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we are convinced, that no considerate mind will ever be envious or jealous of popularity so obtained. To delude the undistinguishing multitude, is an easy task; and of all modes, none is so easy, nor so common, as that of preaching extempore. With a due share of action, and of violence, the greatest absurdities will pass unnoticed, and repetitions on repetitions be received as the purest eloquence. From this specimen therefore of our author's written and composed sermons, so ostentatiously held forth for the use of the Clergy throughout the United Kingdom, we may form some conjecture what must be in all human probability his unstudied and unprepared effusions; and we hold this forth as a warning to the younger clergy, that they may not be deluded from the established and approved practice of composition, by the praise of ill-informed hearers, or the popularity bestowed by a mob.

We are not accustomed to pass a severe judgement upon any well-intentioned effort to promote the cause of true religion. But when we find in a Sermon so ostentatiously obtruded upon the public notice, little that is good in doctrine, and less that is tolerable in expression, we are bound to declare our opinion of its merits, even though it proceeds from a Minister of the Established Church.

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ART. IX. A Sermon prepared for the Day of Public Thanksgiving, July 7th, 1814, on the Restoration of Peace with France and her Allies. By the Rev. H. Davis, A.M. late of Merton College, and Curate of South-Newington, Oxon, 8vo. 16 pp. Rusher, Banbury; Gale and Co., London, GRATITUDE is never out of season. The sermon, which we now announce, we intended to bring forward on its first appearance; but it was accidentally mislaid and buried in a heap of papers on our table, from which it has but recently emerged. It is however by no means obsolete, after the glorious events which have since taken place, but is rather, indeed, doubly and again seasonable; demanding our attention, as it does, both by its intrinsic merit, and by the following modest advertisement prefixed to it:

"The reader is respectfully informed, that although this sermon was written expressly for the Day of Public Thanksgiving, it was not delivered from the pulpit; a discourse in a plainer and less elevated style being deemed more proper for the author's usual

audience.

audience. There are, however, some ideas in it which he would wish to excite in the minds of others, and if he should succeed in exciting them in a single instance, he will have attained his end."

We will not suppose, that many may not be found in the exemplary class of country clergymen, who would freely take equal pains with the meritorious curate of South- Newington; but few, probably, would deem it necessary; since the sermon before us, which, in its present shape, might be heard with advantage by a well-educated audience, would also, we are persuaded, with some occasional alterations in the words and style, meet the understanding and forcibly arrest the attention of plain unlettered hearers. Perhaps, indeed, something like this was what was actually done by the author; if not, we have no doubt, that, considering well the circumstances of his immediate congregation, he delivered from the pulpit a doctrine equally sound, apposite, and important, and clothed in language still more easy to be understood.

The text is" Samuel's exhortation to the Israelites," 1 Sam xii. 24. which was chosen,

and

"Because, as the Almighty had done great things for the Jewish nation, in many signal instances, to which the prophet here refers; so, I conceive (the author says) to the same divine mercy goodness we of this country have been most deeply indebted, in many perilous conjunctures, during the late contest, now brought so happily to a close.”

Disclaiming however the notion of "an exact parallel and agreement between the two cases," he observes, "the Israelites, it is well known, were at that time under the immediate direction of God himself, who often appeared visibly in their behalf.” But though the miraculous interposition of heaven is not to be expected, now that the superior light and " benefits of Christianity have been extended" to the world; yet

"The Almighty Framer of the Universe still superintends and invisibly presides over it, and especially exerts an unseen influence on the fate of nations. Hence we may still be assured, that his secret aid will be exerted in the defence of a righteous cause and an upright people; whilst another, which is sunk in impiety and profligacy, He will always be able, by the instrumentality of their enemies, to abase.”

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From these introductory remarks, he proceeds

"To consider some of the great things that have been done for us of this country, during the late protracted struggle, which, (he thinks,) may not improperly be collected and classed under the

following

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following articles: 1. Security at home. 2. Victory abroad. 3. The result of both-ultimate success."

On the first head it is observed, that

"As there are certain critical periods in the progress of life, when distempers threaten the healtli and safety of the man; so is a nation liable at certain conjunctures to difficulties and dangers, which, like the shock of an acute disease, it has necessarily to struggle with and overcome. A crisis of this sort had evidently approached the country to which we belong, at the commencement of the French Revolution; when an unusual ferment was produced in the minds of men, by wild and extravagant theories with regard to government, and the rights of subjects, as well as by a strong propensity to irreligious tenets; which, conjunctively, seemed to threaten all ancient establishments, sacred and civil, with destruction. These" pernicious principles, "scattered far and wide,-involved the most opulent and flourishing kingdoms of Europe in desolation and misery. But happily for us of this envied land, the same powerful voice, which says to the proud waves, Hitherto shall ye come, and no farther,' averted the impending mischief; and-we enjoyed a calm.

"In adverting to the subordinate means, whereby this salutary work was effected, it must not be forgotten, that some of the ablest writers, that ever graced the annals of this kingdom, employed themselves in the vindication of our common Christianity, at this trying juncture, as well as in defence of our ancient form of government, and long revered constitution: nor were their matchless pens wielded in vain. Several necessary laws were enacted likewise by the legislature, in order to restrain the impetuous turbulence of the multitude; and the wisest and best of all ranks and classes pressed forward with zeal and unanimity in the maintenance of public order, and for preserving, on the old and approved foundations, the several rights and liberties of the community.-And, to crown the whole, all the energies of a most potent and wealthy state were put in motion and directed by a master-hand*, seemingly raised up for the very purpose; who, for brightness of talents, force of eloquence, incorruptible integrity, and the most ardent patriotism, never was, and probably never will be, excelled, in any age, or country. Such were some of the advantages, under which we entered into the tremendous conflict;—and

"Secondly, Victory abroad was the natural consequence of these exertions. Wherever the brave soldier and mariner appeared, every great quality, requisite for counsel in the commander, or for execution in the inferior agent, instantly displayed itself, and was called forth by the impulse of the moment into the fullest exercise. Whether our flag was unfurled in the Mediterranean, or in the farthest East; whether our intrepid seamen fought under the pesti

*The Right Hon. William Pitt.

lential,

lential heats beneath the Line, or faced the ice and rigors of the wintry Baltic; whether the soldier marched on the plains of Indostan, amidst the burning sands of Egypt, or the chilling fogs of Zealand and Copenhagen; whether the rocks of Malta, the wastes of Arragon, or the summits of the Pyrenees, resounded with the din of arms and the uproar of battle, the wonted vigour and valour of our unrivalled combatants never deserted them, but ensured, in every field, and on every theatre of action, the wellearned wreaths of conquest and of glory. No want of cordiality and union in the leaders and followers of the two services, the bane of many noble enterprizes, betrayed itself; but each man contributed his full share to the common end, as if the event depended on his single arm. In a word, to use a phrase of the immortal chief, whose memory and example will never be forgotten when this subject is discussed, every man did his duty' with a promptitude and alacrity, which deserved, while it ensured, the victory.

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"These auspicious preparatives, tranquillity at home and victory abroad, conducted us, as might easily be anticipated, Thirdly, To the wished for result, ultimate success, in an honourable and we hope a lasting peace.

"As to our own country, it is raised to a pinnacle of greatness and glory, which it never attained before. Magnanimous and enlightened in policy, and invincible in arms, Britain sustains the high character of being the refuge and avenger of afflicted nations; she alone was able to stem the torrent, which must otherwise have overwhelmed them, owing, as they do, their existence to her aid and to her example. We have only to bless God for the happy repose and respite which we have gained, and to eat our bread in patience and peace.'

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We gladly insert in our pages these just and worthy sentiments, which we are persuaded will recommend the discourse itself, written in the humble retirement of a country village, more strongly than any words we could possibly use.

1814.

ART. X. Thoughts on Charitable Institutions. By Catharine Cappe. 8vo. pp. 110. 3s. Longman and Co. MRS. Cappe, as we collect but too strongly from her writings, is a dissenter; but as we are always ready to acknowledge merit wherever it is to be found, we are happy in recommending this publication to all governors of old charity-schools, foundlinghospitals, and asylums for female orphans. The chapter which recommends the appointment of a committee of ladies in all hospitals and infirmaries to superintend the female wards, is peculiarly worthy the attention of the directors of those institutions.

The

The address to females of the rising generation is distinguished for its practical good sense. All those indeed who are actually employed in alleviating the miseries and in promoting the happiness of their poorer fellow-creatures, will find in this publication many useful hints and directions. Mrs. Cappe appears to understand thoroughly the practical part of that benevolence, which has the education and the preservation of females for its object.

We are bound at the same time to protest against some portions of the work, and especially the Appendix, as containing many absurd and mischievous opinions respecting the religious part of charitable education. Mrs. Cappe's opinions, however, are too openly stated to mislead any, but the weakest; the separation of the good from the bad is not a difficult task, we trust therefore that it will be made.

ART. XI. Familiar Poems, Moral and Religious. By Susannah Wilson. 18mo. pp. 161. Darton. 1814.

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Of the beneficial consequences which arise from educating, and giving religious feelings and habits to the poor, the author of this little volume affords an incontestible and striking proof. Though the laudable attention paid by her mother to these essential points, has not made her a poet, it has enabled her to become an estimable member of society: it has taught her to perform her duties with correctness and cheerfuluess, and to lighten her toils by intellectual amusement. In the preface, her uneventful, but not uninstructive history, is given by the gentleman who has published her verses, under the idea that they will be "read with pleasure and edification by the juvenile part of the community.' Susannah Wilson is of humble parentage: her father was a journeyman weaver, and her mother a very pious woman, who was anxious that her children should have an early acquaintance with the important truths of the bible; from whence it is evident that Susannah has drawn most of her sentiments and reflections. Susannah was born in Kingslandroad, in the year 1787. She learned to improve her reading at a Sunday school, and to write at an evening school. Her father, though industrious and provident, was rather averse to her mother's religious principles, yet left her to follow her own inclination in the education of her children, which she was assiduous in doing, to the best of her ability. For many years past, they lived in a little cottage in St. Matthew's, Bethnal Green, reared by her father, on a spot of garden-ground, which he hired at a

low

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