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tal. But, posthumous usefulness in that there is indeed something. That was what Moses desired, and Joshua and David and the Prophets; the Apostles also, Peter and Paul and John; and most of all, the Lord Jesus Christ." (p. 522.) We do not imagine that every minister in humble life possesses the same mental powers and qualifications with this great man, even when animated by the same principle of Christian piety: but his example is instructive and encouraging; it tells them that obscurity

of situation is no bar to real usefulness; and so far as circumstances will allow, it says to every one of them, "Go thou and do likewise."

We cannot close our observations without once more expressing the gratification which we have felt in the perusal of this edifying and most interesting volume. Seldom does it happen that a biographer has such valuable materials; and we know not in what way they could be more judiciously or more usefully employed.

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LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE,

&c. &c.

GREAT BRITAIN. PREPARING for publication:-Ecclesiastical Architecture; by J. P. Neale ;— Bibliotheca Gloucestrensis.

In the press-Outlines of Charac. ter;-Abridged History of the Bible, in Verse; by Mrs. Richardson.

The persons composing the northwest land expedition lately returned to England. The toils and the sufferings of the expedition have been of the most trying description. It was fitted out in the summer of 1819; and in 1820 it advanced to the shores of the Great Bear Lake, where it wintered. In the ensu ing spring, it descended the Copper Mine River to the ocean, and proceeded in two canoes to explore the coast, eastward from the mouth of the Copper Mine River towards Hudson's Bay. So far as the eye could penetrate, the sea was open, and free from ice. In consequence of the early setting in of winter and other untoward circumstances, the party were obliged to return, subject to extreme privations. For many days they subsisted upon sea-weeds, the tattered remnants of their shoes, and a powder produced by pounding the withered bones of the food which they had already consumed. Mr. Hood, nine Canadians, and an Esquimaux perished. The survivors reached the Great Bear Lake, where they found the heads and bones of the animals

which had served them for last winter's provisions, which afforded them the means of preserving life till their arrival at a post belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company.

The Second Report of the Commissioners for building Churches, states that new churches or chapels have been completed at Blackburn, Bitton, Birmingham, Walcot, Chatham, Christchurch, Southampton, Oswestry, Stepney, Wandsworth, and in Regent-street, Westminster; in which accommodation has been provided for four thousand and eighty-one persons in pews, and for nine thousand nine hundred and forty-nine poor persons in free seats. The expense has been about 65,000l.

Lord Robert Seymour, one of the Governors of Bethlem Hospital, has lately stated the following interesting particulars.—

"Humanity has of late made great advances in the care of insanity. A man now speaks without repugnance of his near relation being disturbed in mind, and thinks it bis duty to see him frequently in his confinement; whereas, till within the last few years, when a person was sent to a mad-house, his fa mily made as much a point of putting him out of their minds as if he had been consigned to the grave. I have been all my life in the practice of visiting the asylums of lunatics, as well upon the continent as at home; and I am

sure, that I have not on ten occasions witnessed a lunatic visited by either a relative or a friend, till within the few

last years.

:

"Whenever I have of late years gone through the wards of our hospital, I have been much pleased with every thing I have observed in them. Very little personal restraint is now imposed upon the patients; and when it has been unavoidably applied, it has been only for a short time no unfortunate sufferers are now chained without clothes to our walls, as formerly; no wretched patient is encaged in iron; and the strait waist coat is now so much out of use in our hospital, that there was this day no one of the two hundred and twenty-three patients in the honse so confined. I think it my duty upon every occasion to deprecate this horrible instrument of restraint as being highly unfavourable to respiration and health. I never pass through the female galleries of the bospital without being struck with the marked calmness, tranquillity, and cheerfulness, which prevail amongst the patients, and which are greatly attributable to the needle-work which is put into their hands by our humane and valuable matron. It is matter of deep regret, that means have not yet been devised of giving, with safety, work to our male patients, as is the practice of several well-regulated country asylums. Experience has proved that bodily labour is a powerful means of abating that unnatural activity of mind, which is the usual characteristic of insanity. This principle is strongly illustrated in the case of a very interesting young woman, now in the hospital, whom I saw some months ago quite unemployed, talking rapidly and incessantly, and much confused in her ideas; when I asked the matron why she had not given to her needle-work, who told me that she never attempted to force any work on a patient, and that this woman had repeatedly objected to all work when offered to her. Soon after this, the young woman, complaining much of her confinement, earnestly requested that I would obtain her enlargement, which I andertook to endeavour to do, on two conditions; the first was, that she should talk less; and the second, that she should work more; to these she immediately agreed, and some coarse needle work was put into her hands, which was done by her with manifest indifference and carelessness; but it did CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 251.

not abate her incessant talking, or produce the slightest difference in her manner. It was then judged expedient by the matron, that some more nice and difficult work should be given to her, which was done ; and this employed her for some weeks, at the end of which time I again saw her, and was much struck by her composure and reserve. I asked her whether she was not much better. She answered, that she did not know how it was, but the difficult work she had lately done had certainly done good to her head. This passed last week; and I was much pleased to see her this day brought up by the physician, who recommended her going out on trial for a mouth."

His lordship strongly congratulated the Governors on the remarkable improvement which has been of late effected, both in the moral and medical management of the insane, laying particular stress upon the former.

INDIA.

The Calcutta newspapers state, that during the last festival of Juggernaut, there were so few pilgrims present that they were unable to drag the car. The Brahmins called in other aid, but no devotee could be persuaded to sacrifice himself to the idol. It is added, "They now talk of removing the Rath to a more central situation. The Brahmins have sagacity enough to perceive that they must remove the theatre of their sanguinary superstition beyond the sphere of a free press, [the writer should have added, and of the exertions of Christian missionaries and instructors,] or that the bigotry of thirty centaries will disappear. To the glory of our Indian administration, a large por tion of the population of Bengal are receiving the rudiments of an improved system of education, while thousands of elementary works are circulating throughout our empire. Even Hindoo women, against whom widowhood and consequent burning alive are denounced for learning the alphabet, and who must not read the Veda under pain of death, have placed their daughters at the public schools."

An application was made, some time since, to the Court of Directors of the East India Company, by the Governor General, when reporting on the state of regimental schools, to obtain a certain number of books adapted to the formation of soldiers' libraries; the formation of which, his lordship considered, 5 C

would be attended with beneficial influence on the condition, conduct, and morals of the European soldiery. The Directors, fully concurring in his opinion, have accordingly ordered, that seven sets of books shall be sent to Bengal to form soldiers' libraries at the principal stations of the army. The list comprises religious and moral works; instructive and amusing tales; abridg. ments of histories; travels and voyages; natural history; popular poetry; and miscellaneous works. The Court have also intimated their intention to forward from time to time such other books as may appear suitable to the object in view; and they authorise the addition of some Hindoostanee grammars and dictionaries to be made to the libraries. Most of the books selected are good and useful; but we doubt the propriety of including the whole of the Waverly novels, and one or two others.

UNITED STATES.

A periodical work, entitled, “The Gospel Advocate," conducted by members of the Episcopal Church, was commenced at Boston, Massachusetts in 1821. The Numbers, up to the present month, have reached this country; and from the nature of their contents we most cordially wish success to the undertaking. There are one or two other monthly episcopal publications in the United States; but no periodical religious work of this description being in general circulation in the eastern diocese, it was thought necessary to commence the Gospel Advocate. It contains 32 pages monthly; and the price has been fixed at the small sum of two

dollars per annum, fine paper, and one dollar coarse, in order to admit of its

extensive distribution among the poorer classes. It is strongly recommended by the venerable Bishop Griswold, and the principal episcopal clergy of his diocese. A leading feature in the work, we are happy to perceive, is an ardent desire to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer among the heathen. Mach of its intelligence is devoted to missionary proceedings. The conductors are particularly anxions to avoid a controversial spirit.

Our own work, we learn from various American publications, as well as from private correspondence, continues to be widely circulated in the United States; and to be appealed to with far more courtesy and respect than we should feel ourselves entitled to hope for. We copy the following, from many other attestations, as a proof, that if our American friends, episcopal or otherwise, have erred in over-estimating our ability, they have at least given us more credit for our intention and spirit than some of our contemporaries at home.

"This highly valuable work," it is remarked, "was commenced in England in the year 1802, and has been regularly continued to the present time. It has received the recommendatious of most of the episcopal clergy in the United States, and of numerous clergymen of other denominations. While the earnestness with which the doctrines of the church are inculcated and enforced upon its readers must render it of peculiar value to Episcopalians, the mild and catholic spirit which is displayed throughout its pages cannot fail of being acceptable to those of other religious denominations."

LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

THEOLOGY.

Euthanasia; or the State of Man after Death; bythe Rev. Luke Booker, LL.D. 12mo. 4s. 6d.

Christian Correspondence; a Collection of Letters, written by Mrs. Eliza Bennis, to the Rev. John Wesley and others, with their Answers. 12mo. 58. Tracts and Essays, Moral and Theological; by the late W. Hey, Esq. F.R.S. 8vo. 16s.

A Charge, delivered in July 1822, to the Clergy of Brechin; by the Right Rev. George Gleig, LL.D. &c. 1s. 6d.

Attachment to Life; a Sermon on the Death of the late Rev. J. Owen, M.A.; by the Rev. J. Hughes, M.A. 1s. 6d.

The Character and Happiness of them that die in the Lord; a Sermon on occasion of the Death of the late Rev. J. Owen; by the Rev. W. Dealtry, B.D. F.R.S.

Letters on Faith; by the Rev. J. Dore. 2s.

The Rev. W. Romaine's Treatise, on the Life, Walk, and Triumph of Faith; with an introductory Essay, by T. Chalmers, D.D. 98.

Genuine Religion the best Friend of the People; by the Rev. A. Bonar. 1s.

A Defence of the Deity and Atonement of Jesus Christ; in reply to RamMohun Roy, of Calcutta ; by Dr. Marshman, of Serampore. 8vo. 7s.

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Supplementary Pages to the second Edition of the Rev. T. H. Horne's Introduction to the critical Study of the holy Scriptures; with a 4to. plate; so printed as to be inserted in the volumes towhich they severally belong; and containing all the most material additions in the third edition. 8vo. 3s.

The Bible Catechism, arranged in forty Divisions; with Answers in the Words of Scripture; by W. F. Lloyd. 2s. The Abridged Bible Catechism; by W. F. Lloyd. 4d.

Speech of the Rev. Dr. Steinkopff, at High Wycombe, Oct. 1, 1822. 6d. Memoirs of the late Mrs. Catherine Cappe; by herself. 8vo. 12s.

Memoir of W. Venning, Esq; by R. Knill. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

On the Corruption of Human Nature: a Charge delivered to the Clergy and Archdeaconry of Ely; by the Rev. J. H. Browne. 8vo. 3s.

Two Sermons preached at Preston Guild; by R. C. Wilson, M. A. 2s. Charles Lorraiue; by Mrs. Sherwood. 18mo. 1s. 6d.

Providence and Grace, a Narrative, 12mo. 2s.

Veteran Soldier by the same Author, plates. 10d.

The Bible its Own Witness; illus trated in the Sickness and Happy Death of Thomas Rose, a Villager, with a Portrait. 18mo. 3s.

A Metrical Version of the Lord's Prayer, for Children. 8vo. 28.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Latin Grammar Cards, upon the Madras System; by the Rev. Harvey Marriott. 3s. 6d.

The Life of Mrs. E. Bennis; by T. Bennis. 12mo. 5s.

Cottage Dialogues, for the Poor. 12mo. 5s.

Sketches of celebrated Roman Characters. 2s. 6d.

A Letter to the Earl of Liverpool, in reply to that from the Rev. H. H. Norris, A.M. on the subject of the British and Foreign Bible Society; by the Rev. J. Scholefield, A.M. Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. 1s. 6d.

Bibliotheca Heraldica; by T. Moule 8vo. 36s.-Royal 4to. 31. 3s.

Guide to Fonthill Abbey. 3s. Guide to the Lakes; by J. Robinson, D.D. 8vo. 15s.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

PROGRESS OF CHRISTIANITY IN

THE SOUTH-SEA ISLANDS. THE London Society's Missionaries continue to report most favourably of the progress of Christianity and its atattendant blessings in the South-Sea Islands. Their statements are fully confirmed by communications from the Rev. D. Tyerman, who went out to the South Seas on a visit of inspection. That gentleman writes from Taheite (Otaheite), November 24, 1821;" Had I opportunity to describe the former moral condition of this people, it would be unnecessary that I should do so to you: it was peculiarly the place where 'satan's seat was. The details of wickedness given us by the missionaries since we have been here, fill us with horror. How many human victims almost daily bled upon their altars! Twothirds of the infants born were instantly murdered by the hands of their own mothers. I saw one woman the other day, who had destroyed eight of her own offspring: I have heard of another who killed nine, another seventeen, another twenty. The god of thieves, for there

was such a god here, was faithfully served, while crimes too horrible to be named every where defiled this beautiful land. All the worst passions of human nature were indulged in the utmost possible extent. But, where sin abounded, grace now much more abounds.

"God has done great things for this people. Where I have been, the Sabbath is universally regarded; not an individual is known, whether among the chiefs or the common people, who does not attend Divine worship on the Lord's day. The engagements of that holy day commence with a prayer-meeting, conducted entirely bythe natives themselves at sun-rise. What do you think my surprise has been, on going to these services, to find their large places of worship literally filled? This is the fact at all the situations which I have visited; the whole congregations indeed attend. At nine o'clock in the morning, and at three in the afternoon, there is public worship and preaching, when their chapels are crowded. The congrega. tions make a very decent appearance; all is solemn and becoming. They have congregational singing, which is con

ducted with great propriety. In the intervals of worship, there is catechising of both young and old. The natives dress all their food on Saturdays: not a fire is lighted, not a canoe is seen on the water, not a journey is performed, not the least kind of worldly business is done, on the Sabbath. So far as outward appearances go, this day is here kept indeed holy: and by multitudes, I doubt not, it is kept really so.

"The Missionaries have already translated and printed the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, which are in the hands of the people, and nothing could induce them to part with them. The word of God is indeed precions here. The Scriptures are the companions of the people wherever they go. Not a family, I am told, is known that has not domestic devotion, morning and evening, every day. At every missionary station there is a church formed; and though it is only between two and three years since that they were orga. nised, many real Christians have united to enjoy the benefits of the Lord's Supper, and many more at every station are waiting with eager desire to obtain admission. At one of these are 20 members, at another 62, at another 74, at a fourth 102.

"No public immoralityor indecency is seen. All drunkenness and profane swearing are unknown. All their for mer sports and amusements are completely put down. Their morais are almost all demolished; and chapels now Occupy the ground on which many of them stood. Never before did the Gospel obtain so complete and so universal a triumph in any country over heathenism, cruelty,superstition,and ignorance. I wish not to represent these people as perfect. No: alas, human nature is the same here as elsewhere: but I state facts, which speak for themselves.

"We hope to see all the islands which have embraced Christianity before we return. Thirteen are known where the people have abandoned their idols and received the truth. Others are petitioning for missionaries. Indeed, if missionaries could be found, there is every reason to hope that all the islands in this vast ocean would immediately embrace the truth."

LONDON HIBERNIAN SOCIETY. The following are extracts from recent commmunications to the Society, by its inspectors, readers, and schoolmas

ters in Ireland. They will amply prove the utility of the Society's benevolent labours.

From R. C―, an Inspector. 1822.

"I find, in my present tour through these counties, that an increasing interest is excited in favour of the Scriptural education of the poor; which makes me look forward to the most pleasing results. If the funds of the Society admitted of it, I have no doubt but an entrance could be made into those counties where the operations of the Society have not yet extended." From the Same. 1822.

"Mr. P-, an agent of the Marquis of

has made the following state

ment in my inspection-book :

“A very considerable improvement is already perceptible in the manners and morals of the children; for we no longer hear them brawling, and cursing, and swearing. They have also made a considerable progress in their education. An examination of the plan of education adopted by the London Hibernian Society, is calculated to remove the prejudices of its most determined enemy.'

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From W. A——, a Local Reader. 1822. "I am happy to have it in my power to inform you of the peaceable state of this part of the country, which was at one time given to all manner of evil practices, The dissemination of the Word of Life, has wrought an evident change among them; aud they are heard returning their thanks to God for raising up the London Hibernian Society, as an instrument in his hand of dispensing the knowledge of the Scriptures; whereby they have been restrain. ed from those acts which many others have committed."

From D. B——, an Irish Reader. 1822.

"This day I travelled three miles over a shaking bog, to visit J-C―'s school, I was astonished at the large number of poor naked children, who, notwithstanding the severity of the weather, had assembled. The happy results of disseminating the Scriptures, and of education, are truly manifest here: many individuals assembled where I stopped in the evening, expressly to return their thanks to the Society for establishing a free school among them. I was much affected at the remarks of a poor man, with a family: My father,' said he,

neglected my education in my youth, which has left me as ignorant as a brute; and from what I feel in myself, I am

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