as well as his Miracles, and an abstract of the substance of his Discourses.. His Parables are omitted, and we think judiciously, as they would not only have increased the size of the volume to an unnecessary bulk, but have been in many cases above the comprehension of the class of readers for whom the work is intended. We consider the work will be useful to those Parents and Teachers who adopt the laudable practice of examining their pupils in the contents of the chapter read, as the answers are generally in the words of Scripture; and where this could not be done, the language employed is brief, but fully explanatory. 2. The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns. By THOS. CHALMERS, D.D., Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of St. Andrew's. Collins, Glasgow: and G. B. Whittaker, London, 1826. Vol. III. 9s. This is the last volume of a work expressive alike of the author's genius and practical wisdom. With the two preceding volumes, it will be found an important addition to any library on the subject to which it relates. It treats on the Wages of Labour; the Effect of Poor-rates, when applied in aid of Defective Wages; Saving-Banks; the Combinations of Workmen for the purpose of raising Wages: certain prevalent Errors and Misconceptions, which are fostered by Economic Theories, and which are fitted to mislead the Legislature in regard to Labour and the Labouring Classes; the Effect which the High 1-rice of Labour in a Country has upon its Foreign Trade; Mechanic Schools, and Political Economy, as a branch of Popular Education. 3. The Pilgrim's Progress. By JOHN BUNYAN. TO which are added, brief Illustrations. By JAMES GAWTHORN. Derby, W. Pike. 2s. 6d. We thank Mr, Gawthorn for his labours, and believe they will be very useful, by the Divine blessing, to the younger readers of the Pilgrim. 4. The History of Scotland, from the Roman Invasion till the Suppression of the Rebellion in 1745; with Exercises, for the Use of Schools, or private Students. By the Rev. ALEX. STEWART, Minister of Douglas, Author of a Continuation of Goldsmith's England to the Commencement of the present Reign; Editor of an improved edition of Cornelius Nepos, &c. &c. Whittaker. 5s bound in sheep. This is a work of great labour and merit, and well deserves the patronage of all enlightened instructors of the rising generation. The Exercises are at once copious and judiciously arranged. To Scottish families this history will prove a desideratum. 5. The Eldest Son. By the Rev. CÆSAR MALAN, D.D. of Geneva. Translated from the French. Nisbet. 18mo. p. 245. 4s. This is one of the best conceived and most truly entertaining of Dr. Malan's little productions. It breathes a fervent piety, and cannot fail to be read with pleasure unmixed. It is divided into five letters--I. The Repose. II. The Alarm. III. The Contest. IV. The Victory. V. The Triumph. We could say much, and scarcely too much, of this delightfully improving volume. 6. A Visit to my Birth-place. By the Author of "Early Recollections;" and "The Pastor's Tales." Dublin. Curry, jun., and Westley and Tyrrell. The tendency of this Book is decidedly religious, and its execution, though partaking too much of the sentimental, is by no means below mediocrity. 7. The Protestant Vindicator; or a refutation of the calumnies contained in Cobbett's History of the Reformation; including Remarks on the principal topics of the Popish Controversy. By ROBERT OXLAD. Wightman and Cramp. 4s. 6d. p. 244. This is really a very able and competent defence of the Reformation, and a work likely to be read with distinguished advantage by the labouring and other classes of the community. We give it our hearty welcome, and thank the Author for the service which he has rendered to mankind. 8. A System of Geography, for the Use of Schools and Private Families, including the Elements of Astronomy. By THOMAS EWING. Whittaker. 6s. 6d. with Maps, and 4s. 6d. without. We have examined this work with care, for the sake of our children, and can speak with decision both as to its plan and execu tion. It has reached a seventh Edition, and we doubt not it will always remain a standard work. 9. The Beauties of Eminent Writers: selected and arranged for the Instruction of Youth in the proper reading of the English language. 2 vols. By WILLIAM SCOTT, late teacher of Elocution and Geography in Edinburgh. A new Edition, with great improvements. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh; and Whittaker, London. This is an old acquaintance very greatly improved, which we should like to see introduced into all our English Academies. 10. The Life of GEORGE WHITFIELD, A. M. Oliphant, Edinburgh; and Nishet, London. 3s. 6d. This is a portrait so correct, as not to be mistaken by any who know the real character of Whitfield. It is indeed, in miniature, but the resemblance is strikingly preserved. This is one of the many interesting books which have lately issued from the Edinburgh press. 11. A Practical Treatise on the Lord's Supper: in several addresses. By the Rev. W. DUNN, A. M. Author of the "Morning of Life," and "Children's Hosannas Illustrated," &c. Nisbet. 3s. 6d. Except Mr. Orme's larger work on the same subject, which we had occasion lately to introduce to our readers, we have seen nothing of late from the press equal to this valuable, though small Treatise. It contains seven addresses and an appendix, all bearing with clearness and force on the great and important topic of shewing forth the death of the Lord Jesus. 12. Scripture Questions, explained and Illustrated for the Instruction of the Young. By the Rev. B. H. DRAPER, of Southampton. Wightman and Cramp. We like all that has fallen from the pen of Mr. Draper to the Young, and we venture to add, this more than 'all. A child will read this little volume through without being goaded on to it, and yet every page, every line, contains much spiritual instruction. 13. Old English and Hebrew Proverbs, explained and illustrated. By WM. CARPENTER. Booth, Dukestreet. Is. 6d. This is a very amusing, correct, and elegant little volume, well adapted to beguile a tedious hour to young or old. LITERARY NOTICES The friends of Anti-Slavery will be glad to bear that a work from the pen of the author of "Consistency," " Osric," &c. &c. is in the Press, entitled, "The System, a Tale of the West Indies." In the Press-Original Tales for Infant Minds, designed as a companion to " Original Poems." A Sister's Gift: consisting of Conversations on Sacred Subjects, intended for the Instruction of the younger branches of her Family on Sundays. Dedicated, by permission, to H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent. A Guide to the Study of History. By Isaac Taylor, jun., Author of "Elements of Thought; or, First Lessons in the Knowledge of the Mind." Selections from the Works of Bishop Hopkins, in 1 vol. By the Rev. Dr. Wilson, Editor of "Selections from the Works of Owen and Leighton." The Child's Scripture Examiner and Assistant, Part IV.; or, Questions on the Acts of the Apostles: with practical and explanatory Observations suited to the capacities of Children. A New Edition (materially improved, and with additions) of Allbut's Elements of Useful Knowledge. SELECT LIST The Heart, with Odes and other Poems. By Percy Rolle. Foolscap 8vo. 4s. bds.-Lectures on the Pleasures of Religion, addressed to the Young. By Rev. H. F. Burder, A.M. Second Edition 18mo. 4s, bds. On the General Structure of the Apocalypse, being a brief introduction to its interpretation. By J. H. Frere, Esq.-A Popular introduction to the Study of the Holy Scriptures, designed for the use of English readers. In Two Parts. Part I.-Rules for reading the Bible. Part II.-Helps towards a right understanding thereof; comprising Introductions to the several Books, a Summary of Biblical Antiquities, Geograghy, Natural History, &c. By William Carpenter, Editor of the "Critica Biblica," the Scripture Magazine," "Calendarium Palestinæ, &c. One large vol. 8vo., with maps and plates. 16s.-Remains of the Rev. A. Fuller. 8vo. 7s. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. THE ASSOCIATE FUND, A SOCIETY ESTABLISHED IN THE YEAR 1823, For assisting and encouraging Protestant Dissenting Congregations in supporting their Ministers. THE Third Anniversary of this important and benevolent Institution, was held in Barbican Chapel, on Tuesday Evening, the 31st of October, when a most appropriate and impressive discourse was delivered by the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, who kindly under1 took to advocate the interests of this excellent Society. After the Sermon, an abstract of the proceedings of the Society was read, which detailed many affecting cases of privation endured by active, holy, and zealous ministers of the Gospel. Several powerful appeals were then made on behalf of the objects of this benevolent Institution by the ministers and laymen, who severally moved and seconded the Resolutions which were adopted, and as we understand the Report is to be printed and published, we earnestly invite the attention of ministers and their congregations to this particular object of Christian beneficence, and to those affecting details which the proceedings of the Committee have developed, as a powerful stimulus to their liberal countenance and support of this labour of love. By whom Donations and Subscriptions will be received, and also at No. 18, Cheapside. SETTLEMENT OF DR. HARRIS. Camberwell, on Wednesday, April 12, 1826, when the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, of Stepney, On Wednesday, Oct. 4th, the pastoral relation of Dr. Harris to the church at Stoke preached in the morning; the Society met Newington, was publicly recognized. Prayer again in the evening, when the Report was and reading the Scriptures, Rev. J. Camp-read, from which it appeared that the bell; Introductory discourses and questions, Rev. H. F. Burder; Prayer, Rev. T. Lewis; charge to the Pastor and church, Dr. J. P. Smith; concluding prayer, Rev. R. Philips; salms and hymns given out by Rev. H. Evison. PROVINCIAL. SURREY MISSION. THIS important Institution, composed of bristians of various denominations, for the rpose of preaching the Gospel, distributing eligious Tracts, and Instructing the rising neration, held its Twenty-ninth Annual Weeting at the Rev. W. Orme's Chapel, Society has introduced the Gospel into about a hundred villages, has built eight chapels, and has at this time four Missionaries labouring among a population of nearly twenty thousand souls, besides other labourers partly supported from its funds; at no former period has the Society been in so flourishing a state as at the present time; last year it laboured under a debt of 3001.; this debt has been liquidated by the united liberality of congregations and individuals in the county, who have, in' this instance, set a noble example to other counties. On Tuesday, September 26, the Society held its General Autumnal Meeting at the Rev. J. Knight's Chapel, Kingston, when the Rev. E. Parsons, of London, preached in the morning, and the Rev. J. Blackburn, of Claremont Chapel, in the evening. The services of the day were peculiarly solemn, and the details of the proceedings of the Society since the Annual Meeting, were truly encouraging. The Rev. J. Knight, J. Upton, J. Birt, sen., of Birmingham, and several other ministers were engaged in the devotional parts of the services. As the Society has more scenes of usefulness opening before it, it needs the continued support of the friends of the Redeemer in the county. Subscriptions or donations will be very thankfully received by Thomas Hayter, Esq., and Mr. Foster, Treasurers, or by the Rev. Thomas Jackson, and the Rev. S. Percy, Secretaries. CHESHUNT COLLEGE. ON Friday, the 20th of October, the Theological examination of the students of Cheshunt College, took place at Spa-fields Chapel, before the Trustees and a considerable number of ministers and friends of the Institution. The Rev. Dr. Waugh was in the Chair, and the students were examined on the Covenant of Grace. The knowledge which was displayed on this important subject, in extracts from a course of lectures which were read, and in the answers given to questions arising out of these readings, was such as to delight all present, and to inspire confidence, that the Church of Christ will be furnished with some valuable ministers from this School of the Prophets. In the evening, a discourse was delivered to a numerous audience in the chapel, by Mr. Moore, one of the students, on Repentance. There were in this address a clearness of Evangelical statement, a force of reasoning, and a neatness of diction highly promising. After this, the Rev. J. K. Foster, of Rochdale, who at present conducts the classical department, preached from Acts ii. 3, 4; from which the importance of education for the Christian ministry was argued from the fact, that God himself miraculously furnished the Apostles for their work; and the necessity of all intellectual furniture being sanctified to render it a blessing to the church, from the agent employed in bestowing these gifts— the Holy Ghost. Many retired deeply impressed, that it is the duty of the church to provide every means of education for the Christian ministry in her power; and, baving done this, to implore a large communication of that gracious influence which only can render students, however taught, workmen that need not to be ashamed. MARLBOROUGH CHAPEL, Old Kent-road, near the Canal Bridge. We rejoice to learn that the foundation stone of this chapel was laid on Tuesday, Nov. 14, by Thomas Wilson, Esq., when an address was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Collyer. As the neighbourhood is very populous, we hope great good may be communicated to many, a d that the promoters of an object so laudable will receive the greatest possible encouragement. ASSOCIATION. On Thursday, October the 5th, the Hants Association held their Half-yearly Meeting at Christchurch, when the Rev. T. Mann preached on the given subject—“ The power of Christ in the administration of the affairs of his kingdom," from Dan. vii. 13, 14. The Rev. J. Griffin afterwards presided at the celebration of the Lord's Supper; and addresses were delivered by the Rev. D. E. Ford, R. Adams, and J. Reynolds; and the devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. A. Bishop, T. Adkins, T. Durant, and R. Ayliffe. The Rev. J. Binney preached in the evening from 1 John iii. 2. Rev. Mr. Carruthers and Durant, commenced and closed with prayer. The next meeting of the Association is appointed to be held at Petersfield, in April next, (of which due notice will be given,) when the Rev. J. Binney is appointed to preach on "the ultimate object of the Christian Ministry," from Col. i. 28. ORDINATIONS. Aug. 31. REV. D. CALVERT, late of Idle Academy, at Sandy Syke, Yorkshire. Introductory discourse, Rev. J. Wadsworth, of Clithero; ordination prayer, Rev. T. Sharp, of Skipton; charge, Rev. J. Calvert, of Colne; address to the people, Rev. D. Jones, of Kendal; devotional services, Rev. S. Ellis. Sept. 6. REV. J. P. DOBSON, late of Work ham, at New Broad-street Meeting, London. Service was commenced by the Rev. T. Binney, of Newport; introductory discourse, Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith; ordination prayer, Rev. T. Morell, theological tutor of Wymondley College; charge, Rev. J. Dobson, of Chishill; general prayer, Rev. J. Clayton, jun.; address to the people, Rev. Dr. Collyer; devotional parts by the Rev. Messrs. Snelgar and Deering. 12. REV. J. PARRY, at Broadway, Worcestershire. Service opened by the Rev. Mr. West, of Long Compton; introductory discourse, Rev. T. Coles, of Bourton; ordination prayer, Rev. Mr. Helmore,of Stratford-on-Avon; charge, Rev. Mr. Mann, of Morton in Marsh; discourse to the church, Rev. G. Redford, of Worcester; conclusion, Rev. Mr. Bearcroft. Sept. 26. REV. C. STOVEL, late of Stepney Academy, over the particular Baptist church, at Swanwick, Derbyshire. Description of a Christian church, Rev. Mr. Jones of Chesterfield; ordination prayer, Rev. J. Jarman, of Nottingham; charge, by the same; exhortation to the church, Rev. Caleb Birt, of Derby; devotions, the Rev. Messrs. Roane, Binclif, Nott, and Fletcher. The latter minister is the senior Pastor, and has been much blessed in his work. 27. REV. J. HOLKER, at Clayton, Yorkshire. Opening prayer, Rev. Mr. Potter, of Honley; account of a Gospel church, Rev. Mr. Cockin, of Holmfirth; ordination prayer, Rev. Mr. Lees, of High-bourton; charge, Rev. Mr. Hatton, of Sowerby; address to the people, Rev. Mr. Waterhouse, of Dewsbury; conclusion, Rev. Mr. Flockton. 27. REV. LEMON HALL, late of Dorchester, at Colnbrook, Middlesex. Commencement, Rev. J. Harrison, of Wooburn; nature of a Gospel church, Rev. John Hall, of Chesham; ordination prayer, Rev. A Redford, of Windsor; charge, Rev. J. Cooke, of Maidenhead; sermon to the church, in the absence of the Rev. J. Stratten, of Paddington chapel, the Rev. J. Cooke; devotions, Rev. Messrs. Fryer, Redford, Porter, Bailey, and Colman. Oct. 24. Rev. A. DAWSON, late of Grantham, Lincolnshire, at Dorking, Surrey. Opening prayer, Rev. Mr. Johnson, of Farnham; introductory discourse and questions (Psa. xlviii. 12, 13.) Rev. J. Morison, of Chelsea; general prayer, Rev. W. Henry, of Tooting; charge, Rev. Geo. Clayton; (Joshua, i. 5, 6); address to the people, Rev. J. Stratten, of Paddington chapel, (Isa. Iv. 10—13). Nov. 9. Rev. Mr. Rose, late of the Dublin Evangelical Academy, at the late Rev. John Townsend's Meeting-house, Bermondsey. First prayer, Rev. B. Jeula, of Greenwich; account of a gospel church, Rev. H. F. Burder; questions, Rev. J. Arundel; ordination prayer, Rev. Joseph Fletcher; charge, Rev. Dr. Collyer; exhortation to the people, Rev. Geo. Clayton; concluding prayer, Rev. J. Morison, of Chelsea. FOREIGN. CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN DR. of an article which appeared in your September Number, in reference to the State of Religion at Strasburgh, I little expected to incur the wrath of a Theological tutor, for the sentiments I then expressed. Unfortunately, however, my attack on the semi-deistical Preface of Dr. Haffner, has brought me into collision with no less renowned a writer in the Evangelical Magazine, than the Rev. Dr. Pye Smith, of Homerton. I am unwilling to enter into controversy, more especially in a religious periodical, but challenged as I have been by the Doctor, and by him almost authoritatively summoned to your bar, I must once more, and once more only, trespass on your indulgence, by requesting the insertion in your Magazine of this brief reply. [A] It may seem almost cruel to damp the joy which the Doctor takes no pains to conceal, at what he conceives to be an inaccuracy in my signature; he has however enjoyed his ovation, for I can scarcely dignify it by the appellation of a triumph, for a whole month, and I must at length, however reluctantly, proceed to strip my learned opponent of his boasted laurels. There is now-a-days, Mr. Editor, no monopoly of learning, and however strange it may sound at Homerton, yet true it is and of verity, that a man may understand both Greek and German, the ancient and modern languages, as well as your respected correspondent, Dr. Smith. He is pleased to treat Alethia as a lady, because he conceives it to be a feminine signature. Now, supposing for a moment that his reasoning and supposition were alike correct, I confess he does not appear to have treated the anonymous lady with that gallantry which might have been Had anticipated from the learned Doctor. he been sincere in his belief that Alethia was a lady, he would not have made a useless, and as it might appear to her, an ostentatious parade of the words ignorance and "learning," and would not have been content with the obviously implied boast of his own superior attainments. But unhappily the Doctor's learning or his memory have, for once at least, proved treacherousfor as every Tyro knows who ever opened a Greek grammar, or can construe e. g. John i. 17. in his Greek Testameni, âλýɛia or Alethia is an abstract noun signifying veritas, or truth, and although feminine in its gender, is as appropriate a signature for a man as Veritas or Truth, which are both so hacknied. This seems, by some strange and unaccountable fatality, to have escaped the Doctor's recollection. In this instance, like another celebrated personage, he has been "oblivious;" for I am sure be has too much candour to seek for a temporary victory over an opponent, by imposing the authority of his name on the credulity of the igno SIR, 66 "" It would ill become me to enter into a lengthened controversy with the theological tutor of Homerton College, on the sentiments of the German Rationalists in general, or of that worthy member of their body, Dr. Haffner, in particular. I may lament as an individual, the language he adopts in regard to the former, as calculated to palliate their guilt and encourage the study of their works; [C]I may lament also that such a man as Haffner should be spoken of by Dr. Smith, as a distinguished Lutheran Divine" [D], and his blasphemous Preface as "valuable and interesting." But it is not the object of my letter to comment on the sentiments of Dr. Smith, nor to inquire how far in this respect they comport with the injunctions of the inspired apostle of love, as contained in ii. John 10. [E] I mean in a few words to examine his assertions as far as they affect the accuracy of my previous letter. In reference to Dr. Haffner, it is enough for me to know that Dr. Smith admits that be belongs to that class of religionists, known in Germany under the imposing title of Rationalists. After this admission, his eulogiums and panegyrics on Haffner, are like "sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." I am well aware that the appellation of Rationalist includes various shades of sentiment, but after all no one who is acquainted with the state of religion in Germany, will deny that the term decidedly implies a rejection of all the mysteries of revelation, reduces the word of God to the level of the works of Plato or Herodotus, and degrades the uncreated "brightness of the Father's glory" to the rank of frail and erring humanity. Let us on this subject hear a writer of the greatest impartiality and the very highest authority-I mean the Rev. Mr. Rose, of Cambridge. "They (the Rationalists) are bound by no law but their own fancies; some are more and some less extravagant; but I do them no injustice, after this declaration, in saying that the general inclination and tendency of their opinions is this, that in the New Testament we shall find only the opinions of Christ and their apostles adapted to the age in which they lived, and not eternal truths; that CHRIST HIMSELF HAD NEITHER THE DESIGN NOR POWER of teaching any system that was to endure; that the apostles understood still less of real religion; THAT CHRIST HIMSELF ERRED, AND HIS APOSTLES SPREAD HIS ERRORS. "* [F] Now, Sir, if these be the sentiments of Dr. Haffner, as it is well known they are, and as he himself has owned them to the world in his Preface to the Strasburgh Bible, I maintain that he is not only an unbeliever, * Rose, on the State of Religion in Germany, p. 71. but in some respects worse, inasmuch as his sentiments render him more dangerous than those who with undisguised honesty avow themselves infidels. I am not to be frightened by the cry of illiberality or want of charity, nor am I to be told that unsound as were Paley and Locke, that they were as bad as Professor Haffner. I trust, I also with humility recollect who it is who "maketh us to differ," and that it is sovereign grace alone which raises the most glorified saint in heaven above the most abandoned sinner on earth. But we are not on this account "to put evil for good" or "bitter for sweet" and "sweet for bitter; we are commanded, on the contrary, "to try the spirits whether they be of God." thing however, I will concede to Dr. Smith, and that is, that PRIESTLEY was probably in doctrinal sentiment little better than HAFFNER. Let me also remind the learned Doctor of Dr. Priestley's celebrated letter to Mr. Belshan, dated Northumberland, 23 April 1813, when speaking of Mr. President Jefferson, he says "that he is generally considered an unbeliever, i. e. an infidel," "If so," adds Dr. Priestley, "he cannot be far from us !!" [G] One I might produce other evidence to prove that Dr. Haffner is decidedly “ a scoffer at vital Christianity," and I have not lightly made the assertion; [H] but I prefer, both for the sake of brevity and other causes, at present to adhere to the fact of his being a Rationalist, and to that of his having published a preface, abounding in heretical and infidel sentiments. This preface it is true, Dr. Smith attempts to defend. But how does he defend it? By evading without daring to contradict the evidence that is brought forward as to its character. If the extracts that have been given from that Preface be incorrectly translated, or direct misrepresentations, let Dr. Smith prove the fact and give his own translation. [I] Let him tell us if Haffner does not deny the inspiration of the sacred volume, [K]—if in his Preface he does not treat the word of God in a way that no commentator would treat Thucydides or Aristotle, [L]-if he does not degrade for example the Psalms of David, by describing them as bearing, "in some parts the impression of the yet imperfect sentiments of early times "if that Preface does not blasphemously contrast David as cursing his enemies and Christ as praying for his murderers-if it does not describe the prophets as having no title to the character of inspiration, but merely possessing a certain degree of clear-sightedness, which gave them a presentiment of distant future events. In short, I would once more ask if this “distinguished Lutheran Divine" does not degrade the Saviour to the rank of a mere man, and inculcate that "he had neither |
