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Mr. Editor,

Dbituary.

Though yours is a Magazine, and not a Newspaper, as you sometimes announce the death of eminent persons, indulge me by inserting the following reflections

ON THE DEPARTURE OF MY LATE MOST VALUABLE FRIEND, THE YEAR 1806:

LAST night, at twelve o'clock, expired a friend, of whom, take him all in all, perhaps I shall never see his like again. As I stood by and saw his last moments, 1 exclaimed, "How our blessings brighten as they take their flight!" For now came rushing upon my memory all the good qualities of the deceased, and all the advantages I derived from his company. Ah! he was a steady friend; to his latest breath he stood by me, and never ceased to do me good. I have seen many changes in the affections of men; they have been more swallows, the birds of summer: but summer and winter, by night and by day, he was a friend indeed. Every time I lay down to rest, he gave me a parting word of advice, in case I should never see him again; and each morning, as I opened my eyes, I saw him by my bed-side, inviting me to accept his renewed aid, to live for God.

How many pleasures I have enjoyed in his company! To count them, would be to number the grains of sand which bound the ocean; to compass the detail into this paper, Mr. Editor, would be to take up the ocean in the hollow of my hands. Two things, however, I must notice; the first is, That for three-hundred-and-sixty-five days he introduced me, more than once a day, to a closet-audience with the King of Kings; and although I must own to you that, in his Majesty's presence, I was so delighted that I forgot the departure of my friend, he never upbraided me with it, but seemned better pleased with me for it all the day. The other tribute of gratitude which I must pay to the memory of my friend is, to own that two-and-fifty times in his life he proposed to me to spend the day in pleasure, to imitate the life of angels, and begin Heaven without waiting for dismission from earth. And oh

How pleas'd and blest was I
To hear the joyful cry,

Come let us seek our God to-day!"

To how many profitable discourses have I listened on these days, and almost reproached my friend for bringing them to a close! Shall I ever see the friend with whom I shall enjoy again such halcyon days!

But as I have a friend dearer to me even than the late deceased, whose elegy now write with tears, this renders him especially precious to my plaintive memory, that he was ever forward to give me opportunities to serve the Lord, who bought me with his blood. He would often tell me this was all he came for; and was never better pleased than when I treated him as if he were good for nothing but to help me to work for God. Ah! how often he roused me when drowsy, and jogged my elbows when lazy in this cause! Now his lips are sealed up in silence, and I hang over his cold corpse. I seem to hear his voice, louder than before, when he used to cry, Awake, sluggard! was I only sent to see thee sleep?" Thus, roused by his repeated faithful warnings, I have enjoyed the felicity of at least attempting to do something for him who has done and suffered all for me. And this, to tell the truth (without fearing a frown from the angry shade of my departed friend) is the most pleasant reflection I can take, on the review of our past friendship.

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"Mitions of ages hence," the dear deceased used to say, you may be the better for my company; and according as you treat me well or ill, your

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very Heaven may taste of it." Who then, of all the thousand readers of your work, will not sympathize with me in the loss of such a friend, or refuse to indulge me in the eulogium which we love to pass on those whom death has· tora from our embrace?—especially, as I could hint, he was no very distant friend of theirs neither. Oh! join with me in blessing him "whose years know no end;" for the Lord gave if the Lord hath taken. Yes; I gratefnily adore him that said, Spare him yet another year." But I am afraid your pious readers who hath hitherto sympathized with me in my irreparable loss, will now start off with horror, when I disburden my oppressed conscience, and own to you that i have been, in a great degree, the murderer of the deceased! What! murder such a friend as you have described: What a wretch! I confess the blackness of my guilt, and am too much my own accuser to palliate my crime; though, if I were disposed, I could silence the loud st voice, by saying, "He that is without this sin among you, let him east the first stone." But such recrimination ill suits the feel. ings of my heart. 'Tis true, i never with malice propense, as the lawyers speak, openly said, like some, “Let us play to kill time;" for he must be a murderer in grain who would, in cool blood, kill so good a friend as Time. But then, if by repeated slights and injuries, we may murder a man by inches, so that he may at last die of a broken heart, I fear I am verily guilty of the blood of the deceased. Ah! how often he reproached me for my Treatment of him, and told me I should repent of it when it was too late, and he was gone for ever! Surely, he possessed a prophetic spirit; for I feel the truth of his words thrill through my afflicted soul. An! of how much murdered time and abused talent may one year accuse us before the bar of God! Oh! thou whose blood cleanseth from all siu, blot out this my guilt, and let this solemn returning period of time, be at least improved to renew my application to that atonement, which

"In the gospel now appears

Pardoning the guilt of num'rous years."

And since I may never have another, for this year I may die, "so teach me to number my days, as to apply my heart unto wisdom."

MRS. ANN WRAY. MRS. Ann Wray was born at Chelmsford, Nov. 25th. 1765. At the age of thirteen she lost her father; after which she went to reside with a relation, where she enjoyed few religious advantages, but was exposed to peculiar danger. For several years, she spent much of the summer at Margate, Brighton, &c. enjoying the imaginary pleasures of this delusive world. During these years of youthful yanity, and surrounded with temptations, she spent her time differently from the generality of young people, who move in that gay circle. She was even

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an attentive observer of the world, as appears from a journal which she kept. Her person and manners were engaging; her miad capacious and inquisitive, and her sentiments liberal.

In the year 1786, she returned to Chelmsford. Curiosity led her, occasionally, to hear the gospel at

evening lectures; by which her mind became gradually serious, and her attendance more frequent and regular. In May, 1789, she was married to Mr. G. Wray, a respectable tradesman; and they both attended the means of grace. She had very fearful apprehensions of God's displeasure; and, for more than a year, felt her sins a burden intolerable. During the time of confinement with her first child, when her body was very weak, and her soul almost overwhelmed within her, it pleased the Lord to visit her with an uncommon degree of gospel liberty. Out of the fulness of her heart, she spoke with rapture to all around her. To their greatest astonishment, sho said, My gloom is removed. have clear views of my interest in the merits of my dear Lord and Saviour, and of the pardoning love of my heavenly Father. The divine word is applied with power to my som, Alling it with light, life, and

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liberty." She continued to speak with such fluency and zeal, that her most pious friends entreated her to desist fearing she should injure her health. It pleased the Lord to restore her to perfect health; but the savour of this visit of pardoning love never left her. It would be peculiarly grateful to my feelings could I trace her steps through the sixteen succeeding years; but this would occupy too much of your valuable Miscellany. We only observe, that she soon after joined the church, under the care of the Rev. S. Douglas, and was a pattern of good works. We can say of her, that she adorned the doctrine of God her saviour in all things. In her family, she was frugal and industrious; feared and loved by children and servants. In the church, she was viewed by members and pastor as the chief ornament. Her attendance was regular and serions; and when any of the congregation were athirst for novelty, her prayers, support, and attendence were certam. She studied to conceal the faults of others, and with nicekness instructed those who opposed themselves. In the town and neighbourhood she was greatly esteemed and blessed. The sons and daughters of affliction had always a place in her compassionate breast. She went about doing good. She made it her constant business to feed the hungry, -clothe the naked, instruct the ignorant, and comfort the feebleminded. Her unwearied labours in visting the sick were crowned, with great success. Though she had a large family, and was remarkably attentive to every domestic duty, yet she seldom passed a week without visiting and relieving some afflict

ed poor.

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August 10, 1800, she began to keep a diary: au extract from which may best display her spirit and piety:

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My mind has been engaged this day in reviewing my past life. When I consider from what evils the Lord has preserved me, and in what troubles he has granted me support, I am a wonder to myself. Taken from my parents in the early part of life, to reside with a relation, there I enjoyed what the world calls pleasure;

namely, plays, cards, tea-gardens, country rides, watering-places, &c.; which exposed me to various temptations that might have proved ruineus both to body and soul; but out of them all the Lord delivered me. A particular circumstance brought me to my native place, where a kind Providence has placed me in a comfortable situation. have had triais, but they were for wise ends; that the Lord might draw me to himself. i first went to hear the gospel, not from love, but it was made effectual. It is now about twelve years and a half since I first felt the burden of sin; and about ten years and a half since the Lord removed that burden, by enabling me to trust in Christ for a whole salvation; and, blessed be the God and Father of mercies, who, by his Holy Spirit, has enabled me to enjoy that hope in Christ, which I first received, to this present day; and, I trust, will never leave nor forsake me, til he bring me to these happy mansions which he is gone to prepare for his people. Oh, the amazing

love of Christ!"

Every Lord's Day she took her children into her room, heard them repeat their catechism; conversed familiarly with them; always insisting on regeneration, holiness of life, and diligence in the use of means; never omung to pray with them for a divine blessing to attend her instructions, and the word they were about to hear. She always came from her knees to a place of worship; and, instead of trifling on her return, a noiy jealousy over her own heart, and an ardent desire to improve by what she had heard, led her, as soon as possible, to her closet again. This was remarked by cinldren and servants; and had, doubtless, a beneficial enoci. That she heard sermons with uncommon attention, appears from the remarks sae made in her diary. Thus she persevered increasingly zealous of good works, until she was confined with her ninth child. She was safely delivered, and every thing promised a speedy recovery. A few days after, however, she was seized with the miliary fever. An unusual concern was manifested by all who knew her;

and the whole church was incessant in prayer for her recovery. The means were blessed, the disorder took a favourable turn, and she was pronounced out of danger. As soon as she was able, she sent for all the workmen, one by one, exhorting them, when they went home, to pray fervently for themselves, for their families, and then for her. She continued thus about a week; and when all her friends were rejoicing, she was suddenly taken ill on Friday, June 6. She was much worse on Saturday. In the evening of that day the physicians pronounced her dangerous. On Sabbath morning, about four o'clock, a medical friend who sat up with her, told her she would this day begin her eternal Sabbath; she replied, "Do you think 80? - then I must make the best of my time," She first solemnly addressed those in the room; and then called for her husband and children, delivering to each a suitable and an affecting address. She afterwards sent for several young people who attended the meeting. To see the dear woman take each by the hand, -to see the grief and solemnity which sat on each countenance, was affecting beyond all description ! and while Death and Heaven stood in view, to hear the dying advice, directions, warnings, and encouragements, which flowed from her fervent heart and pale tips, was awfully sublime; and when her speech began to falter, she lifted up her feeble voice and prayed, "Oh, God grant me the use of my speech a little longer!" which was granted; and having addressed every one present, she said, "This is what I long wished for! now my work is done, and I am ready to go!" She continued to breathe easily about half an hour longer, when she fell asleep in Jesus June 8. It is expected that her Letters, and pari of her Diary, will be published.

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RECENT DEATHS.

Oct. 4. Died suddenly, at Stockport, Cheshire, Dr. H. Richmond (son of the late Rev. Leigh Richmond) many years a resident physician at Bath. At the moment of his death

Mrs. Richmond was reading the 23d Psalm in Bishop Horne. When she

read the words, "Tho' I walk thro' the valley of the shadow of Death," &c. he said, That is a comfort indeed to me!' - his head turned

giddy, he sunk down on a sopha, on which Mrs. Richmond sat, and expired in her arms.

On the 18th of November died, aged 75, the Rev. John Kingdon, who was 43 years pastor of the Bap tist Church, Frome. He was interred the following Lord's Day morning in the meeting-house. Dr. Ryland

preached the funeral- sermon from Rom. v. S, 9; and Mr. Sibree, an independent minister, of Frome, pronounced the funeral oration. The pall was supported by two Baptist, two Independent, and two Methodist ministers. His life was honourable, and his death was comfortable. But as we have received a Memoir of Mr. Kingdon, which we shall insert as soon as possible, we think it unnecessary to enlarge.

Died, Dec. 2, the Rev. T. Towle, B. D. in the eighty-third year of his age. He was the oldest Minister of . the Independent Denomination in London. He had been pastor of the church which formerly assembled in Rope-makers' Alley, Moorfields; and since, at Aldermanbury Postern, for 59 years. For 20 years past he suffered much from the distressing pains of the stone; and for the last 21 months of his life, was confined wholly to his bed, as in that situation he endured less torture, which was incessant, than in any other position. What his agonies at times must have been, may be better imagined than described; for after his death a stone was extracted from his body three inches in length and one inch and a half in diameter, weighing three ounces and one dram. Yet he was enabled to bear all with firmness and patience; saying, he was not only resigned to, but satisfied with the will of God. -The Rev. Mr. Kello delivered the oration at the grave in Bunhill Fields. The funeral-sermon was preached on Lord's Day afternoon, Dec. 14. by the Rev. Mr. Kingsbury, of Southampton. The discourse we hear will be printed.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

On the Duty of Christians to discountenance Publications of a sceptical and erroneous Tendency.

Mr. Editor,

I WAS much struck with the following paragraph, in the Preface to the second volume of the Eclectic Review, given in the Number for the present month:

"If the conductors of the Eclectic Review may be allowed to glance at the ob'ligations of others, while they recognize their own, they would observe that this is not a time for supineness and indifference. The enemies of sound principles will be active, if their friends are not. The field of public sentiment cannot be left waste: if good seed be not sown, tares certainly will. It is therefore a necessary and incumbent duty of all who rank themselves on the side of pure Christianity and its attendant moral virtues, cautiously to estimate the tendency of those literary productions which they countenance and support. Such a discrimination, conscientiously exercised by each individual who feels its importance, would do more to dismay error, and give the ascendency to truth, than a myriad of learned disquisitions and moral harangues."

It is the latter part, as you will conclude, that I refer to; and I do it for this reason, That it gives a just statement of a duty incumbent on every Christian, but which, too generally, is practically disregarded. To judge from fact, it seems to be considered by very few as an obligation resulting from the profession of the "faith delivered to the saints," to weigh with caution the influence produced upon religious and moral principle by the literary publications, in the support of which they are applying the precious talent of property. Surely, it is not an unreasonable and unjust demand of the law of Christian allegiance, that the disciples of Christ should so far he faithful to their Lord and true to their own cause as not to contribute to the maintenance and encouragement of agents, confessedly employed in opposition to the establishment of his gospel among men. Such an agent, undoubtedly, is every literary production which, either ignorantly or wilfully, disseminates sentiments contrary to the simplicity or purity of evangelical truth:and, in our days, are these either few or unsuccessful? Unhappily, very far from it. From the statements recently published of the extent of sale possessed by existing periodical publications, to which I now chiefly refer, it is evident that some of those very works are the most encouraged, which every considerate Christian would wish to be consigned to oblivion. How much of the dedicated treasures of the sanctuary, I mean the property possessed by Christians, goes to swell this tide of success, it is impossible to say; but I suspect, that were it faithfully withdrawn, as conscience requires it to be, the stream would be confined to a much narrower channel.

It seems difficult to account for the blindness and unconcern with which Believers have thus put weapons into the hands of the Infidel and the Deceiver. They would, doubtless, think it wrong to purchase quarto or octavo volumes, filled with anti-Christian or immoral sentiments; but they hesitate not to bring into their houses Magazines and Reviews, which are the known advocates of Error, both in doctrine and practice. Let them, however, be assured, that it is by this minor class of publications that, in the present day, both truth and falsehood are chiefly disseminated. If good men are not aware of this fact, bad men are; and it is the more requisite that it should he attended to, in order both to discourage existing noxious productions, and to prevent the rise of fresh ones. I hope, Mr. Editor, that I have not violated the bounds either of truth or propriety; but I confess I feel strongly on the subject. Convinced of its great importance, avow an honest concern that it should receive the attentive consideration of every genuine friend of the gospel in the kingdom. Much might be added to give weight to the recommendation; but I trust that the conviction of every Christian's mind will supply the place of any arguments that I could adduce. If I mistake not, it is from the sober-minded part of the public (which I now wish to address) that the publications chiefly referred to derive a great part of their encouragement. Let it once be understood and felt by their Proprietors and Conductors, that the tinsel of a little literary and scientific ingenuity, shall not screen the religious and moral delinquencies of their productions from pointed reprobation, and their audacity will quickly feel itself confounded. We are now

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