tarian. He, however, in a subsequent publication, entitled, "Innocency with her open Face," rejected the Socinian construction which his opponents affixed to his former piece. His disusing the term person, provided he retained the idea conveyed by it, namely, that the distinction between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is more than nominal or official, ought not to subject him to the charge of Anti-Trinitarianism; but his objecting to it, as not used on the subject in Scripture, would seem to imply that we ought not to express what appears to us scriptural ideas in any other than scriptural terms: yet he himself did not contine kimself to those terms; nor was it possible he should. He says," The Father, Word, and Spirit, are of one nature, as well as will." Very good; but the term nature is no more applied to this subject in Scripture than the term person. The words of Scripture are to be preferred before all others," except in confessions of faith, where the meaning of those terms is the matter of dispute, and where the professed object is to declare in what sense we understand them." To confine ourselves to the words of Scripture, in this case, is to refuse to make any confession, farther than that we believe the Scriptures. The early Friends and the modera Unitarians, each plead for confessions of faith in the words of Scripture; yet it is observable, that both our author and Mr. Evans are fully aware that, so far as this is the case, the confession stands for nothing. Hence the latter, in order to prove the confessions of Barclay to be neutral, alleges that he used only the words of Scripture, without declaring the manner in which he understood them;" and the former, to prove that they were not neutral, very properly alleges, that he had used other words (p. 1, 2. See also p. 207 and 156, note.) There will be no endto controversy, if we refuse to define our terms. There may, indeed, be sub jects so much above our comprehen sion; that we must needs feel at a loss in forming clear and satisfactory ideas concerning them; and of course, if we speak of them, are in danger of “darkening counsel with words without knowledge." But where this is the case, it becomes us to end the dispute by ingenuously acknowledging, that though we believe such passages of Scripture to be true, yet that we do not at present understand their meaning. Remarks nearly similar might be made on Barclay, Fox, Glaridge, &c. whom our author vindicates in chap. iii and iv, against the allegations of Verax. They appear to have been of one mind. Barclay certainly believed in the proper deity of Christ; nor did he, as Mr. Evans, contrary to truth and evidence, asserted, and continues to assert he did, "use only the words of Scripture on the subject, without expressing the manner in which he understood them." [To be concluded in the Supplement.] To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine. [This Letter was received too late for insertion in its proper place. ↑ Sir, WE rejoice that it has pleased the Father of Lights and Fountain of Mercy, through the love he bears to his intelligent creatures, to open two grand sources of knowledge, REVELATION and SCIENCE, for their intellectual improvement and final happi ness. That his gracious designs may be accomplished, the means of useful and ornamental knowledge are placed within the reach even of the most illiterate, by the numerous works of benevolent and spicating men, who have wristed not for fame (though this they have ultimately secured) but from a since.e desire to diffuse useful knowledge among every class of the community. This, without hesitation, we ascribe to his kindness, who is "the Author of every good and perfect gift." We have also reason to rejoice, that, the means of religious knowledge the YrWolę owτngias, science of salvation, Luke i. 77.) are placed equally washin the reach of the great mass of the people, by a universal spread of the word of God through every part of the lauds It is well known, and with uniting the rays of their respective glories, in this reputable work, promise fair to pour out a flood of increasing day upon the people of this highly favoured land. Wishing well to this infant undertaking, my heart prays, May its goings forth be more and more luminous and extended, till it shall attain its meridian of light and heat; from which may it never expe perience any declination or shadow of turning! gratitude may it be acknowledged, that vast multitudes of Bibles are distributed gratis by different benevolent Societies: and that others are sold at such low prices, that the meanest peasant may provide himself and family, at a very trifling expence, with a complete copy of the whole revelation of God! It is an honour to our nation that the Bible is by far the cheapest publication in the land. To this manifestation of the divine goodness we may add, the incessant labours of many 1 rejoice, Sir, to find that this useregular Ministers and itinerant Evan- ful work is to be continued, especially gelists, who, in almost every part of as some suspicions had been circuthe land, are calling sinners to repent-lated that it would not maintain its ance, and building up believers on their most holy faith. sown tares. It would be very strange, Sir, seeing God has sown so much good seed in his field, if an enemy had not also This, indeed, has been done, and with considerable success.— Tares have been sown in the field of Science; and False Philosophy has usurped, on many occasions, the seat of Trae Wisdom, to the great annoy ance of public and domestic peace ;— Fale Theology also, has taken the place of Sound Divinity; and "the abomination that maketh desolate," has diffused either anxious doubt, or carnal security through the minds of the simple and unwary. Though this corruption of truth has had a wide spread, and men of no mean note in the Republic of Letters have not only countenanced, but propagated false opinions in Science, and heterodoxy in Religion, yet Truth is still unaltered, and librata ponderibus suis, maintains her ground against all opponents. As different periodical publications, especially Magazines and Literary Journals, had, in this country and on the Continent, recommended and disseminated pernicious principles in Science, and destructive doctrines in religion, it became highly necessary that the friends of unsophisticated learning and unadulterated Christianity should tep forth, stand between the living and the dead, and in the name of God and Truth, resist the incursions of the Alien artes; and by a similar mode of conveyance, spread the antidote where the poison had most prevailed. A noble and honourable attempt has been lately made to defend Religion and Literature against their pretended friends and open enemies, in a work entitled THE ECLECTIC REVIEW, in which sound learning and genuine Christianity have coalesced; and by ground; and that it is likely to come forth in the ensuing year with many improvements; and may we hope with increasing energy and effect! A work of this nature has been long a desideratum in this nation: - a Review established on the principles of Evangelical Religion, Sound Philosophy, and Classical Literature; in which justice is done to religious publications (the neglect of which past times have had much reason to deplore) and the various productions of Science are rendered subservient to the best interests of man. God forbid that such a work should ever lack encouragement, or that its supporters in the land should be few! I submit it to you, Sir, and your numerous readers, Whether it be not the duty of every friend to this Union of Religion and Literature, to recom mend the work to all sects and parties of the community? and to advisa parents and heads of families to introduce it into their respective houses, as a mean of directing the taste and guiding the religious principles of the rising generation? This, I apprehend, may be done with perfect safety, as the work at present wears the most promising aspect; and seems to be conducted by men who are impartial in their judgments, disinterested in their views, and sound in their theological principles. I am, Sir, yours, We heartily concur with Philalethes in his good wishes for the increasing success of a cork so much needed, so long desired, and so well calculated (considering its infant state) to accomplish the laudable purposes of its pious and benevolent projectors. It would be a lasting disgrace to the religious world if such a design should fail, for want of due support and encouragement, RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. OTAHEITE. DURING the past Month, an Official Letter from the Missionaries, dated December 5, 1804, has been received by the Directors; together with their Journal for two years preceding that date. The information, as stated in our last, communicated by private letters from Port Jackson, is fully confirmed; and the Missionaries are persisting in lefatigably in the instruction of the natives; but, we are sorry to repeat, with fiule encouragement. Their endeavours to catechize the children are truly laudable. An Extract from the Journal will, probably, form a future Number of the Missionary Transactions. The Society, considering themselves pledged to the Missionaries at Otaheite, to send out a medical man to join them, have, for two or three years past, been training up Mr. Gregory Warner, under able teachers, for that purpose. His medical studies being finished, he was solemnly designated to the work of a Missionary, in the usual manner, at Spa Fields Chapel, on Monday evening, October the 7th, a numerous congregation uniting in fervent supplication to the God of Heaven for his safe voyage and future success. - Upon application to the Secretary of State, leave was generously granted for his free passage in the Sinclair, a large ship sent by Government to Port Jackson, with Capt. Bligh, the newlyappointed Governor. This vessel has since sailed for the colony; from whence Mr. Warner will take, if the Lord permit, the first opportunity of proceeding to Otaheite. Mr. Kicherer's Voyage. FROM the Missionary Transactions, No. X1, just published, we select a few particulars of Mr. Kicherer's voyage, with the Hottentots, and several new Missionaries, from Holland to the Cape, assured that the favourable impressions made on the public mind, by the appearance of that valuable Missionary and the African Converts in London, will render their remarkable deliverance peculiarly interesting. Our worthy friends, having taken an affectionate leave of their dear connections in Holland, sailed from the Texel in the American ship Silenus, Oct. 21, 1304. On the 24th, a heavy gale blew from the S. W., all the day; which, towards evening, became exceedingly violent. About midnight there was a general consternation among the sailors, in consequence of seeing a light; for they perceived they were too near the shore, and in danger of being driven upon it. The captam, who had been very Jil. and confined to his cabin, immediately went upon deck, and took the direction of the vessel. In about half an hour after, another light was perceived on the other side of the ship:the confusion and distress was doubled, as they were between the Isles of Scilly and the Lizard Point of Cornwall. Mr. Kicherer was desired by the captain to communicate to his companions their imminent danger. ile performed the melancholy task; and added, "My dear brethren, wo have, at all events, a Saviour, who is all-sufficient, living and dying: in the utmost danger we shall experience his all-sufficiency!” The brethren were alarmed, yet composed. They gave themselves up to the Lord's disposal, intreating him to save their lives, or else to receive them into the arms of his mercy; and, tho the confusion of the ship was great, they united together in prayer. The vessel," to use their own words in the Journal," was now cổ:ried down into the abyss, authen raised up aguia towards Heaven, by the wares, which often broke upon the deck. It was everywhere dreadful! —-O how terrible was the darkness of the night, the roaring of the waves, and the howling of the storm! Our ship resembled a honse plundered by thieves: every thing frangible was broken to pieces, and every thing moveable turned upside down. We kneeled down a second time and prayed. We all agreed to sit down on the floor, even those who were very ill, that we might die in each other's arms. What a dreadful spectacle was it, to behold the terrified mothers bringing their children in their arms to the spat, now looking at their children, then at their husbands, then again at their friends, and then towards Heaven, praying for protection! Mr. Kicherer had the child of Mrs. Vos in his lap: Mary sat near him, and appeared very composed. Each blow of the waves (violent beyond description) was expected to be the last: the vessel seemed, every moment, as if it were going into a thousand pieces! We were now sitting under the sentence of Death, every moment expecting the execution of it. The captain sent down very frequently to ask the hour, – dently did he long for day-break. We prayed the third time to Him who alone was able to save us. At length, about six in the morning, the wind shifted, and became a little more moderate; and the hope which we began to entertain was visible in every countenance. -so ar "How wonderful are the works of the Almighty! Who does not see that it was the Lord alone who saved us? Dear brethren and sisters, assist us in praising the Lord for his goodness. We cannot do it as we ought; but we have resolved, anually, to keep this day for solemn thanksgiving; and wish our dear brethren in Helland to do the same." The worship of God, morning and evening, was constantly kept up among themselves, in reading, prayer, singing, and exhortation; and on the 9th of November, when they obtained berter weather, divine service was performed before the whole crew. This contigued, at proper seasons, throughput the voyage; and there is reason to hope, that the labours of Mr. Kicherer and the brethieu were not in vain. On the 15th of Novender they ar rived at Madeira, and went on shore. Here they obtained suitable refreshments; and proceydet, on the 15th, on their voyage. On Christmas Day (when about the latitude of 13° 38′ the weather being very warm) they celebrated the birth of Immanuel in a very pleasing and edifying mauper. New Year's Day was also spent in a truly religious manner. The ship's crew seemed much pleased with their devotions, were uncommonly friendly, and spent their time with becoming cheerfulness. On the 19th of January, about nine o'clock in the morning, they discerned, with great joy, the Cape mountains; and sang, with hearts much impressed, the thirtieth psalm. An officer from the shore came on board, to ascertain the state of their health; and finding all well, they obtained permission to go on shore. All were landed by half past three in the afternoon. "It is impossible," say they, "to express what we felt when we set our feet on shore. We embraced each other for joy; and had it not been for the people about us, we should have kneeled down to give utterance to our hearts in the acknowledgment of gratitude to our dear and praiseworthy Deliverer, who guarded and protected us, who comforted us when we mourned, strengthened us when weak, healed us when sick, and granted us life when in the midst of death; yea, to be brief, for words cannot express the sensations of our hearts, through his mercy, we are come hither safe and well; and are received here with open arms and joyful hearts by many dear brethren and sisters. "The next day, being Sunday, we went together to the house of God.— O how pleasant to go up with the blessed host of God into his house, to give thanks, and to exalt his holy name!" Shortly after their arrival, Mr. Kichcrer took a journey to Zak River, to visit his flock; who received him with joy. We understand, he found their state better than he could have expert; ed; but the particulars have not yet come to hand. Mr. Kicherer then res turned to the Cape'; where, we hear, he married a lady, the widow of an officer, who had been dead three or four years. With her, we doubt not, he soon after proveeded to Zak River with the Hottentots, &c.; and, we hope, is diligently employed in the duties of his Mission, witty the assiste ance of the new labourers from HolLaud. DISTRESS IN GERMANY!! Copies of Letters relative to the Sufferings of the People in Germany. Savoy, Strand, Nov. 21, 1805. My dear Friends, PERMIT me to send you the inclosed letters, and respectfully to request the favour of your communicating their contents to any of your friends. They contain some facts, which will afford an dditional proof to your readers of the indescribable mass of human misery which at present overwhelms my poor afflicted na ive country. They will an loubiedly excite in the breasts of British Christians, feelings of unfeigned gratitude for the wonderful protection they have hitherto experienced, and the uninterrupted enjoyment of those inestimable privileges, both civil and religious, by which your long-favoured island is so eminently distinguished. But they will also occasion feelings of the truest commiseration towards the sufferings of their continental brethren, and inspire the sympathizing hearts of British Christians with a sacred flame of fervent prayer and supplication in behalf of their German fellow-Christians, who but lately, when England was threatened with invasion, so often tereeded for them at a Throne of Grace in their behalf; and perhaps prompt some of your benevolent Friends to afford the sufferers relief in their present distress. I am, with equal respect, in CH. T. A. STEINKOPFF, To Messrs. Hardcastle and Reyner, city in several parts of Saxony, Lan satia, Silesia, Bohemia, Austria, and other neighbouring provinces, that many baked bran for bread, and used grass for vegetables; some people even went to those places where dead horses were thrown, and fed upon their flesh! Now, in addition to the usual population of the country, there are 150,000 men coming froin the west, and more than 100,000 from the east, who must also be fed; and in the northern parts the harvest has again been very scanty. My very heart bleeds at the sight of this universal distress. Oh that some relief might be afforded us ! and, perhaps, our hopes of receiving some assistance from England may not be disappointed, as it will be universally acknowledged that we suffer, in order to avert the storm from them. Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Germany, dated Nuremberg, Oct. 19, 1805. THE Lord our God gives victory to whom he pleases; therefore, let us not murmur, but let us leave our cause to Him. O, may England in particular, do so at the present time! May all the people of that country, with mercy so much and so long blessed, open their eyes to see that it is high time to seek the Lord; and to humble themselves before Him, who alone can and will protect 'hem, if they come but in the right manner to Him! The French troops are victorious. They have made a very great number of the retreating Austrians prisoners; and the situation of this poor people is very, is exceedingly calamitous. Inave been an eye-witness to many scenes of misery; and, therefore, my communication on this subject may be believed. I do not not know what to say to all this; but I know well what to hope of God our Lord: and, "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg of the children of God in England, to remember their suffering brethrea in Germany," particularly those who stand as shepherds of the Lord's flock, the situation of some of whom is truly deplorable. The dear children are safe in the country of Saxony; and if any thing should happen there, I shall me hately take them to some place where they may be secure. The Lord bless you, and all the dear children of God! I add to more. Pray! pray! + The writer has the care of some children, to whose parents, in London, this Letter is addressed. |