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should have merged all his evangelical | ful writer. His ormer productions principles in this weak attempt to prove have obtained for him that high chathe opus operatum of the sacraments of racter, and the present work will not the church, that is, of course, when they diminish the esteem of any judicious are jure divino administered, every thing Christians, even should they differ on in this case depending upon the regular some points which are here firmly, but order and succession of that sacred or- temperately discussed. The reasons dination which the Episcopal clergy which induced Mr. Innes to give up a have received through the church of station of emolument, as a clergyman Rome from the apostles! Now if all of the Church of Scotland, and subsethis bustle of argument had been made quently to leave the Pædobaptist Disby a priest of the infallible church of senters, among whom he had become a Rome, we should have, suffered it to minister, in order to fill the station of pass by merely observing, "When you a pastor in a Baptist Church, are here have proved your assumed principle that fully and candidly stated. We hope your church is truly infallible, we shall this discussion of a subject of vital inadmit the justness of all your inferences | terest to the prosperity of the Church drawn from it. But until then, what- of Christ may be read by those evanever importance you may assume, what-gelical Christians who, by practising ever dogmas you may deliver, whatever | infant baptism, maintain a principle in assertions you may make, yea, even direct opposition to all those sentiments though you may conclude that [Infant]| by which, as Protestants, they justify 'Baptism is the means for a National Reformation, &c. according to the doctrine of the established church' [of England]; we shall hold fast our Protestant principle, the Bible, and the Bible alone is the religion of Protestants.'" But of what use has the" Bible alone" been to Mr. Budd in the compilation of his work; or to what extent would the reformation from Popery have gone, had it been regulated by the principles which he has maintained in it? Mr. Budd, as a true son of the Establishment, is evidently frightened, and as a "watchman upon its walls" he considers it to be his duty" to sound the alarm!" Well, if the church be indeed in danger, and the nation be corrupted, we are verily persuaded some more effectual means must be employed than those which he recommends for the protection of the one, or for the re-kingdom, but to be extended over the face

formation of the other.

The Reign of Heaven; or an Exposition of the Phrase usually rendered in Scripture the “Kingdom of Heaven." By WILLIAM INNES, Minister of the Gospel. 12mo. pp. 130. Wightman and Cramp. 2s. 6d.

Ir affords us real pleasure to announce to our readers another publication from the pen of this truly reputable and use

their separation from the Church of Rome, and as Protestant Dissenters, from presbyterian and episcopal, natlonal and endowed churches.

It is the design of our author to shew the real nature of the kingdom of Christ. The following quotation will furnish the clue by which the reader may discover the path that will conduct him through the labyrinth of error on this subject, to the attainment of the truth as it is in Jesus:--

"As the original expression rendered kingdom, in the phrases the kingdom of God' and the kingdom of heaven,' equally means reign, it appears that this last word would in many cases better express the the place, reign refers to the period or meaning of the original. Kingdom denotes duration of the sovereignty. Now, as the reign of the promised Messiah was to be spiritual, and not to be confined to any one

of the whole earth, when John the Baptist announced that this new state of things, which had been the subject of so many predictions, was approaching, the import of his address would be better conveyed by rendering it the reign of heaven is at hand; not referring to any place, but to the period when this spiritual kingdom was to be established. The superiority of this interprewhen we connect with it the word preaching, tation of the expression is more clearly seen as in Matt. iv. 23. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,

and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom," | Apostle's language corresponds with the

or proclaiming the good news of the reign,' which had been previously announced by the Baptist, as just at hand." p. 3.

scope of his argument, in the passage in which it occurs. His object is to shew that men are justified by faith. In proof of this, he shews that mere circumcision was not accompanied with any spiritual blessing; it was only by faith that any were interested in the justifying righteousness. The uncircumcised were so if they believed. The circumcised were so only if they believed.

In the third section of the work, entitled, "Of the subjects of the kingdom of God," some very judicious remarks are found on the subject of the rite of Circumcision, considered by Pædobaptists as the scriptural authority for In-To say, then, that circumcision was a seal of fant-baptism. That they should adhere to this argument, appears to us to be perfectly natural, as it is the only feasible ground for that anti-christian practice. We wonder, however, that judi. cious and orthodox ministers should be willing to rest this defence of a New Testament ordinance, upon the institution of a patriarchal rite; which, says Mr. Innes, "though introduced into the Mosaic economy, was not of Moses but of the Fathers," p. 27. We should be happy did our limits admit of it, to give the whole of the discussion of this much controverted subject, but can only find room for the summary which is thus expressed :

"The amount of our argument, then, is this the original promise respecting the Messiah, who was to bring in an everlasting righteousness, declared that he was to be the seed of the woman. After it was fixed through what particular family the

seed was to come, there was a reason for an ordinance, plainly pointing to the fulfilment of this promise; and from its nature alluding to posterity. If this be a just view of

circumcision, I conclude that there is no

analogy between it and baptism; that the

righteousness, in the sense of sealing spiritual blessings to any one unconnected with believing, is evidently quite at variance with the whole scope of the Apostle's reasoning. But is not this asserted, if we hold that it is a seal of spiritual blessings to the infant This would be clearly supposing, that incircumcised, though incapable of believing? stead of faith being necessary to righteousness, the very point which the Apostle is here all along labouring to prove, righteousness was to be obtained by a simple rite quite independent of faith, and even where it could not be exercised." pp. 30-32.

We recommend as being particularly worthy of attention, the fifth section, entituled, "The Means by which the kingdom of Heaven is to be promoted." There are several admirable statements selected from Missionary Reports of the conversions among the heathen, proving the gospel to be mighty through God to change the hearts and lives of the most vile and debased sinners.

From a long quotation of the Rev. Robert Hall's "Review of Zeal without Innovation," we select as most appropriate advice suitable for the present times, the following paragraph —

one did not come in the room of the other. "During the present disjointed state of Accordingly, I find the one given to the things, nothing remains but for every one, infant seed of Abraham, through whom the to whom the care of any part of the church Messiah was to come, and the other ap- of Christ is intrusted, to exert himself to pointed to be administered to those who the utmost, in the promotion of vital reliwere previously made disciples, or who gion, in cementing the friendship of the believed. The one was abolished when the good, and repressing with a firm and steady event took place to which it referred; the hand, the heats and eruptions of party spirit. other was instituted as the initiatory ordi- He will find sufficient employment for his nance into the spiritual kingdom of Jesus time and his talents, in inculcating the great Christ. This explains to me also why bap- truths of the Gospel, and endeavouring to tism was administered to the believing form Christ in his hearers, without blowing Jews, though previously circumcised; the flames of contention, or widening the which would appear unnecessary, if both breach which is already the disgrace and institutions meant the same thing. It ex- calamity of the Christian name. Were our plains, too, why the obligation of circum- efforts uniformly to take this direction, there cision ceased after the appearance of the would be an identity in the impression made promised Messiah. Being an ordinance re-by religious instruction; the distortion of ferring to him, there was no occasion for it after be came in the flesh, and there was no room for a similar one.

party features would gradually disappear, and Christians would every where approach to that ideal beauty spoken of by paintNow, let us mark how this view of the ers, which is composed of the finest lines

and traits, conspicuous in individual forms. every artifice to alienate the affections of Since they have all drank into the same good men from each other." p. 105.

spirit, it is manifest that nothing is wanting Mr. Innes has our cordial thanks for but a larger portion of that spirit to lay the foundation of a solid, cordial union. It this small volume; it may stand upon is to the immoderate attachment to secular the same shelf with that work which we interest, the love of power, and the want consider the best defence of the princiof reverence for truth, not to the obscurities ples of dissent, the late Mr. Booth's of revelation, we must impute the unhappyEssay on the kingdom of Christ." We contentious among Christians - maladies

which nothing can correct, but deep and can assure our readers that it is not genuine piety. The true schismatic is not gilding but gold: it is made up, speakso properly the person who declines a com- ing generally, of "words which the Holy pliance with what he judges to be wrong, Ghost teacheth," no regard being paid though he may be mistaken in that judg-to those which "man's wisdom teacheth." ment, as the man who sedulously employs

LITERARY RECORD.

New Publications.

In the selection of the illustrations, the
Editor has been powerfully assisted by se-

1. Conversations on the Corporation and veral of the most distinguished painters of Test Acts. By an Old Servant of the Pub-the age, who have, in many instances, given lic. pp. 23. Price Threepence. In this sea-him the choice of their respective galleries. sonable and well-written tract, much useful Pictures have in this manner been supinformation is given, and in an attractive plied by Howard, R. A. Ward, R. A. form. We are much obliged to "An Old Jones, R. A. Pickersgill, R. A. Jackson, Servant of the Public," for the very judi- R. A. and Landseer, A. R. A.; and the cious selection of facts and arguments here volume will also contain an engraving from presented to the reader. The cheapness of a splendid picture by Sir Thomas Lawrence, the publication, too, is much to be approved, P. R. A., from another by Smirke, R. A., as it will enable the benevolent to purchase and another from a celebrated painting (in large numbers for gratuitous distribution. the collection at Wentworth House) by Vandyke, of Lord Strafford and his Secretary, engraved by the express permission of Earl Fitzwilliam.

2. A Summary View of Christian Principles; comprising the Doctrines peculiar to Christianity as a System of revealed truth. By Thomas Finch. 12mo. bds. Price 5s. 6d. The literary portion of the volume will 3. Fourteen Sermons, by the late Rev. be formed of the contributions of nearly Thomas Hutchings, of Unicorn Yard, South-Sixty of our most celebrated authors—

wark. Svo. bds. Price 12s.

In the Press, &c.

among whom are several who have not before exerted their talents in this popular and interesting class of works. There will be also several improvements of a very novel We are informed that "The Amulet" for and valuable character, which, in addition to the year 1827-8, will be published on the its other advantages, are expected to add 1st of November, on a scale of greater materially to the success the work has alexcellence than either of its predecessors. ready experienced.

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It is due to the writer of the above article to say, that the errors here corrected are not to be found in his manuscript, and that he never saw the proof sheet.

OBITUARY.

MR. JOHN ROBERTS.

MR. JOHN ROBERTS, late of Oswestry, Shropshire, was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, of Plas-y-cha, in the parish of Ruabon, Denbighshire. They were engaged in agriculture, and for many years were highly respected members of the Baptist Denomination, Their house was always open for the reception of the Ministers of the Gospel, and their liberality greatly promoted the cause of Christ in the vicinity of their residence.

virtues.

His constitution was feeble, and the latter years of his life were beclouded by painful and frequent attacks of dis

ease.

their endeavours to train up their chil dren in the way that they should go. This fear is greatly increased when the child of many prayers and of long-cherished solicitude, on leaving the parental roof for a season, or when settled in life, exchanges the house of God, and the means of grace, for the society and habits of the world that lieth in wicked

ness. And alas! instances of this kind

are of frequent occurrence among all classes of professing Christians. The parents of Mr. Roberts had, happily, At the age of 14, Mr. R. was appren- but little canse to indulge such a fear ticed to a Mr. Kenrick of Wrexham, and respecting him. Though he was not insubsequently he resided some time induced to unite with a Christian church, Liverpool, where he regularly attended until several years after his settlement the ministry of the late Mr. Medley. at Oswestry, he was never suffered to In the year 1798, he settled at Oswestry. wound the heart of an eminently pious In 1810 he was married to his present mother, (who had often prayed with him widow, who with seven children, suras well as for him, in private, and had vives to deplore the dissolution of an assiduously laboured, while he was yet unusually happy union, and to train her young, to imbue his mind with the prinoffspring to the imitation of their father's ciples of truth and godliness,) by immoral conduct, or by any painful symptoms of aversion to the people and worship of God. During his residence in Liverpool, he was enabled to maintain During the eleven or twelve his regular and sober habits, and though years immediately preceding his death, solicited often, he was induced only he was seldom permitted to enjoy a once to forsake the worship of God on month's uninterrupted good health, and the Sabbath, in quest of what ungodly for the last three months he was conmen call pleasure; and after his remofined to his chamber and his bed. But val to Oswestry, he regularly attended under all these severe and protracted the ministry of the Gospel among our afflictions he was not only preserved Independent brethren, until the erecfrom fretting against the Lord, but was tion of a Baptist meeting-house in the enabled to evince that all things work town afforded him an opportunity of together for good to them that love God. worshipping with the people in whose He died, July 31, 1826, and his death principles he had been educated, and to was improved in a discourse from Colos- which he was conscientiously attached. sians i. 2, 3. by his pastor, the Rev. T. The single instance of Sabbath-breakCooke, when a numerous and attentive ing just alluded to, was often mentioned audience testified by their attendance, with regret by Mr. R. in subsequent life; the affectionate esteem of all classes of and as it appears to have occasioned his neighbours and fellow Christians for considerable pain and alarm immediately after its occurrence, it is just to his memory. Christian parents are often discou-regard it as a pleasing proof that the raged by the apparent failure of all example and instruction of his parents

had a considerable influence in the for- cause of Christ. His house, his heart, mation of his character. His case may and his purse were open to the friends therefore be added to the very nume- of his Redeemer, whenever their labours rous instances of a similar kind, as an or circumstances required his hospitality encouragement to Christian parents to or assistance. Nor was it by a generous commence the work of religious train- and uniform Christian liberality only ing with the earliest years of their that he did honour to his profession and beloved charge, and morning and even-principles, and embalmed his name and ing to sow their seed, not doubting, character in the grateful recollections of though it may not ripen into the fruit of surviving friends. He was ever ready saving conversion to God so early as to assist, in every practicable way, all they desired or hoped, that it will, ne- who were desirous of knowing and doing vertheless, be preserved by Him at the will of God, and who desired his whose command they have thus cast aid or counsel. By the promptness and their bread upon the waters, and if it assiduity with which he instructed and seem good to his perfect wisdom, they encouraged the young, and other recent shall find it after many days. disciples of Christ, in their enquiries after truth and duty, he laid many under eternal obligations to his piety and his Christian wisdom.

Mr. Roberts was baptized by the Rev. Wm. Pain, then pastor of the church at Oswestry, August 2, 1807, and on Jan. 27, 1808, he was set apart, with two It sometimes happens that professors others, to the office of a deacon. In of religion, though esteemed by their this office he continued until death, in intimate friends, are far from having a the enjoyment of the growing esteem good report from them that are without. and confidence of his Christian friends, Mr. Roberts was a most pleasing excepand, till disabled by affliction, in the tion from every thing of this kind. He efficient promotion of the important happily gained the respect, and to a objects of its institution by the Head considerable extent the esteem of all of the Church. He was, indeed, one of classes. Whatever the worldling, the those who use the office of a deacon | infidel, or the apostate objected to the well, and, by his uniformly holy and benevolent conduct, he purchased for himself an honourable degree in the estimation of all who knew him, and especially of his brethren in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.

character of some professors of religion, in the place of his residence, his could at any time be referred to as uniformly correct and unblameable. It is unnecessary to qualify this delineation of his character by the usual intimation It has been stated that his parents that he was not perfect. He was himdistinguished themselves by their libe. self painfully conscious of the fact, and rality to the cause of Christ, and Mr. nothing is farther from the writer's inR. honoured his father and his mother tention than to convey an impression by imitating this part of their example. that he was wholly unblameable. Truth, The meeting-house at Oswestry was however, requires him to state, that his erected upon a part of his land, and he | imperfections were chiefly known to was among the first and most liberal himself; while to all who knew him, subscribers to its erection and subse- his temper and uniform behaviour afquent enlargement, and was at all times forded an example of all that is lovely a very liberal contributor to the support and of good report. It was, indeed, the of divine worship in that place. It oneness and stability of his character pleased God to prosper him in his that imparted to it its chief attraction worldly business, and he was enabled and value. By habitually minding the to honour the Lord with the fruits of all one thing, he became stedfast and imhis increase. It was manifestly among moveable. Hence, whatever changes his choicest pleasures, to entertain the occurred in the world or the church, he ministers of the Gospel, and to assist was always the same, in judgment, in them in their efforts to promote the purpose, and in conduct.

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