3. The judgment of Mr. Spry (of course conclusive here) that Dr. W, who states this, writes by the inspiration of Providence! We have not room, or we might go on at some length, to exhibit this sort of battling between the heads of these terrible assailants. Some of their notions, even as to the best manner of smiting, are so sadly quarrelsome, that were we to resort to them to be disciplined, we must soon be reduced to the hapless dilemma of a certain unfortunate animal, starved by the equal attraction of two tempting bundles of provender. Passing over, therefore, all this discord, but not caring at present to shew that ungracious inattention to the suggestious of Dr. W.'s coadjutors, which we find from him is reasonable, nor as we might, by all the rules of inference, on the score of shunning bad company, offer about the same measure of respect to the labours of the prompting and presiding genius, we proceed to a detailed consideration of the argument. We do this, however, not without some apprehension of an enrolment amor those unthink. incompetent, readers (Dr. W who were he persons from whom the Doctor's former · ry inguequ willing to pay their subscriptions, be quite preposterous to listen to ; Turk, Jew, Infidel, or Heretic.' and we have, By Mr. Spry we are apprized (p.25) that the Society's not permitting notes to accompany their Bibles, was occasioned by its real leaders' having duly appreciated the full value of opportunities of inculcating their peculiar opinions. They were well aware, that difficulties soon arise to perplex the unlearned students of the sacred pages; and that these difficulties will afford their self-appointed instructor ample means of insinuating his own tenets. A person, whose interest it is to court them most, to flatter their self-love, and hold out the most seductive allurements to their imaginations' (p. 38); and further, 'It is revealed (p. 37) that the projectors of this Institution have erected the standard of Heresy or Schism in the very sanctuary of the Establishment.' Now for Dr. W. • How could you come to think it possible, that I, a clergyman, writing to a clergyman; or if it were possible for me to write, how could it be possible for me to expect to be listened to by them, in imputing against some of the best men of our country, that they had united together to circulate the word of God with views and intentions designedly 'bostile to the interests of piety, peace, and true religion' (p. 12); and to complete the matter, one more remark from Mr. Spry: Those who consider this itish and noreign Bible Society likely to become a dangerous enemy to the Established Church, will feel gratef to that merciful rovie. ce, for having inspired some of the ablest and inost dignified of her rulers with a spirit of wisdom to discern, and of fortitude to resist the growing evil' (p. 39). Thus we have, 1. Most evidently the opinion of the Country Clergyman and Mr. Spry, that the Founders and Members of the Bible Society are persons whose intentions are designedly hostile to the interests of piety, peace, and true religion. We have, 2. The unquestionable decision of Dr. W. That those who hold this opinion, are persons whom it would ng, .8) developement of a very important arguma (p. 6 received such unfavourable treatment. Mr. Dealtry has deduced so accurately, and stated so luminously, the positions intended to support the unfriendly writers, and which are gonfusedly scattered throughout their pamphlets, at we cannot, perhaps, pursue a more successful course than by taking from him a rapid survey of the controversy. He begins with refuting, by long extracts from the Minutes of the Conmmittee of the Bible Society, and other unquestionable documents, the d state charge of its beginning its operations by printing a rival edition of the Scriptures, of interpolations in the text,- and of their improper distribution. This Society, it appears, arose from most distressing representations of a great scarcity of Bibles in Wales; which the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, in Bartlett's Buildings, had refused to relieve. This he fully establishes. He then enters upon a methodical statement of his argument. His I. Observation relates to the paramount importance of circulating the Scriptures. II. He enquires, What was the state of the world, as to scriptural knowledge, when this Institution was proposed? He here presents narrative proofs of an excessive want of Bibles, both at home and abroad from recent correspondence, furnished by the Old Society, and from other sources. III. He asks, Whether a very extensive distribution was probable, without such an Institution? 1. If the Old Society could have effected this, why was it not done? 2. When deficiencies, the most distressing, were pressed upon them, the Bartlett's Buildings Society made no exertions to supply them. 3. Considering their supineness till 1804, were any extraordinary efforts by them probable? So far from this, their advocate, Mr. Spry, boasts of their contrived retiredness and obscurity. The 4th relates to the insufficiency of the Dissenters aloue to the task. The 5th contains a deduction of the progress of the argument. The 6th relates to the success of the experiment. We are here presented with a heart-enlivening display of the astonishing success of this Institution; and with some re arks on Dr. W.'s reiterated speculations on what might have been done by the Old Society, when there was not the least reasonable expectation of their doing any thing more. IV. The advantages resulting from this novel union and combination.' 1. An unexampled dissemination of the holy Scriptures. The alJeged effectiveness and sufficiency of the Old Society, makes the observation necessary. That although they have existed upwards of a century, the only edition of the Scriptures which they have given to the world, in a foreign language, was an edition of 10,000 Arabic New Testa ments, in 1720; of which some were still in their cellars in 1809, reserved to be sent as occasion shall offer! The Bible Society has existed six years; and has printed editions of the Bible in English, Welch, and Gaelic; of New Testaments, in French, Spanish, modern Greek, Portugueze, Italian, Dutch, Danish, a Mohawk, and an Esquimaux Version of St. John's Gospel. It has contributed (in some cases very largely) to editions of the Scriptures, or portions of them, in nine European languages; and also to editions of the Scriptures in tea oriental languages. The Dissenters certainly could not have commanded such an influence, even as that which the Old Society possesses. Is it then probable that any thing short of the principle which has roused the energies of all classes and descriptions could be equal to effects like these? P. 76. 2. It tends to promote unanimity. 3. It removes a ground of offence, and furnishes a powerful appeal to the consciences of those who are indifferent to Christianity. 4. It serves as a channel of communication and bond of union with foreign churches. 5. It is beneficial to the church of England, by raising its Members in the esteem of those who separate from its communion; thus conducing to soften their differences. 6. This general association tends to preserve the text of Scripture from perversion. A [To be concluded in our next.] Sermon, preached at St. Paul's, His Lordship takes occasion from his text, Jerem. xiii. 23, Can the Ethiopian change his skin,' &c. to recommend the culture of the mind in early youth, before those evil habits are formed which are so extremely difficult to be subdued The following extraet affords a spe rimen of his Lordship's doctrine and ranner. Recommending the particular points of instruction to be given to a child, he says, Inspire him, in the first place, as soon as he is capable of thought, with a love and reverence of God, and with the abhorrence of a lie; inspire him with adutiful affection for his parents, and for those disinterested benefactors, who in many cases supply their place, and whose benevolence supports, instructs, advises, or reproves him. Teach him the plain and obvious principles of the gospel of Christ; the corruption of fallen man, and the sad effects of that corruption; from which he is rescued (if it be not his own fault) by the gracious interposition, the perfect obedience, and the meritorious death of a crucified Redeemer. Teach him, that his weak, but hotest endeavours to be good, will receive the assistance of the Holy Spirit; and that he will be eternally rewarded or punished hereafter, as be conducts himself here. These simple lessons he cannot but comprehend, and they will not fail to sink deeply into his heart, if impressed upon him with assiduity and earnestness, and, above all, with tenderness,' p. 5, 6. The conclusion of his Lordship's discourse is truly candid, and seems to allude to the disputes which have been occasioned by the laudable zeal of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Let then Christians, of every denomination, who have at heart the true interest of domestic or of social life; let every friend to the welfare of his country, let every lover of mankind, contribute a portion of his time and money to this great work and labour of love. Let the members of the Church of England more particularly endeavour, in the first place, to second the highly useful exertions of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; but let them not stop here, and imagine that they have done enough; let them enlarge their views, and, by a comprehensive and well-placed liberality, encourage and support other auxiliary societies, the generous to the obligation laid on sincere believers to co-operate in assisting its progress; and to the discouragements in its promulgation which are always to be expected, or which are generally experienced, notwithstanding any success which attends it. Under the third head, a sentiment is introduced, so important in itself, and in words so well chosen, as to be entitled to the rank it holds as a distinct paragraph, although it is included in a single sentence. It is as follows: ་ They who have no feeling of this obligation (i. e. to propagate Christianity) exclude from their sphere of duty, without the slightest authority from the religion they profess, a most important departinent of Christian fidelity. This remark deserves the serious consideration of those who call themselves Christians, and yet make no efforts to diffuse the knowledge of divine truth more extensively among their fellow-men. Sir H. M. Wellwood successfully exposes the inconsistencies of such characters. In this exposure, the following passage well deserves citation: There are some men who affect to desire the promulgation of the gospel, amidst all the contempt they express for the means which are employed; yet there are no endeavours for this end which they do not reprobate or proscribe; and no means of any kind which they have ever pretended to substitute in the place of those which they hold up to the scorn of the world.' This discourse is evidently the result of much enquiry and reflection on the subject of propagating Christian knowledge; and contains a defence of missions to the Heathen, such as must highly gratify the benevolent and zealous Christian; and such as the opposers of Missionary efforts will find it no easy thing to answer. This sermon was delivered on the centenary anniversary of the society which it recommends; and it informs us, That the directors of this society began with an establishment of five schools; that, in 1719, they had forty-eight; in 1742, one hundred-and-twenty-eight; in 1772, one hundred-and-fifty-nine. At present the number of their schools is one hundred-and-eightyseven. The annual expenditure of the society, on its present establishment, amounts to £ 3,887, and requires not only the produce of its funds, but also the liberal contributions of the public. Tur congregation which for so many years enjoyed the faithful labours of Mr. Cecil, are highly favoured in possessing, so soon after his demise, such an able successor as Mr. Wilson, who pays to the memory of his predecessor an ample and well-deserved tribule of respect in chese discourses. The text is Rev. xiv. 13, Blessed are the dead,' &c.; and the thrce points to which we are directed, are, 1, The Solemnity with which the blessing is pronounced; 2, The Persons to whom it belongs; and 3, The Particulars of which it consists. These topics are discussed evan The gelically, but very briefly. far greater part of the sermons consists of a full display of Mr. Cecil's character as a Man, as a Christian, and as a Minister. We would gladly copy this well-drawn picture; but we forbear; both because we would recommend the perusal of the whole; besides, its intrinsic value has the pecuniary benefit of the bereaved family in view; and also, because we hope to present to our readers, at some future time, a Memoir, including his character. Mr. Wilson concludes his second discourse with presenting to us those important lessons which the illness and death of his friend are calculated to teach. We can only mention them: -1, So solemn an event demands consideration. 2, It suggests motives for gratitude. 3, It includes the duty of submission to the divine will. 4, It recommends the duty of simple dependence upon God. 5, It calls off our attention from the circumstances of a Christian's death to the tenor of his life. 6, The importance of an establishment in the faith of Christ is addressed to us. 7, Encouragement to dejected Christians is afforded. Lastly, This bereaving providence calls on every description of persons in the congregation, to prepare to follow the deceased to an eternal world. The attentive and intelligent reader will amply repaid for his purchase and perusal of these valuable discourses. The Necessity and Utility of Instruction, and the Qualifications and Duties of sunday - School Teachers: Sermon to the Teachers of the Sunday-Schools of Nottingham and its Vicinity. By R. Alliott. Price 6d. Trs discourse is intended (1.) To shew the necessity and utility of instructing you h; (2.) To describe the qualifications of Sunday-School Teachers; (3.) To state some leading parts of their duty; and (4.) To propose suitable considerations to excite exertion, and secure perseverance. Each of these topics is treated in a serious and sensible manner, well adapted to promote the great end in view. We learn from this pamphlet, that there are about 500 children instructed by the Sunday-School Union, at Nottingham: a number greater than that which, perhaps, in the same extent of country, of all denominations, attended to divine worship a few years ago.' What an interesting view does this give us of the great importance of Sunday-Schools, and their probable influence in national reformation! Five thousand poor children in one neighbourhood, taught to read their Bibles, to pray, to hear the gospel, and to avoid vice !!! Let the patriotic idea excite, among all classes of Christians, a generous zeal in the support of these excellent institutions. It may also deserve consideration, Whether, especially in populous towns, the union of various denominations may not be very beneficial in promoting their common object; while it may tend to soften the asperity of party, diminish prejudice, and increase brotherly affection. The Communion of Churches scrip. tural and desireable: a Sermon preached at the Annual Meeting of the General Congregational Union, 1810. By R. Winter, D.D. To which is added, The Plan of Union, and a List of the London Commillee. 8vo, ls. THE advantages of union and communion among Christian churches, are so obvious and striking, that the demonstration affords little scope for the display of argument. A perspicuous statement of the objects of this Union carries with it sufficient evidence of its propriety and utility; and the probable advantages to be expected from it are displayed in language at once dignified and chaste. The illustration of a passage in the Book of Psalms is too beautiful to pass unnoticed:-In describing the different companies of Israelites, issuing from various owns and villages, and meeting on e road to Jerusalem, whither they ent to the solemn feast, the Psalmi uses this appropriate language: They go from strength to strength.' The idea is, they derive increasing strength from increasing numbers. Transfer the thought to the business of this day:-Our different churches resemble the separate companies travelling to the sacred festival. — Here we meet on the road; we join our numbers; we proceed together, encouraged and strengthened by the union we form; but not less attached to the distinct societies to which we belong. Happy days, when our feet shall stand on the mount Sion above! Union will be perfected there. We shall be one with an innumerable company of angels,' &c. The Qualifications and the Work of a Christian Pastor: a Sermon, addressed to the Members of the Baptist Academical Institution. By W. Newman. 18. WITH unfeigned pleasure we congratulate our brethren of the Baptist denomination, on the establishment of another Academical Institution, which promises to confer upon their churches and the world the most valuable benefits. It is not for us to solve the problem with how little learning a good man may be qualified to teach the religion of Jesus; but we are persuaded, that an academical education, which embraces literature and the sciences, must confer very great advantages on the individuals who acquire it. Mr. Newman stands before us as an able advocate of the above institution; which owes its establishment, we understand, chiefly to the benevolence of an individual. The text of his discourse is Psa. lxxviii. 72 (So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart,' &c.) which the preacher takes occasion to consider (by an accommodation however) as descriptive of the qualifications and work of a Christian minister. The subject is well discussed; and the sentiments advanced ought to be engraved on the heart of every Christian pastor, and of every candidate for the sacred ministry. The appeal, at nearly the close of the sermon, on behalf of the new institution, to educated, to unedu |