all societies in which Dissenters take a prominent part; and, on the other, the recent struggles of the Dissenters to obtain their undoubted rights, have made even the sounder portion of the Episcopal Church gradually withdraw to the eminence of their supposed prescriptive superiority. Now, this is not wise. We would strongly recommend the two last mentioned parties to imbibe the noble principles of this discourse. They may yet have to stand together against the common enemy of the Cross; of justification by faith; and were both but deeply imbued with the magnanimity of the great-minded Apostle, so strikingly delineated by our author, there would yet be hope for England that the plague might be stayed, and that the proclamation of the gospel by any, might be a cause of joy to all hearts already gladdened by its power. The SUNDAY SCHOLAR'S COMPANION; being a Selection of Hymns from various Authors for the use of Sunday-schools. Fifty-sixth edition, revised and enlarged. Sunday-school Union Depot, 60, Paternoster-row. One of the most valuable collections of hymns suitable for Sunday scholars and young people generally, that we have seen. The fact of its having reached its fifty-sixth edition, must be ascribed to its intrinsic worth and moderate price. To those of our readers engaged in teaching the young, to whom it may not be known, we cordially recommend this new, enlarged, and cheap edition, as one of the most comprehensive, appropriate, and instructive compilations of hymns for children that has yet been published. WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. 1. A Short Argument in Support of Infant Baplism. By HENRY FORSTER BURDER, D.D. 12mo, ld. Ward and Co. This tract, the substance of which appeared in our pages a few months since, is fitted to do good service to the Pædobaptist cause, both by its sound and scriptural argument, and by the excellent spirit which it breathes in every page. Its cheapness aiso adapts it eminently for extensive circulation. 2. Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. By the Rev. ISAAC WATTS, D.D. 18mo, pp. 188. Ward and Co. The This is a unique edition of Dr. Watts's inimitable hymns. Nothing so portable, and at the same time so beautiful, has hitherto seen the light. paper and print are so good that old eyes, with the help of glasses, will be able to read it. 3. Character every thing to the Young. A Discourse, preached in Trevor Chapel, Brompton, on the Evening of Lord's Day, January 2, 1842. By JOHN MORISON, D.D. To which is added, a Letter from Mrs. James Legge, of Malacca, to the Children belonging to her former Class, in the Trevor Chapel Sunday-school. A Reward for Sunday-school Children. 18mo, pp. 26, 6d. Ward and Co. A most appropriate present for young people in general, and for Sunday-school children in parties lar. What the esteemed author states in his preface is highly encouraging to himself and other viz., that all his annual sermons to the you twenty-six in number, have been blessed to the conversion of souls. 4. British Rejoicings moderated by British Dtress. A Lecture, delivered at the Old Meeting house, Norwich, Nov. 14, 1841, on occasion of t Birth of an Heir to the British Throne. By AxDREW REED, B.A. 12mo, pp. 20, 2d. Hamilta, Adams, and Co. This is a lecture of a very superior character considered as the production of so young a mo The views which it presents of our national poste are somewhat sombre, but yet faithful and instruc tive. 5. The Church in the House. 12mo, pp. 24, 1gď. Fifth Thousand. J. Nisbet. This unpretending tract promises to be very popular. and richly deserves to be so; for it is wel calculated, by the Divine blessing, to be extensively useful. 6. Reasons for not uniting with a Class of Rev gionists, known by the Name of "The Brethren Deduced from their own publications. By a Menber of one of "The Sects." 12mo, pp. 52, 6d. milton, Adams, and Co. The spiritual pride of that heterogenous body of professors, calling themselves, "The Brethren,” deserves just such an exposure and rebuke as are here ministered to them. We hope soon to follow the author by a careful article from the pen of one wel acquainted with their opinions and doings. Meanwhile, we earnestly recommend this tract to the notice of all our brethren, who may have been annoyed by these troublers of the church. 7. A Pastoral Address. By the Rev. THOMAS LEWIS, of Islington. 12mo, pp. 24. Ward and Co. An invaluable appeal to church-members up all subjects most vital to the faithful exhibition of the Christian character. 8. The Office of the Civil Magistrate, in its Nature and Extent. A Sermon, preached before the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor of London, the Alderma and Liveries of Companies on Thursday, Sept. 1. 1720. By B. IBBOTT, D.D., Chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty George I. 12mo, pp. 24. J. Snow. This is a reprint of a scarce and curious discourse. We fear that Queen Victoria has no chaplain that would explain the office of the civil magistrate so clearly, as did Dr. Ibbott, the chaplain of George I. 9. Part X of Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Edited by the Rev. J. CUMMING, M.A. Imper.al 8vo. G. Virtue. This beautiful work is fast hastening to a completion, when we hope to give a notice of it, suitable to its merits. 10. The Way of Life. By CHARLES HODGE, Professor in the Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, America. 18mo, pp. 310. Tract So ciety. An admirable condensation of all that is most vital in the Christian system, and in personal religion. PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. 1. Nearly ready, cloth boards, 1s. 6d., Barnebes, A Manual for those that are cast down. By Tnos. MANN, Author of "The Gift of Prayer." T. Ward and Co., Paternoster-row. 2. The Great Commission. Prize Essay. By the Rev. J. HARRIS, D.D. In one volume royal 12mo, 10s. 6d. Ward and Co. OBITUARY. MRS. ANN BODINGTON. Mrs. Ann Bodington, wife of the Rev. J. Bodington, of Neckinger-road, Bermondsey, departed this life, October 31st, 1841. She had been called, by divine grace, while a child; had maintained a lovely consistency of conduct through her life; and died in a very tranquil and happy state. Through her life, she had been the subject of a disease of the heart, under which she suffered very acutely, and which, in connexion with the prevalence of the dropsy during her last few weeks, was the cause of her death. On Saturday, October 30th, she appeared in a very resigned and serene frame; but, though it was supposed her death was not far distant, yet no immediate expectation of it was entertained. In the course of the succeeding night, she requested her husband to pray with her, as she had done on preceding nights, and appeared much refreshed by the devotional exercise. In the morning of Lord's-day, October 31st, her husband prayed with her again; and found her still in a very calm and submissive state of mind; and quickly afterwards, while he was engaged in private supplication, and ere he was aware of it, her spirit entered into rest. She had just completed her fifty-second year. Her death was improved on Lord's-day, November 14th, at Neckinger-road Chapel, by the Rev. G. Rose, who delivered a very solemn and impressive discourse, from Job vii. 21, "Thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be." Home Chronicle. HALF-YEARLY DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS, ARISING FROM THE SALE OF THE "EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE," TO THE WIDOWS OF PIOUS MINISTERS. January 11, 1842.-Sum voted £739. On Tuesday, the 11th January, the Trustees held their half-yearly meeting for the purpose of effecting the Christmas Distributions of Profits arising from the sale of the "Evangelical Magazine," when they had the happiness of voting the sum of 7591. for the relief and comfort of ninety widows of pious ministers-Episcopalians, pastors of the Church of Scotland, Calvinistic Methodists, Independents, and ministers of the Secession Church. In voting this unprecedented sum, however, the Trustees have considerably exceeded their means arising from the current income of the work, and have been compelled to sell out several hundred pounds of the little property they hold in the funds. They have been induced to take this step, partly trusting to the zeal of their friends in promoting the increased circulation of the Magazine, and partly in anticipation of a portion of the late Mr. Hill's Legacy, which they have reason to expect in the month of March. But they beg to remind their friends, throughout the kingdom, that even if the sum they anticipate should be realized, their income will still be considerably short of the amount required for the ordinary grants. to one hundred and fifty-seven widows, now fully admitted upon the Magazine. Fund. As the remaining portion of Mr. Hill's Legacy cannot be realized till the death of certain annuitants, many of whom are yet in early life, the Trustees are compelled to look to other quarters to enable them to continue the existing scale of distribution. First of all, they request, very earnestly, of the pastors and members of churches to exert themselves in promoting an increased sale of the Magazine. For every additional thousand they can push into circulation, <ix widows, at ten pounds per annum, will be provided for. Secondly, they would respectfully solicit donations, of all amounts, addressed to the Treasurer or Editor, at the Publishers. And, thirdly, they beg that their kind friends will not forget the cause of the poor widows, when they are making a last disposal o their property. A better medium of disposing a portion of their bounty cann well be conceived of. FORM OF A BEQUEST. "I give and bequeath to the Treasurer for the time being of a certain periodica publication, called the Evangelical Magazine and Missionary Chronicle,' published London (the profits of which work are by certain Trustees therein named, devote to the benefit of Widows of Evangelical Ministers of different denominations, and t other charitable purposes,) the sum of £ , to be raised and paid out of mic part only of my personal estate, as shall not consist of chattels real or money secure on mortgage of lands, or tenements, or in any other manner affecting lands or tene ments, to be applied by the Trustees of the said periodical in like manner as the profit of the said work are applied: for which Legacy the receipt of the Treasurer for the time being shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executors." HENRY FORSTER BURDER, Treasurer. A FINE CLERICAL EXAMPLE. We hope we can perceive various symptoms of a more cordial union between Evangelical Churchmen and Dissenters; and with the Rev. T. Mortimer, at the winter meeting of the London City Mission, we heartily pray, that "God may bring us nearer to one another, by bringing us nearer to himself through Jesus Christ." It must be a heinous offence against the Son of God, when those who are united to him do not "love one another with a pure heart fervently." "If ye bite and devour one another," said Paul to the Galatians, "take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." No differences about the scaffolding, can justify Christians, who are living stones in the great spiritual temple, in denying to each other the right hand of fellowship. An address has just been published and circulated among his parishioners, by the Rev. W. E. L. Faulkner, of St. James, Clerkenwell, in which the true spirit of the gospel is beautifully displayed, and which proves that there are ministers in the Established Church, who are ready to give the right hand of Christian fellowship to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. If the Popery which now threatens to rear its haggard brow, at this time, in England, shall be the means of uniting real Christians, Satan will rue the day on which he sought again to entangle this Protestant country in the yoke of papal bondage. The following extract from Mr. Faulkner's address will be read with pleasure by all who wish to see their Saviour's prayer answered. John xvii. 20, 21. "As this address will doubtless fall into the hands of many of the parishioners who are not members of the Church of England, let me assure such, that, as I will not yield to any in my firm and ardent attachment to that church, so neither will I yield to any in my most sincere esteem and regard for all those who conscientiously dissent from it, if they be the faithful followers of Jesus Christ, by whatever name or denomination they are distinguished. I have a great reverence for conscience, especially in matters of religion, where every one must worship God according to its dictates, which will not lead him astray from the right path, if he seek to get an enlightened conscience by praying to God to give him His Holy Spirit to read and understand His holy word, and have a fixed purpose to obey its divine directions; for our blessed Lord has said, If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine.' "Nothing can be more opposite to the true spirit of Christianity, than to condemn others, because they are not members of our own communion. St. Paul says, 'Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity,' a sentiment in which all Christian ministers and Christian people should join. "Those who agree in the vital doctrines of the gospel, such as the regenerating and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit; and a living faith in Christ as our only Saviour, by whose most precious blood and perfect righteousness, we are accepted and justified before God, should hold the faith in unity of spirit, and consider themselves as being all members of the mystical body of Christ, which is the blessed company of all faithful people, and should live in godly love. "The church of Christ is composed of true believers throughout the world. St. John, in his description of the celestial vision with which he was favoured, says, 'After I beheld, and lo! a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands, and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.' Those who expect to meet in heaven, and there for ever join in united anthems of exalted praise to the same adorable Saviour, who purchased them unto himself with the inestimable price of his own most precions blood, ought surely during the short period they remain on earth, to be united in heart and affection, though they may not all belong to the same part of Christ's universal church. I am much grieved to see those who profess and call themselves Christians, often wanting in Christian charity, which is the distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." I earnestly hope and pray that Christian love may appear more and more among us; and most happy shall I be, if in any way I can be the humble instrument of promoting it, either by word or deed. "When we appear before the judgment seat of Christ, we shall be welcomed to the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world, not because we belonged to this or that part of Christ's church, but because we were the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus. "And now, that you may all, in yourselves, your families, and your connexions, have a happy new year, and, if it please God, many happy new years, in all things pertaining to this life, but above all, in those which pertain to the life eternal, by being made partakers of a true and living faith in that blessed Saviour whose birth we at this time celebrate, so that when He shall come in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, you may be numbered with his saints in glory everlasting." A HINT ON PREACHING. To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine. DEAR SIR,-It was remarked, I think, by the poet Cowper, "that men are not to be scolded out of their sins." True as the axiom appears, I cannot but fear, some preachers are not sufficiently impressed with it. There has, of late, indeed, whether in imitation of any American divines or not, I leave others to judge, been such an approximation, in several quarters, to a style of pulpit address, having, at least, the appearance of scolding, if not of anger, as to induce apprehension, lest harm instead of good, may be the result. I may observe, that Sabbath evenings seem to be the favourite seasons for adopting the style referred to. I should not have thus noticed it, had it not been that complaints upon the subject have latterly much increased; and dissatisfaction, also, has been expressed, in my frequent hearing, in rather strong terms. I will, with your permission, recommend to the particular notice of ministers whose zeal has enamoured them of the habit in question, a passage in the "Life of Master John Dod," one of the worthies so admirably memorialized by Clarke, in his "Thirtytwo English Divines," 1677. It is full of holy meaning, and, at all times, specially appropriated. "He," Mr. Dod, "was very evangelical, striving first to make men see their lost condition clearly, and to be convinced of it, saying, sense of misery was a good step to the remedy. And, then, largely and excellently opening the promises, and the grace of God in Christ, according to the gospel; looking at that as the most effectual preaching. Some," says he, "labour still to keep men under terrors, and load them with threatenings, &c., lest they should not be humbled enough; but the gospel works true humiliation, not the law. It arises from sense of sin and misery, joined with hope of mercy. The damned have terror and sense of misery enough, but that doth not humble them," p. 176. I remain, dear Sir, H. W. THE REV. D. SIMPSON'S CLAIM TO THE ORIGINATION OF SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. Extracted from the Christian Observer. Being a constant reader of your valuable miscellany, I have been much interested by several articles which have lately appeared, on the origin of Sunday-schools, or rather, WHO originated them. Allow me to say, that some of the writers, whose observations you have published on this disputed point, have attached fully as much (I had nearly said more) importance to the fact of priority, as a fact, than in my judgment it deserves. I know not that I should have ventured to trouble you or your readers with any remarks of mine, had I not been pressingly urged to do so by many, who, now that this subject has become open to discussion, feel that an individual, whose name and labours in this locality are still held in fresh remembrance, should not be overlooked nor forgotten in any memorial of the earliest advances of Sunday-school benevolence. And, in doing so, neither they nor myself, would, for one moment, contemplate the bare possibility of plucking one leaf off the laurel which Raikes and his immortal "fellows" have so righteously obtained. Peace to their ashes; their works follow them. The individual to whom I refer, is the Rev. David Simpson, M.A., Minister of Christ Church, Macclesfield. He settled in this place in 1773, and was curate and afterwards minister of the old church. In the year 1775, Christ Church was erected, to which Mr. Simpson was presented by his friend, the late Charles Roe, Esq., the founder. Here he laboured for a period of twenty-four years, closing those labours with his life, in 1799. He was one, Mr. Editor, of those honoured few, who, under God, were made the instruments of that glorious revival of vital Christianity, which is now so manifest within the pale of the Established Church, being contemporary, and joined in fraternal intercourse and spirit, with Romaine, Berridge, Hill, Venn, Fletcher, and Robinson, amongst whom there was a recorded agreement ber each other in their solemn preparation for each Lord's-day, by retiring on the Saturday evenings, from six to seven for prayer, to implore of the Lord, for themselves and the people, all spiritual blessings." to remem Mr. Simpson commenced Sunday-schools in this town so early as the year 1778, (that is, three years before Mr. Raikes.) This fact I had from an individual now no more, but whose next to filial intimacy with Mr. Simpson, and his own zealous efforts in the subsequent advancement of Sunday-school instruction, render his testimony beyond dispute. I have also in corroboration, had, within the last few days, the evidence of a living witness-one who was a scholar at the period I refer to. The scholars were instructed by paid teachers, but under the entire direction of Mr. Simpson, on week |