might have done to relieve the dark shades of an awful picture; and which a Christian, and especially a clergyman, should have been forward to do, for the glory of God and the best interests of a fallen and sorrowful world. Sometimes his poems evince the coarse levity of a "rake's progress," which even the Edinburgh Reviewers felt it necessary to reprehend as unbecoming the pen of a clergyman. In his "Borough" we find satire where "godly sorrow" and hallowed reproof were more befitting. Even the curate, who is made favourably to contrast with the silly, fid-fad, “fiddling and fishing" rector, is not what a Gospel preacher'' should be, if the Gospel be "the power of God unto salvation," and not a mere code of "virtuous action." But worse, Mr. Crabbe, in his satires upon religious sectaries, sometimes exposes religion itself to reproach and scorn. He depicts ridiculous and despicable persons as setting up for preachers, shewing much apparent zeal, referring to Scripture, speaking strongly of the agency of Satan and the influences of the Holy Spirit; and so manages the picture as to lead an unwary reader to blend earnest piety and true spiritual-mindedness with cant and hypocrisy. In all this we see nothing that enables us to adopt the estimate of Melancthon rather than Luther. We should however, in justice to Mr. Crabbe, mention that his filial biographer states that " In a later period of his life, and more especially during the last ten years of it, he became more conscious of the importance of dwelling on the doctrines of Christianity, than he had been when he first took orders; and when a selection of his sermons is placed, as I hope ere long it will be, before the public, it will be seen that he had gradually approached, in substantial matters, though not exactly in certain peculiar ways of expression, to that respected body usually denominated Evangelical Christians of the Church of England; with whom nevertheless he was never classed by others, nor indeed by himself." We know not whether these sermons were ever published. The tone of the above passage is not strongly marked; but it speaks of improvement, and we are willing to hope it implies more than it expresses. We will transcribe the account of Mr. Crabbe's death-bed; which will shew how he thought and felt in his last hours. "During the days that preceded his departure, we had not one painful feeling arising from the state of his mind. That was more firm than I ever remembered under any circumstances. He knew there was no chance of his recovery, and yet he talked at intervals of his death, and of certain consequent arrangements, with a strong complacent voice; and bade us all adieu without the least faltering of the tongue, or moisture of the eye. The awfulness of death, apprehended by his capacious mind, must have had a tendency to absorb other feelings; yet was he calm and unappalled;--and intervals of oblivion, under the appearance of sleep, softened his sufferings and administered an opiate to his faculties. One of his characteristics, -exuberance of thought, seemed sometimes, even when pleased, as if it oppressed him; and in this last illness, when he was awake, his mind worked with astonishing rapidity. It was not delirium; for on our recalling his attention to present objects, he would speak with perfect rationality; but, when uninterrupted, the greater portion of his waking hours were passed in rapid soliloquies on a variety of subjects, the chain of which from his imperfect utterance (when he did not exert himself) we were unable to follow. We seldom interrupted the course that nature was taking, or brought him to the effort of connected discourse, except to learn how we could assist or relieve him. But as in no instance (except in a final lapse of memory) did we discover the least irrationality-so there was no despondency; on the contrary, the cheerful expressions which he had been accustomed to use, were heard from time to time; nay, even that elevation of the inner side of the eyebrows, which occasionally accompanied some humorous observation in the days of his health, occurred once or twice after every hope of life was over. But, if we were thankful for his firmness of mind, we had to lament the strength of his constitution. I was CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 65. 2 P not aware how powerful it was till tried by this disease. I said, 'It is your great strength which causes this suffering.' He replied, 'But it is a great price to pay for it.' "On one essential subject it would be wrong to be silent. I have stated that the most important of all considerations had had an increasing influence over his mind. The growth had been ripening with his age, and was especially perceptible in his later years. With regard to the ordinances of religion, he was always manifestly pained if, when absent from home on a Sunday, he had been induced to neglect either the morning or evening services: in his private devotions, as his household can testify, he was most exemplary and earnest up to the period of this attack; yet at that time, when fear often causes the first real prayer to be uttered, then did he, as it were, confine himself to the inward workings of his pious and resigned spirit, occasionally, however, betrayed by aspirations most applicable to his circumstances. Among the intelligible fragments that can never be forgotten, were frequent exclamations of,My time is short; it is well to be prepared for death.' 'Lucy,'-this was the affectionate servant that attended along with his sons,-dear Lucy, be earnest in prayer! May you see your children's children.' From time to time he expressed great fear that we were all over-exerting ourselves in sitting up at night with him; but the last night he said, 'Have patience with me--it will soon be over. -Stay with me, Lucy, till I am dead, and then let others take care of me.' This night was most distressing. The changes of posture sometimes necessary, gave him extreme pain, and he said, 'This is shocking.' Then again he became exhausted, or his mind wandered in a troubled sleep. Awaking a little refreshed, he held out his hand to us, saying-as if he felt it might be the last opportunity, 'God bless you-be good, and come to me!' Even then, though we were all overpowered, and lost all self-command, he continued firm. His countenance now began to vary and alter. Once, however, we had the satisfaction of seeing it lighted up with an indescribable expression of joy, as he appeared to be looking at something before him, and uttered these words, That blessed book!' After another considerable interval of apparent insensibility, he awoke, and said, in a tone so melancholy, that it rang in my ears for weeks after, I thought it had been all over,' with such an emphasis on the all! Afterwards he said, 'I cannot see you now.' When I said, 'We shall soon follow;' he answered, 'Yes, yes!' I mentioned his exemplary fortitude; but he appeared unwilling to have any good ascribed to himself. "When the incessant presents and inquiries of his friends in the town were mentioned, he said, 'What a trouble I am to them all! And in the course of the night, these most consolatory words were distinctly heard, 'All is well at last!' Soon after, he said, imperfectly, 'You must make an entertainment;' meaning for his kind Trowbridge friends after his departure. These were the last intelligible words I heard. Lucy, who could scarcely be persuaded to leave him, day or night, and was close by him when he died, says that the last words he uttered were, 'God bless you-God bless you!"" THE BISHOP OF CHESTER IN REPLY TO REMARKS ON A PASSAGE IN HIS EXPOSITION. To the Editor of the Christian Observer. London, April 19, 1843. DEAR SIR,-Like yourself, I am always pleased to observe a godly jealousy in questions which concern the fundamental principles of the Gospel. I therefore request you to grant me the use of one of your pages, that I may assure your correspondent Incertus that in the sentence which he has quoted from my Prefatory Remarks, I had no intention of touching upon the profound and inscrutable subject to which he alludes. Why one man is made to differ from another, we may know hereafter: but now it is hid from our eyes. But Incertus must have heard it objected to the doctrine of Justification by Faith, that a man is declared to be justified because he believes, who afterwards shows that he has neither part nor lot in the matter. This was the subject of my remark; which was merely intended to assert that in the sight of God no man is really justified who is not really regenerated. One who "receives the word with joy," and "dureth for a while," may appear a converted, a justified man: but God, who "seeth not as man seeth," knows that he has "no root in himself:" and therefore, when "in time of temptation he falls away," his fall makes no real change in his condition before God. This, as you, Sir, have perceived, was my only meaning. In one respect I have expressed it ill. I ought not to have made use of the phrase, "patient continuance in well-doing." This might seem to exclude, what we have no right to exclude, all death-bed repentance. But thus much, I presume, we may safely assert, that no man was ever justified before God, in whose heart the Spirit had not implanted the principle of obedience to His will. I remain, dear Sir, Your faithful and obedient servant, J. B. CHESTER. REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. FIFTY SERMONS BY THE LATE ROBERT HALL. Fifty Sermons, delivered by the Rev. Robert Hall, M.A., from Notes taken at the time of their delivery. By the Rev. THOMAS GRINFIELD, M.A., late of Trinity College, Cambridge. 1843. THE late Dr. Olinthus Gregory published six volumes of the collected works of Robert Hall, which were reviewed in the "Christian Observer" of 1833; and he purposed adding a seventh volume, of which the discourses now in our hands were to have formed the chief part; but his many engagements, and declining health, having prevented his fulfilling his design, Mr. Grinfield, twelve years after Mr. Hall's death, has at length published them. The many and copious notices which appeared in our Volumes for 1831, 1832, 1833, respecting this highly-gifted man, whose talents were only exceeded by his piety, render it superfluous to detain our readers from the perusal of the extracts which we are about to select, by any statement respecting his doctrines, manner of life, mental powers, or eloquence. The sermons which Mr. Hall himself published, go far towards sustain ing all that we have heard of his extraordinary powers as a preacher ; and the present discourses, though delivered without a shred of manuscript, and some of them much abridged in the report and none of them, we suppose, full and accurate to the letter-yet present an exalted idea of the intellectual vigour, the pathos, the sublimity, and, best of all, the devout and scriptural preaching of this remarkable man. The reporting is very able, especially considering that Mr. Hall is stated to have been a very rapid speaker, and one whose matter did not allow of commonplace filling up. Mr. Grinfield has a word to say to those who, "restrained by ecclesiastical prejudice, denied themselves even the occasional privilege of hearing Mr. Hall;" and who, he says, "sometimes represented the acceptance of that privilege as an idolatrous sacrifice to intellect and eloquence; whereas "intellect was here baptized in spirituality, and eloquence was hallowed by its exhibition of holy sentiments, and richly embued with the savour of Christ;" and he regrets these "ecclesiastical prejudices; "—"as though," he says, "we were not permitted in religious exercises to regard the differences of minds; to prefer superior precision, variety, and depth, accompanied with a more impressive energy and pathos; as though we were not called to glorify God as well in the natural gifts as the spiritual graces of his more eminent servants." Our reverend reporter, we are sure, frequented Mr. Hall's ministry for the edifying purposes whichhe specifies; and the fame of this eminent man having attracted in the course of years thousands of churchmen, and hundreds of clergymen, to hear at least an occasional sermon from his lips, Mr. Grinfield may plead precedents, as well as adduce arguments. But we would respectfully inquire, whether regularity and order are not parts of Christian discipline? whether self-denial for conscience sake is not a duty? whether the effect of example is not to be considered? whether a clergyman's going fifty times to a Baptist meeting is an edifying spectacle to his flock? and whether, after all, there may not be such a thing as schism; and, if so, in what it consists? Mr. Hall exhibited less of a sectarian spirit than falls to the share of most men of any communion; but he was very decidedly, though not bitterly, opposed to Episcopacy, to National Church Establishments, and to Infant Baptism; and why should it be accounted "ecclesiastical prejudice" for those who believe all, or any, of these to be matters of great moment, to avoid even the appearance of undervaluing them? We are glad to see among the subscribers to this Volume a long list of clergymen, more than eighty in number. This is a just tribute of respect and affection due from the brotherhood of Christians to a Hall; as it would to an Owen, a Howe, or a Baxter; but there is a wide distinction between the printed page and the adjuncts of public worship. In selecting a few desultory extracts from fifty sermons, we know not where to begin or end; but as Mr. Grinfield has appended a note to many of them, pointing out something remarkable in the discourse or the delivery, we will avail ourselves of these guide-posts; though the sermons in the printed page do not always seem calculated to produce the potent effects which are said to have accompanied them in oral delivery. They may, how ever, be equally accompanied by the Divine blessing, which is not dependent on human eloquence or social feeling. We will copy the heads of the first twenty-six, to show the topics of Mr. Hall's preaching. "The Creatorship and Divinity of Jesus Christ. John i. 2, 3.-The personality and agency of Satan. Matt. iv. 1.-The Christian's preference of heavenly to earthly riches. Hebrews x. 34.-The saying worthy of all accepta tion. 1 Timothy i. 15.-The Divine Foundation. Isaiah xxviii. 16.-Present sufferings contrasted with future glory. Romans viii. 18.-The hypocrite's inconstancy in prayer. Job xxvii. 10.-Condition of the Apostolic churches. Acts ix. 31.—Reasons for a Judgment. Acts xxiv. 25.-Character of the Judgment. Hebrews vi. 2. — Features of the apostolic Church. Acts iv. 23.-Early piety exemplified in AbiChrist to save to the uttermost. Hejah. 1 Kings xiv. 13.-Ability of Jesus brews vii. 25.-Character of Balaam. Numbers xxxi, 8.- Reasons why we ought to seek the things above. Coloss. iii. 1.-Rules and reasons for redeeming time. Ephesians v. 16.-Remembrance, 9.-Distinguishing properties of spiriin youth, of the Judgment. Eccles. xi. tual life. Acts v. 20.-Grounds of confidence in the Saviour's ability. 2 Timothy i. 12. Christianity the test of tolic benediction. character. Luke ii. 34, 35.-The Apos2 Corinthians xiii. ult.-Beatitude of the pure. Matthew 1 v. 8.--Citizenship and conduct of Chris- The first of these discourses, "At this point of transition from the “This doctrine, that Christ created all No need to check our regards toward the Redeemer, lest they trespass on the claims of the Creator: both are united in the person of Jesus Christ! "The fact announced in the text, that by Christ were all things made,' presents a grand reason for the doctrine so often and so undeniably taught in the New Testament, that by Christ shall all the world be judged.' He who made know all that is in man; and, by such man is the only Being who can perfectly a perfect insight into all hearts, be qualified for the office of the Judge of all. Having not only assumed, but having created the human nature, He alone, He with the infinite ease of omniscience, reads the counsels of all human hearts. And, as none who receive the New Testament have ever questioned that He will judge men, so this His acknowledged office proves His title to creator ship and Deity. raise our ideas and our expectations of "Lastly, how high does this doctrine that glory which is reserved for those who are redeemed by Christ! All things were created by him who is not ashamed to call them brethren.' The Creator of the universe has condescended to become their Redeemer and their Brother! A more domestic, a more intimate and affectionate union subsists between Jesus Christ and the Church, which is His body and His bride, than between Himself and those holy angels who are not His bride, but His servants. The Lamb in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and lead them to living waters.' What exalted hopes ought not Christians to form and cherish of their eternal destiny in Christ their Head! Often, my dear brethren, consider Jesus Christ as He is now dignified in heaven! the First-born among many brethren ! the First-fruits of them that sleep in Him! They that follow His steps will partake his exaltation, they will be quickened and raised with Him, and sit down together in heavenly places with Christ Jesus!' they will experience the desire of His heart, and behold His glory! changed themselves into the same image, while with open face they behold the glory of the Lord! Be assured that God has greater things in reserve for those who love Him, than eye has seen, or ear heard, or heart of man conceived! and doubt not that those things will bear the full stamp of that eternal love of God, which was realized in the incarnation of His Son Jesus Christ!" The discourse on "the Personality of Satan" is powerfully ar |