lous Methodist Missionary, who spent several years in preaching Christ crucified to some of the barbarous tribes of Africa; among whom he had the high gratification of seeing several persons not only civilized, but convinced of sin, brought to repentance, filled with peace and joy through believing in Christ, changed in their entire spirit and mode of life, and raised into spiritual worshippers of God. The facts are undeniable; and let them be everywhere declared, to the glory of God, and the confusion of cavillers and gainsayers. The book is worthy of a place in every family, and in the library of every Sunday-school. The Principles and Doctrines of Christianity examined in reference to their Tendency and Influence. In a Series of Essays. By William Penington Burgess. 18mo. pp. 187. Mason. A few years ago Mr. Burgess favoured the world with a small volume of Sermons, which were well received, and have been extensively read; nor will this volume lessen the esteem which he acquired by that publication. The Essays are ten in number, and embrace the most important branches of evangelical truth, which are treated of in a lucid, instructive, and edifying manner. young persons especially the book may be safely recommended, as well adapted to settle their principles, and confirm them in the belief of the truth. The author has urged some powerful arguments against the Socinian theory, and the mischievous tenet of absolute predestination. To to The Importance of Prayer-Meetings, in promoting the Revival of Religion. Second Edition. By Robert Young. 18mo. pp. 106. Mason. We are glad to see this neat manual reprinted. It is especially adapted to the use of Methodist readers, and justly deserves their serious attention. They will find in it many suggestions which will serve improve their own piety; and many more, which, if duly regarded, will greatly increase their usefulness: an object at which every Christian is bound to aim, as second only in importance to his own salvation. The volume is sober, devout, and practical. Many of the facts which it contains are striking and impressive. Memoirs of the Rev. Joseph Burgess, formerly an Officer in the Army, after wards a Wesleyan Minister: comprising an Account of his Mother-in-law, Mrs. Penington, and Notices connected with the History of Methodism in various Places. By William Penington Burgess, Wesleyan Minister. 18mo. pp. 136. Mason.-The late Mr. Burgess was a man of eminent piety, and of great usefulness. An instructive memoir of him has already appeared in this Magazine. The volume before us is an enlargement of that memoir, by the addition of several interesting anecdotes, and sketches of Methodist history. It is a valuable addition to the stock of religious biography, embodying many facts illustra tive of the providence and grace of God, and exhibiting a character of no ordinary excellence. Some remarkable Passages in the Life of the Hon. Colonel James Gardiner, who was slain at the Battle of Preston-Pans, Sept. 21st, 1745. By Philip Doddridge, D. D. With a Pre face by Thomas Jackson. 18mo. pp. 212. Mason. Few books in the English language have been more extensively read than the Life of Colonel Gardiner; and the facts which it contains are of such a nature as to give it an undying interest. The Colonel is well known in early life to have been addicted to the foulest and most degrading vices, and to have been converted under circumstances of a very extraordinary kind. His subsequent conduct was adorned by every virtue, and by piety deep and influential. He lost his life bravely defending the Protestant dynasty of England, against the Scottish rebels, who were bent upon placing the crown upon the head of a Papist. The volume was never more seasonable than at the present times, when the doctrine of conversion is strenuously opposed, and that by men who have the audacity to call themselves the "successors of the Apostles;" when the most determined efforts are made to deprive religion of its spiritual character, and resolve it into the observance of outward rites, many of which are of merely human authority; and when principles are vehemently inculcated, which endanger the Protestant monarchy of this great nation. The evangelical piety, and the zealous Protestantism, of Colonel Gardiner, form a perfect contrast to the essential Popery of the Oxford Tractarians, who are attempting to diffuse their sour leaven through the Church of England, and indeed through all classes of society. In the library of every Sunday-school the Life of Gardiner should have a place. The Tabernacle in the Wilderness: the Shadow of heavenly Things. Three Engravings, coloured, and inlaid with Gold, Silver, and Brass, according to the Texts of Scripture: with explana tory Notes. By W. G. Rhind. Folio. Pp. 36. Bagster.-A work of consummate beauty, and of profound interest to the biblical student. We can scarcely conceive of anything more exquisitely finished than the coloured engravings. They give an instructive view of the Mosaic ceremonial, which was a shadow of heavenly things. The Book of the Prophet Isaiah. Translated from the Text of Van Der Hooght. By the Rev. John Jones, M. A., Precentor of Christ-Church. Second Edition. 8vo., pp. 163. Whittaker. The first edition of this valuable but unpretending work was published a few years ago, under circumstances of a somewhat interesting nature. The learned author wished to present to his countrymen in Wales a new version of the evangelical Prophet, and being aware of the deep responsibility of such an undertaking, he resolved to subject his conceptions of the true import of the original Hebrew to the severest test; and therefore first published a translation in English, that he might ascertain whether or not his apprehension concerning the meaning of that inspired writer accorded with that of the most competent judges among his contemporaries. The result is, that some of the best bibli cal scholars in Europe have declared their decided approval of his work; and hence its republication, not merely as a test of the author's skill, but as meriting the attention of the student, and of all who wish thoroughly to understand one of the most important books of Scripture. It is a simple translation of the Prophet, without notes, either critical or expository; but many of the renderings are peculiarly happy, and the whole is highly honourable to the author's piety and judgment. con Elements of Moral and Mental Science. By George Payne, LL. D. Second Edition, enlarged. 8vo. pp. xii, 418. John Gladding.-The former edition of Dr. Payne's "Elements " stituted, we were then of opinion, one of the best introductory works that had been written on the subject. The present edition, with a few useful additions, is printed with a smaller letter; and thus the whole work is of less size, and consequently cheaper, than when it first appeared. To all who wish to have just views of the important subjects on which Dr. Payne here writes, we recommend his "Elements." Whoever studies them thoroughly, will find little difficulty in the higher branches of the "Mental Philosophy." RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. WESLEYAN CENTENARY CHAPEL, DUBLIN. ON Tuesday, March 22d, the foundation-stone of this building was laid by the Hon. Justice Crampton, in the presence of a great number of friends to the undertaking who had assembled on the occasion. The chapel is situated in Stephen's-green, south. It will be sixtyfive feet in front, and ninety-seven in length. According to the plan, it will be a chaste, neat, but substantial, building. The service was begun by the Rev. Thomas Waugh, Chairman of the Dublin District; who read two portions of Scripture, adapted to the occasion, from the Old and New Testaments. The hymn on page 666 of the Wesleyan Hymn-Book was then sung; and the Rev. William Stewart prayed that the divine blessing might rest on the present service, on the erection of this house of prayer, and on the work of God throughout the world. Mr. Waugh then read the record, a copy The Hon. Judge of which was written on parchment, and, thodism, referring to the Rev. John Wesley's labours generally, and particularly to those of which Ireland was the field, from the time of his preaching his first sermon in St. Mary's church. He referred to the original society in Marlborough-street; to the building of Cork-street chapel; and then to the one in Whitefriars-street, the lease of which will, in a few years, expire; and stated that the chapel, now about to be erected, was designed to supply its place. He then spoke of the celebration of the Centenary, and the grant of £5,000 to aid in this work, as a monument erected to celebrate that event, as well as a house of prayer, where the doctrines so ably referred to by the Hon. Judge were to be preached. He also spoke of the present state of the Wesleyan society in Dublin as being very prosperous, and increasing in numbers, Part of another hymn was sung on the conclusion of the addresses; and the Rev. W. Fergusson, the Rev. W. O. Croggon, Superintendent of the Irish Missions and schools, and Mr. Waugh, engaged in prayer. The doxology then being sung, and the benediction pronounced, this interesting service was concluded. The weather was threatening in the morning; but it cleared up, and continued fair during the whole of the service. The number of persons assembled together on this important occasion was very great; and it is hoped that the blessing of Almighty God will rest on the undertaking. The chapel will be advantageously situated, and fixed in the midst of a very populous neighbourhood. W. O. C. Dublin, March 22d, 1842. OBITUARY. 1. DIED, March 24th, 1840, at Philipsburgh, in the Dutch quarter of St. Martin's, West Indies, Mrs. Sophia Peashey, a native of that place. The earlier period of her life was spent in those pleasures and frivolities which are so common to youth in these islands. The shadow of religious care was never permitted to darken her path for a single moment she grew up, consequently, in a state of total indifference to eternal things. She married early; but neither the death of her husband, which took place soon, nor the peculiar afflictions of the widowed state, seemed to produce any good impression upon her mind; for she still continued unconcerned about her soul. At length, under the impression of a dream, she became somewhat serious; and, at her urgent request, was permitted to take the sacrament of the Lord's supper with the Wesleyan society. But there she unhappily rested. The manner in which she was fully awakened to a sense of her guilt and danger, affords a striking illustration of the inspired declaration, "A word spoken in season, how good is it!" She had called to see a person in the house of a Wesleyan lady, who took the opportunity to speak to her closely on divine things. The blessing of God was not withheld from these humble, but faithful, Christian labours. A change in Mrs. Peashey's spirit soon became visible. She sought admission into the Wesleyan society. There she was taught the way of the Lord more perfectly; and, feeling the necessity of a thorough change of heart, she had recourse to Christ by faith, and found "redemption in his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" and ever after distinctly avowed her enjoyment of a sense of the divine favour. Her character and tempers beautifully harmonized with her professions. One of those ladies who best knew her, and who spent, at times, three months together in her company, says that Mrs. Peashey was a truly Christian companion, and, in her opinion, one of the meekest and humblest Christians she ever knew. Her attachment to the ordinances of religion was remarkable. She considered it an inestimable privilege to attend her class, and thus sit down with God's people, and hear them speak of the work of grace in their souls. The last time she attended public service in the chapel, was about a fortnight before her death. She was then extremely ill, and should rather have been in bed; but such was her inextinguishable love of God's house, that she could not be dissuaded from going there, to blend her prayers and praises with those of his people. The writer's personal acquaintance with Mrs. Peashey commenced only about seven weeks before her death: she was then rapidly sinking into the grave, the victim of consumption. Like most persons suffering from that insidious disease, she cherished the hope of ultimate recovery. He did not think she would be restored to health, and felt that it was his duty candidly to state his conviction. She received his communication with her characteristic meekness, and was wholly resigned to the will of God. None ever heard a murmur escape her, even in the moments of her greatest sufferings. Her end was more than peaceful: it was triumphant. A short time before she died, as if new strength had been imparted for the purpose, she joined a friend in singing a part of" the dying Christian," with surprising energy; and those who then beheld her will not soon forget the holy joy and triumph which beamed from her eye, as she repeated the words, "O grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" In little more than an hour after this, her happy spirit had passed into the rest of God's people. HILTON CHEESBROUGH. 2. Died, April 24th, at Walworth, in the Fifth London Circuit, Mr. Thomas Franklin, in the forty-eighth year of his age. He was converted under the ministry of the Rev. W. Jenkins, thirtytwo years ago, when he joined the Methodist society, in connexion with which he has ever since maintained a consistent Christian profession. For the period of twenty-six years he sustained the important office of a Class-Leader, and was made the instrument of much spiritual good to those entrusted to his care. But while he was tenderly alive to their spiritual welfare, he was not unmindful of their temporal good. He felt for their afflictions; and, as far as his means would permit, relieved the wants of the poor. He was truly benevolent, and conscientiously devoted a certain portion of his increase to religious and charitable purposes. In his experience, he uniformly expressed a strong confidence of his acceptance with God, through the atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and often spoke of the comforts of the Holy Spirit with which he was favoured, and the blessed hope of a glorious immortality which he enjoyed. For some months before his death the work of God was evidently increasing in his soul. He often spoke of the deep conviction he entertained of the necessity of pressing after a closer conformity to the image of Christ, and of the duty of endeavouring to promote the glory of Gol in the salvation of VOL. XXI. Third Series. souls. At times he referred to the testimony which he had been enabled to bear for God in the midst of the ungodly. And his labours had not been in vain; for, not long before his death, he was made the instrument of the conversion of a young man, a Socialist, and a notorious profligate, who afterwards died happy in God. As his life drew to a close, he appeared to live more under the impression, that he must work while it was called "to-day." He was never absent from his class, although his health was delicate, and he had to rise early in the cold winter mornings in order to be present. At length, however, he was compelled to yield to be laid aside. During his last illness, he retained an unshaken confidence in the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, and was fully resigned to the divine will. He was strengthened to give a delightful testimony to the power of religion to support the mind in the hour of pain and approaching death. The day be fore he died, being asked if he found Christ precious in death, he plied with animation, "O yes; glory! the battle's fought! the victory's won! Christ shall have all the praise!" At another time he broke out in strains of thanksgiving, saying, "Praise God! Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! And not long before his departure, he exclaimed, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!" At his death he left, in his two classes at Walworth and Broadwall, between seventy and eighty members; many of whom speak of him as their spiritual father; and their tears of heartfelt sorrow testify that his memory is embalmed in their affectionate recollections. H. HORTON. re 3. Died, April 25th, Mrs. Mary Sweeting, of the Eastern District, New-Providence, Bahama Islands, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Sweeting was born in slavery; and, in common with those of her condition, experienced in early life its demoralizing influences. Happily, she attended the earliest ministrations of a Wesleyan Missionary ministry in this colony, and soon yielded to its illuminating and restraining power. About the year 1821, she became thoroughly in earnest to secure the salvation of her soul. Early in the year 1822, she was united in holy matrimony to her now-sorrowing husband, by the Rev. William Wilson, the Wesleyan Missionary then on this station. Immediately after their marriage, both Mr. and Mrs. Sweeting united MAY, 1842. 2 G themselves with the people whose ministry had been the instrument of enlightening their minds; and soon after they experienced the salvation which is in Jesus Christ, through faith in his blood. The same light which showed our departed sister God her Creator, Jesus her Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost her Sanctifier, opened her views into that blissful immortality which thenceforward became the supreme delight of her soul, and into which she has now entered. By the same heavenly light she also discovered the solemn character of the relation she sustained to her own offspring, and to mankind in general. Having been taught to pray for herself, she began to pray with and for her children; then in the social meeting; and afterwards, in the great congregation, she would pour out her soul in prayer with strong crying and tears. She was a woman of good capacity and delicate feeling; and, from her first introduction into the Christian family, reciprocated the Christian kind. ness of Missionary feeling and labour. She had her children in subjection, and looked well to the ways of her household. When called to be a Leader, she entered upon the duties of the office in the fear of the Lord; and, until within a few weeks of her death, exercised her gifts and graces in edifying her large class. In her office, during the time of slavery, she, by precept and example, inculcated unqualified submission to God, and a patient waiting for his salvation. The members of her class who survive her will long remember the prudent, pious, and scriptural counsel which she from time to time gave them; and the many effectual fervent prayers which she has offered up in their behalf. When the Honourable House of Assembly passed the Marriage Act, in accordance with Her Majesty's Order in Council, by which we and our people are so privileged, her joy was overflowing. 66 Minister," said she, "bless God for all things! bless God for all things!" and then, clasping her hands, and lifting her eyes to heaven, she added, "Did I expect to live to see these glorious days!" Her affection for Missionaries was formed in principle. She cheerfully allowed her daughter to accompany the widow of the late Rev. Charles Penny to her native land, and rejoiced to know that one of her children could be serviceable to one whose husband had expired in the hallowed cause of Missions. When the Rev. T. Pugh was leaving this Mission, she allowed another of her children to go with him and his fa mily to Bermuda. The daughter who' accompanied Mrs. Penny is still with her in England, and will see her pious parent no more in this vale of tears; the other returned in time to receive her mother's blessing before her removal to heaven. I thought, when I visited her during her last illness, how different the scene of 1840 from other scenes I had witnessed in former times! Here was seen the aged and infirm, but pious, husband, night and day, assiduous in his. attentions, consoling in his conversation, and prayerful in his spirit. Here was nothing selfish or unchristian to be heard or seen. Willing numbers stood ready night and day to minister to her wants, to soothe her anguish ; and, when these were fatigued, numbers more, with whom she had sympathized in times of sorrow, sickness, and trouble, stood ready to supply their lack of service. When the hour of her dissolution drew near, she, as it were, returned again and again from the spiritual world to bless her household, and spoke with almost celestial energy of "things above." She remarked, on my calling to see her, in presence of many friends, "No spot of guilt remains on me! Jesus has saved me! Christ is all and in all !" To our Society Steward, for whom she entertained the highest respect, she spoke in the most triumphant manner, and closed with her dying charge to all her connexions. I felt it an honour to precede the funeral procession of this gra cious woman, who had maintained her integrity in every walk and relation of life, from the low estate in which she was born to the hour of her exaltation in civil and religious life, and then to the margin of the grave. The mortal remains of Mrs. Sweetman were taken from her residence to the chapel, followed by the largest funeral concourse that I have seen in New-Providence; and, after reading the Burial Service, singing, and prayer, the body was removed to the grave, and there deposited in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. JOHN CORLETT. 4. Died, April 26th, at Unsworth, in the Bury (Lancashire) Circuit, in the eightieth year of his age, Mr. Richard Booth, an upright, pious, poor man; having been a steady, consistent, zealous member of the Methodist society during forty-five years, and a faithful ClassLeader for upwards of thirty. His path through life, for the most part, was toil |