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that Jesus sent to call him to his

arms.

I must now conclude, by directing you how to apply for his credit, which, I believe, amounts to about one pound one shilling and sixpence. First, it may be necessary to get a certificate from the magistrate or chruch-warden, certifying that you are the lawful parent, which you will inclose in a letter, "To the Right Honourable the Secretary at War." A few lines in answer to this will be a great satisfaction to me, and many more of your late son's friends in the Lord.

It has been proposed by the so-
ciety to erect a tomb over him as
a mark of regret and esteem for so
amiable a friend in the Lord.
I am, Sir, yours sincerely,

SILVESTER INCE,
Corporal 34th Regiment.

ELIJAH BROOKS,
Who died on the 22d of August, 1818,

AGED FIFTEEN YEARS.

it necessary for him to be carried up and down stairs through the whole of three winters, and for the last few months of his life prevented him from moving, except with crutches. In addition to three abscesses, which had formed themselves in his back on which he uniformly lay, he had one in each leg, so that his sufferings were extremely acute: yet he never murmured, but invariably acknowledged that what he endured was far less than he deserved; and when a dropsy took place, which much increased his pain, he would compare his condition with that of others, and express his gratitude to God that he was not so bad as many, and that he enjoyed those alleviations of which numbers were destitute.

Being of a naturally reserved disposition, it was with difficulty he could be persuaded to say any thing respecting religion in connexion with himself; but notwithstanding this backwardness to speak of the state of his own heart, lest he should say what he did not feel, the bias of his mind was evident to all who heard him. Prayer, the word, and the people of God, were desired above all things by him; and if a day elapsed without some friends calling to see him, he would complain of being deserted, and say,

THERE is no subject in which the truly good man takes a more lively interest than the increase of the church of Christ. It is with wonder and gratitude he hears that sinners, advanced in iniquity, are, by the combined energies of the Redeemer's" Must I be forsaken because I power and grace, subjected to his authority as King in Zion; but it is with feelings of peculiar delight that he contemplates the Saviour as the kind Shepherd of Israel, gathering the lambs in his arms, conducting them through this wilderness, and supporting them while passing | through the gloomy valley which leads to those rich pastures, where he will eternally feed them by the side of the "river of the water of life."

Amongst those of tender years, who, in life and in death, have experienced the compassionate regards of the blessed Jesus, we trust may be numbered the subject of this obituary. During the period of five years, with but little intermission, he was afflicted with a most painful disorder. He had several wounds in his body, which rendered

VOL. X.

cannot speak?" To his mother, who
is a pious woman, and a member of
the Rev. Mr. Roberts's church at
Bristol, he was most communica-
tive. One day he said to her, “ Mo-
ther, I think I shall soon be in hea-
ven, I am so happy; I feel such a
spirit of prayer, and the Lord an-
swers my prayers; I think I love
him, and he loves me." Frequently
has she found him bathed in tears,
and apparently in great distress of
soul: upon enquiring the cause, he
has replied, "I fear the Lord will
not have mercy upon me, I have
been such a great sinner." A friend,
one day, said to him, If Jesus
were on earth, do you think you
would go to him?"
His answer
was: "He is as able to save now
he is in heaven." Jesus alone was
his hope, his confidence, and his
support. His favourite hymn was,

30

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"Jesus, lover of my soul," &c. and he declared that he could always say, "Hide me, O my Saviour, hide," &c. It was not till within a few days of his death that the fear of dying was taken away, though he would observe, that he had rather die than live to sin as wicked children did. His anxiety for assurance of an interest in Christ was very great; and his mother earnestly prayed that the Lord would manifest his favour toward him, and give them a token for good. God in tender mercy heard and answered her prayers, the fear of death was entirely removed, and the doubting, trembling child, who could scarcely feel courage sufficient to speak to his parents upon the concerns of his soul, was enabled in his last lucid moments to exclaim: "I am going to heaven! happy! happy! happy! come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."

Bristol.

S. F. E.

BENJAMIN COCKER.

knew him to be guilty of was, staying at home on the sabbath to improve himself in writing, arithmetic, &c. instead of going to worship. His father gave him tender advice and mild reproof, but was afraid to compel him to go to worship lest it should make him dislike religion itself.

The means made use of had the desired effect-he soon became very serious and attentive. And about the beginning of 1817, his mind was much impressed by an improvement of those striking words of Solomon, Eccles. xi. 9. "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth," &c. and by reflecting upon that hymn of Dr. Watts (Book II. Hymn 52,) "Death! 'tis a melancholy day," &c. From this time he was much engaged in reading his Bible, and in secret prayer, and frequently asked his father the meaning of scripture passages. He was also very diligent in his attendance upon the public means of grace-being present not only at the regular seasons of worship on the sabbath, but frequently attending meetings for prayer, reliBENJAMIN, the son of James and gious conversation, &c. on the evenNancy Cocker, was born at Duck-ings of the week, and regularly the worth-hill, near Blackburn, Lan- prayer-meeting of young people at cashire, July 23, 1800, and died of seven o'clock on Lord's-day mornthe small-pox, Dec. 4, 1817. He ings. was the youngest of eleven children, and was brought up under the care of tender parents. At an early age his father began to inform him of the being of God, and of the perfections of his nature; of his eternal duration; of his holiness, and hatred of all sin; of his works of creation, and of his governing all things by his power; of the sin and fall of our first parents, and the eternal state of the dead. He was told of the love of God to the world, in giving his Son to die for sinners; of the love of Christ, the miracles which he wrought, &c. And he often said, while very young, "Tell me more things about Jesus Christ." Yet as he grew up, though he was never immoral, nor even trifling in his conduct, he seemed less concerned to improve his knowledge of divine things. He never seemed to take pleasure in wicked company; and one of the greatest crimes we

At the church-meeting, previous to his baptism, he lamented that he had not sooner begun to serve God, and spoke of himself as the chief of sinners, giving at the same time a very satisfactory account of the way in which he hoped to be saved, and of the doctrines of the gospel. He was baptized, in company with eight young persons, on the 9th of May, 1817. We now looked forward in the hope of enjoying his society and example for many years, being delighted with, though reproved by, the great pleasure which he seemed to take in spiritual things. It has often given us unspeakable pleasure to see him, after a long and hard day's labour, take his hymn book, sing a song of praise to God, and then retire to rest.

During his affliction (which continued fourteen days from its commencement, and baffled all medical aid) he was very patient and re

signed-one of his attendants observing, that he was as submissive to her directions as a little child that has but just learnt the meaning of words. All that he is recollected to have said about his affliction was, on one occasion, "Oh, my pain is inexpressible, yet, if I am spared, it may do well!" He took great pleasure in the prayers of his Christian friends; and as his disorder rendered talking with them very difficult, he always desired them to spend their visits in reading to him and in prayer. On one occasion he requested his sister to read him the church covenant; and on another, the 287th hymn of Rippon's selection: "Lord! didst thou die," &c.

About four o'clock in the morning, December 4, 1817, being raised in his chair while his bed was made, he departed without a struggle or a groan, we hope to a better world.

He was interred in the buryingground belonging to the Baptist chapel, at Accrington, and his death was improved by his pastor, from the words which had been the means of his conversion, Eccles. xi. 9; and also in a neighbouring Sunday-school, where he had been a teacher, (and where it is supposed he took the fatal infection, though

he had been inoculated in his infancy,) by Mr. James Bennett, from 1 Kings xiv. 13.

When he was baptized, his parents had the pleasure to see all the family, consisting of ten persons, members of the church at Accrington. But, alas! how short are the pleasures on this side the grave. One of his sisters, after a lingering illness, died September 12, 1817--and now our beloved Benjamin is no

more.

We have now no more help from his diligent hand-no more proofs of his ingenuity-we no longer enjoy his advice in difficulties-nor hear his pleasing voice in singing praises to God. We have no more of his example in his early rising, and zeal for the worship of God. We cannot view his bed-his books -his tools-his work-or the places where we have enjoyed much pleasant conversation together, but our

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ON Monday morning, the 19th of Knott, in a fit of apoplexy, aged October, 1818, died the Rev. John sixty-five. He was a good minister of Jesus Christ, and had sustained, with unblemished reputation, the pastoral office over the particular Baptist church at Chatham, for forty-two years. His mortal remains were interred in the Baptist burying-ground on the following Thursday, attended with every mark of respect from a numerous train of followers from each dissenting congregation. A funeral sermon was preached for him on the following Lord's-day, from Matt. xxv. 21, "His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into cessor, the Rev. W. Giles; and anthe joy of thy Lord," by his sucother, on the following Wednesday, by the Rev. J. Slatterie, at the InPsalm Ixviii. 18, "Thou hast asdependent meeting-house, from cended up on high, thou hast led gifts for men; yea, for the rebelcaptivity captive: thou hast received lious also, that the Lord God might sions the congregations were undwell among them," On both occausually numerous,

"The memory of the just is blessed."*

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Review.

Advice to the Teens; or, Practical
Helps towards the Formation of
one's own Character. By Isaac
Taylor, Minister of the Gospel at
Ongar. Second Edition. Rest
Fenner, 1818.

Harry's Holiday; or, The Doings of
one who had Nothing to do. By
Jefferys Taylor; with a Preface by
Miss Jane Taylor, Author of Nur-
sery Rhymes, Hymns for Infants,
&c. Rest Fenner; 1818.

THE intention of this article in our Review, is rather to announce than to recommend; for nothing can proceed from this family but what is both entertaining and instructive.

to vigilance and useful activity, and whatsoever their hand findeth to do, to do it with their might.

66

We never open " Original Poems" without thinking of what was suggested by the author of "A slight Specimen of Moral Songs; such," as I wish some happy and says he, condescending genius would undertake for the use of children, and perform much better. The sense and subjects might be borrowed plentifully from the proverbs of Solomon, from all the common appearances of nature, from all occurrences in civil life, both in city and country; (which would also afford matter for other Divine Songs.) Here the language and measures should be easy and flowing with cheerfulness, with or without the solemnities of reli

gion, or the sacred names of God and holy things; that children might find delight and profit together.

As we lay in bed this morning, (for we Reviewers both nod and sleep as well as other mortals,) our imagination roved for comparisons into the vegetable and animal kingdoms. Jefferys we compared to the early snow-drop or violet; Jane and Ann to the rose and the lily, both of which are beautiful, at the same time that they are free from display; and one of the parents to the appletree, laden with useful fruit in old age; the other to a stately crop of standing corn, yielding the fat of What this incomparable writer the kidneys of wheat, a food nutritive, salubrious, and agreeable. Or suggested, Jane and Ann have most Jefferys to the innocent lamb, frisk-ably and successfully executed; for

ing in the meadow by the side of its
dam;
Jane and Ann to the beauti-

ful pheasant, and the other bird of
the same family,

"whose gay train
Adorns him, colour'd with the florid hue
Of rainbows and starry eyes;"
but not resembling him in his love
of display:-whilst we could not
but compare one of the parents to
the domestic bird which, with mater-
nal solicitude, broods its chickens
under its wings, protecting them
from the devouring kite; and the
other to

The crested cock whose clarion sounds"
The silent hours;"

admonishing his juvenile readers

"This would be one effectual way to deliver them from the temptation of loving or learning those idle, wanton, or profane songs, which give so early an ill taint to the fancy and memory; and become the seeds of future vices."

which we and our children entreat their acceptance of our sincere and Rural Scenes," and other thanks, as well as for their "City writings.

The first time we saw "Maternal Solicitude," it came to us in circulation as a club-book. We could not, after reading it, refrain from writing at the corner of a blank leaf at the beginning," Prov. xxxi. 29." If our readers turn to that text, they will find the following words: Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."

66

But we must draw to a close.When our young readers have groped about in the dark closet of the Minor's Pocket-Book, and have

tried to find what they were in search | wishing to acquaint the children of of in vain, we advise them to give the village with the important docover their search for a little while, trines of the Bible, had painted seand to amuse themselves, these veral representations of scripture Christmas holidays, with their young truth, and established a weekly lecfriend Jefferys, in Harry's play- ture at his own house, for the purground; and we recommend to the pose of explaining them. Among heads of families, and to the other these was a painting of "The Shepfriends of young people, to make herd and his Flock," which being them a present of the former of the shewn to the children, delight and works standing at the head of this admiration were visible in every article; by which they will be con- countenance. firmed in what their pious parents and ministers have taught them, that the ways of wisdom are ways of pleasantness, and that all her paths are peace.

Narrative of the Mission at Otaheite, and other Islands of the South Seas; commenced by the London Missionary Society, in the Yeur 1797, with a Map, and a Geographical Description of the Islands. Published by Order of the Directors. Williams, &c.

THIS Narrative is drawn up with great ability; and the observations which follow, on the important events recorded in it, are so judicious and excellent, that the details cannot but deeply interest every one whose heart breathes love to God, and good-will to man. It is related, "that in consequence of the blessing of the Almighty on the patient and zealous labours of the missionaries, at least four of the islands of the South Seas are now altogether, in profession, Christian islands." The arrival of further communications, will, it is devoutly to be wished, afford satisfactory evidence of their perseverance in the ways of religion.

The Shepherd and his Flock.

THE many editions through which this little work, for the religious instruction and entertainment of children, has passed, prove the deservedly-high estimation in which it is held, and render any recommendation of it unnecessary.

The plan of it is as follows: Truth, a benevolent Christian mimister in a country village, attentive to the interests of the young, and

claimed Miss Jane Attentive.
"O what pretty little lambs !' ex-
• And
what a kind-looking Shepherd!' re-
marked her sister! See, see, how
those dirty pigs are rolling about in the
mud!' exclaimed Miss Thoughtful.
And look how those dogs are worrying
the sheep!' But do look, cousin, at
that cruel fellow who is setting them
on;' said Miss Attentive. 'See, sister,'
said Jane, the Shepherd has got a little
lamb in his bosom! how much he seems
to love it!" "

,

Like wise children, they requested to know the meaning of so charming a picture. The explanation follows, in a manner peculiarly adapted to impress and edify the youthful and attentive mind.

The Maxims and Advice of Dr. B. Franklin, accompanied with other Remarks, and enforced on the Authority of the Scriptures. Arranged in Sections for the Benefit of Youth, and intended as a Sunday school Reward-book. Third Edition. Button and Son. Price 3d. or 18s. per 100.

THE Franklins lived at Ecton, near Wellingborough, in the county of Northampton, from, at least, the time of Henry VI. on a freehold of thirty acres. The eldest son, during the whole of that period, was a blacksmith, and enjoyed the estate. In the time of Queen Mary they were Protestants, and concealed their Bible, by fastening it on the inside of the lid of the night convenience. The leaves were tied back with a packthread. The Doctor's great grandfather reversed the lid on his knees, and read to his family, one child standing at the door, as sentinel,

Josias, who was a dissenter, fled

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