desultory or occasional, but to be renewed every Sabbath; and they will not fail of producing a happy effect. I am aware that the strain of pulpit addresses cannot be supposed to be always adapted for children, at least for those who are young or uninstructed. But, in every sermon, facts are adverted to and sentiments expressed which they can understand and are likely to remember; and their being expected to recollect them, will keep up their attention, and when they repeat them, will furnish the teachers with materials for useful and impressive observations. I am persuaded that the children in a class of Sunday-scholars, as well as the more privileged members of a well-instructed family, will become attentive to public discourses, if the hints which I have suggested be remembered and acted upon. desirable, how are we to be supplied with suitable instructors? Seldom do we find individuals, and especially a sufficient number of them, qualified to deliver the appropriate addresses to the young persons which, I presume, will be deemed advis able, from Sabbath to Sabbath, and from one year to another? We think ourselves happy if we can point to one or more teachers in a school, whose piety, information, and tact, enable them thus to interest the children and youth by whom they are surrounded. But where shall we get a sufficient supply of gifted agents to carry into unceasing operation this novel scheme of instruction? Besides, such a proposal presumes on the provision of convenient places for the accommodation of the teachers and their pupils. And if it be often difficult to secure a school-room, apart from the chapel, large enough for the use of Sunday-scholars, more usually so designated, how are all the younger branches of the But let it be considered what beneficial habits the sweeping proposal referred to is likely to set aside. I especially refer to the proposed removal of all the chil-families of our congregations to be accomdren of the congregation from the " $0lemn assembly."* What spectacle is more delightful than when we see the heads of a family, in company with its younger members, going up to the house of God, taking their places in a group in the sanctuary, worshipping together, and listening to the "common salvation?" The seriousness and deep interest in the things of God which pious parents have often evinced on such occasions, have frequently made the most salutary impressions on the minds of their children; the regular and persevering observance of such united services have been the means of forming habits of reverence and love for religion; and the recollections of such Sabbath scenes, and of the tears of pious parents, which have not unfrequently accompanied them, have been brought, through the grace of God, to bear with saving power on the hearts and consciences of the rising generation. ¡modated? Whatever view we take of this proposal, it appears to us altogether Utopian. But if we admit that such a separation of children, whether applied universally or confined to Sunday-scholars, were *Mrs. David's proposal. But what says the Scripture? Is there any intimation in the Sacred Oracles of such a separation of the children from their parents in the public worship of God? Rather, do they not contain undeniable examples to direct us in this part of our duty? If the Israelites were commanded, when the law was read, not only to be present themselves, but to bring with them their children, and even "their little ones," shall we withdraw our rising generation, many of whom are of a more mature age, because they may frequently hear what is above their capacity. The "little ones" were led to the house of God to form early habits of attendance upon his worship, and that a reverence for his word might be interwoven with their remotest recollections. And does not this example teach us the course which we are to pursue, in preference to any novelties that, in the age in which we live, may be recommended to our attention? A LOOKER-ON. REV. DAVID GRIFFITHS. Died, October 13th, 1841, after a few days illness, the Rev. David Griffiths, of Lichfield. He had been on a visit to his relatives in Wales, and caught a severe cold on his journey. In a few days after his return home, erysipelas came on, which in a short time reached the brain, and very speedily brought him to the grave. One of the deacons who was much with him, observed, that " during his short illness he was composed and happy, he was firmly fixed on the Rock of ages, and his end was peace." The deceased was the son of the Rev. B. Griffiths, of Trefgain, in Pembrokeshire. He commenced his preparatory studies under the superintendence of the Rev. J. Bulmer, then at Haverfordwest. He was afterwards admitted into the College at Highbury. He was first settled at Tear, in Staffordshire, where he successfully laboured among an attached people for nearly ten years. Not many months before his death he removed to the city of Lichfield. He entered on his labours in that city with considerable activity, and all his brethren in the neighbourhood fondly hoped he would be instrumental in greatly reviving the church and congregation in that place. His first effort was very successful, and the prospect became much more cheering and animating. But "God's thoughts are not as our thoughts;" for while we expected long life and great and growing success, he has speedily terminated the labours and the existence of his servant. The death of our departed young friend was improved in a sermon by the Rev. W. Salt, formerly pastor of the same church. A funeral sermon was also preached to a very crowded congregation, at Tear, the former scene of his labours, by the Rev. J. Cooke, of Uttoxeter. May we all learn, from the unexpected removal of this young minister, the importance of "working while it is day." Uttoxeter. J. C. 78 Review of Books. ESSAY on the UNION of CHURCH and STATE. By BAPTIST WRIOTHESLEY NOEL, M.A. 8vo, pp. 644. James Nisbet and Co. Ir is a truly sublime spectacle to see a man of undoubted mark, with the full tide of popularity bearing him along, sacrificing his interests, his position, and his prospects at the bidding of conscience. We can have no sympathy with those little and stereotyped minds that would overlook all the moral heroism connected with such a decision, because it was not in the line of their own ecclesiastical predilections. The mental conflicts through which such a man as Mr. Noel must have passed, before he reached the conclusion that he could no longer exercise his ministry in the Established Church, must have been so severe and agitating, that we could not withhold from him the most profound sympathy and respect, however far we might differ from him in the conclusions he had reached. Here is a man of the highest character, of the most bland disposition, of unwearied philanthropy ;-occupying a sphere of the greatest usefulness-popular-respected by all who knew him;-not given to change -free from every taint of bigotry-calmenlightened and catholic in his whole bearing;-but, in the deep recesses of his own breast, he begins to question the scriptural warrant of the Church system to which he has allied himself; he looks, with a searching eye, into its merits,-he weighs it in the balance of the sanctuary, and finds it wanting. The result is as startling as it is painful. He dare not cling to a thing which his conscience has rejected. What, then, is the course he pursues? Does he avail himself of his position and his popularity to injure the Establishment? No; he cannot stoop to dishonour. He imparts, to select friends, the secret of what had been passing in his troubled but upright heart. Arrangements are made by him for unostentatiously retiring from his attached flock. But the fact of such a man's change of ecclesiastical views is too stirring to be long concealed. It is forthwith conveyed to the public prints; he meets his Bishop; and the result is that he is only once more to be permitted to preach to his congregation in St. John's, to take leave of them and his ministry in the Establishment. His last sermon is no attack on the English Episcopate, and no defence of his Nonconformity; but a faithful exhibition of the cross of Christ. Can facts tell more powerfully for the honour and integrity of this servant of Christ? And what does he now do?Does he inflict a tedious personal narrative upon the public, as to the rise and progress of his Ecclesiastical scruples? No; he had too much common-sense and delicacy for this. He leaves himself altogether out of the question; and announces and publishes a volume which treats the whole question in all its bearings which had been examined and decided on in his clear and calm mind. He might have created more sympathy-more of personal feeling - had he made himself the hero of his book; and gone into all the facts and incidents which unsettled his mind in reference to the Church system, or by which he had been at any time personally annoyed. But egotism is not the forte of such minds as Mr. Noel's; they cannot descend to it; they have no faith in it; and, where no personal altercations have arisen, and no personal quarrels required to be settled, they willingly forget themselves, and hasten to deal with the sober realities of any question by which their inmost convictions have been stirred and modified. Mr. Noel's crime, with some, is, that "he has written a book;" with us, it is the highest proof of his virtue. He felt that the causes which had led to the change which he has now avowed were too grave to be dealt with in some brief narrative of matters personal to himself. Had he objected merely to certain church abuses, such a missile, well and powerfully written, might have answered every purpose; but when his scruples have relation to the groundwork of an Establishment, he owed it to conscience, to his country, and to posterity, to lay the whole matter before the public, and to do it in the way least calculated to encumber the momentous question with any feelings or prejudices which related to himself. We therefore conscientiously defend the course which he has taken, as manly, delicate, and Christian. If his preface did not reveal Mr. Noel's position, we might not be otherwise able to discover the circumstances in which he has been placed. He deals with the subject on its own merits, and leaves his readers to think anything they please in reference to the late minister of St. John's, Bedford Church. But, if the personal is to be gone into, let it be only to add that kind of emphasis to Mr. Noel's reasonings which fairly attaches to the production of a clear head, a cultivated intellect, a devout heart, and "a man of God" upon whom the breath of scandal never lighted. Having, in simple homage to truth and fair-dealing, made these remarks, we shall now content ourselves by furnishing our readers with a brief analysis of Mr. Noel's Essay, that they may see with their own eyes the comprehensive plan upon which our author has proceeded in dealing with the irritating topic of "the Union of Church and State." In his Introduction Mr. Noel maintains, with a firm tone, the wholesome Protestant doctrine, that "the Lawfulness of the Union between Church and State must be determined by reference to the word of God." Those who will not bow to the authority of Scripture in settling their ecclesiastical theories, betray a suspicion that their systems are incapable of abiding such a test. Before advancing to his great scriptural argument, to ascertain how far the State-connection in religion is in accordance with God's revealed will, Mr. N. settles the true meaning of the two terms, Church and State. The Church is not a building used for Christian worship,-it is not what the Church teaches,—it is not a Clergy paid by the State,-it is not all the persons baptized by the national Clergy of any country,-it is not all the congregations throughout the world acknowledging a particular ecclesiastical discipline, it is not all persons throughout the world baptized in the name of Christ. In these senses, Mr. N. shows that the term is never scripturally used; and goes on to prove that it is employed to express an assembly of the citizens in the Greek Republics; that this being its original use, it was consecrated, by the apostles' practice, to express an assembly of Christians, the Christian sense of the word growing naturally out of its civil sense. Mr. N., therefore, on good critical authority, restricts the word "Church" either to a congregation of the professed disciples of Christ, in any particular place; or to the whole body of Christ's disciples throughout the world. By the State, he understands the governing power in the nation, including the legislative and the executive. The question, therefore, he proposes to discuss is, "Whether it be according to the will of Christ that the Christian Church, or congregation, should be united with the Government, both legislative and executive ?" Having so far prepared the way for his laborious investigation, he divides his Essay into THREE PARTS. I. The principles of the Union between the Church and the State. II. The Effects of the Union. III. The means of promoting a Revival of Religion in the Country. In treating, I. The Principles of this union, Mr. N. adverts, 1st. To certain general considerations which condemn the union. He shows that it is condemned by the constitution of the State,-by the Parental Relation, so often appealed to,-by History, by the Mosaic Law,-by the Prophecies of the Old Testament,--and by the distinct teaching of the New. Our author then proceeds to show, 2. That the principles of the Union between the Church and the State in England is condemned by the word of God. This is proved by a reference to the maintenance of Christian Pastors by the State, by an appeal to the Supremacy which the State exercises, by a searching investigation of the question of patronage, and by an exposure of the coercive principle. : Part II. treats of the Effects of the Union. 1. Upon Persons such as, Bishops, Pastors, Curates, Members of Anglican Churches, and upon Dissenters. 2. Upon Things: as, for instance, the number of Ministers; their distribution; their maintenance; the doctrines taught in the Anglican Churches; their discipline; the evangelization of the Country; the Union of Christians; the Reformation of the Churches; the progress of Religion; the Government; and other national Establishments throughout the world. The III, and last Part is devoted to the means of promoting a Revival of Religion in the Country. Here our author points out the means of Revival in the Churches, and suggests means for the extension of Religion throughout the land. And then follows a very glowing and energetic conclusion. As a treatise on Church Establishments, and particularly that of England, the work before us is creditable to the head and heart of the author. There are marks of haste to be traced in it; and occasional repetitions, which will be eschewed in future editions. But there is no lack in it of logical power and philosophical penetration; and, above all, there is no deficiency of reverence for Scripture, and no short-coming on the score of Christian faithfulness and charity. The following passage will show the strength of the author's convictions and anticipations: "The union of the Churches with the State is doomed. Condemned by reason and religion, by Scripture and by experience, how can it be allowed to injure the nation much longer? All the main principles upon which it rests are unsound. Its State-salaries, its supremacy, its patronage, its compulsion of payments for the support of religion, are condemned by both the precedents and the precepts of the word of God. We have seen that it sheds a blighting influence upon prelates, incumbents, curates, and other members of Churches. It adds little to the number of pastors, it distributes them with a wasteful disregard to the wants of the population, and it pays least those whom it ought to pay most liberally. It excludes the gospel from thousands of parishes; it perpetuates corruptions in doctrine; it desecrates the ordinances of Christ, confounds the Church and the world, foments schism among Christians, and tempts the ministers of Christ, both in and out of the Establishment, to be eager politicians. Further, it embarrasses successive Governments, maintains one chief element of revolution in the country, renders the reformation of the Anglican Churches hopeless, hinders the progress of the gospel throughout the kingdom, and strengthens all the corrupt papal Establishments of Europe. Worst of all, it 'grieves' and quenches' the Spirit of God, who cannot be expected largely to bless the Churches which will not put away their sins." The HISTORY of ENGLAND from the Accession of James II. By THOMAS BABINGTON MACAULAY. Second Edition. Two Vols. Longman and Co. THE man who undertakes to write history should be well assured of his qualifi cations for the responsible task. The injury inflicted on mankind by corrupt histories has been great beyond expression. No country, perhaps, has suffered more from this unhappy source than Great Britain; and certainly no period of our history has been more mendaciously treated than that in which our constitutional liberties were wrought out. The stirring events connected with the Commonwealth, the Restoration, and the Revolution, gave birth to passions and prejudices of the most inveterate character; and the combined elements of toryism and high-church pretension have exerted their utmost energy to keep alive in many minds the ferment and the delusion which they inherited from their political ancestors. Thus the stream of our history has been fearfully polluted; so that it has required the struggles of more than a couple of centuries to clear it from the mud and rubbish with which it had become impregnated. There have always been truthful men to tell the real tale of the times of our national regeneration; but their testimony has been borne down, for ages, by those who cling to the fictions of a bygone age, and who treated Cromwell and the Puritans as men wanting in character, or wholly given to fanaticism. The process by which these historical fictions have been vanquished, has been slow, but sure; and now the time has passed when they can any longer find credit with a discerning public. All honour to the men who stood up for the truth during the long age of misrepresentation, and to whose labours we are so largely indebted for the light which has broke in upon us in modern times. Were Mr. Hume now to issue his History of England, it could not survive the criticism and rebuke of a single month. In modern times, we are greatly indebted to Charles James Fox and Sir James Mackintosh for the light which they threw on certain portions of our history; and, in our judgment, no less so to George Brodie, Esq., whose history of the British Empire from the accession of Charles I. to the Restoration, is one of the most laborious fragments of its kind in the English language. We know, from personal intercourse, the very high estimate which Sir James Mackintosh entertained of this work, which perfectly demolishes Hume's elegant deceits in reference to the period of which it treats. Nor would we be unmindful of the enlightened contributions of Dr. Vaughan, to supply materials for a true national history. "Carlyle's Cromwell," also, with all its peculiarity of diction, has rendered noble service in demonstrating the real character of his hero, from his own correspondence, private and public. It was surely a happy juncture of affairs which, as the tide of false history was beginning to recede, led such an author as Mr. Macaulay to devote himself to the task of completing the work which had been so auspiciously begun. His cast of mind, education, studies, political connections, all pointed to him as an individual qualified to enter upon such an undertaking. And, as in the case of Mr. Carlyle, his religious training, which we are happy to perceive, has not been lost upon him, prepared him to sympathise with the spiritual heroes of the Puritan school, who, by their doctrines no less than their sufferings, were the chief instruments of fixing the boundaries of our constitutional liberties. or Mr. Macaulay has acted upon the noble principle of rejecting the fictitious in history, however stereotyped by age, sanctified by great names; and, digging deeply into the real facts of our national story, has produced a work which will go down to posterity, not so much by the splendour of its genius as by the philosophy and truthfulness of its details. Yet the genius of the author is conspicuous in every page, and imparts an indescribable charm to his most elaborate and pains - taking investigations. Of his work, so far as it has proceeded, |