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Jong-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth.'

"I cannot help repeating those sweet lines,

Hail, matchless, free, eternal grace, That gave my soul an hiding place.'

“I am sorry you are so indisposed; but, what a mercy, to look forward

to that day, when we shall have done with pain and sorrow ;-' when this mortal shall have put on immortality; when we shall be for ever in the presence of him 'whom, having not seen, we love;' may we enjoy much of his presence, while in this wilderness; may we come up out of it, leaning upon the beloved!"

Review.

Memoirs of Richard Morris, late Pastor of the Baptist Church, Amersham, Bucks. Compiled by B. Godwin, Great Missenden,

THE Compiler of these interesting memoirs, has done honour to himself, and conferred a benefit upon society, by presenting this work to the church and congregation, at Amersham, and through them to the religious public. The genuine piety, good sense, and sterling integrity, manifest in the life of Mr. Morris, ought to be held up for the imitation of survivers; nor should the tender care of God, over his faithful servant, be suffered to be forgotten. Let us tell our children, that they may tell it to their children, that none who had trusted in God has ever been confounded: in order that they too " may set their hope in

God."

The memoirs are written in a series of Letters, which will both entertain and improve the reader. Mr. Morris is made, in a good degree, his own biographer, which keeps up the interest of the narrative, while the remarks of the compiler are judicious and instructive.

Mr. Morris, when a young man, became a soldier, in the Oxford Blues, and, in this situation, proved himself a "good soldier" of the Lord Jesus, "enduring" much hard treatment from his ungodly comrades, who were encouraged in their oppositions by their officers.

"The men," says he, "were let loose apon me, by the officers, who encouraged

them by saying, they hoped they would remember me for putting out such speeches.

"At this time the commanding officer left Loughborough for a few days, and the men, according to a rule among themselves, tried me, by what they called a Court Marshal, for the alleged crime of scandalizing the regiment. I was then sentenced to be cold burnt, and accordingly was tied up in the yard, and a great me, till they were tired of fetching them many pails of water and ice thrown on from the horse-pond; and such was their determination to use me ill, that they placed sentinels around to keep off the people, that none might rescue me. this occasion the people of the inn behaved very humanely towards me; they put me into a warm bed, sat up with me all night, and paid the greatest attention to me, so that I received no farther injury.

On

This treatment I considered it my duty to bear with patience, as I remembered the words of Christ, If any man smite thee on the one cheek, turn to him the other also. Before my clothes were dry, one of the principal actors in this affair came to me to borrow money, which, without hesitation, I lent him, recollecting that we are directed to overcome evil with good.' Some of the men appeared ashamed of their conduct, while others

boasted of it, and said, 'I should not have been half so good, if they had not waslied away my sins at Loughborough.''

After this, Mr. Morris experienced great trials, which he bore with Christian meekness and fortitude. The following extract exhibits another specimen of the brutality, with which he was treated:

for himself. He attached a high degree of importance to religious principles, and was anxious to know the truth as it is in Jesus; but he proceeded with caution; he could not implicitly believe the sen⚫ timents of any; he must first become fully satisfied of their truth. I suppose that Mr. Morris had as little of a party spirit as can be imagined in the present state of human nature; he appeared to seek and to love truth for its own sake, and was determined to embrace it whereever he found it.

"It is not surprising that, with a mind thus formed, endued with genuine piety, an ardent thirst for knowledge, and an earnest desire for the welfare of others, he should appear to an intelligent and zealous minister to be designed for a sphere of usefulness, very different from that which he then occupied. To the kind attentions of Dr. Jones, much of Mr. Morris's subsequent usefulness is to be attributed; from him, in all probability, he received his first impulse to engage in a work, in which he afterwards laboured so successfully. Thus to ap

"In the year 1773, we removed our quarters to High Wycombe. I here heard preaching among different denominations, and was requested to give a word of exhortation, at an early meeting, on a Sabbath morning. This soon came to the ears of the officers and men, who considered it a very great disgrace to the regiment. They determined, therefore, again to try me, by one of their mock Courts Martial. I was accordingly brought to trial, in a meadow, called the Rye, near the turnpike; and was again sentenced to be cold burnt, and orders were given to forbid any one bringing me dry clothes. This was executed in the most severe manner; but one of my comrades broke through their orders, and brought me some dry clothes, for which he was threatened to have the like punishment inflicted on him the next day. The probability of this, brought me, for the first time, to the fixed determination to oppose such illegal treat ment. I waited on the commanding of ficer, and enquired if he knew the manner in which I had been treated by the men. He made no answer to my ques-preciate real worth, and to take a young tion, but advised me not to preach, observing that there were proper persons paid for preaching; and, he thought it a pity, that I should concern myself about religious instruction. I said, in reply, that it was a matter of conscience with me, to warn sinners of their evil way; but that, had not the men proceeded to the resolution of inflicting the same punishment on my companion, I might have let it pass over, as I had done before; but that I was now determined, if the business was not put a stop to, I would immediately complain to General Conway, who, I had no doubt, would see the matter righted. After this, I had to suf. fer nothing more of this kind. Some unknown friend also put the proceedings of the Rye into the public papers, and en-suing the narrative, which we could quired, if the permission of such practices was consistent with the discipline of so respectable a regiment."

The remarks of the editor, upon this part of the history, will present the reader with a specimen of his manner of correct and judicious thinking.

"On the perusal of this letter," says Mr. Godwin, "I have no doubt, but you have remarked, that independence of mind displaying itself, which ever afterwards formed so distinguishing a trait in the character of Mr. Morris. Amidst a variety of opinions, which were presented to his attention, he ventured to think

man of piety and talents by the hand, to introduce him to public usefulness in the Saviour's cause, is no small honour."

From this state of oppression, Mr. Morris was delivered, in 1775, in consequence of his discharge being obtained, by the kind interference of Lord Robert Manners, and his excellent lady. There is a letter, preserved from Lady Manners, written to Mr. Morris, during his troubles, to console his mind, which will remain, we trust, as a monument to her honour, by the preservation of this memoir, from generation to generation.

Our limits prevent us from pur

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willingly do. Mr. Morris settled at Amersham, in 1775, became a very successful minister there, and continued to labour among a large congregation, collected by his ministry, until July 28, 1817. His death was tranquil and happy: it may be truly said, He finished his course with pendix, No. II. published in the joy." A letter, printed in the ApEdinburgh Review, April 1809, p. 40, was written by Mr. Morris, animadverting upon an article, in that Review, entitled, "Methodism and Missions." The reader will immediately perceive, on perusing it, that

the writer was a man of considerable talents, and of great intrepidity. The cutting sarcasms which he employs, must have made even an Edinburgh Reviewer feel, if he were not as destitute of feeling as of liberality.

Ricordanza; or, a Father's Present to his Daughter; containing Memoirs of Miss Elizabeth Windover, and an Obituary of Miss Fanny Roberts. By John Styles, D. D.

compiled entirely from the Holy Scriptures, and are well adapted for schools, and to be placed in the bedrooms of serious persons, especially servants, (who have not much time for reading,) to peruse a short section previously to their morning and A Narrative of a Tour in the West of are entitled to the thanks of the evening devotions. The compilers England; lately made for the Pur- Christian public, for their useful pose of ascertaining the State of labours: and we cordially recomthe Inhabitants, and for the For-mend these useful publications. mation and Encouragement of Sabbath Schools. By the Author of Voyages to Spain, Portugal, &c. &c. We cannot compliment the author for the correctness of his style, nor for the perspicuity of his arrangement; but he is entitled to higher praise that which is due to a benevolent heart, and an active mind. He is one of the very few of our species who "devise liberal things;" and we doubt not but he has already enjoyed a rich reward for his labours, from the luxury with which such exertions are always attended. Let persons read this pamphlet, for the purpose of ascertaining how much remains yet to be done for some parts of our own kingdom, before the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will cover even this island: and then let them think of another part of the United Kingdom-Ireland; and remember, that missions to the heathen instead of superseding should quicken our exertions in promoting means for evangelical instruction at home.

The Bible Class-Book; or, Scripture Readings for every Day in the Year; being 365 Lessons selected from the most instructive and improving Facts of the Sacred Scriptures. Adapted to the Use of Schools and Families. 6s.

WE mention this little work for the purpose of making our readers acquainted with it. It requires not our recommendation, as it may be taken for granted, that what Dr. Styles thought worthy of publishing, as addressed to his own daughter, may be safely presented by any parent to a daughter: and this is it will be applied. We are glad to precisely the use to which, we hope, find Dr. Styles thus employed: his labours may be as useful, though they will not obtain for him so much celebrity as when he chastised a barrister, and castigated an Edinburgh reviewer.

Juvenile Biography; or, Early Piety recommended and exemplified: to which are added, some Hints to Young Christians. By John Morrison, Chelsea.

THIS little book is divided into chapters, under the heads of "The Bible the only pure source of Religion."-"The Holy Scriptures the best Companion of Youth."

"In

The Christian's Treasure; or, a Com-stances of Early Piety."" Perpilation of Scripture Sentences, of tical Hints to Young Christians." suasions to Early Piety."- "Pracnearly 100 different Subjects: being On all these subjects some suitable a most useful Selection of Divine Knowledge. Particularly adapted remarks will be found. We select for the Use of Charity and Sabbath Schools, &c. 2s. 6d.

We have placed these together for our remarks, because they are of the same class, though different in the arrangement. They are both

the following paragraph from the fourth chapter, to give a specimen of the author's manner:

"Our dedication to the service of

God cannot, possibly, be too early.

"The young, as well as the old, stand in immediate need of the blessings of

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salvation; nor are the claims of Jesus less urgent upon them, than on persons in the subsequent stages of life. God has a right to the obedience, and devotion, and gratitude of our whole exist ence; and when reason begins to dawn the human mind, Jehovah says upon every child of Adam, My son, give me thine heart.' And is there any reasonable plea that can be urged against the surrender, thus openly demanded? Are any of us able to keep our own hearts? Or, can we trifle with the imperious requirements of Heaven, and yet expect to escape the righteous displeasure of the Almighty? Who that hardens his heart against God, can expect to prosper? Is it too soon to begin that study, the acquirement of which is indispen sable to the salvation of the soul? Is it too soon to forsake the paths of error, and to walk in the paths of truth? Is it too soon to escape from the kingdom of darkness, and to be introduced into the kingdom of God's dear Son? Is it too soon for a child of Satan to become a child of God? Is it too soon to be born again, when it is written, with the finger of Deity, that except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God! Unless you can prove that sin has not exposed you to the curse, that God has no claim on the homage of your hearts,--that religion is a subject addressed only to the aged,that the Bible has no message for you,and that you are effectually shielded from the approach of death, and from the dominion of mortality,-unless you can do all this, then, it appears, you are not too young to be religious. Oh! will not thousands regret that they were so long in seeking the Lord! This, indeed, has been a subject of painful reflection to many of God's people; but where did ever an instance occur, in which any one repented having known the Saviour too soon? The very idea is a contradiction in terms; we cannot be too soon rescued from the brink of eternal destruction, on which every unconverted sinner unquestionably stands;-nor can our feet be too soon placed upon the rock, even Christ."

The Key of the Cellar, &c. THE obligations of servants to masters are strongly inforced in the scriptures, and we rejoice in every attempt to illustrate those Divine precepts. This little work is written for that laudable purpose, as it details the miseries brought upon a confidential servant, through

his being entrusted with the key of his master's wine cellar. Though it is represented that this victim of intoxication and misery was brought to repentance upon his death-bed, yet we hope that no dishonest intemperate servant will ever, from such a possibility, be led to presume upon Divine mercy; whilst every master and mistress should improve upon the moral of the tale, and resolutely determine to keep "the Key of the Cellar" in their own pocket.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

Lately Published.

A Memoir of the Life and Happy Death of John Burkitt Holman, who died January 31, 1818, aged eleven years and eight months. By David Ford.-The profits arising from the sale of this Tract, will be applied to the support of a Sunday School.

More Work for Dr. Hawker: in a

Reply to his Misrepresentations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By the Rev. Thomas Smith, of St. John's College, Cambridge, and Master of Gordon House Academy, Kentish Town, Middlesex.

The Principles of the Particular Baptists not hostile to other Protestants. A Sermom delivered at Wolsingham, Durham, March 22, 1818, on Joshua, xxii. 21-29; on opening a Place of Worship for the Baptist Denomination. By Charles Whitfield, of Hamsterly.

In the Press.

Serious and Friendly Hints to Candidates for Communion, and the Junior Members of Dissenting Churches. By John Edwards, Minister of the Gospel, Little Wild-street, London.

The Rev. J. Cobbin, Author of Philanthropy, &c. has in the Press another Volume of Poems, entitled The Pilgrim's Fate, with Miscellaneous Pieces, which will appear speedily.

In the Month of December, 1818, will be published by Subscription, in 2 Vols. 12mo. with a List of Subscribers,

Sunday School, and other Anecdotes, mostly original; Catechetical Exercises, mostly from Scripture; and other interesting Matter relative to the Instruction of the rising Generation. By George Russell-Dedicated, by Permission, to His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, K. G. &c. &c.

Missionary Retrospect and Foreign Intelligence.

CONVERSION

OF

TWO MONGOLIAN NOBLES.

THE REV. I. J. Schmidt, Moravian mi nister at St. Petersburgh, has lately transmitted to the Elders Conference of the Unity, a very remarkable account of the manner in which the study of the Gospel of St. Matthew was, under the Divine blessing, made the means of conversion to two Saisangs, nobles or princes, of the Mongolians.

This account is dated March 7, 1818. The whole is too long for insertion, but our readers will be gratified by the following outline:

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Having regulated their affairs in their new situation," continues Mr. Schmidt, "they commenced their labours with unbounded zeal. Before they began their translation, they formed extracts of parts of different chapters, the meaning and spirit of which they could not understand. These they brought to me, and begged for an interpretation, which I gave them in the best possible manner I was able to do.

"Here appeared the work of the Spirit of God, by the power of the gospel. They listened with silent attention: their countenances became serious: they gave no particular signs of approbation; but said, in a solemn tone, full of gentle When the first edition of the Gospel emotion, that they now understood it. according to St. Matthew, in the Calmuc They visited me twice or thrice a week, language, was printed, copies of it were always bringing their work with them; sent for distribution to the Russian Go- and, at each visit, I perceived their vernor of Siberia. This nobleman diprogress, not only in the knowledge, rected these books to be circulated but also in the personal application of among the Selenginskish Mongols, and the gospel. The work of the Spirit of the Chorinian Burats, two heathen tribes God in the hearts of these men having in the North-east of Russia, on the fron-originated altogether with himself, I left tiers of China; requiring, at the same the whole entirely to him, without inter time, from the princes of these people, meddling in the least. an opinion respecting the contents. As the Calmuc dialect is not generally understood among them, this proved a most difficult task. It was, however, undertaken by two of their Saisangs, or nobles, who applied themselves so diligently to the work, that they were soon enabled generally to explain the book to their countrymen. This excited so much curiosity, that the head Lania of the Mongolians, and the Prince of the Chorinian Burats, of their own accord, made a collection among their people, amounting to upwards of 11,000 rubles, (£550,) which they placed at the disposal of the Russian Bible Society, on condition that the Gospel of St. Matthew, and, if possible, other books of the New Testament might be translated into their language, and printed in their

characters.

This important work was entrusted to the two Saisangs, who had been already employed; and they arrived at St. Petersburg, for the purpose of undertaking it, in December, 1817. The Bible Su

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"I noticed, with delight, their growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ; contenting myself with explaining such passages of scripture as they could not understand, and giving my advice only when it was asked for. They were more especially pleased with those passages in which our Saviour declares his readiness to receive sinners, inviting the weary and heavy-laden to unto him, and promising to give them rest. They were also forcibly struck by his parables; among others, by that of the householder, who hired labourers into his vineyard, giving to those who came in the evening, the same wages as those received whom he had hired in the morning; which they regarded as hav. ing a special reference to themselves and their nation. The promise of Jesus, that before the end of the world, the gospel shall be preached for a testimony unto all nations, made a deep impression upon them. Some time ago, they related, without any suggestion on my part, that whenever they prayed to their

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