nant with evil to the church of Christ; and we fear that many who affect to treat the administration of this ordinance as a matter of very inferior moment, do so from a culpable inattention to its nature, and are chargeable with inexcusable ignorance. To persons of this description we recommend the following observations : "Such is the dark picture of the state of religion, only about 150 years after the death of the apostles. And yet it is to this period, as the first and purest age of the Christian church,' that the pædobaptists refer us for their evidence in support of the divine authenticity of infant baptism. But may we not justly apprehend, that those bishops, who did not scruple at any means of enriching themselves, had multiplied the rites and ceremonies of the church in order to increase the amount of their revenues; and "Men are more apt to detect and ready that pædobaptism itself was one of the many to expose a fallacious interpretation of a innovations introduced for this very pur- fundamental truth, than they are to trace pose; especially since Dupin informs us, that certain fees were exacted of all who the bearings of a misapplied ordinance in all were baptized, and that a law was passed in its consequences on the moral state of sothe council of Elvira, A.D. 305. prohibit-ciety. This is the point to which we wish to direct the attention of the reader, inasing the baptized from putting any more money much as we fear that, that destitution of into the boxes or basins after their baptism, as was commonly done, lest it should be religious principle in connexion with a forthought that the priests gave for money that mal profession of Christianity on the one which they had freely received.' rite, in the room of that special ordinance which Christ instituted as a public expres sion of our faith in him. That our fears on this point are not altogether groundless, must be manifest to those who will be at the trouble to consider the nature of the rite itself, the arguments adduced in its support, the opposition of sentiment which prevails among its advocates, and the influence it has upon the minds of those who have been taught to regard it as a mean of grace and salvation." P. 227. hand, and that profligacy of manners com"There are other consequences connected bined with a spirit of the most determined with infant baptism which are overlooked by infidelity on the other, which are the awful the Calvinist pædobaptist, and which are at signs of the times in which we live, may be attributed in no inconsiderable degree to the variance with the whole of his religious sys-substitution of infant baptism as a universal tem. It destroys the distinction between the church and the world, maintained in the Scriptures. It practically denies the doctrines of personal election and particular redemption, for there can be no election to a particular benefit of which all are partakers. This universality of grace is strongly implied in the administration of infant baptism, and it is the prominent doctrine of those national establishments which pronounce every subject of their spiritual jurisdiction a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven. Thus it is we find personal election, particular redemption, and justification by faith, denied by the Romish and episcopalian clergy in general-for how can they hold doctrines so subversive of the opinion that every child is made a subject of grace by baptism? The fact is, that infant baptism, traced to its source, and followed to its legitimate consequences, will be found to arise out of the most subtle system of Arminian policy ever devised; and to be the most powerful practical expedient for supporting and propagating the doctrines of universal grace and general redemption, within the compass of human agency. It proceeds upon the general principle, not only that all inen are alike eligible to salvation, but that grace, of which baptism is the outward sign and seal, is conferred upon all men." pp. 240, 241. We next come to "the tendency of pædobaptism," which, as we believe it to be the perversion of a divine command, has always appeared to us preg (To be continued.) Memoirs of Mrs. Huntington, of Boston, FROM a multiplicity of engagements, 114 Review. The Missionary Gazetteer-The Contrast, &c. reference, and calculated, under a di- all the missionary stations that now vine blessing, to feed the religion, to enkindle the devotion, and to stimulate the zeal of all who are concerned for their spiritual improvement. The admirable essay prefixed to this volume is worthy the pen of Mr. James Montgomery, and renders all further recommendation of Mrs. Huntington's numerous excellences unnecessary. For ourselves, we can truly say, it has not been our happiness for a considerable period to meet with female memoirs so valuable in every point of view, or more calculated for purposes of general utility. This opinion of the work before us we willingly corroborate by an extract from the essay above mentioned. "But though the present volume may be a blessing to all into whose hands it may come, and to whose hearts it may speak, in that pure and beautiful language which the spirit of the writer herself would hardly disown in her beatified state; yet to the better sex especially, to the young, the beloved, the betrothed, the wedded, and the bereaved among them, this book deserves to be a manual for daily perusal and nightly meditation. All that a daughter, or a sister, a wife, a mother, or a widow can feel, is either briefly, but clearly or largely and glowingly set forth. Her simple and unreserved confessions will be found the more immediately profitable, because nothing bappened to her beyond what may come to each of themselves, in the ordinary course of Providence." The Missionary Gazetteer; comprising a exist. Such, however, is the fact, and it is our duty to give glory to God, and make new exertions for the extension of his reign over the population of the earth. Nor is the volume we now recommend less worthy of regard on account of its tendency to excite prayer for the success of missionary exertions, so numerous and so interesting as those it presents to our notice. Who that takes a just view of the true interests of man, can stand on the elevated ground here attained, and view so great a number of enclosures from the barren wild in a state of cultivation, without praying that the dew, and the rain, and the sun may be abundantly given, under whose influence all will prosper, and without which nothing will be fruitful that is good? "Save now, O Lord, we beseech thee; send now, O Lord, prosperity!" The statistical accounts of our author are correct and full, and the missionary information is extensive enough to be useful. An Essay on Missions is prefixed, which is well written, and deserves attention, as adapted to feed the flame of holy missionary zeal which the Lord has kindled. We object to no thing in this essay but its commendation of the Missionary College at Serampore. The Contrast; or Brief Memoirs of Nubilus and Honestus. London: Barfield. THIS little pamphlet contains internal evidence, not only of having been written by a minister, but a minister of experience and discernment. Under the fictitious names of Nubilus and Honestus, it exhibits the striking realities of every day's occurrence in the Christian church. The lax professor on the one hand, and the exemplary saint on the Those who are honestly concerned for other, are presented to us in their conthe universal diffusion of Christian truth | trast of character, spirit, and end. If a will read this volume with emotions of new publication were contemplated, to ardent gratitude to God, who has ex-be called after the old title of Mather, cited his servants to attempt, and aided them in performing, what they have accomplished. It is truly gratifying that a considerable volume should be required, to give only a short notice of "Essays to do good," our opinion is that this, with slight verbal alterations, would deserve to be the first of the series. It is plain, pointed, and accurate in its delineations, NEW PUBLICATIONS. 10. Illustrations of Prophecy; in the course of which many predictions of Scripture are elucidated; together with numerous extracts from the works of preceding InterAlso, new Illustrations of Pro 1. Crown Street Chapel Tracts, contain- | noticed with the warmest approbation when ing an abridgment of the works of ancient it first appeared. and evangelical Divines; with a short Memoir of each author. By John Rees. R. Baynes, Palmer, Westley and Davis. 4s. 2. Memoir of the Life and Character of James Wait, a pious Shepherd; with a va- preters. riety of remarks and reflections. By Robert phecy; in five Dissertations on an Infidel Maclaurin, Minister of the United Associate power; the Abyss or Bottomless Pit; the Congregation, Coldingham. Edinburgh: Symbolic Dragon; a Millennium; and the Oliphant. Price 2s. 6d. 3. The Scripture Student's Assistant; being a complete Index and concise Dictionary to the Holy Bible: in which the various persons, places, and subjects mentioned in it, are accurately referred to, and every difficult word biefly explained. By the Rev. John Barr, Author of Catechetical Instructions on Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Simpkin and Marshall. Price 3s. 6d. One unknown word in a sentence often obscures the whole of it. We rejoice, therefore, in the multiplication of books of this description. 4. West Indian Slavery traced to its actual source; with remarks illustrative of the present state of Colonial Affairs, and an appeal for sympathy and consideration. pp. 24. Westley and Davis. 5. No. VI. Quarterly Extracts of the British Society for promoting the Religious principles of the Reformation.-British Reformation Society. The Speeches of the Rev. Dr. Singer, and Rev. Messrs. M'Ghee and Daly as delivered at the Rotunda Meeting for discussion; held under the auspices of the Dublin Metropolitan Auxiliary to the British Reformation Society, Dublin, Nov. 26, 1828. 6. The Dublin Metropolitan Auxiliary to the British Society, &c. &c. to the Roman Catholics of Ireland. Hatchard, Nisbet and Seeley. 7. Anti-Slavery Monthly Reporter for January 1829. Supplement to ditto. Very interesting pamphlets to all who are caring for the 800,000 of our fellow subjects who are still beld in slavery. 8. The Catechism in Rhyme: illustrated by facts. Second edition. Hamilton. 8d. This is a highly acceptable present to the children of our Sunday and Charity schools. 9. Infant Education; or practical remarks on the importance of educating the Infant poor, from the age of eighteen months to seven years, &c. &c. By S. Wilderspin. Fourth edition. Simpkin and Marshall. Price 4s. 6d. We rejoice to see a new and improved edition of this work which we Coming of Christ: to which is appended a Sermon on the Kingdom of Christ. In two vols. Baynes, and Holdsworth and Ball, One Guinea. We shall embrace the earliest opportunity of noticing more at length this highly respectable performance. 11. Two Funeral Sermons for Rev. Matthew Wilks, preached by Rev. Geo. Collison, and the Rev. Andrew Reed. Price 1s. each. 12. The Modern Martyr. of the Evangelical Rambler. Price 10s. bds. By the Author 2 vols. 12mo. 13. A Pastoral Letter on the Subject of Revivals in Religion, By the Rev. J. A. James. Price 6d. 14. Christian Charity Explained. By the Rev. J. A. James. 2d edit. 6s. bds. 15. A Narrative of a Journey from ConBy R. Walsh, stantinople to England. Price 12s. LL.D.M.R.I.A. 3d edition. boards. In the Press. A Memento for the Afflicted, by Barzillái Quaife. Mr. W. Carpenter, author of Scientia Biblica, &c. has in the press, in one large vol. 8vo. Popular Lectures on Biblical Criticism and Interpretation. Mr. W. Jones author of the History of the Waldenses, &c. has in the press, a Christian Biographical Dictionary, comprising the lives of such persons in every country, and in every age since the revival of Literature, as have distinguished themselves by their talents, their sufferings, or their virtues. The Work may be expected to appear in the course of next month. Believing unto Salvation: a sermon occasioned by the death of Mr. R. L. Storks, delivered at Keppel Street, Russell Square. By G. Pritchard. Mr. Isaac Mann, Author of "Lectures on Ecclesiastical History and Non-Conformity," has in the Press, a Volume of Biography, entitled Memorials of Christian Friendship; which will be ready for delivery at the latter end of the month of March. OBITUARY. THE REV. MATTHEW WILKS. ing and educating one hundred children, were established and continued at the Our limits will not allow us to give a Tabernacle, entirely at his request. In delineation of the character of this ve- his spirit he was firm and uncompronerable and devoted servant of Christ; | mising, but truly catholic; and included the following brief particulars, which Pearce, Fuller, and Ryland, among his we have been able to collect, relative intimate and valued friends. to the commencement, pious labours, and closing scene of his long and valuable life, will, we doubt not, be greatly interesting to our readers. The Rev. Matthew Wilks was born at Gibraltar, on St. Matthew's day, 1746, which originated his name. At West Bromwich, near Birmingham, he heard, in 1771, the Rev. Wm. Percy, the evangelical curate of that parish, and was converted under his ministry. On the urgent recommendation of Mr. Percy he resolved to devote himself to the ministry, and went to Trevecca College, under the patronage of Lady Huntingdon; and in the autumn of 1775, within four years after his conversion, he became one of the successors of the immortal Whitfield, and a minister at the Tabernacle and Tottenham-court Chapel in London. With undiminished and even increasing acceptance, he continued a pastor of those large congregations for more than fifty-three years, till death terminated his labours. During that long period he occupied an eminently distinguished and useful situation in the Christian church. His path was the path of the just, shining brighter and brighter to the perfect day. Distinguished by his intellectual qualities, devoted to God and his cause, acute, active, energetic, and discreet, he accomplished much good. As a preacher, he was sententious, original, impressive, and successful. It is stated that at one time there were ten pastors of churches, to all of whose conversion he had been instrumental. Somewhat stern in man ner, He early promoted the Book Society, and was an energetic supporter of Highbury College in its infant days, and when few students were educated, under the care of Dr. Addington at Mile End. Indeed he was greatly instrumental to all the noble Christian undertakings of the last thirty years. He was one of the founders of the London Missionary Society. Its plan is said to have been formed at his house, and the first preliminary meeting was convened by him and Mr. Eyre. With the commencement of the British and Foreign Bible Society he was also connected; and there are few Societies for the promotion of knowledge, for the education of the poor, for the diffusion of heavenly truth in England or Ireland, at home or abroad, which he did not by his exertions or advice greatly assist. As he advanced in life, his character, judgment, and experience rendered his opinion and influence increasingly valuable. He was consulted by men of all parties and denominations, and became the Nestor of the rising generation of ministers, as he had been the associate of the great and good men who had passed before him to their eternal rest. These qualities and true distinctions were the result of great devotion, simplicity, and economy of time. public prayers in the sanctuary were peculiarly reverential and sincere. They were the breathings of a humble, but believing heart, and so well adapted to the congregations and occasions, that they could not be listened to without emotion and effect. He was obviously very conversant with the Scriptures, and it has been mentioned that he generally read them through four times in His resumed, in January his pastoral and public labours, but was again assailed by his complaint on Friday, Jan. 23, 1829, which terminated fatally about seven o'clock on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 29, after severe sufferings, patiently endured for six days. During that illness he underwent much pain, which prevented conversation, but he evidenced that same practical godliness, the same pastoral affection, the same solicitude for the cause of Christ and the souls of men, the same profound humility, and the same calm confidence in God, that had appeared through life. every year. He is known to have been On Monday he thus addressed his son: "I do not despair as to my health, nor despond as to my soul. I know-know know-yes, know my Saviour is Christ!" Afterwards, "I have no fear, no terror, no alarm, not the slightest anxiety about my soul;" and subsequently, "There is the promise of a glorious resurrection to everlasting life! How great is that blessing! That is my On Tuesday, after a friend had inquired, "Can you say, Sir, Christ is precious?" he answered, "Yes!" and when she had added, he and 66 'Jesus, my God, I know his name, "Then will be own my worthless name, In October last his fatal indisposition first appeared, being an internal inflammation, but was apparently removed. During that sickness, he said, "I am weighed down by sorrow, and the cares of the churches. I endeavour to tell God he is my God, and to tell him the character he sustains to his church, but I find it hard always to trust him, though I know he is a wonder-working God." At another time he said, "I have more cares than I can well sustain, from my own sins, my own infirmities, and the cares of the churches, and for the cause of Christ. I can only relieve one care by another, and throw off one anxiety because another comes to take its place. My health is improving, but my spirit is bowed down." Yet he wrote in December to Mr. Roby, of His sufferings on Wednesday were Manchester, and said, "Though I am great, but he spoke cautions and ena suffering, I hope I am not a murmur-couragements to all around. “Think,” ing servant of God. I feel satisfied he said, "of a covenant God; but think with his will, and ready for either too of your duties to him, who is a God world, for earth or heaven." faithful to his covenant:" adding, “We To his grandson, Mr. James Parsons of York, he said, "The Lord be with you, the Lord be with you, the Lord go with yon, and stay with you;" and when Mr. P. had quoted, "He is able to keep that which you have committed to him," he answered emphatically— "Every whit, every whit." After the removal of his disease, he come so short of his glory!" After |