necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue aut of all their afflictions." If Mr. Boone, therefore, censures Mr. Wesley for his strong and consistent belief in the providence of God, he must condemn the prayers which, as a Clergyman, he himself offers to the throne of the heavenly grace, and in which he calls upon the congregation to unite with him. Mr. Boone also states, on his own authority, and without any reference to the Poet Laureat, that, like the Methodists and Quakers, the Dunkers allow any individual among them to preach, who may think himself inspired." (p. 293.) With due acknowledgments to Mr. Boone, for putting the Methodists into such respectable company, we beg leave to inform him, that the account he has here given of their usages is not true; and that, were he a member of their fraternity, whatever professions he might make of inspiration, he would not be allowed to occupy any of their pulpits, unless his preten sions were accompanied by purity of conduct, and he could give substantial proofs that he was sound in the faith, and possessed competent abilities as a Preacher. At the conclusion of his volume, Mr. Boone has given an alphabetical list of sects, and of individuals whom he assumes to have been erroneous; and in a separate column, opposite to their names, he has inserted a reference to one or more passages of Scripture, in support of what he calls the doctrine of the Church of England, and in refutation of the errors of sects and their leaders. In this list, however, the Methodists have no place. Perhaps the worthy author had been unsuccessful in his attempts to find any passages of Holy Writ to place in opposition to them. In his account of bodies of people differing from the Church of England, Mr. Boone has given the greatest prominence to the Socinians. His book abounds with quotations from their principal writers, in support of their dangerous and anti-evangelical tenets; for which, of course, he will receive their cordial thanks. Ail the antidote to this mass of pernicious error, which Mr. Boone has laid before his readers, consists of a few extracts from D'Oyly, Vince, Rennell, Nares, and Laurence, printed in a smaller type, and placed at the end of his book. Next to the Socinians, the Romanists have the largest share of Mr. Boone's attention. But to their doctrines no antidote is furnished. The author's desigu in the compilation of this work, he has stated in the preface to be, to exhibit the creeds of the different denominations of Christians, and the basis upon which they are founded. This object, however, he has failed to accomplish; for his account of sects and ereeds, is often meagre and unsatisfactory. The only peculiarity of his work is, that it connects the peculiar tenets of the sects with particular passages of Scripture: but no valuable end is answered by this, unless it had been shown, that those passages were misunderstood, and the application of them erroneous; which is not even attempted by Mr. Booue. Every body knew, beforeMr. Boone published these extracts from his common. place book, that serious Christians in general, refer to the inspired records in support of their religious tenets, and that weak men quote Scripture in defence of their wildest vagaries. If Mr. Boone intended to show himself to be a true son of the Church of England, which we suspect to have been the case, he certainly should not have published a work the tendency of which is to promote Socinianism and Popery. It is too much for him to suppose that all his readers will furnish themselves with the "Notes of D'Oyly aud Mant," to preserve them from mental injury while reading the mass of heresy and perverse interpretation of Scripture which he has industriously collected. Independently of the bad tendency of this work, it is one of the most injudicious farragoes to which the mania of book-making has given existence in modern times. An Extract of Letters on Religious Subjects: By Mrs. Lefevre. 24mo. pp. 108.-The writer of this small volume was a woman of deep sense, and of equal piety. These delightful effusions of her enlightened and renovated mind, we believe were first collected and printed about the middle of the last century. They were afterwards published by Mr. Wesley, with a preface, in which he says, "I am not ashamed to recommend them as patterns of truly polite epistolary correspondence; expressing the noblest sentiments in the most elegant manner, in the purest, yea, the finest language. Yet undoubtedly even the beauty of language is nothing compared to the spirit which breathes throughout." Mr. Fletcher has also said," Mrs. Lefevre was a Christian, and an eminent Christian. Each of her letters may be a model for Christian correspondents, by the simplicity, the edification, and love, they breathe in every line. When shall I write as she did? When my heart - shall be as full of the love of God as hers was." It is painful to reflect, that the biography of a woman of such gifts and piety should be lost to the world. We are not aware that an account of this very excellent person is any where, to be found. It is thus that many of the early Methodists, whose lives, had they been recorded, might have promoted the spiritual benefit of thousands, have left the world in silence, and scarcely a stone points out the place where their ashes lie. But their spirits are with their Lord. The Reformed Liturgy: as it was. presented to the Right Reverend Bishops, by the Divines appointed by His Majesty's Commission for the Review and Alteration of the Book of Common Prayer. With the Exceptions of the Presbyterian Brethren against some Passages in the Present Liturgy. By the Rev. Richard Baxter, 8vo. pp. 79. -As a publie document, connected with the ecclesiastical history of Eng land, this volume possesses considerable interest, independently of its own intrinsic value. It contains the objections of the elder Presbyterians to the Book of Common Prayer, and the Liturgy which they wished to be adopted by the National Church, immediately after the Restoration, and when arrangements were in progress to settle the religion of the State, after the disorder which had been occasioned by the civil war and the commonwealth. That the Book of Common Prayer is immaculate, and that there is no force in any of the objections urged against it by those learned and pious men, it would be folly to assert: we are, however, free to acknowledge, that, in our estimation, taken as a whole, it is vastly superior to that which was compiled by Baxter, under the direction of his brethren. The Reformed Liturgy, however, is creditable to the judgment and piety of its excellent author, and may be used as a book of devotion, by private individuals, with superior advantage. Dissertations on some Parts of the Old and New Testaments, which have been supposed unsuitable to the Divine Attributes. By Rich. Twopenny, M.A., formerly Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. I vol. 8vo. Memoirs of Mrs. Margaret Baxter, Daughter of Francis Charl on, Esq., and Wife of Mr. Richard Baxter. With some account of her Mother, Mrs. Hanmer including a true Delineation of her Character. By the Rev. Richard Baxter. To which is added, an Appendix: containing the Author's Comparison between his Younger and his Riper Years, &c. 12mo. pp. 178.By the lovers of religious biography this elegant little volume will be read with intense interest. Its author has long been highly esteemed as one of the greatest and most successful Ministers of Christ that ever lived; and his voluminous writings become increasingly valued in every succeeding age. As a distinguished controversialist, a powerful practical writer, an able casuist, and an eminently holy man, he has been regarded for more than a century and a half; and in these respects he has attained an elevation of character so far beyond that of ordinary men, that he has been contemplated with esteem and admiration, bordering even upon reverence, rather than with mere complacency and fraternal love. But in this admirable sketch, he has introduced us into his domestic circle; and, in the wonderful simplicity of his mighty mind, has presented hiniself to us in the daily walks of private life, and in familiar conversation with the wife of his bosom. He informs us how they managed the secular affairs of their family; how they used to tell each other of their faults and imperfections; and in what manner they attempted to advance one another's spiritual interests. Of Mrs. Baxter it is sufficient to say, that in sense and piety she was every way worthy of her distinguished husband; and that this delineation of her character should have been so little known, and have been so long out of print, is to us unaccountable. The notes and appendix, which the editor has supplied, greatly enhance the value of the volume. The following extracts will serve as a specimen of the work : "She was very desirous that we should all have lived in a constancy of devotion, and a blameless innocency; and in this respect she was the meetest helper that I could have had in the world: (that ever I was acquainted with.) For I was apt to be over-careless in ay speech, and too backward to my duty; and she was still endeavouring to bring me to greater wariness and strictness in both. If I spake rashly or sharply, it offended her: if I carried it (as I was apt) with too much neglect of ceremony, or humble compliment to any, she would modestly tell me of it: if my very looks seemed not pleasant, she would have had me to amend thein, which my weak, pained state of body indisposed me to do. If I forgot any week to catechise my servants, and familiarly instruct them personally, (be-, sides my ordinary family duties,) she, was troubled at my remissness. And whereas of late years my way of spirits, and diseased heaviness and pain, made me much more seldom and cold in profitable conference and discourse in my house than I had been when I was younger, and had more ease and spirits and natural vigour, she much blamed me, and was troubled at it, as a wrong to herself and others."—"She thought I had done better to have written fewer books, and to have done those few better. I thought, while 1 wrote none needlessly, the modal imperfection of two was less evil than the total omission of one. She thought, I should have spent more time in religious exercise with her, my family, and my neighbours, though I had written less. I thought there were many to do such work, that would not do mine; and that I chose the greatest, which I durst not omit, and could not do both in the measure that I desired else to have done." My temper and judgment much led me to use my dependents, servants, and friends, according to the rules of church-discipline; and if they heard not loving, private admonitions, once, twice, and thrice, to speak to them more sharply, and then before others; and to turn them off if yet they would not amend. But her way was, to oblige them all by love, kindness, and bounty that she was able, and to bear with them year after year while there was hope, and at last not to desert them; but still use them so as she thought was likeliest at least to keep them in a state of hope, from the badness which displicency might cause. I could not have borne with a son, I think, as she could do, where her kindness was at her own choice; and yet she more disliked the least fault than 1 did, and was more desirous of their greatest innocency and exactness."" Her household affairs she ordered with so great skill and decency, as that others much praised that of which I was no fit judge. I had been bred among plain, poor people; and I thought that so much washing of stairs and rooms, to keep them as clean as their trenchers and dishes, and so much ado about cleanliness and trifles, was a sinful curiosity, and expense of servants' time, who might that while have been reading some good book: But she that was otherwise bred, had somewhat other thoughts." A New Greek and English Lexicon, principally on the Plan of the Greek and German Lexicon of Schneider; the Words, Alphabetically Arranged, distinguishing such as are Poetical, of Writers and Classes of Writers; with Examples, literally Translated, selected from the Classical Writers, By James Dounegan, M. D. One very thick vol. 8vo. Schrevelius's Greek Lexicon, Translated into English; with numerous Corrections, and with many new Words added. For the Use of Schools. One vol. 8vo. Bishop Hall, his Life and Times: or, Memoirs of the Life, Writings, and Sufferings of the Right Reverend Joseph Hall, D.D., successively Bishop of Exeter and Norwich; with a View of the Times in which he lived; and an Appendix, containing some of his Unpublished Writings, his Funeral Sermon, &c. By the Rev. John Jones, Perpetual Curate of Cradley, Worces tershire. One vol. 8vo. pp. 581.-This is a work of some merit and research; but is occasionally very defective in its details, and contains mistakes to which we shall probably advert at a future opportunity. Essays on the Evidences, Doctrines, and Practical Operation of Christianity. By Joseph John Gurney. One vol. 8vo. pp. 565. The Prospect, and other Poems. By Edward Moxon. 12mo. pp. 110.— Though some of the sentiments in this book are not such as can obtain unmixed commendation from a religious reviewer, yet the good intentions of the youthful author are very manifest; and this, his earliest production, notwithstanding the defects and exuberauces by which a few passages are deformed, is highly deserving of the fostering patronage of the public. In common with all young Poets, Mr. M. is fertile in his descriptions, and seems to quit them with much regret; but his Muse is of a hopeful class, on account of the many original reflections which are judiciously introduced into various parts of the principal poem. Every feeling mind will peruse with pleasure the subjoined stanzas, which are a fair specimen of the volume : Thus far have I pursued my humble theme, With hardly time to think, much less to write : NINTH LETTER FROM THE REV. RICHARD REECE, ON THE SUBJECT OF HIS LATE VISIT TO AMERICA.* To the Editor of the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine. Is my last I gave you an imperfect sketch of the city of Philadelphia,which is yet in its infancy, but displaying the elements of future magnificence and wealth, equal to any city. on that vast continent. As I proceeded farther into the country, every object excited a deeper interest, and suggested new reflections. A few generations ago this was a wilderness inhabited by savages, of an exalted character for sagacity and courage; it was afterwards settled by a few colonists, some of whom were con- vicks, transported from the mother country; and now, denuded of its timbers by the hand of industry, it is transformed into productive plantations and farms, which furnish all the luxuries of civilized life. A few feeble colonies, in a short period, under the blessing of God, have risen, to the rank of free, powerful, and independent States, each possessing populous cities, productive manufactories, and extensive commerce. The population of these extensive districts is the most interesting, whether we regard natural capacity, persevering industry, bold enterprise, the love of science, or general respect for religion. In the latter view I have been specially led to consider it. Mr. Asbury says, "In 1771, there were 300 Metholists in New.York, and 250 in Philadelphia. A few in NewJersey, and a few more in Maryland. I then prayed to see 100,000. We have now, in 1806, 104,070, and I long to see 200,000: nay, thousands of thousands more!" In 1806, he writes, "I have taken the number of our congregations in Georgia, and find there are 130, which contain 1000 souls each ; so that we preach to 130,000 in this State alone. It is more than probable, that we preach to 200,000 in each State of the Union; and if to these we add those who hear us in the two Canadian Provinces, in the Mississippi aud ludiana territories, it will be found that we preach to 4,000,000 of people at least in this country." At the last General Conference, the twelve Annual Conferences were divided into 17; and two additional Bishops were consecrated, to meet the increased demand for additional episcopal labour. Beside which, the missions among the Indian tribes were increased, and they required episcopal visitation and superintendence. The result of these prudent and necessary changes, in connexion with the wonted zeal and diligeut labours of the itinerancy, has been a total increase this year of 19,672 members. The account stands for 1825 : 42 Preachers, 1,314.. Increase this year, People ... 341,144 . . Ditto ............ 19,672 Of these, 49,433 are coloured people, and most of them slaves; on the Mission stations, 704,-leaving 21,007 whites. Such a work of God as this has not been known in any age or any country, nor do we find an authentic ecclesiastical record of any revival of religion that can bear a comparison with it. At twelve o'clock on Monday, April 5th, we took our passage by the steamboat for Baltimore, on our way to Virginia. The day was fine, and our sail down the Delaware was delightful. The broad river was covered with small craft, and many large ships were coming up with the tide. The water expanded as we advanced; but the packet kept near to the Pennsylvanian shore, which afforded the prospect of a luxuriant country, beautifully wooded, and a great part of it in a high state of cultivation. At two o'clock we passed the Lazaretto. We next came to West-Chester, a pleasant town, and capital of the county. By The State of Delaware is the smallest of any in the Union, but happily situated for commerce and manufactories, on account of its waters. these, it enjoys facilities of communication with the eastern and southern States; and when the projected canal, which is to connect the Potomac with the Ohio and the Mississippi, is completed, the intercourse with the western states of the Union will be as easy as it will be mutually advantageous. In this State lived Thos. White, Esq., with whom Mr. Asbury resided during the most troublesome years of the American war, and to whom he was indebted for quiet and many other comforts. That time, however, was * See Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, for December, 1825, p. 841. not idly spent; for a light like this could not be hidden under a bushel : in every situation it would shine to the glory of Christ, and the benefit of man. Hence he says, "My compelled seclusion, at the beginning of the war, was in no wise a season of inactivity; on the contrary, excepting about two months of retirement, from the direst necessity, it was the most active, the most useful, and the most afflictive part of my life. If I spent a few dumb Sabbaths, if I did not steal after dark or through the gloom of the woods, as was my constant custom, from house to house, to enforce the truth which I had crossed the ocean to proclaim, I shall not, I hope, be blamed, when it is known that my protector and friend, the good and venerable T. White, was himself taken into custody by the horse patrole. What might not I then expect, who was a fugitive and au Englishman? In these very years, we added 1800 to the Societies, and laid a broad foundation for the future success of Methodism in these States. The children, and the children's children, of those who witnessed my labours and my sufferings, in those days of peril and affliction, now rise up by hundreds to bless me. The witnesses themselves are indeed at rest, and perhaps there are not five living whom I could summon to attest the truth of this statement." At half past four o'clock we arrived at Newcastle, a flourishing town, which gives name to the county. Its population is 2671. We landed, and prepared to pass by coach to FrenchTown, on the Elk River, where the steam-boat was waiting to convey us into the Chesapeak, and up to Baltimore. By eleven o'clock, we had crossed the State sixteen miles, and were brought safely to French-Town. The steam-boat was large, and afforded accommodation for lodging fifty passengers, or more. The company was agreeable, and the evening was spent in profitable conversation, till we retired to rest. In the morning, at four o'clock, we were informed that we were arrived at Baltimore. I had before written to Mr. Soule, the Preacher "in charge" at Baltimore, informing him of my intention of being there on the sixth, and requesting that he wou'd furnish me with a plan of the route to Winchester, as I was informed it would be difficult to obtain a conveyance at this season of the year, the roads being so bad that the stage had not yet commenced running for the summer. Light-street, but the only information we could obtain was, that Mr. Soule had left for Winchester a day or two before. We engaged the coach to Washingion, and departed at six o'clock. The road this day was good; and our first stage to breakfast was to Waterloo. The road lay through a woody country, where but little of the land near the road was cultivated. Much of the scenery was grand; and we saw the partridges playing in the woods as we proceeded to Bladensburg. In this town the British and American troops had a bloody battle in 1814, in which the Americans, under the command of General Wilder, were discomfited and fled, and our army pursued its course to Washington without interruption. saw the graves of the slain, many of whom were buried in the ditches by the road-side. While the coachman was watering his horses in this town, a gentleman introduced me to David Brown, a Cherokee Indian, and the brother of Catharine. He is a tall and comely youth, not more, I should think, than twenty-four years old. Truly converted to God, he is full of zeal for the salvation of his people, and the rest of the Indian tribes. Having spent some time at college, he was then returning to his parents and friends, in the Arcansas territory, where a large portion of the nation have settled on the other side of the Mississippi. On his arrival at home he was elected to the office of Principal Secretary of the Council; and his influence is great in promoting the establishment of civil order; but, at the same time, he discharges the duties of a teacher of Christianity, At twelve o'clock my attention was arrested by the appearance of the Capitol or Congress-Hall, which stands on an eminence, and overlooks a large portion of the surrounding country, It is a large and elegant structure, and the freestone of which it is built is white as marble, All the interior was destroyed when the British troops set fire to it, and some parts of the walls were much damaged; but it is now repaired, and the whole fabric, which presents a front of 362 feet, will soon appear in all the magnificence of the original design. The building is composed of two wings, each 100 feet square, and a centre. Each of the three is surmounted with a dome; that in the eentre being much the largest. The whole is now complete; and the portico in front which was not quite finished See Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, for We first went to the Chapel-house in 1825, p. 698. |