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will, I doubt not, be such as will act with a stimulating power on the hearts of your members. Your conduct will have a mighty influence on them. And they will judge of your liberality not by the actual amount of your gifts, but by the proportion which those gifts have to your circumstances and station in society. Fortified, by yourself exhibiting a good example, you will be able with confidence to urge others, if needful, to a course of cheerful and punctual liberality. Where you know nothing can be given, you will require nothing; but where the ability exists, you will not fail to point out the extent of the obligation. Of course you will not do this by stern admonitions, nor by bitter reproaches, nor by sarcastic insinuations, but in a kind and respectful tone you will mention the need that exists for increased help; and by naming such considerations as are calculated to cheer and encourage, you will generally succeed in obtaining more enlarged contributions. Doubtless, this part of your duty will require much prudence, but it is your duty, and you must not shrink from it. To some parties it may be expedient to state your views in a private conversation rather than in the classmeeting. But this is an exception from a general rule, which must not be too frequently adopted. Your own good sense must guide you.

I have dwelt longer on this subject, because it is to be feared that some Societies and Circuits suffer most seriously in their pecuniary resources, from the want of-shall I say, fidelity? of a proper share of moral courage ?-or of a proper degree of interest on the part of those who have the management of the temporal affairs of the church? Deficiencies do not always arise either from inability or unwillingness to contribute. There are, doubtless, many cases in which the members of classes only require to be distinctly informed of what is needed and expected, in order to evince their readiness to meet the demand. Moreover, when the intimate connection which these matters have with the peace and prosperity of a church is considered, you will, I am sure, excuse the length to which these remarks have been carried. It is the duty of every religious Society to strive to their utmost to keep clear of all pecuniary embarrassments, and to endeavour if possible to be entirely independent of all extraneous aid. Under no circumstances, nor from any considerations, can pride be deemed a legitimate principle of Christian conduct, but Christian churches may and ought to aspire after a commanding and dignified position in the Community with which they are identified. By such a position they will be more firmly established; their moral influence will be strengthened, and their means of doing good immensely augmented. As a Leader you will, I doubt not, see the value of these results, and labour strenuously to secure them; and now, having occupied space enough for a letter, I must, with best wishes for your welfare and usefulness, for the present, bid you farewell.

J. B.

BAD ADVICE.-When a young man made an open profession of the gospel, his father, greatly offended, gave him this advice," James, you should first get yourself a good trade, and then think of and determine about religion." 66 Father," said the son, "Christ advises me very differently. He says, Seek ye first the kingdom of God.'"

THE LAND UNKNOWN.

THOUGH earth has full many a beautiful spot,

As a poet or painter might show,

Yet more lovely and beautiful, holy and bright,
To the hopes of the heart, and the spirit's glad sight,
Is the land which no mortal may know.

There the crystalline stream, bursting forth from the throne,
Flows on and for ever will flow;

Its waves, as they roll, are with melody rife,

And its waters are sparkling with beauty and life,

In the land which no mortal may know.

Oh! who must but pine in this dark vale of tears,
From its clouds and its shadows to go;

To walk in the light of the glory above,

And to share in the peace, and the joy, and the love,
Of the land which no mortal may know.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

ESSAYS ON CHRISTIAN UNION. 8vo. cloth, boards. pp. 552. London: Hamilton, Adams and Co.-In our next number we purpose giving a lengthened review of this important work. At present we shall simply furnish our readers with a summary of the topics discussed, and the names of the authors. I. Introductory Essay. Dr. Chalmers.-II. The Scripture Principles of Union. Dr. Bulmer.-III. Christian Unity in Connection with the Propagation of the Gospel. Dr. Candlish.-IV. Union among Christians viewed in Relation to the present State of religious Parties in England. Rev. J. A. James.-V. Same Subject in Relation to Scotland. Dr. King.-VI. A Catholic Spirit; its Consistency with Conscientiousness. Dr. Wardlaw.-VII. A Sectarian Spirit; its Prevalence and Insidiousness. Dr. Struthers.-VIII. Unity of the Heavenly Church; Influence which the Prospect of it should exercise. Dr. A. Lymington.

By

THE MISSIONARY'S REWARD; or, the Success of the Gospel in the Pacific. GEORGE PRITCHARD, ESQ. 12mo. cloth, boards. pp. 209. London: John Snow.In our last we gave merely the title of this work; having since given it a more thorough examination, we can offer our cordial testimony in its favour. The incidents and facts related are replete with interest, and beautifully display the power and glory of the Gospel, while the introductory Essay develops that power and expansiveness of thought, expressed in that style of manly and fervid eloquence for which Mr. James is so deservedly distinguished.

TAHITI; containing a Review of the Origin, Character, and Progress of French Roman Catholic Efforts for the Destruction of Protestant Missions in the South Seas. Translated from the French of Mark Wilks. London: John Snow. 8vo. stitched. pp. 134.— When we heard that this book was forthcoming, we determined to lay a goodly portion of its contents before our readers—but the work itself may be had for a mere trifle, whilst its closely-printed sheets contain as much matter as many an octavo of several hun dred pages. It gives a complete history of the aggressions of the French in Tahiti; and by a plain straightforward statement of facts, and the insertion of various important documents, it fully exhibits the cowardly and diabolical conduct of the French. It is a pamphlet that will be eagerly purchased and eagerly read by all who can sympathize with the victims of Popish cruelty, and who feel a proper share of interest in the success of Protestant Missions.

THE HISTORT OF GREECE; From various Authentic Sources, both Ancient and Modern. With Two Maps. London: The Religious Tract Society. Imperial 8vo. cloth boards. pp. 384, double columns.-To those who have not access to larger works

this will prove a very valuable compendium, both for perusal and for reference. The arrangement is excellent. Part I. comprising Civil and Military Operations. Part II. National Institutions, Customs, Literature, Science and Religion; and Part III. The Physical and Topographical features of the Country. Although there are, as we have intimated, larger works on the subject, yet we would not have our readers to infer that this is a small one. While the intrinsic merits of the volume claim our commendation, we shall be excused in saying that we would rather the Religious Tract Society confined itself to the publication of religious books.

SACRED CHORUSES, for the use of Classes, Choirs, and Musical Associations; and on occasions of special interest, as Sunday-School Anniversaries, Christmas, Missionary Ordinations, Funeral Solemnities, &c. Arranged for four voices. Part I. London: G. & J. Dyer. 12mo. stitched. pp. 24.-Though we have no scientific knowledge of music, we can bear our testimony to the cheap and attractive form in which this little work is presented to the public. It promises to be well adapted to the purposes specified in the title; but as copies are forwarded to the Circuits by the present month's parcels, we recommend our musical friends to examine and judge for themselves.

THE UNION MAGAZINE FOR SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHERS. Conducted by the Committee of the Sunday-School Union. Vol. I. 1844. London: Sunday-School Union. THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHERS' CLASS REGISTER AND DIARY FOR 1845. London: Sunday-School Union. Stiff covers, cloth, gilt.

THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHERS' CLASS REGISTER for 1845. London: SundaySchool Union.

NOTES ON THE SCRIPTURE LESSONS for 1844. By the Committee of the SundaySchool Union. London: Sunday-School Union. Cloth, boards, pp. 144.

ADDRESS TO TEACHERS on the method of Using the Notes.

THE UNION HYMN BOOK for Scholars, with Tunes. No. I. stitched, pp. 12. THE FIRST CLASS BOOK for Reading, Spelling, and Catechising. London: SundaySchool Union. pp. 32.

THE CHILD'S Own Book for 1844. London: Sunday-School Union. 32mo.

The preceding is a list of publications issued by the Sunday-School Union-and of their general ability and excellence there can be but one opinion. "The Teachers' Register and Diary," and the "Notes on the Scripture Lessons," seem to us peculiarly adapted to secure punctuality and efficiency in the discharge of those duties which devolve on Sunday-School Teachers. They will be found valuable aids in promoting the great end of Sunday-School instruction.

DIALOGUE ON BAPTISM. By D. GRIFFITHS.-An excellent tract.

THE CHRISTIAN GLEANER; consisting of Original and Selected Pieces. London: Religious Tract Society. 12mo. cloth boards, gilt, pp 252.-This is a book of gems -a very suitable present for the young-and rendered additionally attractive by numerous and exquisite wood engravings.

SIGHTS IN ALL SEASONS. London: Religious Tract Society. Square. cloth, boards, pp. 372.-An elegant volume, abounding in beautiful pictures and interesting facts, illustrative of the four seasons.

BIBLE STORIES, for the Young. By C. G. BARTH, D.D. Old Testament. Translated from the thirteenth German edition. London: Religious Tract Society. 18mo. cloth, boards. pp. 280.-These " Bible Stories" are chiefly in Scripture language, and are therefore possessed of the characteristics of simplicity and clearness. We think that something more in the way of explanation and of practical reflection would have added to the interest and utility of the book.

KINDNESS TO ANIMALS. BY CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH. London: Religious Tract Society. 18mo. stiff covers. pp. 108.-This is not a translation from German, but the production of an English writer of eminent literary talents; and when we say that the

work is in every respect worthy of Charlotte Elizabeth, we need say no more to induce parents to put this very excellent little book into the hands of their youthful sons and daughters.

THE CHILD'S COMPANION for 1844. London: Religious Tract Society. 32mo. half bound, pp. 380.

THE JUBILEE SERVICES of the London Missionary Society. Held in London, in the month of September, 1844. With a brief introduction by the Directors. London: John Snow. 8vo. cloth, boards. pp. 136.-A rich treat is here presented to the admirers of Christian eloquence and consecrated talent. The discourses are by Parsons, Jay, and Raffles; and amongst the speakers are the names of Bunting, Leifchild, James, Dixon, and Harris. Sentiments breathing the sanctity, benevolence and zeal, dictated by Gospel truth, are embodied in language, which, though necessarily varied in style, charms by its elegance, and impresses by its power.

THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER of our Lord Pope Gregory XVI. To all Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, and Bishops, issued May 8th, 1844. Translated into English by Sir Culling Eardly Smith, Bart. With the Latin Text, and the authorized Italian translation appended. London: John Snow. 8vo. stitched, pp. 133.-This is a precious document; too precious to be lost; and the cordial thanks of every true Protestant are due to Sir C. E. Smith for having brought this Epistle before the English public. Those who wish to know what Popery is in the nineteenth century, should read this outpouring of wrath and rage against the Bible and Bible Societies, and every effort to spread evangelical truth. At the present time this pamphlet is pecu

liarly seasonable, and in one sense more than welcome.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF BARKERISM AND SOCINIANISM DESTROYED; or a Discourse on the Province of Reason on subjects of Divine Revelation in reference to the venerable mysteries of religion. By W. COOKE. London: J. Bakewell. 12mo. stitched. This very able tract throws a vast portion of light on a subject which is, we fear, not adequately understood. Clearness and closeness of argumentation, in a condensed and vigorous style are the prominent features of this Discourse. We trust it will, as it ought, meet with a ready sale throughout our Circuits.

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER. Published under the direction of the Conference of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion Church, Montreal. Nos. I. and II. -We are highly gratified with these numbers of our new transatlantic periodical. Judging from what is before us, "The Christian Messenger" is evidently designed to be thoroughly Connexional in its character, and promises to be a most efficient medium for disseminating pure Gospel truth. The selected articles display good taste, and the original ones indicate decided talent.

OBITUARY.

MR. JOSEPH MOULDEN WAS a member of one of our churches in London, for a number of years. In his early life he was favoured with opportunities of hearing the gospel faithfully preached, and some holy impressions were made upon his heart. He then felt the Spirit of God graciously enlightening and drawing him to Christ, and he endeavoured to serve God in holiness and love. After this the work of grace declined in his soul, and he became unhappy. This state of declension continued for some time, until, after frequenting various places of worship in town, he and his partner were at last induced to attend Deverill Street

Chapel, which we at that time occupied. The Rev. A. Lynn preached that evening. He preached from,-"I have a message from God unto thee;" and described several classes of character, to each of which he delivered the message of God. One of his descriptions was very applicable to Mr. Moulden. He felt that he was the very man described, and the message of God entered into his soul with power. After service, upon enquiry as to what denomination the chapel and congregation belonged, they were told to the Methodist New Connexion. This excited their fears; the word new led them to think that there must be some dangerous novelty in this

church, and that therefore they must be cautious how far they connected themselves with it; but they soon after found that though, as a Methodist Connexion, it was new in contradistinction to the old, yet it had the old religion-the ancient and only true religion of Christ Jesus our Lord.

He

As Mr. Lynn announced his intention, on the following evening, to meet a class of persons who were desirous of fleeing from the wrath to come, our departed friend and his wife resolved to go. had been much affected by the sermon, and though it was sixteen years ago, he spoke of it during his sickness with tears; he was anxious to receive further instruction and encouragement in the way to God, and therefore he went to the class. But his timid spirit shrank from the idea of being personally addressed by the preacher in that meeting, and it was therefore with some consternation that he heard himself addressed; but he was spoken to with so much kindness and affection that his heart was won to the preacher, and he was encouraged to join the church, and consecrate himself to God. He sought the Lord by earnest prayer, and with a contrite and believing spirit, and found redemption through the blood of the Lamb, even the forgiveness of sins. He now walked in the consolation of the Holy Ghost, and became a tried and steadfast member of our church, in the communion of which he continued faithful during the vicissitudes it has had to experience.

For a number of years he sustained the important office of Class Leader, and also the office of Society Steward. His course of life was uniformly consistent. He was of a quiet, unobtrusive spirit. He pursued the noiseless and even tenor of his way, walking with God. He was seldom, if ever, assailed by the shafts of slander in the world, and was himself never known to have an unbridled tongue. His temper was equal and calm. He was singularly free from a fiery spirit. Humility and meekness, and quietness, marked his whole deportment. He was emphatically good man," and secured the esteem and affection of all around him. I have never yet heard one specific fault laid to his charge. From year to year he was the same consistent, pious Christian, an honour to the church, and a pattern of humble piety.

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He is now taken away. His affliction had long been coming upon him, before he took to his bed. For several years he had been the subject of debility. His strength gradually and slowly declined, and his nervous system became feeble and excitable. His mind too, even at an early period of his affliction, was sometimes

slightly affected, so that his thoughts wandered; and while engaged in prayer, in his class and in his family, he would say words which were plainly contrary to what he meant, Week after week his strength declined, yet without his countenance losing its colour, and without his being at that time subject to much pain. So early as last May his life was declared by his medical attendant to be in a most precarious state, and always in danger. As long as he was able he went to the house of God, and visited his friends, but sickness ultimately reduced him to the weakness of a child, and rendered even the frequent visits of his many friends wearisome to his body. Often when I visited him he told me of his conversion to God, and of his sole dependance on Christ for salvation; and often did he repeat those words

"None but Jesus,

Can do helpless sinners good."

One day when I called he said, "I am not fit to live, I am so ill." I said, "I hope you feel quite assured that through Christ you are fit to die;" when he replied, "If the Lord were to say to me at this moment, 'Would you wish to die now, or a week hence?' I would say," and he clasped his uplifted hands, and turning his eyes towards heaven, exclaimed, “Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly!" Weak and ill, however, as he was, and though his limbs had even begun to swell, his life was protracted for a number of weeks after this. Wearisome days and sleepless nights were appointed to him, until he sunk into a state of complete exhaustion both of body and mind. He became helpless as a child, and through the infirmity of the flesh was sometimes tempted to be impatient.

The

His affliction was heavy and long, and it seriously affected his mind. He had many illusions of the eye, which annoyed him much; and his mental aberrations were a source of much distress both to him and to his friends. Under their influence he seemed to become another man, and gave utterance to strange expressions, such as had never been heard from him before, at any period of his life. meek, and patient, and pious Joseph Moulden, became excited, angry, violent, and ungovernable. His mind had lost its balance; he mistook the names of things, and forgot the names of his friends. This was the effect of disorder on his feeble frame. In this state of mental disease he, of course, could not be regarded as morally accountable. He had, however, many lucid moments, when his mind was calm, and devout, and stayed upon God; and on some subjects he seemed to be able at

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