stories, for Mrs. Worthy' seems more affected than myself; and my poor little daughter is more overcome than either of us; and as to Mr. Lovegood, you see how much he feels on the subject, though as yet you have given us nothing of the history of poor Sancho, which, you say, is as affecting as any of the former. I am afraid, it must be deferred till another opportunity.

[After a little more conversation on this melancholy subject, the farmer in his simple countrified way, offers his respected guests some refreshment; after which, Mr. Lovegood reads and expounds the 12th chapter of Romans, with many pertinent allusions to the subject of the evening's conversation, and concludes with a hymn and prayer ; and the company depart, with the appointment of another meeting at the vicarage-house, after Mr. Worthy's return from a short excursion into Lancashire.]

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

Discourses preached on several Occasions. By John Erskine, D. D. One of the Ministers of the Grayfriars Church, Edinburgh. Second Edition, p. 500. Price 75. 6d. Ogle, 1801.

THOSE who have the happiness to know this venerable author, will justly consider him among the first divines in the British empire. From his youth, eminent for piety and zeal: in most branches of Biblical and Theological learning, he has hardly an equal; and, on the verge of fourscore, many young ministers may have reason to blush, when they hear that he is pursuing his studies with the eagerness of a student of twenty years age

of

One edition of this volume of Sermons has been disposed of in a short space of time, for that kind of composition; and what we now review, is a second impression. Some of the discourses relate to the pastoral office, and contain a great variety of interesting remarks, which young ministers will read with peculiar profit. Many of them are doctrinal; and a vast mass of precious truth is comprised in them. There are many things here very ingenious, and some very beautiful in the line of simple elegance. Several are practical, or, we should rather say, they more immediately relate to the precepts of the Gospel; for the Sermons have all a practical tendency. The fulness, propriety, simplicity, and usefulness of illustration in these, have particularly pleased us,

Let not our readers imagine that these are shewy Sermons, in which genius has laboured to render them beautiful. No. It is evident, from first to last, that it is the design of the author not to make himself appear to advantage, but to edify mankind.

Dr. Erskine's manner of composition is remarkably scriptural: num. berless passages of the word of God are interwoven, and give it a peculiar savour to pious minds. The style is, besides, admirably suited to the pulpit; and is a model of preaching language. The people are not puzzled with hard words. The references are in general short; and where

they

they are long, the numbers are so constructed and arranged, as to create no obscurity. There is at the same time, a vivacity and animation running through the whole, which keeps the attention of the reader awake. Though it would have been easy for the author to fill every page with learning, the Sermons shew that he is quise as well as learned, by never letting it appear but where it has a tendency to throw light on the sacred Scriptures.

If private friendship has led him, in one instance, to speak too highly of a deceased brother; if a mind habituated to a certain order of things from his childhood, cannot view with indifference what tends to alter it; and a few particulars appear, which seem entitled to approbation, we are taught this lesson, "That the best of men are but men at the best.”

We rejoice to hear that Dr. Erskine proposes to publish a second volume. We carnestly pray that God may continue to him health and strength; and would just remind the good Dr. that at his time of life, "the King's business requireth haste."

Sermons on Evangelical and Practical Subjects; designed chiefly for the Use of Families. By Samuel Lowell. 8vo. 406 pages, Price 75, 64. boards. Ogle, Chapman, and Conder, London.

THESE Sermons, in number sixteen, are introduced by a modest and sensible preface. The publication of them is accounted for by the partiality of the author's friends; among whom are persons of "distinguished talents" as well as virtues, as appears by the numerous list of subscribers annexed to this volume. The author adds the apology of Bishop Horne, who observed, that "The multitude of old Sermons affords no argument against the publication of new ones; since new ones will be read, when old ones are neglected; and almost al mankind are, in this respect, Athenians. Besides, there is a diversified taste in moral and religious, as well as in other compositions, which may very lawfully and innocently be indulged." These reasons, when sustained by so copious a list of purchasers, are unanswerable. Without that support, we would not recommend to our brethren to adventure the publication of these Sermons, except they possess very peculiar qualities to interest the general attention. The author of this volume has judiciously adapted his Sermons, in their extent, simplicity of manners, and practical tendency, to the use of families. The republication of a Sermon occasioned by the death of Mrs. Sizer, formerly reviewed by us, must be regarded as an exception.

The subjects of these discourses are,-Religion, the Source of Domestic Happiness; Attachinent to Public Worship; The Sower; Agrippa's Reply to Paul; Repentance and Pardon; Candour of the Bereans; The Atonement; The Sympathy of Jesus; The Power of Conscience; The Character of Jacob; The Passover; the Penitent Malefactor; The Snares of Affluence; Resignation; The Triumph of Piety over Ad, versity; A Dissuasive from Procrastination.

Very few of these topics, as the author has treated them, can properly be termed "Evangelical," in distinction from "Practical." We should have read this volume with greater pleasure, had he traced the practical duties which he recommends to their evangelical motives, more clearly and pointedly. He seems to take it for granted, that his readers are previously acquainted with the doctrines of the Gospel: but even where this is the case, assistance is still desirable, to render plain and forcible the connection between important evangelical truths and indispensable social duties. The performance of these by religious people in their domestic and public departments, as depicted in the first two

Sermons

sermons, we fear is seldom realized. Things ought so to be; but to represent them as being so, may occasion a grievous disappointment to inexperienced Christians, when, upon entering into domestic or religious society, they find how defectively so beautiful theory is reduced to practice.

Controversial subjects are very properly excluded from a volume of this kind. The preacher's benevolence, and concern for practical godlipess, are everywhere manifest. His style is generally pleasing, and sometimes pathetic. Most of the discourses are said to "appear nearly as they were delivered;" and, we apprehend, they will be most impressive upon persons who have enjoyed the advantage of hearing them delivered by the author.

Is Persecution a Christian Substitute for the Commands of Christ? or, Is it only an Anabaptist Trick, to hold up that Sect, and hide Spots in their Feasts of Charity? Addressed to Dr. Rippon, and the Congregation as Carter-lane, Tooley-street. By a Sufferer. Treppass, zd.

We notice this paltry tract only to say, That having read it through, we think it reflects no disgrace on Dr. Rippon, or any one else, but its virulent author, who began his career of scribbling by abusing Mr. Romaine, and seen, as if he would be glad of an opportunity to abuse the whole circle of religious denominations, See Evan. Mag. vol. I. p. 85. .

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Oriental Customs; or, an Illustration of the Sacred Scriptures, by an Explanatory Application of the Customs and Manners of the Eastern Nations therein alluded to; together with Observations on many difficult and obscure Texts. Collected from the most celebrated Travellers and eminent Critics, by S. Burder. 8vo, gs. Williams, Button, Conder, Chapman, &c.

Doddridge's Ten Sermons on the Power and Grace of Christ, and on the Evidences of his glorious Gospel, a neat pocket vol. bound, 23.-fine paper, zs. 6d.

Dr. Watts's Hymns and Psalms, an arranged and corrected edition, by Dr. Rippon, Printed by Whittingham on beautiful paper made by Whatman.-Small edition, 24mo, (about the size of Pasham's or Wayland's) calf gs. 68 same size, thinnest edition, 6s. — thinnest edition ever published (one-quarter inch within the covers) 12mo, calf, 78.-The same on thicker paper, 6s. 6d. Button, Conder, and Williams.

Sermons and Essays, by the late Rev. J. Maclaurin of Glasgow. Pub. lished from his M.S by Dr. J. G. Gillies. New Edition, 12m0, 35. 64 boards. Baynes.

Utility of Seminaries for Religion and Learning, with a view to the Christian Ministry: a Sermon, by James Knight, 15. Conder.

Watts's Doctrine of the Passion; also, his Discourses on the Love of God, and its Influence on all the Passions, &c.; with a devout Meditation annexed to each Discourse, neat pocket edition, each bound separate, is. 6d, -together, 2s. 6d. Baynes.

A short Account of the Work of Grace in the Life of William Coombs, a Youth of Buckfastleigh, in the county of Devon. Drawn up by Robert Hawker, D. D. Vicar of Charles, Plymouth. Williams. 6d.

LITERARY NOTICE.

Dr. Williams and Mr. Parsons are about to publish a new and niform Eduion of Dr. Doddridge's Works.

In the Press,The Evangelical Preacher: a Collection of Doctrinal

and

and Practical Sermons, by the most eminent Divines, viz. Stennet, Gill, Hurrion, Grosvenor, Brines, &c.

Also, an elegant and uniform Edition of the Works of the late Rev. J. Brown of Haddington, with his Life, &c.

OBITUARY.

MRS. ANN GARWOOD.

LATELY died Mrs. Ann Garwood, of Manseli Street, London, It does not appear that any serious impression was made upon the mind of the deceased during the first twenty years of her life, although before that time she had frequently attended the preaching of the Gospel, both at Tottenham-Court and Lady Huntingdon's chapel, Spa-Fields; to which places she went while visiting some serious relations.

About twenty years ago, when residing with her parents at Mile-End, she and her mother often attended a private evening lecture at the dwelling-house of the late Rev. Dr. Addington; where the truths of the blessed Gospel first reached her heart. One sermon, in particular, she often mentioned, which was preached from Rev. iii. 20. where Christ says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with hint and he with me." The application of this dwelt very powerfully upon her mind, that the great Son of God, Jesus Christ, should in mercy condescend to be knocking at the heart of man; and that he should remain in this humble entreating attitude at some hearts, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty years, or more, for the merciful purpose of dwelling there, and of making it his familiar abode. This consideration was the blessed means of melting down her heart to the love of Christ; a sense of which she ever after esteemed her greatest happiness to retain, lamenting over many dear friends, whose hearts remained shut against Christ and the way of salvation by him.

From the commencement of her religious impressions, she constantly, against considerable opposition, attended Dr. Addington, until her mother's death, about the year 1788 after which time she resided chiefly in the country and under the ministry of the late Rev. Mr. Carver, of Wellingborough, in Northamptonshire, whose preaching she found very profitable. Upon her marriage, in 1793, she joined the flock of Christ at the Tabernacle in Moorfields; at which place she continued a member till her death.

From the time of her being married, her body suffered very much from: long and painful illnesses; from the last of which she was apparently recovered to good health and spirits, which she enjoyed even on the day of her death; when a fit of apoplexy, almost in an instant deprived her of her senses; and she expired about four hours after, without uttering a single word from the time of her being first taken. But though the, deceased departed thus, leaving no dying testimony of her faith and hope; yet she left what is far better, namely, a living evidence that her hope of future happiness was built upon the atoning blood and merit of Christ Jesus her Lord: there was all her dependence for salvation. Her own. righteousness she truly esteemed but as filthy rags, that could stand Her in no stead before a holy God.

She

She used to lament very much that her illness so frequently prevented her from attending the house of God. She loved the ordinances of her God; and she loved the people of God, whom, though ever so poor, she esteemed as the excellent of the earth; and frequently observed, that poverty had this great blessing attached to it: That the poor are not exposed to those temptations to folly and sinful gratifications which accompany riches, and which are so pleasing to the natural feelings of the human heart.

Dr. Rippon's Collection of Hymas was a book she read much as she lay confined in her bed; and by the leaves she folded down, as well as from her conversation at various times, it is evident she was a fearing conflicting Christian, rather than a triumphing one; that she deeply lamented the corruptions of her heart, pleading for pardon, through the blood of Christ."

It is worthy to be remarked, that for many years past, she had a great dread of dying, but in her last illness, which continued about six weeks, she had repeatedly declared, that this fear was entirely removed from her mind; and that she was willing to go whenever her Heavenly Father should please to call her.

The visits of her Ministers and Christian friends afforded her peculiar pleasure she found a holy longing after God, and enjoyed a sweet resignation to the Divine Will, under all her afflictions. This perhaps cannot be better described than in the following hymn, which is one of those she had folded down, as suited to her own experience :

My times of sorry and of joy,

Great God, are in thy hand:
Mychoicest comforts come from Thee,
And go at thy command.

If thou shouldst take them all away,
Yet would not repine;
Before they were possess'd by me,
They were entirely thine.

Nor would I drop a murm'ring word
Tho' the whole world were gone;
But seek enduring happiness

In Thee, and Thee alone.
What is the world with all its store!
'Tis but a bitter sweet;
When I attempt to pluck the rose,
A pricking thorn I meet.

Here perfect bliss can ne'er be found
The honey's mixt with gall.

Midst changing scenes and dying friends,
Be Thou my all in all !

Her mortal remains were interred in the burying-ground, BunhillFields, as near her spiritual father, Dr. Addington, as could be, according to her own request.

The Rev. Mr. Wilks gave an address at the grave; and preached a funeral sermon at the Tabernacle on the following Sabbath morning, from Ezekiel xxiv. 16. "Son of man, Behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke."

RECENT DEATHS.

On the 9th ult. died, in the seventieth year of her age, Mrs. Booth wife of the Rev. A. Booth of London; and on the same day, between eighty and ninety years of age, Mrs. Burford, widow of the Rev. Mr. Burford, Mr. Booth's predecessor.

On Tuesday the 19th inst. died the Rev. Mr. Radford, of Virginiastreet, Ratcliffe-Highway.

RELIGIOUS