tain more than two-thirds of the people; but to remedy this, a tent is erected on the outside among the tombs; and seated upon the little hillocks which mark the resting places of the dead, those who cannot get into the church listen to a sermon, preached by one of the clergymen who assist the pastor on the occasion. And perhaps to a heart capable of reflection, a more solemn situation can hardly be conceived, than those moments of silence which precede the commencement of these external services. Only think of a living congregation scattered among the congregation of the dead, and the one equally silent as the other; the living waiting with suppressed breathing for the voice of the preacher, and the dead, not more noiseless, waiting for the sound of the archangel's trump. It is indeed a time of such eloquent silence, that perhaps words, however appropriate, are intruders at such a time.

"O man, if aught can ever thrust
Thy proud, proud forehead to the dust,
It surely must be here!

No voice can ever seem so dread,
As this same stillness of the dead."

In the mean time, in the church, the pastor preaches what is called the action sermon; explains the ordinance, fences the tables, and serves the first; while the others are attended to by the assisting clergymen in their turn. This gives a novelty and interest to the meeting, which is highly pleasing and instructive. The communicants sit at tables spread in the aisles; and oh! how terribly solemn is it, when part of a family, or the occupants of a pew, arise and go to the table of the Lord, and leave a part behind! It looks like the separation which shall take place at the last great congregation, "when the dead, small and great," shall stand in judgment. On such an occasion, when left behind, I have felt an aguish chill pervade my whole system, and a momentary feeling as if a dart had passed through my heart.

Oh! Mr. Editor, what must be the strength of those incipient feelings of damnation which will take possession of the heart, when the sinner is separated from Christ, and from all his holy relatives, on "that great day, for which all other days were made!""

After the peculiar services of the day are over, the whole congregation leave the church, and mingling with those without, listen to a concluding sermon. And when this mighty assembly lift up their voices in the sublime language of the Psalmist, what a rapturous and holy echo seems to pass from tomb to tomb, and from vault to vault, as if the pious dead were privileged to join once more in this "work and worship so divine." The longest day is almost too short for these sacred exercises, and often do the people repair to their habitations, and sit down by candle light to their cold dinners. Nor are the services of this holy season ended even here; for on Monday, which is the day of thanksgiving, the people appear once more in the "great congregation," to bless the Lord for his mercies; when an appropriate sermon is delivered by one of the assistants-after which, the people retire with joyous and uplifted countenances to their respective homes. And so full sometimes do these good people appear to be of "righteousness and peace in believing," that their very looks seem to give an invitation to the " weary and heavy laden" to come to Christ-bringing vividly to our recollection the memorable conclusion of the feast of tabernacles, when Jesus stood up, and "cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink."

The above description of an Irish communion season, though novel to some of your readers, will be recognised by others, as the manner in which such seasons were observed among Presbyterians in this country, at no very distant period-an

instance of which we have in the life of the apostolic Brainerd. At the beautiful and picturesque little village of Abington, within eleven miles of Philadelphia, where the Rev. Mr. Steel now dispenses with faithfulness and assiduity the "bread of life," Messrs. Brainerd and Beaty attended as assistants to Mr. Treat, at his communion in the April of 1745. They arrived there on Saturday, while Mr. Treat was preaching; after which Mr. Brainerd delivered a sermon. On the Sabbath, Mr. Treat preached within the church, and both Mr. Brainerd and Mr. Beaty on the outside; and the services of this solemn occasion were concluded on Monday, by sermons from the same gentlemen.

SPIRITUAL DISTRESS RELIEVED.

In our number for November last it was stated, that a second letter, relative to the case of spiritual distress then described, had been received from the subject of that distress; and that this letter was irrecoverably lost. So we then believed. But we have since received an obliging note from a female friend at a distance-and for this she will accept our best thanks -informing us that she was permitted to take a copy of both the let ters, a short time after they had been received; and enclosing a correct transcript, as we doubt not, of that which we had supposed to be lost. After considerable hesitation, we have concluded to publish this second letter. We have hesitated, because the letters cannot be fully understood, unless they are read in connexion, and because the second contains such laudatory expressions-the superaboundings of a grateful heart-as we well know that he to whom they were addressed did not deserve. On the whole, however, knowing as we do, that a considerable number of our readers will be gratified by a perusal of the

following letter, we have determined to publish it without the alteration or addition of a single word. It will be recollected, that the text discoursed on was 1 John, v. 4.

Rev. Sir,

When you cast your eye upon these characters, you will no doubt recognise your anonymous friend. It was not my intention to have intruded a second time; but I cannot resist the inclination I have to address a few more lines, by way of acknowledgment. For though you know me not, yet I think, to a generous mind, it may afford some satisfaction to know, at least, that you have conferred an inexpressible obligation on a heart not altogether insensible to its value.

'Tis true, I cannot be certain, and perhaps it might be vain to suppose, that you honoured me with any particular reference, in your last excellent lecture-though some of the allusions appeared so striking and pointed, that an intimate friend of mine, who is older than myself, and can take the liberty of saying any thing she chooses (but who knew nothing of the circumstance of my writing) turned to me the moment the discourse was concluded, and inquired with a significant smile, whether Mr. G. had given me notice of his intention to discuss that subject.

However, whether your references were general or particular, is not a matter of importance; they had the same effect; and I feel myself as much indebted and as thankful for the instruction conveyed, as if every line had been particularly dedicated to me. I wished for some discerning, intelligent director, and such it has pleased God to favour me with in you. I stand convinced and corrected;-I am in the situation of one, who has long been searching in the dark for an object, which, when light is introduced, he finds just at hand. You have placed the subject before me in a new and clear point of light-turned the

train of my thoughts into a different channel, and led me to a view of the cause and origin of many things before unaccountable. The moment your text was named, it darted upon my mind like a ray of light. I perceived it led to a point in which I was deeply interested, and I felt the most fervent desire to be informed of the nature and properties of a principle, which promised such a difficult, and yet desirable and necessary victory. There was no necessity to call me to attention; every power of my soul was suspended in anxious expectation-nor was I disappointed. Light and conviction attended every word. I followed you through the course of the argument with the greatest facility; and the reflections appeared so just, natural, and obvious, that I could not but wonder I had never been led to make them before. I contemplated with a degree of admiration next to rapture, the exalted character of a Christian under the influence of this faith; though I felt myself at such an amazing distance, that I could but just look up to it.

How very deficient have I been in this faith, which is the substance of things hoped for; the realizing belief and impressive sense of invisible things; which gives them a present subsistence in the mind, and enables it to overcome the world by a proper estimate. I had always an idea that there was such a faith, from the effects produced on others, and I have wished to possess it myself; but I never had such clear and convincing apprehensions of its nature, necessity, and importance, as you, by a power which no other person seems to possess over me, have given me.

The next question is, how shall I attain it? It is by acknowledgment the gift of God. He only, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, can impart it; but he is infinitely gracious, nor will he deny so necessary a blessing to

those who desire it sincerely. Christ is anointed a prophet, and this must certainly be among the purposes for which his Spirit is given.

You have taught me to account, for not having attained more of this faith already-I have been unfaithful to the grace received. Possessed of a temper naturally diffident and indolently complying, I have indulged it to excess, and from an averseness to ostentation, have run into the contrary extreme; and though numbered among the professors of religion, have suffered myself to be carried away by the current, into a base and unjustifiable conformity to the opinions and practices of others.

Before the men who hate his cause,

shame;

My treacherous heart has blush'd for
Loth to forego the world's applause,
I hardly dared avow his name.

Yes! my irresolute heart has shrunk from the keen glance of contempt, nor could consent to sacrifice a little indulgence, though for His sake who consented to leave the glories of his exalted state, and to suffer ignominy, reproach, and death for me. Oh! I am not worthy of his name. I have been a hypocrite indeed, but of a different complexion from what I apprehended:-and could I expect, that having virtually denied Him before the world, He would acknowledge me, when, secluded from every eye, I was inclined to seek his face and favour? Could I expect He would grant me more light and clearer perceptions, when I had so greatly misimproved that already given? I have certainly more reason to wonder and adore, that he did not give me up to a judicial blindness of mind and hardness of heart.

Would to God I could be certain, I should never act such a part again; but oh, I am weak as a bruised reed; how shall I stem the torrent without, and triumph over the propensities of nature within?

hope I take my leave, entreating you to accept my most grateful and affectionate acknowledgments, and believe me to be, with the most exalted esteem, Reverend Sir,

Yours, &c. &c.

THE CANON OF THE OLD AND NEW

TESTAMENTS ASCERTAINED; or

the Bible complete without the Apocrypha and unwritten Traditions. By Archibald Alexander, Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology, in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J 12mo. pp. 418.

Among the many benefits which the church and the world derive from well conducted theological institutions, we must reckon, as highly important, the publications of their able and pious professors. These professors are always selected with a primary reference to their talents and attainments; and their subsequent studies and occupation, enable them eventually to appear with great advantage, as authors on the most important topicks of theology. The justice of these remarks we have already had the pleasure to see exemplified, to a considerable extent, in the Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian church at Princeton. From one of its professors, heresy and schism have received a merited and powerful rebuke; and by another, the evidences of divine revelation have been lucidly and attractively exhibited, and the Canon of Sacred Scripture ascertained and vindicated, in a compendious, popular, and satisfactory manner. Nor shall we forbear, on the present occasion, to express the pleasing anticipations that we cherish, of the benefits which the students of Biblical criticism in our VOL. V.-Ch. Adv.

country may hereafter derive, from the publications of the youngest professor of that seminary-should he live, as our prayer is that he may, to avail himself of the distinguished advantages which he now enjoys in Europe, for improvement in oriental literature, and in the various knowledge by which the sacred volume may be illustrated.

The work now under review should have received from us an earlier notice, if we had sooner been able to redeem the time necessary to examine it, with that care and deliberation which its importance merits. Its design will best be made known by the author.

"One motive which induced the au

thor to undertake the following compila tion, was the desire of furnishing a supplement to the little volume which he recently published, on the Evidences of the Christian Religion; for the argument for the truth of Divine Revelation cannot be considered complete, without the testimonies, by which the canonical authority of the several books of scripture is established. But he was also influ enced by the consideration, that a convenient and compendious work on this subject, is a desideratum, in our English theological literature. The works which we possess on the canon of scripture, are either too learned or too voluminous, the whole subject has been seldom treatfor the use of common readers. Besides, ed by the same author; for while one vindicates the canon of the Old Testa ment alone, another confines himself to the settling of the canon of the New Tes tament.

work is to exhibit a compendious view of "The object of the writer of this the whole subject, and in such a form as K

will be level to the capacities of all descriptions of readers. He has aimed at bringing forward the result of the researches of learned men who have treat ed this subject, in such a manner, that the substance of their works might be easily accessible to that numerous class of readers, who are unskilled in the learned languages. It was, moreover, his opinion, that such a volume as this, would not be unacceptable to theological students, and to clergymen, who have it not in their power to procure more costly works."

We entirely agree with Dr. A., "that a convenient and compendious work on this subject-the Canon of Sacred Scripture-is a desideratum in our English theological literature"--Or we would rather say, that till this publication, it was a desideratum: for after examining every part of this little volume pretty closely, it is our deliberate judgment that the desideratum is now nearly supplied. We doubt not indeed, that the author may improve his work in future editions; and we shall, in the sequel, notice what we take to be some slight imperfections or oversights; but these detract very little, in our own estimation, from the general value of the performance.-- Usefulness" says Johnson, "seldom depends on little things." We can truly say, that if we could have found such a book as the one before us in early life, we should have esteemed it a treasure; and that it would have saved us the trouble of gathering up, here and there, in detached parcels, much of the information which is here accumulated and condensed. No minister of the gospel, no theological student,-nay, no reading man or woman, who prizes the Bible as all ought to prize it, should remain contentedly ignorant of the subjects discussed in this publication. To this opinion we think we shall have the suffrage of all our best informed readers, after they have perused and carefully considered the table of contents. It is as follows:

"Part I.-Introduction-The importance of ascertaining the true Canon of the Holy Scriptures.-Sect. I. Early use and import of the word Canon.-II. Constitution of the Canon of the Old Testament by Ezra.-The Canon of the Old Testament as it now exists, sanctioned by Christ and his Apostles-Catalogues of the Books by some of the early Fathers

Agreement of Jews and Christians on this subject.-III. Apocryphal BooksTheir origin-Importance of distinguishing between Canonical and Apocryphal Books-Six Books of this class pronounced Canonical by the Council of Trent-Not in the Hebrew, nor received Testimonies of the Christian Fathers, and by the Jews, ancient or modern.-IV. of other learned men, down to the time of the Council of Trent, respecting the Apocrypha.-V. Internal evidence that writers not prophets, and do not claim to be inspired.-VI. No Canonical Book of the Old Testament has been lost.-VII. The Oral Law of the Jews without foundation.

these Books are not Canonical-The

"Part II.-Sect. I. Method of settling the Canon of the New Testament.-II. Catalogues of the Books of the New Tes tament-Canonical Books only cited as authority by the Fathers, and read in the Churches as Scripture.-III. Order of the Books of the New Testament-Time of the Gospels being written-Notice of the Evangelists.-IV. Testimonies to Matthew's Gospel-Time of publicationLanguage in which it was originally composed.-V. Gospel of Mark-On what occasion published-Ascribed to the dicGospel of Luke-Testimonies of the Fatation of Peter by all the Fathers.—VI. thers respecting it.-VII. The objections of J. D. Michaelis, to the Canonical authority of the Gospels of Mark and Luke, considered, and answered.-VIII. The Occasion and time of his writing-CaGospel of John-Life of the Evangelistnonical authority indisputable.-IX. The Acts of the Apostles-Luke the author

Testimonies to the Canonical authority of

Canonical authority undisputed by the Fathers-Rejected only by heretics.-X. the fourteen Epistles of Paul.-XI. Canonical authority of the seven Catholick Epistles.-XII. Canonical authority of the Book of Revelation.-XIII. No Canonical lost.-XIV. Rules for determining what Books are Apocryphal-some account of the Apocryphal Books which have been lost-All of them condemned by the foregoing rules-Reason of the abounding of such Books.-XV. Apocryphal Books which are still extant-Letter of Abgarus King of Edessa to Jesus, and his answer

Book of the New Testament has been