In the Scriptures we are required to love, worship, and serve, that is, to exhibit our love in different forms to a God of love, and to such a God only. • God has informed us in the Scriptures, that there is beyond the grave an immortal state of retribution; in which whatever seems irregular in the present state will be adjusted according to the most exact dictates of benevolence and equity. The benevolence of God is strictly infinite. In the divine Mind every attribute is necessarily co-extended with the greatness of that mind. The benevolence of God is as truly thus extensive, as his knowledge or his power. To his love of happiness existing, to his desire of happiness as a thing to be produced, no limit can be affixed. Intense and glowing beyond degree, although perfectly serene and complacent, it furnishes the most solid foundation for the truth of that remarkable declaration in the text; God is love; or Infinite Love is the Infinite God. The benevolence of God cannot but be ever active.' In the former part of the discourse, the proofs from reason, of the Divine benevolence, are exhibited in the same naked manner, as unsupported propositions. Sometimes these may seem to approach to the character of self-evident truths; as, for instance, that God can have no possible motive to be malevolent.' But to perceive the force and bearing of an assertion like this, a reader would need have been trained to habits of close thinking. And after all, the expressions are far from being unobjectionable. Art. XII. Statement in Regard to the Pauperism of Glasgow, from the Experience of the last Eight Years. By Thomas Chalmers, D. D. Minister of St. John's Church, Glasgow. 8vo. pp. 78, Glasgow. 1823. DR. R. CHALMERS alludes, in the preface to this pamphlet, to a pretty general imagination,' that he had relinquished his charge in Glasgow, because of the misgiving of his schemes for the extinction of pauperism. He has met this injurious and unfounded suspicion with substantial facts. Our readers will perhaps recollect, that Dr. Chalmers's undertaking was, on being allowed to appropriate the whole of the weekly collection made at the church doors of St. John's, (at that time 4007. a-year,) to the support of the poor of that parish, to send no new poor, either casual or permanent, to the Town Hos'pital.' To meet the new cases, the evening collection was presumed to be sufficient; and the result has so far justified the expectation, that, from September 1819 to June 1823, all the new applications have been met with a sum not exceeding a 801. a-year, arising from this fund. During the same period, comprising three years and nine months, the number of paupers admitted on the ground of general indigence, is thirteen, at a monthly expense of 2. 13s. 4d., or 321. per annum. The cases of extraordinary and hopeless disease are two; one a lunatic, the other, deaf and dumb-monthly expense ll. 4s. 8d. or 141. 16s. per annum. Two illegitimate children and three families of run-away husbands, have been admitted on the same fund—monthly expense 1l. 12s. 6d.; per annum 19. 10s. Total, 20 regular paupers at a monthly expense of 5l. 10s. 6d., a yearly expense of 661. 6s. In the mean time, the old sessional poor, which, in October 1819, were 98, have sunk down (by deaths and dismissals) to 57 ; making, with the new cases, 77: a diminution in the total of 21. The total yearly expense of maintaining the poor of this parish, the population of which is upwards of 8000, is 3081. But this includes the Town Hospital cases, and the relief of paupers received from other parishes. The most extraordinary circumstance connected with the success of this management, is, that it has been effected at a very inconsiderable sacrifice of time and labour on the part of the individuals in whom was vested the charge of the evening collections which were to meet the new cases. The details contained in the reports of the several deacons, printed as a note, form a mass of testimony highly deserving of attention. They shew how much may be accomplished, under any system of management, by a prudent and well-principled discharge of the office, towards reducing the expenditure, and, at the same time, promoting the best interests of the poor. Still, while we warmly congratulate Dr. Chalmers on the success of his philanthropic experiment, we see no reason to retract the opinion, that his general deductions with regard to the Poor Laws of England are unsound, proceeding on a limited and mistaken view of the subject. The mere substitution of church collections for an assessment in this country, we should esteem no improvement. The total abolition of a parochial fund is happily too visionary a scheme to be thought of: it would be as iniquitously unjust as it is impracticable. The evil lies in the management, and this evil is not less susceptible of remedy on the English system than on the Scotch. The circumstances of the two countries are totally dissimilar, as regards not only the physical and moral habits of the population, but their resources. It is stated that the population of Glasgow, which in 1820 was 73,796, was in 1821, 72,765,an inconsiderable decrease, but yet, proving that the surplus population of Scotch towns more readily finds vent, than, we apprehend, is possible in England. ART. XIII. SELECT LITERARY INFORMATION. A Prospectus has been issued of a new edition very considerably enlarged, of Memoirs and Correspondence of Duplessis Mornay, relating to the history of the Reformation and the Civil Wars in France under Charles IX., Henry III. Henry IV., and Louis XIII., from 1571 to 1625; published from the original manuscripts in the possession of the prince of Montmorency-Robecq, and the marquis de Mornay; to which will be prefixed, Memoirs of her husband, written by Madame de Mornay, for the instruction of her son. By P. R. Augius and A. D. de la Fontenelle. In 15 vols. 8vo. This edition will contain the matter suppressed in the four volumes of the original publication, besides a great number of unpublished letters from . Henry IV., Queen Elizabeth of England, the Prince and Princess of Nassau, &c. &c. The work will be published by subscription, and will be brought out two volumes at a time. A Sketch of the System of Education at New Lanark, by Robert Dale Owen, is in the press, and will appear in a few days. Messrs J. P. Neale and J. Le Keux intend publishing the First Number of their Original Views of the Collegiate and Parochial Churches of Great Britain, ou the 1st of February, 1824. In the press, and shortly will be published, in 8vo. The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures asserted, and Infidel Objections shewn to be unfounded, by new and conclusive evidence. In six lectures now delivering at Albion Hall, London Wall. By the Rev. S. Noble. In the press, Sacred Tactics, an attempt to develop, and to exhibit to the eye by tabular arrangements, a general rule of composition prevailing in the Holy Scriptures. By the Rev. Thomas Boys, A. M. The Rev. Greville Ewing has in the press, a second edition of his Essay on Baptism, considerably enlarged. Preparing for publication, in 12mo. Poptism not Baptism, and Washing not Burial, in Reply to Mr. Ewing's Essay on Baptism; containing an address to the numerous members of pœdobaptist churches who hold antipodobaptist sentiments. By F. A. Cox, A. M. In the press, a second edition of Sabbaths at Home. By Henry March. In the press, a Present for a Sunday School, adapted for the Capacities of little children. By a Minister of the Established Church. A new edition of Mr. Alaric A. Watts's Poetical Sketches, with illustrations, is preparing for publication, which will inelude Gertrude de Balm, and other additional poems. Preparing for publication, a Practical Guide to English Composition; or, a comprehensive system of English grammar, criticism, and logic; arranged and illustrated upon a new and improved plan; containing apposite principles, rules, and examples, for writing correctly and elegantly on every subject; adapted to the use of schools and of Private Students. By the Rev. Peter Smith, A. M. In the press, and to appear early in the new year, Tales and Sketches of the West of Scotland. By Christopher Keelivine. To include a Sketch of Changes which have occurred during the last half century in that part of Scotland. George Phillips is printing a Compendium of Algebra, with Notes and Demonstrations shewing the Reason of every rule, designed for the use of schools, and those persons who have not the advantage of a preceptor; the whole arranged on a plan calculated to abridge the labour of the master, and facilitate the improvement of the pupil. In the press, a Discourse on Prayer, explaining its nature, enforcing its importance, and unfolding the advantages which flow from it. By the Rev. John Thornton. Early in January will be published, in 1 vol. 8vo, a Narrative of a Journey from La Guayra to Bagota, and thence to Santa Martha, performed between February and July, 1823. In the press, Aureus, or the Adventures of a Sovereign, written by himself. In 2 vols. 12mo. On the 1st of February, 1824, will be published, the first part (to be continued quarterly, in parts) of the Animal Kingdom, as arranged conformably with its organization, by the Baron ART. XIV. LIST OF WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. EDUCATION. Scholastic Education; or a synopsis of the studies recommended to employ the time and engage the attention of youth; a suggestion of the most efficient methods of tuition; and a notice of the authors which may be advantageously used in a Scholastic Course By John Shoveller, LL. D. 8vo. 5s. 6d. MISCELLANEOUS. The Lady of the Manor. By Mrs. Sherwood. 7s. [Vol. II. is in the press.] The History of George Desmond. Founded on Facts which occurred in the East Indies, and now published as a useful caution to Young Men going out to that country. post 8vo. 78. Eugenia; or, the Dangers of the World. By Miss More, Author of "The Welsh Cottage," &c. 4s. The History of Little Lacy and her Dhaye. By Mrs. Sherwood. 2s. 6d. Sophia; or, the Source and Benefit of Affliction. By the Author of "Mar'garet Whyte," &c. 2s. 6d. The Spy-glass; or, Truths brought Home to the Mind's Eye. 2s. 6d. Pere La Chaise. By Mrs. Sherwood. 2s. The lofant's Grave. By Mrs. Sherwood. 1s. 6d. Choice Pleasures for Youth in a -series of Letters from a Father to his Son. 12mo. 4s. POETRY. The Star in the East, and other » Poems. By Josiah Conder. 12mo. 6s. brated Zoologist will be translated in this undertaking: but the additions will be so considerable, as to give it the character of an original work. THEOLOGY. The Doctrines of General Redemption, as held by the Church of England and by the early Dutch Arminians, exhibited in their scriptural evidence, and in their connection with the civil and religious liberties of mankind. By Jas, Nichols. In 1 vol. 8vo. 16s. A Dictionary of all Religions, and Religious Denominations, Antient and Modern, Jewish, Pagan, Mahometan, or Christian also of Ecclesiastical History. To which are prefixed,-I. Au Essay on Truth, the Causes of Error, &c. by the late Rev. Andrew Fuller.II. On the State of the World at Christ's Appearance, by Mrs. Hannah Adams, original editor of the work. And to which are appended, a Sketch of Missionary Geography; with practical reflections on the whole. By T. Williams. The third London edition, with the improvements of the fourth American edition, and many new articles and corrections throughout. 10s. 6d. The Works of Dr. John Owen. Vols. VII. and VIII. 12s. each. A new edition of Saurin's Sermons, translated by the Rev. R. Robinson, Henry Hunter, D.D. aud Joseph Sutcliffe. With additional Sermons now first translated. Edited by the Rev. S. Burder, M.A. 6 vols. 8vo. 31. 3s. The Anti-Swedenborg. 12mo. 2s. 6d. Lectures iliustrative of the Pilgrim's Progress. By the Rev. D. Warr. 8vo. 8s. THE ECLECTIC REVIEW, FOR FEBRUARY, 1824. Art. I. 1. View of the past and present state of the Island of Jamaica; with Remarks on the Moral and Physical Condition of the Slaves, and on the Abolition of Slavery in the Colonies. By J. Stewart, late of Jamaica. 8vo. pp. 374. Price 10s. 6d. Edinburgh, 1823. 2. A Letter to M. Jean Baptiste Say, on the Comparative Expense of Free and Slave Labour. By Adam Hodgson. 8vo. Second Edition. pp. 60. Liverpool, 1823. 3. Substance of the Debate in the House of Commons on the 15th of May 1823, on a Motion for the Mitigation and gradual Abolition of Slavery throughout the British Dominions. With a Preface and Appendixes containing Facts and Reasonings illustrative of Colonial Bondage. 8vo. pp. xl., 248. London, 1823. 4. The Jamaica Planter's Guide; or a System for planting and managing a Sugar Estate and other Plantations in that Island, and throughout the British West Indies in general. Illustrated with interesting Anecdotes. By Thomas Roughley, nearly twenty Years a Sugar-planter in Jamaica. 8vo. pp. 420. London, 1823. 5. Thoughts on the Necessity of improving the Condition of the Slaves in the British Colonies, with a View to their ultimate Emancipation; and on the Practicability, the Safety, and the Advantages of the latter Measure. By T. Clarkson, Esq. Third Edition, corrected. 8vo. pp. 58. London, 1823. EV VERY friend to the cause of humanity must have exulted in the result of the memorable debate on Mr. Buxton's motion on the 15th of last May; when his Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs was himself the mover of Resolutions which recognised the necessity of immediate measures for meliorating the condition of the slave population of our Colonies, with a view to their eventual participation in those civil ' rights and privileges which are enjoyed by other classes of 'his Majesty's subjects.' If Parliamentary Resolutions could secure the effectuation of their object, little would remain for VOL XXI. N.S. |