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but she had not realized it. And now that she was disposed to a sincere examination of her heart, she was surprised and pained at the discoveries which were made to her. In bringing her thoughts, her motives, and her affections to a high, holy, and spiritual standard—a standard she had not before comprehended-she found that the least offence, the least defect, exposed her to condemnation. She was constrained to admit, that she had sinned, and come short of the glory of God; that, however well she might have thought of herself, or her connexions have thought of her, she was "by nature a child of wrath even as others." She awoke as from a profound sleep; she had dreamt of peace and security, but she was awakened by the stings of an accusing serpent coiling round her heart.' Vol. I. pp. 424.4.

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To possess the theory of religion only is of high advantage. It is possessing the escape-ladder, which, though it may never have been used, is always ready for use when the hour of distress shall arrive. Thousands, from their ignorance of Divine truth, have to inquire for the means of salvation when they should be intent only on their application. They are aware of their danger, but know not where their help is to be found; and they remain in a state of most fearful distress, if they are not precipitated into overwhelming despair

From these perplexities Martha did not suffer. In the ruin of her existing hopes, she knew where her only, her last dependence must rest, and her eye turned spontaneously to that Saviour who is the hope and consolation of Israel. With this object her mind had been familiarized for many years; but it is important to mark the fresh lights in which it was now contemplated. Before, it was the Saviour's gentleness of temper, the benevolence of his heart, the innocence of his life, the distress of his circumstances, or the agonies of his final hours, that called forth her sympathy, while the more exalted parts of his character rested behind a veil, which she had little desire to remove. Now, however, it was on these her thoughts most earnestly dwelt. The Saviour as mediator; his engagements for man's redemption; his authority to forgive sins; his power to propitiate Divine justice, and bring near to us the infinite Mercy; his conquest over our spiritual foes, and his bestowment of a renewing, sanctifying spirit, these were the particulars in his character and work, which were felt to be so needful to her condition. She searched the Scriptures afresh, and found that they testified of Him in a sense and with a power to which she had been hitherto a stranger. She saw that Christ was indeed the wisdom of God-the power of God the Son of God-God himself, manifested in the flesh. It was apparent to her, that the Saviour, possessing the nature of God and man, was qualified to stand in the breach, and effect our reconciliation. A scheme of salvation lay before her above her hopes-above her thoughts: she could not doubt its suitableness-it was exactly what she wanted: she could not question its sufficiency-it was the production of inexhaustible love." "No," she remarked at this

period with peculiar emphasis, "I cannot for a moment doubt the ability or the willingness of Jesus to save to the very uttermost; my only doubt is, whether I have come to him aright for salvation." Vol. I. pp. 48-50.

Our next extract will give a view of her active benevolence at a more advanced period.

On one of these exploring excursions, following the current incidents of the morning, she arrived at a place called Newgate Street. The name which describes it, however, is not likely to suggest a just idea of it. It is a small hamlet, resting on the verdant bosom of a gentle eminence, which springs from the surrounding pastures. The cottages fringe the edges of this somewhat circular elevation, without assuming any thing of a set and artificial appearance. They are detached and diversified in form and position; yet all are simple and chaste. Their base is relieved by the aspiring flowers, and their soft brown roofs half hidden in the overhanging and nodding foliage. The eye is carried to them by " the merry green," which, animated with rustic figures, forms a beautiful fore-ground; while pretty vistas, are often breaking on the sight between the cottages, revealing the descending glade, softened by shadows, and bounded by swelling hills crowned with wood, and basking in the warm and blessed light of heaven. There is a completeness about this humble spot, which satisfies the eye; there is a freshness, which invigorates the taste; there is a quietude, which soothes the soul. It speaks of separation from the world; of ignorance of the hacknied ways of life; and exemption from its vices and its snares. And of how many spots in our picturesque and happy land may all this, and more than this, be said!

Martha, coming unexpectedly on this scene, fed on it with a relish which ever afterwards made it sweet to her memory; but no illusions of taste could induce her to conclude, that the inhabitants were as pure and as happy as their situation suggested. She knew that man, in his best estate, is still ignorant, vain, and sinful; and here she dreamed of no exception. She made her visits; distributed her counsels and her tracts; and acquainted herself with their moral condition. She found that these people were five miles from their parish church, and that they had no means of instruction within their reach. That the fathers, from having no employment for their time, acquired the habit of passing most of the Sabbath at the village pot-house; and that this wretched habit had opened the entrance to others, injurious to their character and the comfort of their families. The mothers, indeed, remained true to their domestic duties; but neither father nor mother nor child had the attention directed, from year to year, to any thing beyond life's transitory concerns. Yet, many expressed a concern to observe the worship of the Sabbath, if the means were within their power; and were desirous that their children should receive a better education than had been granted to themselves.

This information affected Martha most deeply. Here were a

people surrounded with the light of truth, and yet sitting in darkness; in the midst of a Christian land, and yet without a school, without a sanctuary, without any one to care for their souls; living like the brute in their pastures, alive only to sensitive enjoyment, and dying also like the brute, as ignorantly, though not as safe. The external signs of their happiness only rendered their spiritual wretchedness the more deplorable. Martha looked on the lovely spot as her Saviour looked on the outward magnificence of Jerusalem, and wept; and her sympathy settled down into a resolution often to visit this place, particularly to notice it in her prayers, and to use her best efforts to put its inhabitants nearer the means of religious improve

ment.

The days spent in these benevolent exercises, were, în the review, some of the most pleasant and important of her life. It is little to say that she never met with insult or molestation of any kind; she seldom met with neglect; and, in most cases, she was received with undissembled gratitude and kindness. As she became known in some of her favourite circuits, she would be welcomed on her way by smiling faces and simple courtesies; groups of happy children would often be gathered round her resting place, reposing on her knee, and hanging on her lips, attracted by her winsome manners and tempting rewards; and, though far from seeking such offerings, the thankful tear would sometimes fall in her presence, and the blessing that would not be refused an utterance, would sometimes descend on her head. The benevolence of her errand called into play the kindliest parts of human character; she communed with her kindred on the best of terms; she walked in the warm glow of human sympathy; and she frequently saw some fine illustrations of what is most lovely and generous in our nature.' Vol. II. pp. 16-20.

The closing scene corresponded to the lovely tenor of a well spent life: it is extremely touching. We have room only for

one short extract.

On observing my distress, she readily changed the course of her remarks, and, with a mixture of confidence and tenderness, continued" What a mercy that we have lived together so happilythat we have understood each other so well-that we have had such opportunities of forming an affection which will never be brokenno brother, never be broken! I feel assured that our love shall be continued and perfected in heaven. We shall only be separated as for a moment and then-then we shall meet before the throne never to part!" Her thoughts dwelt upon the assurance with delight.

"O how little have I done for the cause of my Saviour! I did hope my life would have been spared to be useful to others; but Jehovah has appointed otherwise, and I bow to His will! I cannot now serve him by my life; I pray that I may yet do it by my death. O that my death may be made eminently useful-that it may constrain many to work while it is called to-day-that it may quicken many to thoughtfulness and prayer!

"And, perhaps, in that world to which I am going, I may be useful as well as happy. I shall be, my Saviour says, as the angels in heaven; and they are all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation. Dear Brother!" said she, touched by the thought," perhaps, perhaps it may still be my privilege to hover about your ways, to contribute in some mode or other to your comfort or your usefulness. When I am gone, O do not think of me as afar off, but as near to you, as watching over you, as soon to join again for ever!"

"O my dear, dear brother, do not weep-do not weep-that will break my heart! If you knew all I have suffered, you would earnestly pray for my dismissal indeed you would. I would not advert to any thing that should give you a moment's pain; but I am desirous that you should know that I am happy-yes, notwithstanding all I suffer that I am happy-that religion makes me so that God does support me. This will be a comfort to you at a future time." " Vol. II. PP. 169-71.

Art. X. Ancient Military Architecture. A Series of Views of the most interesting Remains of ancient Castles of England and Wales; engraved by W. Woolnoth and W. Tombleson, from Drawings by G. Arnald, A.R.A. &c. with Historical Descriptions. By E. W. Brayley, jun 8vo. Parts I. to III. Price 4s. each. London.

1823.

As a work of art, the Castle cannot vie with the Cathedral ; it is, however, in some respects the more interesting object, as being richer in historic associations, and it forms a not less picturesque feature in the landscape. Some of the castles which remain as grim monuments of feudal times, have been again and again selected as popular subjects for the pencil; but hitherto, there has been nothing approaching to a complete series of views illustrating the existing remains of our military architecture, on a scale that should bring them within the reach of persons of moderate resources. We have great satisfaction, therefore, in noticing the present publication, which is well deserving of public encouragement. The contents of the numbers now before us, are Peverel's Castle, Brougham Castle, Warkworth Castle, Chepstow Castle, Goodrich Castle, Newark Castle, Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Pickering Castle, Rochester Castle, Carisbrook Castle, and Thornbury Castle. The execution of the work is in every department highly respectable, and does credit to the Editors. It is continued in monthly numbers, and is to extend to three volumes. When complete, it will form an interesting appendix of illustrations to our English histories.

ART. XI. SELECT LITERARY INFORMATION.

Gentlemen and Publishers who have works in the Press, will oblige the Conductors of the ECLECTIC REVIEW, by sending information (post paid) of the subject, extent, and probable price of such works ; which they may depend upon being communicated to the public, if consistent with its plan.

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Four Treatises, by Mr. Haldane on Self Examination-Mystery of Redemption, &c.

A Treatise on Practical Cupping. By Samuel Bayfield, Surgeon.

A Memorial of the late Rev. W. Evans of Wymondham, Norfolk including a selection from his correspondence, and a funeral sermon. By the Rev. J. Hooper, A. M. in 1 vol. 12mo.

Preparing for publication, Six Etchings, from Pen Drawings, of interesting Scenes in Italy, drawn and etched by Mr. W. Cowen, and dedicated by permission to Lord Viscount Milton. of the prints, 16 inches by 10.

Size

Mr. Wright, Accountant, Fenchurch street, will publish in a few days, "the New Mercantile Assistant, and General Cheque Book," containing nine copious aud distinct sets of tables. The first series (which contain more than one bundred tables) are calculations by reduction, on a novel and simple principle; exhibiting, at one view, what any commodity, purchased in the aggregate, i. e. by the ton or cwt., costs per single lb. stone, or qr. any number of lbs. or stones, or qrs.; or vice versa.-The eight other tables relate to the public fundslife annuities-wine and spirits-hay and corn, &c. &c. all peculiarly simple, and adapted to the purposes of commerce and as a cheque in the countinghouse. 1 vol. royal 12mo.

In the course of the present month will be published, Observations made during a Residence in the Tarentaise and various Parts of the Grecian and Pennine Alps, in Savoy, and in Switzerland and Auvergne, in the years 1820,

1821, and 1822, with remarks on the present state of society, manners, religion, agriculture, climate, &c. By Robert Bakewell, Esq. in 2 vols. 8vo. illustrated with plates, &c. &c.

The English Fiora. By Sir J. E. Smith, President of the Linnæan Society, &c. &c. in 8vo.

A Geognostical Essay on the Superposition of Rocks in both Hemispheres. By M. de Humboldt. And translated into English, under his immediate inspection. In 1 vol. 8vo.

Sketches of the Lives of Correggio and Parmegiano, with Notices of their principal Works; beautifully printed in small Svo. with a portrait.

Lectures on the General Structure of the Human Body, and on the Anatomy and Functions of the Skin; delivered before the Royal College of Surgeons of London, during the course of 1823. By Thomas Chevalier, F.R.S. F.S.A. and F.L.S. Surgeon Extraordinary to the King, and Professor of Anatomy and Surgery to the College. In 1 vol. 8vo.

The Royal Naval Biography, Vol. I. Parts 1. and II. in 8vo. Containing memoirs of all the flag-officers living at the commencement of the present year. By John Marshall, (B,) Lieut. R. N.

Vols. II. and III. containing Memoirs of the Captains and Commanders, will appear shortly.

The Jamaica Planter's Guide, or a system for planting and managing a sugar estate, or other plantations in that island, and throughout the British West Indies in general. Illustrated with interesting anecdotes. By Thomas Roughley, nearly twenty years a sugar planter in Jamaica. In I vol. 8vo.

A Series of Picturesque Views of Edinburgh, engraved in the best line manner. By W. H. Lizars. With a succinct historical account of Edinburgh. In royal 4to. Part I. To be completed in 17 Monthly Parts, each containing 3 Plates.

A System of Anatomical Plates, with descriptive Letter-press. By John Lizars, F.R S. E. Fellow of the Royal Col

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