LITERARY NOTICES, &c.

WORKS PREPARING FOR THE PRESS.

Elements of Self-Knowledge, in relation to Intellectual Improvement, and the prevailing Characteristics of the Moral and Religious World. By the Rev. Thomas Finch, of Harlow, in 1 vol. 12mo.

The Martyr of Antioch. By the Rev. H. H. Milman, author of Fall of Jerusalem, in 8vo.

'The Personal History of King George the Third, undertaken with the assistance of, and in communication with, persons officially connected with the late King, &c. By Edward H. Locker, Esq. 1 vol. 4to.; with portrait, &c.

An Abridgment of Matthiæ's Greek Grammar, for the use of schools, 12mo. Edited by the Rev. C. J. Blomfield, D.D.

A Mother's Portrait, sketched soon after her decease, for the study of her Children. By their surviving Parent.

The History of Civil Governinnnt, from the Primitive Ages of the World, to the Fall of the Roman Empire. By the late James Tyson, Esq. in 8vo.

A System of Mechanical Philosophy. By the late John Robinson, LL.D.; with Notes and Illustrations. By David Brewster, LL.D. in 4 vols. 8vo. with plates. The Life of Oliver Cromwell. By Robert Southey, Esq. in 8vo.

History of the Modes of Belief, usually termed the Superstitions of the Middle Ages. With curious plates. 4to.

The Life of the Right Honourable R. B. Sheridan. By Thomas Moore, Esq. 4to.

WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

An Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. By Rev. T. H. Horne, A. M. a new edition, in 4 vols. 8vo. £3. 3s. boards

Retrospection: a Tale. By Mrs. Taylor' of Ongar, 12mo. 6s. boards.

The Pirate. By the Author of Waverly, &c. 3 vols. £1. 11s. 6d.

Prudence and Principle: a Tale. By the Author of," Rachel." 12mo. 5s. 6d.

Memoirs of the Rev. Joseph Stowell. By the Rev. Hugh Stowell, Reotor of Ballaugh, Isle of Man. 12mo. 3s. 6d.

The History of George Desmond; founded on Facts which occurred in the East Indies, and now published as a useful cau tion to young men going out to that country. 12mo. 78.

The Private and Confidential Correspondence of Charles Talbot, Duke of Shrewsbury, principal Minister to King William, for a considerable period of his reign. By the Rev. Archdeacon Coxe. 4to. £3. 3s.

A Sketch of the State of Ireland, past

and present. Dedicated to the Marquis Wellesley, 8vo. new edition. 3s.

Italy. By Lady Morgan, new edition, in 3 vols. 8vo.

The Annual Biography and Obituary for the yeat 1822, containing memoirs of cele brated men, who have died in 1820-21. 8vo, 15s.

Grounds of Hope for the Salvation of all dying in Infancy: an Essay. By the Rev. William Harris, LL.D. 8vo. 4s. 6d.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS, &c.

COMMUNICATIONS have been received this month from the Rev. Messrs. T. H. Horne-W. Hull-G. Payne-J. Ryley-W. Orme--J, Blackburne-J. Tur. ner--R. Philip--J. Roberts-W. Seaton-J. Hunt--Jos. Fletcher-W. Pratman-J. Morison--Whitridge--Ingram Cobbin--John Leifchild--T. Edkins -J Sharp-W. Notcutt--W. Scott.

Also from Epaphras--J. Fawcett--Shagird--J. Woodford--A. Allan--Sorella-Volens--W. Ellerby--Dorcas--L. L.--M. M.-A Mother--X. Y. Z.-Richard Toller--B. Wills --Tempestivus Mentor--W. Bennett--Richard Lee.--S. ab Tydfil.

(To the Editors.)

IN the conclusion of a Memoir of my late much lamented brother, the Rev T. N. Toller, which, is inserted in your Magazine for the month of December; the following passage occurs: "It has been asserted by some of those, who well knew him, that his natural temper was austere and rugged."

1 acknowledge, that I felt indignantly on reading this sentence; and I beg leave to state, that my brother was not more than six years older than myself, and, therefore, on this point, I am enabled, from early recollection, and long experience, to speak with confidence and accuracy. Allow me then to assure you, Gentlemen, that the insinuation, above alluded to, is totally destitute of foundation. The direct reverse is the fact. My brother was always distinguished for kindness of heart, and benignity of disposition; and I never knew a person, whose temper was more free from austerity and harshness, than was that of my highly respected brother.

I think it justice to his memory to make this communication. On his transcendant and original powers as a preacher, it does not become me to descant; but I believe they will not be soon forgotten, by those persons who felt and witnessed their effect. I am, Gentlemen, &c. RICHARD TOLLER. South Petherton, Somerset, 17th December, 1821.

LATE STUDENT IN THE INDEPENDENT ACADEMY, BLACKBURN.

THIS amiable youth, whose premature death has deprived the church of a young minister of great promise, was a native of Barnard Castle, in the county of Durham. His parents are members of the Congregational Church in that town. They had been accustomed, for some time, to contemplate in him qualities which seemed to indicate that he was destined, by divine Providence, to become a burning and a shining light in the church of Christ. From a child he was taught to know the Holy Scriptures. Affectionate care was taken to bring him up in the nurture and instruction of the Lord.

profane. As evil communications corrupt good manners, his situation was perilous. He experienced the contaminating influence of these connexions, and was drawn into sin, particularly that of Sabbath-breaking. But the force of previous religious impressions, under a divine blessing, preserved him from "the excess of riot" into which others ran. His neighbours respected him for his sobriety, industry, and general good conduct. During this period, he was accustomed occasionally' to visit his parents, on the Lord's day, and to accompany them to the house of God. Here it pleased the Lord to meet him. The word was made effectual. Awakened

and abased, he flew for salvation to Jesus Christ. Of this interesting event he gives the following account, in a letter addressed to the Rev. J. Fletcher, Blackburn:

Nor was this care unavailing. Impressions of a religious nature were early made on his mind. He makes a reference to this inestimable blessing in one of his letters, in which he says;: "I know nothing, from experience, of a father's feelings; but I trust I" With regard to my religious exknow something of the importance perience, I would observe, that my of early restraints, and of the in- parents having, soon after my structions that should be given to birth, become members of the Inchildren. Had I not been at- dependent church in this town, tended to with the greatest dili- under their care I enjoyed the adgence, when under the care of my vantage of religious instructions, parents, there is reason to fear that but of which, for some time, I was I should, before now, have been almost regardless. However, about a most profligate and abandoned the age of fourteen, it was thought character."-At an early age, he requisite that I should go from was placed by his father as an home; and accordingly I was reapprentice in a neighbouring vil- moved to a village eight miles lage. Here he enjoyed but few distant. Here I was exposed to religious advantages. No longer evil companions, and vices of vaunder the immediate control of rious descriptions, with which I parental authority, he became the became intimate, but never ́encompanion of the ungodly and tirely forgot the admonitions I had CONG. MAG. No. 50.

I

which were well attended. Wish- ness, provided a gracious Provi ing to make their prayer-meeting still more useful, they began to read sermons; but afterwards, at the suggestion of friends, William Raine delivered short addresses. In this kind of exercise he made rapid improvement; the people flocked to hear him, and expressed their approbation. He was soon encouraged to take a text, and try his skill in framing sermons. He had a sound judgment, and was deeply impressed with eternal things: his aim was, not display, but doing good to dying souls; and for this end he prayed and studied. His exertions to prepare for these public exercises cost him much labour. In his secular calling he laboured hard all the day; and at night, when nature required to be recruited by sleep, the hours were spent in composing his sermons. Thus sleep was banished, fatigue forgotten, and the cold of the winter's night braved, while his soul was absorbed in this delightful employment. His sermons evinced a knowledge of the Scriptures, and an ardour of feeling, which rendered them interesting; more especially as the style of his address was solemn and energetic. He soon began to preach in other vil lages, and, wherever he went, commanded attention, and won affection from his hearers.

These indications of talent, combined with uniform marks of true piety, and disinterested zeal for the cause of Christ, could not fail of pointing out our young friend as fit to become a candidate for the Christian ministry. The subject was accordingly mentioned to him. It was obviously one with which his mind was quite familiar, one to whose transcendent importance and difficulty he was far from being insensible, but to which, nevertheless, his desires were directed with great earnest

ex

dence appeared to point out the way. He consulted those on whose judgment he thought he could rely; and, after mature deliberation, it was determined that an application should be made to the Theological Tutor of the Independent Academy at Blackburn, with a view to his introduction, as a student, into that Institution. This application was successful, and he soon after entered the Academy. The sterling excellence of his character caused his removal to be regretted by his Christian friends as a serious loss. At Mwhere he had been stationary, and which had formed more immediately the scene of his pious and benevolent labours, he was ceedingly beloved. On leaving this place, those who had often listened with delight to his discourses, flocked to hear his fare well address; and though he had not to say that they should " see his face no more," yet the tears rolled down many a cheek, as with affectionate solicitude he pleaded for them, and with them, about their everlasting concerns, and said, "I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified." The affections, and prayers, and hopes of mary, followed him to Blackburn.

At the Academy, during the period of probation, the anxiety of his mind was excessive. No doubt this might arise, in part, from the disgrace to be anticipated in the event of being rejected as an unsuitable candidate. But he had other and nobler motives. His feelings, naturally strong, were deeply imbued with love to Christ and precious souls; and to have been defeated in his efforts to enter on a course of studies, preparatory to the work before him, would

have plunged him into inconsolable grief. His success was, therefore, attended with emotions of high satisfaction and unfeigned gratitude. On this subject he addressed his parents to the follow-lued and sought the prayers of his ing effect: