8. Be not only willing, but desirous, to have every defect in your powers, attainments, and productions, fully and explicitly pointed out. 9. Let your plan of study, and the arrangement for the distribution of your time, be judiciously formed, and prosecuted with the utmost diligence and punctuality. 10. Guard against those mental habits which may be eventually though imperceptibly prejudicial, by impairing the vigour of the mind or of the body. 11. Let it be your constant aim to arrive at general principles, on all the subjects to which your attention is directed. 12. Be not satisfied with the knowledge you have acquired on any subject of investigation, till you can express the result of your inquiries and reflections in your own words, either in conversation or in writing. The second part is divided into the following heads: I. The importance of still pursuing with diligence plans of mental improvement after terminating the course of academic discipline. 1. It would be absurd for a student to imagine, that on quitting the college, and entering on the active duties of the Christian ministry, he has "finished his studies," when in truth they are but commenced. 2. The importance of the object at which the Christian ministry aims, peremptorily requires the most strenuous and diligent improvement of the mental powers. 3. The difficulties which are to be encountered in the discharge of the Christian ministry require the most vigorous exertions and the most diligent application. 4. The importance of unwearied assi duity in a course of mental improvement, is evinced by the contrast observable between different classes of Christian Ministers. II. On the course of study, with a view to mental improvement, which it is most important to pursue in the earlier stages of the Christian ministry. 1. The study of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. 2. Study of Biblical criticism, theology, the human mind, &c. 3. Books contributing to devotional excitement and personal religion. 4. Latin and Greek classics. III. The best method of conducting direct preparation for the pulpit. 1. Remember the influence of devotional excitement on the operations of the intellect, when employed on spiritual subjects, and the importance of obtaining that divine aid which the Scriptures encourage us to expect. 2. Endeavour to connect mental improvement and acquisitions of knowledge with your ordinary preparations for the pulpit. 3. Let not undue importance be attached to artificial rules for the composition of sermons. 4. Endeavour to ascertain and to exhibit the leading sentiment intended to be conveyed by the text you have selected, and let that leading sentiment dictate the spirit and plan of the discourse. 5. In the study and in the delivery of your sermons, let your first and chief solicitude regard the thought rather than the language. 6. Aim chiefly at those qualities of style which are calculated to secure the great ends of discourses from the pulpit. 7. Cultivate, during the early years of your ministry, the habit of writing some of your discourses, with due regard to the composition. 8. Allow not the habit of writing ser mons to occasion the adoption of any undesirable method of delivering discourses from the pulpit. Some of the rules are subdivided into others, which, from their importance, might perhaps have occupied a more prominent place, and all of them are illustrated by brief, sensible, and important remarks. But the whole publication, though somewhat too short and sententious, and rather too costly*, is creditable to the judgment and piety of the author, and well deserving serious attention. A second edition has just appeared in 12mo. price 3s, ป BIBLE SOCIETIES. NORTH-WEST LONDON AUXILIARY BIBLE THE ninth Anniversary of this Institution was held in the Argyle Rooms, Regent Street, March 21, 1822, and was numerously and respectably attended. The Hon. Charles Shore was called to the chair, when an excellent Report of the last year's proceedings was read by the Rev. Basil Woodd. The usual resolutions were then moved and seconded by the Rev. Dr. Jennings, J. H. Harington, Esq. the Rev. T. Mortimer, the Hon. and Rev. G. Noel, the Rev. Dr. Steinkopff, G. Stratton, Dr. Thorpe, B. Burgess, and Mr. Bacon. Dr. Jennings remarked, that the commanding attitude of the Bible Society rendered many topics unnecessary. It might be assailed, but could never be overturned: we ought, therefore, not to look so much to the human machinery, as earnestly to seek for a divine influence to bless and crown our exertions. Many were disappointed in not seeing a greater moral effect produced, when the Society has been so long attempting to do good. But it was on Christian grounds to be expected, that Satan would oppose the cause by every means in his power, and would therefore stir up his instruments to a higher pitch of audacity. Ecclesiastical history shows that periods of remarkable religious activity have usually been distinguished by attempts to delude; the contest between believers and unbelievers has become more marked; and this, instead of producing despondence, should excite to greater zeal. We should consider the present influence of the Bible Society with reference to the wants of the world; and not merely contemplate what others are doing, but how much we can do. Dr. J. then alluded to the loss the Society had sustained by the death of Mr. Chris tian, one of their Secretaries; whom he pointed out as a fine example of what an individual might effect, without neglecting his own concerns, or forgetting the duty, which he owed to his own family. In stead, however, of being discouraged at such a loss, it should stimulate us to greater exertions, and should lead us to point out to each other, as Hannibal pointed out to his soldiers the plains of Capua from the summit of the Alps as their rest and reward, the blessedness of those who are admitted to the regions of eternal happiness. J. H. Harington, Esq. the President of the Calcutta Bible Society, testified from his own local knowledge, of the need of such institutions to supply the wants of our fellow-subjects in India. It would be recollected, that the late Henry Martyn had preached and published a Sermon, entitled, "An Appeal on behalf of a hundred thousand professing Christians, Natives of India." He felt himself called to make an appeal on behalf of a hundred millions of our fellow-subjects in India; that professing Christians might be supplied with Bibles; that versions might be provided for the use of others; especially as they would most essentially assist missionaries in their benevolent exertions. Mr. H. then alluded to the numerous versions which had been made into the Indian languages, and the various editions printed by the Baptist Missionaries at Serampore, and reminded the assembly that there were twenty-six versions now making, which could only be completed by the aid of the Bible Society, which therefore he called on them to support. Mr. H. rose a second time (in the absence of Sir Alexander Johnstone, who had been obliged to leave the room), to move the thanks of the meeting to the chairman, the Hon. C. Shore; in doing which he paid a well-deserved compliment to his father, Lord Teignmouth, and declared there was no name more highly venerated through a great part of India than that of Shore. The Rev. T. Mortimer, adverting to the severe illness of Mr. Owen, stated the importance of working while we can, and noticed what the Bible Society had done for the Church, in destroying its bigotry and concentrating its energies; for the world, who had formerly been offended with the quarrels of professing Christians, and were now astonished at their harmony; and for the Saviour, in preparing the way for the universal spread of his dominion. Dr. Steinkopff pointed out the want of Bibles which still existed; that in one diocese in Finland, after several thousands had been distributed, it was found that 18,000 were still wanting; that in one province of Sweden 14,000 families were destitute of the word of life; that in a district of ten Protestant villages on the Continent scarcely one copy of the entire Scriptures could he found. He showed the eager desire which existed for Bibles in various and far distant parts of the world, at Otaheite, St. Petersburg, among the Esquimaux, &c. and pointed out the good which had been effected by it, in causing in various parts, according to the testimony of a foreign prelate, the churches to be better attended, the sabbath more hallowed, and vice more effectually restrained, and in bringing blind idolaters to the obedience of faith; which he confirmed by a recent letter from Dr. Pinkerton relating the conversion of twenty-two Calmucks. The Hon. and Rev. G. Noel alluded to the unmixed satisfaction with which the Society was regarded by many; the condensed benevolence it exhibited; it had been for seventeen years dear to the world, affording abundant consolations to the afflicted; it was dear to Heaven, many hearts beating high in the prospect of that blessed state who had been led to prepare for it by this Institution; and thousands would look back, and own that all the bliss they enjoyed in that eternal state was, under God, to be attributed to the hallowed instrumentality of this Society. Was it nothing that the oil of gladness had been communicated to the heart of the Esquimaux? nothing, that the Amharic version was completed to enlighten the dark regions of Abyssinia? nothing, that so many had been supplied with the fountains of life? He then referred to the danger which might be feared, lest, as the novelty ceased, the friends of the Institution should grow weary, or relax their exertions; he therefore called upon them to act on principle rather than feeling; to remember how vain all their efforts would be without the blessing of Almighty God, and to pray much in secret for his powerful aid; not to relax in the cultivation of the extensive field before them, but to rejoice in the animating prospect which it afforded. The Rev. J. Stratton thought it impossible for any to be intimately acquainted with, and not enthusiastically to love, the Bible; and that all who truly loved the Bible must admire the Bible Society. He bore testimony to the moral change which had been produced by this Institution in various places within his own knowledge, and contended, that if men would fairly examine, they would find that those districts where vice and crime existed, were not the districts where Bible Societies were in operation, but the places where they had either recently been instituted or were altogether unknown. The Rev. Dr. Thorpe alluded to the nature, value, and importance of Bible truth; contrasted the infidel society who planned and hoped to destroy the Bible, and foolishly avowed their expectations of success, with the efforts now made by the Bible Society for its circulation. He pointed out the moral effect of the Bible Society in exciting attention to religion at home, and promoting a desire for the Scriptures among the heathen. He then showed the indispensable necessity of such an Institution from the absolute inability of all other existing societies to occupy its ground. After the circulation of almost three millions of Bibles and Testaments, the home demand was still nearly if not quite as large; and, notwithstanding this distribution, six millions of the inhabitants of Ireland were entirely destitute of the Bible. The Rev. B. Burgess alluded to the different scenes he was called upon to witness at sick and dying beds where the Bible was known and honoured, and those where it was unknown or neglected; and added his testimony to the valuable character of their late Secretary, Mr. Christian, whom he had often found engaged in messages of mercy. Mr. Bacon seconded the vote of thanks to the chairman, who replied in a neat and appropriate speech, and the assembly broke up bighly gratified with the Christian elequence and right feelings which had been manifested throughout the day. BLOOMSBURY AND SOUTH PANCRAS AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. THE Anniversary of this Auxiliary Bible Society was held at Freemasons' Hall, on March 22, and was numerously and respectably attended: the Chair was taken at one o'clock by Charles Grant, Esq. President; when a very able and luminous Report was read by the Rev. D. Wilson, one of the Secretaries. The usual resolutions were then moved or seconded by Sir C. S. Hunter, R. Grant, Esq. the Rev. W. Dealtry, G. Burder, J. W. Cunningham, W. Metzger, R. C. Dillon, Dr. Winter, T. Webster, Dr. Waugh, D. Wilson; when the Meeting closed by a short but energetic speech from the Chairman. The Rev. Mr. Dealtry, after alluding to the Report, which he characterized as the most gratifying he had ever heard, proceeded to speak of the value and importance of the Institution. In many cases persons had been led to the knowledge of the truth solely by reading the Bible, so that the Bible had been described as the best missionary; being free from that feeling of hostility which the person of the missionary often excited. He pointed out the value of the Bible as a missionary's credentials, adverting to one of the early fathers who put the New Testament into the hands of inquirers, and bid them read for themselves. He showed how much the permanency of missionary labours depended on the Scriptures, as exemplified in the case of Brainard, whose usefulness terminated with his life. He then noticed some of the common objections, and pointed out their fallacy; showed what new fields opened on our view; how the old sneer of, Can you ever expect a Mahommedan to read your Ribles? had been refuted by the reading of Martyn's Testament in Persia; and insisted upon the necessity of perseverance, that we might not only view the land afar off, but go up and possess it. Mr. Burder referred to the Apostle's language, “As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, but especially to the household of faith;" insisted upon it, that no good was equal to that of communicating the word of life; considered the Meeting as assembled to perfect the work of the Reformation: before that time no country could have the Bible: before printing was invented, one Testament would have cost more than one hundred Bibles at present, and therefore the poor could not then possess the Bible. He noticed the effects produced by the reading of the Bible in the East and among the Esquimaux; showed how industry was excited by its perusal, in that indolent South Sea Islanders were excited to prepare cocoa-nut oil, to contribute to send the -Bible to other destitute islands; and illustrated the beneficial effect by referring the gift of a single potatoe, some years ago, to a native of New Zealand, which has now produced sufficient provision for immense multitudes, who must otherwise have perished. Mr. Cunningham noticed the success which had been obtained by the labours of individuals. In a very destitute and neglected parish, a young lady undertook the work of collecting for this Institution, and obtained no less than 76 subscribers out of 80 families. She was called, in the course of Providence, to quit the situation, and experienced considerable anxiety on her removal, so as to confer with Mr. C. on the subject; he encouraged her to renewed exertion, in the hope that Providence would not send her in vain: the result was, that out of 105 cottagers 96 were induced to contribute. Will any one, said Mr. C. after such an example, refuse to labour because he is alone? He expressed his satisfaction at observing the increased demand for Bibles in proportion to that of Testaments, as mentioned in the Report; which afforded, in his view, an evidence of the progress of understanding, leading the poor from that which is easy to that which is more difficult, and the progress of piety, in causing them no longer to be satisfied with part, but to desire the whole. He then touched on the good effected, and especially alluded to the feelings of his own mind that morning in visiting Newgate. What could he say to a -poor condemned criminal, which would be for one moment worth attention, were it not for this book? who is proceeding as missionary to Africa, declared the satisfaction with which be had seen the Bible among the Roman Catholics in Germany, and the joy with which he hoped to contemplate it among the negroes in Africa. Sir C. S. Hunter expressed his pleasure at being able to retire from bustle and from business to engage in such a cause, referred with satisfaction to an allusion made by the former speaker to the great Saxon reformer had it not been for his exertions, and those of similar men, the Bible Society would never have shone. He then noticed the power of female influence, and called upon the ladies to continue their great exertions in so glorious a cause. Rev. C. Dillon pointed out the facilities of translation now possessed, in comparison with former times, and the practicability, with our present advantages, of effecting that universal circulation of the Scriptures, which had at one time been deemed visionary and romantic. Dr. Winter mentioned it was his and his fellow Secretaries' prayer, des.re, and endeavour to promote the prosperity of the Society, and pointed out the benefits that Ministers had received from the Bible Society, as well as the services they had rendered to its cause. The advantages were mutual. Dr. Steinkopff referred to the lamented indisposition of his Colleague, and the damp which the announcement of Mr. O.'s illness had cast over the Meeting of the Committee. He spoke most highly, and who could speak too highly? of Mr. O.'s valuable services. Dr. S. stated, that the funds of the Society are in a prosperous state; that a powerful check had been given to infidelity; but that nothing, he trusted, would ever check the glorious progress of the Bible cause. We regret that our time and our limits compel us to pass over, without even a brief notice, the eloquent and pious addresses of C. and R. Grant, Esqrs. of the Rev. Dr. Waugh, T. Webster, and D. Wilson; but the pressure of religious intelligence is so great, that we are compelled to omit much which we should gladly insert, and which we are sure would prove highly The Rev. W. Metzger, from Stutgard, interesting to our reader's. NAVAL AND MILITARY BIBLE SOCIETY. WE received the Report of this valuable Institution too late in the last month to allow of any extracts being then inserted in our pages. We are happy to state, that this Society is proceeding in its work of mercy with unremitting exertion and great success, having distributed in our army and navy during the preceding year above ten thousand Bibles and Testaments; that their funds are progressively increasing, although the number of claims on their bounty has been so urgent, that the Committee have been almost compelled to enter into engagements for nearly 2000%. beyond their income. In remarking on the especial objects of their Institution, the Committee observe, "The class of characters whose cause they plead, and for whose be nefit they are engaged, by their importance to the State, and the peculiar nature of their profession, have been objects of the most anxious attention at every period of the world. Conscious how much the prosperity and even the very existence of a country reposed upon them, every reward has been proposed, and talent and genius have exhausted their richest stores, to excite and encourage them in their perilous vocation; and when they have fallen in the hour of battle, the tears, the honours of a nation have endeavoured to recompense the generous sacrifice they had made. "But just and laudable as are these national tributes and testimonies, they will, your Committee are persuaded, in a nation where Religion is so honoured as our own, give place to her in an estimate of the benefits that can be conferred upon the man bred to arms. It is the Bible which this Society proposes to put into the hands of the sailor and the soldier, that can alone console him when the heart sickens under a separation from all that by nature is most dear to him: it is this that will constitute his best safeguard at periods of necessary inaction, in scenes surrounded by temptations, moments more dreaded by the Romans than the sword of the enemy; but it is in the last sad catastrophe, whether he be then stretched on the bed of sickness or expiring in the hour of battle, that the superiority of this heavenly principle appears: other causes and agents may, like the friends of Martha and Mary, come forward to sympathize and condole; but Religion comes like the Saviour, not indeed as on that occasion to recall to life, but to do more, to confer a passport to the bliss of heaven-to life everlasting. There also another point of view in which your Committee would state the benefits you may be reasonably supposed to confer by your present labours and exertions; and that regards countries and places to which our fleets and armies may be destined. The effect of Christianity has been to smooth the rugged aspect, to mitigate the horrors of war; but if such be its general tendency, its operation, where it savingly exists, is almost to counteract its evils. Should it please the God of armies to crown the valour of the Christian sailor or soldier with success, no sooner has victory declared in his favour, than every hostile disposition ceases, and nothing now reigns in his bosom but the kindliest feelings. Such are the benefits your exertions are calculated to impart to distant climes; to send to them, since wars unhappily may still occur, men actuated by no feelings of rancour, no purposes of injustice; who come to fight their country's "battles; and when these are gained, desist from all further violence, and are ready to perform to their enemies every duty of Christian kindness and brotherly love." After the usual details concerning the proceedings of the Society during the year, in which many interesting facts are stated, the Committee advert to the pecuniary engagements into which they have entered, and close the Report with the following appeal: "And here your Committee pause: impelled by the resistless emergency of circumstances, they have, in reliance on support, ventured on an expenditure beyond their existing resources: they anxiously inquire, then, have they incurred the charge of temerity? or may they look to British benevolence and liberality to approve their zeal, and enable them to fulfil their engagements? They ventured forward with reluctance; but the stimulus of so highly interesting a cause was too powerful to be resisted, and the good effects of their labours such as to encourage every possible exertion in continuing them. The beneficial effects, indeed, of this Society are not conjectural or merely speculative; on the contrary, by a happy coincidence of fact and language, the actual fruits that have flowed from it are so valuable and at the same time so much beyond expectation, that were they not established on indubitable testimony, they must be denominated speculative-unreal. "Your Report for 1820 records a dreadful mortality among the troops in the West Indies; but what is the word which in that narrative sounds in the ear like the voice of an angel? It is the Bible! This rises like a benignant planet upon the lurid scene, and possesses an efficacy that almost purifies the infected atmosphere. "We see our dying warriors holding by the Word of God as their ark in this general destruction; and, when their feeble hands dropped it under the stroke of death, it was eagerly seized by their companions as the dearest object they could grasp-as a solid ground of hope and consolation. Surely facts like these will make a resistless appeal to every heart-will excite to that sympathy, patronage, and support, and stimulate to those renewed exertions, that shall place this Society, among the other valuable associations which adorn our land, on that footing of eminence and prosperity to which its utility, it must be admitted, fully entitles it. Your Committee will add no more, but simply observe, that never is piety more interesting than when it shines forth from the warrior's breast: communicating its mild and heavenly nature to his warlike qualities, it borrows in return a portion of his martial manly graces, and thus presents a union perhaps the most interesting the mind can |