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LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE,

GREAT BRITAIN.

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&c. &c.

In the press-An Address to a Wedding Party; by the Rev. J. Clayton, Jun.; -The Peculiar Doctrines of the Church of Rome, as contained in her own Decrees and Bulls; examined and disproved by the Rev. H. O'Donnoghue ; "Affection's Offering;"-Notices of Brazil; by the Rev. R. Walsh, LL.D. ;—The Listener; by Caroline Fry ;-A Memoir of the late A. Waugh, D.D.; by the Rev. H. Belfrage, D.D., and the Rev. I. Hay; -The Old-Testament Authorised Version, with the Original Hebrew Names instead of the English words Lord and God;-Parallel Miracles; or the Jews and the Gypsies; by S. Roberts, with a view to shew that the latter people are the descendants of the ancient Egyptians, "denounced by the Prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, to be desolate among the nations that are desolate, being cast out of their kingdom into the open fields of all lands, there to remain without idols and without images forty years, but at length to be re-assembled in their native country, under a Saviour and a Great One, and to be there brought to a knowledge of the Lord."

It would confer a benefit upon the church, if some clergyman or layman would procure from the various dioceses of England, Ireland, and Wales, an account of any institutions formed in them of the nature of clerical assurance societies, or funds for the widows and children of clergyman, with a view to compare them and to point out the best methods of conducting them. In the diocese of Derry, it is stated that the bishop, the dean, and every rector and curate subscribes one per cent. of his income, for the clerical widow's fund, which amounts to nine thousand two hundred pounds. The income from the subscriptions this year is three hundred and eighty-seven pounds, and the annuities and donations amount to eleven hundred and thirteen pounds. On a recent occasion, when a considerable loss was sustained by a failure, the present bishop made a donation of one thousand pounds to the fund.

The last Number of the Monthly Repository, the official organ of the Unitarian body in this country, gives a most hopeless account of the state of their

cause. The running title of the article is," Unitarians rich, yet inefficient ;" and the statements in the text correspond to the title; for it is confessed that "the Unitarian Missionary Association during the last year is an almost total failure;" that "the spirit of Unitarianism is not a missionary spirit ;" that of their chapels "the tale is brief and mournful;" that their assemblies for public worship are ill at tended; that they can, with difficulty, support a single periodical publication; that their institutions for religious purposes are "few and languishing ;" that, "although for their numbers, the Unitarians are the richest body of religionists in the kingdom, they contribute the least to religious objects ;" and, most painful of all, that in India itself, where they looked for most, they are without a missionary, and unable to keep up a single chapel. To say that, with our views of the Unitarian system, we quote these statements with pain would be an untruth which no Unitarian would wish us to proffer; but we by no means bring them forward in an invidious spirit. The humbling confessions uttered by persons who wish well to a cause, with a view to stir up their brethren to promote it, are not a subject for insult, and we are far from urging them as such. But we would candidly press upon the announcers of these facts, their own dilemma, that Christianity is essentially "a proselyting religion;" so that if the tenets of Unitarianism (so-called, for we by no means admit the fairness of this exclusive assumption of the term, tri-une not being trine) are not of a character to proselyte the world, they are confessed to be false. The writers escape from this suicidal conclusion by urging that their doctrines are fit for missionary purposes; but that the holders of them are not diligent stewards in dispensing them. But this comes to nearly the same thing; since it admits the spiritual inefficiency of the system, even as regards its converts. We will not, however, dwell upon the argument. Would that "rich, but inefficient," did not apply too much in some other quarters also; and it will apply more forcibly than ever, if in place of the decaying foundations of Unitarianism, the believers in the Divinity of Christ, and his meritorious sacrifice for the sins of mankind, də

not endeavour more zealously than they have ever yet done to lay in every part of the world this rejected corner-stone, as the basis for a pure and spiritual church. In Locke's diary and correspondence recently published by Lord King, a passage is given from his manuscript journal, which certainly appears to point to a heterodox conclusion, relative to the doctrine of the Trinity, and the Godhead of Christ. The passage is, however, only a detached extract, and many circumstances are wanting to shew that it was the writer's mature and last conclusion. His lordship ought not thus to have loosely thrown upon the world an exceptionable passage or two, when he has refrained from printing the body of the manuscript. If the whole was thought too long and uninteresting to print, an impartial syllabus might have been given; though, after all, neither the name of Locke, or Milton, or Newton himself, is of much real moment in a matter which depends not upon human authority, but upon the authoritative announcements of the word of God.

A work has been published by some unworthy collateral descendant of Dr. Doddridge, which is an insult to his memory. That venerated man kepta diary and copies of his letters; some of which, written in his younger years, were abundantly foolish ; what was best worth extracting had been long ago given to the world; good taste" and right feeling had kept back the remainder; but the short-hand manuscripts not being destroyed, cupidity or some worse motive has thrust the garbage upon the public market. We write thus much to warn our readers against purchasing this refuse we shall not dilate further; for though by office periodical inspectors of the aforesaid literary market, we do not wish to come into contact with the higglers of its corrupt provisions. These are not honeyed accents; but they are apt, and we will take a fresh pen to proceed with our labours. It must be distressing to every well-constituted mind, setting religion aside, to see the revered memory of the author of the invaluable "Rise and Progress of Religion" identified with a single line unworthy of his character.

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Mr. McCulloch, reasoning from the alleged habit of fishes to repair towards light-houses, has advised the use of nocturnal lamps in the herring and pilchard fisheries. The experiment has recently been tried on the coast of Cornwall without success; but under circumstances, it is stated, which do not affect the principle when more favourably applied.

The experiment of destroying vermin by steam has been tried on a large scale in the case of one or more vessels in tro. pical climates; and with such success, it is said, as to exterminate even the white ant, the destructive ravages of which have hitherto met with no effectual check. The hull to be cleared is made air tight, and then filled with steam by means of a pipe from the boiler of a steam-vessel.

It has been ascertained by a series of experiments, that many of the poisons which affect animal life will also kill plants if applied to the root.

Mr. Telford, the civil engineer, in reporting to parliament upon the effects of the new London bridge, states, that the old bridge, from its massy construction, acted as a dam: the result, therefore, of its removal, will be that the tide will rise higher, and with greater velocity up the river, westward of the bridge, and cause occasional inundations, where the banks or wharfs are low; while the corresponding rapid reflux will leave the channel in many places dry, and probably cause settlements and excavations on the margin of the river.

We lately saw an advertisement of a raffle, at one shilling per head, for “ Haycock's Bible," to take place in the library room of a Catholic chapel in Ireland; the proceeds to be applied towards the expenses of erecting the edifice. The raffling was to go on for a week, and in order to excite those who had not a shilling for this religious lottery a little-go was appended of sixpence, for a "truly interesting and instructive work, entitled Miss Herbert and the Villagers." This is the first time we ever heard of a raffle (which is illegal, as well as otherwise exceptionable) being instituted for a pro. fessedly religious object, and we trust it will be the last.

Vice is so closely connected with improvidence, that this may be one reason that theatrical property is almost every where a ruinous speculation. Our newspapers, and courts of law and equity constantly attest the disgraceful disputes and insolvencies which arise out of this immoral species of property. The same is the case in the United States of America; but it may seem more surprising that the parallel should apply to countries of gayer habits, such as France and Italy. Yet it would appear that all over Europe, for more than one hundred and fifty years past, almost all who have taken charge of theatrical concerns have either lost their fortunes, or become bankrupt. All the

theatres in Germany which are not supported by the sovereigns, almost all those in Italy, all those in the departments of France, and almost all in Paris, are described to be in a state of insolvency.

FRANCE.

The publishers of Paris state, that their trade is so inert, that, in some of the thirdrate towns of France, there is not a single regular bookseller's shop; the only mart being a few shelves, at a stationer's or draper's, supplied with old romances. They urge the extension of an author's copyright to his life, and to his heirs for twenty-five years, instead of twenty as at present. They also propose, that the protection secured to national works shall be extended to works published in foreign countries, the governments of which shall grant similar protection to the literary productions of France. This is to counteract reprints in the Netherlands, which is a chief cause of the decay of the French book-trade. English publishers would willingly assent to give American authors copy-right in England, if the Americans would grant the same privilege to English authors. But would they consent to do so? The case of France and Belgium is similar.

UNITED STATES. Every month brings more information of the progress of the cause of temperance. In many places it is even becoming disgraceful to sell ardent spirits, except for medical purposes, or for the use of varnish makers, and other manufacturers. This zeal for temperance has extended to portions of the Indian tribes. The Cherokee Phoenix, a native newspaper, says, "A powerful enemy is abroad in our country. He is destroying many strong men. The mourning of the widow and the orphan is heard wherever that enemy has been. Unless we defend ourselves we shall be subdued before him. Let us all arise, and put him to death, or banish him beyond the limits of the Cherokee Nation." Then follows a list of resolutions by Indians, resolving not to taste distilled liquors themselves, and to discourage the use of them by others.

We have more than once adverted to the remarkable discoveries of See-quahyah, the Cherokee Cadmus. He is sixtyfive years of age; he still dresses as an Indian, and has never spoken a word of English; yet this extraordinary man has invented an alphabet and introduced literature among his people. It happened that at or

one of the councils of the nation, a question arose, whether the mysterious

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power of "the talking leaf" was the gift of the Great Spirit to the white man, or a discovery of the white man himself. Most of his companions were of the former opinion, while he maintained the latter. This frequently became a subject of contemplation with him afterwards, as well as many other things which he knew, or had heard, that the white man could do. Many years after, a swelling on his knee confined him to his cabin, and at length made him a cripple for life. Deprived of the excitements of war, and the pleasures of the chase, in the long nights of his confinement his mind was again directed to the mystery of speaking by letters, the very name of which was not to be found in his language. From the cries of wild beasts, from the mocking bird, and from the voices of his children and companions, he knew that thoughts were conveyed by sounds. It occurred to him to try to ascertain all the sounds in the Cherokee language. next attempted to use pictorial signs, such as sketches of birds and beasts, to represent these sounds. He soon dropped this method, as difficult or impossible, and tried arbitrary signs. At first these signs were very numerous; but by the aid of. his daughter, who seemed to enter into the genius of his labours, he reduced them, at last, to eighty-six, the number he now uses. As yet he had never seen a pen, but made his characters on a piece of bark with a knife or nail. At length he procured this useful implement and also some pa.. per. His ink was made from the bark of trees, the colouring property of which he had previously known-and after seeing the construction of a pen, he soon learned to make one; at first he made it without a slit; but this inconvenience was quickly removed by his sagacity. His next difficulty was to make his invention known to his countrymen: for by this time he had become so abstracted from his tribe, that he was viewed with an eye of suspicion as a sorcerer. At length he summoned some of the most distinguished persons of his tribe, and gave them the best explanation he could of his discovery, stripping it of all supernatural influence. His daughter was ordered to go out of hearing, while he requested his friends to name a word or sentiment, which he put down; she was then called in and read it to them; then the father retired and the daughter wrote; the Indians were wonder-struck; but not entirely satisfied. See-quah-yah then proposed that the tribe should select several young men, that he might communicate the mystery to them. This was at length

agreed to, although there was still some lurking suspicion of necromancy. The tribe watched the youths for several months with anxiety; and when they offered themselves for examination, the feelings of all were wrought up to the highest pitch. They were separated from their master, and every precaution taken to prevent collusion. See-quah-yah triumphed, and became at once schoolmaster, professor, philosopher, and a chief. His countrymen held him in reverence as one favoured by the Great Spirit. The inventions of early times are shrouded in mystery; but See-quah-yah disdained all quackery. He did not stop here, but carried on his discoveries to the science of numbers, in which he invented the digits, and the fundamental rules. He is a man of diversified talents; he passes from me

taphysical investigations to mechanical occupations, and has invented various manufactures, to the great benefit and admiration of his people. The Government of the United States had a font of types cut from his alphabet.

INDIA.

Sir John Malcolm, the present Governor of Bombay, is anxious to establish a steam communication between that place and England, by the way of the Red Sea. It is proposed that passengers from England arriving at Alexandria shall be conveyed across the Desert to Suez upon dromedaries, and embark in the steamvessel for Bombay through the Red Sea and the Straits of Babel-Mandel. The greatest difficulty is to procure coal. It is stated that arrangements have been made for a speedy trial of the experiment.

LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

THEOLOGY.

Concise Prayers, for Family and Private

use.

A Mother's Sermons for her Children. The Child's Commentator. Vol. II. with a Frontispiece. By the Rev. J. Cobbin. 2s. 6d.

The Child's Prayer Book. By the Rev. J. Cobbin. 1s. 6d.

The Scriptures Fulfilled. By the Rev. R. Weaver. 5s.

Dr. Charnock's Discourses on Man's Enmity to God, and Mercy for the Chief of Sinners. 2s.

Sympathy; or the Mourner advised and comforted. By the Rev. J. Bruce. 5s. Thoughts on the Covenant of Works. By the Rev. J. Eagelton. 3s.

A Plea for the Lord's Day. By the Rev. J. Sherman.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Life and Times of D. de Foe. By W. Wilson. 3 Vols.

Henry and Antonio, or the Proselytes of the Roman-Catholic and Protestant. Translated from the German of Dr. Bretschneider. By the Rev. M. Morgan. 6s.6d. A Plan for Increasing the Usefulness of Parish Clerks. By the Rev. F. Flowers.

The Savings Bank Assistant; second edition. With the Report of the Committee of the House of Commons. By C. Compton.

Astronomy. By R. Banks. 8s.

The Grammatical and Pronouncing Spelling Book. By the Rev. J. Cobbin, 2s. 6d.

Delineations of the North Western Division of the County of Somerset. By the Rev. J. Rutter. 7s. 6d.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

ENGLISH SERVICE AT ROME. DR. Jarvis, an American clergyman, who was at Rome last winter, gives the following pleasing account of the English service in that city, in a letter to Bishop Brownell: The Pope celebrated High Mass in person, but I would not let my curiosity interfere with my duty, and therefore went to the English Service. It will gratify you to learn that there were full three hundred communicants, and on the following Sunday not far from two hundred, a great part of whom did not communicate on

Christmas day. The congregation is very crowded; and I seldom, if ever, have witnessed one more devout, or more fervent in their responses.--It is very interesting to see the number of young persons, and particularly young men, who come to the Holy Table, and evince by their deportment that their hearts are impressed with a sense of Divine things. We have had during the whole winter, from Mr. Burgess and three or four other clergymen, a series of excellent sermons; and I am pleased to see that the taste of the con

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gregation is decidedly in favour of scriptural preaching. In short, I have enjoyed Divine service more in Rome, than in any part of the continent where I have been, unless I except Leghorn. Is not this a strange fact, that in the very centre of Popery there should be so much enjoyment of Protestant privileges?"

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. The last Report of the Society has recently been distributed among the members; but we have not space for an abstract of it in our present Number. It is a particularly interesting document. The accounts from the West Indies are rather more explicit than some former statements of societies; as they distinguish in several instances slaves from free coloured persons, and reading schools from oral ones. The result is as we stated it would be, when this essential distinction was duly made. The British public and many of the friends of our religious societies were deceived with imposing sounds; little susspecting that catechetical schools meant places where the children were not taught to read either the catechism or a chapter of the New Testament. Now these distinctions, the necessity for which we were reprehended for pointing out, are partly observed. How stands the estimate? look at Jamaica, the largest by far of the islands. The Report before us admits that reading schools for slaves are rare, being, with the exception of one parish, confined almost entirely to the principal towns, (How many such towns and schools are there?) and even oral instruction has been checked in several instances, by the refusal of the proprietors to admit catechists on their estates. In Barbadoes the prospect is stated to be brighter: but at best it is gloomy. This is no fault of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge; but it calls for renewed exertions on the part of every true friend of religion and humanity to correct the evil. While slavery continues, we see not how this can be done effectually: but it is not less a duty to achieve all that is in our power.

GEORGIA EPISCOPAL CON-
VENTION.

The late Episcopal Convention of Georgia has proposed the adoption of a general canon, that no clergyman shall be allowed to settle in any city or populous town, until he shall have been employed for at Meast two years as a missionary in some destitute part of the county, or shali have CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 335.

been instrumental in building up some new church or congregation.

CHINESE FEMALE SCHOOLS. Mrs. Dyer writes from Penang :-"We have of late been much tried in supporting our Chinese schools. The Governor-general, finding that these islands produce no revenue to the Government, and are a great expense to it, wished to retrench in every possible way: nearly all the persons connected with Government have consequently had their salaries decreased, and they have taken away the whole of our allowance for schools. Our female school must, therefore, in future, be entirely dependent on the produce of fancy articles sent from England for its support; and I feel persuaded that the Christian zeal, love, and liberality of our dear young friends, will not suffer it to want. I think that if a good supply of things really useful were sent every year they would produce sufficient to enable us to support it comfortably. I am sure my friends will pardon me for pleading so strongly with them,-the necessity of the case, and the wants of the perishing heathen must plead my excuse.'

We shall be happy to learn, what we cannot doubt, that Mrs. Dyer's appeal is cordially responded to; especially as the sale of articles of ladies' manufacture in our charity bazaars has become somewhat dull at home, in consequence of over-production.

GUARDIAN SOCIETY.

We regret to learn that the funds of this very useful and benevolent institution are exhausted. For particulars, we refer our readers to the committee's advertisement in our last Number, which we hope will not plead in vain.

IRISH SOCIETY.

We beg leave to refer our readers to an appeal of this excellent and well-conducted society, which will be found under the cover of our present Number. We have frequently stated the objects and utility of the society, and strongly recommend it to the increased patronage of every true friend to the spiritual welfare of Ireland. We are much gratified in learning that very few indeed, if any, have been the instances in which the Irish Bible or Testament has been given up, or of a family into which they have been once introduced that has not continued, and been strengthened in their use, and in attachment to them.

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