UNITED. But I proceed to mobility, | ENGLAND AND FRANCE which is that property, by which we are enabled to move matter from one part of space to another. It is as universal as either of those already mentioned. It is true, there are substances so huge and weighty, that we, hyperbolically, denominate immoveable; but this arises from our inability to apply an adequate force. The application of the mechanical powers has effected much. Inertness, or inactivity, is that characteristic of matter, by which it would ever continue in the state of rest or motion in which it is put, unless prevented by some external force. That matter can put itself in motion, no one will imagine; but, that it would never stop, when once set in motion, is not so self-evident. We have heard much of perpetual motion, but have never seen any thing like it; because all the motions, with which we are acquainted, are obstructed, and, finally, destroyed, by the resistance of the air and friction. In proportion as these are diminished, the motion of the body is prolonged; and, could they be entirely removed, the motion would be uniform and perpetual. A variety of illustrations and examples might be adduced in proof of these remarks; but, it is presumed, the thoughtful mind will soon supply them. THE following is an extract from a sermon by Mr. Flavel, preached at the public thanksgiving, February 14, 1688-9, for England's deliverance from popery, &c. It is entitled "Mount Pisgah." Some efforts which are now making for the promotion of Christian knowledge in France will give it great interest: "Liberty to serve the Lord without fear, liberty without a snare or hook in it, and a well-settled durable liberty, for such is that we may now (if ever) promise ourselves; what soul can dilate itself wide enough, to take in the adequate sense of such a mercy? We were glad of liberty from our enemies, when we sought it not; we peaceably and thankfully improved it, though just fears and jealousies much darkened the lustre of it: but the Lord, in this dispensation of his providence will, I hope, so establish the just liberties of his people, that it shall never be in the power of violent and wicked men any more to oppress them. There was a time when the witnesses of Christ lay dead, and their enemies rejoiced over them; the Lord hath begun to revive them, and the time (I trust) Too much depends on each of even the appointed time, is at these properties, to admit of our hand, when they shall hear a great ascribing them to the effects of voice from heaven (jussu Supremi what is irreligiously and igno- Magistratus, saith learned Mede) rantly called chance. Who, but saying, Come up hither; and a Being, excellent in wisdom, and both England and France shall wonderful in working, could have rejoice together in their spiritual adjusted, with such transcendant as well as civil liberties and merskill, the very elements of crea-cies.' What soul that loves Jesus tion, and, out of chaos, commanded such untold beauties to arise? Oh, my soul! trifle no longer. How much is there to learn! N. N. Christ in sincerity doth not feel itself cheered and raised in proportion to the hopes and evidences it hath of the approach of so great and desirable a mercy?" Obituary. WILLIAM HAMMOND, DIED AT RAYLEIGH, ESSEX, order, it was not dangerous. This he could not believe; therefore he endeavoured to set his house in order. He discovered a deep concern for himself that he might be favoured with the witness of the Holy Spirit that he was in Christ; HAVING been vitally united to the living head of the church, he sought, and obtained, a name and a place among the living mem--for his wife, that she might be bers. Though mean in his own supported and provided for,esteem, his humble, grave deport-and, for a just payment of his ment, his activity in every good debts. work, endeared him to the whole church. To diligence in business he added fervency of spirit, alike removed from legality and licentiousness, he kept the narrow way. While he heartily embraced the glorious gospel, with all its rich, free, unbounded blessings, he acknowledged his obligation The affectionate assurances of to Christ as the only king and Christian friends allayed his fears lawgiver in Zion. To the well-on that subject; and afforded him every attention in their power. being of the whole, he contributed his part, according to the measure of grace he had received. During the last year, his health was declining, but his soul was evidently ripening for glory. Having attended him through the last painful affliction, I am enabled to speak what I know, and testify what I have seen. A severe rheumatism, and asthmatic cough, rendered him so feeble, that with difficulty he followed his daily calling. Wishing to live honestly, he exerted himself beyond his strength; till a copious spitting of blood threatened a speedy dissolution: but he obtained relief for a few days; when he was siezed with an alarming spasmodic asthma. Phlebotomy and blisters gave momentary relief: he breathed better, and was assured, that, although it was an alarming dis Having been married only a year, and begun business with only a few shillings, he was fearful that the expense of the affliction would run him in debt; for, said he, "If it had not been for this, I should have been clear of every one by Christmas." By the frequency of the attacks, and loss of blood, he was rendered so weak as to keep his bed. He said, "Oh how good is God to me! He spared me when I was a vile blasphemer; and led me about in his kind providence to this place; where he brought me to know him, and placed me in the midst of so many kind friends, where I have every attention, and every comfort I need,-Blessed be the Lord!" Prayer was made for him continually; and although it did not please God to spare his life, he imparted such an abundant measure of his grace, to his afflicted servant, as enabled him to joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. For nearly a year, he had been sorely tempted to destroy himself, and once was awakened in a dreadful agony by the fiery darts | Joseph to tell his master, that he had often warned him of the danger of neglecting the means, and he charged him to tell him, that he did it now, for the last time. His weeping wife and friends were on the stairs within hearing. of the enemy; but, when it pleased God to bring him into this last trial, he rebuked the tempter; removed all gloomy doubts from his mind, and enabled him to say, "I have no doubts; I long to depart; my afflicted wife, and When I came to his bed side, all my cares, I leave in the hand he took hold of my hand, and of my gracious God ;" and added, said, "I have sent for you, my "I shall soon see dear sister N. dear pastor, to speak a few comand brother G. and sister G. fortable truths to me, and then (members of the church who had commit me into the hand of God." died this year) and there I shall This was rather too much for my see my dear Lord!" I rejoined, nerves to bear. Having spoken a Yes, my dear brother, you will few minutes, he raised his hands, soon be delivered from the cares and, in a deliberate, lucid strain, of this world—from an afflicted spoke of the special grace of God body; and from a body of sin to him, in calling him from darkand death! Lifting his feebleness to light, and to the fellowhands and languid eyes, with pe- ship of the saints-of his own culiar energy, he showed, that a conduct as a member of the perfect freedom from sin,-a per-church-of his own unworthifect conformity to God, was theness; and closed with a fervent consummation of his happiness. expression of his entire depenThree days before he died he dence upon the full, finished sent for me and another brother. | salvation of Christ Jesus, as the He appeared drawing near his only ground of his hope. end; and being too weak to endure two persons at once in the room, brother Q. went to him first, to whom he said, "My dear brother, I want you to take my books, and take an account of the work that has been done, since I have been confined; also to make out the bills, and get the money for me. I hope, if there should not be money enough to pay every one to the full, that my brethren will think favourably of me, as it is the affliction that has increased my expense." Understanding that a lad, who had worked for him, was in the house, he said, "Joseph, you know I often admonished you not to neglect attending a place of worship,-it is your father's wish also. I now, as a dying man, for the last time, give you the same advice." He paused,-then charged At his desire, his wife, and all who were in the house, camé within hearing, when I kneeled down, and commended his soul and all his affairs into the hands of our covenant God. But his work was not done. The next evening, about eleven o'clock, I went to see him, heard him groaning and calling out, "O Lord, help me! Oh how good is the Lord to me! I begged he would send one of his servants to help me; and he sent you in the time of my need After many blessings for a trifling service, I left him, and he had a comfortable night. The day before he died, a young man (who had withdrawn from the church, with many others, because I did not preach the gospel) called upon him. To whom he said, " Friend, you now . see me a dying man'; you once told me that the doctrine I heard would lead me and my pastor to hell,What do you think now?" • Why,' said the young man, if I must speak, I do not believe your pastor does preach the gospel.' To which, as well as expiring nature would enable him, he replied (with holy firmness)" Do you think if it were not the gospel it would support me now?-My whole dependence is upon the Lord Jesus; I feel him now precious to me, though heart and flesh are failing, he is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. To the doctor he said, "Tell me, sir, if you think me a dying man; do not be afraid to tell me the truth; I am not afraid of death, I know there is laid up for me, a crown of glory." Having witnessed the awful shipwreck of many a vain professor, who carried more sail than the deceased, I am the more rejoiced, to behold a feeble bark safely moored, within the haven of eternal repose. J. PILKINTON. Mr. EDWARD EVANS, aged 81, AND Mrs. MARY EVANS, aged 102. To the Editors of the Baptist Magazine. ON the 17th of November, 1815, died, at Knocking, Shrop shire, Mrs. Mary Evans, in her 102d year. As a brief account of this venerable widow indeed, her valuable husband, and their son, may give pleasure to your Having taken a composing draught, his wife begged him to try to sleep. He said, "My dear, J. PALMER. I told you before not to weep; Mr. Edward Evans was a native I do not believe I shall ever of North Wales, and was greatly sleep again in this world!"-respected for his sobriety and in Accordingly, on the next morning, he calmly fell asleep, in the full assurance of eternal glory, aged 31 years. On the Lord's day following, devout men carried him to the grave. The pall was supported by the committee of the Sunday school of which he was a teacher, and the corpse was followed by relatives, the church, and children of the Sunday-school. After a solemn address to a numerous assembly at the grave, we sung "Absent from flesh, blissful thought," &c. I preached a funeral discourse from 2 Tim. iv. 6—8, to an overflowing house. While we discharged the last offices of love to our brother, the wants of the widow were not neglected. VOL. VIII. tegrity. Coming into Shropshire, he married the widow of Mr. Bates, a respectable farmer, who resided at Kinton, by whom he had several children. Some years after their marriage, it pleased God to afflict him with a fever; on his recovery from which, he went to his parish church, to thank God for his unexpected restoration! Some of his neighbours brought a child, to do for it after the custom of the national establishment. His pew was near the font. He heard all that was read and promised, with new ears; and, to use his own words, “was, at the same time, convinced of his lost estate as a sinner; and, that what he then saw practised had not any foundation in the scriptures, which it had been M long his practice to read with much attention." He was, for a considerable time, under great distress of mind, as was also his wife. At length, he heard a sermon, preached by a person who called himself a follower of the late Mr. Cudworth. Under this sermon his soul was set at liberty; and, as there was preaching, and a society of those people, not very distant from his own house, he cordially united with them; but soon found, to the grief of his soul, that many of them were rather "hearers than doers of the word." He mourned the want of family piety and vital godliness that was amongst them; admonishing, reproving, and exhorting them, when he had opportunity; but was told, he was young in the ways of God, ignorant, and legal. At length, he told the church, when assembled, his fears and griefs, adding, "If you do not begin and keep up family prayer in your houses, abstain from sin, and walk more according to the gospel, I must, I will, leave you; for, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."" He left them, and went in quest of the gospel. He found it at Shrewsbury. To this place he came himself, and brought as many of his family as he could, (a distance of nine miles,) most Lord's days. The new meetinghouse being finished, he and his dear wife were the two first who were baptized in it, by Mr. Sandys. This was on November 5, 1780. They joined the church, and some of their children followed their example. He established preaching in his house at Kinton, for which cause he suffered reproach and loss, and, at last, gave up the farm, on which his wife's family had resided for 200 years! because he was not allowed to continue to have preaching there. In March, 1795, he removed to a farm, called Alcaston, in the parish of Acton Scot, 19 miles on the other side of Shrewsbury. Here he immediately opened his house for preaching, and invited the neighbours all around to come and hear for themselves; he was neither afraid nor ashamed of the cross; and both he, his wife, and son, greatly adorned the doctrine of God their Saviour. The farm had been badly managed before they came to it, and it cost them much labour and money, as well as time, before it could be made to answer. Their difficulties, losses, and trials, were many; but the word of the Lord, and the covenant of his grace, were their support. Religion was not neglected. I went, for many years, and preached, once a month, in their large parlour. At times, we have had nearly 200 hearers. To some of these, the gospel was made effectual. Two persons I baptized in a river on the farm; and two others from Alcaston, whom I baptized in Shrewsbury. All these had been in the employ of Mr. Evans. We frequently broke bread there, and, at times, have had from 10 to 20 communicants. Our church chose Mr. Evans to the office of deacon; and he was set apart with prayer, imposition of hands, &c. April 19, 1796, (being the same day that I was ordained as pastor.) Seldom has a deacon and his wife accorded more exactly with what is said in Paul's 1st Epistle to Timothy, chap. iii. from the 8th to the 14th verse; nor is it easy to give a just idea of the simplicity and godly. sincerity of this pious aged couple. Often have I heard him reading the scriptures, and earnestly praying with his servants, between three and four o'clock in the |