duity, and zeal, by which he is distinguished from the greater part of his brethren; and his moderation in political life, so unlike the busy, restless spirit of many in the high places in the church, induce us to congratulate our brethren of the establishment, that the princely revenues of Winchester have been intrusted to so good a man, and are likely, at least, pro hac vice, to be well employed. The readers of this Charge must admire its uniform tone of piety, seriousness, and kind feeling. The good bishop notices the relaxation of discipline in the church, refers to the almost forgotten design of visitations, and adverts to the state of his diocese, especially to pluralities, non-residence, and neglect of duty, with much fidelity and plainness. Then follow some practical details on the spiritual wants of the diocese, and affectionate exhortations on preaching, private instruction, visiting the sick, catechizing, week day services, administration of the Sacrament, and congregational singing. The bishop closes, in a fine strain of Christian feeling, by urging upon his clergy, the obligations of their office, the weight of their responsibility, the demand upon their labours, and the necessity of a devotional spirit. We are not insensible of the literary merits of this charge; when, on account of far higher excel, lence, we beg our brethren in the Dissenting Ministry to suffer this word of exhortation as though it had been originally addressed to them. We cannot omit noticing the moderation with which the bishop adverts, in page 23, to "the ascendancy of our own Ecclesiastical Establishment, with reference either to our fellow-subjects of the Romish church, or to our Protestant Dissenting Brethren." We quote the advice of Archbishop Secker here adduced, not as the best which might be given, but certainly as the best which is likely to fall from episcopal lips. "With respect to the privileges that we derive from human authority, as on the one hand receding from any of them with out cause is only inviting fresh encroachments, and giving needless advantages to such as will be sure to lose none; so, on the other, straining them too far, is the likeliest way to destroy them all at once; and both our usefulness and our security depend very much on our appearing plainly to desire nothing inconsistent with the com mon good; to have the truest concern for all reasonable liberty, and to be zealous only against licentiousness and confusion." We select the following passage as a pleasing specimen of the author's manner, earnestly praying that more such pastors may be raised up, both in the Church and among Dissenters. "Many too are the parochial clergy, known only to God and the narrow circle of their own parish, who are labouring, not for man's reward, but for the love of him who seeth in secret and will reward them openly. Punctual and zealous in the fulfilment of all those legal duties, to the discharge of which they are bound by their office and order, they are yet so far from resting satisfied in the bare performance of the public appointments that it is their daily care to build up the people on their most holy faith, by acquainting them, from house to house, with the principles of the gospel, and by engaging in all those pastoral functions which are at once the stated occupation and the solace, the duty and the delight of the parish priest. Is there one sick? they visit him. Is there one in distress? they succour him. Is there one oppressed? they are at hand to protect him. Is there one rich in this world's goods, and willing to distribute? they are his almoners to direct his bounty into the proper channels. Is there a house of mourning, or a house of joy and gladness? they weep with them that weep, and rejoice with them that do rejoice. Is there one among their flock more erring, more low, more miserable, more ignorant and thoughtless than another? it is even this very lost sheep which they consider themselves mest especially bound to seek, and through divine grace to save. Is there one wanted to give his talents, or occasionally his personal assistance, in the management of religious or benevolent institutions? their educa tion fits them for the office, and their duty bids them not decline it. These are they in whom the strength of the English Church consists; men in whose humble and laborious lives we may see the spirit of primitive teachers of the gospel, ready to spend and be spent in the service of their Master; and, in the true sense of their ordination vows, 'not grudging to seek for Christ's sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the midst of this naughty world, that they may be saved through Christ for ever." " EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK OF PSALMS. By the Rev. John Morison. Part I. δυο. 1827. Price 4s. Palmer.-AN exposition of the book of Psalms is an arduous undertaking in the present state of biblical literature. It will require, though it may not be a critical book, considerable knowledge of criticism, of the established principles of hermeneutical theology; besides an extensive acquaintance with the doctrines and dispensations of the Bible As far as we have yet examined this work by Mr. Morison, we think it very creditable to his diligence and acquisitions as a Christian Minister. It will be acceptable to the devotional reader, and not altogether disappoint the more critical inquirer, though to satisfy such persons is not properly the object of the work. We hope the author will attend particularly to his Greek and Hebrew quota. tions, and trust he will not depend implicitly on Parkhurst as a guide We very cordially recommend the work to our readers, and if spared to the conclusion of the undertaking, will enter more fully into its merits. VIEW OF THE CHARACTER, POSITION, AND PROSPECTS OF THE EDINBURGH BIBLE SOCIETY. In Seven Letters, by Anglicanus. Edinburgh, 8vo. 1827. Duncan, Hatchard, Holds worth. many, APOLOGY FOR THE MODERN THEOLOGY OF PROTESTANT GERMANY; or, a Review of the Work, entitled " The State of the Protestant Religion of Gerby the Rev. Hugh James Rose, MA. By Dr. Karl Gottlieb Bretschneider. Translated from the German, by the Rev. W. A. Evanson, M. A. 1827. 8vo. Palmer. -The public are indebted to Mr. Evanson for bringing this German defence of German theology before them in an English dress. It is a very curious, but very melancholy exposé, in the shape of a defence of the neology of the Continent, which appears to be a many-headed monster; but all the heads and forms of which are sadly opposed to the truth as it is in Jesus The lowest class of this body, we mean the most spiritual part of it, according to its defender, would not generally be regarded as Christian in this country. Mr. Rose, we understand, is about to publish a reply to Bretschneider. If we have opportunity we should like to notice both together; but in the mean time, let our readers examine this learned apologist for them selves, and they will groan with anguish, that the pulpits of Luther, and the chairs of Melancthon, should be occupied by such unbelievers and hvpocrites as are now generally to be found in the colleges and churches of Germany. A PRACTICAL VIEW OF THE PREVAILING RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF PROFESSED CHRISTIANS, in the higher and middle Classes in this Country, contrasted with real Christianity By W Wilberforce, Esq. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. Daniel Wilson. A.M. Glasgow. 1826. 12mo. Price 5s. THE CHRISTIAN'S DAILY WALK in Holy Security and Peace. course Wilberforce and Scudder have been too well appreciated by the religious public to need our recommendation. The introductory Essays are worthy the reputation of their writers; and will, no douht, induce an extensive circulation among those who would otherwise shrink from times of old-fashioned divinity. Mr. Wilson gives a very interesting view of the revival of religion, in this country, during the last thirty years, as connected with the publication of Mr. Wilberforce's book; and offers some suggestions as to the manner in which the revival may be farther advanced. Dr. Chalmers, in introducing "the Christian's Daily Walk," sketches the similarity between the toleration which Christianity met with, from the pagan world, so long as it interfered not with their own superstitions; and the "complacent toleration for a mitigated and misconceived Christianity," so prevalent in our day; he then proceeds to contrast the different spirit of two men, " one of whom works, and that most incessantly, from the love that he hears to the wages, and the other of whom works, and that just as incessantly, from the unconquerable taste and affection which he has for the work itself;" recommending Scudder's treatise to those who aim at the delightful service of the latter. The books are neatly printed, and the price is moderate. ANTICIPATIONS OF THE FUTURE AWAKENED BY REVIEWS OF THE PAST. A Sermon, delivered at the Meeting house in New Broad Street, on Thursday, August 2, 1827; occasioned by the Completion of the First Century of the Existence of the Church connected with that Place. By Joseph P. Dobson. pp. 80. Longman.-From Psalm cxv. 12, Mr Dobson illustrates the doctrine, "that spiritual manifestations of the divine goodness already enjoyed, constitute a powerful argument for the indul gence of hope, in looking forward to time which is to come;" by reference to some of the leading events in the Jewish history, in the history of our own denomination, and of the church of which he is pastor. The church in New Broad Street was formed in 1727, by a secession from that assembling for worship in Miles's Lane. In narrating the particulars of the separation, Mr. D. entered warmly into the defence of the separatists, and evinces rather more of the partisan than the lapse of a century seems to warrant. Neither do we think that he has-dealt altogether justly with Wilson's History of the Dissenting Churches in London. Mr. Wilson gives an account of that secession, as "characterized by a person who lived about the same time; and Mr. Dobson, after quoting another passage or two, infers, "that what the writer gives as the view of the case entertained by another person, was the view which he himself adopted." The inference is scarcely fair; but we are unwilling to be as severe upon Mr. Dobson, as he is upon Wilson. The preacher derives several impor tant and instructive lessons from the events reviewed, which furnish matter both of gratitude for the past, and hope for the future. He solemnly and impressively exhorts his hearers to "look well to the state of their principles, and to act up to those principles." " Far be it from us," he exclaims, " to give any encouragement to bigotry and narrow-mindedness, or to wish to engender an uncharitable and persecuting spirit; but there is much that is extravagant, and much that is spurious, in the liberality of the present day. The principles you hold as nonconformists, and as believers in revelation, are what you have no business with, unless you have become convinced that they are better than any other principles; and if you have become thus convinced, it is nothing short of acting the part of traitors, when, either directly or indirectly, you afford encouragement to any other principles. "But, my dear brethren, the voice which calls upon you this day for stead. fastness in the liberty of the Gospel, and for fidelity in your attachment to the grand and fundamental truths of Christianity, is overpowered by the voice which calls upon you for consistency and exemplariness, as the professed followers of Jesus; and if it be imperative that you support the cause in which your forefathers bled, and the doctrines for which apostles and reformers contended, far more imperative is it, that in all things you recommend that cause, and in all things adorn those doctrines, by a righteous and holy life; and, therefore, as a man, 1 honestly advise you as a Christian, I affectionately exhort you-as a Christian minister, I solemnly admonish you-yea, as an ambassador sent you from heaven, in the name of God, I command you-in the name of the Eternal Father, I command you in the name of the Everlast ing Son, I command you in the name of the Holy Ghost, 1 command you--to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called! O! see to it, that the hours of this consecrated season do not pass away without a renewal of covenant engagements between God and your souls; and, having renewed your covenant engagements, O! see to it, that you never violate them hereafter. Let it be your anxiety, from this day, to live more habitually and more entirely under the influence of the Divine Spirit, than you have hitherto. Let religion become more of a business with you than it has been, and let the cultivation of piety become more systematic, and let there be more of principle and of conscience developed in your history. Endeavour always to live with the persuasion upon your minds, that there is nothing of so much consequence as personal godliness--nothing of so much consequence as your being enabled to break away from the power of sin and the love of the world-nothing of so much consequence as your becoming every day more and more conformed to the image of Christ."-pp. 67-69. We hope the principles advocated in this discourse will become increasingly dear to nonconformists, and that more of our young ministers will imitate the commendable example of Mr. D., and give early pledges of their attachment to New-Testament principles of church government. A TREATISE, on those Diseases which are either directly or indirectly connected with Indigestion, comprising a Commentary on the principal Ailments of Children. By D. Uwins, M. D. &c. 8vo. 274 pages. Underwood. Price 7s.-From the preface it appears, that the public are indebted to a monthly journal for the valuable treatise now before us. Dr. Uwins was requested by his friend, the Editor, to draw up an article on the popular and important subject of digestion, and if we are not greatly mistaken, the journal referred to is the Eclectic Review, and the article is an able one on that subject, which appeared in that respectable work in the early part of last year. We read it with peculiar interest, for, alas! reviewers are generally dyspeptic sufferers themselves, and we then wished that the scientific, yet common sense views of the writer, were more fully developed and illustrated. This desire is completely gratified by the elegant and able treatise now before us, which, though it does not strictly fall within the bounds of our literary jurisdiction, we feel it our duty to recommend to the notice of our readers When we reflect upon the injuries which children receive, and on the iniseries which adults endure from mistaken notions on the subjects of regimen, diet, and digestion, we feel anxious, that affectionate parents and suffering valetudinarians should peruse the precautionary suggestions, and very simple remedial plans contained in this work. The third part, which occupies 60 pages, and treats on Digestion and Indigestion in the abstract and popularly, will afford our sedentary and studious friends some most useful hints, while the treatise throughout is written in a style and strain, which must render it intelligable and useful to general readers. THE OPPRESSIVE, UNJUST, AND PROFANE NATURE AND TENDENCY OF THE CORPORATION AND TEST ACTS, London: Wightman and Cramp. 1827. Price 6d - The follo following extract from the advertisement to this valuable pamphlet will explain its design, and to which we have only need to add our hearty commendation : "This sermon was originally printed at the request of the Committee of the seven congregations of the Three Denominations of Protestant Dissenters in Birmingham:' it is now reprinted, with the hope of its being instrumental in diffusing amongst the Dissenters a just sense of the grievance of the Corporation and Test Acts, and in disposing them to unite heartily in respectful and temperate applications to the Legislature for the repeal of these unrighteous statutes, in so far, at least, as regards the profanation of the holy ordinance of the Lord's Supper. It is believed that some excellent persons of the Three Denominations hesitate to co-operate with the majority of their brethren in this great cause, under an apprehension that the question is merely political, and that the spirituality of their characters, as professors of the Gospel, may be endangered by their eagerly engaging in a struggle for a worldly object. Such Christians will be convinced, by the perusal of this sermon, that the purity of the most solemn ordinance of their religion is involved in the issue; that the attempt is in fact to rescue one of the peculiar institutions of the Great Head of the Church from dishonour; and that religious liberty is in this, as in other respects, inseparably connected with Divine truth. "No man is remembered with more lively affection and esteem, by his own denomination (the Baptists), than the late Mr. Pearce. He was a Christian of warm and pure affections, and as a minister he was distinguished by the spiri. tuality of his views, and the fervour of his devotion. But his zeal for the pure Gospel of his blessed Master, so far from extinguishing his care for the civil rights of his brethren, enkindled his Christian patriotism, and made him a burning and a shining light,' both in the world and the church. Let those that honour his name, follow his example, and be 'not slothful in business' as citizens, while they are fervent in spirit;' in both temporal and spiritual relations, 'serving the Lord,' whose freemen they are by their exposed in a Sermon, preached before heavenly calling." the Congregation of Protestant Dis- THE END AND ESSENCE OF SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHING, and Family Religious Instruction, &c. Second Edition, greatly enlarged. James Gall, Edinburgh. 12mo, pp. 180. Price 25. 1827. H -There are but few books which have given us such high, and such entire satisfaction, as the one now before us. Its title struck us forcibly, and its contents have more than realized our most sanguine expectations. In looking over the table of contents, the reader will easily perceive that the plan of the work is comprehensive, and that the various topics introduced are of the highest order of importance. We have long thought that, after all the attention that has been paid to the education of the lower classes of society, by means of Sunday Schools, the end and essence of Sunday School teaching were but ill understood, or, at most, inadequately regarded. To teach the young to read, and to store their memories with a form of sound words, are objects of great importance; but to make them understand, and in some measure appreciate the doctrines and duties of Christianity, are infinitely more so. The latter of these objects forms the benevolent design of this pamphlet, and it is quite evident that the writer has thought much and closely on the subject. We should inform our readers that "The End and Essence of Sabbath School Teaching," stands connected with a series of short catechetical works, of which it is our in tention to take further notice at a future period. These are designed to form the foundation of a course of extemporaneous cross-interrogatories; and the work at present before us, at once shows the importance of the system, and the facility with which it may be put in operation. Our author's plan is equally adapted to Sunday School teaching, and to fa. mily instruction; and we think that every teacher in a Sabbath School, and head of a family would do well to give this work a speedy and very careful pe rusal. BRIEF SUGGESTIONS ON TRANSLATIONS OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, addressed to Friends of Bible Societies, in consequence of a late Article in the Quarterly Review; being the Substance of a Speech delivered at the Annual Meeting of the Southampton Auxiliary Bible Society, October 24, 1827. By John Bullar, one of the Secretaries of that Institution. 8vo. 16 pages: 6d Longman and Co-We are happy to see a corrected edition of the very eloquent and satisfactory speech of Mr. Bullar published. We read it in the South ampton paper with much interest, and fearing that its usefulness would be confined to the circulation of a provincial journal, we transcribed as much of it as our pages would permit into our December Number, which, through an oversight, was described as an extract from the speech of Mr. Bulmer. Did we not know the arrogant bearing of the Quarterly Review, we should anticipate some apology for its malignant blunders, after the complete exposure it has recently received from various quarters. But let the editors and contributors to that journal carry their heads as loftily as they will, they may be assured that statements like those of Mr. Bullar, made and circulated as they have been throughout the country, cannot fail to lessen their influence, and to cause all thinking men to receive in future with necessary caution even their most oracular assertions. THE JUVENILE FRIEND; or, Youth's Guide, &c. Vol. 5. Souter. 5s. neatly half bound. 1827. The fifth volume of this useful work has just been put into our hands; and among the numerous juvenile periodicals that are now candidates for public favour, we think it presents fair claims to increasing support. Its several departments exhibit a careful attention to the best interests of the rising generation; and whilst every article is made subservient to the sacred cause of religion, its tone of sentiment is cheerful, the subjects interesting, and the general style of composition animated and elegant. The topographical embellishments, and their illustrative descriptions, possess considerable interest, as connected with those essential branches of education, geography and history. We find, from an address accompany ing the volume, that the conductors in tend to commence a New Series of their. work, under the title of "The Youth's Guardian, and Juvenile Friend," which has our cordial good wishes. The profits are still to be devoted to various important institutions. THE LAW OF CHRIST IN RELATION TO OFFENCES. Price 4d., or 3s. 6d. per dozen. By George Payne, M.A. Holdsworth -In this little work, the evils which result from the violation of the law of Christ, Matt. xviii. 15-20, are pointed out; and an attempt is made to secure its future observance. |