The Clergyman's Assistant in the Discharge of parochial Duties, especially those of a private Nuture. By J. ROBINSON, M. A. Vicar of Flitton with Silsoe. London. Hatchard, 1805. 8vo. pp. 231. Price 5s. THE immense variety of cases, necessarily existing among the sick and dying, whom the clergy are called to visit, certainly requires a much larger provision of suitable prayers and addresses than those already made for their use, however confessedly excellent, in the visitation office of the Common Prayer Book. Of this circumstance the framers of that office seem to have been well aware; as, from the 67th canon, it sufficiently appears, that their labours in this department were designed only to be a help to such of the clergy (of whom at that time there was a very large number in this kingdom) as were not licensed to preach. Such as were thought qualified to be preachers were naturally judged competent to manage their visits to the sick in the most edifying manner, and as their seve. ral characters and states of mind should suggest, and are therefore by the canon left to their own discretion. The custom however now prevalent of licensing as preachers all who are admitted into holy orders, leaves room for the supposition, that many, among the younger clergy especially, will not disdain such assistance as the more experienced of their brethren may offer them for the profitable discharge of this important part of ministerial duty. Hence several manuals of exhortations and prayers, adapted to this purpose, have at different times been published; and a new one is here presented to the public, on the merits of which we are now briefly to report. The work is divided into two parts, of which the first contains hints of advice and direction to the clergy in the discharge of their several ministrations, both public and private; preceded by some useful and impressive observations on "the great importance of the priestly office and qualifications." The second consists wholly of prayers adapted to a great number of cases, both general and particular, which may be supposed to occur among the sick and the dying. Of the execution of the work, we feel somewhat at a loss how to speak. Many of the author's hints for the conducting of the several clerical ministrations, are unquestionably good; and the devotions which he has here provided for his younger brethren, are oftentimes appropri--. ate, and well adapted for the benefit of the sick. Yet, how could we acquit ourselves to our own conscience, were we to speak in terms of general approbation of any work, disclosing theological sentiments which we conceive to be wholly at variance with Scripture, and with the true unsophisticated doctrines of the church of England? Such, we are sorry to say, are many of the opinions, directly or indirectly, taught in the publication before us. In p. 33, we are exhorted to receiving the Lord's Supper, among other ends, "that it may plead for us with God the Father on his Son's account, to blot out our sins, and give us an interest in his merits." p. 68. "Justification by faith," we are expressly told, " supposes good works as a necessary condition of our being justified in the sight of God, and does not exclude them;" white "our hopes of eternal happiness should arise from a consciousness of our sincere endeavours to fulfil the conditions of the gospel covenant." p. 68. At p. 93, the following singular decision occurs, designed for the comfort of persons of melancholy disposition; "that a delight in religious exercises is not absolutely necessary to render our worship acceptable to God; because" (the reason is as singular as the decision) as his service is a reasonable cae, those who worship him, nor a. Dey are affected by passion, bat as they are led by reason, must act agreeably to its nature." This reason, it is obvious to remark, is good for nothing; for, if it be of any avail to the purpose for which it is adduced, it must operate far beyond that purpose, and will shew, not only that delight in religious exercises is not absolutely necessary, &c. but that it is absolutely improper, being inconsistent with a reasonable service, and therefore at all times rendering our worship unacceptable to God. We had marked several more passages, which appeared to us reprehensible, but we will notice only two of them. In p. 107, the penitent is told, that" the giving of alms "is "of great efficacy for the pardon of sin:" and in p. 115, he is taught thus " to argue with himself," for the procuring of consolation to his mind: "I know that I have sinned grievously and frequently, but I have repented and begged pardon; I have confessed and forsaken my sins, and done all that is possible for me to make an atonement." On these expressions we need not make any comment. If it be ob jected, that better and clearer sentiments are in other parts of the author's work held out to view, we willingly acknowledge it; and the very paragraph preceding our last quotation, which we gladly copy, is a striking exemplification of the remark: and we can truly say, we should rejoice, had the whole performance of Mr. R. been of a piece with language so correct and evangelical. "If from myself I were to derive my title to heaven, my sins would be a just argument of despair: but now as they bring me to Christ and drive me to appeal to God's mercy, and to take sanctuary in the cross, they certainly ought not, they can not be a just cause of despair." p. 115. Who would have conceived it possible, that the same author who penned this excellent sentence, should, in his very next period, make his penitent talk of "having done all that is possible for him to make an atonement ?" But in truth such inconsistencies are far from uncommon in the writings of many very fashionable modern divines; so that a critic is frequently puzzled to know in what class to place his author; and the orthodox and heterodox may each claim him in their turns. One would wonder (if the known levity of mankind on religious subjects did not preclude all room for just surprise) that persons of sense and erudition should not endeavour, before they preach or write, to obtain so clear and well arranged a knowledge of the system they propose to teach, as shall at least secure a consistency with themselves, and save them from the reproach of "knowing not what they speak, nor whereof they affirm." But, fortunately, if authors be not always good divines, their readers commonly have still less pretension to the character. The current notions of the day they are acquainted with; and if these be found, with whatever other heterogeneous matter they may be compounded, the ignorant and inconsiderate (always the majority) will be sure to applaud the writer, and patronize the work. Interesting Conversations on Moral and Religious Subjects, interspersed with Narrative. By a Lady. 12mo. pp. 268. London, Williams and Smith. 1805. Price 5s. WE shall make no other remark upon the equivoque, with which this title begins, than to say, that the temptation which it holds out to a captious critic might have been avoided, by entitling the work Moral and Religious Conversations on Interesting Subjects. The introductory Address informs us, that these conversations are designed by the relator "more particularly for the younger part of her own sex." Had the volume indeed been intended exclusively for persons of this description, we should object to the discussion of such topics as the Toleration Act, p. 50, the Athanasian Creed, p.130, the sense of the xxxix Articles, p. 238, and some other subjects of a similar class. Mr. Zealous is likewise a very well drawn character. J There are some other particulars to which we have objections, especially the insertion of the epigram, p. 193. We have suffered ourselves to be We think that the character of the more liberal in stating what Mr. Blunt is neither well chosen we conceive to be the defects of nor well delineated. His charac- this little work, because, notwithteristic is coarseness, not a rough standing the impression our readers and unpolished simplicity. He will already have received, we look sometimes degenerates into rude- upon it not only as valuable both in ness and improper levity, and at its intention and in its tendency, p. 163 seems to us rather profane. but as executed with a fair proporThis is not, however, the only in- tion of ability; and because we consistency in the conduct of Mr. wish to see a second edition, which Blunt. In ch. ix. we find him de- it is very probable will be called viating from what he himself con- for, purified from the faults, and sidered to be right, by going to a supplied as to the omissions, which ball, in the hope of ascertaining detract from the value and utility whether Cap. Frippery was about of the work as it now stands. We to attack the person and fortune of would likewise recommend to the his ward. We observe here the authoress, among our other sugPaleyan principle acted upon by a gestions, to alter the whole system Christian, without censure from the of names, and to put arbitrary in author, and we may add without the place of significant ones, which any necessity in the nature of the scarcely ever have a good effect in case. Mr. Blunt almost retrieves his any other than works of continued character by his just remarks on allegory. By a due attention to theatrical amusements, p. 152, et the advice, which we have taken seq.; and at p. 168, et seq. we the liberty to impart, we think that cordially approve his censure of the present work will be rendered Socinian Hymn Books, and parti- much more attractive; and that cularly of their depravation of Dr. the "Conversations on Moral and Watts's Hymns. We know not what Religious Subjects" will have a name this conduct has in the Ele- much better claim, though not withments of Socinian Ethics. out a considerable one now, to the epithet of "interesting." The character of the Socinian Teacher Wisely is the best exhibited in the book. The sermon at pp. 39–44, is creditable to the talents, and we believe to the accuracy of the writer. But we much disapprove the introduction of so much Socinian plausibility as this character is permitted to deliver, with no other answer and antidote, but the very inferior ones of Mr. Blunt. A letter from Mr. Blunt to an intelligent friend, suppose Mr. Zealous, giving an account of the conference, might have introduced very naturally the proper confutation. An English Spelling Book; with Reading Lessons adapted to the Capacities of Children: in Three Parts, calculated to advance the Learners by Natural and Easy Gradations: and to teach Orthography and Pronunciation together. By LINDLEY MURRAY, Author of English Grammar adapted to the different Classes of Learners." York, Wilson and Spence; London, Longman, &c. 12mo. pp. 216. 1804. Price 1s. 6d. THIS is a very neat and useful elementary book. The scale of in vidual but as a general standard this little volume seems to be well proportioned. struction which the author has exhibited is accurately graduated; although we cannot help thinking the pains employed in giving lessons of the various sounds of the vowels in words of colloquial use, (for there almost exclusively the variation of corruption is to be found) to be in a great degree superfluous. The point to be aimed at in all works like the present is, to detain the learner a sufficient time at each step of his progsess, to prevent, if we may use the metaphor, his outgrowing his strength, and at the same time to advance him to successive steps as soon as his past acquirements will permit. This rule will of course vary with the different ages and abilities of the indi At The reading lessons are very appropriate, amusing, and useful. They are likewise free from the taint of the prevailing irreligion. p. 204 are some good observations upon the variation in the orthography of derivatives, with which Dr. Johnson's Dictionary is chargeable. This author deserves much praise and encouragement for the pains he has taken in purifying books of instruction; and the English Grammar, mentioned in the title of the present work, will establish his character as a writer in this important department of literature. LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE, &c. &c. GREAT BRITAIN. THE following works are preparing for the press, viz. An Account of a Voyage to Madres, Bengal, and China, by Mr. J. JOHNSON, Surgeon of the ship Caroline:A new edition of Dr. ARNOLD'S Treatise on Insanity; and a Selection of Scotch historical Ballads, with Illustrations, by Mr. J. FINLAY. In the Press :-A new edition, considerably improved, of A World without Souls:-A Portion of the Provincial Glossary, compiled by the late Rev. JONATH. BOUCHER; revised by Sir FRED. EDEN, Bart. The second edition of GOUGH'S CAMDEN'S Britannia; to be completed in 16 parts, forming 4 large vols. in folio:A volume of Remarks on the Husbandry and internal Commerce of the East Indies; reprinted from the original published at Calcutta :-A second vul. of the Chronological History of Voyages and Discoveries in the South Sea; by Captain BURNEY.-Memoirs of a Traveller now in Retirement; in 5 vols. 12mo. being an account of the life of the Rev. Mr. DUTENS, including anec dotes of almost every court in Europe. The Poems of Ossian in the original Gaelic, accompanied by a Latin translation; and Travels in France, Italy, and Germany, by M. LE MAISTRE. Mr.THELWALL has opened a seminary (No. 40 Bedford Place, Russell Square) for the cultivation of the science and prac Dr. THORNTON, it is said, has saved the lives of two persons, who had taken, the one an ounce, and the other two ounces of Laudanum, by means of acids, and the inhalation of Oxygen-Gas. The most powerful emetics had no effect till assisted by lemon juice. "Opium," says the Doctor, "deprives the system of its oxygen: that is, renders the fibres less attractive of that principle: and hence oxygenated metals presenting less affinity to the fibres of the stomach are not decomposed, and fail of counteracting the fatal effects of opium. The vegetable acids easily give out this oxygen, and they therefore at once counteract the effects of Laudanum." Mr. JOHN JACKSON has invented a horizontal windmill on a new construction, the principles of which may be applied to water wheels. The chief properties of this contrivance are, 1. That it is equally adapted to turn an axle in any position, and in either element, 2. The facility with which it may be set to the wind, have its power regulated, stopped, or made to turn in a contrary direction. 3. With a vertical axle, it will not require a building of any particular shape or height. Dr. W. NEILSON proposes to publish by subscription an Introduction to the Irish Language. He has nearly ready for the press an Irish Dictionary. Nearly ready for publication, An Introduction to the Geography of the New Testament, comprising a summary chronological and geographical View of the Events recorded respecting the Ministry of our Saviour, with Questions for Examination, and an accented Index : accompanied with Maps. By Laut Carpenter, Exeter. The two gold medals annually given by the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, to the best proficients in Classical Literature, have been adjudged this year -the first to Mr. MITCHELL, of Pembroke Hall; the second, to Mr. HUSTLER, of Trinity College. Messrs. DESORMEAUX and HUTCHINGS, of Barking, have obtained a Patent for the manufacturing of candles with hollow wicks ; which are so made as to form a hollow tube through the candle, by which means a much greater surface of wick is obtained than by the common wick, which consists of a loose cord of cotton, and various other advantages are secured. SOCIETY FOR BETTERING THE CONDITION Is the 27th Report of this Society are contained the following papers, viz. Scotland of the benefit of instruction to their children, that though they may often find it difficult to feed and clothe them, some kind of school instruction they almost always give them. The example of Scotland seems to have decided the question respecting a system of national instruction for the poor. At the present day there is perhaps no country in Europe, in which, in proportion to its population, so small a number of criminals fall under the lash of the criminal law. One Quarter Sessions for the town of Manchester has sent more felons abroad than all the judges of Scotland usually do in a year. In Manchester it is believed there are many thousand individuals who can neither read nor write. Schools similar to those of Scotland have been established in New England, in Swit zerland, and in the northern counties of England. The similarity of character between the New Englanders, the Swiss, and the Scotch, is remarkable. And the peasantry of Westmoreland, &c. appear to possess considerable superiority over the peasantry of the more southern parts of the island. Some useful remarks are added on this subject in the appendix. The superior intelligence of the Scottish peasantry is alluded to and traced to the schools, which are greatly aided by the constant residence and superintendance of the clergyman. The happy effects of their religious education are not counteracted by the establishment of a system of poor laws, similar to that which is established in England,which, as administered in many cases, operates as an incitement to idleness and a discouragement to indolence; takes away from vice 1. Extract from an Account of the Parish and indolence the prospect of their most Schools in Scotland, by JAMES CURRIE, dreaded consequences, and from virtue and M. D. By the law of Scotland the landed industry their chief sanctions. Happily in proprietors and the minister of each parish Scotland the establishment of a system of are obliged to raise by an assessment a instruction for the poor, has been consum for building a school house, and pay- nected with the rejection of a legal proviing the salary of a school master. They sion for the support of poverty and the are also required to chuse a school master, result has proved highly favourable to insubject to the approbation of the Presby- dustry and good morals: so that the Scottery. Parliament added to this provision tish peasantry are represented as possessa grant of £20,000, the annual interest of ing a more than usual share of prudence which is to be laid out in erecting and and reflection, and approaching nearer maintaining schools. And the society for than persons of their order usually do to propagating the Gospel in Scotland apply the definition of a man, as a "being that annually about £4,000 of their funds to looks before and after." A striking particu the purpose of erecting and maintaining lar in this character is stated to be the schools, in addition to the legal schools, in strength of their domestic attachments. extensive parishes. Where all these means The parents submit to great privations prove insufficient, the peasantry unite to for the good of their children and if the establish private schools of their own. So children live, they are sure to have their convinced indeed are the poor people of reward, by sharing their prosperity. Even CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 52. LI |