in India will not subside until we convince them by acts, not by words, that we never did entertain the wild idea of compelling them to embrace Christianity; and still further, that we have not a WISH to convert them.' To men who can express such a sentiment as this, what can we say? Are they Christians? Certainly not. This is Infidelity without disguise! it is the language of Satan himself! The Destroyer of mankind cannot wish for a proposal more friendly to his interests. But we hope there are righteous men enough, even in our Sodom, to repel measures so inimical to the kingdom of our glo rious Redeemer. Happily for the cause of religion, this writer contradicts himself in the most explicit manner. The Preparatory Remarks' directly contradict the Observations.' 6 After what we have quoted concerning the danger to be dreaded from Missionaries, the author says (p. 14) Missionaries can do no mischief in India, if they are treated as formerly, neither encouraged nor oppressed. Again, in page 22, The Missionaries now in India, or those who may go thither in future, should be treated by our Government as they formerly were by the native princes. In that case they may be as zealous as possible, without doing mischief.' He adds, If the Gospels were translated and distributed at the expence of the Bible Society, &c. the measure was laudable ; -the only evil, he states to be the encouragement given to these measures by Government. Surely, this cannot make the whole difference between the laudable efforts of pious men, and the dangerous zeal of madmen. In the one case, they can do no harm; in the other, they are so dreadful, that India will be lost for ever, if the Bible be not suppressed, every Missionary recalled, and India convinced that we have not a wish for its conversion! -Our limits will not allow a fuller consideration of this and other pamphlets on the subject, which will probably occupy a larger portion of our attention hereafter. Thoughts on a general and explicit Union of Congregational Churches ; WITH pleasure we observe the increase of zeal and of generous exertion in the Christian World. The numerous societies and institutions which have recently been formed for promoting the interests of morality and religion, and consequently the highest good of our species, are encouraging indications of Jehovah's presence and approbation. These objects we recognize in the projected Union of British Congregational Ministers and Churches. We have noticed, with high gratification, a striking and impressive coincidence between this and a nearly similar Institution, which we understand was planned at the very same period, and on an extensive scale, in North America. The pamphlet before us originated in the request expressed by the London Committee, in their late Circular Address, for additional information and advice from their brethren in the country, for the perfecting of their plan. We entered with pleasure on its examination, especially as being the production of a professed, and from its contents, we believe a real friend to the Union. When our author advances an opinion, he supports it by a reason ; and when he raises an objection, he shews the impropriety of what he opposes. The perusal of these Thoughts has afforded us considerable satisfaction. They are evidently the thoughts of a mind conversant with the subject, and we think capable of ascertaining its merits; and we cannot but hope that several of the hints will be improved by the Gentlemen of the London Committee. A Sermon preached in the Dissenting Chapel in Church Street, Preston, Lancashire, July 12, 1807. By W. M. Walker. THIS is an appropriate and faithful farewell - sermon, preached on In the application, he addresses, 1, Those who are desirous of having the pulpit filled by an Arian or Socinian; 2, Those to whom the gospel has been precious; 3, sidered the necessity of shunning Those who have not seriously confalse teachers. We transcribe part of the conclusion:- O let me warn you, that Christ alone is the way, the truth, and the life: that it is in him we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins: that all men are fo ho nour the Son, even as they honour the Father: but, alas! here Christ is no more to be owned as God manifest in the flesh, here he is no more to be worshipped, here his atonement is no more to be represented as the only foundation of a sinner's hope of acceptance with God!' &c. From the solemu words of St. Paul, in Acts xx. 26, 27, the preacher establishes two observations: That it behoves every Christian minister to keep himself pure from the blood of all men ; 2, That he can only do so, by faithfully declaring to them the whole counsel of God, so far as he is acquainted with it, and has the opportunity of doing so afforded him. He then infers, I, What a solemn charge is the ministerial office!—and, 2, What mistaken views We trust this separation will ulhave men in general of the charac-timately tend to the furtherance of ter and duty of a minister! I In reverting to the immediate occasion of the sermon, he says, I desire publicly and solemnly to thank that God, who is the Keeper of Israel, that it is for no neglect of duty, for no alleged instances of immorality, that I am henceforth to be excluded from this pulpit. desire also to be unfeignedly thankful, that it is not because it is the general wish of the congregation, much less of those who are the most strict, serious, and devout amongst them, that I am no longer to officiate here. No! The plea, the only plea urged, and that by comparatively a few, is, that this pulpit was originally intended for the use of the Arian and Socinian ministers only; and that they are, therefore, bound in conscience to reserve it for the use of such.' Here he enumerates the distinguishing principles of those who call themselves Unitarians; and observes, 'Bad I maintained these sentiments, this pulpit would still have been free for my use; but I bless God I have been enabled to bear a different testimony!' Then follows a clear tatement of the all-important doctrines of the gospel, which have been the theme of his ministry. the gospel in the populous town of Preston. A considerable part of the congregation still adheres to Mr. Walker; and, with the help of other friends, are now erecting for him a neat commodious chapel. Bartholomew-Day commemorated: a Discourse on the Use of Persecution in the Furtherance of the Gospel By the Rev. S. Palmer. Svo, ls. THIS Sermon was intended to have been preached before the General Union of Independents; but, by a concurrence of peculiar circumstances, was not delivered. The omission, however, was not designed by the Committee, nor was any disrespect intended towards the author. The text chosen for this discourse is taken from Phil. i. 12, I would that ye should understand, brethren, that the things which have happened to me, have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.' The general sentiment, included in the text, is illustrated in the fol- The gospel lowing particulars: is furthered by the sufferings of its friends, &c. as thereby they attract more notice, and engage a more These just and useful observations are followed by suitable reflections: The folly of persecutors, the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, reconciliation to temporal sufferings, - thankfulness for present privileges, and a concern duly to improve them by zealous exertions. LITERARY NOTICES. THE Rev. Mr. Pratt, Editor of the new edition of Bishop Hall's Works, has announced a new edition of the excellent Works of Bishop Hopkins: to be comprized in three volumes, uniform with the former. The Rev. Mr. Davies, of Lymington, is about to put to press a Selection of the admired Sermons of Dr. Grosvenor, recommended by Mr. Bogue. Mr. Taylor, the respectable publisher of Calmet's Dictionary, &c. has commenced a publication of the British Poets, in several sizes, freed from the impurities which have disgraced former editions. IN THE PRESS. A new and handsome Edition has been announced of Dr, Hawker's Commentary on the Bible. the Prospectus in this Magazine. - See A Series of Leiters, by Mr. J. Gilbert, addressed to the Rev. W. Bennett, in Reply to his "Remarks on a Recent Hypothesis, respecting the Origin of Moral Evil.' A Reply to Dr. Williams, on the Gleanings; or Essays with Scripture Mottoes, one vol. 8vo. Expected to be ready this month. An abridged Life of D. Brainerd;: intended as a model for future Missionaries. The First Part of The Christian Reader's Guide ;' with an enlarged Essay on the Choice and Use of Books. SELECT LIST OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. A Collection of Hymns for Children, chiefly designed for the Use of Sunday Schools. By the Rev. R. Hill, A. M. Is. 3d. Antidote to the Miseries of Human Life. 2d edit. 12mo, 3s. 6d. Dr. Prideaux's Old and New Testaments, connected in the History of the Jews, &c. 16th Edit. with Life and New Maps, 4 vols. 8vo, 11. 8s. Defence of an Essay on the Stage, in Reply to the Annual Review, by Mr. Styles, 12mo, Is. 6d. Two Letters to the Proprietors of India Stock, in Answer to Two Pamphlets on the Suppression of the Scriptures in India, and the recall of the Missionaries, 8vo, 1s. Bogatsky's Golden Treasury. new Edit. (square) 33, bound. A Bunyan's Pilgrim, with Newton No. 1 and 2, of the Poor Man's Morning Portion, by Dr. Hawker, only id Dr. Hawker's Commentary on the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, ea. 3d Part I, of a New Edition of Doddridge's Family Expositor, 4to, 9s. No. 1, Scripture Expositor, a New Family Bible, by the Rev. §. Burder (See the Prospectus in this Number) Price 8d. Letters from Eliza to her Friends, on Religious and Moral Subjects. By the Author of a Week's Conversation, &c. 8vo, Is. Dr. ibbe's Divine Meditations. New ed. by Mr.Shirley, A. M. 32me MISSIONARY SOCIETY. DEMERARA. As a Missionary from this Society is on the point of de parture for Deme. rara, a short account of that station may be acceptable: THE united colonies of Demerara and Essequibo are situated on the coast of Guiana, in South America. They were originally settled by the Dutch; and, except during a few short intervals, continued in their possession till 1803, when they were taken by the English. In consequence of this capture, a considerable number of English subjects, with large bodies of negroes, became settlers; so that it is computed that ninetenths of the estates in the colonies are now in the hands of British proprietors. The number of souls in both colonies are thought to amount to 75,000 negroes and 7,500 whites. In the town of Demerara there are about 2000 inhabitants and 600 soldiers. The population of the adjacent colony of Surinam is computed to be equal to that of Demerara and Essequibo; and that of Berbice, another colony adjoining, about one-fourth of the number. It appears, therefore, that in these colonies, which it is hoped may progressively become the sphere of Missionary Exertions, there is a population of 180,000 souls, for whom no adequate means of religious instruction are prepared. In the town of Demerara there are only two ministers, one Dutch and one English, who preach in the same church but very few of the whites, who live at a distance on the estates, visit the church more than three or four times in the year; and the negroes are left totally without the means of grace. In Paramaribo, the capital of Surinam, there are about 1500 Jews, who have a synagogue. The poor negroes are said, by an intelligent traveller, Dr. Pinckard, 'to shew a disposition towards religion; but, alas! there are none, or next to none, disposed to afford them the means of sacred instruction. We hope, however, some of the humane planters will readily permit and enCourage Missionaries to teach them. It is in consequence of a letter from one of those gentlemen that the present mission is undertaken. That worthy man thus expresses himself: It has always lain heavy on my mind, and has not ceased to do so, that we only endeavour to profit by the labour of this people, without considering that some among them may be made happy for ever, by being made acquainted with the message from Heaven, which offers peace to fallen mankind!' From this short statement, it appears how loudly the necessities of these poor injured Africans cry, Come over and help us.' This cry the Directors of the Missionary Society have heard; and are now sending a devout young man to this important station. May that gracious Lord, who is rich to all that call upon him,' favour the attempt with his special blessing! NEW ZEALAND. He We have been informed, that one of the Chiefs of New Zealand, named Tipee, has lately paid a visit to the English settlement at Port Jackson, where he staid three or four months. He appears to be a man of superior understanding: he was very inquisitive; and examined with great atten. tion the various manufactories which were carried on by the settlers. was particularly struck with the art of spinning packthread and cord, and with weaving; and expressed his deep concern that those arts were unknown in his own country. He made very just and shrewd remarks on the laws and police of the colony, and appeared very desirous to take with him some artizans, who might introduce among his people the advantages of civilized life. From a single potatoe, left with him some years ago, he is said to have filed the country with that useful root, the value of which he had, from the first, the sagacity to appreciate he personally inspected the culture of it, preserved the sets, and took methods for the general planting of them through his district. He is now able to supply European vessels, which call there, with that important article of food. We sincerely hope that it may please God to communicate to the people of that country the most invaluable of all blessings, the gospel of his grace! Preservation of the New Testament at Copenhagen. A NEW Edition of the New Testament, in the Icelandic dialect, has lately been printed in Denmark; to encourage which, the British and Foreign Bible Society have generously contributed their assistance. By a letter from Gottenburgh we learn, that the Copies of this Work escaped the ravages of the flames, when great part of the city of Copenhagen was reduced to ashes. Two bombs entered the house where the unbound books were deposited, but without injuring them; and the warehouse which contained the Testaments that were bound, and which were soon to have been sent off to the Bishop of Iceland, was nearly burnt to the ground, that part only escaping where they were standing. ROME. POPERY has often been termed The Incurable Abomination:' it is a mass of error and superstition, which will never be destroyed but by the breath of Christ's mouth and the brightness of his appearing.' The French National Catechism, translated by Mr. Bogue, clearly shews that all the ancient errors of the church of Rome are still retained; and the following account of a Ceremony in that city, will shew that the most absurd mummeries of the system continue to be observed: - On Trinity Sunday (1807) the canonization of five blessed inhabitants of Heaven took place, viz. Francis Caracciolo, Benedict de San-Traledo, Angele Merici, Colette Boilet, and Jacintha Marescotti. The Pope was met at the gate of the church by the Chapter of the Vatican, and conducted to the altar, where the holy Sacrament was exposed: he was then placed again in his chair, and carried into the grand theatre, erected for this august ceremony. Here he ascended a magnificent throne, and received the homage of the Cardinals, &c. The Solicitor for the canonization then advanced towards the throne, where the advocate, kneeling, made his request for the canonization of these five blessed celestials. The Archbishop of Carthage answered, in the name of his Holiness, that it was his intention, first, to implore the assistance of divine light, through the intercession of the saints. The Head of the church and the whole assembly then knelt, and the Litanies of the saints were sung. The advocate then made a second request, and recourse was again had to fresh prayers. The request was repeated a third time, in these words, Instanter, instantius, instantissime. The Archbishop answered, His Holiness decides, That it is agreeable to God, that the five blessed souls should be ranked among the saints.' The Pope then pronounced the decree of canonization on the persons first mentioned. After which the Cardinal-Solicitor kissed the hand and the knees of the holy father, who began the Te Deum. Suddenly resounded the trumpets, the bells of the church, the discharge of field-pieces, and of the artillery of the castle of St. Angelo. This signal being given, the bells of all the churches in Rome rent the air during a whole hour. Among several other ceremonies, too tedious to recite, prayers were offered to the saints, which they had just made; and his Holiness delivered a learned discourse. The Cardinal-bishop then requested, and published a plenary indulgence for seven years, and seven times forty days, for those who had assisted on this occasion, and those who have visited the tombs of these new saints! The public papers state, that the castle of St. Angelo, which commands the city of Rome, has been taken possession of by the French troops; and |