solved all the relations of peace and amity, and extinguished all the charities of life, among those who profess to have received the same gospel, to believe in the same Saviour, and to expect the same heavenly inheritance! How hath this unhallowed fire been found burning, sometimes even in the very censers of the ministers of religion! and how hath it converted even the very sanctuary of God into a field of conflict, or a scene of desolation! Who can tell how often it hath sharpened the dagger of the assasin, and furbished the sword of persecution, while, amidst the rage of contending parties, every sentiment of humanity and religion hath been too often forgotten, and the world hath been filled with such violent and bloody deeds as have brought disgrace upon the Christian name!" We are much pleased with the regularity of thought, the intermixture of suitable quotations from or allusions to the sacred Scriptures (which constitute indeed the strength and beauty of any sermon) and the benevolent spirit which is discovered throughout the whole. A Sermon, preached at Braunton, Oct. THIS serious and sensible discourse is founded on Rev. xiv. 13; and closes with a tribute of respect to a pious young man, who, it appears, had served the Lord from an early period, and who finished a life of religion and usefulness at the age of twenty-five. LITERARY NOTICES. The We are happy to hear that Dr. Williams and Mr. Parsons, in prosecution of their extensive plan of republishing various important Theological Works, of which there are no uniform editions, intend to favour the public with a complete edition of the Works of President EDWARDS, of New England, to sucIceed their edition of Doddridge. spirit and tendency of Mr. Edwards's writings so perfectly accord with the title and object of our Magazine, that we should rejoice to aid their circulation. Of this eminent character it has been well said, "That he was one of the greatest divines of his age: he has had the applause and admiration of America, Britain, Holland, and Germany, for his piety and great judgment in divinity; and has been honoured, above most others, as the instrument of doing much good." We understand that the Presbyter of the Church of England is about publishing a Reply to all his Anti-Calvinistic Opponents. A volume of Sermons, by the late Rev. J. Glazebrook, will be shortly ready for the Subscribers.. An additional volume of the excellent Sermons of the late President Davies, of America, which have never before been printed, is in the press. A third edition of Mr. Lancaster's useful and ingenious tract on Education, is advertised to be published by subscription; and will be noticed by us immediately on its appearance. SELECT LIST OF RELIGIOUS A View of Religions: in three parts. Originally written by Mrs. Hannah Adams, in America. A new edition, corrected and enlarged; with an Essay on Truth, by A. Fuller. 12mo, 6s. A second volume of Anecdotes, Religious, Moral, and Entertaining. By the Rev. C. Buck. 3s. 6d. boards. The Christian Mirror: a series of original Essays in Prose and Verse; including Strictures on the Defects and Follies of Fashionable Professors. Statement, Address, and Remarks on the Counter-Statement, relative to a late Withdrawment; with a Postscript, by the Author of the Statement. Second edition, 35. 6. sewed (not rs. as advertised by mistake in our last.) The second edition of Dr. Williams's Sermon on Predestination, with Notes, corrected and enlarged. 8vo, 18. 6d. The Plant of Renown, by Dr. Hawker. gd. — Fine, 6d. PUBLICATIONS. Letters, occasioned by a recent Controversy between R. R. Esq. and the Rev. C. By J. C. jun. Second Edition, enlarged, Is. 6d. Abstract of God's gracious Dealings with several eminent Christians. By S. James, A. M. Second Edition, with additions, and a brief Account of the Author, by his Son, Is. James, ts. 6d. Some Passages in the Life and Death of John Earl of Rochester, written by Bishop Burnett; with his FuneralSermon. By Mr. Parsons. A new edition, royal 18ino, 2s. 6d. boards. The Life of the Rev. J. W. de la Flechere. Compiled from the Narrative of Mr. Westley, Mr. Gilpin's Not, and his own Letters. By J. Benson. 4s. boards. Alfred and Galba, or the History of Two Brothers. By the Author of Worlds Displayed. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. MISSIONARY SOCIETY.. THE Annual Meeting of this Society will be held in London on Wednesday, May the 8th, and the two following days. The following Ministers are already engaged to preach, viz. the Rev. Dr. WILLIAMS, of Rotherham; the Rev. Mr. SLATTERIE, of Chatham; and the Rev. Mr. NICOL, of the Scots' Church, Swallow Street, London. The Name of the Fourth Minister, with the Places and Times of Worship, in our next. Letters have been received from Dr. Taylor and Mr. Loveless, Missionaries, on their way to Surat, dated Madeira, January 22, 1805, when they were in good health. Letters have been received from New Holland, dated August, 1804, stating, that the articles sent thither by the Cato, and forwarded from thence by a South whaler, for the use of the Missionaries at Otaheite, have, after long delay, been relanded at New Holland, much damaged, the vessel not having proceeded to the island; by which means the Missionaries must have felt much inconvenience and disappointment. MISSION FROM THE EDINBURGH SOCIETY, to Karass, in Persia. LETTERS have been received from Mr. Brunton of a painful nature. Early last summer the plague broke out in Georgia, and spread in various directions. When the Missionaries heard of its appearance on the borders of the Kabardian country, they concluded, from the wandering genius of the inbabitants, that it would soon be brought near them. The Mahometans, from the abuse of the doctrine of Predestination, seldom go out of its way, or use any other precaution; but they took pains to conceal its approach: their friend Abdy, however, gave them all the information in his power. About the same time a war broke out between the Russians and Circassians; many of the former were murdered, and several Tartar villages were burnt. The Missionaries were under frequent alarms; and sometimes slept in their clothes, to be ready for flight in case of danger. They, therefore, thought it their duty to leave Karass for the present, and to remove to Georghivesk; which, after some difficulties, they were at leng. permitted to enter. The people of Karass expressed great cons ern at their going away; but the Missionaries assured them that they intended to return and live among them. When they entered their new habitation, they were filled with thankfulness to find themselves in a place of safely, and free from the alarms which had harrassed them. But, alas! Death entered their dwelling and deprived their of one of their most valuable members. Mrs. Paterson, whose constitution had been reduced by miscarriages,, and through eagerness to be useful to the Mission, not having taken sufficient care of herself, was very weak when she came to this place; and the fever and ague which prevailed, and which was more severe on persons who had been ailing before, seized her; and carried her off on the 3d of October. They were permitted to carry her corpse to Karass for interment, in their own bu rial-ground. The people of the village were much affected, and shed many tears. Her death was a great loss to the Mission. She was possessed of a superior understanding, and had an uncommon taleat for learning languages: she understood the Kabardian tongue better than any of the Missionaries; and had taken under her particular care two Circassian boys, whom she had ransomed. She bore her trouble with the greatest patience. Nothing like a murmur was heard from her lips. Her concern for the success of the Mission continued to the last :her love to her Saviour, and her zeal for the advancement of his kingdom, seemed to grow stronger as that event approached which was to remove her to his presence. She expressed the firmest reliance on his atoning blood, and died in the assurance of being happy with him for ever. Now, denbt not, she is before the throne of God, rejoicing with those who ha zarded their lives for the Lord Jesus," not regretting the hardships she endured in his service; but praising him that she was counted worthy to suffer for his sake. Mrs. Paterson was a sister of Mr. Brunton: she was engaged to Mr. Paterson before he left Scotland; and went out to him with Mr. Brunton, &c. from Edinburgh, in the summer of 1803. Mr. Paterson himself was not well; and Mr. Dickson was ill with a cough. The children, who had been ill, were recovered. The native boys were remarkably healthy they begin to know something of the principles of the gospel, and unite with pleasure in the family-worship. Mr. Brunton's children have made considerable progress in learning the Tartar and Circassian languages. Mr. Brunton has made some progress in translating the Scriptures into the Turkish language: he has finished the greatest part of St. Matthew. He regrets much the loss of Islamus, the Effendi, who had greatly assisted him, and who has been earried off by the plague, When he was dying, he sent his kind regard to Mr. Branton; but forbade him to come and visit him, lest he should catch the infection, The Missionaries much wish for the aid of a printer, as it is of great importance to have the Scriptures printed at their own settlement; and, before they are ready for the press, tracts might be printed in Arabic and Turkish, and distributed over the country. Much more might be done in this way for the conversion of the numerous Heathen and Mahomedans than by tmany Missionaries, We hope the Lord will incline some serious printers to offer themselves for this important and promising service! In addition to the above intelligence, the Directors have received a lotter from the Missionaries at Georghivesk, dated Nov. 1, 1804, Mr, Paterson was better, as also Mr, Dickson, Mr. Brunton was pretty well; but Mrs. Brunton poorly, The rest were in good health, except Mr, Cusine. The Missionaries earnestly wish for a welleducated surgeon, who would probably be of immense use to the inhabitants, who often perish for want of medical assistance. Mr. and Mrs. Hardie still remained at Karass; to which place all the Missionaries hope to return as soon as it seems prudent tɔ take that step. FRENCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Mr. Editor, A few months since I handed you for insertion, the translation of a curious article from the Journal des Debats, misrepresenting our Missionary Society, by falsely ascribing all our efforts for the conversion of the Heathen to political motives, and to the influence of our Government. The Editor of that Journal is the Abbe Geoffroy, a man well known in Paris for his violent zeal for Popery. The design of that article was evidently to recommend, if possible, the Catholic Missions to the attention of his Government. The following article bearing also the same complexion, I send it for insertion. While the Directors of our Missionary Institutions find it so difficult to procure a sufficient number of suitable Missionaries, it must excite a smile to see how easily 500 are created and distributed to all the four quarters of the globe in an instant. Having lately met with Sir William Jones's Opinion of Catholic Missionaries, and on the Bible, as the best Mode of propagating the Gospel in Hindostan, I subjoin it; and as he so fitly recommends a Version of the Scriptures in Persian and Sanscrit, I would, with all respect, submit that opinion to his noble biogra pher, Lord Teignmouth, the Presi dent, and the other Members of the New British and Foreign Bible Society. As you are frequently in the habit of gratifying your readers with the pleasing intelligence of the spread of the gospel at home, in the opening of new places of worship, they will doubtless be gratified to hear of the opening of a Second Protestant Church in the city of Rouen. The Speech of the Prefect on that occasion abounds with such admirable sentiments, that I hasten to send you the translation. Yours, &c. Extract from the Journal de Paris. "What was formerly only rumour, is now truth. Government is about to order the re-establishment of the use ful and respectable Missionary Institution in the Rue de Babylon, to prepare foreign Missionaries, We say useful with regard to commercial relations, which it can favour in a most eminent religion, to preach the dogmas and manner; and respectable with regard to morals of which it sends its members to the most savage, distant, and up healthy countries. We recollect, yet with tender emotion, the services rendered to humanity by Barthelemi de la Casa, by Xavier, by Vincent de Paul, by L'Ami Tachard, &c. The two superintendants talked of are the Abbes Fouche and Talleyrand. The number of Missionaries will be 500; of whom fifty are destined to the East Indies, 100 for China, the same number for Africa and America, and fifty for the islands of the South Sea, particularly Otaheite. The rest will be sent by Government, in compliance with the request of the Canadian Indians, to that part of North America." [Sir W. Jones's Opinion of Catholic Missionaries, &c. and the Speech of the Prefect, are unavoidably postponed.] AMERICA. A Letter from a preacher, sent out from some Societies in Scotland, gives no very favourable account of the state of true Christianity in the State of Vermont. He says, "The inhabitants are not unwilling to hear; but the num ́ber of preachers is so small, that a great majority of the people are destitute of public instruction. The ministers," he says, " read dry metaphysical sermons, in the style of Dr. Hopkins, whose system may be termed Calvinistic Quietism. There are many Arminian Baptist preachers, some of whom can scarcely read: they behave in a disorderly manner in their meetings, and are led away by enthusiasm, so that the ways of God are evil spoken of." A visit which the writer of this letter made to Canada, for two weeks, did not impress him with a more favourable opinion of the religious state of that province. Second Letter from a Roman Catholic Priest in Germany. You wish for some intelligence respecting the state of my congregation. Would that I could tell you, that they all believe in Him who is invisible, in Jesus Christ our Saviour, and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory! But, alas! I cannot give so pleasing an account; and yet the word is preach ed not without a blessing. "The Lord worketh, tho' he tarrieth long." It has reached some, who receive it with joy, and count it their greatest pleasure to hear the word of Christ. May the Lord, the heavenly love, preserve and establish them in all truth and love, till his coming! For the rest, here, and at all times, like every In where else where the gospel of Jesus Christ has been preached, it acts like a two-edged sword, which produces separation and war: to some it is foolishness, to others a stumbling-block. our church also many oppositions are raised against the pure word of God. I perceive in my hearers a great aver sion to the gospel and the spirit of Christianity, of quite an unevangelical nature, following the doctrines of Antichrist most decidedly, though under the cloke of religion, which frequently grieves me in my inmost soul. I have to encounter with many deep-rooted erroneous notions and customs, which hitherto have been held sacred by most of our clergy. Nevertheless, the Lord works powerfully in many; and though not a few cry out, "He and his doctrine are become Lutheran," yet there are others who reply, And were it even so, we, in our consciences, must consider it as the true word of God.' Many come out of mere curiosity to hear what new kind of doctrine that may be. Some believe, others scoff; but I hope in the Lord, and trust in his Almighty power, which is stroug in them that are weak, that he will conquer, and gain many for his Spirit. He has anew applied to my soul the glorious truths of his incomparable gospel as faithful sayings, worthy of all acceptation; so that I wish to know nothing else save Jesus Christ, and him crucified, who came into the world to save lost sinners, of whom I am the chief. Joyfully will I proclaim his name, unworthy as I am; for he is worthy to be believed and adored by all mankind! He is nigh to those who are of a contrite spirit: he pardoneth sinners, healeth their consciences, cleanseth and sanctifieth their souls: he imparteth his Holy Spirit to such as hunger and thirst after it; and who having, through grace, been brought to know their own insufficiency, are en abled to view him as he is. No case is too difficult for him: there is help for the vilest; he seeks and imparts to them all the blessings his kingdom can afford. My own experience must bear testimony to his goodness. Oh, the love unspeakable! You also have been visited from the Saviour with afflictions; but still, through grace, you were enabled to submit: he did not leave you, nor forsake you! Oh, that faithful Friend! What he promises he performs. May our hopes be fixed on him without wavering! Eternal thanks be rendered unto him for his preservation! May he support you to the end, and be your great reward! MISSIONARY COLLECTIONS. Rev. W. Jay and G. Burder, at Orange Street Chapel Rev. J. Lamb and Congregation, Upper Meeting, Westbury, Wilts 1. s. d. TO2 12 84 TE 5 5 HOME INTELLIGENCE. MAGDALEN ASYLUM AT EDINBURGH. THIS excellent Institution owed its From an Address to the Public in "The great objection to such an institution has been, that, however benevolent and pious the intention, the case is hopeless, and the persons whose benefit is designed are irreclaimable. The experience of this Society affords a most satisfactory confutation of the Their labours have been objection. more successful than the most sanguine friends of the institution could have In some cases they have imagined. failed; but uniform success could not be expected; and the instances of failure have been chiefly in the cases of those long habituated to a life of idleness and debauchery. The young, from whose minds all traces of early instruction had not been eradicated, who had not yet lost the last remains of modesty, nor become past feeling, have, in some cases, been recovered from the love of their vices; and, in not a few, gained over to true repentance and reformation. Out of ninety women received into the Asylum since its institution, only sixteen have been dismissed, and six have deserted the house; but even "The miserable creatures who infest course with them. |