sary to direct.

"The Bible," says he, "though it contains all the elements of moral and religious instruction, abounding with what is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, is but ill adapted for a school book. It cannot be introduced into a class with advantage until it be read pretty fluently; and owing to the difficulty experienced by the learner in pronouncing proper names, it is generally among the last books read at school." To supply this deficiency is the design of his compilation; and in order to render it suitable to an early progress of the pupils tuition, all historical and genealogical registers have been omitted, and a collection formed, consisting principally of simple and affecting passages of scripture, such as were deemed most eminently calculated to cherish in the tender mind sentiments of piety and a love of virtue.

In offering our opinion of the execution of this work, we must be allowed to say, that while we concede to Mr. Adam, the praise of judicious selection and arrangement, we must decidedly except from this commendation, that part of the fifth section, which he has extracted from the Apochryphal books. This is, in every point of view, an unwise step, and we are at a loss to see what inducement the author could be under to commit it, unless it were the hope of propitiating our Semi-papistical bishops in England, and getting them to introduce the book into the National Schools. It is not a sufficient justification of the measure to say, that the passages which he has extracted are unexceptionable. The evil lies in associating in the pupil's mind, the spurious with the genuine the apochryphal with the inspired writings. We need not point out how this matter operates. The school boy finds these spurious writings, incorporated with divine revelation, and he naturally imbibes a reverence for them. He is led to examine them at large, and behold, he finds something that is good, mingled with the grossest ribaldry-with the story of Bell and the dragon-Susannah and the elders-Tobit and his dog! Now, in the very nature of things, this must have a tendency to lessen his respect and reverence for the whole book. It is to the disgrace of Protestants that the Apochrypha continues to be printed along with the Bible. Every one knows that it originated in a

Popish trick; but we did not expect to meet with efforts to uphold and perpetuate it, resorted to by the people of Scotland, who certainly have much less of the spirit and influence of popery clinging to them than their neighbours south of the Tweed. We hope Mr. Adam will take the hint, and in his next edition, drop the extracts from the books of the Apochrypha.

Testimonies to the Truths of Natural and Revealed Religion, extracted from the works of distinguished Laymen. By the Rev. JAMES BREWSTER, Minister of Craig. Edinburgh, Waugh and Innes; and Ogle and Co. London, 1822. pp. 400, 12mo. 5s. 6d. boards.

"He who collects," says Dr. Johnson," is laudably employed; for, though he exerts no great talents on the work, he facilitates the progress of others, and, what is already written, may give some mind more vigorous, or more adventurous than his own, leisure for new thoughts and original designs." To this praise, Mr. Brewster has an unquestionable claim, and his labours are entitled to our grateful acknowledgements. In collecting his Testimonies, he seems to have made a Lord Anson's voyage round the whole world of literature; for the list of authors whom he has quoted, comprises almost every name of celebrity, in the class of laymen, except that of Milton, which we can readily think of. The work is divided into ten chapters, and each chapter subdivided into sections, so that each particular branch of the subject is kept in its proper place. For instance, ch. i. Testimonies to the irrational nature and injurious effects of Atheism, Scepticism, and Irreligion. Sect. 1. Atheism.-2. Scepticism.-3. Irreligion. And so with every other chapter. The volume is consequently exceedingly miscellaneous in its contents, and comprises a constellation of the finest thoughts, and most brilliant passages of the sublimest writers of every age, from the revival of letters to the present period. The book is therefore replete with entertainment and instruction, and exceedingly proper to be put into the hands of young people.

The Importance of uniting Religion ånd

Learning in the Christian Ministry: a
Discourse delivered at the Annual Meet-

ing, of the Northern Baptist Education Society, at Bradford, in Yorkshire, June 12th, 1822, and published at their request. By B. Godwin, Great Missenden, Bucks; London, Cox and Son, 1822, price 1s.

We noticed a Sermon of Mr. Godwin's, on the Signs of the Times, in our number for march last, p. 85-90, and such of our readers as derived from it only half the gratification that we did, will be glad to see the future productions of his pen. If they should not receive an equal portion of pleasure from the Sermon before us, they must attribute it to the subject, which is certainly a very hackneyed one, and not to any falling off in the talents or exertions of the preacher. His text is 2 Tim. ii. 2. "Faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." In advocating the cause of Seminaries of instruction for

young ministers, Mr. Godwin remarks,

that

A portion of human learning is neccesary to understand and explain the sacred writings. The first teachers of Christianity had the scriptures, if not in their venacular tongue, in a language which they well understood. But the case is quite different with us. The sacred words of inspiration are in languages which have long since ceased to be spoken. It is a great blessing, indeed, that the treasures of divine truth are not now locked up from the unlearned, but that we have excellent translations, so that we can read in our own tongue, "the wonderful works of God." Yet the structure and idiomatic phrases of different languages vary so much, that to translate as literally as possible, and yet to give the ideas and the spirit of an author in the words of another language, is a work of no small difficulty. The different shades of meaning of which a word is capable, render it no easy matter to catch and fix them by a suitable form of expression in another tongue. A word may have various senses, some of which it may possess in common with several words in another language, each of which may have some meanings which do not belong to the word in question, and be deficient in others which do pertain to it, and a number of persons may each select a different term, as coming the nearest, in his opinion, to the idea of the original. There are also many words, I suppose, in every language, which can be translated by no single word in another, but require a paraphrastic circumlocution, so that a translator often approaches to the character of a commentator; and hence it is, that a version of the scriptures, respecting which there have been so many theolo

for himself.

gical contentions, will be tinged, in general, by the opinions of him who translates. It is of consequence then, that a teacher of the inspired writings be able to read them idea of the precise and full sense of the It will give him a clearer inspired writers. A thousand beauties, and much force of expression, must be lost to him who reads only with a translation. If the statutes of this realm were written in Saxon or in French, would a solicitor or barrister feel satisfied with being able to consult a translation only? would he not feel that on many occasions a reference to the original was necessary? Besides, the scriptures contain frequent allusions to nations which no longer exist, to the events of past ages, to customs and manners which are foreign to us, and they abound with prophetic descriptions of the changes and destinies, not only of the Jewish people, but also of surrounding states; a general acquaintance with ancient and modern history, and some knowledge of antiquities are therefore of consequence to the Christian teacher. And without any farther enume

ration of particulars, there is scarcely any branch of knowledge, or department of science, which may not be found useful in elucidating the sacred scriptures.

We should indeed be ashamed to advocate the cause of ignorance and illiteracy in any quarter, and especially in the Christian ministry, and so far as our Dissenting Academies are made subservient to the promotion of knowledge, learning, and piety, we sincerely wish their prosperity. It affords us much satisfaction to find that since preaching this Sermon, Mr. Godwin has accepted the office of Classical Tutor, in the Bradford Academy, where an extended field of usefulness is opened to him, and where our most fervent wishes for his success will not cease to attend him. We have the happiness of knowing several young men who have lately come out from that Seminary, of great promise, and who, we confidently hope will prove great blessings to the country-as they certainly do honour to their venerable tutor, Dr. Steadman. May their numbers multiply every year, until Zion become a praise in all the land of our nativity, and the opprobrium of lack of talent among our Baptist Ministers no longer mentioned.

be

number) which appear calculated for public or family worship, collected from his Hymns, Sermons, and Miscellaneous Thoughts, and Remnant of Time; with ten copious and accurate Indexes. Edited by ROBERT GOODACRE, London, Westley, Stationers'-Court, 1821. Demy Edition, 21s. Royal Paper, 17.

108.

This is by many degrees, the most magnificent edition of these devotional compositions that we have yet seen; and it is, in all respects, so complete, that, it leaves the admirer of Watts, (who can afford to purchase it) nothing to wish for as regards the publication. It was surely a bold attempt on the part of Mr. Goodacre, to present it to the public in so splendid a form; and we sincerely wish he may find himself eventually reimbursed for the cost and pains which

it must have occasioned him. Yet, we

know not why he should despair of this; nor, indeed, does it appear that he is inclined to do so: for, as he remarks in his Preface," While our fellow-worshippers in the church of England, have their Book of Common Prayer embellished with all the elegance of modern art, the Dissenters, who use Dr. Watts, have not a devotional Book in any respect corresponding to the fitting up of their Chapel Seats, or the contents of their Family Libraries."

Certainly, this edition may be considered as perfecting the series of sizes in which the writings of this favourite poet may now be had, from the diamond to the double pica-from the size of a thumb to royal octavo; and to the heads of families who, like ourselves, are advancing into the vale of life, when according to the course of nature, "those that look out at the window are darkened," and we begin to cry out for large print, the present edition must be peculiarly estimable. But Mr. Goodacre does not rest his claims to public patronage solely on the quality of his types, or the size of his page. "In regard to correctness of text, and of punctuation, he invites the minutest scrutiny:" and after a careful examination of the work, we think it due to him to say, that we have not been able to detect a single error. The tables are remarkably copious and accurate; so much so indeed, as to leave nothing of this kind to be wished, for the purpose of finding any psalm, hymn, verse, line, subject, or

VOL. VIII.

text of scripture. We may add, that the ability and care which Mr. Goodacre has displayed in his editorial capacity, present a claim upon the gratitude of his co-temporaries which we hope will be handsomely met on their part. The numerous editions of this favourite poet that have been called for since the Doctor's decease, and the hasty and careless manner in which most of them have been printed, have introduced endless errors, both in the orthography and punctuation-things which the author himself would have been completely ashamed of, and by which his memory has been undeservedly disgraced. We feel deeply indebted, therefore, to Mr. in revising the text, and correcting the punctuation, and hope that no printer will, in future, put the work to press without having recourse to the present copy as a standard by which to revise and perfect it.

Goodacre for the labour he has bestowed

Four Sermons on the Nature, Evidence, and Authority of the Christian System. By GEORGE CUBITT, preached at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Red Lion-street, Boston, and published by particular request. Boston, Noble ; and Baldwin and Co. London, 1821. pp. 98, 8vo. price 2s.

If Mr. Cubitt had not informed us in the title page of his pamphlet, that he belongs to the Wesleyan school, we should never have suspected it from any other page of his publication. But really when we meet with such productions as the one before us, (to say nothing of the writings, of Dr. Clarke, Messrs. Watson, Bunting, Newton, &c.) we are compelled to conclude, that either the preachers in general in this connection, are advancing rapidly in the progress of religious knowledge, and in the scale of talent, or that we have been in the habit of greatly undervaluing them in times past. Probably both may be true, and we are always glad to be set right, when we have been in error.

Mr. Cubitt's Sermons are founded upon Heb. ii. 1-4. and had we been at his elbow, we should have advised his stripping them of the form of sermons, and casting the whole into the mould of an Essay or Dissertation, which would probably have taken better with the public; and in that case he would

2 s

have had an opportunity of incorporating the valuable materials which, under present circumstances, he has been obliged to throw into an Appendix of twenty pages. We know, indeed, that, in itself, the thing is of little consequence. The materials are here; his pamphlet furnishes an able defence of Christianity against the cavils of the Sceptic, and it reflects considerable credit on his understanding and his talents. It exhibits proof of the author's reading and reflection, and we have no doubt that it will be very useful in stopping the mouths of gainsayers and confirming the souls of the disciples. We could readily justify all the commendation we have given of this pamphlet, by extracts from it; but our readers must be content with one single paragraph as a specimen, and we hope it will induce them to go to the fountain head

for more.

"Some object against the mysteriousness of the gospel. They ought to recollect there is a great deal of plainness in it too; and that in its mysteriousness we only see the characteristic of a revelation from the incomprehensible God. Our minds cannot grasp in the whole scheme of redemption, and are we to reject that which is made known, because heaven's own shadow' rests upon it? But why refuse to believe in a fact, that has much about it that is mysterious? Will the Deist here, be a Deist in every thing else? HE DARES NOT. In nature he sees mysteries. He believes facts which he cannot explain, and acts upon his acquaintance with the bare fact. And is the gospel, which professes to contain a display of the glorious character of God, to state to us a plan, involving at once the infinite glory of God, and the endless concerns of eternity; is this gospel to be wholly and completely free from that mystery with which, because of the littleness of man, all nature is filled? Is it to state no facts but such as shall be in all their bearings and connections, perfectly comprehensible by the meanest capacity? Are Deists sincere when they avow a principle which, properly developed, issues in such a requisition? What would themselves say, were the word of God a mere Reading made Easy'? Here too, Deism conducts to Atheism. Let him who rejects the gospel for its mysteriousness, so bring the whole of the divine immensity into his own mind, as to be able to give an account of God, as clear of mystery as he desires the gospel should be; and if he cannot do this, either let him cease thus objecting, or let him embrace the Atheistic system at once. Why will not the Deist be consistent with his own principles, but because he is himself aware of their soundness?"

We cannot take leave of this pamphlet without adding, that we have received no ordinary satisfaction from the perusal of it; and, judging that what pleases ourselves will please others, we conclude with recommending it to our readers.

LITERARY NOTICES, &c.

trine of Scripture relative to Evil Spirit, SHORTLY will be published, “The DocExamined;" being a reply to a work entitled, "The Scriptural Claims of the Devil," by Russell Scott; with remarks on his explanation of the terms Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna, and on the duration of future punishment. By B. H. Draper.

THE CHRISTIAN INDIAN, of North America, a Narrative of Facts, with fronsuitable reward for Sunday schools. The tispiece and cuts, price 6d. Intended as a profit arising from the sale of the above work, will be appropriated to the erection of a small chapel, for Divine worship, in Sandy, an unenlightened village, in the county of Bedford. The donation of any person (however small) desirous of aiding the above cause, will be thankfully received, by the Rev. J. Peacock, 23, Goswell Terrace, Mr. Wm. Whittemore, 62, Paternoster-row, London; and Mr. Whittemore, Sandy, Bedford.

The Life of William Penn, abridged and adapted to the use of young persons. By Mary Hughes, (late Robson), foolscap 8vo. boards, with a portrait, &c. price 4s. 6d.

Just published, a second and improved edition of PLAIN DIALOGUES, designed to relieve from various difficulties connected with the doctrines of Predestination, Spiritual Inability, Christian Perseverance, and the relation of the Moral Law to the Believer; and to correct some unscriptural representations of these subjects. By J. Shoveller, of Melkshem, 12mo. price Is.

Good Samaritan Itinerant Society. On Tuesday August 27th, a new chapel was opened in Tadworth-street, Banstead, Surry, 16 miles from London, belonging to the above Society, when two Sermons were preached—that in the morning by Mr. Stodhart, of Pell-street, from 1 Cor. iii. 11; and that in the evening by Mr. Chinn, of Walworth, from Ps. lxiv. 5. The devotional parts of the services were conducted by Messrs. Phillemore, of Kingston, and Bolton, of Brockham. This new-raised interest has peculiar claims to public notice; little more than twelve months ago, the vil lage was destitute of the gospel, but when introduced, such was the eagerness to hear it, that the room, in which divine worship was conducted, was crowded to excess; while many were standing outside unable to obtain admittance; with these prospects it was deemed necessary to erect the above place.

in its aid. Its contributions, however, had

MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

:

[Continued from page 291, Col. 1.] MR. MOSES FISHER (the minister at Byrom Street) rose to second the motion. He expressed the great pleasure he felt on the occasion, and must rank this (he said) amongst the happiest days he had spent in Liverpool. He felt himself surrounded by those whom he esteemed and loved; and the cordiality that subsisted among his ministering brethren in the town, was no small ingredient in the cup of his felicity. Here (said he) we realize the blessedness of that union, which is so beautifully described by the Psalmist and may we not adopt the same language?) "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is precious as the ointment on the head, which ran down to the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garment; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended on the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." He felt deeply interested in the motion which had just been so ably proposed. The success which had attended the labours of the missionaries in India certainly demanded the warmest gratitude to God. When he considered the origin of Dr. Carey, and what he had been enabled to accomplish in the work of translationwhen he compared the state of India thirty years ago, with its present state, and considered how many of the natives had been converted toChristianity-how manyschools had been established, and in how many languages the Scriptures had been translated and circulated, he was constrained to say, what hath God wrought! The weakness of the instruments magnified the power which had employed them, and afforded a beautiful illustration of that_text, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." All the glory (said Mr. F.) is due to God; and I hope we are concerned to ascribe it to him, say ing, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name be the praise!"

The other part of the resolution which relates to the formation of an Auxiliary Society in Liverpool, in aid of the Baptist Missionary Society, also afforded him real pleasure and satisfaction. He had often lamented that Liverpool had not done more

he hoped would continue to increase; for, notwithstanding all that had been done, it was little when compared with what had been accomplished in some other places. The Society to be formed this evening, would, however, he had no doubt, fetch up our lee way. He trusted he should not incur the charge of egotism, in saying that the formation of such an Auxiliary Society as was now contemplated, would relieve him from a degree of exertion, as also of responsibility, which, at times, he had felt rather oppressive. Mr. Hope, their highly esteemed and venerable friend, had annually assisted him in collecting in the greater part of the contributions of Liverpool; and his presence and interesting conversation on these occasions, had beguiled many a tedious hour, and had made that work delightful, which otherwise would have been irksome to him. Indeed, the disinterested zeal he had manifested, and the exertions he had made in this laudable undertaking were above all praise. He was now unable to do the work; and as, without his assistance, Mr. F. felt himself unequal to it, he could not but view with the utmost satisfaction, the formation of a Society, by which, not only were they both relieved, but the most pleasing anticipations of success afforded, as it related to the future interests of the Baptist Missionary Society in Liverpool. He conclud. ed with most heartily seconding the resoJution.

Mr. HOBY (of Maze Pond, Southwark) addressed the meeting to the following effect: "If I feel emotions of gratitude

to God for the success which has attended the labours of the Baptist Missionary Society, and if I am constrained in the view which has been taken of the operations of that highly favoured Institution, to admire the conduct of God towards a Society whose origin was so inconsiderable and un promising, I cannot (with the resolutions now put into my hands to propose to you, and after the remarks which have been made by our esteemed brother, who has been so laborious in this large town) but feel emotions of confidence and of joy, so far as it respects this part of the kingdom, in the exertions which we may reasonably expect will hereafter be made in order to support the funds of the Society, and to meet the increasing demands in those parts