those mighty rivers, in the midst of which, and by the sides of which, all solitary as they now are, the foundations of large cities will in future, perhaps not far distant ages, be laid, by the most enterprising races from the old world. The Future Destiny of Man. A Sermon preached in the parish Church of Canongate, on the 3d of June, 1849, the Sabbath after the interment of the late Rev. Dr. Gilchrist. By the Rev. ANDREW R. BONAR, Minister of Canongate. Edinburgh: Myles Macphail. This is a masterly and eloquent sermon, replete with the language of holy writ, and distinguished throughout by no ordinary amount of talent. The style is clear, manly, and vigorous, the doctrinal sentiment strictly evangelical, and the application pointed and practical, and brought home with impressive simplicity. We have rarely met with a sermon which has commended itself more powerfully to our judgment, and which we can therefore more strongly and safely recommend to public notice. After a suitable introduction, the author goes on to make some appropriate remarks upon the affirmation of the text, But man dieth and wasteth away," and then notices the inquiry presented for consideration, “ He giveth up the ghost, and where is he?" Before closing his sermon, the author pays an honourable and beautiful tribute of sincere respect to the virtues and extensive learning of his much esteemed and lamented colleague, “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord-they rest from their labours and their works follow them." We strongly recommend the sermon to the special notice of young ministers, as comprising a beautiful sample of theological teaching, and worthy the talents of the amiable and excellent author. It will richly repay a perusal, and can scarcely fail to minister to their instruction and pleasure. Mr. Bonar is already favourably known to the public as the author of "Scenes from the History of the Christian Church," "Last Days of the Martyrs," and "the History of the Holy Land," a volume in Seeley's Christian Family Library, which though published anonymously, we believe to be the production of his pen. Facts and Incidents, illustrative of Scripture Doctrines, as set forth in the Catechisms of the Wesleyan Methodists. By J. GILCHRIST WILSON, London: Partridge and Oakey. The compilation now mentioned is intended specially for the young. While embodying a mass of anecdotes, not a few of which are interesting, we can hardly congratulate the editor on his powers of discrimination and selection. Some of the illustrations are of a vague and indefinite character; and should the work ever reach a second edition, we would strongly advise a thorough remodelling and revision of the contents. A really good collection of religious anecdotes, fitted to interest and impress the rising generation, yet remains to be supplied. Experimental Evidence, a Ground for Assurance that Christianity is Divine. By GILBERT WARDLAW, A.M. Glasgow: James Maclehose. The frequent appearance of works, intended to set forth the claims of Christianity, and meant to defend our holy faith from assaults, may be taken as an indication that, with thoughtful minds, some anticipation is entertained of an approaching necessity for the maintenance and vindica tion of great principles, or, at least, that such productions are called for, to form a corrective to the delusions under which a large proportion of the community are labouring. Nor can it be denied, that in our own day, -amongst the population especially of our large towns-practical infidelity exists to a formidable extent, if we are to take the sure indication of outward and visible signs that force themselves on observation. Of the various branches of evidence in favour of religion, that arising from the accordance of Scripture with conscience, and the fidelity of its descriptions of human nature, and the remedy it offers for the wants of suffering humanity is at once most striking and satisfactory to the intelligent and reflecting mind; while the study of it may, in many cases, be peculiarly profitable, as bringing the inquirer within the temple of truth itself—not leaving him merely to contemplate the stability of the foundation, or the grace and beauty of the materials that enter into the composition of the edifice. We are prepared, then, cordially to welcome all well-matured contributions to this department of theological study, such as the one which Mr. Wardlaw has now presented to the public. It has been judiciously arranged, the conclusions are clearly brought out, and the argument is conducted with cogency and skill. It is rich in its reference to the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel; and while calculated to confirm the faith, and to establish the hope of the Christian, it may also lead the gainsayer to consideration, arouse the thoughtless, and lead them to peruse the Scriptures in the spirit of docility. ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE. Induction. On the 11th May ult., the Rev. George Gibb was admitted by the Presbytery of Meigle, to the pastoral charge of the church and parish of Glenisla. The services were ably conducted by the Rev. Mr. Ramsay of Alythe, after which Mr. Gibb received a cordial welcome from a large portion of the people. He was introduced on the Sabbath following, by the Rev. Mr. Boag, of Uphall, who preached to a numerous and attentive audience. Call. At a meeting of the congregation of the Chapel of Ease, Port-Glasgow, held on Thursday evening, the 21st ult., it was unanimously agreed to give a call to Mr. Dunipace, preacher of the Gospel, to become their pastor, in the room of the Rev. Mr. Kirke, who has been transferred to the Middle-Parish of l'aisley. Mr. Dunipace, we believe, is a licentiate of the Presbytery of Fife. Resignation of the Rev. Mr. Stuart of Newton. The numerous and respectable congregation of Newton-on-Ayr will learn with regret, that their esteemed minister has tendered his resignation of the duties of the church and parish. In a formal communication to the delegates and managers, last week, the Rev. Gentleman intimated, that he had The accepted an invitation to the assistant and successorship of the parish of Moffat. keenness of the sea air being hurtful to his constitution, and an inland situation being better adapted to it, (we have authority for stating,) is the only reason which has induced Mr. Stuart to take the present step. Death of Rev. Janes Smith of Ceylon.— The Ceylon Times of the 30th March, announces the death of the Rev. James Smith, Presbyterian minister at Kandy in that island, in connection with the Established Church of Scotland, on the 27th March. At the Manse of Hoy, Orkney, on the 10th nlt., the Rev. Gavin Hamilton, minister of the United parishes of Hoy and Graemsay, in the 86th year of his age, and 53d of his ministry. At the Manse, Kilsyth, on the 15th ult., the Rev. Henry Douglas, minister of the parish, aged 38 years. At Stenton, on the 23d ult., The Rev. D. Logan, minister of that parish. At Edinburgh on the 23d ult., the Rev. Dr. Gilchrist, first Minister of Canongate, in the 79th year of his age, and the 42d of his ministry. those mighty rivers, in the midst of which, and by the sides of which, all solitary as they now are, the foundations of large cities will in future, perhaps not far distant ages, be laid, by the most enterprising races from the old world. The Future Destiny of Man. A Sermon preached in the parish Church of Canongate, on the 3d of June, 1849, the Sabbath after the interment of the late Rev. Dr. Gilchrist. By the Rev. ANDREW R. BONAR, Minister of Canongate. Edinburgh: Myles Macphail. This is a masterly and eloquent sermon, replete with the language of holy writ, and distinguished throughout by no ordinary amount of talent. The style is clear, manly, and vigorous, the doctrinal sentiment strictly evangelical, and the application pointed and practical, and brought home with impressive simplicity. We have rarely met with a sermon which has commended itself more powerfully to our judgment, and which we can therefore more strongly and safely recommend to public notice. After a suitable introduction, the author goes on to make some appropriate remarks upon the affirmation of the text," But man dieth and wasteth away," and then notices the inquiry presented for consideration, "He giveth up the ghost, and where is he?" Before closing his sermon, the author pays an honourable and beautiful tribute of sincere respect to the virtues and extensive learning of his much esteemed and lamented colleague, "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord-they rest from their labours and their works follow them.” We strongly recommend the sermon to the special notice of young ministers, as comprising a beautiful sample of theological teaching, and worthy the talents of the amiable and excellent author. It will richly repay a perusal, and can scarcely fail to minister to their instruction and pleasure. Mr. Bonar is already favourably known to the public as the author of "Scenes from the History of the Christian Church." "Last Days of the Martyrs," and "the History of the Holy Land," a volume in Seeley's Christian Family Library, which though published anonymously, we believe to be the production of his pen. Facts and Incidents, illustrative of Scripture Doctrines, as set forth in the Catechisms of the Wesleyan Methodists. By J. GILCHRIST WILSON. London: Partridge and Oakey. The compilation now mentioned is intended specially for the young. While embodying a mass of anecdotes, not a few of which are interesting, we can hardly congratulate the editor on his powers of discrimination and selection. Some of the illustrations are of a vague and indefinite character; and should the work ever reach a second edition, we would strongly advise a thorough remodelling and revision of the contents. A really good collection of religious anecdotes, fitted to interest and impress the rising generation, yet remains to be supplied. Experimental Evidence, a Ground for Assurance that Christianity is Divine. By GILBERT WARDLAW, A.M. Glasgow: James Maclehose. The frequent appearance of works, intended to set forth the claims of Christianity, and meant to defend our holy faith from assaults, may be taken as an indication that, with thoughtful minds, some anticipation is entertained of an approaching necessity for the maintenance and vindica Sidneyfield. A WREATH. A wreath a wreath for the conqueror's brow! And a branch from the weeping cypress bring, A wreath to hang on the minstrel's lyre ! Like the strange bright thought of a poet's dream; A wreath on the young bride's head to shine! With the treasure of sweets which its beauties hide; A wreath to lay on the martyr's tomb! There there alone let the ivy bloom, The ever-green leaves that through storm and strife, And brighest shine o'er the dim decay, Of ambition's glories pass'd away; For such is the crown that beseemeth best, -AGNES SMITH. |