that he was, not only in practice, but in spirit, like the mass of the ungodly around him. His downward course was rapid. The middle ground between external morality and open vice was soon passed over, and with hasty strides his steps were taking hold on hell.

At this period in his history, he went one day to assist at the raising of a building in the neighbourhood. During the progress of its erection, as he was standing beside a pious neighbour, engaged in conversation, he rudely uttered an oath. That that tongue from which he had been wont to hear the accents of humble prayer and praise, should now have become the instrument of cursing and profanity, grieved that Christian's heart exceedingly. Turning to him, he said mildly yet solemnly, "J., you do not feel as you once did!" He looked and paused a moment, as up if thinking within himself, What peaceful hours I once enjoyed! &c., and then replied deliberately, "Never mind, I mean to cheat the devil out of my soul yet!" Scarcely had the words passed his lips, when a beam from the upper part of the building,

which had not yet been made fast, fell, and in its descent struck him on the head, scattering his blood and brains on those who stood near, and laying him a lifeless corpse at their feet! Had a thunderbolt fallen from heaven, they could scarcely have felt more sensibly that it was a visitation from God.

Thus, while meaning, with presumptuous confidence, to make sure of heaven, actually made sure of hell. He overstepped the limits of God's forbearance and plucked down swift ruin on his soul. The stern mandate of justice went forth, "Cut him down!" The gleaming sword of justice fell, and he went to his own place. "O," said that pious neighbour, "I never realized what an awful thing it is to trifle with the mercy of God and presume upon his forbearance, until I stood by the ghastly corpse of that man!" scemed as if the very fiends of the pit were hovering around, whispering in his ear, with horrid emphasis and malignant jeer, "I mean to cheat the devil out of my soul yet!"— Christian Guardian.

It

is very

it

chaneel. Now, when I read this account, I thought of sin and salvation. Sin, like this poisonous apple, looks pleasant to the eye, and men desire it,-eat of it, and die. We may think there is no harm in such a thing, it is only a little sin. But who would eat only a little poison? The least sin, if not forgiven, will ruin our souls for ever. This is fruit that must not be tasted; yea, ought not to be looked upon or thought of. It is sin that gives to the darts of Satan all their fiery qualities, and to the arrow of death all its bitterness. Now, all who have looked upon the fruit of this tree have desired it, and have eaten of it; and if not delivered from its But fatal effects, will surely die. there is a remedy at hand; it is the

MY BELOVED BROTHER, - Last Monday, when we took a short walk together, very likely neither of us had any idea of making alcohol and its companion, the tobacco, the subjects of our conversation, but so it happened. Your remarks on tobacco were not pleasant and agreeable to me at the time, but you will not be sorry to be informed that the faithfulness, the pointedness, and the wisdom which accompanied your observations, left an impression on my mind which cannot be soon erased. My doubts of its propriety so much lessened my pipe-enjoyment, that I resolved when on my walk this evening, that I would discontinue the habit altogether, except it might be taken medicinally. Among others, the following considerations flashed vividly through my mind.

1. The inconsistency of the habit in a Christian, who professes selfdenial and total abstinence. Consistency, I believe, should be possessed, though dearly bought.

2. That it is not right to spend God's money for anything which we may do as well without. Souls, I believe, are lost, for the want of money to send them the Gospel.

3. That it is a mastering habit. I might become its slave, though I have been smoking (unconquered) occasionally for about ten years.

4. That it is a growing evil in the country. I remember how you told of the little boys about seven or eight years of age commencing the destructive habit.

5. I am convinced of the sinfulness of the habit, (that is, if I carry it on with my present convictions,) by that passage, "To him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean; and he that doubteth is damned if he eat!"

My

After I came home from my walk, I threw my pipes and what remained of my tobacco into the fire. mind is now happy respecting it, which is another proof to me that I have done what was right in this instance, for the present at least.

With my warmest thanks to you for your kind solicitude on my behalf, and for all your counsels and examples to me at all times,

I remain, dearest brother,
Most respectfully yours,
J. T.

Oct. 13th, 1849.

WE arrived at the house; a decent looking elderly woman (probably his housekeeper) came to the door, and inquired whether we were the Catholic priests; "for," said she, "Mr. Paine has been so much annoyed of late by other denominations calling upon him, that he has left express orders for me to admit no one to-day but

the clergymen of the Catholic church." Upon assuring her that we were Catholic clergymen, she opened the door and showed us into the parlour.

She then left the room, and shortly afterwards returned to inform us that Paine was asleep, and at the same time expressed a wish that we would not disturb him, "for," said

80

66

she, "he is always in a bad humour when roused out of his sleep; 'tis better we wait a little till he be awake." We accordingly sat down, and resolved to wait a more favourable moment. Gentlemen," said the lady, after having taken her seat also, "I really wish you may succeed with Mr. Paine, for he is labouring under great distress of mind ever since he was informed by his physicians that he cannot possibly live, and must die shortly. He sent for you to day, because he was told that if any one could do him good, you might. Possibly he may think you know of some remedy which his physicians are ignorant of. He is truly to be pitied. His cries, when he is left alone, are heart-rending. ' O Lord, help me!' he will exclaim during his paroxysm of distress; ‘God help me! Jesus Christ, help me!' repeating the same expressions without the

least variation, in a tone of voice that would alarm the house. Sometimes he will say, O God! what have I done to suffer so much?' Then shortly after, But there is no God.' And again, a little after, Yet if there should be, what would become of me hereafter?' Thus he will continue for some time, when on a sudden he will scream as if in terror and agony, and call out for me by name. On one of these occasions, which are very frequent, I went to him and inquired what he wanted. Stay with me,' he replied, for I cannot bear to be alone.' I then observed that I could not always be with him, as I had much to attend to in the house. 'Then,' said he, send even a child to stay with me, for it is a hell to be alone.' I never saw," she concluded, "a more unhappy, a more forsaken man; it seems he cannot reconcile himself to die."

It was late, it was midnight when the Duke of Wellington lay down. He had not found time so much as to wash his face or his hands; but, overcome with fatigue, threw himself, after finishing his despatches, on his bed. He had seen Dr. Hume, and desired him to come punctually at seven in the morning with his report; and the latter, who took no rest, but spent the night beside the wounded, came at the hour appointed. He knocked at the duke's door, but received no answer! he lifted the latch, and looked in, but seeing him in a sound sleep, could not find in his heart to awaken him; by and bye, however, reflecting on the importance of time to a man in the duke's high situation, he being well aware that it formed no article in his grace's code to prefer personal indulgence of any sort to public duty, he proceeded to the bedside and aroused the sleeper.

PUSEYISM.-At a late examination of schoolmasters, the following question was asked, What is schism? The answer was, Puseyism. Examiner: Do you mean that? School

The duke sat up in his bed, his face unshaven, and covered with the dust and smoke of yesterday's battle, presenting a rather strange appearance; yet his senses were collected, and in a moment he desired Hume to make his statement. The latter produced his list, and began to read, but when, as he proceeded, name after name— this as of one dead, the other as of one dying-his voice failed him, and, looking up, he saw that the duke was in an agony of grief; the tears chased one after another from his grace's eyes, making deep visible furrows in the soldier's blackened cheeks, and at last he threw himself back upon his pillow, and groaned aloud. "It has been my good fortune never to lose a battle, yet all this glory can by no means compensate for so great a loss of friends," he cried. "What victory is not too dearly purchased at such a cost?"Poynder's Literary Extracts.

master: Yes, I maintain that Puseyism is the last dissent in our Church. Examiner: You had better not insert that in your written answers. "Query, why?

MEMOIRS OF EMINENT SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS. With Two Essays; I. On the Importance of Sunday Schools. II. On the Office of Sunday School Teaching. By the Rev. THOMAS TIMPSON. 18mo. pp. 376; second thousand. London: John Snow.

The thought that flashed upon the mind of the benevolent Raikes, suggesting the establishment of Sabbath schools, was a ray of light and love from the throne of God. It came from heaven, and it leads to heaven. The heart of Raikes was a temple of mercy, and his God-like example has called forth a host of Christian philanthropists, whose pious and disinterested labours the world would probably have never seen, had not that benevolent thought been suggested from above. It was meet that the distinguished successors of Raikes should have a memorial, that we might glorify God in them, and that the present race of labourers should be encouraged by a view of the ripe fruits which past toils have produced. Mr. Timpson has gathered a rich cluster of these fruits, and here presents them to the reader, in the eminently pious and devoted lives of nearly one hundred ministers, ministers' wives, missionaries, female missionaries, deacons, superintendents, philanthropists, and philanthropic ladies, whose piety was either originated by, or fostered in, the work of Sabbath school teaching. While we approve of the general selection, we wonder that a philanthropist so distinguished, and so bright an ornament of Sabbath schools, as the venerable Mr. Whittaker of Macclesfield, has not a place in these memoirs. The absence of such an honoured name is a defect which a subsequent edition ought to supply.

The Essays contain many important facts and valuable suggestions; and the entire work is calculated to edify, stimulate, encourage, and direct Sabbath school teachers in their work of faith and labour of love. We, therefore, cordially recommend it to our readers.

ENGLAND IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY; or a History of the Reigns of the House of Hanover, from the Accession of George I. to the Peace of Amiens. 18mo. pp. 438. London: Religious Tract So

ciety.

This work is well written, and it carries us through an era crowded with important events, but its chief excellence is the true estimate which it forms of

the human character, and the Christian aspect in which an eventful period is contemplated. A superintending Providence is acknowledged, God's hand is seen, the truth is spoken, things are called by their right names, justice is done to public men, vices are faithfully reprobated, virtues receive their due meed of praise, and great practical principles are deduced. The volume is fraught with interest, and its reading cannot fail to do good to both head and heart.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF FOOD AND NUTRITION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS. By the Rev. EDWIN SIDNEY, M.A. 12mo. pp. 192. London: Religious Tract Society.

We have here philosophy robed, as she ever ought to be, in Christian costume, baptized with the Christian spirit, and meekly presenting her grateful tribute on the altar. It is the endeavour of the pious and talented author to prove, as he states, that the maintenance of life is the harmonious result of a series of gradations, exquisite in beauty and adaptation; and that we never can learn really profitable lessons from natural truths except we regard them with a spiritual mind. In this design he has proved eminently successful. The author has ranged through the beautiful and attractive walks of animal and vegetable physiology, and furnished a mass of valuable information adapted at once to enlighten the understanding, to excite the religious affections, and to promote our temporal welfare. The several topics are illustrated with suitable engravings.

THE HOLLY TREE a Winter Gift of Original Prose and Poetry. By GEORGE E. and MYRA SARGENT, with other contributors; with Engravings by DICKES, 12mo. pp. 160. London: Benjamin L. Green.

The elegant style in which this book is got up reflects a high degree of credit on the spirited publisher, and the matter is equally creditable to the authors. The instruction, entertainment, and spiritual good of the reader are the objects aimed at, and in the perusal of this beautiful volume they will be richly secured. "The Cliff Cottage," and "Joy after Sorrow," are peculiarly pathetic, impressive, and interesting. We cordially recommend the work as a very suitable present to young people.

SCRIPTURE BAPTISM, a Series of Familiar Letters to a Friend, in Reply to "Christian Baptism," by the Hor. and

Rev. BAPTIST NOEL, M.A. BY HENRY J. GAMBLE. 12mo. pp. 224. London: J. Snow.

Mr. Gamble has an advantage in this controversy which is not experienced by every one who writes on this subject. Having himself emerged fromthe errors of his Antipædobaptist brethren, he is prepared both to discuss the question with a special reference to those prejudices, prepossessions, and objections, which lie deepest in the bosom of a Baptist from education, and to meet those arguments which may be advanced by a proselyte to Baptist opinions. Mr. Gamble has conducted the controversy in this volume in the spirit of a Christian, with the suavity and candour of a gentleman, and with logical acumen and conclusiveness such as, in our opinion, lay the arguments of his opponent in the dust.

We cordially recommend this excellent volume to our readers, and as this

work dwells chiefly on the subjects of Baptism, we recommend along with it the equally excellent volume of the Rev. Thomas Mills, which triumphantly explodes the Baptist mode of adminis tering the ordinance by immersion.

Notices of the following books are in the hands of the printer; but, through press of matter, we are compelled to allow them to stand over till next month."White's Arithmetical Exercises."- "The Christian's Daily Treasury."-"Florence Arnott ; or Is She Generous?"-" A Biblical and Theological Dictionary."- "Lessons for Infant Classes."-"Hore Paulina."--Characters, Scenes, and Incidents of the Reformation." "The Sunday School Union Magazine, for 1849." Bible Class Magazine, Vol. 2, 1849."— "Notes on the Scripture Lessons for 1849."-"The Union Tune Book.""The Child's Own Book, 1849."-"The Class Register and Diary for 1850."—

-

DAVID BRADDOCK,

The son of Samuel and Jane Braddock, was born at Hooley Hill, Ashton circuit, on the 7th of February, 1827. He was naturally of a grave and thoughtful disposition, which was manifest when he was but a child. At an early age he was sent to the Methodist New Connexion Sunday School, Hooley Hill, where he evinced more than ordinary inclination to learn, and was very soon found in the highest class in the school. He was remarkable for his regular and punctual attendance at the school, both while he was a scholar and after he became a teacher. With but few exceptions he was always present until prevented by sickness; and it was customary for him to be one of the first, and ready to join in singing the opening hymn; for at an early age he was peculiarly fond of singing, and continued to be so as long as he was able either to join in it himself, or listen to it when performed by others. But though he was thus regular and punctual at the school, he was not all that a kind and pious teacher would wish. Like many of his age, he was wishful to have his own way; and this disposition was sometimes shown by stubbornly refusing to comply with the requirements of those who were placed over him as teachers. His history furnishes a striking proof that more is needed than the educating of an individual, to constitute him really amiable, useful,

"The

and happy. He was remarkably fond of reading; but previous to his conversion he was much inclined to read works of fiction. Not many weeks before his last sickness, when in company with the writer, the conversation turned upon books and reading, when he said, "I have read a great many books, but many of them were novels." But a saving change was wrought in him, and there was an end to his novel-reading, the Bible and other good books becoming the beloved companions of his retired moments ever afterwards. The immediate instrument in our brother's conversion was the Rev. J. Griffiths, when preaching at the Hooley Hill chapel, soon after his appointment to the Ashton Circuit. While delivering his discourse our brother was powerfully wrought upon by the Spirit. He saw himself a sinner before God, and, without divine mercy, undone for ever. At the close of the service, a prayer, meeting was held in the chapel, and he resolved to remain during the meeting. This was a struggle, for those with with whom he associated refused to stay. When the meeting was over his companions were waiting for him, and told him of certain sport and enjoyment which they had had while he had been in the chapel. He only replied, "I have had something better than you," and immediately his eyes filled with tears. He soon after withdrew from their company, and returned home.