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and that it can animate at the same mo-family, in the winter of 1806-7. The ment hearts in each hemisphere."

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Joseph Cabell Breckinridge was the son of the Hon. John Breckinridge, the framer of the state constitution, and for some time Attorney-General of the United States, and Mary Hopkins Cabell, both of Virginia. He was their second child, and first son, born in Albemarle county, Virginia, on the 24th of July, 1788. After a short residence there his parents removed to the state of Kentucky, and established themselves in 1792, in the 5th year of his age, in the town of Lexington. Shortly afterwards the family became permanently settled on a farm near the town. and Mr. Breckinridge was at once and fully identified with the interests of the state of Kentucky. About

the age of 14 he placed his son Joseph in a grammar school in his native state, with the object of preparing his young mind for future and extensive useful

ness. It was in this school, while sitting under the powerful preaching of the Rev. Dr. Archibald Alexander, now a distinguished professor in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey, that he received his first religious impressions. Here his convictions, though quite a boy, were deep, and continued for some time to affect his feelings and life. But by the providence of God he was soon afterwards removed from the ministerial in

structions of this great and good man, to a school in the west, in which the budding hope of the gospel in his heart was withered by the pestilent breath of infidelity.

"After the necessary acquirements were made, he was taken by his father to the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, in the autumn of 1804. He was here received into one of the lower classes of the institution, and continued his connection with it in his progress through the course of study ordinarily pursued there, until the sudden death of his father called him home to his bereaved

solemn responsibilities connected with becoming, almost in his boyhood, the head of a large family, and the principal agent in adjusting the concerns of an extensive and complicated estate, deeply affected his mind, and suddenly impressed a gravity, a prudence, a decision, and maturity upon his character, which were beyond his years. Before fully entering on these important and trying services, he returned, in 1808, to the College of New Jersey, and graduated with distinguished honour in 1810.

It was during the latter stay at Princeton that he became attached to the daughter of the Rev. President, Mary Clay Smith, whom he afterwards married and brought with him to his native state. Here in retirement we find him directing the education of the rising family of which he had become a foster father, and preparing himself, in the intervals which were spared from the various duties arising out of this relation, for the practice of the law. It was while thus engaged that he was called, by an appointment from General Samuel Hopkins, to the office of his aid-de-camp, to engage in an expedition against the western Indians. He was now the head and hope of two families, and it was not without a convulsive struggle that they could surrender him to a service of exposure and peril--or he leave, perhaps for ever, his weeping and dependent kindred. But it was the call of his country. He obeyed-and after two campaigns, occupying together several months, he was restored hy a kind Providence to the bosom of his friends.

"After his return he finished his preparatory studies, and was admitted to the bar of Kentucky. He soon after settled himself in Lexington, and entered upon the regular practice of his profession. It

need not be told his fellow-citizens how

rapidly he grew upon public notice, regard, and patronage. Very soon after his establishment in Lexington he was literally compelled by his friends, against his own views, to enter into political life. He was elected repeatedly to the state legislature from Fayette county, and soon rose to the speaker's chair, almost in his political and personal boyhood. This office he filled with great dignity, firmness, and public approbation, during his continuance in that honourable body.

"On the accession of General Adair to the gubernatoral chair of the state, he was designated by public opinion, as well as by the governor himself, for the office of Secretary of State. This fact, connected with the professional inducements of the place, determined him in the choice of Frankfort as a place of residence. He accordingly removed with his family to

it in the spring of 1821. Here he continued, discharging the various and responsible duties which devolved upon him, and growing daily in the affections and gratitude of his country, till he was called to a better country and a better home.

But what is especially interesting in this imperfect sketch, is, his relation to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The convictions which so deeply affected his soul at the age of fourteen were never entirely effaced, but continued in unequal degress, amidst the changes of opinion, and habit, and society, to which his circumstances and natural character exposed him. At college, while studying the Evidences of Christianity, under the instruction of Dr. Smith, his principles became firmly and finally fixed in favour of the divine authority of the Bible, and though still a stranger to the sanctifying influence of the doctrines of revelation, he took his stand, and became an advocate for their being taught and studied in connexion with every thing else. And, following up this first principle, it was by his faithful hand (though before he had became a practical follower of the Saviour) that those seeds were first sown, which, under God, have grown up for the service of the church in the person of a younger brother.

These impressions were still farther cherished by his lot being cast under the ministry of the lamented James M'Chord. Under the faithful ministry of this ser vant of the Redeemer, amidst the pressing cares of public life and professional business, and amidst innumerable other temptations, he became convinced of his lost condition as a sinner, and obtained also some clear views of the only method of salvation. He endeavoured for him. self to accept of the tender of mercy, and to resolve in God's strength to be for the Lord and not for another.

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Being convinced of the truth as it is revealed in the Bible, he was not ashamed to confess his Lord and Master before men. Very soon after his appearance at the bar, he made a public profession of his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. He solemnly devoted himself, and his all, to him who loved the souls of men, and who washed them in his blood. He was the first lawyer in Lexington who did so, and he was also probably the first lawyer, and the first representative from Fayette county, who regularly carried his Bible with him from Lexington to Frankfort, whether he was attending to his duties in the courts of law, or in the hall of legisla tion.

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Having set his face heavenward, he pursued a steady course. In the public assemblies of the saints--in his familyin his social intercourse with his friends-

in all his intercourse with men, he gave decisive evidence that he considered it at once his privilege, his honour, and his safety, to have his destiny, and the destiny of his family, connected with the destiny of that kingdom which shall endure for ever.

His

His christian profession was as the path of the just, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day His views of the leading articles of the christian faith were from the beginning clear, extensive and accurate; but his knowledge of the practical influence of these doctrines upon the heart, and upon the life, and upon the interests of civil and religious society, was at the commencement of his course very imperfect. His knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity, was acquired by the calm and patient investigations of the closet, previously to his having much intercourse with chris. tian men, or his being much under the influence of christian institutions. knowledge of christian practice was the result of his own experience and personal observation, after he was publicly connected with the church. His religion, was, first intelligence and then feeling. His character as a religious man was consequently somewhat different (though essentially the same) from those whose feelings take the lead of their understanding. Hence, while there was in his short christian course, perhaps, little addition to his stock of what is usually called theological knowledge, his intimate friends marked with pleasure his rapid advances in humility-in patience and resignation to the divine will--in confidence in the promises, and in love toward God and man.

"The commencement of his public life was as flattering as could have been desired. The largest vote which ever had been given in Fayette county, marked at once the respect which the community paid to the talents and to the services of the deceased father, and the hopes and confidence which they cherished towards the son. Nor amidst the ever-changing opinions and changing political parties, which are inherent in the very nature of popular governments, did he in the course of his life lose either his independence of mind, or in any degree his honours or his influence. It is believed that he enjoyed, at his death, the public confidence to as great an extent as any other individual in the state did, and was, both as a statesman and a lawyer, on the high road to the first honours and emoluments which his country had to bestow. But he is gone. His days were as the grass; as a flower of the field so he flourished: the wind passed over him, and he is gone; and his place in his family, among his numerous friends, in

the courts of law, in the councils of the nation, shall no more be occupied by him.

"The circumstances of his death were interesting. The increasing sickness of Frankfort and its vicinity, during the autumn of 1823, induced him to remove his little flock of children to Cabell's Dale, the family residence of his mother, Mrs Breckinridge remained behind on account of the indisposition of some members of the family, and of a sick relative from a distance, whom the providence of God had thrown upon their care. They were not forgetful to entertain strangers,' and use hospitality,' especially to the sick.' As soon as his childrsn were conveyed to a place of safety, he returned without delay to aid in administering to the necessities of his afflicted household. It was in sustaining the sinking stranger far from home-it was in nursing what he feared was the last remains of parting life, that he met the disease which terminated his earthly existence.

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fever of the season and place. It seemed in the course of the week ensuing to yield to the application of medicine, and at the close of the week very sanguine hopes were cherished of a rapid recovery. On Sabbath, the 31st, his disease seemed to undergo a sudden and most unlooked for change, and brought him rapidly to the grave. September 1st, at a very early hour in the morning, while his attendants thought him resting, he lay upon his side, and softly fell asleep in Jesus,' without a groan.

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LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS, WITH SHORT NOTICES.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY AND DECIDED ATTACHMENT TO THE CONCERNS OF A FUTURE WORLD. An Address delivered to Young People, on Saturday, January 1, 1825, in Carter Lane, Doctors' Commons. By John Hoppen, A. M. This is a very admirable address, and will, we hope, effect the purpose which the author pursues with so much good sense and ardour through every page. It is particularly worthy of the attention of well educated young persons, to whom the preacher's attention appears to have been specially directed. There are in it many passages of superior power and eloquence; but above all, it is stamped by the simplicity and earnestness of scriptural truth.

The CHILD'S SCRIPTURE EXAMINER AND ASSISTANT; Part III., or Questions on the Gospel according to St. John, with practical and explanatory Observations suited to the Capacities of Children. By J. G. Fuller. 1s.-To enable children to retain the substance of their Scripture reading, and to assist them to understand it, are objects of great importance. Many catechisms have been constructed, teaching the creed of a particular church. We see no valid objection to the use of such catechisms, al

though it has become fashionable with some popular divines to decry them, But certainly while such are taught, the knowledge of the Scriptures ought to take the lead, and we must say, we have never seen a work better adapted to effect the purpose of impressing Scripture on the young mind than the

one before us.

THE HOPE OF IMMORTALITY, a source of Consolation on the Death of Christian Friends. A Sermon occasioned by the Death of Mrs. Frances Jennings, and preached at Downing Street Meeting, Cambridge, Nov. 21, 1824. By S. Thodey. From a brief, but interesting biographical sketch at the close of this discourse, it appears, that Mrs. F. Jennings was a grand-daughter of the Rev. T. Jennings, of Barrington, Cambridgeshire, a contemporary and friend of the celebrated Hussey. This lady was also related to the late Rev. Nathaniel Jennings, of Islington, and appears to have been a honour not merely to that highly honourable name she bore, but to the still higher one of Christian. She attained the great age of 82, and continued to the last a blessing and comfort to many, especially to the young, who crowded round her dying bed, to hear

her last words. Mr. Thodey's discourse is a very pleasing and excellent summary of the great consolation, and will, we trust, prove both a lasting and useful testimony to those sublime truths it so ably states, and of those excellent christian virtues which it commemorates.

A POCKET EXPOSITOR, containing Reflections on every Chapter in the New Testament: selected from Doddridge's Family Expositor. 2s. 6d.-By means of this admirable little volume, every family may avail themselves of the reflections of Doddridge's Expositor. The chapter or section may be read from a Bible, and then the reflections may be read from this pocket volume. The size and price will enable all to procure it, and we can assure the humble Christian, it is a much better Commentary for the "Poor Man," than some others that go under that name.

SELECTIONS FROM THE WORKS OF ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON, to which is prefixed a brief Sketch of his Life. By Rev. W. Wilson, D. D., &c. Price 3s. 6d. Within the compass of one small and neat volume, the reader will find the cream of Archbishop Leighton's works. We should be sorry to find, that the use of those works was superseded by such a selection; but we may hope, that many will, by means of this selection, become acquainted with a man, of whom otherwise they might only have known the

name.

ON THE PROPHECIES CONCERNING

ANTICHRIST a Discourse delivered at the Weigh House Meeting, December 9, 1824, at the Monthly Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches. By Joseph Fletcher, A. M. 1s. 6d.-The Popish controversy is becoming every day more keen and extensive; and the subject is now pressed upon the minds of Protestants, by a variety of important and interesting circumstances. It has long been our opinion, expressed more than once in the course of our labours, that the state of this controversy has been too much overlooked by Protestants of all classes. We suspect that the warfare of the press will, ere long, become still sharper, and we rejoice in the prospect, that truth will prevail. It is one thing to keep Popery under by the strong arm of power; it is another, fairly to up-root it by the ploughshare of argument. Mr. Fletcher has already done more than buckle on the armour in this warfare. His former publications

have entitled him to a high rank among the leaders of the Protestant cause. We are happy to be able to say, that his present publication, though upon a specific topic, is as richly deserving of public attention as any thing he has written. The application of Scripture predictions to the apostasy of the Romish See, is argued with unanswerable force and manly eloquence. The discourse possesses strong claims on the attention of all Protestants, as a most able and judicious exposition and application of several remarkable portions of Holy Writ to the Popish Church, and is pre-eminently deserving of attention at the present moment, when the public mind is agitated to a high degree, by the symptoms of reviving activity and pretension in the advocates of the Apostate

Church.

the

THE CHURCH IN CANAAN, or Heirs in Possession receiving the Promises. In 2 vols. Vol. I. By W. Seaton, &c. &c. 6s. -This volume consists of a plain and scriptural statement of most of the leading occurrences connected with Jewish "Church in Canaan," accompanied by suitable and spiritual observations, adapted to Christians under the Gospel dispensation. The style is commendably plain, and the whole work instructive, and likely to be useful. Readers of all classes may be profited by the perusal, and those especially who feel interested in the Old Testament history will be gratified by the perusal.

A PRESENT FOR A SUNDAY SCHOOL; or, A Plain Address on the Fear of the Lord, adapted to the Capacities of little Children, being the first of a Series on different Subjects, intended to be published for the Use of Sunday Schools, &c. &c. 4d.

-This is, upon the whole, an excellent little tract, and well adapted to the instruction of children. It is a great pity, however, that the clergy, when they write upon such subjects as the present, cannot lose sight of their sect, and write as well for the benefit of poor children among dissenters as others. How can any pious clergyman defend, or expect pious dissenters to propagate these sentiments. "Every person in the parish ought to come here every Sunday, both when the service is in the morning, as well as in the afternoon, to confess their sins," &c. " but I am sorry to say, there are a great many people in this parish who do not come to church, and, which is worse, I fear they will not." What would our pious brethren of the church

say of any dissenting minister should make such assertions public. We hope the excellent author will re-consider and expunge, in a new edition, these untenable assertions, for we should be sorry to see the usefulness of his tract curtailed.

is respectable, and will repay a reading. The sentiments which pervade the volume are pious and excellent.

LECTURES on the Essentials of Religion, Personal, Domestic, and Social. By H. F. Burder, M. A. 9s.

THE CHIMES; or, a Call to the Clergy and People of Great Britain. 6d. This author steps forward as the zealous advocate of true piety, and calls both upon clergy and laity to pay to the institutions of heaven that serious regard which their importance demands.

LETTERS IN RHYME, from a Mother at Home to her Children at School. 2s.PARENTS will find this an amusing little volume to put into the hands of their children. The poetry is simple, and adapted to juvenile capacities.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF Q. Q. TO A PERIODICAL WORK, &c. By the late Jane Taylor, of Ongar. Two Volumes. 9s.-To most of our readers, we doubt not,the name of the amiable authoress of this work has long been familiar. She has, however, passed to her long home, and the present work may, in some measure, be regarded as her last bequest-we say in some measure, for, as appears by the title, this is not the first appearance of these in print. Those who open papers them for eloquent reasoning or lofty and impassioned style, may perhaps feel disappointed, for though not destitute of taste and of power, yet these pages are directed more to the heart than to the head, presenting religion and virtue in their native loveliness, but, at the same time, in all their simplicity. The papers are suited, as they were designed, for the young, and we can have no hesitation in saying, that while the mass of youth are busily employed in perusing works, which, beneath the mask of morality, carry all the trailings of the " pent's lure," the Contributions of Q. Q. will tend to strengthen virtue where it has been implanted, and by leading the mind from the polluted pages of novels and tales, and inspiring it with a holier passion, to reclaim such as have been entangled by folly and false pleasure.

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THE VALE OF APPERLEY, and other Poems. 800.-THE Vale of Apperley' is the longest, and appears to us to be the best poem in the volume. poetry, though not of a first-rate order, NEW SERIES, No. 3.

The

THE CHRISTIAN FATHER'S REASONS FOR CHRISTIANITY, in Conversations between a Father and his Children, on Paganism, Judaism, Mahomedanism, and Christianity. By the Rev. T. Timpson.

1 vol. 18mo. boards.

POEMS APPROPRIATE FOR A SICK OR MELANCHOLY HOUR. 5S.THIS volume appears to have been written by a lady in the midst of deep afflictions, which were happily instrumental in leading her to religion as the only source of the votaries of pleasure to imitate her happiness and peace. She calls upon example, and we hope it will not be in vain.

THE CHRISTIAN FATHER'S PRESENT TO HIS CHILDREN. By the Rev. J. A. James. Second Edition, in 1 vol. 12mo.

bourds. Price 7s.

"PROGRESS OF DISSENT," containing Observations on the remarkable and amusing Passages of that Article in the 61st No. of the Quarterly Review, addressed to the Editor. By a Nonconformist. 2s. 6d. This is a pamphlet of a very superior order, and is altogether one of the keenest and most felicitous productions which modern controversy has produced. With an air of exquisite ease, yet with a master's hand, it exposes the whining cant and feeble reasonings of the Quarterly Dissent. upon Some passages are hastily written, but we hope a second edition will soon enable the author to correct them. We forbear comment, and extract a passage or two, in the hope that not only every dissenter, but that many churchmen will peruse the pamphlet with delight.

"Let us enter then, at once, with him on the subject. We find him seeking comfort under the confession extorted from him, by the consideration, that, though Dissent has increased, it is a very different thing from what it was. It is a curious paragraph.

"Of the three denominations of Dis

senters, a few, and but a few, of the old Presbyterians exist; still fewer preserve their original Calvinism, and rigid discipline. It is not easy to discern the mo dern Independents from those Methodists who have formed recent establishments on similar principles. The Quakers are stationary. The great accession to the body of Dissenters has been among (from) the followers of Whitfield and Wesley. But in all the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapels, where the Calvinistic disciples of the former meet, a close approximation Y

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