Page images
PDF
EPUB

Thy every word, thine every act evince.-P. 181.

If our author tells us we are wrong as to the last line-is he right as to these?

The gray-haired sire-the maiden fair

The beldame old-the infant's there.-P. 101.

As to rhymes-the following are perfectly unique, and need no Walker to set them right.

Dull chanticleer, perched mid his dames
Sits nodding over amorous dreams.-P. 96.

Thence the boundless scene survey,
The wood, the plain, the surging sea.—P. 72.

O, far be hence the courtier train,
Ye servile herd of vassals mean.-P. 73.

Go stricken! pierce yon viewless vail,
O'er mercy's seraph seat survey

Thy Jesus' blood, inscriced, reveal

Kind Heaven's gracious, fixed decree.—P. 62.

Surely none but a son of the Emerald Isle could have published such banns of marriage as these!

We could produce many more witticisms of our Reverend friend, if we feared not for his patience as well as our readers'; but having said enough to shew him we have read his book, and done something towards its sale, (for we assure him, we by no means would hinder his hope of pecuniary reward, notwithstanding the Chancellor's living,) we must now draw bit, and descend from our critical saddle.

If the ghost of" our friend Mr. Milton," (as we once heard the great bard called at a meeting of philosophers, not a hundred miles from Colchester) could rise out of his grave and read the above, we doubt not he would consider his "Paradise Regained" as a second" Paradise Lost;" in compliment to the Curate of Tyanee, and in consideration of the joint effusion of that modest person and his "Sister" Mary, put in a word for him at the presentation office, as a proof of his having honoured the author's draft in his benevolent sympathy;

Then-while presumption SOME my daring call,

Thou wilt approving laud-and pay me all.'-P. xx.

We shall hail with pleasure a new version of the author's labours, under the revised title of the "Benefice Gained."

LITERARY REPORT.

The Corner Stone; or, a Familiar Illustration of the Principles of Christian Truth. By JACOB ABBOTT. With a Preface, by JOHN PYE SMITH, D.D. London: Seeleys. 1834. Pp. xxii. 390.

WE have read this work very carefully, and we are constrained to speak of it in terms of the highest admiration. There are one or two passages, perhaps, which we might wish slightly altered; but, as the learned editor has observed, when taken in connexion with the context, all idea of doctrinal error vanishes. We have never seen the subjects of religion handled in such a way before, nor ever met with any thing which so ably illustrates them by familiar references to every day accidents and occurrences. As a valuable treatise for youth, we earnestly recommend the Corner Stone. It has no equal in its own peculiar province, and in its plan and execution is greatly superior to many elementary publications on the peculiar doctrines of the gospel. The Preface is ably written, and fully justifies the wellknown character for discrimination and judgment (in these matters) which characterises its writer.

The Modern Claims to the possession of the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit stated and examined, and compared with the most remarkable Cases of a similar kind that have occurred in the Christian Church. By the Rev. WILLIAM GOODE, A.M. Second Edition, with numerous Additions. London: Hatchard & Son, 1834. 8vo. Pp. xv. 343.

THE first edition of this valuable treatise escaped our notice. We have, however, much pleasure in introducing it to the knowledge of our readers in its present enlarged and greatly improved state. The subjects which it discusses are only noticed with brevity in the larger ecclesiastical historians; so that, in fact, Mr. Goode's work may be regarded as a supplement to

every history of the Christian Church which is extant. Having stated, in the first chapter, the nature and characteristics of the alleged extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, claimed by the modern prophets, the author proceeds to show, first, by a series of testimonies drawn from Scripture as well as from the Fathers and other ecclesiastical writers, that the characteristics which distinguish the supposed gifts of these claimants are NOT such as can be reconciled with the supposition of their being divinely inspired; and secondly, that they are just THE characteristics which have distinguished false prophets in all ages, and which have been accompanied in them with far greater signs and wonders than any which the present claimants have exhibited. Here therefore he meets them upon their own ground; and has most satisfactorily shown, that the very characteristics of which they boast, as distinguishing their supposed gifts, are of themselves fatal to their pretensions. The work closes with some general observations on the whole subject, which we think must satisfy every candid inquirer that the modern claims to the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit are utterly destitute of foundation. We ought not to omit stating that there is a very useful Appendix on the heresy with which the claims are connected.

Two Lectures on Taste, read before the Philosophical Society of Colchester, in the Years 1825 and 1827. By JAMES CARTER. Colchester: Dennis. London: Simpkin & Marshall. 1834. Pp. xvi. 138.

THE clever, unpretending volume, whose title heads this notice, demands of us, as impartial critics, the warmest and most conscientious approbation. The subject is one not often presented to our observation under a novel form-the principles of Taste having become established according to laws, which, like those of

the Medes and Persians, alter not. But there is a fundamental principle in all things, which, when developed, gives additional beauty and value to whatever art or science is involved therewith. In the case before us, Mr. Carter has developed the fundamental principle of Taste in a pleasing and instructive manner, and has published sufficient upon the subject to make us regret that his work is but the introduction to a treatise which, we doubt not, would, if completed, become justly popular. As far as it goes, it is deserving of an attentive perusal; and we do not scruple to recommend it as the best elementary book we know, adapted to form the judgment of the student in the matters of which it treats, upon the solid basis of a pure morality.

Selections from the Old Testament, with a connecting Summary of the Scriptural History of the Israelites; intended for the present use of the Negroes in the British Colonies, and specially for their assistance in understanding the Facts, Doctrines, and Precepts brought before them in the New Testament. London: Cadell. 1835. Pp. 36.

A SMALL but useful selection of the most prominent features of the Old Testament, accompanied with frequent illustrative remarks. An appropriate Address to the Colonial Negroes is prefixed. The work is well calculated for distribution in our British colonies.

Memoirs of a Serjeant late in the Forty-third Light Infantry Regiment, previous to and during the Peninsular War, including an Account of his Conversion from Popery to the Protestant Religion. London: John Mason. 1835. Pp. 278. AN ill-executed compilation; chiefly from Colonel Napier's History of the Peninsular War, from which long descriptions are given verbatim and without acknowledgment, sometimes with the omission of essential parts of the context. Such literary dishonesty cannot be too strongly reprobated.

VOL. XVII. NO. III.

The Exclusive Power of Episcopallyordained Clergy to administer the Word and Sacraments, and consequently the Divine Authority of Episcopacy. Cambridge. 1835. 8vo. Pp. 41.

A VERY instructive letter, evincing much reading, and abounding in facts. Its perusal might benefit eveu Dr. Pye Smith, and his "honest, warmhearted, and pious friend, Mr. Binney." The eulogium appended is superfluous.

An Address to the Curutes of the Church of England on the subject of Church Reform. By a Clergyman of the Establishment. London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co. 1835. Pp. 60.

IGNORANT and malicious enough; but with a mock eloquence so amusingly absurd, that, were it less wicked, we might enjoy a hearty laugh over it. E. g." What should we think of the administration of the day, were they to cause the centre of the public roads to be decorated with elegant statuary and playful fountains, with patches of sparkling rock-work, interwoven with botanical rarities, enlivened by aviaries with birds of every plume, and luxuriant couches to be placed for the convenience or repose of idle or weary passengers," &c. The writer is contending here for the separation of Church and State! We need not add, that it is impossible he can be a Clergyman.

[blocks in formation]

of the early Churches, as by an exposure of the evils which ensued when violence usurped for a time a power which was never given to the people. The pamphlet is closed with an argument, very happily put, on the inconsistency of expecting that the multitude will always be disposed to advance sound doctrine, by selecting faithful ministers, while the depravity of the heart, and its natural hatred to divine truth, are a fundamental article in the creed of every orthodox Christian.

The Churchman. London: Rivingtons; Hatchard; Seeleys. 1835. 12mo. Pp. 24.

THIS work, though small in size promises to be weighty in matter, and will, at the low price of two-pence, arm the true Churchman, monthly, with powerful weapons to meet the hydra-headed monster Dissent, which, with his schoolmaster, is now abroad.

Hints to Young Clergymen on Various Matters of Form and Duty; to which are prefixed, Hints for a simple Course of Study, preparatory and subsequent to taking Holy Orders. By the INCUMBENT OF A COUNTRY PARISH. London: Rivingtons, and J. Cochran. 1835. Pp. iv. 57. AN excellent little manual, short, plain, and practical; which the young Clergyman will study with much advantage. It embraces the following subjects:Hints for Theological Study before taking Degree-for Deacon's Orders -for Priest's Orders-for After Study, &c. &c-Hints relating to the Ministration of Divine Service-Communion Service Baptismal Services-Marriage Service-Churching of Women -Burial Service-Visitation of the Sick-Officiating in Strange Churches -Hints relating to Church Music -Parish Registers-Fees-Chancel - Pews - Bells Churchyard and Glebe - Parish Bounds-TerriersSchools, &c. Parochial Visitation. Each of these forms the subject of a short chapter, which gives, in few words, sound rules, and often valuable

-

information. We shall give his list of books next month. As a specimen of the manner in which the work is executed, we quote his chapter on Schools:

SCHOOLS.

The establishment and management of day-schools must depend upon circumstances; but a Sunday-school is indispensable. Superintend this, as far as you can, yourself; and, to prevent interference, confine yourself to the use of the books on the list of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge.

Be careful not to make the attendance too long, or irksome to the children; and do not keep them long together in a standing posture to learn or repeat lessons. Remember, that the Church Service is of itself long for them, and that it will answer no good end to make Sunday disagreeable to them.

Do not expect much advance in learning, especially if they have no day-school to go to; but consider, that important good is effected by accustoming the children to attend church, and to behave in a quiet and orderly manner there, and to know and look up to you, the Clergyman, as their friend and instructor.

Do not mind a little expense, to keep the staff in your own hand. If, for want of assistance and support, you decline having a school, depend upon it, the dissenters will step in, and take the youth of your parish under their care.

Do not be too ready to give away Bibles, Testaments, or Prayer-books, to the children. Let them bring to you their pence weekly, and then obtain them for them on the moderate terms of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge. They will value them much more, and take better care of them.

If your parish is not large enough to require a regular lending library, still you will find it desirable to have by you a small collection of books and tracts, for lending, or gratuitous distribution, especially in the winter season. And if you accustom the cottagers to come to you for them, after church, on Sunday, it will ensure their being there.

I venture to subjoin a list of a few of the books and tracts which I have found useful, as a guide, until such time as you become yourself acquainted with the Society's Catalogue.

Bp. Jewell's Scripture the Guide of Life.

Travell's Duties of the Poor.

The Faith and Duty of a Christian.
The Cottager's Religious Meditations.

[blocks in formation]

The Sees of England, Wales, Ireland, and the Colonies, with the present Archbishops and Bishops in the order of their precedence, their Residences, Consecrations, Translations, and the respective Dioceses and former Bishops thereof now living, at one view; also the Archbishops and Bishops of the English and Welsh Sees, in succession, under each See, and alphabetically, at and from the Year 1750; and also the Schedule and Clauses of the Irish Church Temporalities Act as to transference of Archiepiscopal Jurisdiction, union of Bishoprics, and Sitting by rotation in Parliament; with Notes on the changes effected, and to be effected, by this Act, By T.SEPpings, formerly of Peter House College, Cambridge, and afterwards of Lincoln's Inn. London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co.; and Hatchard & Son. 1835. Pp. 53.

THE title describes so fully the nature of this little work, that it leaves

nothing to be added, except that it is executed with much neatness.

1. The Church of England its own Witness. An Argument to prove the Identity of the Church of England with the Ancient British and Apostolic Church, in Locality of Jurisdiction, Form of Government, and Institution of Doctrine. By BRITANNICUS. Second Edition. London: Rivingtons. 1835. Pp. 36.

2. Prospects of England. An Inquiry into the Character and Tendency of the Revolutionary Movement. By BRITANNICUS. London: Sherwood, Gilbert, & Piper. 1835. Pp. 40. Two powerfully-written pamphlets, which have been called forth by the circumstances of the times, and the attacks which ignorance and malice have made, and continue to make, on our Church. The former, which has already reached a second edition, will repay a more attentive perusal than is usually given to publications of this kind.

A Letter to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, on the Right of the Convocation to Tax the Clergy for the Service of the Church. London : Rivingtons. 1835. Pp. 19.

THE author contends, with particular reference to the circumstances of the present time, that it is right and expedient that the Clergy, by their own constitutional representatives, should themselves grant whatever may be required to be done for the proposed new arrangements of church property. We need not observe, that we should cordially advocate every thing which may contribute to restore the Convocation.

« PreviousContinue »