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exhibit a stronger faith and a livelier hope than at previous periods; and while we cannot but consider much of her gloom and sorrow upon these subjects as the result of constitutional peculiarities, we also believe that the society with which she was familiar in early life contributed its full share in producing it. Unhappily some of her youthful associates were the advocates of a lax theology, and her biographer, while he considers her faith unshaken, confesses his own belief that much of his sister's religious comfort was prevented long afterwards by the habits of feeling then formed. There is probably still another reason why her hope was not bright at an early period of what may be justly styled her religious course. Great progress in holiness seems never to have been looked for in very youthful Christians, and probably one reason why so few children appear decidedly pious is, that their parents do not expect their early conversion. They rather consider themselves as sowing the seeds which are to spring up in mature years, and look not for an immediate harvest. From the tenor of Miss Taylor's life we form this conclusion, that her principles were so decidedly evangelical, and her conduct so irreproachable, that bright hopes and strong faith were anticipated, both by herself and her friends, as the inevitable result at least, and therefore less anxiety was felt in early life to secure that peace which passeth all understanding, than under different circumstances would have been deemed essential.While therefore she gave to her friends indubitable proofs of a renewed heart, she lived far below her own privileges as a Christian, and like many others was for years sorrowing while she might have been rejoicing. A few extracts from her letters some years previous to her death, will gratify our

readers as furnishing evidence of increasing holiness.

Thus I often contemplate my own course; the illusions of youth are completely over:-I think there are no circumstances that could now cheat me into a belief that life is, or could be, very different from what I now see it to be. I might indeed be more busy; and so have less leisure and incli nation to moralize about it: but this would not alter the case. "Then I saw that this also is vanity"-is the confession that must be extorted from every heart, as one scheme of happiness after another has had its trial. Perhaps it was after some similar experience that David said, “I shall be When we have felt that nothing else satisfied when I awake in thy likeness." can satisfy the mind, then we are constrained to look to the fountain of happiness.

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It is not strange that the wicked should go on in their wickedness; but is it not strange that those who know any thing of religion should not adorn it more? This is the discouragement. Yet perhaps there are many hidden ones," who, unknown to their fellow Christians, are living near to God, while those who stand foremost in the church are content "to follow Christ afar off."

* I rejoice to hear from a mutual friend that you are actively engaged in doing good. There Paul's salutations to the good women is something stimulating in reading of his acquaintance: he evidently singles out those for especial notice who were most active and zealous in good works: "Priscilla, his helper in Jesus Christ"-" Mary, who bestowed much labor on them "" Phebe, a succourer of many :" While we may imagine that all the saints that are with you,” rehis more general remembrance, "To fers to others, a little resembling those modern professors of Christianity of whom charity is bound "to hope all things." How pleasant and cheering is it to look at the few who are not of this doubtful character, and how delightful when those who are most dear This increase of piety in our dearest to us give us this pleasure. * friends is real prosperity; and when we think prosperity of any other kind very desirable, we forget ourselves, and view the world with the worldling's eye. *

I truly rejoice with you in the happiness of seeing another of those most dear to you "walking in the truth." There is indeed no greater joy than this. This is family prosperity. How weak is our faith when we suffer anxiety for any other kind of success to exceed the desire for the endless happiness of those we love; and how little do we feel like Christians when we are surprised and mortified to see them encountering those trials and disappointments which we know to be the most usual and effectual means of promoting spiritual life. I have just received an account of the severe trial of one of whom, judging as the world judges, one should say that severe affliction was not needed. But God sees not as man;-those whom He loves best He ordinarily chastens most, that they may be "seven times refined." "To him that hath shall be given, that he may have abundantly." Poor Mrs.

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what an unhappy life must hers be! unspeakably more unhappy than it would be if she were wholly destitute of that "little religion," as it is called, that she has! To see age tenaciously clinging to the receding world, is the most melancholy and disgusting sight this * In evil world presents. so small a society as that with which we are connected here, zeal, for want of stimulus, is apt to sink into total torpor. In this respect there are advantages in living in a large town, where the zeal of the few keeps the lukewarmness of the many from freezing. feel heavily the peculiar responsibility that attaches to me as a single woman, remembering that of such it should be said that "She careth for the things of the Lord;" while, partly from indolence, and partly from a sort of infelicity in dealing with others, I am too apt to recoil from those very duties which seem to lie most in my "She hath done what she way. could," is a sentence which often strikes painfully on my conscience. It is high praise, and what sacrifice can be too great to deserve it.---pp.

301---303.

and

Miss Taylor displayed in her last days great natural fortitude; unwilling to give up her customary pursuits, she continued to exert herself in writing until a few days 1826.-No. 11.

76

previous to her death. She had
long desired to transcribe her will,
and while doing it shortly before
her death, her brother supported
her at her desk.

On Monday she came down to the parlour at the usual hour, and was calm in spirit; seeming distressed only by During the her increased debility. morning she conversed for some time with her brother, who received her dying wishes, and injunctions; and an emphatic expression of affection, which will ever sound fresh in his recollection, as if heard but yesterday. In the afternoon she resolved to make a last effort to finish a letter (that which closes the Extracts from her Correspondence) to her young friends at Newington. For this purpose her brother supported her in his arms;-for she was now utterly unable to sustain herself: her affectionate earnestness to express to them her deep concern for their highest interests, cost her an ef fort that seemed as if it must have hastened her dissolution.

In the evening a minister called, with whom she conversed a short time in a tone of cheerful and confirmed faith. She afterwards conversed with her motherin terms of intermingled affection, consolation, and hope.

When carried up stairs on Monday night, she, for the first time, allowed her sister to do every thing for her. She passed the night quietly; but in the morning felt herself unable to rise as usual:--about ten o'clock her brother read a Psalm, and prayed with her. Soon afterwards she was placed in an easy chair by the bedside. About the same time one of her brothers arrived from London:-to him she spoke with the most emphatic earnestness, professing very distinctly, the ground of her own hope, and the deep sense she then had of the reality and importance of eternal things. Her voice was now deep and hollow-her eye glazed, and the dews of death were on her features; but her recollection was perfect, and her soul full of feeling. While thus sitting up, and surrounded by her family, in a loud, but interrupted voice she said "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, will fear no evil; for Thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Soon afterwards she repeated with the same emphasis, the verse of Dr. Watts

“ Jesus to thy dear faithful hand
My naked soul I trust;
And my flesh waits for thy command
To drop into the dust."

repeating with intense fervour the
words-

"Jesus to thee-my naked soulMy naked soul I trust."

Being then placed in bed, all withdrew but her sister; with whom she conversed some time, giving her several particular directions, with great clearness. She then requested that every thing in the room might be put in the most exact order: after this she lay tranquilly an hour or two; seeming to suffer only from the laborious heaving of the chest and in reply to a question to that effect, said she "was quite comfortable."

In the afternoon she observed her brother to be writing a letter; she inquired to whom being told it was to Mrs. Gilbert (who, with Mr. Gilbert, was then on her way to Ongar) she gave her opinion as to the best way of ensuring her sister's meeting the letter, so as, if possible, to hasten her arrival; she had just before said "Well,

I don't think now I shall see Ann again:-I feel I am dying fast."

study to become such a character, as a man of business, and a Christian. I wish you all to read it. My love and best wishes to I.

May God bless you all: farewell! farewell! dear S. dear E. dear P. dear J. farewell! Yours till death, and after that I hope,

JANE TAYLOR.

p. 316.

Few sketches of female biography have excited in our minds a more lively interest than that which has now passed in review. In general we think it will be admired and approved.

Few ladies of Miss Taylor's age have accomplished so much. Many probably have talents as great, but few unite with her genius and acquirements so much industry, and so ardent a desire to be useful to mankind. While she assiduously employed her talents, she seems never to have sought to display them. Her character as portrayed in this little work exhibits a rare combination of qualities. We have seldom seen united with equal brilliancy and sprightliness so much discretion; or so much devotedness to literary pursuits, with so strong a relish for the employments of domestic life. Her character as a daughter demand our love and respect. With an ardent attachment to the delights of home she could cheerfully leave the paternal dwelling, even for years when a brother's declining health rendered it necessary for her to reside with him abroad. We hear nothing of any I fear I cannot finish. O, my dear sacrifice of personal feeling in this friends, if you knew what thoughts I case. To do good was her ruling have now, you would see, as I do, desire; and whether we contemthat the whole business of life is prep- plate her as a daughter, a sister, a aration for death! Let it be so with Sunday-school teacher, or as an you. If I have ever written or spoken any thing you deem good advice, be author, we mark the operations of assured I would, if I could, repeat it the same indefatigable spirit, the now with tenfold force. Think of same ardour, sound judgment, and this when I am gone. Tell J. I hope discretion, the same tenderness, afhe will read WILLIAM'S DIARY; and fection, and active benevolence.

From this time she did not again speak so as to be understood; but seemed sensible, till about five o'clock, when a change took place: her breathing became interrupted: still she was tranquil, and her features perfectly placid; at half past five, she underwent a momentary struggle, and ceased to breathe. pp. 139-141.

Literary and Philosophical Entelligence.

ADDITIONAL COLLEGIATE RECORD.Theological School at Cambridge.The number of young gentlemen who closed their studies at the late annual examination of this School is seven. The examination took place on the 19th of July. Dissertations were read on the following subjects.-Junior Class.-On the insufficiency of natural religion.-On the existence and present state of the Jews, considered as an evidence of the truth and

Divine origin of Christianity.-On the present demands for an earnest ministry-On false and defective evidence of personal religion.-On the peculiar characteristics of John's Gospel, and the causes by which they were produced. On the good and bad effects of the rivalry of the several sects of Christians.-On the tendency and probable result of the missionary spirit of the present day.What circumstances in the condition of our Lord preclude the idea of imposture in the account of his resurection? Why may not the success of the first preachers of Christianity be accounted for from natural causes?On our Saviour's purpose, or purposes, in forbidding certain miracles to be published. An explanation of Matt. xxiv. 29-31.-Middle Class.-An explanation of Matt. v. 38-42. [not read]

On true and false zeal in religion.-On the opinions of those German Theologians, who have denied the reality of the miracles of Christ.-On the sentiments with which the reformation should be regarded, and the manner in which the reformers are to be imitated. On the progress of the principles of toleration.-Ön regeneration. -Senior Class.-On the tendency of the abuses of Christianity to produce infidelity. On the remote and immediate causes of the reformation.-On pulpit eloquence. On the qualifications for the pastoral office. On the proper motives for engaging in the Christian ministry.-On the character of the early clergy of New-England.-On scepticism and indifference in religion, and the means of remoying them.

Seminary at Princeton.-The statement concerning this Seminary in the record given in our last number, was taken from the minutes of the last Presbyterian General Assembly. Since that article was prepared another annual examination has taken place, viz. on the 22d day of September; at which time 24 students had completed the regular course of the Seminary.

Dickinson College. The annual commencement at this Institution was

held on the 25th ult. The degrees of A. B. and A. M. unitedly conferred upon alumni of the College, were thirty one in number. The degree of D. Magraw of Cecil co., Maryland, and D. was conferred upon the Rev. James Rev. Wm. Paxton, Adams co., Pa.; also of LL. D. upon Thomas Duncan and John Seargeant of Philadelphia, and the Hon. John Buchanan, of Ha gerstown, Chief Justice of Maryland.

Hampden Sidney College. The annual commencement of this Institution was celebrated on the 27th ult. The

degree of A. M. was conferred on seven alumni of the Institution: also on the Rev. Matthew Lyle of Prince Edward, Va. and Rev. Clement Read of Charlotte. That of LL. D. on Chapman Johnson, Esq. of Richmond.

Miami University.-The first commencement of Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, took place on the 27th of September. The degree of A. B. was conferred on twelve young gentlemen, and that of A. M. on three. The number of students in this flourishing Institution is 114,

Jefferson College.-Commencement September 28. The degree of A. B. was conferred on twenty-three young gentlemen. The exercises were con cluded with an address to the gradu ates, and prayer by the Principal of the College.

University of Vermont.-At a late meeting of the corporation of the University of Vermont, the Rev. James Marsh, Professor in Hampden Sidney College Virginia, was unanimously elected President.

List of New Publications.

RELIGIOUS.

A Call from the Ocean; or an Appeal to the Patriot and the Christian, in behalf of Seamen. By John Truair, Corresponding Secretary to the A. S. F. Society. New-York: 8vo. pp. 34. Sermons, illustrative of several important Principles of the New Jerusalem Church, designed chiefly for the use of its members. By the Rev. M. B. Roche. Philadelphia: 12mo. pp. 116. The American Seaman's Hymn Book. By Noah Davis. New-York: 18mo. pp. 293.

The Freewill Baptist Magazine. Vol. I. No. I. Boston: 8vo.

The Importance and Utility of the Faithful Preaching of the Gospel; A Sermon, delivered October 8, 1826, at the Installation of the Rev. Isaac R. Barbour, as Pastor of the Congregational Church and Society in New Ipswich, N. H. By Warren Fay. Boston: 8vo. pp. 36.

The Canon of the Old and New Testament ascertained; or, the Bible complete without the Apocrypha and unwritten Traditions. By Archibald Alexander, Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology, in the Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J. Princeton: D. A. Borrenstein, for G. and C. Carvill, New-York.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Primary Lessons in Arithmetic. By Frederic Emerson. Boston: 18mo. pp. 31.

The Importance of the Sciences of Anatomy and Physiology as a branch of General Education: being an Introduction to a Course of Lectures to the Upper Classes in Brown University. By Usher Parsons, M. D. Cambridge. 8vo. pp. 32.

The Medical Formula; being a Collection of Prescriptions, derived from the writings and practice of many of the most eminent physicians in America and England. To which is added an Appendix. By Benjamin Ellis, M. D. Philadelphia. 8vo. pp. 108.

Rudiments of the Spanish Language, carefully arranged, revised, and accented for the use of schools, and as a Manual for Travellers. By F. Sales, Instructor in French and Spanish, in Harvard University. Boston. 18mo. pp. 144.

A Descant on Universalism; a Poem. By John Peck. Boston. 18mo. pp. 35.

The Rest of the Nations; a Poem. By Grenville Mellen. Portland. 8vo. Anniversary Poem of the Connecticut Alpha of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. By James G. Brooks, Esq. New-York. 8vo. pp. 28.

Religious Entelligence.

THE Report of the Synod of Albany, at their late session, respecting the state of religion in their Presbytery, contains some facts of unusual interest. In speaking of the Oswego Presbytery the Report states, that "in two of their congregations, it is believed that more than three hundred individuals have been brought from nature's darkness into God's marvellous light. Many remarkable instances of hopeful conversion, in answer to special prayer, confirm the great and interesting truth, that God has not said to the

seed of Jacob---Seek ye my face in vain.

But it is in the Oneida Presbytery that God has been pleased to display the riches of his grace in a very extraordinary manner. During the past year, within their bounds, there have been, it is believed, not less than 2,500 subjects of hopeful conversion. Nor has the work yet entirely subsided. During this season of refreshing, there has been such a spirit of prayer, as was never before witnessed in this region. God has enabled his people to agonize

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