the "Willoughbys," repair for a few weeks to the sea coast; and for their mutual pleasure and improvement, an ingenious scheme is proposed by the senior visitor. "A plan has occurred to me, (said the Rev. W. Hamilton to his family and a select circle of friends,) which may conduce both to the pleasure and the benefit we expect to derive from our visit to the sea coast. We shall, I hope, often meet together, and enjoy | the sacred intercourse of Christian friendship-an intercourse which, while it may embrace all the urbanity and refinement of polished society, is conducted upon principles widely differing from those that constitute the basis of worldly associations, and has a freedom and a tact peculiarly its own. In the midst of scenes like these, our thoughts and our conversation will naturally take a colouring reflected from surrounding objects. I wish that we should avail ourselves of the advantages hence arising to us, for illustrating and impressing more deeply on our minds many subjects of high and delightful interest. My scheme is simply this that each of our party should employ a part of the time daily assigned to mental improvement, in writing familiar papers or essays on scriptural topics, suggested by the scenery before us. These, if you approve my plan, shall be read by the writers in our social parties like the present." pp. 1, 2. The present volume is the result of this rational and improving scheme; in which the reader is presented with a series of short essays, narratives, and poems, original and selected, occasionally interspersed with a few viva voce observations, on almost every subject of interest suggested by the surrounding scenery, from the time of the almighty fiat-"Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place," to the present period of unparalleled traffic on the bosom of the mighty deep. Under the form of excursions, researches, casualties, reminiscences, and visits, the reader will find many papers of considerable interest, on the natural history of the maritime world, geological phenomena, and occurrences incident to the sea side; the whole being invested with additional beauty and importance by a uniform reference and subserviency to the paramount truths of the Christian system. Under every variety, and at every turn, the contem plative mind is irresistibly led to exclaim, "O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea." We rejoice to find in our author a friend to the abolition of slavery; especially as the clergy in general, perhaps, have not been among the first or the most active in protesting against this crying national iniquity. The chapter entitled "The Slave Ship," will be read with melancholy interest. We quote the following specimen, as well authenticated, and of itself speaking volumes. I "The modes in which cargoes of slaves are procured, to gorge these leviathans of the ocean, are such as humanity shudders to contemplate. Not many years have passed since the following narrative was told at a respectable table in the city of B'I was once (said the narrator) on the African coast, looking out for a cargo. I observed the smoke of a fire on shore, the known signal of trade, and immediately put off in a boat. On arriving at the beach I found a trader, and on my inquiring what he had to dispose of, be produced two negro women, each with an infant in her arms. shook my head, and declined purchasing. He asked me my reason. I replied that they did not suit me. Again he begged to know the cause of my holding off. I told him that the women would suit me well enough, but their children were an objection diately went up to one of the women, and to my purchasing them. The trader immetaking the child out of her arms, dashed its head upon a stone. He then did the same with the other, and sold the two women to me.' This fact was told as one of the ocsion of horror or detestation as it regarded currences of trade, and without any expresthe fact itself, or of self-reproach for not having interposed to prevent the hideous infanticide." pp. 203, 204. The Sabbaths at the sea side are, of course, devoted exclusively to religious pursuits, and we are compelled in candour to acknowledge, with more singleness and steadiness of purpose than we have sometimes witnessed, especially at watering-places, among those who, on the whole, worship the God of their fathers more agreeably to our own views of the New Testament pattern. Not that we would for a moment advocate a superstitious reverence for times and seasons, forms and ceremonies, which, in too many instances, so far from indicating habitual devotion, forms an imposing substitute for a course of piety. But the human mind is prone to extremes. And if some within consecrated walls are apparently more devout than seems to comport with their pursuits and habits of mind in the week, (which we are far from insinuating of our author and his friends,) is it not to be feared that some of our dissenting brethren manifest less seriousness, and less intensity of devotion, than is consistent with the approach of a sinner to "the throne of the heavenly grace?" "God is great, and greatly to be feared in the assembly of his saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." It is one thing to decline a participation in superstitious observances of human imposition, and another to yield the affectionate homage of the heart, and to worship Him who is a Spirit"in spirit and in truth;"-one thing to dissent from that which the great Head of the church has not commanded, and another to acquiesce and cordially unite in that spiritual worship which he does require. Christianity is not merely negative, but positive; consisting, not only in a firm renunciation of every thing inimical to the exercise of vital religion, but also in habitual, heartfelt devotion to the spiritual requirements of the Redeemer's kingdom. It is not enough that we are not formalists, we must be spiritual worshippers. We are by no means disposed to view it in the light of an exception, that in obedience to 66 genteel and respectable," to the more fashionable place of resort. The effect of this, though silent, is deep and lasting. And what is the plea of these ladies and gentlemen? Do not our bre thren preach the Gospel? This they will not pretend; while at the same time they are compelled to acknowledge, as our author himself has candidly conceded, that in the Establishment, the discourses heard at public wateringplaces, too frequently contain far more of the dry ethics of the schools, than of the 'dewy' doctrines of inspiration." What then is their plea for this desertion of their dissenting brethren ? Do they despise their talents? Principle is a weightier consideration than taste, and ought never to be sacrificed on the altar of refinement. Do they recoil at the air of meanness, and poverty, and simplicity, which pervades these "barns and hovels?" Then why not, by their presence, produce an improvement? Why, in the same breath, deplore and determine to perpetuate the evil? But let not our brethren be discouraged. A greater than these condescends to be present. He does not despise them. "Thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy I dwell in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit; to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." They are gathered together in the name of their gracious Redeemer, and he will be with them. "The poor have the Gospel preached to them and blessed is he, whosoever is not offended in me." 66 We must abruptly conclude these observations, by simply recommending such of our friends as may visit the sea side, in pursuit of health or of pleasure, to avail themselves of the rational entertainment provided for them in this seasonable volume. As conscientious dissenters, we shall not be expected to approve of every sentiment. But they will find in it much to interest the feel "The sound of the church-going bell," the whole party should simultaneously repair to the aisles of the consecrated dome. From the pen of a clergyman, this is natural and consistent. We only wish that our dissenting friends who visit the sea coast, were equally true to the principles they profess. We have sometimes been grieved to see opulent dissenters, whose presence at the meeting house, during their temporary resi-ings, more to inform the mind, and most dence, might have strengthened the hands and encouraged the hearts of the "little flock," wheeling off, with the of all to improve the heart, and to elevate the affections to Him who is the source and end of all our enjoyments. Biographical History of the Christian generation. Genuine ecclesiastical his Church, from the Apostolic Age to the the times of Wickliffe the Reformer. In two Volumes. By J. W. MORRIS. London. 1827. THERE is no department of human knowledge in which entertainment and instruction are so happily blended, as in well written history. It is natural to seek entertainment, it is necessary to seek instruction; but the importance of uniting the two, in order to promote general improvement, will be obvious, if we consider, that as mere entertainment is calculated to dissipate the mind, whose faculties should be cultivated, and not debased, so mere instruction is deprived of a most powerful stimulus, to fix and perpetuate the benefits it is adapted to impart, when divested of those amusing illustrations, which resemble the fragrant heath-flowers, that tempt the traveller along the paths of the wilderness. The two great divisions of history are into secular and ecclesiastical: the former records the general course of events as they affect the state of the world at large, the latter describes the rise and progress of the Christian church. This important subject, however, has seldom been treated in the manner it deserves. A mass of extraneous matter has usually been introduced into details otherwise most interesting, and which has diverted the attention from what ought to have constituted the leading topic by which ecclesiastical history is distinguished from other classes of narrative. Hence it is with difficulty that the most discriminating reader can discover the situation, or trace the progress of the true church of Christ. That church, it is to be lamented, was indeed involved at an early period in great corruption, and its primitive character essentially deteriorated; yet if writers had been duly solicitous of promoting the interests of pure and undefiled religion, and of giving a suitable degree of prominence in their narratives to a society whose glory is not of this world, we should have seen more of the power and purity of truth in advantageous contrast with the character of an adulterous and wicked tory is, in fact, the history of a moral miracle, or rather of a succession of miracles, wrought on behalf of the oppressed and persecuted people of God. Their preservation from age to age, amidst the persecution of the world, and the continued existence and ultimate extension of the Christian cause, even when the enemy came in from time to time with a flood of false doctrine and baser practice, can be regarded as nothing less than the operation of a Providence, almighty in power, omniscient in wisdom, and infinitely benignant in purpose. The mightiest forms of human power were effectually overcome, and the most insidious modes of human policy as perfectly thwarted. Dagon fell before the ark; the giant of Philistia before the stone of the sling of David; the civil power and pomp of an opposing world, before the spiritual influence of the everlasting Gospel. Among the many possible modes of writing ecclesiastical history, it has often occurred to us, that the biographical possesses considerable advantages. In compositions of this kind, the men or the actors have commonly been made only a part of the scenery, and often a very subordinate and insignificant part; whereas the reverse is surely the order of nature and of truth. If it be true, indeed, that in many instances men are modelled by circumstances, it is no less true, that character exerts a forming influence over events, and gives them both energy and direction. And what, in fact, are events, but the results of human action? The history of the world is the history of mankind; of their movements and passions under the regulating superintendence of eternal Providence. It is by their genius or their imbecility that empires rise and empires fall; that the triumphs of successful ambition and the subjection of vanquished nations are accomplished. It seems more natural, therefore, as well as more dignified, that history should render her records the means of exhibiting the efforts of mind, rather than the dry and analyzing table of political or geographical change. To trace the progress or investigate the improving the leisure hours of a busy or of an obscure condition of life. The style is plain and perspicuous; such, in fact, as is generally suited to biography and history. In some passages it might mental peculiarities or the moral power of individuals, is, besides, adapted to awaken an interest of which we are not otherwise susceptible, arising from a certain process in the imagination, of be beneficially retouched. We are the reader, by which he identifies himself with the actions and thoughts, the doings or sayings, the triumphs or sufferings of those individuals whose lives are recorded as influencing the destinies of nations and of the world. He seems to live in them; to participate in their private and public atchievements; and while a kind of self-love is gratified, and a sort of conscious immortality felt, all the great and practical purposes of utility in perpetuating the memory of past times are fully secured. pleased in general with the citations from the fathers, though we could have spared the allegorical absurdities of Origen. On the whole, we give to these volumes our cordial recommendation; and as the nature of the work scarcely admits of quotations, we shall allow the author to address the reader in his own words in the preface: justice is not done them in the following their characters in a clearer light, without pages, an attempt has been made to place any of the colourings of fictitious history.. "It is a matter of surprise, that amidst the prevailing taste for biographical narrative, and the care that is taken to eulogize a variety of modern characters, scarcely any The work before us is substantially attempt should have been made to rescue what its title imports, and what, as will from oblivion the memory of those illustribe seen from the drift of the preceding ous persons who have successively laboured remarks, we very much approve, a in the Christian vineyard, aud borne the burden and heat of the day, unless we exbiographical history. A view of ecclecept those incidental and fugitive sketches siastical affairs is interwoven with the which have been mixed up with general lives of eminent individuals, arranged history [Cox's Narratives and the lives in in chronological order, from the times Miluer should also be excepted] and such of the apostles to Wickliffe; by which antiquated and voluminous writers as Tillemeans, while the principles of the chief mont, Cave, and Alban Butler, who have provided food sufficient for the most insaactors are developed, a distinct account tiate superstition, and detailed as many is given of the general progress of miracles as credulity itself could require. Christianity. But the Fathers of the Church are deservIn many cases the materials which ing of a better fate; and though sufficient even the most diligent research can discover, to build up a history of early times, are extremely scanty, and when the inquirer is beginning to congra- "The former part of this work will be tulate himself upon the appearance found to contain an account of the progress of facts, they are so intermingled with of the Gospel in the early ages, throughout details of a dubious nature, and so often latter part is chiefly occupied with interestdistorted by the method of the narra-ing details of the missionary labours in tor, that he is thrown into vexation, if which the Anglo-Saxons were engaged, not despair. In these circumstances together with the Scottish and Irish Christhe present writer has proceeded with tians, during the seventh and eighth centua laudable and successful discriminaries, and even to a later period. Nothing can exceed the zeal with which they distion: if not possessing the means of seminated the Gospel throughout the greater access to original authorities, or a depth of learning necessary to consult them, yet has he accomplished his task in a manner calculated to satisfy the learned man, and to afford much information to those, the more numerous classes, who require the means of amusing and the different nations of the world. The part of the European continent, in the north of France, in Switzerland, Germany, Upper and Lower Saxony, Westphalia, the Tyrol, Bavaria, Friesland, Sweden, Finland, and other of the northern states which had previously been immersed in the grossest species of idolatry." LITERARY RECORD. New Publications. 1. The Repeal of the Sacramental Test a Cause of Gratitude and Joy; a Discourse delivered in Camberwell Meeting-house, on Lord's day, May 25, 1828. By William Orme. This sermon presents a just, but very general view of the design and early success of Christianity; of the injuries subsequently inflicted on the Christian cause; and of the benefits conferred by the Reformation. Honourable mention is then made of the puritans and nonconformists; after which our author comes to the representation of those odious acts, the repeal of which has occasioned the discourse before us. These detestable statutes are described in their origin, their nature, and their fruits; and good reasons are given for the exercise of gratitude and joy over their grave. 2. Female Piety and Zeal Exemplified, in Memoirs of Mary Ann Ely, by her Brother, John Ely, Minister of Providence Chapel, Rochdale. The portrait of a lady singularly amiable, pious, and useful. It has the ap pearance of having been justly drawn; and those who study and imitate it will manifest the soundest wisdom. Here nothing is brilliant, but all is useful. 3. Elements of Geography on a new plan, adapted to the capacities of young Children, and designed for Preparatory Schools. By Ingram Cobbin, A.M. This is a work fully adapted to reach the end proposed by its author. He wishes to fix in the memory of the young such a portion of knowledge of our earth as they are capable of attaining, and to allure them onward until the acquisition is made. We deem it the best work of the kind that has been published. man, 5. The Spirit of the Serampore System, as it existed in 1812 and 1813, with Strictures on some parts of Dr. Marshman's Statement relative to Serampore, in a Series By Wm. Johns, of Letters to a Friend. M.D. &c. 6. A Letter to a Clergyman on the Scriptural Authorities in favour of Adult Baptism, and Traditional Authorities in favour of Infant Baptism. By a Hermit. 7. A Letter to J. B. Wilson, Treasurer to the Baptist Missionary Society, occasioned Mission by J. Marshman, D.D. with inby " a Statement relative to the Serampore By troductory Observations by J. Foster." John Dyer, Secretary to Missionary Society. Price 2s. Rev. J. Rees, containing an Abridgment of 8. Crown-street Chapel Tracts, by the and Watson's Divine Cordial, in one volume Jacomb on the Romans, Harris on Prayer, 12mo. boards. Price 4s. tended as a Sequel to those of Mr. Elsley on 9. Annotations on the Apocalyse; inthe Gospels, and of Mr. Prebendary Slade on the Epistles; and thus to complete a Series of Comments on the whole of the New Testament, for the use of Students in Prophetical Scripture. By John Chappel Woodhouse, D.D. Dean of Lichfield. Svo. Price 12s. bds. 4. The Services at the Ordination of the Rev. James Edwards, over the Church of Christ assembling in the Baptist Chapel, Shipley, Jan. 1, 1828. pp. 80. Price 2s. 10. Eight Lectures on the History of JaWightman and Co. The introductory dis- cob; delivered during Lent, 1828, at the course is by the Rev, James Acworth, A.M. Church of St. Luke, Chelsea. By the Rev. the charge to the minister is by Dr. Stead-Henry Blunt, A.M. Curate of the Parish, and the sermon to the people is by the &c. The profits of this Publication will be Rev. B. Godwin, the Classical Tutor of the given to the Chelsea Infant School. 12mo. Academy at Bradford. We have read the neatly bound in cloth, 4s. 6d. whole of these pages with pleasure and profit. Mr. Edwards's confession of faith forms a clear, concise, and scriptural statement of the glorious peculiarities of the Gospel of Christ. Mr. Acworth's view of the reasons of dissent is a good defence of our separation from the Church of England. Dr. 11. The Confession of the Church of England practically elucidated in seven Discourses, preached, during the season of Lent, at the Parish Church of St. Andrew, Canterbury. By Thomas Bartlett, A.M. Rector of Kingstone. 12mo. 3s. 6d. bds. 12. Letters to the Young. By Maria Steadman well sustains the honour of a fa- Jane Jewsbury. Foolscap. 6s. bds. |