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left to himself, to vitiate divine truth, the church, on all great revivals of religion, has recurred to the writings of her elder children, which had been buried amidst the rubbish of their successors. Old books of Art and Science, therefore, can never be revived; but old Divinity will ever retain its value.

This edition is introduced by an appropriate Dedication to Mr. Wilberforce; which is followed by Accounts of the former Editions, and of the present Collection of the Author's Works, with a Life of the Bishop, and an Appendix contain ing some Account of his two Sons, Charles and Joha. The introductory matter closes with "Critical Remarks on Bishop Hopkins's Writ ings;" from which we extract the following passage, as placing the importance of these writings in a striking point of view:

Such is the comprehensive nature of these writings, that there are few points of doctrine or duty, on which they will not serve as an admirable guide to the judgment, and director

of the conscience.

There is another view in which the works of our author acquire peculiar interest. He was one of the last of that race of sound Divines to which the Reformation gave birth; and who, in uninterrupted succession, had maintained, in the Episcopal Chair, the genuine doctrines of the Scripture and the English Church. Bishop Hopkins, and his contemporary Bishop Beveridge, had scarcely any eminent successors of equal, or nearly equal, rank for many years, who unequivocally and openly held and inculcated the pure doctrines of the Reformation. The distinguishing truths of Christianity are opposed to the pride and passions of man; he naturally, therefore, repels these truths, unless either some secular considerations induce him to profess them, or divine grase incline him cordially to receive them. Among those, therefore, who profess doctrines against which corrupt nature is in continual rebellion, it must unavoidably follow, that the tendency will be to deterioration. Under the influence of concupis

cence many, who cannot resist the evidence of truth, will hold it in unrighteousness; and others will not think the evidence worth weighing, and will secretly scorn to submit to any control, while they may abstain from openly impugning the creed of their country; and, under the influence of pride, operating in the most plausible disguise, and in a thousand forms, and in every possible degree, persons of a calmer temperament, of virtuous habits, and even of religious feelings, will often endeavour to smooth what they feel to be the ruggedness of truth, by reducing its statements more within the level of their own comprehension, and by accommodating those statements to the feelings and pretensions of the natural mind. After the energy of the Reformation had been, from the operation of such causes as these, for many years on the decline, other circumstances rapidly accelerated its decay. Christian truth, which had been associated with political extravagances and crimes in the latter part of the reign of Charles the First, and during several subsequent years, suffered severely under the serious invectives and witty sneers directed against them in the profligate court of the restored momarch. The scholastic and inelegant manner too of exhibiting Christian doctrines, which had generally prevailed, became unfashionable; a more easy and polished style was introduced; and some good men were not aware of the caution that should be observed on such a subject. Old terms were to make way for terms less offensive; truths were rather to be explained, than the complex words which denoted them to be continued ;- fundameatal doctrines were to be reduced within as narrow a compass as possible; and a liberal spirit was to be cultivated. A singular correspond dence between Drs. Tackney and Whichcot is printed at the end of Whichcot's Aphorisms. In this correspondence, the Ecclesiastical His torian of Great Britain may find the tenets aud feelings of the old and new schools tuily developed by men of piety and sagacity; and will see

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clear indications of that insensible departure from divine truth, which increased during the subsequent years* Bishop Hopkins unites the truth of the old school with the elegance of the new. He sacrifices no one doctrine to the pride or the passions of man; but he exhibits the truths of the gospel with a force and elegance superior to most of his contemporaries. To the in genuous student, therefore, these writings are of distinguished value.. While he is anxious to improve his taste, and to form his style, he need not fear any deterioration of Chris tian truth by ambiguous statements, or a temporizing mode of expres

on.

Reflections upon the Books of the Holy Scriptures, to establish the Truth of the Christian Religion. By Peter Allix, D. D. A new edition, from the corrected copy of the Bishop of Landaff. To which is prefixed, A Life of the Author. 8vo, price 10s. 6d. in boards.

THIS is an excellent edition of a very valuable work. The author

was a French Refugee Protestant, and a Calvinist. He is well known to the learned world by his researches. into sacred literature, and was consulted by the greatest men of his age on the deepest and most intricate parts of learning.

The present Bishop of Landaff. gives the following information re-specting this work and its author:"These two volumes were published in French (the first in London, and the second at Amsterdam) much about the same time that they made their appearance in English. They were spoken of with respect in the Acta Eruditorum for 1688; were translated into German at Nurenberg, in 1102, and have always been held in great repute for the plainness and erudition with which they were written. The author was a learning and integrity." French Refugee, of distinguished

Theol. Tracts,-vel.. 1.

A Gospel-Glass, representing the
Miscarriages of English Profes
sors; or a Call from Heaven to
Sinners and Sainis, by Repentance

• Burnet gives an interesting account of the Divines who formed the new school. See the History of his Own Times, folio edit. London, 1724, vol. i.. p. 176—191. — Whichcot led the way, and was followed by Cudworth, Wilkins, More, and Worthington; and, under these, were formed Tillotson, Stillingfleet, Patrick, Lloyd, Tenison, and the historian himself. Indiffefence, sloth, and secularity had so widely infected the church," that if a new set of men,” he says, had not appeared, of another stamp, the church had quite lost her esteem over the nation." They laboured chiefly "to take men off from being in parties, or from narrow notions, from superstitious conceits, and a fierceness about opinions." They maintained besides, a good correspondence with those from, whom they differed; "and allowed a great freedom both in philosophy and in divinity." Their project, so far as legitimate, was doubtless a noble one; but it was difficult to be accomplished, and the attempt required a clear discernment of the distinguishing truths of the gospel, a deep impression of their paramount importance, and both the inclination and the skill gracefully to interweave them as the principles and motives of all action. In such qualifications, these good men had not the pre-eminence requisite for their undertaking; while, therefore, we find in their manner an admirable improvement on the pedantry of the preceding age,. and in their matter numberless engaging and elegant displays of the evidences of Christianity, and of the grandeur and beauty of its precepts, we are seldom roused and invigorated to action by its distinguishing doctrines. That life and energy which emanate from the doctrines connected with the Fall and Recovery. of Man, and which are appropriate to Christianity alone, too often yield to motives drawn from the schools of philosophy; and the fitness, beauty, and expediency of religion and virtue, take place of the authoritative will of God, and the gracious provisions of the gospel.

This is a copious subject, and merits a full and able investigation. The church: can only recover and confirm her influence over the nation, in proportion as she treads back her steps to the truths promineatly enforced by her founders. Bishop Hopkins shews her faithful members the way; nor can any young clergyman better discharge the duty which he owes to her, than by fashioning his sentiments and his manner on our author'a modely

Ant Reformation, to prepare to meet God. By Lewis Stuckley. A New Edition, recommended by Dr. Ryland. 12mo, 5s. boards. THE author of this book was a pious Nonconformist; but little known at the present day. We are informed, that this publication has been reprinted at the request of several worthy ministers. It is suit able for serious and devout medita tion, and admirably adapted to revive the work of religion in the soul. Dr. Ryland calls it "An excellent, pungent, and heart-searching work';' and strongly recommends it to the

reader.

Theological Dissertations. By the ate J. Erskine, D. D. One of the Ministers of Edinburgh. To which is prefixed, An Account of the Author, by T. Davidson, D. D. Second edition, fine portrait, 12mo, price 4s. 6d. boards.

THE character of Dr. Erskine, as a theological writer, is already es tablished. There is much ingenuity and clearness of reasoning in these Dissertations. To students in divinity they will be peculiarly accept able; and whether they coincide or not with all his opinions, his talents and piety will command their approbation.

Essays, addressed to Jews, on the Authority, the Scope, and the Consummation of the Law and Prophets. By Greville Ewing, Minister of the Gospel in Glasgow. Written at the Request of the Directors of the Missionary Society in London. 12mo, price 3s.

THE most important advantage which a Christian Minister has in reasoning with an unbelieving Jew, is obviously founded on the intimate connection and perfect consistency between the Scriptures of the Old and of the New Testament. The Jew professes to receive the Law and the Prophets as the infallible word of inspired truth; so that the Christian may reason with him on his own avowed principles, and derive his arguments from an authority which his opponent will not attempt to dispute. The difficulty, however,

of convincing the Jew of his guilt in rejecting the Messiah, is rendered exceedingly great by the erroneous interpretations which rabbinical subtlety has invented, of the most clear and striking prophecies and promises. On this account, it is highly necessary that an argumen tative Address to the Jewish people, through the medium of the press, distinguished by comprehensive and should be the production of a mind sations, and possessed of no small accurate views of the divine dispenshare of critical acumen and Hebrew learning. Under this impression, it was with great satisfaction that we found the present volume acknowledging Mr. Ewing as its author; and we have the pleasure to say, That a careful perusal of the work has justified our previous expecta tions. We hope it will be read by many of the deluded posterity of Abraham; and that, by the influence of the Divine Teacher, it may be honoured as the means of discovering to them their fatal error. We hope also, that it will not be conceived as exclusively interesting to the Jewish people. A statement of its contents will evince the importance of the subjects discussed 3 and the ability and piety discovered in their discussion, demand from us a most cordial recommendation of the work to all our readers, and especially to those who are engaged in the Christian ministry. After some valuable introductory Essays, Mr. Ewing treats on the Character Creation of the World,of God, - First Primeval State of Man, Transgression, Redemption, Antediluvian Worship, Covenant with Noah, with Abraham, and with Israel at Sinai. The Work, as it will be seen from this sketch of its contents, is not yet complete; but we are happy to say, that the esteemed author is engaged in preparing a second and concluding volume.

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Lectures on some Passages of the

Acts of the Apostles. By John
Dick, A. M. Vol. II. 68.

MR. Dick has formerly appeared before our tribunal; and was dip

missed with approbation and respect. A Treatise on the Inspiration of the Sacred Scriptures first introduced him to the knowledge of the public, and procured a very favourable reception. His Lectures on the most remarkable passages of the first 15 chapters of the Acts of the Aposties, gave us no reason to alter the judgment we had formed of our author's talents. A second volume, which is now before us, completes his plan; and comprizes the latter part of the Apostolical History. It is introduced by a short Preface; from which we extract the follow: ing paragraph:

The subjects appear to be less diversified than those in the other volume, as they principally relate to Paul; to whose transactions he has confined our attention: but we see him in a variety of important situations; and we feel ourselves deeply interested in the actions of an apostle, who was the messenger of divine mercy to the Gentiles, and exhibits a distinguished example of great talents and eminent virtues indefatigably and successfully employed in the service of religion.'

The discourses are thirteen in number; and on the following sub jects: The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia, The Conver sion of the Jailor at Philippi,-Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea, Paul in Athens, Paul in Corinth, - Paul in Ephesus, The Last laterview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus, Paul in Jerusalem, Paul before the Council, Paul before Felix, Paul before Festus and Agrippa, Paul in

Malta and Venice.

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Those who have perused the first volume with pleasure, will not be disappointed in the second.

Had

there been more fire,' says one,' and more of the tender and elevating language of Devotion, it would have pleased me better." "I wish," says another, it had been richer in Evangelical Truth." But are we to expect all things from one man? There is a diversity of gifts conferred by the glorious Head of the Church on the ministers of his gospel. In one we find several; in another one;, in none all. Let us not be fastidi

ous, and blame an author becau
he possesses not every gift.

In this volume the reader will always find good sense, pure doctrine, useful remarks, weighty exhortations, all conveyed in language which demonstrates that Mr. Dick did not despise the opinion of the public by appearing before them in a coarse or slovenly dress.

Letters and Conversational Remarks by the late Rev. John Newton, during the last Eighteen Years of his Life. 12mo, price 3s. 6d.

THE 49 Letters contained in this volume, were written by the late Mr. Newton to Mr. Campbell, then of Edinburgh, but now a minister of the gospel at Kingsland, near London. They are, in general, very interesting; and include many circumstances relating to himself, his ministry, works, and friends; and

to the occurrences of the times in
It was
which they were written.
certainly not in the contemplation
of the writer that they should ap-
pear in print; and some persons
may, perhaps, doubt the propriety
of publishing them; yet we cannot
but think that, such was the pecu-
liar excellence of Mr. Newton's epis
tolary talent, Mr. Campbell has done
well in giving them to the public;
and that they will promote the pious
pleasure and solid edification of
many readers. The same, on the
whole, may be said of the Conver-
sations, though we think a few of
them might have been better sup
pressed. They contain, like those
published by Mr. Cecil, many ob-
servations too good to be lost; and
the fragments thus collected, will,
doubtless, feed many with knowledge
and understanding.

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brought forward to public notice. An advertisement, prefixed to this volume, informs' US, "that the Editor consented to the publication, only upon condition of his name being suppressed;" and, it is added, "he is aware that it cannot be concealed from such readers as have any acquaintance with him or his writings." The reason of this we do not perceive; however, there can be no doubt of the authenticity of the Letters, &c. as the MS. may be seen in the hands of the publishers. The Editor offers an apology for sub. joining to this Correspondence the Substance of a Charge given at the ordination of a Dissenting Minister. He avows that its connection with a name of so much celebrity, gives it a chance of being more extensively circulated, and of becoming more useful. This Charge had been subnitted, many years ago, to Mr. Newton, who gave his opinion of it,

and whose advice was followed in its improvement.

The volume contains 17 letters, 14 from Mr. N. to the Editor, and from the Editor to him. These, though some of them were written in haste, and on business, are in Mr. Newton's usual style of excellence, and, though not intended for the public eye, display the piety, in tegrity, benevolence, and amiable candour of his character, which they will tend to elevate in the opinion of all good men who read thein. The sketch of his character, extracted from a sermon occasioned by his death, is just and proper. The story of Dame Cross is particularly inter esting.

The Church-Yard, and other Poems. By Geo. Woodley. 12mo, price 63. THESE poems are not without merit, especially the first and principal poem, entitled the ChurchYard: many suitable topics are

introduced, and expressed in an agreeable manner. We should have been glad to have seen those peculiarities of the gospel of Christ intermingled, which alone can render the grave a pleasing subject. The author, probably a young writer, seems to us to deserve encourage ment.

Poetical Gleanings, on Instructive and Interesting Subjects. Selected and Compiled by a Lady. 12mo, price 3s. 6d.

THOUGH this publication is not altogether religious, it is so unexceptionable, and at the same time so uniformly serious, and consistent with evangelical piety, that we most cordially recommend it to young persons, especially of the female sex, and to Schools, where such a coflection was a desideratum. The fair editor has, we see, made pretty free with the poetical department of our Magazine, and particularly with the compositions of Aliquis; and we are happy in contributing to so respect. able and useful a collection."

LITERARY NOTICES.

Rev. R. Cecil, being himself disabled by infirmities, has entrusted the publication of his Works to his friend, Mr. Pratt. They will form 3 volumes, each independent of the others. 1. Memoirs of Messrs. Cadogan, Bacon, and Newton, with their Portraits:- this volume will and Tracis already printed, with a appear in the autumn. 2, Sermons few originals. 3. Select Sermons, accurately taken in short-hand, by a friend. Vol. 2 may be expected about Christmas, and the Sermons in the spring of 1810.

We understand that Answers to Mr. Hale's Second Pamphlet are intended, both by Mr. Blair and Mr. Hodson.

SELECT LIST OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. Watts's Works, 4to, Part I. 75. royal, 12s.

Bishop Hopkins's Doctrine of the Covenas, edited by Mr. Pratt, Svo, Bs. bds.

Six Sermons on Baptism, Confirmation, and the Lord's Supper. By J. Scott, A. M. 2s. 6d.

Zeal without Bigotry, in Answer to Zeal without Innovation.' 2s. 6d.

Essays on the Gospel Dispensation, considered in connection with God's Moral Government. By W. Bennett, 5s. bds.

Jude's Question Discussed: a Sermon, by W. Kingsbury, M. A. 19.

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