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accuse their opponents with having departed from the true faith, and these in their turn retort on their accusers with fulminating their dogmas, that are at once unsupported by the authority of scripture, and hostile to common sense.

From this general outline of the narrative there are many digressions, in which we perceive faithful delineations of fashionable characters,-of the contrivances adopted by servants to prejudice the infant mind against its best friends,—of the fascinating artifices of governesses and schoolmasters to infuse moral poison into the youth-old ful heart, and of the flowery snares which, in riper years, are scattered in the paths of innocence, to seduce the unwary into temptation. These and many others are sketched in the volume before us with an able hand. Modern politeness, and modish gentility, are copies of real life, but the cloven foot of their concomitants is too obvious to be misunderstood.

Whether the names of Selby and Grove are real or fictitious, it is useless to inquire. The characters which they sustain may be found in every large town, and also throughout the country, so that the reader has only to exchange a few letters, to give to this work that extended application which its writer designed. In the narrative itself, and in all the episodes to which it has given birth, the insufficiency of grandeur and worldly prosperity to confer real happiness, is invariably placed in sight; while, on the contrary, we learn that "godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that

which is to come."

REVIEW.-Letter from Robert Haldane, Esq. to M. J. J. Cheneviere, Pastor, and Professor of Divinity at Geneva. 12mo. pp. 161. London. Hatchard and Son. 1824.

THEOLOGICAL Controversies rarely do much good, and yet there are times when they cannot be avoided. Too frequently they call forth the unhallowed passions of human nature, and prepare a sepulchre for the mild and amiable affections which are the brightest ornaments of the Christian character.

Geneva has long been the seat of some unhappy contests, respecting the doctrines which once distinguished this cradle of the Reformation; and to the fierce contention, both parties have brought into the field of combat a ferocious spirit, which Christianity totally disowns. The orthodox party

The volume before us espouses the orthodoxy, and, throughout the whole, it exhibits little more than a string of antiquated Calvinistic dogmas, which have long wearied the Christian world. The only thing new, is the manner in which the dishes are served up, but there is certainly no want of pepper or acids. The author states to his opponent the manner in which he instructed the students who came to him for advice; in doing which he conducts us through all the labyrinths of the disputed points, accompanied with all the sophistry and subterfuge of the old school, without the palliatives which are indebted for their recommendations to modern refinement.

Viewing this work as the infallible standard of orthodoxy in Geneva, we find but little occasion to wonder at the innovations of which the author complains. The day is gone by when audiences were compelled to swallow without examination all the nostrums which spiritual physicians thought proper to administer, and we hope they will never again return. The mind, for a season, may remain torpid under the effects of a powerful opiate, but in this state it cannot be always kept imprisoned. The fumes of the soporific drench will in time lose their energy, the victim will awake from its lethargic slumbers, and quit the regions of delusion with disgust.

There is, however, an unhappy propensity in the human mind to run into opposite extremes. In every age this has been observable. The fooleries and impositions of popery generated infidelity in France; and in Geneva, those who dared to think for themselves, ashamed of the gloomy system that had enthralled their understandings, turned their backs on old Calvinism, and instead of seeking an abode in a milder region, retired into the territories of Socinianism, as being farthest removed from that which they endeavoured to avoid.. In this frigid climate many of them have taken up their abode, and we do not think that the letter of Mr. Haldane, should it

convince them of their error, is calcu- | fore us, as we have been induced to

lated to induce them to return, and embrace his creed.

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REVIEW. Bunyan Explained to
Child, being Pictures and Poems
founded upon the Pilgrim's Progress.
Part II. By the Rev. Isaac Taylor,
Ongar. 12mo.
pp. 96. London.
Westley. 1825.

In the 70th number of the Imperial
Magazine, we published a review of
the first part of this work; and the re-
marks which we then made on that,
are applicable to this, making due al-
lowance for the variations that occur
in characters and circumstances. Of
Bunyan's Pilgrim we shall say no-
thing. It is too ponderous in sterling
worth either to be elevated by praise,
or to be depressed by the most point-
ed animadversions.

From this work such scenes have been selected, as were suited to the graphic art. These, Mr. Taylor has embellished with fifty copper-plate engravings, which are finished in a neat style, both in design and execution. The print and paper are excellent, and so far as we have made our observations, the work does no dishonour to the author's celebrated name. The description which accompanies each engraving is short, but perspicuous, and it may easily be committed to the youthful memory. Each subject is also versified in simple language, which embodies sacred truth without the aid of foreign ornament: connected together, they are two neatly finished volumes, well suited for presents to the younger branches of families, and for reward books to children in Sunday-schools or other seminaries, in which diligence and good behaviour are remembered with some token of remuneration. We consider " Bunyan Explained to a Child" to be a valuable acquisition to our juvenile libraries.

give prior attention to "The Sailor and his Bible," in consequence of the pleasing emotions excited in our minds by the name it bears.

At a village in Warwickshire, where a few pious individuals were accustomed to assemble early on the Sabbath day, for prayer, as they of were returning homeward, one them descried a poor sailor sitting near the door outside the chapel, seemingly prepared to engage in the devotions of the sanctuary. The worthy people who had been worshipping within, looked upon him as they passcd, but none bade the houseless stran

ger

"God speed." Like the priest and the Levite, they went their way, none staying to comfort the forlorn and wearied traveller. One of them, however, had not gone far before she thought of Him whose disciple she professed herself to be. Would he have passed on thus heedless of the destitute? He who spent his life in doing good? No. Retracing her steps, therefore, she approached the stranger, and found him intently occupied in perusing his Bible. The sailor perceiving he had been observed, said, that that book was all his comfort-that the promises recorded there cheered his spirits-that he believed, and rejoiced in hope-a hope very different from what he had formerly cherished.

"His affectionate interrogator now asked replied, that he had slept in a field under a baywhere he had slept the preceding night. He stack. He did not seem to consider this to have been a hardship, but rather rejoiced in having found such a bed of repose."

This Christian female, who felt more than an ordinary interest in the welfare of the houseless, friendless sailor, invited him home to partake of the hospitality of her family, which he with gratitude accepted; and having passed the day, and suitable accommodation being provided him for the night, it was no wonder that so kind a benefactress should be anxious to obREVIEW.-The Sailor and his Bible, tain some little knowledge of his his18mo. London. Westley. 1824. tory, which she ventured to solicit; Ir has been observed by a celebrated but our limits preventing us from givwriter, that the reading of a working his history in detail, we must be depends in a great measure upon the content with following the outline of taste of the author in selecting a title what he communicated. for his production, which shall be interesting and striking. The force of this remark is verified in the case be

At twelve years of age he left America, his native country, to encounter the adversities of a scaman's life, re

gardless of a father's sighs or a mother's tears. Engaged in several conflicts, and exposed to many storms, he advanced from youth to maturity without receiving any bodily harm. But his ship was at length overtaken by a dreadful tempest, and, with the exception of himself, every one on board perished.

The vessel being reduced to a mere wreck, and going fast to pieces, he had no alternative but to perish in ber, or, trusting to Providence, to commit himself on the surface of the remorseless deep.

"He cast bis view over the wide expanse; not a sail appeared, all was one dreary waste of waters; but life was precious; even in this state of wretchedness, it was precious. He was a good swimmer, and he determined to trust to his strength and skill. Ah! my God!' he exclaimed, when he came to this part of his history, ah! my God! if thou hadst not in mercy upheld me, how little would my strength

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and skill have availed! but,' said he, 'the same power that supported Peter protected me.'

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Finding that he must leave the sinking vessel, he put as much money in the pockets He had likewise a of his jacket as he could. treasure, which, though he was ignorant of its real worth, he yet prized, as having once belonged to his mother. It was a Bible. When he left home, at twelve years of age, he determined to take with him something that should be a memento of her. He had, as he said, no love for the book, and but little knowledge of its contents; but it was his mother's.

"Our sailor, in all his wanderings, had preserved this blessed volume, it was a small one, and he easily secured it within the bosom of his jacket.

"Having made this preparation for future contingencies, and finding that the wreck could no longer be a place of security, he committed himself to the waves, hoping to be able to swim to land; but, alas! land was very far off. He continued swimming a long time, but finding the treasure he had about him adding greatly to his fatigue, he cast away his Bible, which, notwithstanding his wish to preserve, he thought he could most readily dispense with. Yes!' said he, when recounting the circumstance, 'yes, I threw from me the word of God, I cast it into the waters, regretting it only because it had belonged to my mother, I knew it not as containing the "pearl of great price." But though I had thus far lightened myself, the money still weighed rather heavily; yet, being unwilling to part with it, I strained every nerve, and still continued swimming. After some time, and when I must have made a considerable way, I turned to see whether my Bible was yet in sight, though I could not suppose it possible, even from the distance, and imagined indeed that it had sunk in the waters, but, to my great surprise, I found it upborne upon a wave, and now close to my shoulder. My very heart thrilled with joy. I seized my precious book, and could not help crying out, O my Bible! so you would not leave me, though I cast you away well then,

come what will, you and I will never separate.' Gladly did I replace it in safety, and then emptied my pockets of their burden, throwing away the money, which being the greater part of it silver, was cumbersome as well as heavy.'

"Thus still upon the waves, his strength now failing, this shipwrecked mariner swam for his life, yet little chance there seemed of its being preserved; nature was getting exhausted, and hope was nearly gone. Not a sail appeared. The screaming sea-gulls dew over his head, now and then darting into the water in pursuit of their prey; these, and the wide spreading sea skirted by the blue horizon, were all that met bis fatigued vision. "At length be reached a rock, which raised its jutting head out of the water; upon this be scrambled, thankful to rest bis wearied limbs upon its cold and flinty bosom. A few crumbs of biscuit which he had in his pockets afforded him a scanty but welcome refreshment. His Bible, so wonderfully preserved, became, in such circumstances, still dearer to him; he carefully pressed out the water, and opening it, these words met his eye, and fixed his attention: Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and kindled but a little. ye perish from the way, when his wrath is Blessed are they that put their trust in him.' He stretched himself upon his rocky bed, sleep weighed down his eye-lids, and tired nature sunk to repose, but the words still seemed sounding in his ears. His situation was perilous in the extreme; his frame pinched with cold and hunger, and his tongue burning with parching thirst, he seemed even now to be visited with the anger which the scripture he had read threatened to the careless unbeliever. Like Jonah, in his distress he called upon the Lord, and the Lord heard him. He had often before called upon God for deliverance from danger, but he had never felt as now.

"A ship at length hove in sight, bound on her homeward voyage for Liverpool. A fresh breeze had sprung up, and she was going at a He had passed great rate through the water. two long days upon the rock, hunger was gnawing at his vitals, and he was suffering the He had scarcely pangs of raging thirst. strength to wave his signal of distress. Happily it was perceived. She lay to; a boat was sent off, and he was taken on board. Now rested and refreshed, he soon recruited his strength, and with a grateful heart poured forth bis thanksgivings to God, and renewed his vows ever to be the Lord's. This he did, not in his own strength, but earnestly praying that he might be enabled to pay that he had vowed.

"The voyage was long and tedious, and a considerable time passed in the midst of diffi culty and danger. At length he was landed at Liverpool, where he separated from his shipmates, who had returned to their friends and to their native country, but he was a stranger in a strange land. Yet though really thus friendless and destitute, he found that there existed a sort of freemasonry among children of God: the sign is understood, and the poor disciple is hailed as a brother. Thus be found it; his wants were relieved by the friends of Jesus, and some money was collect ed for him, that he might proceed on his jour London was the place of ney with comfort.

the

his destination; from that port he thought to ship himself for his native country.

We need say little more in commendation of this work; the quotations we have given will best bespeak its praise.

The work before us contains nine chapters, in which this momentous doctrine is examined in various lights and connexions; and the evidence adduced from the testimony of scripture, and the prevailing customs The class of society to which the among heathen nations, of offering sailor belongs, is one of the greatest sacrifices to their gods, establishes the usefulness; but, trained up too often fact, that the institution is of divine in habits of ignorance, indolence, and | origin, and that the mysteries connectdepravity, they were long considered ed with it can only be rendered exbeyond the pale of civilized society. plicable by the death of Christ. We But now the scene is changed. Chris- do not mean to intimate that Mr. tian philanthropists have stood nobly Mann has made a collection of new forward, to effect an amelioration in arguments, or that he has given to the moral and spiritual condition of them an attitude more commanding these brave and hardy, but abandon- than they had ever before assumed. ed men; and their labour has not The former, indeed, could scarcely be been in vain. expected, both piety and learning Nor are the beneficial effects con- having long since exhausted their infined to England alone: their influ- genuity; and the latter has been disence has extended to various parts played in nearly all the advantageous on the continent of Europe, where the forms that variety can afford. He Bethel flag is seen unfurled. We | has, however, contrived, in no small therefore hail with delight every effort degree, to detach the subject of the which may be made, however humble, atonement from some branches of exto advance these important objects. traneous matter, and to embody the combined armies of authority and argument into a phalanx, which will be found formidable, if not invulnerable.

REVIEW.-An Essay on the Atonement of Christ. By I.Mann. 12mo. pp. 264. It is, however, to be much regretted, London. Offor, Newgate-street. 1824. that a work thus far calculated for WITHIN the whole range of the Chris- general usefulness, should have its tian system, there is no doctrine more circulation impeded by the inferences important or more interesting than and dogmas which it carries in its this which the author professes to train. In our preceding number, col. investigate in the volume before us. 381, some theological essays of this The atonement, indeed, we consider author passed under our inspection. as the distinguishing peculiarity of But_remote as most of the subjects the Christian revelation. It consti- of those essays were from sectarian tutes the glory of the gospel, shews peculiarities, we frequently perceived how God can be just and the justifier the elbows of his creed lifting the cloak of him that believes in Jesus, furnishes under which they lay concealed, and the believer with a solid foundation struggling to get into sight. We for his faith, and gives him a passport do not wish for any man to abandon to a blissful immortality. Let this be his principles, but there are times and abolished, and we perceive but little seasons when, by pushing forward more in this renowned system, than some unimportant peculiarities, we what the morals of Seneca or of Epicte- retard the progress of that which we tus could supply. If the evidence from admit to be essential. In the work of scripture in favour of the atonement this author which we reviewed in the be insufficient to establish the fact, preceding number, between the Ark that on which our belief in supernatu- and Christ many striking resemblanral influence depends, must also be ces are pointed out, but we have our given up; nor can we perceive, on the fears that some of his readers will be ground of analogy, on what principle led to infer, that within the antitype, the immortality of the soul, or the as well as the type, some unclean certainty of rewards and punishments, beasts may occasionally find a shelter. can be retained. If the former can be From the intimations which that overthrown, the latter must be aban-work afforded, we were prepared for doned, and we are left without hope, a more unequivocal development of and almost without God, in the world. private sentiment in this, and our an

77.-VOL. VII.

ticipations have not been disappointed. The seventh chapter is on the "extent of the death of Christ." This we presume is a misnomer, the chapter itself assuring us, that it should have been on the limitation of the death of Christ." "What the state of the heathen may be, the author (prudently) stays not to inquire;" but he seems fully satisfied of this, that" our Lord cannot be supposed to have designed the salvation of any who are not actually saved. All whom the Redeemer died in the stead of, he must have designed to save; that is, he purposed or resolved to bring to glory all the objects of his favour."-p. 175. In this strain the author proceeds through out the chapter, repeating the old arguments, that from time to time have been advanced in support of his creed, but without taking the least notice of the objections to which his theory is liable, or of the numerous replies which every thing he has urged has received.

It is not our province to enter on a formal controversy with any author, but we feel no hesitation in risking the assertion, that, admitting the theory of Mr. Mann to be true, it follows as an inevitable consequence, that God is the primary author of all moral evil; nor has all the ingenuity of President Edwards or of Dr. Williams been able to rescue the system from this charge. Both of these master spirits have felt the weight of the objection, and have employed all their acuteness to remove it; but every impartial reader must perceive that they have laboured in vain.

Against the frightful monster, Antinomianism, Mr. Mann, with much earnestness and, we have no doubt, sincerity, lifts his voice; but we fear that he cannot detach it from the system which he advocates. The man is superior to his creed, and stops short when he comes in sight of the

of the doctrine of grace has given birth. This, at best, is but an apology, and as such it will be received; but the fact is immoveably fixed; and the utmost that inventive learning has ever yet done, except on the principles of Baxter, is, to cover up the monster, and conceal its deformity.

To such as think with Mr. Mann, this appendage of hypothesis will perhaps be deemed a valuable acquisition to his work, but to impartial readers we conceive it will be viewed in a very different light. The doctrine of the atonement can derive no advantage from being associated with either Calvinism or Arminianism; they are at best but artificial loads, which it is doomed occasionally to carry; or canisters tied up to it, the noise of which, though it may frighten the adverse party, will be in proportion to their emptiness.

REVIEW.-Harriet and her Scholars.

18mo.

Pp. 114. London. Seeley

and Son. 1824. WE have found in this little book nothing to blame, and not much to call for particular expressions of praise. Its obvious tendency is to point out the advantages of Sunday-schools, and to shew that where proper qualifications are joined to a willing mind, every one may be employed in doing something that is useful. Harriet Thompson was a young lady of this description, through whose endeavours the neighbours in the village, in which she came to reside, were greatly benefited. In her conduct we see an example which young teachers are instructed to copy. The narrative contains nothing peculiarly interesting, but it is interspersed with numerous reflections, that naturally arise from the subject under considèration.

precipice, halting before he reaches AN ESSAY ON THE FOLLY OF HASTY

his journey's end. If it be true, that a specific number, individually elected from eternity, shall be absolutely saved, and that the salvation of all besides is utterly impossible, neither future virtue nor vice can any way affect the final destiny of any human being. We are not ignorant, that many ingenious efforts have been made to repel this conclusion, to which it is contended, nothing but an abuse

JUDGMENT.

"Fronti nulla fides."-Juv. Sat. 2.

Judge not according to the appearance."
JOHN vii. 24.

WERE we to search into the golden
stores of antiquity, and select, with a
discriminating hand, sentences of wis-
dom, not one would be found, whose
sentiment has a more general applica-
tion, or whose moral or religious in-

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