sight of Him whose ken stretched over the vast futurity of time, ere itself had been summoned into existence."- pp. 24, 25.

The fourth sermon, on the special providence of God, commences in an equally striking manner. Luke xii. 6, 7.

"Where then is chance?—disenthroned for ever from the government of the universe and of our world-a king henceforth only in the atheist's monstrous creed. For if there be a humble tenant of that universe, surely it is the sparrow that sitteth upon the housetop,' for five of them are sold for two farthings'and yet not one of them is forgotten before God' — without Him not one of them falleth to the ground. If there be a trifle in aught that affects the interests and welfare of man, surely it is the hairs of his head-but even they are all numbered—without God not one of them shall perish.

"Brethren, the bounds of God's creation, and none other, are the bounds of God's providence. His works are his care. The God that upholdeth the archangel, upholdeth the sparrow, clotheth the lily, and careth for the worm; because the sparrow, the lily, and the worm, no less than the archangel, are the works of His hands. The God who deigned to be minute in creation is no less minute in providence. Was it not beneath the hand that planted the cedar, to spread the hyssop upon the wall? Then the hyssop upon the wall, no less than the tall cedar, must share his sunshine, and drink in the dew of heaven. Did the hand that made heaven and earth and sea, that planted the everlasting hills,' deign to be elaborate and minute in the pencilling of the wild hedge-flower, then must this too share the bounty and providence of the Maker of heaven, and earth, and sea. Did He who gave man a living, an immortal soul, fashion also the hairs of man's head?-these too, then, must His care number. They are His worktherefore without Him not one of them must perish."-pp, 67, 68.

The style of our author may be judged of by these extracts, and his power of arresting the attention of an auditory fully ascertained. We must say, moreover, that the plans of Mr. Miller's discourses are, in general, judicious, simple, and textual; while his doctrine is impressively evangelical. But the master quality of these sermons is their close and faithful appeal to the human conscience. The sinner, the formalist, and the hypocrite, are followed into all the labyrinths into which Satan and their own corruptions have dragged them; and the piercing light of divine truth is let in upon their slumbering or petrified consciences.

In some instances our author is a little to ornate in his style; but this is very pardonable in a man of genius at the early age of twenty-four. We recommend attention to this suggestion, but in doing so, beg to assure our readers that our author never sacrifices truth to ornament, and never quits the hallowed ground of Scripture to indulge a classical or poetic taste.

Millennarianism Unscriptural, or a Glance at some of the Consequences of that Theory. London: Crofts. 1838. 12mo. pp 252.

We have been sadly disappointed in this book; but we hasten to explain ourselves. We sat down to its perusal, indulging in more than our usual malignity against young authors; lynx-eyed to every fault which could be detected, and half determined to make some for a little amusement, if we could not find any that would suit our purpose. We had been so accustomed to bad books, that we could not dream of a good one appearing at this late hour of the day; and as nonsense had been so long intimately connected with all discussions respecting Millennarianism, we conceived that the soporific qualities of the system must also in some degree, pervade even those who examined it. But we must assure our readers that we had literally nothing to find fault with in the whole book, and it authors generally should follow the example of this anonymous writer, our occupation as reviewers is gone: we must give up business, or to be serious, as our readers will easily see, that good criticism has but little room to show its acumen, when good books are the subjects of review,we must be take ourselves to some more lucrative employment.

There have been in the history of literature some few volumes which conclude a controversy: who could think of responding to Bentley's Dissertation on Phaleris, and the answer to Boyle? It would be like disputing with a tornado, or stopping the course of the light. It is the privilege of such volumes to supersede all other attempts; to annihilate opposition, and bury the whole subject with its advocates and opponents, in one general and entire oblivion. We do not undertake to say that this will be the effect of the work we are now considering; but we do assert, most unhesitatingly, that if men were more rational and candid, and sought for the truth rather than victory, that result might in this case be expected. A more rational and scriptural work has rarely appeared. The entire opposition of the millennarian hypothesis to the mediatorial economy is most triumphantly proved, and the advocates of that scheme are brought to that point where the defence of their peculiarities can be consistently prosecuted alone by a denial of the authority of the apostle Paul, in his views of the priestly office of the Lord. No student of the controversies of the day should be without this treatise, nor should the treatise be without the author's name. Such a work is not beneath the reputation which its author may already have earned, and if it be the author's first production, it is sufficient to raise him at once to a considerable elevation.

THE EDITOR'S TABLE

The Practical Works of Richard Baxter, with a Preface, giving some Account of the Author, and of this Edition of his Works: an Essay on his Genius, Works, and Times. With a Portrait. In 4 vols. London: George Virtue.

The Women of England, their Social Duties and Domestic Habits. By Mrs. Ellis. London: Fisher, Son, and Co.

The Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, and the State of Europe during the early part of the Reign of Louis XIV., illustrated in a Series of Letters between Dr. John Pell, Resident Ambassador with the Swiss Cantons, Sir Samuel Moreland, Sir William Lockhart, Mr. Secretary Thurlow, and other distinguished Men of the Time. Now first published from the Originals. Edited by Robert Vaughan, D.D. With an Introduction on the Character of Cromwell and of his Times. In 2 vols. London: Henry Colburn.

Travels in Town. By the Author of "Random Recollections," "The Great Metropolis," &c. &c. În 2 vols. London: Saunders and Otley.

Light: its Properties and Effects. London: Religious Tract Society. Brief Memorials of the Rev. Joseph Slatterie, Forty-three Years Pastor of the Congregational Church, assembling in Ebenezer Chapel, Chatham. By the Rev. J. Ely, of Leeds. And a Funeral Sermon by Rev. P. Thomson, A.M. London: Jackson and Walford.

A Biographical Sketch of Thomas Clarkson, M. A., with occasional Brief Strictures on the Misrepresentations of him contained in the Life of Wilberforce; and a concise Historical Outline of the Abolition of Slavery. By T. Taylor. London: Joseph Rickerby.

Educational Reminiscences. London: Hatchard and Co.

The Student's Manual, designed by Specific Directions to Aid in Forming and Strengthening the Intellectual and Moral Character of the Student. By John Todd. Reprinted from the American Edition. London: Simpkin and

Marshall.

Memoir of the late Mrs Ellis, including Notices of Heathen Society. By William Ellis. London: Religious Tract Society.

The Law of Christ respecting Civil Obedience, especially in the Payment of Tribute; to which is added, Two Addresses on the Voluntary Church Controversy. By John Brown, D.D. Third Edition. 8vo. London: W. Ball.

Socialism, as a Religious Theory, Irrational and Absurd.

The First of

Three Lectures on Socialism (as propounded by Robert Owen and others) delivered in the Baptist Chapel, South Parade, Leeds. By John Eustace Giles. London: Ward and Co.

Remarks on the Breaking and Eating of Bread and Drinking of Wine, in Remembrance of the Passion of Christ. London; Houlston and Co.

A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. By J. Morrison, D. D. London: Ward and Co.

A Brief View of Ecclesiastical History. Dublin: W. Curry, jun. and Co. The Church Awakened: Report of Special Meetings for the Revival of Religion, held in Surrey Chapel. London: T. Ward and Co.

The Personal Reign of Christ: a Discourse delivered in Brighton, on the 6th of September, 1837. By O. T. Dobbin, M.A. Second Edition. London: J. Dinnis.

Home, or the Months. A Poem for Domestic Life. By J. Plager. London: Ward and Co.

The "Axe at the Root," or no Coercion. By Vox Clamantis. London: Jackson and Walford.

Observations on the Foundation of Morals. By Eugenius. London: Longman and Co.

Cornelius the Centurion or Meditations on the Tenth Chapter of Acts. From the German of F. A. Krummacher, D.D. London: H. Washbourne. The Folded Lambs. Memorials of three Children of the late Rev. Enoch Crook, of Battersea. Edited by T. Broad. London: Ward and Co.

Female Excellence: or, Hints to Daughters from their leaving Service to their Settlement in Life. By a Mother. London: Religious Tract Society. The Mystery of Godliness. A Discourse delivered at Howard Chapel, Bedford, Dec. 9, 1838. By W. Alliott, London: Jackson and Walford.

The Land of Promise: being an Authentic and Impartial History of the Rise and Progress of the New British Province of South Australia, with particular Descriptions and Proofs of its Superiority to all other British Colonies. By One who is going. London: Smith, Elder, and Co.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

WORKS IN THE PRESS, OR IN PROGRESS.

The Rev. William Steven, M.A., of the National Scottish Church at Rotterdam, (Author of the History of the British Churches in the Netherlands,) has in the press a Third edition of his Pamphlet, entitled, "A Brief View of the Dutch Ecclesiastical Establishment; showing the past and present organization of its several Judicatories: with an Appendix, containing the General Regulations for the Government of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands; the Acts of that Church affecting the British Presbyterian Congregations in Holland; and other important papers."

Mr. Steven will shortly publish a "History of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands, from the Year 1816, to the present Time; embracing a Detailed Account of the Proceedings in the case of the Separatists from that Establishment. With an Appendix, consisting of Public Documents." In one volume, small 8vo.

In the press, Solomon's Song of Songs. A new Translation. Dedicated, without Permission, to Dr. J. Pye Smith.

Memoirs on the Ruins of Babylon. By the late Claudius James Rich, Esq., the Hon. East India Company's Resident at Bagdad. A new Edition, with an Introduction and Notes. To which is added, a Journal of his Tour to Persepolis. The whole illustrated by numerous Engravings from the original Drawings, and of Inscriptions from the Ruins of Persepolis, &c. &c. (Will be ready early in January.)

The Convalescent. Twelve Letters on Recovering from Sickness. By Mrs. Gilbert, Author of "Hymns for Infant Minds," &c. &c.

N. S. VOL. III.

I

TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES,
AT HOME AND ABROAD.

PROCEEDINGS ON BEHALF OF THE IMPRISONED INDEPENDENTS IN CARMARTHEN GAOL.

It has never been our duty to record a more wanton instance of clerical oppression than has recently occurred in the conduct of the Rev. Ebenezer Morris, Vicar of Llanelly, in the county of Carmarthen, who has cited before the Ecclesiastical Court of the diocese of St. David's, Mr. JoHN JAMES, lately a churchwarden of the said parish, "for that he, the said John James, had, during the time of his said office, absented himself from the church of the said parish on divers Sundays." Mr. James pleaded ignorance before the Ecclesiastical Court, and was admonished, but a demand being made for a sum of nearly £20, as costs for the said suit, and he refusing to pay, he was dragged from his family and imprisoned in the common gaol of the county.

On hearing of this gratuitous and vindictive proceeding, for which neither the plea of necessity or usage could be urged, the Committee of the Congregational Union of England and Wales resolved to address a memorial to the Right Honourable Lord John Russell, her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Home Department, as follows:

To the Right Honourable Lord John Russell, her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department, &c. &c.

May it please your Lordship,

The following Memorial of the Committee of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, respectfully showeth :

That your memorialists entreat your lordship to cause immediate inquiries to be made into the case of John James, of Llanelly, now imprisoned in Carmarthen Jail, as hereinafter set forth; and in the result to afford whatever redress, within your lordship's power, equity may seem to demand.

John James, a member and deacon of a congregational church at Llanelly, was elected churchwarden for that parish. This office he accepted, well knowing the long-established custom of his parish, that the attendance at church of a warden, known to be a Dissenter, would be dispensed with; though it seems to be alleged such attendance can be enforced by canon law. For his absence from church, however, during his term of office, at the suit of the vicar of the parish, proceedings against him were instituted in the ecclesiastical courts. He was admonished and dismissed, subject to the payment of costs. Those costs neither his spirit as a man, nor his conscience as a Christian, would permit him to pay. For non-payment he is now a prisoner in Carmarthen Jail.

Your memorialists acknowledge themselves uncertain whether it falls within the jurisdiction of your lordship's office to afford any, or what relief, in the case now submitted; but they are quite sure that any power or influence possessed by your lordship, will be always promptly employed to prevent or to redress proceedings of which it is doubtful whether the impolicy or the injustice be the greater.

But were your memorialists fully certain that the bigh office so worthily filled by your lordship, invests you with no power, even of inquiry into the facts of the case alleged, they would not at all the less on that account hasten to present to your lordship an earnest appeal upon it. Through the whole course of your public life, before you attained office, and since you have held power, your lordship has evidently selected the advocacy of religious liberty as an honourable distinction of your career. The confidence and gratitude of Protestant Dissenters bear testimony to the value and success of your lordship's efforts in this sacred cause, and will ever be evinced by their resort to your lordship for sympathy and

aid whenever they seek redress of hardship endured for conscience sake, or the repeal of laws which enable one Englishman to persecute another for difference of religious faith and worship.

Your lordship may express surprise at this most unusual prosecution, and inquire how it may be accounted for. The churchwarden of Llanelly, at the last election for the county of Carmarthen, voted in favour of the liberal candidate. Here is a case to be pondered by your lordship, as a lover of your country, and a guide of her councils. It furnishes one instance, capable of being made tangible and public, of what has been of late undergone in many thousands of cases, of similar spirit and effect, throughout this land, by parishioners, tenants, tradesmen, for the support given by their votes to your lordship's administration, and to the liberal principles on which it is conducted. Generally they are but private relations that are violated in this extensive persecution of those who exercise their franchise in support of whatever is liberal in religion and politics, and therefore the wrongs inflicted do not admit of detection, exposure, redress. In this instance, happily, laws and courts have been employed as the instrumens of oppression, which as much need to be reformed or abolished, as the spirit which has availed itself of their instrumentality, requires to be exhibited and rebuked. Dissenters may find the Vicar of Llanelly more their friend than the churchwarden.

Your lordship will at once see, that to say this transaction affords an intimation of the importance of an early and satisfactory settlement of the question of Church-rates, and of all points connected with it, in the parochial administration of this country, would be to offer a most partial, incomplete interpretation of its real import; for though the affair be thought trivial, it is not therefore the less instructive. It will indicate to your lordship's far-seeing mind what some, it may be many, men are prepared to inflict for the enforcement of taxation in support of a religion not approved by those on whom the impost is levied, and what other men, perhaps not a few, are prepared to endure in resisting it. There may be, your lordship, in the ecclesiastical polity of our country, principles involved, which they who are resolved in practice to enforce, must arm themselves with weapons long unused. No greater honour and blessing could possibly attend your lordship's administration, than that by gradually removing causes of discord, by carefully revising the canon as well as the statute law of England, by cautiously applying to all matters of religion the principles of a just EQUALITY-your lordship and your noble colleagues might earn the enviable renown of guiding the struggles of the age through a course of gradual and safe melioration, to that result sure to arrive at length, whether at an earlier or more remote period- whether by a progress more stormy or more calm, in which Governments will deal equally with subjects of all religious persuasions.

Signed on behalf of the Committee of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, by their direction,

BENJAMIN HANBURY, Treasurer.

JOHN BLACKBURN,
W. S. PALMER,
JOSEPH WONTNER,
ALGERNON WELLS,

Congregational Library, 7th December, 1838.

To this Memorial, the following reply was received :

Secretaries.

Whitehall, 13th December, 1838. SIR, I am directed by Lord John Russell to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, forwarding a Memorial from the Committee of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, relative to the case of John James, a prisoner confined in Carmarthen Jail, for non-payment of costs in an Ecclesiastical suit; and I am to inform you that the Secretary of State has no jurisdiction whatever to interfere with the process of Ecclesiastical Courts, and no means of granting relief in the case represented in the Memorial.