might have been issued anonymously, as the production of the present honr, and it would have occurred to few that it was a thing of more than 200 years' standing; although it might have occurred that the writer must have been a man deeply conversant with the authors of a former age, whose spirit he had imbibed, while he exhibited all their vigour with none of their ruggedness. Having completed this very copious and elaborate dissertation, he next proceeds to discourse on Falling Away, an object decidedly more difficult to deal with than either Predestination or Election, but which finds in Robinson a man equal to the arduous undertaking. The subject is sifted, perhaps, as far as the human mind can conduct it, and the result is, a most Scriptural, encouraging, and consolatory conclusion. We do not mean to say that he has solved all difficulties, since this will never be done on this side the world of light; for we think that, after all he has said—although it is needless, and it would be difficult to say morethere are yet objections which will continue to be urged. Free-will is the next topic; and here, we need not say, the difficulties are as great as under the former heads. The case is clearly stated, and discussed as far as the lights of reason and Scripture go, although with considerable brevity. The Original State of Mankind forms the subject of the next chapter. The adverse proposition with which he opens runs thus:

"Infants had no life nor being, as Adam had at the time when God gave the law to Adam; and, therefore, no law was given unto them; and, therefore, they sinned not, nor were guilty of condemnation."

Other propositions of a kindred character follow, and are dealt with in succession. These discussions-rare things now-a-days-open up a vast field of inquiry and of argumentation-a field which Robinson has trod with a firm step, threading his way through the labyrinth by the lights of Inspiration and of a sound mind, which is seldom at fault in its deductions. Baptism next follows. Here, again, he deals with the propositions of his opponents in succession, as he best can; very much, for the most part, to our own minds,-but not to the minds of some amongst us whose worth, wisdom, learning, and talents, none will question. The subject is discussed with great fulness. Every point alleged by his opponents is boldly met, and candidly dealt with. There is nothing of importance entering into the question which has not its place in this dissertation. It will supply Antipædobaptists with fresh matter for discussion, and it will give to some classes of Pædobaptists a little light of which they stand greatly in need. No modern publication has dealt with the matter so comprehensively, concisely, and conclusively. There are mixed up with this question, towards the close of the argument, several others more especially touching the Pastoral Office. This volume alone would be cheaply purchased at the entire price of this first Complete Edition of his works.

A Letter to the Congregational Church in London. Supposed to have been under the pastoral care of Mr. Jacob.

This Letter is dated 1624. This interesting document presents a curious and impressive

specimen of the kind of communication which, in those days, obtained between the Churches. Affliction, persecution, poverty, and danger brought men together, and led to the cultivation of a spirit of endearing intercourse of which we, in these peaceful times, have no conception. This letter is a beautiful illustration of the warmth of affection, and the wisdom of counsel possessed by Robinson, and how thoroughly he adapted himself to the circumstances of those he addressed. It is dated Leyden, 1624.

ance.

A Catechism, &c.

This Catechism is a curiosity in its way, and seems to have had a large run on its appearWith three editions the titles vary, its first being "An Appendix to Mr. Perkin's Six Principles of the Christian Religion,' 1642;" next, "A Brief Catechism concerning Church Government, by that Rev. Divine Mr. John Robinson, and may be fitly adjoined to Mr. Perkins's 'Six Principles of the Christian Religion,' touching the more solemn Fellowship of Christians (the Churches of God), as having a Divine Institution fit and necessary to be learned by all sorts of people in these perilous times." A Catechism from Robinson was a desideratum. Notwithstanding its brevity it is remarkably full, and comprises a large number of important subjects.

A Treatise on the Lawfulness of Hearing Ministers of the Church of England.

This treatise, which bears date 1634, is a curiosity in its way. It is a posthumous publication, having been written by the excellent author shortly before his decease, and found in his study afterwards. It was evidently designed for the press, however, and was published accordingly, together with a letter written by him and approved by his Church, which is appended to the treatise. In these days of liberality and laxness, the title we have just cited will be somewhat unsavoury; but, all things considered, and due regard being had to the times of Robinson, it is not so light a matter after all. He goes about the business in a very argumentative and temperate, yet zealous way, uttering many a wholesome truth which was then, and will be now, unpalatable to those desirous of peace at the expense of purity. Altogether, the treatise is instructive, interesting, and will be fraught with beneficial tendencies. He seems to have distinguished between things that differ, and has succeeded in a very impressive and generous spirit to declare the thing as it is, both according to reason and to Scripture.

The People's Plea for the Exercise of Prophecie against Mr. John Yates his Monopolie. Robinson contends his point with great force and pertinacity, and, so far as both Scripture and argument are concerned, he is undoubtedly victor, although he contends for privileges which, in these days, few are ambitious to enjoy, and for an exercise undoubtedly primitive, but which can hardly be carried out without primitive power. Those, however, who wish to have the argument examined in all its breadth, and length, and thoroughly sifted, may consult this very interesting and argumentative treatise.

PAPAL AGGRESSION.-The great thing, religiously considered, at home, up to the time at which we write, is Papal Aggression. The

premier made what has been generally deemed an able as well as temperate speech, but it has been considered that there was in it a disproportion between the view of the evil power to be dealt with and the defensive steps. He made out a great case for a small measure. If the small measure will avail, the greater is the minister's merit that it is small. If the Goliah can be smitten down with the smooth pebble from the brook, the exploit is enhanced by the simplicity of the means. But that remains to be proved. Lord John proposes to reserve legislative resources for the occasions which may arise, and he entertains the hope that Rome will discover its mistake, and retrace its steps. If this expectation be verified, it will certainly justify the slenderness of the proposed measure, and the moderation with which mach provocation has been met. The bill which has been presented simply interdicts-territorial titles by the Popish Clergy, prevents title deeds with their names from being valid, and allows not gifts or bequests to go to the support of Popish deaneries, bishoprics, or archbishoprics, marked by territorial distinction, inflicting for the assumption of such titles the insignificant penalty of £100. In speaking of the subject, Lord John Russell has given expression to a sentiment which will be memorable. It runs thus:

I think I am justified in saying that, whatever may have been my confidence with respect to the conduct of the Roman Catholic ecclesiastics, or with respect to the conduct of the Pope, I have found that that confidence was misplaced; and I have thought it better to avow I was mistaken in the opinion I had formed, and that events had convinced me that I had trusted too much to their ferbearance and respect for the sovereign power of this country: and, therefore, seeing that that confidence was misplaced, I must take measures in accordance with the events that had occurred.

The provisions of this insignificant bill are not wholly without value, but that value is comparatively small. Although it divests the Popish Bishops of territorial distinction, it leaves them in possession of territorial jurisdiction and synodical action-a terrible power for mischief! The bill cannot possibly give satisfaction to the Protestants, since it is a most contemptible conclusion of a most magnificent movement, and in no degree whatever supplies an antidote to the evil which has been so extensively deprecated. In the discussion not a word was said by the leading speakers on the subject of Maynooth and other Popish endowments, and it is matter for surprise and deep regret, that those statesmen who understand the subject, and ought to have been prominent, said not a word on these endowments, both at home and abroad. Here lies the root of the whole mischief! It is impossible for Government at once to endow and to repress! To endow is, in every sense, to uphold, and at the same time to give to the impious system the virtual stamp of imperial approbation.

AMERICA. The celebration of the 230th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, at Plymouth, New England, has been one of unusual magnificence. The festival was graced by the presence of Mr. Webster, Secretary of

State, and Sir Henry Bulwer, the British Envoy, both of whom came all the way from Washington to attend, and, if report may be credited, Sir Henry Bulwer made much the better speech. He drew wisely and with great effect upon statistics; let us hear him:

He had done with the Pilgrims' landing. Was it necessary to say anything of the Pilgrims' progress? It might be measured in an instant, by Messrs. Coleman and Stetson's bill of fare, which was as good an instrument for such a purpose as that of any surveyor. What was the festival provided at the arrival of the third colony which came out to join their Plymouth brethren? A lobster, three small fishes, and some spring water. It was only necessary to make a rule-of-three sum: what the lobster, and the three fishes, and the spring water were to the dinner they had just been eating, was the condition of New England, at the time that the Pilgrims landed, to the condition of New England at the time at which he was speaking; and in this he had not told the whole story-the fish were bought, and not caught: along the whole coast there was not a single line, or a hook, or a net. Hear this, ye gentlemen of New Bedford, from whose port now issue forth 600 sail of ships, manned by 16,000 hardy men, to capture, and monopolize the capture, of the greatest monsters of the deep. He could pursue the subject, but they all knew better than he did all about it. Yes, gentlemen, (Sir H. B. continued,) you all know that in 1630 the whole of New England contained but 300 inhabitants, which, in a century afterwards, had increased to 160,000, and may at this day be given at nearly 3,000,000. You all know that the capital of New England, in 1720, contained 12,000 inhabitants; in 1820, 43,000; in 1830, 78,000; and in 1850, 156,000. You all know that Boston, in 1789, was proud, very proud, of two stage coaches, which employed twelve horses; that she was prouder still, in 1800, of twenty-five stage coaches, which employed one hundred horses; and that in 1847, these twenty-five coaches had risen into two hundred and fifty coaches and omnibuses, employing one thousand six hundred horses, without taking into account seven railways, which provide daily accommodation for 7000 passengers. You all know that the first newspaper published in the colonies was published in 1704, in this same city of Boston, and that a third newspaper published in the same town, in 1721, under the title of the New England Courant, could not maintain itself, though it had very warm advocates, being supported by the Hell-fire Club; and you also all know that at this moment there are in Boston sixteen daily newspapers, with a daily circulation of 36,000 copies, and fifty weekly newspapers, with a weekly circulation of 223,000; to say nothing of semi-weekly papers and semi-monthly papers, and monthly, and quarterly, and annual publications.

Such is part of the fruit of the arrival of the little vessel, the May Flower, with her heavenly burden of nineteen families, 230 years ago! What dignity, what importance the foregoing facts give to the articles concerning John Robinson, to be found in another part of our present Number !

IRELAND.-Ireland threatens once more to go into a ferment on the subject of the Papal Aggression. At the very time that the nation had begun to lift up its drooping head, that labour was increasing and prospects brightening, that is the time chosen by the priesthood for throwing everything into confusion! There is still hope for that afflicted people; if their priests were out of the way, there is reason to look forward to a day when once more Ireland will become an "Island of Saints," and will

CONVERSION is a term in which every soul of man is incalculably interested, since there is none who needs it not, in order to his everlasting happiness. It is, nevertheless, a fact, that there are few things concerning which the bulk of them are less interested, and no subject they are less disposed to inquire into, that they may understand its principle, and comply with the Divine injunction. The matter has been frequently mystified, from a disregard to fact, experience, and Scripture. It has also, sometimes, been so diluted as to reduce it to a thing of nought, and to work the most deplorable deception and delusion in the human mind. It is the wisdom of all that are concerned in the business to look at the first book of Christianity-the Acts of the Apostles-which gives a history of things as they existed in the first age. On the present occasion, I shall take the case of the conversion of the Philippian jailor, as furnishing one of the best illustrations to be found in the Word of God.

The two favourite forms of hypocritical selfishness are, loyalty and piety. We have a striking illustration of the former in Acts xvi. 19. Here a poor slave is possessed of an evil spirit, "that brought to her masters much gain by soothsaying:" all was well while the money flowed; not a word of the Apostles, or their teaching, of the national customs, or public danger. But the spirit which was in the young damsel entered upon an experiment which led to his exorcision. The young woman, from day to day, as she beheld the Apostles passing in the streets, followed them, crying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, which show to men the way of salvation." This she did many days, till Paul, moved by grief, turned and commanded the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of her, and he instantly obeyed. From this moment there was an end of the soothsaying, and its consequent revenues to the men who had heretofore profited by the oracle. A miracle of mercy was thus wrought-a human spirit emancipated from a most disgusting and degrading thraldom-a deed done in which a world might have rejoiced. But these sons of Mammon had no taste for such enjoyments. The name of Christ was glorified, and the evi

VOL. VIII.

dence of the heavenly origin of his Gospel received an accession. Piety and humanity exulted, and heartless selfishness, with resentful malice, gnashed its teeth : "When her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, and brought them to the magistrates." Let us now hear the hypocrites. How zealous they are for the public tranquillity! "These men," say they, as they pointed with wrath to Paul and his companion, "These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, and teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans." Such is the charge. But while their words pointed one way, their feelings pointed another. It was not the teaching of customs, but the stopping of their "gains," that "troubled," not the "city," but themselves. The money-the money! the whole thing centered in the money!

The state of things in Paul's days, even in Roman provinces, is forcibly illustrated by the present case. Notwithstanding law obtained, and, with all the imperfections which attached to its administration, was an unspeakable public blessing, yet, far removed from the centre of authority, many evils were suffered to mix themselves up with it. Fierce clamour ofttimes took the place of calm deliberation, and the fury of the multitude bore away the magistrates. In this case, "the multitude rose up together against them." They clamoured-they denounced-they execrated, calling for extreme and cruel measures; and the magistrates seemed to have been worthy of them, and but a portion of them. They represented rather the madness of the mob than the majesty of Rome. "The magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them; and when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into the prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely, who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks." And this was Roman justice! Without inquiry, without evidence, without any opportunity of defence; in fact, to the utter neglect of all the provisions of the law for the preservation of life, and the securing of the rights

L

The

of the subject, they are thus violently, cruelly thrust into a dungeon! magistrates seemed disposed to gratify the infuriated multitude on easy terms, looking upon the strangers as men without the means of defence, and not likely to institute any appeal against their proceedings. Such scenes as these could not occur in any portion of the British Empire; and they ought to teach us the unspeakable privileges we enjoy as Englishmen, illustrating, as they do, the invaluable blessings of law and order. It were at the peril of the first nobleman of the realm thus to treat the meanest wanderers that prowl our streets and sleep in our woods!

Thus finishes the first part of the cruel and revolting scene. The wicked men, the masters of the maiden, if they have lost their gains, have yet glutted their revenge, and they return to their homes with all the satisfaction which so poor an exhibition of malicious cruelty and hypocritical zeal could impart. The mob disappears, and is lost in slumber. The magistrates retire to their dwelling-places. The prison-doors are fastened, bolted, barred; the jailor, having taken more than ordinary precautions to prevent escape, retires to his couch. The sun was down-nature rested, and all was still. Yet that was an eventful night in Philippi. There are two men in that gloomy edifice, shut up in its darkest dungeon, from whose eyes sleep is departed, weary, hungry, naked, bathed in the blood of their own bodies, friendless and comfortless; yet, strange to say, instead of wrapping themselves in the silent gloom of hateful resentment, their thoughts are occupied with things far different from those of the day, and feelings much other than those of resentful hate. Yes! these men, so circumstanced, in the midst of all this dreary gloom, instead of spending their sleepless night in groans, curses, and execrations of their oppressors, after the fashion of mere human nature, are actually spending their time in prayers and praises unto God! Yes, they sing with their whole heart, while their sweet tones echo through the cells of their prison-house, so that the prisoners were awakened to hear them. What a night! what a scene is now opening! These prisoners were intended to be witnesses of that never-to-be-for

gotten transaction. As they sing, the hapless multitude bereft of their liberty listened, wondered, and inquired; but nothing could explain those mysterious

sounds. Thus prepared while they lived to attest the events, the Lord put forth his hand, "and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed." What a change! The mysterious music ceased, and an indescribable shock is sustained: the edifice rocked on its base, as if tottering to its fall, and, strange to say, every door in the building was opened in a moment; the bolts, as if thrown back simultaneously by the finger of God, lost their hold, and the same power which unbolted opened them to the full stretch! Earthquakes are common things; many a goodly edifice they have, in a moment, crumbled into one huge heap of ruin but never did earthquake do the deed which was done on the present occasion. It was not an earthquake of common mould, but a special operation for a special purpose. The power put forth was that of one complex key opening every lock at once, and setting every door open wide!

But the wonder did not end here. "Every one's bands were loosed." What a grand and terrible effect now! The awful power by which these wonders have been wrought in the presence of all the prisoners, came nearer them, and taking each individual, in an instant it removed his fetters, no matter what the kind, or what the mode of fixing; screw or rivet, the hold at once gave way, and every man stood perfectly liberated! Behold the picture! The prison is open as the highway, and every prisoner as free as those by whom it is perambulated!

The wonder was now complete. How awful a moment! The genius of terror reigned throughout the dreadful scene, riveting every man to the ground, from which he had no power to move. Other

things than crime, and danger, and possible death, and flight as a means of escaping it, occupied the minds of those witnesses for God. Chains of another order were now thrown over them, and an unseen hand held them there, that all whom the matter concerned might examine them. Let the magistrates, and the priests, and the mob all come and satisfy themselves. Behold the facts! The locks, the doors, the fetters, all testify that the finger of God has been upon them! The men are there to join with material nature in testifying to what they saw and felt. Had they fled so soon as they were free, and lost themselves in