some new and powerful arguments | to maintain their practice. How completely those expectations were disappointed, the present state of religious profession in America is alone sufficient to testify. See Baptist Magazine for 1814, page 477. In the instance before us, America has repaid her obligations, by sending these discourses which are deemed "so judicious and scriptural, and so well calculated for general usefulness" as to induce several wellknown and highly respected Pædobaptist Ministers in London to aid their circulation by a recommendatory advertisement. It is this patronage which seems to constitute a claim on our attention which would not otherwise exist. 66 Of these discourses, the two former were delivered at Malden by a Dr. Osgood, and were occasioned by the setting up a Baptist Society in that place." This event appears not only to have furnished the topics of discussion, but to have stimulated the preacher to a warmth of spirit which especially when transferred to the press, deserves the severest reprehension. He first attempts to prove the validity of sprinkling as the mode of baptism, selecting, as his text, the words of Peter, Acts x. 47, from whence he takes occasion to arge those arguments which have long been familiar to pamphleteers on each side the water. He speaks, for instance, of immersion as “indecent, destracting to the thoughts, and dangerous to the health." He asserts as a well known fact, "that the Greek word for baptism, signifies any kind of washing, by sprinkling and affusion as often, if not much oftener, than by dipping;" and that "to say sprinkling is not baptizing, is in direct terms a contradiction of the word of God." He examines the various examples of baptism recorded in the New Testament, and is so positive that immersion could not be the mode, that to believe it, in the case of John in particular, is contrary to common sense and common decency, and even carries a reflection upon sacred scripture." As to the expressions of Paul in Rom, vi. 4. Col. ii. 12. he declares that "if they (the Baptists) would lay their fancies aside, and let their 66 reason judge of the meaning of these texts, they would, at once, see that, in them, there is no allusion to any mode of baptism." page 27. Our readers will not be surprized that such an intrepid champion as this should exclaim "confident we are, that our mode of baptism is moré scriptural than theirs," p. 13. Certainly, if the weight of evidence bore any reasonable proportion to the vehemence of assertion, it might be expected that neither his auditors or readers could retain any doubts on the subject. But alas! the proof was insufficient to secure the conviction of his own mind. Strange as it may appear, this furious declamation is employed in the support of a position which the author did not believe! For, in page 9, he distinctly admits, that the present mode of baptism (i. e. sprinkling) is different from that of the primitive Christians. Nor is this an unguarded, inadvertent expression, since he goes about to account for, and excuse that difference. Can the annals of controversy possibly furnish a more flagrant instance of self-contradiction than this? As the doctor was thus pleading the cause of sprinkling against the convictions of his own mind, what shall we think of the language which he employs respecting immersion and those who practise it? He dares to say, in reference to the former, "I never see baptism thus conducted without thinking of the superstitious fooleries of paganism or popery, page 9, and as to the Baptists, it is more than implied that, “Like the master to whom they belong, they go to and fro in the earth, and walk up and down in it. They creep into houses, and lead away silly women; throwing darkness upon their understandings, and prejudices, and evil surmises into their hearts. Their subsistence, as well as their popularity, and the estimation to which they aspire, depend upon their success in sowing discord among brethren, stirring up a party spirit, making divisions, and thereby advancing the cause of superstition and bigotry," page 42. Such language can surely excite no other emotion than pity for the partizan who can descend se low as to use it, Of the remaining parts of the book, we are compelled, by want of room, to take a very slight notice. Dr. O's second sermon respects the subject, in which, of course, he strenuously contends for the admission of infants to the sacred rite. The novelty of one of his arguments may perhaps excite a smile in some readers. Remarking that the Baptists confidently pronounce young children incapable of the qualifications of Christ's disciples," he adds that justness of observation might lead them to a better opinion of the capacities and early improvements of children. After their birth, not many weeks, perhaps not many days pass, before they begin to learn. Though it may be some time before they will be able to understand the Christian doctrines, yet, favoured with the tuition of Christian parents, and constantly experiencing a Christian treatment, they may very early possess the very temper of Christ's subjects." page 96. prefixed as recommending these discourses should have taken such a step. We are almost ready to believe that they could not, previously, have given them an attentive perusal. No one of them, we will venture to affirm, would speak of baptism by immersion as resembling the fooleries of paganism, or of Baptists as the agents of Satan. Why then have they circulated such vulgar abuse as this under the character of "judicious and scriptural?" Undoubtedly, the cause of Pædobaptism needs far superior defence to that which has recently been employed, with so much activity, in its aid. To furnish its numerous adherents with no better arguments than the dissertations of Towgood, or the History of the Men of Munster, will at length lead them to suspect that no better can be found."Non tali auxilio, nec defensoribus istis Tempus egit." That the minds of professing Christians are becoming increasingly attentive to the important points on which we are at issue, we have reason to believe. It is, perhaps, a natural consequence of the increased volume be evident, in the spirit with then, the influence of that blessed which our inquiries are carried on; and we may venture to indulge the hope that we shall then advance, with swifter progress, towards the period in which the watchmen in Zion shall see eye to eye; when there shall be but one Lord, and his The concluding discourses, by Dr. Lathrop, from 1 Cor. i. 2, are employed in describing the nature of a church of God, the end of its institution, the relation which children bear to it, the qualifications requisite for admission into it, and the fellow-circulation of the Word of God. Let, ship which ought to subsist among its members. These discourses are free from the scurrility which we have noticed in the pages of Dr. Osgood, and comprise some just remarks as to the fellowship of true Christians. But his idea of the nature of a Christian church is evidently so framed, as that infants might be brought within its pale. Hence he considers the gospel church of Christ as no otherwise holy than were the whole Jewish nation under the law. Hence, also, when we are informed that the Lord added daily to the church such as should be saved, he observes, "They are called The Saved,' because they are admitted to the offers and means of salvation." We had marked several other passages for quotation and comment, but it is more than time to bring this article to a conclusion. We must be permitted to express our surprize that our worthy Pædobaptist brethren whose names are name one. Sermons, and other Discourses, by the It is a good indication of the present increasing prevalence of a devotional taste, that sermons are in considerable request. We do not, indeed, claim to be ranked amongst those who imagine, that no good is to be derived from any but the most solemn writings; and yet we heartily wish they were more frequently preferred. As works of fiction multiply, especially those of the doubtful and flimsy cast, the public vessel may be said to carry too much sail | one, I am otherwise engaged; I aloft, and is in danger of being overset, to the great loss of public morals and piety; but, in proportion to the increase of works of sterling value and indisputable utility, a due accumulation of ballast seems to give steadiness and security. 6 have so much business upon my hands, that I have not time for so serious and solemn an affair; but, when I shall be at leisure, I hope to consider about it.' I have,' says another, so many disorders about me, that I cannot be composed If Mr. Lavington's sermons were enough for so weighty a concern; now, for the first time, to be intro- but, when my health and spirits reduced to public notice, we should turn, I hope to be more disposed to feel great pleasure in furnishing a give myself to the Lord? Foolish very ample account of their merits, people, and unwise? is it thus that with specimens of their excellent you trifle with God, and your souls, peculiarities; we should announce and salvation? Shall your happiness, them in terms of the warmest recom- in eternity, be postponed and hamendation, convinced, as we are, zarded for the momentary gratifica that no one can peruse them without tions of life? When the world and profit, unless he be destitute of all sin do but beckon, you immediately taste for religion and of every prin- run; but, when God or religion calls, ciple of right feeling: but the ex- you indolently say, 'It is time enough tensive circulation they have obtain-yet.' But remember, that however ed is sufficiently indicative of their unusual worth. To those fastidious persons who can never read a book that is not perfectly elegant in all its parts, beautiful to the eye, smooth to the touch, harmonious to the ear, who cannot receive truth itself unless it be conveyed with an Addisonian correctness and polish of style, or a Johnsonian rotundity of periods, these volumes, interesting and valuable as they are, will afford no gratification. Nor were they written merely to fill up a space in the library, or to contribute to the momentary amusement of those who sport upon the brink of perdition, confident you may be of futurity, the grave may soon be your house; where all your work, and devices, and knowledge, will cease. Is giv ing yourselves to the Lord an interruption to your business? then your business is unlawful, and ought to | be interrupted!" In one word, for our limits pre clude other observations or larger. extracts, these discourses are plain, pointed, striking, evangelical, warm from the heart, and they must reach it! Preparing for Publication. forgetting they have time to redeem LITERARY INTELLIGENCE souls to be saved: but they treat upon such unfashionable topics as, Dedication to God,-Christ seeking and saving those who were lost, Growth in Grace,-Watchfulness, -The Second Coming of Christ, &c. and contain such unfashionable plain speaking as the following; which, if a person cannot relish, he | must not purchase the work; but, if he can, we assure him, he will find ten or twelve hundred pages little inferior. "I exhort you to give yourselves to God without delay, because it may otherwise never be done. How common is it for men, when their consciences urge them to this self-dedication, to put it off to a more convenient season! At present,' says A fourth edition, in octavo, of that inte resting work," Simpson's Key to the Pro phecies; or, a concise View of the Predictions contained in the Old and New Testaments; which have been fulfilled, are now fulfilling, or are yet to be ful filled in the latter Ages of the World.Amongst other Things, the corrupt Doc trines and Practices of the Church of Rome, are exposed in a most masterly Providence on Persecutors, &c. The Manner; awful Retaliations of Divine Whole, like the Author's Plea for Religion, is enriched with entertaining Notes and to this Edition is added, additional Notes, and an Appendix, chiefly relative to the pouring out of the Vials, &c, In a few days will be published, the Second Edition of The Terms of Communion, with a particular View to the Case of the Baptists and Pædobaptists, by Robert Hall, M.A. Mr. Brook is preparing a Review of the Review of his Lives of the Puritans, in the Christian Observer, which will be ready before the end of the month. Books recently published. The perpetual Intercession of Christ for his Church, a Source of Consolation under the Loss of useful Ministers; a Sermon, preached at Eagle-street Meeting, London, as a Tribute of affectionate Respect, to the Memory of the late Rev. A. Fuller. By Joseph Ivimey. Just published, the Indwelling and Righteousness of Christ, no Security against corporeal Death, but the Source of spiritual and eternal Life; a Sermon, preached at Kettering, at the Funeral of the Rev. A. Fuller, by John Ryland, D. D. Remarkable Sermons, by Rachel Baker, delivered during Sleep; and Devotional Exercises, &c. with Remarks by Dr. Mitchill and others. Strictures, .of eternal Import, and universal Concern. By the Author of the Temple of Truth, &c. Messiah, a Poem, in 28 Books, in one handsome volume, royal octavo. No. XXVIII. of the periodical Accounts of the Baptist Missionary Society. Reflections on the Fall of a great Man. A Sermon, occasioned by the Death of the Rev. A. Fuller; with an Appendix, con taining Extracts from a few of his Letters, by W. Newman, President of the Baptist Academical Institution, Stepney. Hints from an invalid Mother to her Daughter, on Subjects connected, with moral and religious Improvement in the Conduct of Life, in various Relations. By Anna Williams. A new and improved Edition of Mr. Serle's Hora Solitariæ, in two volumes; octavo, is nearly ready for publication; also, A Collection of Family Prayers, from the devotional Writings of Baxter, Henry, Willison, Bennet, Watts, Doddridge, and others; selected and revised by the late Samuel Palmer, of Hackney. To this edition will be added, a Biographical Sketch of the Author's Life. Missionary Retrospect, and Foreign Intelligence. A LETTER has been received from Java, dated March 10th, at which period both the brethren, Robinson and Trowt, were so far recovered as to be able to resume their labours. Mr. T. has sent home a curious specimen of the Javanese language, which appears to bear some affinity to the Sungskrit. In the Malay, he hoped to be able to address the natives, should life and health be spared, by the month of June or July. RELIGIOUS SECT IN NORWAY. PERHAPS no part of Protestant Europe has been, of late years, in a more languishing state, as it respects vital religion, than the kingdom of Norway. But God has not left himself, without witness, even there. A VOL. VII. sect has lately, sprung up in that country, who are, by way of derision, termed Saints. Their religious principles are said, in some respects, to resemble those of "The Society of Friends." They do not, however, lay aside the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Their leader, whose name is Hans Neilson Houghe, has laboured abundantly, and suffered much on account of his zeal. He was first awakened about thirty years ago, in a very remarkable manner. Being on board a boat, laden with straw or hay, it was, by some accident, overset, and he was in imminent danger of losing his life. In his extremity, he cried to God for help, and promised, if he would preserve him from his present danger, he would serve him as long as he lived. He was heard; and, in a marvellous manner, he experienced preservation. Soon after, he left his employ, and gave himself wholly to 3 G the work of the ministry. Considerable numbers were wrought on by his preaching, who formed a community, for the purpose of affording each other temporal support, as well as to maintain and propagate their religious sentiments. But, at length, the magistrates, instigated, it is said, by the regular clergy, seized the property of these United Brethren, and imprisoned their teacher, Hans Neilson Houghe. When he was seized by the officers, and his hands and feet were put in irons, and he was otherwise used very roughly, he bore it all with the greatest patience; saying, when he willingly stretched out his hands to have the irons put on, "I rejoice I am worthy thus to suffer persecution for the Lord's sake; and though you have taken away my outward property, you cannot take away my inward peace;" which had such an effect on the multitude who stood by, that many of them afterwards became converts to his principles. The last accounts which have come to the knowledge of the writer respecting him, were dated in 1813. He was then still a prisoner. DELTA. Domestic Religious Intelligence. BAPTIST ITINERANT SOCIETIES. To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. SIR, resting and impressive. To behold a number of persons, who had forsaken their former wicked practices; who had professed repentance and faith; baptized at their own request, was truly an interesting and affectIr is presumed, that the following supposed that upwards of 5000 peoing spectacle. Although it was accounts of the success of itinerant-ple were assembled, on that occapreaching, in the counties of York sion, the utmost decorum was oband Lancaster, will not be unac- served; and, we trust, that many ceptable to many of your readers," who came there to mock, went who may not have an opportunity of perusing the annual report of the Society. We begin with YORKSHIRE. In the neighbourhood of Dewsbury, the itinerants have preached_regularly upwards of two years. In November last, FIVE persons who had attended their ministry, gave most pleasing evidence of their conversion to God. They professed their cordial belief of the gospel, and anxious desire to observe the ordinance of Christian baptisin. Mr. Steadman's esteemed services were requested, and obtained, on that occasion. A large concourse of people assembled to hear the sermon, and still larger to witness the ordinance of baptism, which was administered in an adjoining river. The scene was novel; but it was more, it was truly inte home to pray." We understand that FOUR more have been baptized since the preaching of the Word, and meetings for prayer are well attended; and several others are expected soon to declare themselves on the Lord's side, after which, it is likely they will be formed into a church. At Pool, a room is fitted up for worship, which will contain nearly 200 people, and is generally well filled. About twenty persons have been baptized, and were formed into a church, on Tuesday, 16th of May last. Messrs. Steadman, of Bradford; Trickett, of Bramley; and M'Farlane, of Rawden, were engaged in the services, LANCASHIRE. Chatburn is a village which contains upwards of 900 inhabitants; it |