PROFESSOR HOPPUS has just published a beautiful volume, comprising "Three Lectures on the Polity and History of the Hebrews, from the Exode to the Advent of the Messiah; delivered to the Members of the Sunday School Union Library." It is truly delightful to see how large a portion of information, all tending to illustrate the sacred volume, the learned professor has crowded into this little volume. Sunday School teachers, and young persons inquiring after truth, will act unjustly to themselves if they delay to pur

chase it.

"General Directions for a Comfortable Walking with God, by ROBERT BOLTON," first saw the light in the early part of the seventeenth century, and well does it deserve to rank with the masterly religious books produced in that remarkable age. It presents, in reality, the great secret of happiness, and Christians will glorify God, and enjoy his favour, in exact proportion as they cherish its spirit, and act out its directions. We thank the Religious Tract Society for its republication.

Mr. Ranwell, of Woolwich, has published a shilling pamphlet, sold byour publishers, entitled "The Memory of the Blessed." It consists principally of biographical accounts of persons connected with the Baptist Denomination in that town for the last eighty years. It will be highly acceptable to their connexions.

We have been deeply impressed with the responsibility and mortality of the Christian ministry by reading the valuable funeral sermons for the late REV. DR. RIPPON and the REV. S. SUMMERS, both preached on the same day, by the REV. DR. COLLYER, and the REV. E. STEANE, and the addresses by the REV. DRS. Cox

Criticism is not and CRISP, and the REV. C. ROONE. our duty in reference to these productions; but to recommend the whole of them to the very serious consideration of our friends is both pleasing and important.

The REV. PETER M'OWAN has just published an instructive and valuable little "Memoir of Christopher Dove, jun., of Leeds." It it one of the books which cannot be too numerous, detailing the origin and blessedness of early piety; and attracting the attention of It is published young persons wherever they are read. by Mason.

We cordially wish success to a small, but valuable book, just issued by the Religious Tract Society, entitled, "The Faithful Nurse-a Memorial of Hannah Meek." It is ingeniously drawn up, so that nurses may not only read it with advantage to themselves, but to the children committed to their care.

"THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S ANECDOTE LIBRARY. -Christian Martyrs," seems to be the first of a series of small volumes, to be published by Wightman. Its compiler has shewn commendable industry in the selection of his materials, and the volume strikingly illustrates the power and excellence of true religion.

Our readers are not unacquainted with the name of MR. JOHN KING, the talented author of "The Millenial Star." He has just published "The Cedar fallen," occasioned by the death of the REV. DR. RIPPON. The words are by JOHN NEWTON, Esq. The music, which is correct in its harmony, and combines sweetness with solemnity, is arranged for four voices, and has an accompaniment for the organ or piano-forte. It is published by Wightman.

CHRISTIANS AND FASHIONABLE PARTIES.

Ir is a well-known fact, that in the metropolis of our nation, at this season of the year, the attention of the fashionable world is greatly engrossed in balls, parties, levees, and assemblies. Night after night finds these votaries of fashion whirling the giddy round of pleasure and dissipation.

But amidst these scenes of mirth and gaiety, what are Christians doing? Are they performing with unwearied zeal the work of their Master? Are they endeavouring to exert a holy influence on the ungodly around them? It is a notorious fact, that many professing Christians think it no stain upon their Christian character to be found in these parties, and lending their aid to contribute to the festivities. They think there is no harm in thus mixing with the world, and even suppose that their presence acts as a sort of restraint, and prevents the excesses which might otherwise occur. Never did Satan invent a more plausible excuse to lull an accusing conscience.

Now I maintain that it is a SIN for a Christian to attend these fashionable parties. It is a sin, because of the effect produced on his own heart. Religion here is set aside-it is considered entirely out of place. The time is chiefly occupied in feasting, dancing, and playing cards,-in vain and idle conversation, unworthy the attention of an intellectual, much less an immortal, being. Is such society becoming the Christian? Is it calculated to promote his growth in grace? Does he feel more of a devoVOL. VI.

L

tional spirit and less love of the world? Say, fellow Christian, on retiring from these parties to your closet-often at the still hour of midnight—can you raise a pure and undisturbed heart to God? Are not your thoughts distracted?—your mind full of the world? Can you lie down to rest, with the consciousness of having done your whole duty to the ungodly? Do you not feel that you are grieving the Spirit-becoming conformed to the world--and indifferent to the great work for which your Master has called you into his kingdom? Yes, the heart does grow hard under the deadening influence of the world, till, at last, a stupid insensibility steals over the soul, smothering every spark of divine grace.

But further. It is a SIN, because of the effect produced on the ungodly. Not long since, it was remarked by a gay man of the world, that he believed these parties were the very best things to promote the happiness of society. He was glad to see Christians there-glad they could have an opportunity to throw off the gloom occasioned by religion! There was Mrs. a member of a Presbyterian church, present at a party which did not break up till morning—and she really enjoyed it as much as any of them. He liked such Christians-they were not gloomy. Now, why did he like such Christians? Because they were no reproof to him, because they sanctioned his conduct, and encouraged him in dissipation.

It is in vain for Christians to think they can do good at a fashionable party. It is no place for exhortations to prayer and repentance-no place to

speak of the vanity of the world-the happiness of the Christian life. No; the Christian can impart nothing of his spirit to the gay throng around him. —On the contrary, he is far more likely to imbibe their spirit, and join with them in all their excesses of mirth and gaiety. He knows it would be mockery to speak of his Saviour here-almost profanity; his mouth is entirelyclosed.

Now, does not this compromising spirit in Christians tend to increase the vice and dissipation which is rolling, like a flood, over our land? We are fast losing our republican simplicity, and adopting the heathenish customs of Paris and the continent-turning night into day. Think of five hundred people assembling at the hour of ten at night, and prolonging their stay often till the morning dawn, having no other end in view than simply to enjoy themselves! To say nothing of the injury occasioned to the health, by thus encroaching on the hours of repose, and partaking of the rich luxuries and dainties provided, who can calculate the amount of injury done to the immortal soul?

What would be thought of a party of Christians assembling and spending the whole night in prayer? This would be fanatical-ultra in the extremegoing quite too far. A prayer-meeting should certainly close at nine; more especially if any professors are present who are engaged to attend a party, that they may have time to dress and prepare for the festivities. A Christian go from the house of prayer to dress in the glitter and gew-gaws of fashion! A Christian, who professes to have his affections set on