On the nature of serpents, particularly the cockatrice; on plants, woods, precious stones, buildings, &c. much pains has been taken. We do not mean to say, that we agree with the writers in every thing; but, on the whole, we think this work likely to answer the purpose of those who wish for information on these subjects. We rejoice to see the labours of philosophy, in natural things, directed to the elucidation of God's revealed word; and believing that the intention of the authors coincides with their professions, of doing honour to the divine volume. We wish the same succes may attend this work, as has already attended the former publication by the same parties; of which we learn, that not only the Dictionary itself, but the Supplement also, has reached a second edition. The numerous maps, plates, figures, and views of places, are neatly executed; appear to be from the best authorities; and contribute very much to the clearer understanding, as well as the embellishment of the Bible. They are unquestionably much fitter companions to the best of books, than those fancy-pieces whose ill-chosen subjects, and whose misrepresenta tions rather sully than adorn the sacred page. To this is added, some account of the Caffre language, with a voca bulary, and a variety of curious articles of information, relative to the history, geography, and natural history of that country. In the last Number (which in binding is prefixed to the volume) is given an Historical Introduction, containing a concise sketch of former missions. The History of the Origin and Transactions of the Missionary Society, including Journals of the Missionaries at Otaheite, Tongata boo, and in South Africa. 8vo. 85.6d. bds.; or in Eight Numbers, 15. each. Extracts from these Journals, it is true, have appeared in a detached form in our Magazine; but many particulars were then necessarily omitted, and others much compressed. The whole, therefore, in its collected form, seems highly necessary for every Director who takes an active part in the business of the Society; important to every Member who feels interested in its concerns; and will be read with much interest by all the friends of missions. As a specimen of the interesting matter contained in this work, we give (from page 348, &c.) the following account of "The Conversion and Call of Dr. Vanderkemp to the Missionary Work." The first account is given in a letter from the late Mr. Cornelius Brem (whose death was mentioned in our last, p. 306) who describes him as a man of most uncommon piety and talents, "perfectly skilled in all sciences and faculties, in philosophy, divinity, physic, the military art, &c. &c. He not only understands all the learned lan guages, but also all the modern European ones; even that of the Highlands in Scotland. He is of a very healthy strong constitution, hardened against all fatigues by a deliberate abstinence: a model of strict sobriety. In his conversation he shews not the least ostentation, and seems studiously to conceal the great endowments he possesses; humble, friendly, affable, and of the most agreeable address." THE Otaheitan Journals comcommence from the departure of the ship Duff from that island, in Aug. 4, 1797; and are continued to July 30, 801.-The Journal of the Missionaries at Tongataboo, commences Sept. 6, 1797; and is continued to the close of that mission in Jan. 1800. The Journal of the African Missionaries (including Dr. Vanderkemp) commences at their embarkation in the end of 1798, and is continued to March 1802. XI. Such was the report of Mr. Brem, which has been strictly justified by subsequent acquaintance with the Doctor himself. His first desire of Missionary work arose from reading the Missionary Sermons, preached at the institution of our Society; $50 and when he came to the words, "Curse ye, Meroz," &c. (Serinon V.) he fell on his knees, and cried out, "Here I am, Lord Jesus; thou knowest that I have no will of my own, since I gave myself up unto thee, to be spent in thy service, ac. cording to thy pleasure: prevent me only from doing any thing in this great work in a carnal and selfsufficient spirit; and lead me in the right way, if there be yet any way of wickedness in me.” On this he immediately wrote to the Missionary Society in London; and, in the course of the correspondence, gave the following account of his conversion and experience, which we shall give in his own words, without comment or remark : tary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans; which I commenced before I went to the Dutch camp, and wish to leave behind me as a testimony of my conviction of the truth as it is in Jesus, and now offering myself on his service. I humbly and ear nestly request to be favoured with your correspondence and advice, which I hope to consider in the fear of God, praying in the mean time, without ceasing, for a blessing on the great and important work, which he himself is doing, by your means, for the glory of his kingdom." I am, dear Sir," &c. "As I am, Sir, entirely unknown to the service, and went over to Edinburgh, In a subsequent letter, the Doctor gives the particulars of the event here alluded to, which led him to devote himself to the service of his Redeemer, of which we propose to give some farther extracts in our next. Four Sermons, preached in London, at the Ninth General Meeting of the Missionary Society, May 10, 11, 12, 1803, by the Rev. S. Bottomley, Scarborough; T. Young, Canterbury; G. Ewing, Glasgow; J. Newell, Great Missenden: also the Report of the Directors, and a List of Subscribers. 8vo, 25, 6d. THE first of these Discourses, entitled, "Advantages of Patience, is founded on Rom. ii. 7, “To them who, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and honour, and immortality, eternal life;" from which text the preacher directs us to the following particu lars: 1. A threefold object of pursuit; "glory, and honour, and -2. The course to immortality." be taken in order to obtain, "patient continuance in well-doing.". 3. The happy result; God will render "eternal life." 19 The second Sermon, entitled, "St. Paul's Conduct, a Pattern for Missionaries," has for its text, Rom. XV. 20, 21, “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ is named," &c. Mr. Young considers, 1. The object proposed the Heathen; 2. The means he by the apostle, the instruction of employed, preaching the gospel; 3. The spirit by which he was ac tuated. - " The title to the third Sermon is, "The Ignorance of the Heathen, and the Conduct of God towards them." The text from Acts xvii. 30, 31, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now,' &c. Mr. Ewing here notices, 1. The ignorance of the Heathen,2. The divine procedure with regard to it, 3. The reason of this procedure, 4. The evidence by which this reason is confirmed. The last Sermon, by Mr. Newell (since deceased) is entitled, “St. Paul's Mission to the Gentiles," from Acts xxii. 21, " And he said unto me, Depart; for I will send thee far hence to the Gentiles." The preacher observes the following particulars: 1. The salvation of the Gentiles is an object of divine delight, 2. A certain event, 3. An infinite blessing. This Discourse is enlivened by several Missionary anecdotes. -- This new set of Sermons will prove, that the great subject, on which they treat, is not exhausted; and they contain abundant encour. agement to the Society, and its friends, to persist in their laudable undertaking. The Report of the Proceedings of the past year, is unusually large; and is certainly highly interesting, as it presents a general view of the different Missions now supported by the Society; and will convince the public, that their efforts have been already crowned with considerable success. We shall extract only the following passage, which we hope will have a due effect on our generous readers : — "It will, doubtless, occur to those who take a suitable interest in the concerns of the Society, that the accomplishment of these various objects will unavoidably occasion a very increased expenditure of its funds. Indeed, the disbursements of the last year have greatly exceeded its income, and rendered it necessary to dispose of some part of that property, which the Directors would have been glad to have retained as the basis of its permanent support. It will be manifest to those who attentively reflect on the subject, that, without an adequate and permanent foundation, the Directors cannot embark in new and extensive undertakings, however promising and de sirable, since they would thereby expose the Society to the danger of disorder in its affairs, and of their bringing dishonour on the cause. It is not doubted this short intimation will produce that spontaneous liberality, which render a more expressive address on this subject unnecessary. In the mean time, we have to notice, that some friends to this great object, have, lately, by their testamentary dispositions, manifested that its prosperity, after their decease, was an object which occupied their anxieties during their lives." Memoirs of Miss Susanna Anthony, who died at Newport, Rhode Island, June 23, 1791, in the Sixty-fifth Year of her Age; consisting chiefly of Extracts from her Writings; with some brief Observations on them. Compiled by Sam. Hopkins, D. D. Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Newport. A New Edition, with a Recommendatory Pre face, by Dr. Ryland, Mr. Fuller, and Mr. Sutcliffe. 800, 35. 6d. served. THIS work is dedicated to the Christian females of Great Britain; and is well worthy their perusal. It contains a fine display of experimental religion; and shews the superiority, purity, and happiness of that life which is spent in com. munion with God. Those who have read the Life of the late Mr. Pearce, and wish for a companion to that work, will here be highly gratified. Mr. Pearce was indeed a public character, and the sub ject of these Memoirs a private one; but the violet, though less cons spicuous, is not less fragrant nor beautiful than the rose.", Miss Anthony had a clear view of the doctrines of grace; was early deGod; voted to remarkable for prayer, temperance, diligence, read◄ ing the Scriptures, and consistency of conduct. We entirely agree, therefore, with the respectable writers of the Dedication, that while this volume may be peculiarly useful to Christian females, yet no serious person can read it without perceiving the sweetness and importance of heavenly things. It affords a singular specimen of the powerful influence of evangelical principles upon the heart and life; and must provoke the Christian reader to emulate the same holy and happy attainment, walking by the same rule, and minding the same thing. Village Dialogues between Farmer Littleworth, Rev. Mr. Lovegood, and others. By the Rev. Rowland Hill, Vol. IV. and last. s. 6d. stitched; bound, or fine paper sewed, 25. In this volume the author concludes his original plan. The first of these Dialogues contains an account of the awful death of Mr. Greedy. The next is a display of benevolence and humanity in the Character of Mr. Lovely: this is followed by The Happy Marriage. The succeeding Dialogue represents the ministerial character of Mr. Deliberate, and Mr. Legal-definition, &c. The character of Mr. Fribble follows. The folly of Sectarian Bigotry is next exposed; together with the character of Mr. Slapdash The following Dialogue is intended to prove, that No good Marriages proceed from bad Matches. The whole is concluded with an affecting account of the death of Mr. Merryman. Those who have read the former volumes may expect to find in this, a continuation of the same fund of innocent humour and salutary satire. The characters are drawn from life with a sprightly and faithful pencil; and the perusal will, we trust, afford solid instruction as well as pleasing amusement. The author concludes the work by becoming his own Reviewer, and anticipates the sentiments of the public in the following manner : "A wicked wretch! he hates the church, and wants to overturn it !"-If it he not overturned by the abovementioned regular clergy, regularly wicked, it will never be overturned by him. Indeed! Indeed! he loves the church and wishes for its refor. mation. "But we are sure he hates bitterly the scale; and Mr. Spiteful and his comrades will prove the fact." When he and his adherents leave off abusing the govern ment, under which they are protected themselves, they will then be left at li berty to make good their mad, and wanton charges against others as fast as they can. "He is at times much too jocular."How was the poor author to act under this charge? Some have privately advised a graver style; others have said, "Let every man appear in his own dress." He only begs, that his kind critics would bear with him; for if, at one time, he has been too jocular, at another time he has been too dull. "His Mr. Lovegood is neither a bigotted churchman nor a friend to fliff dissenters; he is neither one thing nor another, and for this, the rigid professor, on both sides of the question, will give it the author on both sides of his ears." This, however, will be to him nothing more than the old thing over again. "But what will that terrible literary pha- "He has lashed, say some, the regular clergy with the most contemptuous severity."-Not the regular clergy.-Look at their names and characters, and say, for the credit of the church, are these the regular clergy? The regular clergy he has treated with respect, "He has been holding up the doctrine of faith without works!" Strange assertion! let the reader put on his spectacles, for his sight cannot be clear, and read again; and then see, if the whole design of the book be not to prove that real Christianity inspires holiness to God, devotedness to his glory, and universal benevo lence towards all mankind." But he is certainly an advocate for the old free grace notions of the reformers."-Yes, and let our modern reformers of the doctrines of the reformation prove, that they have done more against all the wickedness existing in this day, than those great men of God did in their day against Popery and its concommitant evils; and the point is given up. Excellent platform for reformation is commend this discourse to the pe atways before us. rusal of parents, interested in the welfare of their children, who may not have had the small-pox,-and disorder, who may have any scruples all others exposed to so terrible a respecting this new mode of inoculation. The text is contained in the appropriate words of the distressed nobleman, on behalf of his afflicted son,-John iv. 49. * Sir, come down, ere my child die." May that blessing, which is from above, be upon every reader, that whatever has been represented that is evil, may be detested and rejected: fo, on the contrary, may all that has been exhibited, which is lovely, honest, and of good report, be the abundant portion of every heart! A Discourse, (addressed chiefly to INOCULATION for the small-pox has been compared to a boat, which might be used as a means of passing over a dangerous river in safety. It must, however, be confessed, there was sometimes danger of the boat being overset by some sudden and unexpected accident. What gratitude and honours, then, are due to the man who has erected a bridge over this dangerous river, which is at all times ftrong, and safe, and easy? What adoring thankfulness and praise are due to God, who teacheth man knowledge," for the wonderful and mercitul discovery of the Vaccine Inoculation? Dr. Booker has performed an essential service to his own flock, and to the public, in preaching and printing this sensible and pious discourse on this interesting subject. We agree with the preacher, that while "matters of eternal concernment to man-matters which relate to the health, the salvation of the soul, ought to occupy every minis. ter's principal attention,-no pastor who feels a real affection for his flock, who regards them as his brethren and his children, will think even such duties as appertain to their corporeal welfare of so little moment as entirely to pass them by; -especially when they relate to health and sickness, to life and death." The Son of man came "to save mens' lives," as well as to redeem their souls. We cordially and earnestly re, A Collection of above 600 Hymns, designed as a New Supplement to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns. By the Rev. E. Williains, D.D. and the Rev. J. Boden. 2d Edition. 18mo. 35. 6d. HAVING given our opinion of this judicious and valuable selection in Gur Review of the first edition, we shall only add, that we are glad to find the respectable authors have, in this edition, by the omission of the Musical Index, &c. been enabled very considerably to reduce the price; and thereby make it more generally acceptable to Dissenting congregations. Village Sermons; or Short and Plain Discourses, for the Use of Families, Schools, and Religious Societies. By George Burder, Vol. V. containing 13 Sermons, 12/no. 15. 6d. — 800. fine, 2s. 6d. THE intimate connection lately formed between the author and our Magazine, precludes offering an opinion upon the present volume, which is indeed unnecessary, as we have repeatedly given our senti ments in their favour in reviewing the former volumes. The subjects of the disourses are, 1. Universal Good News, Mark xvi, 15.; 2. Parable of the Sower, Matt. xiii. 8.; 3. Conversion of Lydia, Acts xvi 14.; 4. Enmity of the Carnal Mind, Rem. viii. 7.3-5. Martha and Mary. Like X. 41, 42. ; -6. Religion or Pun, Ezek. xviii. 30; -7. Lot's Deli. verance, Gen. xix. 24 to 26.; — 8. Irresolution Repaired, 1 Kings xviii. 21.; 9. Sin Dethroned; — 10 -- |