with admiration, kindled with resent- of one that is good and creditable. This ment, exulted in hope, and triumphed renders it indispensable to remarkwith delighted joy.-Yet, I repeat, of that the providence we are now reAPPREHENSION. The story itself is so commending must be understood in strangely and intensely interesting, that harmony with certain other preceptive any attempt to add to the interest is vain directions and sanctioned principles of and hopeless :-and it is told with a sim- the word of God.-For example:-1. It plicity and beauty so matchless,-in a must be interpreted in consistency with manner so true to nature, and that wakes, the beautiful and gracious admonition as if by magic, alternately and in com- which came from the lips into which bination, all the affections and sensibili- " grace was poured,”—an admonition in ties of the heart,-that to enlarge upon which our duty and our interest are so its incidents is to run the risk of marring admirably united:-Matth. vi. 34, "Take the effect,-of spoiling the charm." therefore, no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." There may, surely, be providence, without over-anxi ety.-2. It must be understood in agreement with that other admonition of the same Master-Luke xii. 15, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness:-for a man's

The passage which we next quote, contains a very judicious development of an important principle, and illustrates our observations on the facility which lecturing affords for intermingling brief hints on matters which could not be made the theme of lengthened statement. Here is our excellent author life consisteth not in the abundance of taking fit occasion from Joseph's recommendation, to lay up corn against the years of scarcity, to instruct the labouring classes on the principle of friendly societies and savings' banks.

the things which he possesseth." If a man lay up for the time to come in the spirit of avaricious penuriousness, he is cloaking an odious principle (no uncommon thing) under the specious appearance of a duty. But surely there may be providence, without covetousness.-3. With another precept still--Eph. iv. 28,

"Another important practical lesson is suggested by the counsel of Joseph;-the general lesson of providence for the future." Let him that stole steal no more; but This is a duty incumbent on all. It is virtuous prudence; the "prudence which foreseeth the evil and hideth itself." The remark has a special bearing on the labouring classes of the community. This laying up for the time of scarcity bore a close resemblance to the principle for friendly societies and provident or savings' banks. There is, it is true, one material difference. In the instance before us, the evil itself, and the time and continuance of it, were distinctly foretold and certain. But such certainty is not at all necessary for the general duty of providence. We live in a world that is incessantly fluctuating,—a world

rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Here is the principle of generosity incul cated even on the christian labourer, who earns his daily bread by the toil of his hands and the "sweat of his brow." _To all his followers the Saviour says,—It is more blessed to give than to receive;" and to all, according to their several ability, giving is one of the Bible ways of getting -"Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." The duty of providence, then, must not be an excuse "whose scenes of bliss and woe for refusing the claims of benevolence, Are shifting every fleeting hour." There may be scriptural providence, -There is such perpetual alteration and without cold-hearted and close-handed exchange of conditions, that no man can selfishness.-Providence is simply prusay with certainty to-day, what his own dent foresight;—a spirit of independence, circumstances, or those of any other per--not of God, but of men ;-the judicison, may be to-morrow. It is this very ous connecting, in principle, and in pracuncertainty that renders forethought and prudence so necessary.-Let not any be unmindful, however, that virtues often border very closely upon vices; and that through the deceitfulness of our hearts, we are ever under temptation to cloak a bad or questionable principle under the guise NO. X. VOL. III.

tice, of end with means; the exercise of trust in God, united with commanded effort, and submission to his will.-The crowning beauty of a character is,—when all the virtues have their proper places, and their due proportions:-all helping instead of hindering,-invigorating in

3 м

stead of weakening, — illustrating instead | the late Mr MLean, Dr W. thinks it of obscuring each other."

proper to defend himself from the charge of having thrust the question of baptism upon the subject, instead of the subject placing it in his way. The best reply to any such charge is to be found in the Dr.'s elucidation of the passages referred to, which presents one of the most beautiful examples we know of scriptural induction clear, succinct, After some introductory

These extracts, which are fair specimens of the style of the book, will be sufficient to assure our readers, that we have not over-estimated it. We think it proper to add, that if any should purchase Dr Wardlaw's book, with the hope of finding in it ingenious spiritualizing of the plain history, they will find them - | conclusive. selves disappointed. Dr Wardlaw avoids observations, Section I. is intended to and repudiates all attempts at mystical show the divinely instituted practice premeanings, and we wish that all modern viously to the New Testament dispensacontributors to the exposition of Genesis tion, and the absence of all evidence had in this respect displayed self-restraint authorising a departure from this pracand equal judgment. His remarks on tice under it. From the connexion of this subject, are conceived in harmony the infants of believers with the covewith the soundest principles of interpre- nant in former times, the author presses tation, and will form a very fit conclu- his opponents to produce a statute of sion to this notice. repeal in justification of their refusal to the children of believers of their ancient accredited privilege. Dr W. assumes and maintains this position with great success. Having called in vain for a statute of repeal, he follows up his advantage by producing his proof, that instead of the ancient rights of children being abrogated, they were recognised in New Testament times. In his detail of positive evidence, he examines successively the cases of baptism in the days of the apostles, which appear to him to be examples of the practice contended for, and shows the bearing of the various texts which have afforded ground for so much discussion between supporters of the opposite schemes. Dr W. wisely devotes a proportionate share of his work to the uses of infant baptism.

"How ingenious soever the detection of the mystical under the simply historical may be, and whatever piety may be associated with the ingenuity,-I cannot but regard the ingenuity as perverse, and the piety, though ever so well-meaning, as mistaken. I may admire the wish to find Christ every where, and I may have much more allowance for the man who finds him where he is not, than for the man who obstinately fails to find him where he is :-I may censure with a far keener severity the interpreter who carnalizes the spiritual than the intepreter who spiritualizes the carnal:-but still, the one legitimate object of all investigation of the scriptures should be to find, and of all exposition of the scriptures to unfold, what the Holy Spirit of God intended, in every portion of them, to convey."

A DISSERTATION on the SCRIPTURAL
AUTHORITY, NATURE, and USES of
INFANT BAPTISM. By RALPH WARD-
LAW, D.D. Third Edition, with an
Appendix.

The appendix possesses very high and peculiar merit. It is employed in the examination of Dr Halley's latitudinarian imaginations, which he exposes in a style of careful analysis and faithful rebuke. We cannot but hope the best effects from his reply-a reply so conclusive from a hand so friendly.

The MOUNT of OLIVES, and other Lectures on Prayer. By the Rev. JAMES HAMILTON.

London: James Nisbet & Co.

Glasgow: James Maclehose. WE rejoice to see a new edition of this early but admirable work of Dr Wardlaw. It is characterised by all the excellencies of the author, as an acute reasoner, a scriptural expositor, a scho- Mr HAMILTON'S style, though perhaps lar, and divine. From the preface we modelled after that of Jacob Abbot, is learn, that the discussion of the subject, in some respects unique and thoroughly in connexion with the exposition of original. Graphic illustrations repeated Rom. iv. and Galatians iii., was suggested in quick succession, so as never to permit to him by the circumstances in which the interest of the reader to flag-rethese discourses were composed and minding one of a series of dioramic delivered. As this gave occasion to some views-constitute a principal feature in rather pungent strictures, in a review by his mode of writing; and certainly the

present volume is not less distinguished | drowned. Yes, and that thump on the by it, than the former productions of his window; it is the old cedar at the corner fertile pen. In these bustling days when of the house, and as the wind tosses his truth, stated in plain and unadorned stiff branches, they bounce and scratch terms, will meet with but little notice, it on the panes of glass, and if they were is all the more desirable to clothe it in not very small they would be broken in the garb of a racy, vigorous, and highly pieces." And then she goes on to tell graphic style, by which the attention is how this very night, there are people sure to be arrested and the interest to be out in the pelting blast, whilst her little excited. These recommendations belong boy lies warm in his crib, inside of his in no common degree to this little curtains; and how ships may be upset volume. Indeed, we are almost con- on the deep sea, or dashed to pieces on strained to say, that it has them to rocks so steep, that the drowning sailors excess. While most men require to cannot climb them. And then, perhaps, apply the spur to their imaginations, in she ends it all with breathing a mother's order to be supplied with interesting and prayer, or he drops asleep beneath the attractive modes of illustrating truth, cradle hymn. Mr Hamilton rather requires to draw the rein a little more tightly. His sparkling images almost "dazzle to blind," and his illustrative similies are sometimes so crowded together and so minutely drawn, that we are in danger of losing sight of the object for which they are introduced. We bid him God speed as a young writer of unquestionable genius; and heartily recommend this publication, as admirably fitted to be useful. We add the following extract, as a specimen of the work :

CHRIST'S PRESENCE COMFORTING.

And why describe all this? Because there is so much practical divinity in it. In the history of a child, a night like this is an important night, for it has done three things. It has explained some things which, unexplained, would have been a source of constant alarm, perhaps the germ of superstition or insanity. It has taught some precious lessons, sympathy for sufferers, gratitude for mercies, and perhaps some pleasant thought of Him who is the hiding-place from the storm, and the covert from the tempest. And then it has deepened in that tender bosom, the foundations of filial piety, and helped to give that parent such hold and purchase on a filial heart, as few wise mothers have ever failed to win, and no manly son has ever blushed to own.

The presence of Christ can turn a dark night into a night much to be remembered. Perhaps it is time to be sleeping, but the November wind is out, and as it riots over the misty hills, and dashes the rain-drift on the rattling Then for the parallel, "As one whom casement, and howls like a spirit dis- his mother comforteth, so the Lord comtracted in the fireless chimney, it has forteth his people." It is in the dark awakened the young sleeper in the upper and boisterous night of sorrow or appreroom. And when his mother enters, hension, that the Saviour reveals himself she finds him sobbing out his infant nigh. And one of the first things he fears, or with beating heart, hiding from does, is to explain the subject-matter of the noisy danger in the depths of his the grief, to show its real nature and downy pillow. But she puts the candle amount. "It is but a light affliction. on the table, and sits down beside the It lasts but for a moment. It is a false bed; and as he hears her assuring voice, alarm. It is only the rain-drift on the and espies the gay comfort in her smiling window. Wait till the day dawns, and face, and as she puts her hand over his, shadows flee away. Wait till morning, the tear stands still upon his cheek, till and you will see the whole extent of it." it gets time to dry, and the smoothing And then the next thing that he does, down of the panic furrows on his brow, is to teach some useful lesson. And and the brightening of his eye announce during those quiet hours, when the heart that he is ready for whatever a mother is soft, the Saviour's lessons sink deep. has got to tell. And as she goes on to And last of all, besides consolation under explain the mysterious sources of his the trial and peaceful fruits that follow terror: "That hoarse loud roaring is the it, by this Comforter-visit, the Saviour brook tumbling over the stones, for the unspeakably endears himself to that long pouring rains have filled it to the soul. Paul and Silas never knew very brim. It is up on the green to- Christ so well, nor loved him so much, night, and had the cowslips been in as after that night which he and they blossom, they would all have been passed together in the Macedonian

he should continue to be regarded as a slave, and held as a slave, after his return to Philemon. Now, in regard to these points, I would make the following remarks in view of the exposition which has been given of the epistle.

vinism is more than questionable; but posed he had done wrong by escaping the portions of sacred scripture over from servitude; and that he meant that which his present annotations extend, do not give him the same opportunity as some others to obtrude his peculiar views on the reader. As an American expositor, it is interesting to know his sentiments on the case of Onesimus, which has been so often perverted and pressed into their service by the apologists of slavery. We give the passage at length :

(1.) There is no positive evidence that Onesimus was a slave at all. Even if it should be admitted to be probable that he was, it would be necessary, in order that this epistle should be adduced in favour of slavery, that that fact should be made out without any ground of doubt, or the argument is worthless. It is clear that the epistle, under any circumstances, can be adduced in favour of slavery, only so far as it is certain that Onesimus was a slave. But that is not certain. It cannot be made to be certain. It should not be taken for granted. Either of the suppositions, that he was bound to service till he was of age, by a parent or guardian, or that he had voluntarily bound himself to service for wages, will meet all that is necessarily implied in the epistle.

"This epistle has been frequently appealed to by the friends and advocates of slavery, as furnishing a support or apology for that institution. Indeed, it would seem to be regarded by the advocates of that system as so clear on that point, that all that they need to do is to name it, as settling the whole matter in debate. The points which it is supposed by the advocates of that system to prove are two first, that slavery is rightsince it is assumed that Onesimus was a slave, and that Paul does not intimate to Philemon that the relation was contrary to the spirit of Christianity; and, second, that it is our duty to send back a runaway slave to his master, since (2.) There is not the least evidence it is assumed that Paul did this in the that Paul used any force, or even percase of Onesimus. It cannot be denied suasion, to induce him to return to his that this view of the matter would be master. It cannot be proved from the sustained by most of the commentaries epistle that he even advised him to reon the epistle; but it is time to in-turn. It is certain that he did not comquire whether such an exposition is pel him to do it; for Paul had no power the true one, and whether this epistle to do this, and no guard or civil officer really gives countenance to slavery, accompanied Onesimus to secure him if in respect to these points. In order to this, it is important to know exactly what was the state of the case in reference to these points,-for, in interpreting the New Testament, it should not be assumed that any thing is in favour of slavery, nor should any thing be admitted to be in favour of it, without applying the most rigid principles of interpretation, any more than in the case of profaneness, adultery, or any other sin. As the result of the examination of the epistle, we are now prepared to inquire what countenance the epistle gives to slavery in these respects, and whether it can be fairly appealed to, either in justification of the system, or in showing that it is a duty to return a runaway slave, against his consent, to his former master. To make out these points from the epistle, it would be necessary to demonstrate that Onesimus was certainly a slave; that Paul so treats the subject as to show that he approved of the institution; that he sent back Onesimus against his own will; that he returned him because he sup

he had chosen to escape. Every one of the circumstances mentioned in the epistle will be met by the supposition, that Onesimus desired to return, but that there were circumstances which made him apprehensive, that if he did he would not be kindly received, and that, at his request, Paul wrote the epistle, to induce Philemon to receive him kindly. Nothing more can be proved; nothing more is necessary to be believed, in order to a fair interpretation of the epistle. Nothing is more natural than the supposition, that when Onesimus was truly converted, he would desire to return to Philemon, if he had in any way done him wrong. But to make it proper to adduce this epistle, to show that it is a duty to return a runaway slave to his master, even on the supposition that Onesimus was a slave, it is necessary to prove, either that Paul advised him to return, or that he compelled him to do it against his will. No one doubts that it would be right to help one who had escaped from slavery, if, on any proper account, he should wish to go back to his former master: if he