Jamaica's dark-coloured population, emancipated not only from personal slavery, but from political slavery to Downing-street Secretaries, Colonial Governors, and Parliaments elected by their tyrants,-educated, independent, and, we trust, above all, largely imbued with the love of Him whom Burchell preached to them,-there will be ages in which Jamaica's negroes, when these records of their emancipators shall have become more antique to them than Herodotus or Livy to us, will hang over them with far greater delight. In those times could we but hear the judgments passed by the negro Macaulays! Planters' justice paralleled with that of Jeffreys,- Knibb and Burchell placed far above a Sidney and a Russell,-and the base bribing of the planters by Stanley, Althorp, and others, branded as pusillanimity and meanness,the awarding of twenty millions of honest Englishmen's money to men - stealers,-the refusal not only to compensate the slaves, the real sufferers, but actually exposing them for six years to greater cruelties than before, the allowing magistrates, lieutenants, and clergymen, to pull down Baptist chapels to the amount of £12,000, and never requiring them to part with one farthing even of the twenty millions as an indemnity, grudging even half the amount out of the English exchequer (not because it was to be paid more justly from the planters' exchequer)! Yes, we fancy that in recording things like these, our negro Macaulays will paint the Whig ministry of that day as the meanest conceivable instrument of a mighty, a noble, and an indignant nation.

We are happy to see Mr. W. F. Burchell speaks firmly on these points. His book has our most cordial recommendation to all our readers. It is one of the few which tend to brace and nerve the christian reader to manly piety. In this respect it is quite equal to the life of Sir T. F. Buxton, and, of course, superior in a religious point of view.

AN ENQUIRY INTO THE EXTENT AND CAUSES OF JUVENILE DEPRAVITY. By THOMAS BEGGS. pp. 184. London: C. Gilpin. It is our melancholy duty to solicit the attention of every philanthrophic reader to this small volume.

We have read it carefully through with intense though painful interest, and certainly have not read it for the last time. It

has obtained the second prize for an essay on the subject; we should certainly like to see the first, though we think it inconceivable that it can in the least lessen the value of this. Mr. Beggs is evidently familiar with his subject. His book is full of facts and valuable statistics, which are evidently not exaggerated. Indeed, we have been rather struck with a Paley-like solicitude not to overstate his case. He reduces to their proper limits many of the reckless calculations and assumptions which have been made, and confines himself to what is undoubted; not, of course, omitting the suggestion, that a large allowance must be made for what never becomes known.

He powerfully shews that the great mass of juvenile depravity is not of a kind to be reached or modified by schools merely; much less by costly prisons and preventive measures. He shews, to an appalling extent, the influence of strong drink, in leading directly or indirectly, to early crime, and in strengthening criminal habits. Mr. Beggs's remarks on this subject are evidently not those of a temperance declaimer, but of an acute and actual observer. Though his book is not a temperance lecture, we can hardly conceive of one more calculated to induce a christian or even benevolent man to banish from his own house the greatest source of juvenile, as well as national demoralization. We had marked many passages for quotation, but cannot find room for them this month, and must conclude with strongly urging Mr. Beggs's essay on the pious and philanthropic, and, indeed, on the christian public generally. There is a great deal in it which especially claims the attention of Sunday school teachers. A copy should be procured by every Sunday school.

PRIZE ESSAYS, BY WORKING MEN, ON THE TEMPORAL ADVANTAGES OF THE SABBATH. Pp. 211. Religious Tract Society.

These essays claim special notice from us, not only as the productions of working men, but on account of their intrinsic merit. We could wish, indeed, in the growing state of the national intelligence, that the Jewish word Sabbath, had given place to Sunday, First Day of the Week, or rather, LORD'S DAY, our favourite epithet. "There is much in a name," and we think under our dispensation the last mentioned one sums up so justly, beautifully,

and attractively the whole of the religious obligation to observe the day, that we should be happy to see it supplant every other. It was the request of an humble and intelligent christian, eminent alike for piety and industry, to his children, made, too, in his old age, that they would not only carefully observe the day, but always call it the "Lord's Day."

These essays are on the temporal advantages of this day, and most conclusively, and beyond all possibility of refutation, have the "Working Men" pleaded their cause. The little book before us contains but five essays out of fifty-three to which prizes were awarded, and out of one thousand and forty-five which were sent in. They are written by persons of every creed, and in one case by a person of no creed; for we happen to know that the writer of one which obtained a prize is an infidel! and he stated to our informant that he did sincerely believe in the advantages he enumerated. They are written also by persons of every occupation and trade, except that of man-killer, -"the Red Men," as Carlyle terms them, "with the weapons of destruction girt upon their haunches." The advantages of a day which, rightly used, would destroy every pretext even for their horrid trade-what was that to them? The warrior's mercenary implement-who was he to celebrate the blessings of a day sacred to the worship and honour of the PRINCE OF PEACE? In the five essays before us we have the thoughts of (1) a porter, formerly a gardener, (2) a journeyman shoemaker, now a schoolmaster, (3) a compositor, (4) a frame-work knitter, and (5) a tailor. We are especially pleased with the first and the fourth. The former is business-like, and the chief points well stated; the latter more descriptive, and in parts very touching,each admirably adapted to tell, we think, on all considerate men, and all considerate masters too. The Tract Society, besides this little work, which we most strongly recommend, has published the two we have mentioned as separate tracts; the latter was, indeed, published as a tract at our request, and we are therefore doubly bound to call attention to it. We confesa it is the one of the five which most touched our feelings, and we have a strong opinion in favour of arguments to the heart. When (as in this case) solid reason lies behind, it is the worthy appeal to our better feelings, which does and ought to influence to action. Our

intelligent manufacturing population will be especially pleased, we think, with the frame work-knitter's tract, and with that of the porter too. We hope to find room for a few extracts. In the meantime we commend the five essays to every Sunday school, to every manufacturer, to every railroad director, and to every one interested in promoting the right observance of the LORD'S DAY.

ADDRESSES TO CHILDREN; WITH INTRODUC-
TORY SUGGESTIONS TO MINISTERS AND
TEACHERS. By SAMUEL S. GREEN, B. A.
Taunton. Pp. 131.
London: Benj.
L. Green.

This is the first of a series of Shilling Volumes, to be published quarterly, under the title of "The Sunday School Library." It consists of nine excellent addresses, containing a great amount of information in scripture history and truth; and written in a style adapted to the capacities, and likely to excite the interests, of children. We earnestly commend it to those who are in the habit of reading to their children or scholars, as well as to teachers who desire to attain to excellence in the important art of addressing the young.

POPERY A SYSTEM OF PRIESTLY POWER: A LECTURE DELIVERED AT A MEETING OF THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION FOR OPPOSING PREVALENT ERRORS, AT QUEENSTREET-HALL, EDINBURGH, BY JOHN EUSTACE GILES, AUTHOR OF "LECTURES ON SOCIALISM." Price One Shilling. London: Partridge and Oakey; Leeds: John Heaton.

We have much pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to this eloquent and masterly lecture. The lateness of its arrival prevents our noticing it at the length it deserves, until next month. We may just state, however, that it has been published at the urgent request of the Association, under whose auspices it was delivered, and the Committee of which, we perceive, includes the names of James Douglas, Esq. of Cavers, the Rev. Drs. Brown, Cunningham, and Grey, the Rev. W. Innes, Dr. Beilby, Thomas Constable, Esq. Geo. Harvey, Esq. R.S.A., Robert Paul, Esq. &c.

A PRESENT FROM AGE TO YOUTH. Edited by WILLIAM INNES. Pp. 126. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

It is quite a sufficient recommendation for this interesting little work, to mention the name of the venerable editor. It con

sists of a great variety of well-selected extracts, anecdotes, narratives, &c. all calculated to please and benefit the young. We know few books of the kind, better calculated for "A Present from Age to Youth."

THE HISTORY AND MYSTERY OF GOOD FRIDAY. BY ROBERT ROBINSON, of Cambridge. Pp. 48. London: Houlston & Stoneman.

Those of our readers who are already acquainted with the works of Robert Robinson of Cambridge, will discover here only an old friend in a new dress. To others, we may say, that it is one of our favourite pieces; we always esteem it a treat to read it; and if our friends procure it on our recommendation, we are sure they will thank us for introducing it to their notice.

OF GREAT HENEY, ESSEX.

Maria Brewster, the subject of this brief memoir, was born in the parish of Great Heney, Essex, in the year 1821. She was the seventh child of Peter and Mary Brewster. Her father died in her infancy, and on her mother, who still lives, devolved the charge and education of the family. Her mother studiously sought to train up her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Maria was a child of a very affectionate disposition and gentle manners, and afflicted with deafness, so that it was with great difficulty she was taught to read and write. About the age of twelve or thirteen she appeared peculiarly tried in her mind, and was observed to search the Scriptures very much. Mason's Spiritual Treasury, and Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, were her favourite books. She used to remark that Bunyan was a sealed book to her, though she took so much interest in it. But when it pleased the Lord to open her mind to the understanding of the christian's life, her delight in it increased. And this or the Bible, or some other book of the same character, was found in her hands. As she could not take part in the conversation of the family owing to her dullness of hearing, she always took some book with her to her meals and read it during the few spare minutes she could command. Sometimes her mind seemed much harassed by doubts. A deep sense of her own sinfulness led her to fear there could be no mercy for one so unworthy. These exercises of mind led her to retire often for reading and prayer, and she was often found by her friends on her knees in wrestling prayer with God.

She never sought any worldly company;. all she wanted was the company of aged christians, who could tell her of the path she desired to travel. Her conduct in this. world was admired by all who knew her. She never neglected any demand that her department of labour called her to perform, and would often dispatch her own work quickly that she might assist others. Of her it may be said, she was diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. At the age of seventeen she was called to witness the death of a dear sister who slept in Jesus. And she embraced every opportunity of hearing of her hopes and comforts during her affliction. This event led her to a closer acquaintance with the scriptures. The Bible became to her a precious book indeed. She was particularly fond of the New Testament, as revealing the fulness of the glory of Christ, in whom she delighted. Often she was heard lamenting that her heart should be so cold and indifferent. Her feelings are well described by Newton :"If I love why am I thus ? Why this dull and lifeless frame? Hardly, sure, can they be worse Who have never heard his name."

She felt deeply for her friends and relatives, and would write faithful warnings to them, and would beg them to seek first the kingdom of heaven, knowing that all other things would be added unto them. About this time she expressed a wish to join the brethren with whom she worshipped, and rejoiced in her union with the people of God. Like the apostle, she could say, "Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." Interested in the welfare of the young, she would pray much for them, and talk much to them,her deafness preventing her from occupying

that important sphere of labour, the Sabbath school. One day she remarked to a friend with whom she was walking, "I feel as if I shall not be long in this world." Her friend replied, "My dear, what makes you say so, you are looking so well, and in such good health." Her answer was, "I am so happy in the prospect of heaven that I long to be there to behold my Saviour face to face." The illness of her eldest brother exercised her mind very much, for she was strongly attached to him. They went to the house of prayer together, and enjoyed the ordinances of God together. During his ten months' affliction, she was rejoiced to find that though his earthly tabernacle was dissolved, he had a well-founded hope of the building of God, "the house not made with hands eternal in the heavens." And although the separation was painful, she was supported by the gracious promise, "I will supply all your need through Christ Jesus." In the year 1845 she was led to see that the ordinance of believers' immersion was obligatory upon all the disciples of Christ, as he said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." As soon as the path of duty was clear, she obeyed the Saviour's injunction with great cheerfulness; for she said her salvation stood not in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God, therefore unreserved obedience should be rendered to his will. Maria Brewster was baptized by the Rev. S. Higgs, on September 7th, 1845, and united with the church under his care the same day. Her christian deportment was according to the gospel, and marked chiefly by a steady perseverance in the ways of the Lord and enjoyment of his word. In January, 1848, she was the subject of that distressing cough which is not unusually the attendant of the last stage of consumption. Her cheerfulness, however, never forsook her, nor was her confidence allowed to fail. To her distressed mother she said, "The will of the Lord must be 'done: I wish not to murmur. I want to see you and my dear sister resigned to the will of God. If it were his will that I should be better, for your sakes I should rejoice; but if he has determined otherwise, I want you to be resigned to his will." These and similar desires formed a permanent record in the last letter she ever wrote, and which was read, at her request, when her funeral sermon was preached, by her beloved pastor, the Rev. S. Murch. She fell asleep in Jesus on Feb. 19th, 1849.

"Dear Sir, I now proceed to the particulars of my mind respecting the funeral service. I will shew you the cause I have chosen those precious words for a funeral text, These all died in the faith' (Heb. xi. 13). There were six in the family; three are left, and three have been taken, and these all died in the faith. Dear Pastor, I hope you will encourage my parent, who is bereaved of her children, not to mourn for them, nor to weep for them. Her loss is our unspeakable gain. Her loss will be for a very short time. Soon will she come to us, never, never more to part. Encourage my mother and sister to be of good cheer, for soon, through Christ, who has loved them, and given himself for them, they will overcome all their troubles and trials. For he says, 'Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.' I have two brothers who I hope will be present at the funeral. I sincerely and earnestly pray to the God of grace and of Almighty power that he will convince them of the depraved state of their hearts. O be faithful to them; warn them to prepare to meet their God. O may that God speak with power in the word that shall be spoken, that it may prove a time of life and salvation to their souls.

During the time of my affliction, I have seen nothing and felt nothing in myself but that I am a sinner. I feel that I have no merit of my own. I know that I must, and I believe I shall, be saved in and through Christ that died. O the Lamb of God that died for sinners, of whom I am chief.

Dear Sir, you can tell my much beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ, what that God, who is so full of love, hath done for my soul. Tell them my mind has been stayed upon Christ and him crucified. None but Christ. None but Christ. He has been all and in all to me. I have looked on him with many sorrows, that I have pierced him with many wounds. But he has pardoned me, and I feel as if I cannot but trust that he has washed away all my sins in his precious blood. them how gracious that God has been to me. He has shewn me great favour, and his favour I have proved to be better than life. He has taken away from me the spirit of unbelief, that I have enjoyed much comfort and consolation in the promises of the dying Lamb of God. This is he whom I have longed to worship without sin.

'There shall I see his face,
And never, never sin.'

Tell

I have longed to behold my King in his beauty; there shall I see ten thousand smiles in his face, and love in every smile. I have found it sweet to be passive in his hands, and know no will but his. Tell my beloved brethren and sisters in the church of Christ-beloved, I say, I love them because they are beloved of Christ-that I have often thought of them. My time has been short with them in the church militant. I feel it is far better to go from the church militant to the church triumphant. O encourage them to be of good cheer, and go on with joy, rejoicing in hope, for surely God doth bless the latter end of all his chosen saints. O that each one of us may be found surrounding the throne of God and the Lamb, having everlasting joy upon our heads. Then shall we sing in nobler strains, and Christ will be our song.

Dear Sir, be faithful to the dear young people whose conduct proves they are servants of Satan, and not the servants of God. Tell them out of much affliction and anguish of heart I have written unto them with many tears, not that they should be grieved, but that they might know the love which I have more abundantly for the welfare of their never-dying souls. Ask them if this is not a warning to them,-a blooming youth that is snatched away. Ask them if this does not speak loud to them, Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.'"

Here her strength failed her, and she could write no more; but about a week after, her strength reviving for a little time, she finished what she wished to write thus:

"My dear young friends, it is with a dying, trembling hand I now write to you. My dear heavenly Father knows my motive,

that it is love and well-wishing that I feel for the welfare of your dear immortal souls. I feel as if I would you should be happy. Oh, come to Christ. Come and prove what reality there is in Christ; for I do assure you that there is such reality to be found in Christ as the world cannot give. Oh, do come to Christ, and prove him what a Saviour he is. Seek him while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. Christ spake as never man spake. He has promised that whoso cometh unto him he will in no wise cast out. However vile you may have been, whatever crimes you may have done, God is full of love, full of forgiveness, and full of compassion. Believe he is able, and as willing as he is able, to save your souls, that they may live, and have life everlasting. Oh, come and prove his almighty power! Oh, come to the fountain of his blood, and seek him in all the sincerity of your heart to wash and cleanse you in that blood. You will find him so faithful to his promise! And,

"Tis religion that can give

Sweetest pleasures while we live ;
'Tis religion must supply

Solid comfort when we die.'

I feel as if I cannot help expressing the present feeling of my mind. While I am now writing to you I would not exchange my portion, the hope of eternal glory and everlasting happiness I shortly expect to be in the full enjoyment of, not if I had the promises of life, health, strength, and all the gold and silver the world could contain. Oh, no, it appears to me vanity of vanities!"

THE DANGER OF ASSOCIATING WITH INFIDEL COMPANIONS.-I was, several years ago, called to visit a stranger in affliction. This person I had never seen before; but he sent to request that I would call upon him, in consequence of my having formerly attended a relation of his, when on the bed of sickness and death. Soon after I entered the room, we were left alone, and while he was labouring for breath, he thus addressed me: "I have been living, sir, for fifteen years without God and without hope in the world. I

had the benefit of a religious education. I regularly used to go with an aged relative, with whom I then lived, to the house of God. But I soon left my father's house, and then I went far astray indeed. I most unhappily fell into dissolute habits, and into the company of some who had imbibed themselves, and too successfully instilled into me, the infidel maxims of the French philosophers. I went on in this course for several years. But I now clearly see that men have recourse to such systems, not