rate, soberminded, and peaceable. He will inspect himself, as well as his governors; and, in short, will be ever disposed, according to the Apostle's injunction, "to follow peace always by all means."

We are conscious that much more ought to have been said, in order to do full justice to this important and abused subject; but for the present it may suffice, to have rescued the Holy Scriptures from the false gloss of Mr. B.; and we dwell on it with the greater earnestness, because we are really sorry to see any of the pages of a book, in which there are so many things to commend, defaced by opinions so dangerous and unwarranted; unwarranted, in as much as they receive no countenance from the Bible; and dangerous, as tending to relax the sinews of lawful restraint, and to introduce a spirit of insubordination and anarchy.

Perhaps Mr. B. may have been betrayed into this misconstruction of St. Paul's doctrine, by an unwarrantable extension of the principle of becoming all things to all men. However that may be, he has undoubtedly given to the Apostle's words a meaning, which they were not intended to convey. If he can really deduce from the passage in question, the view he has taken of the subject, we shall regard it as a striking example of the force of prejudice over a judgment, in many other respects sound and enlightened.

It may, perhaps, be thought by some, that such sentiments will tend to conciliate the Jacobins of France, as well as those of England, by removing one of their main objections to the Holy Scriptures. We more than doubt the fact; but even if its truth were less dubious than it is, it will scarcely serve to justify, especially on such an occasion, that flexile complaisance which would please at the expense of truth. The objections of these unhappy men to Christianity have a much deeper root. They originate in the depravity of their hearts; and being fostered by pride and sensuality, are at length matured into an inveterate and determined hostility, (an hostility which nothing but divine grace can conquer), as well to the humiliating nature of the doc

trines of Christianity, as to the unexampled purity of her precepts.

With earnest wishes for the success of Mr. B.'s able and benevolent labours, we should rejoice, if, by any thing we have said, he should be induced to reconsider the topic to which we have felt ourselves compelled to advert, and to correct the errors on which we have been commenting, previously to the publication of the work in French.

Mr. B. quotes (p. 215.) Matt. xviii. 15 to 17, as containing the particular mode of ecclesiastical government prescribed by Christ himself; but that passage appears to us to leave the matter perfectly undecided, and to give a preference to no form of Church government whatever. We apprehend that Mr. B. wishes to have it understood, that it may be inferred from our Saviour's words, that the Independent mode of Church government was that prescribed by Christ. We will only remark, that, if it were, it will be for him to explain the causes of the early and uniform deviation of the Christian Church from the institutions of its founder.

The style of this performance is sufficiently clear and perspicuous; but it appears from the form of many of the sentences, to have been composed with a view to the French dress, which we are told it is to assume; and probably to this cause may be attributed its frequent stiffness and inelegance. This, however, is a defect of inferior importance; nor is it mentioned with a view to detract from the very great intrinsic merits of the publication. It is certainly, upon the whole, very admirably calculated to remove the existing prejudices against Christianity from the minds of sceptics, not only in this country, but in that for which it is more particularly designed. As a proof of the justice of our commendations, we insert the following extract, which will afford the reader a very fair specimen of the Author's style, and manner of reasoning.

Upon the Prophecies concerning Christ, he thus speaks:

tunate conjectures, stop for a moment and se. LET those who assert predictions to be for. riously consider the prophecies of the Old

Testament (the first volume of this book, and of equal authority, as may be afterwards shewn) concerning the Messiah. Perhaps there may be an hundred passages or more, each containing somewhat distinct and peculiar in the description of his character: a character in which are many things, very remarkable, some apparently contradictory; see particularly Isaiah liii. They were recorded by different men, in different countries, and in different ages: and the last, some centuries before his appearance. Christians say that all these predictions relate to Jesus Christ. The matter is capable of accurate examination. History sacred and profane furnishes us with a number of persons, heroes, warriors, statesmen, kings, sages and philosophers. Apply the prophecies to any of them you please. Take Judas, or Peter, or John, or Herod; or go to profane history: take Alexander or Cæsar; or if you think it will answer better, take Confucius, Socrates, or Marcus Antoninus. Apply to them the prophecies of the Old Testament. If one particular suits, a second does not: a third renders it evident that not one of them is the man designed. Apply them to Christ; apply all the hundred or more; an astonishing correspondence appears: every one fits him: there is not a single prediction which is discordant. He that will call this, chance; and ascribe the agreement merely to fortuitous circumstances, is not fit to be argued with; and must not say that Christians alone are credulous.

There is a circumstance peculiarly striking, which we should not pass over; namely, that the predictions concerning Christ are all in the keeping of his enemies. Had the disciples of Jesus been the sole guardians of the sacred books, it might have been said, that they altered them to make the prophecy accord with the event. But the Jews are the keepers, the jealous keepers of the ancient prophets and their hatred to Christ and his cause is at least as strong as their veneration for the prophets of their nation. Ask them for the book; they will give it you, and curse Jesus of Nazareth. But read it, and you will find a perfect agreement between the prediction and the event, in the character of Christ; and that i believe of old.

not without sufficient reason we Jesus is the true Messiah promised 61-163.)

We ear giving any further extracts from this valuable work, though we could have selected many passages, in which the truth of Christianity is placed in a very convincing light; but we subjoin the Table of Contents, that our Readers may have the whole of the Author's plan before them at one view :

Introduction, (p. 1.)

CHAP. I. OF THE EVIDENCE FOR THE DIVINE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TESTA

MENT, ARISING FROM THE PRINCIPLES WHICH IT CONTAINS. (p 13)-Sect. 1. The Character of God as delineated in the New Testament, (p. 14.)-Sect. II The Character of Jesus Christ, (p 17.)--Sect. III. The delineation of human nature, (p. 25.)-Sect. IV. The doctrine of a Mediator, and redemption through him, (p. 28.)--sect. V. The moral precepts of the Gospel, (p 36.) -Sect. VI. The manner in which a future state is represented in the New Testament, (p. 38.)-Sect. VII. The motives proposed by the Gospel, (p. 42.)-Sect. VII. The characters which the New Testament is designed to form, (p. 45.)-Sect. IX. The happiness which results from the influence of the Gospel in forming such characters, (p. 50.)—Sect. X. There is every thing in the New Testament which a revelation from God may be expected to contain, (p. 54.)

CHAP. II. oF THE EVIDENCE FOR THE DI.

VINE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, ARISING FROM CONSIDERATIONS

SUGGESTED BY ITS CONTENTS, (p. 58.) -Sect. I. The New Testament conveys more improvement to the mind than any other book, (p. 59.)-Sect II. There are no false principles in the New Testament, (p. 63.)— Sect. III. The New Testament is in direct opposition to every depraved principle in human nature, (p. 66 )-Sect IV. Men never get before the New Testament, (p. 70.)— Sect. V. The fulness of the New Testament, (p. 73.)-Sect. VI. The scheme of the divine government as represented in the New Testament, (p. 75)-Sect. VII. The appearance and tendency of the moral world confirm the principles of Christianity, (p. 77.)— Sect. VIII. The manner in which the New Testament addresses men, (p. 82.)-Sect. IX. The harmony of the writers of the New Testament, (p. 84.)

CHAP. III. OF THE EVIDENCE FOR THE

DIVINE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TES

TAMENT, ARISING FROM THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLES, (p. 92.)—Sect. I. The quality and number of the witnesses, (p. 95.) -Sect. II. Their qualifications for bearing testimony to Christ, (p. 97.)-Sect. III. Their sincerity and personal conviction of the truth of their testimony, (p. 99.)-Sect. IV. Their consistency and perseverance in bearing testimony, (p. 100.)-Sect. V. Their sufferings for the sake of their testimony, (p. 103.) -Sect VI. Their martyrdom as a seal to their testimony, (p. 106.)-Sect. VII. It could not be the design of the Apostles to accomplish a good end by bad means, (p. 108.) CHAP IV. OF THE EVIDENCE FOR THE DI

VINE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TESTA MENT, ARISING FROM SOME ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS, WHICH FURTHER CONFIRM THEIR TESTIMONY, (p. 110.)-Sect. 1. The improbability of the Apostles contriving a new religion, (p. 111.)-Sect. II. The divine origin of the New Testament may be inferred from the talents of the writers, (p. 112.)-Sect. III. The penmen of the New

Testament write at their ease on every subject, (p. 114.)-Sect. IV The serious spirit with which the Apostles write gives weight to their testimony, (p 115.)-Sect. V No little or evil passions are betrayed by the writers of the New Testament, (p 117.)-Sect. VI. The humility of the writers of the New Testament, (p. 118)-Sect. Vi The Apostles acted as men believing their testimony to be true, (p. 121)-Sect VIII The Apostles do not encourage the prejudices, nor flatter the passions of men, (p. 124.)-Sect. IX The high tone of authority which the writers of the New Testament use, (p. 127.)-Sect. X. The character in which the founder and the first teachers of Christianity appeared, (p. 129.)

CHAP V OF THE EVIDENCE FOR THE DIVINE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, ARISING FROM MIRACLES, (p 133.) -Sect. I The possibility and existence of the miracles of the New Testament, (p. 135.)Sect. 11. The number, var ety, and manner of the miracles performed in confirmation of the Christian religion, (p. 136.)-Sect. III: The design of the miracles recorded in the New Testament, (p. 139)-Sect IV. The time and place of the miracles of the New Testament considered as furnishing evidence in favour of Christianity, (p. 141.)-Sect. V. Evi dences of the reality of the miracles of the New Testament, (p. 143.)-Sect. VI. A review of some particular miracles of the New Testament, (p. 146.)

CHAP. VI. OF THE EVIDENCE FOR THE DIVINE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TESTA

MENT, ARISING FROM PROPHECY, (p. 151.)-Sect. 1. The character of the prophets, (p. 152.)-Sect II The nature, minuteness and extent of prophecy, (p 154)-Sect ill. The design of prophecy, (p. 156.)-Sect. IV. The degree of clearness in prophecy, (p. 158.) -Sect. V. The prophecies concerning Christ, (p 161.)-Sect. VI. The destruction of Ferusalem by the Romans, (p. 163)-Sect. VII The prophecies concerning Antichrist, (p. 166)-Sect Vill The existence and state of the Jews as a separate people, (p. 172.) CHAP. VII. OF THE EVIDENCE FOR THE

DIVINE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, ARISING FROM THE SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL, (p. 177)-Sect. I. The nature of the Christian religion as contained in the New Testament, (p. 178.)—Sect. II. The persons by whom the Christian religion was propagated, (p. 179.)-Sect. III. The means which were employed for propagating the Gospel, (p. 181)-Sect. IV The opposition made to the Gospel, (p. 184)-Sect. V. The sacrifices which they must make who embraced the Gospel, (p. 187.)-Sect. VI. The success of the Gospel, and the number of its converts, (p 190.)-Sect. VII. Christianity could have had no success if it had not been true, (p. 194.)

CHAP. VIII OBJECTIONS AGAINST THE

DIVINE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TES

TAMENT CONSIDERED, (p. 199.)-Sect. I. OBJ. If we must examine one religion in order to discover its divine origin, it is reasona

ble that we should examine all, and weigh their evidence: and this is so tedious, as well as arduous a task, that our lives will be at an end before it can be accomplished, (p. 202.) -Sect. II OBJ. Christianity generates a timid passive spirit, and is not calculated for forming great characters, or producing men who will prove extensive benefactors o mankind, (p 204.)-Sect. II. OBJ. Christianity is the friend of despotism, and the enemy of liberty, (p. 207.)-Sect. IV OBJ Christianity establishes a system of priestcraft, and exalts the Clergy to exhorbitant wealth, and a spiritual despotism over the consciences of men, (p 211)-Sect. V. OBJ. The blood which Christianity has shed, the massacres which it bas planned and executed, and the miseries it has brought upon the earth, must seal its condemnation, (p. 217.)-Sect. VI OBJ. Christ's appearance on earth was distinguished by a meanness which seems beneath the dignity of the Son of God, (p. 219.)-Sect. VII. OBJ. Christianity is known only to a small portion of mankind : if it were from God would it not be universal in its extent? (p 221)-Sect. VIII. OBJ. The effects produced in the world by the Christian religion have been few and small, and of little benefit to the human race, (P 223.)-sect. IX. OBJ. The attachment of multitudes to Christianity arises merely from the prejudices of education, (p. 227.)— Sect. X. OBJ Very few of the great and learned embraced the Christian religion, (p. 228)-Sect XI. OBJ. There are many divisions, and great dissensions among Christians, (p. 230)-Sect XII OBJ. There is much obscurity in the New Testament, and there are many things mysterious, (p. 232 )— Sect XIII OBJ When we survey the form and mode of composition of the books of the New Testament, we cannot conceive that they were written by divine inspiration, (p. 237.)— Sect. XIV. How can we be certain that the books of the New Testament were written by the Apostles of Christ and if they were, that they have not been interpolated and corrupted since, (p. 240)-Sect XV Many of the advocates for the religion of Jesus inveigh bitterly against philosophy, because they know that Christianity cannot bear theict scrutiny of her penetrating eye, (p. 244.) CHAP IX. THE SENTIMENTS

CONONSIDlittle the

DUCT OF THE DEISTS BRIEF ERED, (p. 250.)-Sect. I h enemies of Christianity have been able to say against it, merits notice, (p. 251.)-Sect. II. Deists do not examine Christianity with the spirit of men who are searching after truth, (p. 254.)-Sect. III. From a spirit of opposi tion to the Gospel, and in order to destroy its credibility, Deists run into the greatest absurdities, (p. 256.)—Sect. IV The system of the Deists does not supply the place of the Gospel, nor make suitable and sufficient provision for the happiness of man, (p. 259.)—Sect. V. There is good reason to conclude that the system of natural religion, which the Deists profess to hold, is derived from the New Testatament, (p. 263).-Sect. VI. Deists do not

seem, even with respect to their own system of religion, to be in earnest, either as to the practice or propagation of it, [p. 265]-Sect. VII. A comparison between the most eminent Christians and Deists, as to their temper and conduct in life, [p. 270.]-Sect. Vill. The most eminent Deists and Christians compared, as to their views and hopes at the approach of death, [p. 273.]

CHAP. X. SOME MISCELLANEOUS CONSIDE

RATIONS, AND CONCLUSION, [p. 280]Sect. 1. The harmony of the different parts of the evidence for Christianity, [p. 281.] Sect. II. Every man of a good disposition must wish the Gospel to be true, [p. 283.] Sect. III. The temper required in those who examine the evidences of Christianity, [p. 285.]-Sect. IV. The truth of the Christian religion believed by those who have spent all their days in studying the New Testament, [P. 288.]-Conclusion, [p. 292.]

VIII. Pastoral Hints on the Importance of religious Education; with an Outline of a Familiar Plan of Instruction; designed for the Assistance of Families By EDWARD BURN, M. A. 8vo. pp. 37. 1s. Rivingtons. 1801. THIS tract is dedicated to the Congregation of St. Mary's Chapel in Birmingham. Parochial Ministers, who rightly discharge the duties of their high office, generally possess a strong influence over their hearers; and we shall be always happy to see them exerting that influence in a beneficial manner. Every neighbourhood is an epitome of the world at large; and he who enters into the necessities of the circle around him, with the deep interest which should ever be felt by a faithful pastor, is much more likely to benefit mankind by his writings than the retired student.

Mr. Burn observes, That the PRINCIPLES of the rising generation are not in general founded on the DOCTRINES of Christianity; nor their TASTE form éd by its SPIRIT; nor their LIVES governed by its LAWS; nor their DESIRES directed to the HAPPINESS it sets before them. Upon each of these heads the Author enlarges; and having from this view inferred the duty of counteracting these evils by bringing up our children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord," he proceeds to point out,-1. The KIND OF INSTRUCTION to be imparted, which should chiefly respect the sinfulness of man, and the nature and method of his salvation: 2. The most effectual MANNER OF COM

MUNICATING this instruction, namely, that it should be adapted to the capacity of children; should be persevered in with tenderness, condescension, and patience; and that parents should for this end avail themselves of little incidents and circumstances: 3. That to give EFFICACY to instruction, exampie; a well regulated authority, avoiding the extremes of excessive fondness and unjust severity; and prayer, are necessary: and 4. The MOTIVES, which should influence parents herein, since they will hereby consult the greatest good of their children; will take the most effectual means of making them blessings to their instructers; and will forward, in an important degree, the great ends of the Christian Ministry.

In the Plan of Instruction, which is subjoined to these hints, and which is divided into Catechetical, Historical, Doctrinal and Explanatory, and Devotional and Moral, the Author points out the most useful books, under each

head.

We can safely recommend this Tract to our readers. The subject is of primary importance to individual and public happiness; and the Author's manner of treating it is both pleasing and instructive.

VIII. Address to the Inhabitants of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, on the Termination of the War with France. By the Rev. THOMAS ROBINSON, M. A. Vicar of St. Mary's, Leicester. 8vo. 1s. and 12mo. 4d. or 100 for 25s. Rivingtons.

In this seasonable Address, the pious Author calls his readers to a review of past events: from which they may learn, to look beyond the measures of senators and statesmen, if they would ascertain the true cause of the calamities we have suffered; to bow with unfeigned submission to the sovereign and righteous will of the Almighty; to remember, that "the vows of the Lord, made in the solemn days of Fasting and Humiliation, are upon them ;' and to be thankful for past mercies. He further excites them, to derive suitable improvement from the important event of peace; to be grateful for present national blessings and prospects: and also to consider what ought to be our future plans. And here he