!And whence, I ask, originate those vapoury curtains which obscure the light, and absorb the heat of the sun, as he rushes on in his celestial circuit? They do not descend from him; they ascend from earth. They come from the seas, the lakes, the streams, which traverse our world; and, children of the earth and the water, they obscure, though they cannot dissipate; they hide, though they cannot destroy; they shroud, though they cannot arrest the bright and glorious beams which still pour down, in uncontrolled issue, from the fountain of day. And just so is it with the dark clouds that sometimes brood over the church. They originate not in heaven but on earth. They do not descend from God, but ascend from us. They arise with ourselves alone. While they obscure the light of God's face, that light is still serenely shining. It is for us to remember that our prayers are required for their removalour prayers, which will call forth the hand of God for their dissipation; our prayers, in answer to which the darkest cloud of gloom and despondence may be changed into a plenteous and refreshing shower of blessing from on high; our prayers, in answer to which we shall thus be made to sing, 'The waters saw thee, O God! the waters saw thee; they were afraid. The depths also were troubled; the clouds pour out water! He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; as showers that water the earth."" Each discourse issues in an urgent practical appeal. We would point to the closing paragraph of the discourse (No. III.) on the journey to Canaan, which we have not room to quote. In addressing the young (No. IV.), the manner changes to one of gentle simplicity; but there is the same earnestness still. On the text, Matt. xix. 14, a sermon to children in the best style of such composition is constructed on the simple division,-Little children need to come, may come, ought to come, and have come to Jesus. The little memoir prefixed is precisely what it ought to be. No copied formulary of panegyric, with names and dates filled in, but an artless narrative, growing out of the subject, and belonging to it only. There is a fine simplicity about it, which we like, which reminds us of the admirable manner of Isaac Walton's Biographies, and the method of developing the character by means of the facts of the history skilfully arranged, which Mr B. has adopted and vindicated, is after a higher model. It is the seriptural way. The whole is written in a subdued and finent style, well answering to the subject, like plaintive music. The funeral sermon by Dr Ritchie is included in the volume. An appropriate discourse upon the text Gen. v. 24, "He walked with God," &c. The resemblances between the subject of the text and the subject of the sermon are ably detected, and drawn out at many points. It is in the Doctor's usual abrupt, nervous, manly style. We commend this little volume to all our readers. It must find rapid circulation among the congregation at Carnoustie. Though we believe the vacant pulpit is soon to be filled with a successor, yet on Sabbath evenings, when the voice of the living preacher has ceased, "every family apart" may open this little volume, by which their late pastor shall still live among them, by which he being dead yet speaketh. THE SOULS UNDER THE ALTAR; or, the Opening of the Fifth Seal. A Discourse by WILLIAM SYMINGTON, D.D. Delivered at Wigtown, 24th September 1848, in aid of a Fund for erecting a Monument in honour of the Martyrs whose Ashes repose in the Churchyard of that Parish. Glasgow Printed for the Committee. THE name of the author of this discourse is a sufficient guarantee for its general excellence. It possesses not all, but some of, Dr Symington's peculiar characteristics as a clear logical thinker, and a sound expositor of God's word. The subject of the discourse is at all times profoundly interesting, and has occupied the exegetical talents of the most learned. In Dr Symington's hands it is discussed with no ostentatious display of erudition, but in such a style as evinces the author's habits of accurate research, his extensive reading, and general acquaintance with the hermeneutics of the most difficult portions of the Apocalypse. The object of the discourse is a very unusual one; notwithstanding, it is one of solemn interest. To do honour to the martyrs, and specially to commemorate the glorious witness-bearing for the truth of God, for which these illustrious men and women shed their blood, is a sacred object, and cannot fail to secure the sympathies of genuine Protestants in these ominous days. And the time chosen for the preaching of this discourse must contribute not a little to its being read with deep interest, and highly appreciated, as it deserves to be, as an admirable specimen of the author's critical acumen and his fine old covenanting patriotism. We are upon the eve, if not in the very midst, of times which portend danger to the cause for which these martyrs died. Popery and Puseyite prelacy look rampant, and from Protestant high places receive those favours which The discourse is founded on Rev. vi. 9, 11. After an appropriate introduction, the author proposes to treat the subject of the fifth seal, first, by explaining the language; then by ascertaining the historical references; and lastly, by pointing out the general import or design of the seal. With his exposition of the passage we are much pleased; and, though it contains no new views, it presents nothing but what is true in itself, and equally satisfactory to the "learned and the pious reader. Our space forbids more minute allusions. Under the historical head we think Dr S. has been very happy in seizing upon those great points in the history of Rome heathen, Rome christian, and Rome papal, with which the apocalyptic visions must be connected, and which reflect upon then a clear and consistent light. To Rome papal, of course, bhe puts down the struggle of the Reformation, and the overthrow of Antichrist." With this compendious statement of the principles for which the martyrs contended mands died swe cannot find fault; though, with our views as Voluntary Churchmen, we should have relished a few of those indignant expressions against the essential Erastianism of all state churches, which the subject most certainly justifies and is entitled to. But from our esteemed author this could not be expected. There is nothing in the whole region of controversy, however, 00 -sdecided, chamazes us more than the I in scripture and in profane church history, identified with Antichrist," either1 as a principle in the agitations of the day, or as a personage representing that principle. If God's will be, to tolerate for centuries to come the incorporation of any portion of his church with the states of the earth, then we may be assured martyrdom will not cease out of the land, and at frequent intervals there will be occasion given for the preaching of Discourses having the same object in view with our author's. Let us fondly hope that it shall not be so, and that soon Antichrist of all forms and features will be dispatched to the Tophet whence he came. Surely the menaced endowment of Popery in Ireland, will induce some who advocate the principle of an Established Church, to overhaul their creed. It appears certain that, on the voluntary principle, no such profanity eduld be offered to the truth of God, and no such wanton insult offered to the commonwealth.baIf, then, our respected fellow Protestants are indignant at the threat, let them accuse their own dogmas for it, and abandon them. We have an inward conviction that suc will be the issue by and by. Of the pure and high-minded attachment of Dr Symington, and the respectable, body of which he is the decus et tutamen," to genuine Protestant principles, the world is well assured. Would they were with us out and out in our crusade against Erastus! We should hail their accession to our ranks as the forerunner of one of the most majestic movements in advance of spiritual christianity, which shall be chronicled on history's honest page." 9 We had marked several passages for quotation, but have only place for the peroration of the sermon. It is a beautiful, forei ble, and stirring appeal, worthy of the author's reputation as an eloquentewriter, as well as an erudité scholar, and withal appropriate to the great question of the day. I as we know, most conscienetious adherence of noble-minded and acute men, to the principles of the martyrs; while the church-polity principle, which, as we think, contains the very essence of the spirit of persecution, is manfully maintained by them, as in accordance with the word of God. But for that principle, there ne'er had been a martyr in God's church. No plagues shall come upon her in one day, and We are well assured that Babylon's doubt, martyrdom has been over-ruled for that she shall be utterly burned with fire good to the church of Christ still, it is an to evil state of things that occasions it; and it Mark, for your encouragement, the expres for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.' would have been far better for the cause of sion, for strong is the Lord God who judgeth to truth at this day, had there never been any her Rome is strong, but there is a stronger necessity for martyrs in its defence. Strict- than she. She may yet increase her zeal and ly understood, martyrdom would never havere louble her activities; nominal and faithless been known but for the dogma of the ma- Protestants may give themselves over to supine Ogistrate being bound to support christianity. indifference, and even lend their aid to advance When christians fall out among themselves, her interests; Oxford, forgetting tlie purpose tand proceed to any kind or degree of vio-Romanized; the court of Britain may formi difor which its schools are upheld, may become <1ence in vindication of their several opi-plomatic relations with the Court of Rome, nions, the party aggressing is not, in the apocalyptic sense, a persecutor, nor are they who suffer to be considered martyrs. Perei secution and martyrdom have been always 7 and may even with perfidious and suicidal in- vanic strength to the system, the efforts aris-rious metto, For {the Word of God and the ing from which will be but as the mortal spasm of approaching dissolution. The doom of Babylon is sealed. The hour is fixed, and at no great distance, when the seven-hilled city shall be tossed from its proud pre-emihence, when the triple crown of blasphemy Shall b be prostrated in the dust,'' when, like a millstone cast with an angel's might into the sea, the great city shall be thrown down to rise no more at all forever Do you demand security that it shall be so, before you comply with the command to rejoice in the prospect? bWhat bettero can you have than this strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.' The might of Jehovah, the strength of the Omnipotent, is pledged for the destruction of pery. There is no room for despondency, popery. tles He, Whose voice is obeyed by the wind and the Waves He, to whom the planets in their courses, and the angels in their holy ministry, do homageHe, who can rend the rocks with bhis word and shake the earth with his presence#-He, who has the roar of the thunder and the impetuosity of the whirlwind, not less than the whispering breeze of love, at his Command even He it is that hath said, Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy aposand prophets, for God hath avenged you With violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. The Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? his hand 9is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform bthis.woContemplate it then, my hearers, with unwavering faith pray for it with devotion; anticipate it with rapturous, satisfaction and delight.com 94 to pay to 19. 1. Testimony of Jesus for Christ's Crown and ༑ ༑ SCEPTICAL DOUBTS EXAMINED. A Series of Dialogues adapted to the Juvenile and Popular Mind. By a MEDICAL PRACTITIONER. Published under the sanction of the "Scottish Association for opposing Prevalent Errors.",bd noisoteså Edinburgh; W. Oliphant & Sons Ir is but too evident that infidelity is gaining ground in this country, especially among the handicraft portion of our population. Of the extent to which publications of a debasing tendency are circulated and read among that class in our large towns and manufacturing districts, few who do not mingle with them have any adequate notion. And the melancholy feature in their case is, that the means of evangelization by which the Christian church seeks to overtake the outcast and the profligate among us, do not reach the class of sceptical artisans. They are alienated from the ordinances of the house of God from ministers of the gospel from the Bibleand from the [religious tract, which they regard as mere twaddle: while the missionary, in his domiciliary visits, rarely meets with them. His calls and conversations are generally limited, in their effects, to their wives and children, It comes therefore to be a question of grave import, what is to be done to reach, if possible, this part of the community, if they are to be reclaimed to Christian conviction, and a healthy moral state? Whatever may be said on this wide and momentous subject a subject which is ever becoming more Let the subject, in fine, serve to direct, confirm, and animate us, in regard to what tis our own duty at the present time. Let us manifest becoming respect for the memory of Our martyred forefathers; and do what we -an by refreshing their time-worn tablets, -land, aboves calls by seeking to revive an in9terest in the sacred cause in which they died, to hasten forwards their predicted investiture Lewith white robes. As christians, we profess to be the fellow-servants of all the saints in glory; as Scottish Presbyterians, we are the hereditary descendants of the martyrs of our country; but they only can consistently claim bthe honour of being their real successors who adopt and act out their principles, which were opposed at once to popery, prelacy, and eras-urgent in its claim to our attention there -atianism. || Lift up your eyes then, and look. Behold, the souls under the altar. Perceive ye snot among them, the spirits of Patrick Habimilton, and George Wishart of Argyll, and EaGuthrie, and Warriston of Cameron, and Cargill, and Renwick, and other names in Scotland's illustrious army of martyrs, Imbibe setheir spirit Espouse their cause. Followin ontheir worthy footsteps. Lift high their fallen istandard. Shake out the folds of their bat9tored and blood stained banner to the wind, nand the gathering breeze of passing events will not suffer it to hang flapping idly against lithe ag staff, but stretch it stiffly out so that -men on all sides may read its simple but glo .9 111 cannot be a doubt as to the necessity of omaking a vigorous use of the press, for the purpose of supplying the right kind of literature for meeting the condition of the class just referred to. We invite attention to the little work now before us, as an admirable specimen of the sort of publication which we think fitted to be extensively useoful among the masses. It hits, with great precision, the forms of infidelity which are most prevalent and, in a very attractive and persuasive manner, exposes the sophistry of the free-thinker, and defends the bulwarks of revelation. The discussion is conducted in the form of a dialogue be tween a Christian minister and an unbe liever. Beginning with an exhibition of the absurd and unphilosophical nature of the notions of the Atheist and Pantheist, the author gives a compendious view of the argument for the divine authority of Christianity, drawn from miracles and prophecy, vindicates it from infidel objections, and combats the views of the materialist, the fatalist, and the socialist, in reference to free agency and responsibility. Cavils against the Scripture doctrines, relative to the influence of the Spirit, the efficacy of prayer, a particular providence, and other doctrines allied to these, are disposed of with much ability and acuteness. Nor is that the least successful part of the work, in which he shows the compatibility of the love of God to mankind in the providing of salvation, with his sovereignty in the purpose of election. We could have wished more attention to have been paid to method in handling the various topics; but, in reading the volume, one feels that all the subjects taken up run into, and are naturally succeeded by one another. Such men as the "Medical Practitioner," to whose pen we are indebted for this excellent antidote to the floating infidelity of the day, are to be hailed as valuable labourers in the cause of eternal truth, and genuine philanthropy. We desire for the work a large circulation, and earnestly recommend it to congregational libraries, and to all who wish to bring anti-infidel books within reach of enquiring men, and especially young men, of the working class. We know no means better fitted to fortify their convictions, if they be not tainted by scepticism, or to reclaim them if they are, than the careful study of books of the class to which this belongs. Could every Christian man, in easy circumstances, resident in our large towns, be induced to aim at the reclaiming of one sceptic of the working class in his neighbourhood, and for this purpose to put into his hands this volume, following it up, from time to time, by similar publications, which might be only lent for a time, and by kind and seasonable conversation, we venture to say that the happiest results would at no distant day follow. THE NORTH BRITISH REVIEW. NO. XIX, Edinburgh: W. P. Kennedy. In this Number we have the usual variety of erudition, science, and literature. There is an able article on the historical founda tion of the Church of Rome, in which the writer produces, from a wide compass of reading, evidence to show, that the tenet of "the" Apostle › Peter's Roman episco pacy is a gratuitous assumption; and consequently that the other assumptions de pending upon this, in the Romanist at tempts to establish the papal supremacy, do not yield a shadow of support to these pretensions. Not inferior, in point either of information or ability, is a review of Sir William Hamilton's edition of Reid. The writer handles his subject with the vigour and facility of one who feels at home in his task. He makes due acknowledgment of the value of Sir William's contributions to the volume; takes notice especially of his great merits, in his examination of the different theories of perception; and affords, in his own account of hypotheses and speculations, a very superior specimen of the precision and clearness which he so much commends. Of the lighter articles, we like best an investigation of the authorship of Junius. The author brings forwards a new claimant, in the person of a Dr Lachlan M'Lean; whose history certainly is eventful, and whose pretensions to the honours of Junius are made to wear an appearance of plausibility. The article, it is understood, is by Sir David Brewster; and, coming from his pen, it is additionally interesting as an example of versatility of talent. The man, whose peculiar pur suits have made him conversant beyond most with the phenomena of the heavens: the sublimities of the temple of nature -is here seen to be as familiar with the sifting of circumstantial evidence as if he had been a practitioner all his days in the "Inner Temple" of the law. An article on Charles Lamb presents some memorials of his life and genius, by one who knew him. In the opening paragraphs there is vigorous thinking and composition, and the writer, to do better, need only to let effort alone. As he advances, he gives a good deal of insight into Lamb's life and character Amidst much that is interesting, there are not wanting specimens of twaddle. For example, he gives account of a dinner with the essayist, where the reviewer waso the only guest. The scene, we suppose, is i sketched, to show how geniuses can sometimes dine. And thus it was :-The two drankvery largely of wine during dinner, and none after it," this was their habit upon "principle." Dinner over, Lamb very soon fell asleep. By and by he awoke, crying, "Diddle, diddle dumpkins"-relapsed into silence, and again roused himself, crying, "Diddle, diddle dumpkins" as he rubbed his eyes the reviewer showed his ready wit, in dramatising Dumpkins; Miss Lamb in the meanwhile came in to tea; Lambs afterwards fired off one of his mercuria lities," in the shape of a pun about boots; next camera game at whist ; and then exerint omnes. This piece of surpassingri silliness, and worse, wanting even the jingle of a nursery rhyme, is actually spread over three pages of the sedate, sober-minded, evangelical North British Review. Surely the like of this cannot happen again. The BRITISH QUARTERLY REVIEW; for London: Jackson & Walford. THIS number possesses rich variety and sterling excellence. Channing and modern Unitarianism," contains the best sketch we have met with of the character and principles of the eloquent Bostonian; and while it exposes the fundamental error of his creed, it does this with such a full appreciation of his genius and many amiable qualities, as will command for the views advanced, the attention and respect of Channing's warmest admirers. Keats and Charles Lamb furnish the subjects for two biographical reviews, teeming with interesting anecdote, and radiated by a cheerful christian philosophy. The "Altai Mountains, and Chinese Frontier," is the title of an article embodying and condensing a vast store of information, respecting the geography and natural history of a region hitherto but little known. InSpinoza, his Life and Writings," the reviewer enters at large on the system of that famous sophist and heresiarch; subjecting it to the light of reason and revelation, and exhibiting its contrariety to both. Miss Martineau, who on the faith of a few months' residence in Egypt and the East, has ventared to come out with a three volume work on "Eastern Life, Present and Past," is duly chastised for her presumption; and the flimsy reasonings with which she plays into the hands of German neologians, in opposition to the believing view of Old Testament history, receive no more mercy than they deserve. A paper on "Autobiogra phy," illustrated by the self-furnished history of a conceited Florentine artist, whose obscurity belongs to the 16th century, gives occasion for some fresh and truthful strictures, expository of the quiet self-esteem, or unconscionable egotism with which some people, little known while they are alive, continue to force their useless memory on the notice of the world after they are dead. This is a pungent and sensible article, very; brief, but highly worthy the attention of those who, as diarists, have become candidates for posthumous renown. An ingenious and original essay, on the distinction between the beautiful and the picturesque, propounding a new and plausible theory on the question, is the only other article in the department of general literature. But the politics of the Review are sustained by two powerful papers; one on the endowment of Romanism; the other on the present state of Europe. These compositions are in their class of the highest order of merit, and display such resources of information, and political philosophy, at the command of the British Quarterly, as warrant us to assign it a first place in the highest class of periodical literature; while the soundly liberal and thoroughly earnest views they maintain, claim for the work the cordial sympathy and support of evangelical dissenters. In the subordinate department of the Review, consisting of brief criticisms of books, we find a sentence which especially concerns us and our circle of readers. It seems, according to the critic, "That so far as England and Englishmen are concerned, presbyterianism is an effete system, and that all the talk, as to the coming in of presbyterianism to do for England what may not be done by the extremes of prelacy or independency, it is all talk-idle talk." So the case is settled! It is but fair, however, that the idle talk here denounced, should not all be laid at the door of presbyterians. For our part, we have heard more of it from English Independents than from any other quarter. The critic ought to know, that some of his brethren do sometimes express the persuasion, that a presbyterian element is wanted to balance the system of English congrega-, tional dissent. Let him and his friends settle the matter between them. We care not for proselytism on such narrow ground. Entelligence.-United Presbyterian Church. GOO PRESBYTERIAL PROCEEDINGS. Cupar. This court met in West Port Church on the 7th November; Mr Gorrie, moderator p. t. As this was the annual meeting for conference with the sessions on the state of religion within the bounds, the attendance both of ministers and elders was large In the absence of Mr Kennedy, an address was delivered by Mr Gorrie, which was followed by a lengthened conversation, in which all the members took a part. Res ports were received from the conveners of the several districts into which the presbytery is divided, and it was agreed that in future queries be sent down to the sessions, on the different matters on which information is desired. It was also agreed that, during the ensuing year, the attention of ministers and elders should be specially called to the subject of family worship and prayer meetings, ascertaining how far these duties are attended to in their respective districts, and adopting such means, as mayo |