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that you will not be affronted by the mistake (if it is one,) on the address of this letter. One who has so well explained, and deeply felt, the doctrines of religion, will excuse the error which led me to believe him its minister."

The Progress of Dissent, containing Observations on the remarkable and amusing Passages of that Article in the Sixty-first Number of the Quarterly Review. Addressed to the Editor, by a Nonconformist. Pp. 139. Holds

worth.

But, unfortunately for the Reviewer and his sect, it has happened, in this instance, as on all similar occasions, extravagance and misrepresentation have more than neutralized the effort, and called forth the pungent animadversions contained in the sensible publication we thus introduce, and earnestly recommend to the attentive and individual perusal of all our readers. Our author pursues the Reviewer through the whole line of his argument, demolishing it as he proceeds; nor will he then suffer him to escape, until, to the mortification of himself and his

critical club," his palpable and flabeen submitted to the gaze of merited grant philological delinquencies have

exposure.

phlet is too continuous to admit of anaThe plan of this well-written pamlysis, but the writer's manner will appear from what follows:

DIRECT attacks on nonconformity have, of late, seldom been attempted. Sagacious defenders of the established church, duly aware that the cause such efforts have been intended to prejudice they have invariably promoted; by exciting an increased spirit of inquiry, which has ultimately led to a development of facts and principles that no 'true son of the church can desire to << This, Mr. Editor, is a slight sketch have exposed. Except, therefore, some of the principles on which we rest our officious and inconsiderate adventurer cause. I acknowledge that I look on has rushed forward, obtruding his im- them with calmness and confidence. I potent fulminations, dissent has been challenge you to a candid and manly expermitted to remain in the calm survey amination of them; and I promise that if of the triumph of conviction, and to you, or the best man of your critical club, observe its steady, unassuming, and in- will fairly try them by any legitimate evitable progress, even amidst the immode of argument, and demonstrate their plied disparagements of fulsome, loud, and reiterated laudings of "our most excellent church," and the multiplying attractions of ecclesiastical architecture and episcopal consecrations.

Evidently alarmed, however, by the numerous and unequivocal symptoms of the growing influence of the principles of nonconformity; not less obvious in the prevalence of impartial inquiry than in the frequency of conscientious and practical decision, extending itself not merely to those who never took up their abode within the pale of the establishment, but even to those who have been nurtured obsequiously to submit to its forms, and to subscribe

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least, am not a dissenter, because my fafallacy, then I will be a churchman. I, at ther was one; nor because I am smitten with its temporal honours and rewards; nor because I find any satisfaction in differing from my brethren of mankind, I desire to know the truth, and, knowing it, to embrace it, cost what it may. If Ďissent is only the nursling of political discontent, the sophism of a weak-headed enthusiast, the unwholesome gangrene of the benevolent affections-then let it perish! But if it is the child of truth, of piety, beware lest, in resisting it, you and the parent of liberty, and the friend may, haply, fight against God!" p. 114.

We cannot conclude this article, without expressing our surprise, and indeed, our regret, that the able author of these " Observations," should have omitted to notice the contemptible artifice, and extreme meanness, of which the Reviewer has been guilty, in the heading of his remarks. The readers of the Quarterly must be admonished of the "progress of Dissent," and, for this purpose, it became expedient to announce the publication of the Pro

testant Dissenter's Catechism-alarm- to vigorous exertion in the work of

ing enough certainly; but who can calculate on the dismay which might have been excited, had the whole truth been revealed, namely, that the edition thus announced is the EIGHTEENTH! This fact, however, the Reviewer, probably deeply learned in the convenient science of mental reservation, disingenuously conceals. And, then, with no conceivable purpose but that of accompanying this artful suppression with gross insult, he omits the literary title of the well-known and universally esteemed Editor. Perhaps the whole annals of criticism will scarcely supply another instance of such low cunning, and incipient malice. Such a dereliction of honourable feeling amounts to an entire sacrifice of every respectful consideration, exposes the writer to universal indignation, and wholly disqualifies him for re-admission to public confidence.

The Christian Ministry; or, Excitement and Direction in Ministerial Duties; extracted from various Authors. By William Innes, Minister of the Gospel at Edinburgh. 12mo. Pp. 358. 8s. Nisbett, and Westley, London.

It was not affectation, but the feeling of his heart, when Paul, contemplating the work of the Christian ministry, exclaimed, "Who is sufficient for these things?" The energies of his gigantic mind, and the ardour of his seraphic spirit, would have sunk under the weight of "the burden of the Lord," and have been more than exhausted in performing the numerous and infinitely-interesting duties of his ministerial labours, had he not recollected and acted constantly under the all-supporting truth:-" But our sufficiency is of God!"

The duties connected with the ministerial calling; and, notwithstanding, too, devolving upon men, in some instances, almost inconceivably inferior, are to be performed now, as then, by the inspired Paul. In addition, also, totheir mental incapacity, there are many of them who have very few books, from which to derive information, and which might conduce to their improvement in useful knowledge, or as incentives

God. The writer, then, who supplies ministers, and especially poor ministers, with a book, unexceptionable in those respects, and at a trifling expense, deserves well from the Christian Commonwealth, and is entitled to the thanks of all his brethren.

Such a book Mr. Innes has furnished. It is not indeed wholly original; but no one who reads the" Appendix," which contains a charge delivered by himself at the ordination of a minister, (though he modestly hides his name,) will, for a moment, doubt, but what he could have furnished such a work, had he been so disposed: as that part of it is not inferior in general interest to the other parts of the volume.

When we inform our ministering brethren, that the extracts are from the pens of the following eminent ministers, it will be sufficient to secure their attention :-Rev. Richard Baxter, Dr. Isaac Watts, Joseph Alleine, Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Erskine, Henry Martyn, David Brainerd, Richard Cecil, and Robert Hall!

If the writer of this recommendation were at liberty to quote the opinion of the venerable Rev. Dr. Ryland, in a letter to him, respecting this publication: his brethren would discover, that the pungent remarks of that worthy tutor, are much stronger than any thing which he has said in its praise. It would be well if a small fund were raised among the rich and benevolent, for the purpose of bestowing a copy of this work on any respectable minister who applied for it: his application behis inability to purchase it, and of bis ing considered a sufficient pledge of determination to improve himself by a frequent and diligent perusal of it.

Memoirs of Joseph Freeston, late Pastor of the General Baptist Church, Hinckley. Written by himself; with Extracts from his Letters; with a Preface by the Rev. Robert Hall, A. M. Edited by John Gregory Pike. Printed for the Benefit of Mr. Freeston's Widow. Pp. 305. Holdsworth.

"Of all the species of literary com position," says Mr. Hall in his admira

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per

ble preface to these Memoirs, haps biography is the most delightful. The attention concentrated on one individual, gives a unity to the materials of which it is composed, which is wanting in general history. The train of incidents through which it conducts the reader, suggests to his imagination a multitude of analogies and comparisons; and, while he is following the course of events which mark the life of him who is the subject of the narrative, he is insensibly compelled to take a retrospect of his own. In no other species of writing are we permitted to scrutinize the character so exactly, or to form so just and accurate an estimate of the excellencies and defects, the lights and shades, the blemishes and beauties of an individual mind."

Mr. Freeston appears to have been an eminently pious and useful minister among the General Baptists. He was born at Grimston in Leicestershire, February 12, 1763, and entered on his ministry at Wisbeach, in the spring of 1784, where he continued fifteen years. In the summer of 1799 he removed to Hinckley, where he closed his labours and ascended to his reward, November 30, 1819. "His remains were interred in the General Baptist burying ground, at Hinckley." the evening of the funeral, "the Rev. R. Hall, of Leicester, preached his funeral sermon, to an overflowing and deeply-affected congregation, from

Matthew xxv. 21."

On

The former part of this volume was prepared by Mr. Freeston at the request of his children, but the greater part is compiled from his diary and epistolary correspondence. He was, also, the author of several pious and sensible pamphlets, which appear to have obtained favourable acceptance, and pretty extensive circulation. In looking through this work we have regretted to observe many typographical inaccuracies; the adjustment of which we must leave between the printer and the editor; but, upon the whole, we feel persuaded it will approve itself to the most seriously disposed, and especially to those who are occupied in the work of the Christian ministry.

Procrastination; or,

the Vicar's Daugh

ter. A Tale. Pp. 236. Burton and Smith.

NOTWITHSTANDING certain difficulties, we more or less feel whenever a book called, "A Tale," solicits our critical verdict; and, notwithstanding we have not been altogether insensible to the influence of these difficulties in perusing the work now in question, we cannot refuse to acknowledge that we have derived considerable pleasure from the perusal of this little interesting volume. It is both designed and adapted for juvenile readers, to whose especial protection we consign it: but in tracing the progress of the heroine of the tale, we earnestly hope they will be preserved from her principal and alarming de fect-indecision on that subject, compared with which, every other dwindles into insignificance.

On the Importance of Educating the Infant Poor, from the Age of Eighteen Months to Seven Years, &c. &c. By S. Wilderspin. Second Edition; Pp. 225. Simpkin and Marshall.

AMONG the numerous endeavours to

improve the condition of the rising race, the attempt to preserve and educato the infant children of the poor is of comparatively recent experiment. We certainly do not consider ourselves to be, at present, in possession of sufficient materials to warrant our adopting a very decisive tone in pronouncing on the merits and importance of this undertaking; but we are sincere wellwishers to every effort whose object comprehends training up a child in the therefore, as the statements contained way in which he should go. In so far, in this book are adapted to accomplish this design, and we think many of them may have this tendency, they have our cordial approbation.

Christiana Militia Viaticum; or, a Brief Directory for Evangelical Ministers. The fifth Edition, with Additions. Holdsworth.

We are happy to see another edition of this excellent Manual, the compilation of Dr. Ryland. It consists of "Extracts from Dr. C. Mather's Manuductio ad Ministerium:" this deserves the ap

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pellation given to it, "a plan of holy
living." The extracts from the Diary
of Mr. Brainerd are excellent. The
next part consists of" Sixty Memorials
for a godly life. Found among the
private papers of the Rev. John Rogers,
of Dedham, in Essex, a most eminent
puritan minister." These relate prin-
cipally to "Directions for a Minister's
Life." The last part is "President
Edward's Resolutions, extracted from
his private writings." Such materials
collected by such a minister, need
no recommendation. Every minister
should carry this manual about with
him,
and use it as 66
daily bread."

have written. In page 87, the reader will find one truly original; and in p. 97, another, remarkably ingenious. In p. 102, there is a sketch of a sermon that must have been, in the delivery, pathetic, and tender, and impressive in the highest degree. And a noble specimen of the writer's judicious and discriminating powers may be seen in that which begins at p. 106.

It is impossible to doubt that these volumes will have a wide circulation.

Humble Flowers from the Garden of: Gethsemane. By J. S. Harvey. 1824. 12mo. 3s. 6d. Pp. 126.

WE have read this little volume with pleasure, because it contains a promise of greater excellence. The sentiments are evangelical, and the style is marked with simplicity. Some of the author's poetical feet are lame; and we advise him to study the laws of prosody, as they appear at the end of Murray's English Grammar. We are sorry the price is set so high; for some of the shorter pieces are excellent; and we should like to see them within the reach of many a traveller to Zion, who, at the present price, cannot afford to buy them. The author says they were revised and corrected by no one but myself.' This, we trust, will not appear in the preface to the second edition, which we shall be happy to recommend to the public.

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Practical Discourses concerning the Christian Temper. Being thirty-eight Sermons upon the principal Heads of practical Religion. By John Evans, D. D. To which is now prefixed, a brief Account of the Life of the Author. By John Erskine, D. D. Complete in one volume. 1825. 8vo. Richard Baynes. 10s. 6d.

NOTHING is more wanted in this sin

ful and sorrowful world than the
"Christian temper." And when we
look into the visible church, who can
"If the Christian
forbear exclaiming,
temper were here with all its charms
and all its power, how many wounds
would be healed; how many crooked
things would be made straight; how
many rough places would be made
plain! We should see God shining
out of Zion, the perfection of beauty!

This justly celebrated work of Dr. Evans has been a standard book for a hundred years past; and it is not likely to be superseded.

The account of the author is very short, but highly interesting. It ap pears that he descended from a race of ministers, excepting one interruption, quite up to the Reformation.' He was born at Wrexham in 1679, and his education for the ministry commenced at a Dissenting Academy, under Mr. T. Rowe of London, where Dr. Hart, afterwards Archbishop of Tuam, Mr. Hughes, the poet, Dr. Isaac Watts, Mr. Henry Grove, and other eminent men were also educated. He was an assistant to Dr. Daniel Williams, pastor to a congregation in Strand Alley, Bishopsgate Street, which afterwards removed to New Bond Street, Petty France.

Dr. Erskine says, "I am well informed, that when he first came to

London, in an early period of his life, he meant to have united with the Independents; but the rigidness of some of their ministers occasioned his joining the Presbyterians." He died in the fifty-first year of his age, May 23, 1730.

In this new edition, we have the two volumes in one. The work is well got up; highly creditable to the printer and the publisher; and we hope will find a place in many a house, where before its worth was unknown.

Dr. Watts, in his preface to his Sermons, has mentioned this work in a manner so worthy of himself, that we shall transcribe it. "Since I first published these discourses, the world has been furnished with a more complete account of most of these subjects, in that excellent treatise called, The Christian Temper, which my worthy friend, Dr. Evans, hath sent abroad, and which is, perhaps, the most complete summary of those duties which make up the Christian life, that hath been published in our age."

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Intelligence, &c.

Persecution in Switzerland.

AT Lausanne, in the canton de Vaud, Switzerland, a cold and barren orthodoxy prevails. The creed is sound, but it is inefficient. The words of "sound doctrine” play upon the ear, in their confessions and catechisms, but the "form of godliness" only is there, without the power. Bigotry and intolerance complete the description. "Almost inquisitorial powers are assumed by the clergy. As soon as any man gives offence, the magistrates make no scruple of banishing him at once. They allow no dissidents from the establishment, not a soul."*

Some years ago, several persons in the canton de Vaud were brought to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. Their hearts glowing with evangelical piety, it is not suprising that they derived no benefit from the frigid discourses delivered in the pulpits of the established church. They felt it their duty to withdraw, and

* Rev. Dan. Wilson's Letters from an absent brother, vol. ii. p. 30.

hold private meetings, endeavouring to "build up one another on their most holy faith." The mob were the first to notice these proceedings, and many indignities were suffered from them; among which was this, that the nickname of "Momiers" was given them, a word equivalent in meaning to our English word "hypocrites." At length the ruling powers, alarmed at the numbers and zeal of the new party, have interfered, and issued a decree against them, worthy of popish times. Of this decree the following is a translation, somewhat abridged.

Decrce." Reports having reached us for several years respecting the principles and conduct of a certain new religious sect, commonly called Momiers, that has sprung up in the canton, as well as respecting the meetings of this sect, which have been held, in various places, at the hours appropriated to the worship of the established church.

"Considering, that although the civil authority ought not to concern itself with the religious opinions of individuals, so long as they do not affect public order, it is nevertheless its duty to interfere

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