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Saviour, and to seek the Holy Spirit by prayer. Emma had not before thought seriously of religion, but from this time she began to study the Scriptures for herself. She was led to embrace the offers of the Gospel, and became a devout and humble child of God.

It is less than a twelvemonth since that the writer of these pages was called to attend the sick-bed of Emma. Emma was an old friend and schoolfellow, and her illness was a source of deep sorrow to the writer. But the invalid's countenance bore no

traces of sorrow or regret. The bright eye, and hectic flush, and continual cough, gave certain indications that consumption had made great advances in her delicate frame. Emma knew this, and although sometimes, amid the changes of that flattering disease, she thought she might recover, the more permanent feeling was that she should die. Yet she had no fear of passing through the dark valley, for she knew that God would be with her, and that the valley of the shadow of death would be made light by his presence.

Emma possessed great talents and mental attainments; but it might be truly said of her that she "received the kingdom of God as a little child." Her faith was most simple and child-like. It was enough for her that God had said in his Word that Christ would save the sinner. She had a firm conviction that "God is love," and the belief made her calmly, quietly happy. The medical attendant said of her, that she must have died much earlier in the course of the disease, but that her happy and quiet spirit enabled the body to resist its advances. "Thy will be done," was not only the expression of her lips, but the feeling of her heart. She had many friends whom she tenderly loved; yet, without an anxious thought, she commended them all to her Father in heaven. Emma would often on her sick-bed regret that she had not from her childhood diligently studied the Scriptures. She said that she so often could remember the spirit of some text, but could not recollect the exact words, nor could she readily find it. She said, if life were spared, she thought she should try and learn all the New Testament by heart. One day, when speaking of the Bible, she said, "It is so different from other books. If I read any other book two or three times, I seem to know its contents, but every reading of the sacred volume seems to throw new light

upon it; one finds out the meaning of its passages more and more." Her friend said to her, "Yes, that has always struck me as proof of the Divine authority of the sacred writings." She replied, "My own heart

gives me abundance of proof that they are true."

It was a beautiful summer morning on which Emma looked her last on the world. She had always been a great admirer of nature, and had loved to trace the hand of God in adorning the earth and sky with beauty. A few hours before she died, she asked that the blind might be drawn up, that she might look out upon the garden and meadows once more. She gazed earnestly on them, as if to take a last farewell. She then beckoned to her friends, bade each a solemn and affectionate adieu; her last words were, "Happy, willing." She made signs that prayer should be offered, and while those around her were praying that her dismissal should be without pain, and that a glorious entrance might be granted into the heavenly kingdom, she quietly breathed her last, and her happy spirit entered the world where sin and sorrow never enter.

The mode of Emma's death literally exemplified the Scripture description," She fell asleep in Jesus," and her friend was reminded of the words of the good John Bunyan, in describing the passage through the dark river, which was taken by the pilgrim, "And the river was very calm at that time."

Many friends visited Emma during her long sickness. There was the decided christian, who, if ever he feared death for himself, might look on this death-bed and see how God supports his people in their hour of need. There were some who had but lately begun to enquire of the way of salvation; some thoughtless ones whose whole souls were engrossed by the vanities of life; and some who, though thoughtful, yet, among all their considerations of other things, forgot the "one thing needful.” Perhaps the last great day may reveal the fact, that some of these learned, by the dying bed of Emma, those blessed truths which she had before learned from Katherine. Oh, who shall say how far the influence of that little tract may extend itself to future years? Reader, are you a tract distributor? Perhaps you have for some years been employed on this errand of mercy. It may be that you have never

known an instance in which your labours have been blessed. You may have sometimes hoped that attention has been awakened, but you have been disappointed, and you are ready to say, "Surely I have laboured in vain, and spent my strength for nought." Think of Katherine and Emma. The gentleman who gave the tract at the door of the ball-room never knew the history of its result. Remember the old adage, "Duty is ours, events are God's ;" and forget not the command and promise of Scripture, "Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days."

TRY AGAIN.

In one of the large towns in the United States, there lived a gentleman with an interesting family, much respected by his friends, but inclined to be sceptical on the subject of religion. He was a man of mind, and of more than ordinary intelligence. A lingering disease at last brought him down to his bed, and his christian friends became exceedingly solicitous in reference to his salvation. Various attempts were made to approach him on that subject, but he met every advance with a cold repulse that disheartened his friends, and paralysed their efforts.

Among others that felt deeply for him, and prayed earnestly for his conversion, was a christian lady who lived next door to his residence. She was often in his room, and made frequent efforts to draw him out in conversation upon the subject of religion, but was unsuccessful. He seemed unhappy; but he preserved outward cheerfulness, and kept up amongst those around the impression that his scepticism was unshaken by the hand of disease and the near approach of death.

He was fond of reading, and constantly kept by him some book that served to beguile his weary hours. When he grew so feeble that he could not read, he called into requisition the services of one of his little daughters, who sat by his bedside and read for him by the hour. His kind friend, the good lady at the next door, was still anxious to approach him on the subject of religion, but without success. One day

she entered his room and found him asleep. A new idea struck her. She returned and got a tract containing a solemn appeal to a sinner in prospect of death, which she carried into his room, and laid it on his pillow, and retired as softly as an angel, without awaking the sleeping man. She went to her home, and prayed that some good might come of it.

By and bye the man awoke, and apparently by chance, laid his hand on the little book. Without attempting to examine it himself, he called for his little daughter, who was in the adjoining room, to come and read for him. She flew to his bedside and commenced reading it to her afflicted father. She had not proceeded far before his eyes filled with tears, his lip trembled, and his bosom heaved with emotion. The voice of the little girl trembled as she saw the effect upon her father, but she continued reading. He asked her to pause for a moment, and tried to regain his self-possession; and after a few moments told her to read on. She did so. But presently his feelings became too strong for concealment. Tears gushed from his eyes, and he gave way to a violent weeping. The child read on as well as she was able, for she, too, was sobbing as though her little heart would break.

The conviction came home with tremendous power to the man's heart, that he was a sinner, condemned by God's holy law, and exposed to hell. He began to pray. The Holy Spirit applied divine truth to his heart and conscience; and directly he sent for his friend at the next door, and other pious persons, to pray for and instruct him in the way of salvation. He confessed his sins, and tried to give his heart to God. The minister was sent for, and he was taught more fully the way of life. Before that man died, his friends had the happiness to believe that he was savingly converted by faith in the Son of God.

Here is another example of the good accomplished by prayerful, persevering, christian endeavours. Never tire. "Try, try again." When all else had failed, this effort succeeded. Perhaps, dear reader, another effort may succeed in that case you have considered hopeless. "Try again."

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The Baptist Newspaper.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of a large number of communications since the announcement in our last number. It cannot but be gratifying to us to find our views shared by so large a number of our friends; indeed such has been so far the response to our appeal for counsel and aid, that the project to which we have looked ourselves with so much interest may almost now be regarded as safe. We hope to commence the publication of the paper in January next. The price will probably be fourpence halfpenny. The day at present suggested for publication is Wednesday. We are glad to announce that the Rev. H. DUNCKLEY, M.A.,-author of "The Glory and Shame of Britain," and of the essay which has recently obtained the prize of two hundred and fifty guineas offered by the Anti-CornLaw League, "The Charter of the Nations," has provisionally consented to accept the post of Editor. So far the arrangements will, we trust, be satisfactory. Other particulars we hope to announce finally in our next.

We occupy a column in this number with extracts from letters we have received, many of them from friends well known and highly respected.

"I most cordially concur in the effort to establish a Baptist newspaper. May I suggest to you the propriety of having a general name for the newspaper, not to call it A BAPTIST Newspaper '? for we shall soon recognize its features, and the word 'Baptist' ' will effectually exclude it from circles where it might otherwise find an entrance. You will observe the Independents always take another name, as all others except the Wesleyan. I hope the Editor will not be a sharp severe censor on other Nonconformist communities.”

"I have so long had the impression that such a denominational organ was necessary, as to have proposed definite arrangements for the object twice to proper parties, and I now gratefully hear that you have gone ahead of me in the design. I wish you all success. If I with my pen or influence can

give aid it is at your service. I have a strong impression that, if well conducted,that is, if you make it a power,—it will succeed, and especially elevate and strengthen our denomination."

"It was with unqualified pleasure I saw the intimation in The Church' of the intention to start a Baptist paper. Few things have appeared to me so desirable of recent years to our denomination as the facility which such means will afford of becoming acquainted with the peculiarities and requirements of our fellow-churches and fellow - denominationalists. I have little doubt but that this month you will receive many congratulatory letters from our brethren, and valuable hints as to the best means of suitably carrying out your object."

"I have long wished to see a Baptist newspaper, therefore I was glad to read the announcement in The Church' for this month. I am a working man, with a large family. As a Baptist, situated in a locality where the nearest Baptist church is nine miles distant, I stand in need of Baptist publications, especially at a low price. For myself, therefore, 1 welcome your proposal. I wish you all success, and pray that power from on High may guide and direct you."

"I was extremely glad to see in The Church' an announcement that a project of starting a Baptist newspaper was about to become ripe. I greatly regret that the establishment of such a paper has been so long delayed; but, come, we are now to have it. In anything you may suppose that L can do in this part of Wales to assist you, now or again, please command my services."

"I like exceedingly the plan of your paper, and I hope it will prove of much use to our denomination. I hope that all questions of any moment will be fully and fairly discussed in it, in a gentlemanly and christian spirit."

"I hope you will be successful in establishing a weekly newspaper for our body; it is the very thing I have long wished to see."

"I hope the newspaper scheme will prosper. I will do all I can for it here."

"I sincerely hope that your project of a Baptist paper will succeed."

"I wish the project every success."

At a meeting held October 17th, in the vestry of George Street Chapel, Nottingham, the Rev. James Edwards in the chair,-present, also, the Revs. H. Hunter, W. R. Stevenson, M.A., G. A. Syme, J. Wassall, and several other gentlemen,it was proposed by the Rev. H. Hunter, seconded by N. Dickinson, Esq., supported by the Rev. G. A. Syme, and resolved unanimously," That a statement having been made respecting the projected Baptist newspaper, this meeting would express its cordial approval of the design, and its readiness to co-operate in carrying it into effect."

To these extracts, &c., we might easily add very largely. We shall still be glad to have the counsel of our friends on any part of the scheme, and their aid in any way

they can render it. The paper is intended to be first-rate in all respects; but to maintain a first-rate paper, the help of all will be required. We do not doubt, from intimations so far received, that we may look for this help with confidence. Almost everywhere we have found the need of such a paper acknowledged; everywhere, therefore, the project has been warmly welcomed. We have been glad, too, to find among all classes a desire that the paper should be conducted in an elevated tone, and in an enlarged and liberal spirit. Let our friends sustain us, and we shall be disappointed if we do not produce a paper which shall be at the same time interesting, instructive, and elevating,-a blessing to the denomination, and through it to the world.

Notices of Books.

MILTON'S PARADISE LOST AND REGAINED. WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES BY THE REV. J. EDMONDSTON. Pp. 468. London: T. Nelson & Sons.

It would be an interesting bibliographical enquiry how many editions have been published of the Paradise Lost. A work, the copyright of which was sold with difficulty in the first instance for twenty pounds, it has passed through more editions, variously printed and illustrated, than perhaps any book except the Pilgrim's Progress, which is placed side by side with it, for wondrous originality of genius, by the Edinburgh Reviewer and Historiah, Macaulay. This edition, which includes both the Paradise Lost and Regained, is very clearly and neatly printed, and the Notes are generally well chosen. The chief fault is that of redundance, one which editors scarcely ever avoid: it is such a temptation to explain things which need no explanation, and so to avoid real difficulties. We find, also, some Notes which alone would show imperfect appreciation of the poet, and even mistakes in point of fact, once or twice at least. On the whole, however, this is the best cheap edition we have seen. We wish such writings as Milton's, prose as

well as poetical, were more read and studied by our young men.

THE TRICOLOR ON THE ATLAS; OR, ALGERIA AND THE FRENCH CONQUEST. FROM THE GERMAN OF DR. WAGNER AND OTHER SOURCES. BY FRANCIS PULSZKY. Pp. 402. London: T. Nelson & Sons.

A deeply interesting and instructive narrative, characterised by all that enthusiasm in the cause of universal liberty which might be expected of the secretary of the illustrious Kossuth. Though written by a foreigner, the book is marked by singular correctness of style, and by great skill and power of composition; it is also well printed, and beautifully illustrated; and though we may differ from an opinion here and there, or be disposed occasionally to give a different explanation of events of minor importance, we must regard the work altogether as a valuable addition to the long list of good books, for which we are indebted to its enterprising publishers. A BOOK FOR THE SORROWFUL, &c. BY EDMOND HEYWOOD. London: T. W. Grattan.

This neatly got up work consists of varl

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These cards are sent to us, we suppose, in order that we may recommend them to our friends who are Sunday school teachers. We do so with much pleasure. They are the prettiest reward cards we have ever seen,-very different, indeed, from the little red and black "tickets" which we remember to have had presented to us in our boyhood. There is a picture, and a verse or two of poetry, on each of these cards, with plenty of that kind of ornament which is so attractive to children.

LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN, delivered IN
EXETER HALL, LONDON, IN CONNEXION
WITH THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN Asso-
CIATION. 1853-4. London: J. Nisbet.

We have already given our opinion about one of these lectures, which was published in another form :-(in how many forms and shapes does Dr. Cumming think it needful to present his thoughts to the world ?) The rest of the lectures are good,--some of them very good. We are glad to know that the volume is having a large circulation. Such lectures as many of these, delivered in all our large towns, could not fail to result in great moral and spiritual advantage.

THE PASTOR'S WISH FOR HIS PEOPLE.
By THOMAS SWAN, Birmingham. Nos.
1 and 2.
Pp. 24.
London: Benjamin
L. Green.

Two excellent little tracts for a minister to give amongst his people,-the former addressed to the members of the church, the latter to the unconverted.

A Page for the Young.

LITTLE PETER; OR, THE PATH

OF THE UNGODLY.

About twelve years ago, there resided in the small village of S a widowed lady of the name of Mrs. Arnold. She was the relict of Major Arnold, a soldier of greater celebrity in the mess than the field; and together with her only, and shall I say consequently, darling son Peter, occupied a neat little cottage in the above-mentioned place. Retiring and unobtrusive in her manners, Mrs. Arnold seldom mixed with the "folks of the village," except when attending the house of God, or when purchasing daily food; but being deeply imbued with the true spirit of piety, she found great pleasure and heartfelt satisfaction in seeking to instil that spirit into the mind of her youthful son; and as she had the management of his education herself, she had ample opportunities for so doing.

Little Peter (for thus the village boys styled him,-whether in derision, pity, or from some still nobler motive, I leave for those more learned in the study of boyish thoughts and actions to determine)-Little Peter, I was saying, grew up to the age of ten, a quiet, modest, dutiful son; but

about this time a change seemed to come over him, and Peter, like many other promising rosebuds, bloomed but to wither and decay.

One morning before breakfast, as was the accustomed rule, little Peter, taking the book upon his lap, read aloud a portion of God's word; and on this particular morning the lesson was that beautiful picture of the wicked and the righteous contained in the first Psalm; and, whether it was that a mother's heart instinctively felt the coming danger or not, Mrs. Arnold, in offering the prayer of praise and supplication to the almighty Father, dwelt more earnestly than usual on the snares and temptations of the devil, and prayed that strength might be given to her, and especially to her son, to resist and repel them.

After the morning meal was over, little Peter was commissioned to go into the village to obtain some trifling article of food, and in going along the street for that purpose he observed two neighbour boys just before him, apparently engaged in an earnest and interesting conversation. From snatches that occasionally reached his ears,

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