said on that subject. There was no taunting of the south, no spirit of reviling, or of triumph. The meeting seemed to be animated by the missionary spirit in a measure sufficient to allay, if not drive off every other. The southern convention will be regarded as a coadjutor in the work of evangelizing the world. The board has already voted that any of the missionaries who may choose, are to be transferred to the southern board; and it is also understood that the African missions will be entirely given up to the southern board, who will be able to prosecute them to greater advantage than a It is also expected that the northern one. Indian Mission Association, located in Kentucky, will assume the care of the missions to the American Indians, thus leaving the American Baptist Missionary Union to the sole and single work of prosecuting evangelical labours in Europe and the east. It is also a cause of sincere rejoicing, that the debt of the board is now fully provided for. The board only asked for 10,000 dollars, which was supposed to be amply sufficient for the purpose; but nearly 17,000 dollars were pledged on the spot. And it was pledged, as we believe, for the love of missions. The spirit of rivalry was not needed, for the generous and warm-hearted friends of missions came forward with a noble generosity. In view of the results of this meeting, we earnestly invite all true-hearted baptists, who love the cause of missions, to consider and to pray. Let by-gones be by-gones. Let Ephraim no more envy Judah, and Judah no more vex Ephraim. The north has better work to do than to taunt and vex the south, and the south can surely be better employed than in stirring up prejudices against the north. And let not the north any longer waste its strength and temper by disputes. Of the wisdom and the propriety of certain past doings, every one is entitled to his own opinion. But what is done cannot be undone; though what remains to be done may be neglected while Christians are disputing. And now may we not hope that, if we lift the united prayer to the God of missions for the shedding down of his Spirit upon all our churches and ministers, and all our evangelical societies, he who delights to favour Zion, will again bless us with a revival of his work? Let us bring all our tithes into the storehouse, and see if he is not willing to pour us out a rich blessing. New Constitution. The following articles of the new constitution unanimously adopted, Nov. 20th, comprise its most important features: 1. This association shall be styled, "The American Baptist Missionary Union." 2. The single object of this union shall be to diffuse the knowledge of the religion of¦ Jesus Christ, by means of missions, throughout the world. 3. This union shall be composed of life members. All the members of the Baptist General Convention who may be present at the adoption of this constitution, shall be members for life of the Union. Other persons may be constituted life members by the payment, at one time, of not less than one hundred dollars. 4. The Union shall meet annually on the third Thursday of May, or at such other time, and at such place, as it may appoint. At every such annual meeting the Union shall elect by ballot, a president, two vice-presidents, a recording secretary, and one-third of a board of managers. At a meeting to be held immediately after the adoption of this constitution, the Union shall elect an entire board of managers, consisting of seventy-five persons, at least onethird of whom shall not be ministers of the gospel. Said board shall be elected in three equal classes, the first to go out of office at the first annual meeting; and thus, in regular succession, one-third of the board shall go out of office at each annual meeting, and their places shall be supplied by a new election. In every case, the members whose term of service shall thus expire, shall be re-eligible. 5. The president or, in his absence, one of the vice-presidents shall preside in all meetings of the Union. 6. All the officers of the Union and its board of managers shall continue to discharge the duties assigned to them respectively, until superseded by a new election. 7. Special meetings of the Union shall be called by the president, or in case of his death or absence from the country, by either of the vice-presidents, upon application from the board of managers. Of the Board of Managers. 8. All members of the Union may attend the meetings of the board of managers, and deliberate on all questions, but members of the board of managers only shall vote. 9. Immediately after the annual meeting of the Union, the board of managers shall meet and elect by ballot a chairman, a recording secretary, an executive committee of nine, not more than five of whom shall be ministers of the gospel, as many corresponding secretaries as they may judge to be necessary, a treasurer, and an auditing committee of two, who shall not be ministers of the gospel. At this meeting the board shall determine the salaries of the corresponding secretaries and treasurer, and give such instructions to the executive committee as may be necessary to regulate their plans of action for the ensu ing year. The board shall also have power, whenever they think it necessary, to appoint an assistant treasurer, to specify his duties, and fix his compensation. 10. The board shall meet annually at such place as may have been appointed for the annual meeting of the Union, at least two days previous to said meeting, to hear the reports of the executive committee, the treasurer, and the auditing committee, and to review with care the proceedings of the past year, the result of which shall be submitted to the Union. 11. Special meetings of the board may be called by the executive committee, whenever, in their judgment, occasion may require. A printed notice of the time, place, and object, or objects of such meetings shall be sent at least six weeks in anticipation, to every member of the board. 12. All officers appointed by the board shall continue to discharge the duties assigned to them respectively, until superseded by a new election. At all meetings of the board fifteen shall be a quorum for business. Of the Executive Committee. 13. The executive committee shall hold its meetings at such times and places as they ber shall be a quorum for business. The may appoint. A majority of the whole numcorresponding secretaries and treasurer shall not be members of the committee, but they shall attend its meetings, and communicate any information in their possession pertaining to their respective departments, and aid the committee in its deliberations. The com mittee shall have power to appoint its own chairman and recording secretary, and to fill any vacancy that may occur in their own number. 14. It shall be the duty of the executive committee to carry into effect all the orders of the board of managers; to designate, by advice of the board, the places where missions shall be attempted, and to establish and superintend the same; to appoint, instruct, and direct all the missionaries of the board, and to fix their compensation; to direct the corresponding secretaries and treasurer in the discharge of their duties; to make all appropriations to be paid out of the treasury; to appoint agents for the collection of funds, and to prescribe their duties, and arrange their compensation; and in general to perform all duties necessary to promote the object of the union, provided the same be not contrary to this constitution, or the instructions of the board of managers. 15. The executive committee shall present to the board of managers at its annual meeting, a report, containing the full account of their doings during the preceding year; of the condition and prospects of every missionary station; of their plans for the enlargement or contraction of their sphere of operations; |