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but rather requires, if possible, to be stated in a manner that shall be clear of such consequences, as it certainly is in itself. That sin can in no instance exist without God's permission, and that it is nevertheless the object of his abhorrence, and that which he will finally punish, are facts clearly revealed, and require to be firmly believed, whether we can perceive their consistency to our satisfaction, or not.

In endeavouring to reconcile these facts, various things have been advanced. Some have observed, that whatever concern the Creator has in the being of moral evil, it does not in the least destroy the accountableness of creatures; seeing they act as freely as if no such concern existed and truly, every man's conscience bears him witness that, for whatever he does voluntarily, he is accountable. Others have observed, that though God willeth the permission of evil, yet it is not as evil, but for wise and holy ends; and tho' he may be said to harden mens' hearts (as by judgments and mercies, and even by the gospel itself, which, through their depravity, makes them worse instead of better) yet the fault of the whole is in themselves; and to this also, every man's conscience bears wit

ness.

Our author endeavours to vindicate the divine character in the permission, not only of the particular sins of fallen creatures, but of sin itself. He proposes, First, To enquire into the True Nature of Sin; Secondly, In what Sense it is an Object of the Divine Permission; and, lastly, To shew that hereby Occasion is furnished for the most illustrious Displays of the Divine Perfections.

Under the first of these enquiries, he not only denies that sin is a substantial being, or an essential property of a being; but that it contains any thing positive. "It is," he says, " a privation of that perfection, or moral goodness, which ught to be in an accountable

creature."

Under the second, availing himself of the above distinctions, he maintains that God is the author of

every thing that has a real and positive existence, which every thing that he hath created has: but that he is not the author, the efficient cause, or the origin of sin; which is not one of his works, but, abstractly considered, a mere privation of what ought to be.

In ascribing its permission to God, he disowns the ideas of " tolerance, connivance, or indulgence," confining it to that of not hindering it by a sovereign act of preventing power. More particularly, he endeavours to prove, ist, That the sole and proper origin of sin is from the necessary condition and circumstances of created and finite existence, when destitute of a sovereign prevention: 2d, That God's not interfering to prevent the occurrence of sin, was an exercise not of sovereignty, but of pure justice; that is, that, in withholding his preventing power, he withheld nothing which man could claim at his hands:

After attempting to make good these positions, and to answer a few objections, the author proceeds to his third head of discourse; and shews, by a variety of evidence, how the glory of the divine perfections is displayed in the permission of sin, in a manner which it could not have been in any other way.

It is much easier to object on such a subject than to advance any thing that shall be uncbjectionable. The author himself is aware of this, and endeavours to obviate what we, or any others might be disposed to allege. (Note I, p. 73.) We shall only offer a remark or two on his distinctions.

With regard to there being nothing positive in the nature of sin, though we should be led to question how this could accord, in the popular acceptation of the word, with its being allowed to include "enmity, rebellion, and malignant opposition against the ever-blessed God;" yet, if the definition of the author be granted him, we see nothing objectionable in it. "Every thing positive," he says, "is either that which constitutes the real existence of any being, or it is a part of the completeness or perfection

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We do not perceive the propriety of saying, that "God's not interfering to prevent the occurrence of sin, was an exercise, not of sovereignty, but of pure justice.” (p. 22.) This language conveys to us the idea that justice required it, or that it would have been unjust for God so to have interfered: but this, surely, is not true; nor does it appear to be the author's meaning. He seems to have meant no more than that it was consistent with jus tice; or that no injustice was done to the creature by it, inasmuch as nothing was withheld to which he had any claim." But the same may be said of God's not electing, not redeeming, or not calling a sinner; yet it does not follow that these are exercises of pure justice to the exclusion of sovereignty: that which justice requires, is not an act of sovereignty; but that which is only consistent with justice may be so.

Whether the author, or any other writer, has fully accounted for the introduction of moral evil; or whether it is to be accounted for in the present state, or not, we cordially agree in his general principles, viz. That God is holy-that every creature is derived from him, and dependant on him; - that the ultimate design of all his works is the manifestation of his own glory;

that the fault of sin will be found to be in the sinner;'- and that the highest wisdom of a de. pendant and mutable creature, is to fall into the hands of God.

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stood by the things that are made ;” so that even the Heathen, who are destitute of revelation, are left without excuse, if they glorify him not as God. It must therefore be a commendable work,even for a Christian Philosopher, to point out those various marks of intelligence in the creation, which demonstrate the Being and perfections of Deity; and which may become subservient to the pleasures of devout meditation. This has been done by several pious writers; particularly by Ray and Derham: but there was still -room for a work, in which more modern discoveries might be inserted; and which might be more directly calculated to meet the objec tions of sceptics. This task haa been accomplished by Dr. Paley, with great ability and success: his plan is comprehensive, his style perspicuous, and his reasoning conclusive and it is no small recom mendation of the work, that it is divested of those technical and learned terms which so much puzzle ordinary readers. The author presents to us, in a variety of instances, and in a very pleasing and familiar manner, the evident proots of design, contrivance, and foresight which appear in the creatures around us, and in our own bodies particularly; and he continually leads us from these marks of design to a designing Author, while he' successively combats the injurious objections of ancient and modern Atheists, against this fair conclu sien. "Upon the whole," saith the writer, "after all the struggles of a reluctant philosophy, the necessary resort is to a Deity. The marks of design are too strong to be got over. Design must have had a designer; that designer must have been a person; that person is God."

In the close of the work, the author treats of "The Goodness of God; which he argues from two considerations. The first is, That in a vast plurality of instances, in which contrivance is perceived, the design of the contrivance is beneficial; and the second is, That the Deity has superadded pleasure to animal sensations, beyond what is

necessary for any other purpose;
this is instanced in the act of eating,
and might also be equally proved
from the other senses; for the pur
pose of hearing might be answered
without harmony, of smell, with-
out fragrance; of vision, without
beauty but in all these cases, a
studiou's benevolence is manifest on.
The
the part of the Creator.
whole work concludes with some,
observations on the important bene
fits and comforts arising from the
habitual consideration of the being
and attributes of God; and of the
facilities which the belief of the
truths of natural theology affords, for
the reception and confirmation of
our faith in Revelation.

This good use, we trust, will be made of this excellent work; yet we are not without our fears, that some readers will sit down satisfied with natural theology, and dangerously conclude, that no other religion is necessary to their eternal salvation. Indeed, the author is unwilling to allow any native malignity in the human constitution and says, that even the bad qualities of mankind have an origin in their good ones; that the present is "not a state of punishment," that a slave who, amidst his wrongs, retains his benevolence, is amongst the foremost of human candidates These for the rewards of virtue,

sentiments are certainly not consist-
ent with that revelation which the
author professes to believe; nor
with the creed of that church of
which he is a minister-We should

have rejoiced to find this able writer
taking occasion in several parts of
his work, and especially in the con-
clusion of it, to show that the
Christian scheme of redemption, by
the Son of God, is abundantly con-
firmed by those doctrines of natural
theology, which he had so admira.
bly displayed.

God's Wonders in the Great Deep;
recorded in several wonderful and
amazing Accounts of Sailors, who
have met with unexpected Deliver
ances from Death, when in the
greatest Danger. To which is added,

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The Seaman's Spiritual Direc..
tory; shewing what he ought to think
and do. With Forms of Prayers suited
to their several Circumstances and
various Occasions, A New Edition,
12mo, price is.

THIS little piece records many
singular and extraordinary escapes'
from shipwreck; and cannot fail to
lead the mind up to him whose pro-
vidence so often interposes on the
behalf of his afflicted and distressed

creatures. It is an excellent com panion for those who are employed on the mighty waters.-The Directory contains suitable advice to Seamen how to behave in imminent danger; as also the consideration which ought to occupy their minds after remarkable deliverances. The work concludes with Forms of Prayer for Seamen when they begin their Voyage, when in Danger by a Storm, and when taken Prisoners; and also Forms of Thanksgiving after a safe Voyage, Deliverance from Storms and from Captivity,

We cheerfully recommend it to all engaged in maritime concerns.

Letters to Mr. Fuller on the Univer sal Restoration; with a Statement of Facts attending that Controversy; and some Strictures on Scrutator's Review. By Wm. Vidler. 8vo.

In the Preface to these Letters, Mr. Vidler has thought proper to call in question the propriety of our conduct as Editors of the Evangelical Magazine. We do not mean to controvert this point with him; nor shall we disturb his self-com

placency on the manner in which he conducts his own.

With respect to the Letters them. selves, we refer our readers to a re view of them, already before the public, under the signature of Scru tator; and which we have noticed in a former Number. The ability of Mr. Vidler, on the high ground of classical literature and critical sagacity, which he has assumed, Nor do we are there fully, and, we think, justly appreciated. 3 Sa conceive that Mr. Vidler's friende

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will feel themselves gratified by the Preface which introduces, and the Notes which accompany, these Letters. He evidently writes like a man who is lowered in his own esteem, though he labours hard to conceal it, by casting a number of strong, and, perhaps, not very justifiable reflections on Mr. Fuller and Scrutator. Mr. Vidler informs us, that Scrutator himself is not accurate in his Greek quotations; we were, however, not a little surprized, on turning to Scrutator's Errata, to find the instances Mr. Vidler adduces of inaccuracy, corrected by Scrutator himself. This is, perhaps, the first time that an author's own corrections of typographical errors were adduced as proofs of his ignorance.

Those who wish to see the controversy fully handled, are referred to "Mr. Fuller's Letters," and to

Scrutator's Review." Mr.Vidler intimates, that Scrutator is a clergyman in the Established Church: we have also heard the work ascribed to the Rev. C. Jerram, author of a late popular discourse, "To your Tents, O Britons †!" but are not authorized to speak with certainty.

LITERARY NOTICES.

THE Seamens' Preacher: a Se. ries of Discourses on the Prop het Jonah. By the late Rev. J.Ryther, recommended to the Use of Sea men, by the Rev. Mr. Newton, and several other Ministers. These will be published in a few Days, in One Small Volume, uniform with the Village Sermons.

Also in a few Days will be pub lished, Fugitive Pieces, chiefly intended for Schools and Young Persons. By W. B. Collyer, of Peckham.

New Editions of the following esteemed Works are in the Press, and will soon be published:

The Harmony of the Gospels. By the late Rev. Dr. James Macknight, Edinburgh. Two Vols. 8vo.

The Four Gospels, translated from the Greek, with Preliminary Dissertations and Notes, Critical and Explanatory; together with the, Author's Corrections and Amendments made on a Copy of the Work previous to his Death. By George Campbell, D.D. Three Vols. 8vo.

See our last Review, p. 449.

SELECT LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.
Life of Col. James Gardiner. By
Dr. Doddridge. A New Small
Pocket Edition, neat, 2s. 6d. bds.

The Rev. Mathew Henry's Bible.
Printed on Fine Paper, with a New
Tyre, Royal 4to, Vol. I. 19s. bds.

Memoirs of the Life and Writ. ings of the late W. Cowper, Esq.; including his Christian Experience, and a Review of his Works. Foolscap Svo, 4s.; 12m0, 35.

Memoirs of Mrs. Grace Bennett, relict of the Rev. J. Bennett, of Chinley; with some Account of his Ministry and Death; also some Extracts from Mrs. Bennett's Diary. By their Son, W. Bennett. 25. 6d.

Hint to England, or a Prophetic Mirror. By L. Mayer. IS.

The Believer's Justification. Extracted from the Sermons of Obadiah Grew, D. D. late Minister of the Gospel, Coventry, 12mo, 4d.

Britain Admonished. By J. Bowden. 2d.

The Reign of Grace, from its Rise to its Consummation. By the Rev. A. Booth. Seventh Edition, on Fine Paper, 12mo, 3s. boards.

Spring Day, or Contemplations on several Occurrences which naturally strike the Eye in that delightful Season. By James Fisher (a Blind Man) Bookseller in Annan. 8vo, 6s, boards.

Sermons, by J. B. Massillon, Bishop of Clermont. Translated by W. Dickson. Third Edition, Three Vols. 12mo, 125. boards.

A Treatise on the Faith and Influence of the Gospel. By the late Rev. Archibald Hall, of Well Street, 3s. 6d. 12mo, boards.

Dr. Doddridge's Evidences of Christianity briefly stated. Pocket Edition, with Portrait, 1s. 3d. bds.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

LETTERS have just been received from OTAHEITE, dated October 1, 1802, The Missionaries were in general in good health and safety. The Letters refer, for regular information, to the Journals, which have not yet come to hand. Extracts from the Letters, and we hope from the Journals, may be expected in our next Number.

The Letters subjoined, from the Continent, will highly gratify those who feel interested in the cause of Christ and the Gospel.

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YOUR kind letters, of Aug. 9 and 20, 1802, as well as Mr. Eyre's, of Aug. 7, I received by the Glat

ton.

Any acknowledgments from the Society are quite unnecessary, as what good offices I have been able to render the Missionaries at Otaheite, I consider as a duty imposed on me, and, perhaps, the obligation has been reciprocal, by the use they have been to the Porpoise and other ships that went there. With this I send the last packet received from thence by the return of the Porpoise: she was not so successful on this as on her former voyage; and, what is worse, my fine little colonial vessel was stranded there. The Venus sailed in February last, and means to visit Otaheite. I wrote to Mr. Jefferson, and informed him of what English news we possessed at that time.

Mr. Marsden has received the packages consigned to him by the Cato; and, I think, will have an opportunity of sending them by Capt. Bunker, of the Albion, who, we are told, means to go thither for provisions. As the Porpoise will necessarily be sent to England, it is in so bad a state, I cannot foresee any opportunity I shall have of a direct communication with Otaheite for some time to come; but should any such offer, which I

do not know at present, I shall not be unmindful of those, to whom every aid is consoling in their sc. cluded state: not that I conceive the constant intercourse of Europeans any way facilitates their la bours.

However, of all this I must be sure yourself and the Society will be able to be better judges by the Missionaries own accounts.

Should it be in my power to be of service to them, and to second your pious intentions, I shall embrace every opportunity to shew my readiness in what I consider a duty, as well as take a sincere interest. With every wish for your health, I remain, dear Sir, your most obedient Servant and faithful wellwisher, PHILIP GIDLEY KING.

P. S. Mr. Harris, formerly a Missionary at Otaheite, and lately at Norfolk Island, is now most use" fully employed in conducting a school on the banks of the Hawkesbury, where he also performs divine service; and, I believe, is as happy as he makes himself useful.

Extract, translated from the

Periodical Accounts of the Rotterdam Missionary Society, respecting the Mission in Africa.

BROTHER KICHERER having removed to the Zak River, the brethren Kramer and Anderson left

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