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money or stocks in the public funds, at the same time being careful not to direct the money to be paid out of mortgage money, or money to arise from the sale of houses, as in either case the bequest would be void.

I may also be permitted to allude to another circumstance of some moment, connected with the above subject.-Among the numerous religious and charitable institutions of the present day, there are many which, in name and description, bear a great similarity to each other; and, in consequence of the incorrectness with which they are mentioned in the wills of many persons, great difficulties have frequently arisen in determining the precise charity intended to be benefited by the donors; and the bequests, from the uncertainty, have often been declared void. I would therefore strongly recommend all donors by will for charitable purposes, to be particular in giving a correct description of the object of their beneficence, if possible, in the words of the form pointed out in the report of such society; and

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Proper Form of a Dmation to a
Society by Will.

I GIVE and bequeath the sum of
unto the treasurer for the time being
of
; the same
months

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to be paid within
next after my decease, out of such part
only of my personal estate as shall not
consist of mortgages or chattels real,
in trust to be applied to the uses and
purposes of that society, and for which
the receipt of such treasurer shall be a
sufficient discharge.

Devises of Land, or of money charged on land, or secured on mortgage of lands or tenements, or to be laid out in lands or tenements, or to arise from the sale of land or tenements, are void but money or stock may be given by will, if not directed to be paid out of the produce of the sale of land or tenements, or to be laid out in land.

ON ISAIAH XL. 8.

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand for ever."
AND is it so that to life's journey's end

He still will prove my Father and my Friend?

To all my weakness still will bend his ear,
And my most feeble accents deign to hear?
O after so much sin and folly past,
Shall I behold my Saviour's face at last?

Sweet truth-the fragile flower that blooms to day,
May ere to-morrow's dawn, have pass'd away.
The grass may wither, and the flower may fade,
Our brightest hopes be wrapp'd in deepest shade,
"But God's own word for ever shall endure,"
It stands to all eternity secure!

O precious Saviour! whilst we wander here,
As pilgrims in a land of doubt and fear,
Lead our weak minds from earth's delusive toys,
To purer far, and more substantial joys,

That 'midst the waves of life's tempestuous sea,
Our hearts may surely so be fix'd on Thee;
On whom alone we can with faith rely,
When every refuge else must from us fly.
If found in Him, thrice welcome happy day,
That bears us from these sinful shores away,
Where in our Father's presence ever blest,
"The wicked shall not harm-the weary rest."

ANONYMOUS.

REVIEW OF BOOKS.

FUNERAL SERMONS ON THE DUKE OF YORK.

THE death of His Royal Highness the Duke of York has naturally called forth many tributes of respect and affection. To review each Discourse would occupy far more room than we can spare; and we shall therefore confine ourselves on the present occasion to a few extracts from the principal Sermons which have been forwarded for our perusal, leaving our readers to form from such extracts an estimate of their respective merits.

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Death the last Enemy of Man. Sermon. By Daniel Wilson, A. M. Vicar of Islington. Pp. 40.

1 Cor. xv. 26.-The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

WE are assembled to day on a solemn and affecting occasion. The death of a prince is a national loss. It is felt in every part of a loyal and religious nation. We mourn over departed greatness. We sympathise with the affliction of our Sovereign and his royal house; we see the vanity of the most splendid human distinctions; we are appalled at the tyranny of death; and we learn the necessity of an instant preparation for our own encounter with an inexorable enemy, who spares neither rank, nor prospects, nor age, nor profession, but sweeps away with a relentless hand, all the glory and pride of man.

For death, in such calamities as the present, seems to revel in his victories over the highest dignities and possessions of feeble mortals. He appears in all his ruthless terror. And yet, incredible as it may be thought, I venture to assert, that after you have contemplated this last enemy, in his direst form, the Christian Faith shall open a way to a complete conquest over him, and shall teach you to meet this dread foe, not only with fortitude, but with composure and joy.

And this is the great consolatory topic suggested by the text, the words of which form so striking a part of the sublime service with which our church commits to the tomb the bodies of the faithful ; and wherein the Apostle, after having established the fact of our Lord's resurrection, and declared that all things APRIL 1827.

shall be put in subjection under his feet, denounces that the last enemy shall be at length overthrown by him; and concludes with this his account of the whole result and consummation of Christ's mediatorial kingdom.

Death the last enemy of man-Death destroyed by the Son of God-will, therefore, be the two points to which your attention will be called on the present mournful occasion;-in the first of which I shall concede to you every thing your agitated feelings may demand ;-and in the second, shall endeavour to exhibit the triumph of the Saviour, illustrated and enhanced by those very concessions.-Pp. 3-5.

And is then the presumptive heir of England,' says each one with a sigh, 'lost to us? He, who but a year or two since, from unusual vigour of health, promised fair to ascend and sustain the throne of the greatest empire of the world! Are changes and vicissitudes again to threaten the protestant succession, after so many previous losses in the royal house within the last few years! Must we lose a prince so kind-hearted and benevolent-the favourite of the nation, and the boast of his own august family-one so endeared also, to our noble Sovereign, his nearest brother in blood, his partner in age, in pursuits, in affection, in cares! And, alas, by what a death is he cut off! The chief commander of England's heroes, the prince beloved by the whole army dies, not on the field of battlefor some illusion of glory might then have played around the tomb-but is compelled to surrender to the ignoble power of disease-month after month his strength is undermined by the insidious malady, till the chief and marshal of the bravest armies in Europe, sinks under a disease which might excite commiseration in the feeblest private citizen!'-Pp. 7, 8.

Sepulchral honours are due, indeed, to the feelings of the living and to the station of the dead. We have authority for the use of them in the examples of every age. They mitigate and divert the distractions of the afflicted heart. They are the language of Christian faith and hope. And on such national calamities as the present, they are the becoming expressions of public sorrow. A loyal and affectionate people take a

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melancholy pleasure in mingling their feelings of grief with those of their beloved Sovereign, and paying to the heir of the British throne the highest honours that can surround the grave.

But in the view which we are now taking of death as it is in itself, I still see the enemy of man under all this sepulchral preparation, yea enlarged and magnified amidst a nation's tears. The pomp and splendor of funeral decorations, of state appearance, of titles, and coronets, and torches, and processions, and anthems, cannot deceive us; cannot hide from us the humiliating truth of nature's fall under the stroke of death. The very attempt to adorn the scene deepens its horrors. The gloom of the grave defaces all—the magnificent chambers of royalty are but the shrouded antichambers of the tomb-the gorgeous decorations are blotted out by the dark black covering the superb hangings are surmounted with death-like tokens-the splendid lamps have lost all their lustre -the grand presence and withdrawing chambers, where the magnificent court of the Empire had lately surrounded its august sovereign, are crowded with the sad visitants of a sepulchral spectaclethe throne itself is a throne of death. The mournful sounds of lamentation and woe thrill through the vaulted palace. The grim tyrant glories in the pageant as it proceeds, and stands forth only the more odious and ghastly, whilst he counts up a whole nation approaching one by one to acknowledge his iron sway and become the witnesses of his gloomy triumphs.-Pp. 13-15.

There have perhaps been but few princes of the royal family who have more laboured to advance the interests of their country than the lamented personage whose death we now deplore. A British officer for forty-seven years, and for above thirty of them the Commander-in-chief of our military forces, His Royal Highness was the means of introducing so important a reform into the various branches of the service, that much of the glory of our arms, the security of our institutions and the success of the arduous struggle in which we were engaged, may be traced, under God's blessing, to his exertions. His incredible devotion to his official duties, his superintending care over the conduct of the officers and the comfort of the private soldiers, his impartiality in the reward of merit, and his inflexible adherence to what he conceived to be his duty were the sources of incalculable

benefits to the army. The urbanity of manners, also, which distinguished the Royal Duke, his unaffected benevolence, his condescension to the claims of the humblest supplicant, his willing remembrance of the worn-out veteran, his kindness to the widow and the orphan, and the unnumbered acts of tenderness and pity which distinguished him, excited general regard and procured for His Royal Highness the simple but affecting title of The Soldier's Friend, an eulogium which speaks to every heart.

And here I should deem myself culpable if I omitted to notice two points in the conduct of His Royal Highness at the head of the army which did him particular honour-the one his care for the education of the soldiers' children, which led not only to the institution of regimental schools, but to the establishment of the noble Military Asylum at Chelsea, where 12 or 1400 children are trained to religious and useful knowledge-the other the provision for the supply of the several regiments in the service with the Holy Scriptures. This last act of the lamented prince is so peculiarly important as to induce me to add, that a code of regulations was issued by His Royal Highness' order a year or two since, directing commanding officers to form depôts of Bibles, Testaments, Prayer Books, and other books of devotion for the use of each regiment; and requiring a half-yearly inspection of the books to be made, and a return of the number necessary to supply the wants of the men-regulations in consequence of which the Bibles and Testaments received from one Society destined for that purpose,* amounted in the year before last to 175,000. Such a conduct at the head of an army is, I conceive, unprecedented in the annals of any country, and connects His Royal Highness' name, not only with the victories achieved by our generals, but with the blessing of God on all classes of men amongst us,-that blessing to which we owe the peace, the reputation for good faith, and the position amongst the nations of the world which we now enjoy, and which the piety and zeal of our countrymen are employing in so large a measure for the instruction and salvation of mankind.

I need scarcely remind my hearers of another trait in the public character of his Royal Highness, which, whatever

* The Naval and Military Bible Society.

differences of opinion may exist on the political part of the question to which it relates, all must allow to be a frank and noble declaration of his sentiments, at a most critical moment. I refer to the speech delivered by the Duke of York in the house of Lords at the last debate on the Roman Catholic Disabilities the manliness and sincerity of which cannot but have excited general esteem and admiration. The affectionate manner, also, in which the lamented Duke made mention of his royal parent on that occasion, and the tears which burst involuntarily from his full heart, rendered the whole scene still more affecting, and tends, now that we connect his declaration as to his intended conduct when he should ascend the throne, with the funeral solemnities which, after a few short months, we are now celebrating, to impress on our minds yet more deeply the uncertainty of all future designs and projects.

And this leads me, in the last place, to notice the instruction to be drawn from the whole subject as to our own personal duties as professed Christians, awakened by this national affliction to consider the approach of death. And what is this instruction? Is it not, that every one of us may either be under the foot of a deadly enemy, or rescued by faith in a Saviour's hand? Is it not, that every thing depends on the fact, whether we are obeying, or not, that gospel which proposes to us the triumph of the Redeemer over death as the way to our own? Is it not that THIS

LIFE IS INFINITELY DESPICABLE AND MISERABLE, WITH ALL ITS GLORIES, IF IT END WITH TIME; BUT INFINITELY BLESSED AND HONOURABLE, WITH ALL ITS SORROWS, IF IT PASS INTO ETERNITY?-Pp. 29–33.

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Sermon. By the Rev. W. Mandell, B. D. Fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge. Pp. iv. and 24.

Psalm xxxix. 5. Verily, every man, at

his best state, is altogether vanity. Nor many hours have elapsed, since these same words were repeated, under circumstances of splendidly mournful solemnity, at the obsequies of a Prince, to whom we were long accustomed to direct our thoughts, as the future sovereign of these kingdoms. I am unwilling that the decease of an individual

so illustrious, should pass away without some appropriate notice among us, and without endeavouring to found upon it some remarks, with a view to our own edification. Even when a private friend, a neighbour, or an acquaintance is summoned to depart, in this state of existence to be no more seen, the event may well lead us to reflect seriously on our own mortality, and to indulge in useful contemplation; how much more should this be the case, when "death has entered into our palaces," when a personage so distinguished, who for so long a season, filled so large a space in the public eye, has fallen in that "war," in which there is no discharge." It is not my intention, unduly, I trust to eulogize the illustrious dead, or to magnify his virtues: still less is it my purpose to scrutinize or to expose his failings. The praise or the censure of mortals, to one who is gone to give account, who has been called into the presence of a Judge, who is "no respecter of persons," who is "King of kings, and Lord of lords," is, to say the least, quite misplaced and unavailing. "To his own Master, he standeth or falleth." Without the suspicion of panegyric, however, and without the violation of any propriety, I trust, I may be allowed to observe, that the deceased appears by his benevolent atten→ tions, and by his general course of conduct, to have greatly ingratiated himself with that class of the community, with which he was more especially connected. To the children and the orphans of the soldier, as it is well known, he was a most kind friend, having been principally instrumental in founding large schools, for their support and education. One remarkable trait in his character was his steady attachment to those principles of civil and religious liberty, which first placed his royal progenitors on the throne of these realms. Moreover, it is fresh in the remembrance of every one, that, at no distant period, he avowed, in a most solemn manner, in his place in Parliament, his unalterable opposition to the persevering claims of that body, betwixt which and the Protestants, it is impossible, I fear, there can ever exist any good understanding or real cordiality. Connected with the oath to be taken by the Sovereign of these realms, he, no doubt, beheld the subject just mentioned in a peculiarly strong light, and regarded the admission of the Roman Catholics to political power, as a mea

sure most objectionable and pregnant with danger. Pp. 1-3.

With respect to his precise views on subordinate or even on some important points of religion, as I know nothing more, than what all are acquainted with, it would be quite improper to offer any observations. It is said, in general, that he was particularly attached to the doctrines and constitution of the Church of England. Without, however, entering more minutely into this matter, all, I think, will agree with me when I say, that " a prince and a great man is fallen in Israel "-"great" as the brother of our revered monarch; "great" as the son of a King, who long reigned in the affections of his people, and is still endeared to their memories, whom in many respects he is said to have resembled " great" as the Head of those heroes, to whose bravery and perseverance, under divine providence, we are so deeply indebted for our present security, and for the numberless blessings which we enjoy. How large a share the deceased possessed in the affectionate regards of his countrymen in general, appears from those outward expressions of mourning, which all ranks throughout the nation have almost spontaneously assumed. Every one seems to say, We have sustained a loss. He whom we loved is taken away. "How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!”

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And now, my brethren, having paid this " passing tribute to departed greatness, what is the conclusion to which this solemn event conducts us? What is the lesson which it strongly enforces? When we reflect, that the high-born chief, who moved in so exalted a sphere, has now "the grave for his house, has made his bed in darkness," and may now say to "corruption, Thou art my father, and to the worm, Thou art my mother and my sister; what other must be our reflection, than that expressed in my text, 66 Verily, every man, at his best state, is altogether vanity."-Pp. 6—8.

With this view, therefore, I would now, in conclusion, offer some hints for our direction, and encouragement, suggested by the profession and public station of that illustrious person, whose decease has occasioned the present address.

1. Enlist into the service of the Great Captain of salvation."

Brethren, our life is a warfare. Yes: it is not an imaginary, but an actual

contest. We are called to strive against numerous and powerful enemies. "Tis true, we have already, at baptism, pledged ourselves, "manfully to fight under Christ's banner, against sin, the world, and the devil." But, who, in opposition to such a combination of adversaries, so strong, so insidious, so unwearied, it may well be asked, shall be able to stand? Yet the struggle must be maintained. Salvation is depending: heaven itself is at stake. Let us, therefore, not shrink from surveying the number, or the power of our adversaries. Let us examine the dangers to which we are exposed. P. 18.

2. Act as good soldiers of Jesus Christ," without delay.

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Every thing, with the exception of man, is in earnest. We are surrounded with realities. Time is rolling on. Eternity is near. The grave is waiting to receive us. Yet how many, who profess to belong to the armies of the faithful, and to be candidates for heaven, seem asleep on their posts! O there will be sleeping enough in the "long home whither we are going, "the house appointed for all living!" This is the period for activity. There is no time for loitering. The present season alone is ours. Who can tell what a day will bring forth, or who shall survive till to-morrow's dawn? "Behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation." "To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." In the Psalm which contains my text, David's mind appears strongly impressed with a realizing view of the shortness and uncertainty of life. "Lord, make me to know mine end," says he, "and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am." Brethren, may we feel the just force of the wishes here expressed! May we so learn to "number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom!" May we work, while it is called to-day! "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might: for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Pp. 20, 21.

3. "Look unto Jesus," for strength and victory.

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In the all-important warfare in which we are engaged, "vain is the help of man. Even the mightiest and most renowned can afford no assistance. They themselves "die like other men, and fall like one of the princes." "Men of low degree are vanity, and

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