THIS Number contains a large account of the two Otaheitan youths, who were placed under the Care of the Brethren in Yorkshire; and who died, it is hoped, in the Lord. This was noticed in our last. This Number also contains The Life of Frederick Voegtle, a Missionary among the Arawacks, in South America. This laborious servant of our Saviour, after a long series of exertions and sufferings, entered into his rest at the age of seventy-nine. Of all their Missionaries living in hot climates, he spent the longest time in the service.

An account is given of the Greenland Missions; the state of which is much changed. Lichtenaw, the most southern of their three settlements, is still considered as a mis. sion among the Heathen, the inhabitants being still addicted to heathenish practices; and of these, thirteen were baptized in 1802. But the inhabitants of their two other settlements, New herrnhut and Lichtenfels, consist chiefly of persons whose parents were baptized by the Brethren; and who have been baptized when children, and educated in Christian principles. Those who do not belong to their denomination, have been bap tized by the Danish Missionaries ;so that no trace of Paganism is now left in the neighbourhood. The ge neral darkness has fled before the light of the gospel: even those who do not wholly devote themselves to God, enjoy some portion of its blessed influence, as in other parts of Christendom. How highly encouraging is this to Missionary

efforts!

At Sarepta, near Astracan, the settlement happily escaped a threatened conflagration. The mission there has not succeeded in the proposed object, of evangelizing the Calmucks; but it has proved very

useful to the colonists on the river Volga.

The Brethren's Mission at Tran quebar, on the Coromandel coast, has entirely ceased.

Their labours among the Indians and Negroes at Surinam, have been blessed. At the close of 1802, the negroe-congregation at Paramibo, consisted of 338 persons: twentyfive adults were baptized that year. The congregation of free-negroes at Bambey, consisted of forty-nine persons: three Heathens had been baptized.

baptized in one year. In St. Kitt's, 139 adults had been

In Antigua, the church consists. of 10,734 persons. In the last year 5424 adults and children were baptized. This mission began in 1757: in 1773, the congregation did not exceed in number. The great 500 awakening then began; and the work of God has flourished ever since.

At Barbadoes the work has not lately prospered much.

No accounts have been received for a whole year from Bavian's Kloof, the communication with South Africa being much impeded.

A Letter from the Secretary, the Rey. Mr. Latrobe, contains a particular account of the preserva.

tion of the lives of two Mission. which it is impossible to read with, aries, on the coast of Labrador; deed! out emotion. It is astonishing in.

Funeral-Sermon on the Death of the

Rev. R. De Courcy, late Ficar of
St. Alkmond's Church, Shrewsbury.
By Brian Hill, M. A. 8vo, 15.

THIS is a plain, pious, and faithful discourse, on John xvi. 33; in which the author (a younger bro ther of the Rev Rowland Hill) considers, What are the things spoken by Christ which conduce to the obtaining peace in him— The tribulation which must be the portion of our Lord's disciples in this world; and the courage which

they should take from the reflection, that Christ has overcome the world. The Sermon is enriched with several excellent quotations from the Diary of the deceased, who was near thirty years an able, eloquent, and useful parish-minister, in Shrewsbury. He died rejoicing in the salvation of the gospel.

Sacred Literature, or Remarks upon the Book of Genesis. Collected and arranged to promote the Knowledge and evince the Excellency of the : Scriptures. By James Franks, of Halifax, Chaplain to the Earl of Hopetown. 80, 8s. boards.

EVERY attempt 66 to promote the knowledge, and evince the excellency of the Scriptures," certainly claims our candid attention and encouragement; and we cannot but congratulate our readers on the result of twenty years application to this study.

"The grand object of the present publication," says the author, is to elucidate the Holy Scriptures, by extracts from writers who have incidentally commented upon them" he has, therefore, been obliged to have recourse to a very varied and extensive course of reading, for the execution of his plan." These writings he distinguishes in to three classes: 1. Books of Voyages and Travels, particularly in the East; -II. Works of History, Mythology, and Antiquities; and, III, Theological Treatises and Sermons; with a few Extracts from voluminous C mmentators.

Beside the selections, which form the bulk of this volume, there are a few original articles, which are evangelical in their sentiment, and practical in their tendency. Our limits will admit only of one short specimen, trom p. 83.

After giving a judicious extract from Bishop Horne's Sermons, Mr. Franks adds, "Such was the state in which our first parents found themselves previously to their fall. They knew what their duty was, -and they delighted to do it; they had no sinful propensities, which so often make their descendants wavering and unstable in their

-

Ye who have made considerable progress in godliness, can testify of the richness of your enjoyments; and if you, who still feel much opposition from the remains of a corrupt nature, enjoy such satisfaction, what must have been the blessed fruition of our first parents in their primeval state! Indeed, fully to conceive what their happiness was, is not in the power of fallen man; but can then only be known when we put off this earthly tabernacle, and are numbered amongst the possessors of a blessed immortality."

As we, on the whole, strongly approve this work, wish to recom mend it, and hope the author will be encouraged to prosecute his plan through succeeding parts of the Bible, we take the liberty of offering a few remarks; not for the sake of finding fault, but with the hope of rendering his future labours more acceptable and useful.

We would recommend him, in the first place, to be more select in his authors. The more expensive, scarce, or voluminous the works are he makes use of, the more importance will attach to his own publication. Readers are justly dissatisfied when they meet with repeated extracts from authors which most of them already possess, and which are already in general circulation ; as Doddridge, Edwards, Hervey, Bishops, Hall, Newton, &c. In addition to this hint, we would recommend a greater care in the selection of extracts. In the present volume, we observe a few passages (and we are happy to say they are but few) too trifling,-as Remark liii; or too credulous, -as lvii. 4,

5.

In quotations, we always love accuracy, both of extract and reference; and though we see no reason to preserve the antique spelling of our ancestors, yet Mr. Franks's hint in page vii of the Introduction, which speaks of alter

ations in the syntax, spelling, or pointing of the passages he has quoted," will excite the jealousy of some readers; especially as his references are so general, as not to pame even the volume of his author. We conceive, in works that have gone through different editions, the best mode of reference is to chapter and section; but where one edition only is in print, the page and volume may suffice.

If our valuable author should persevere in his labours, we would also advise him to keep his work as distinct as possible from the labours of contemporary writers; particularly Mr. Samuel Burder, whose "Oriental Customs" comprehend the substance of Mr. Harmer's volumes, with a great variety of similar passages from the same writers which Mr. Franks has consulted: a circumstance of which he does not appear to be aware.

An Examination of the Necessity of Sunday Drilling, and of the probable Effects of that Measure on the Interests of Religion. By the Rev. Edward Cooper, Rector of Hamstall Ridware, in the County of Stafford. So, 15.

THE laudable design of the author is, to prove that Sunday Drilling is not entitled to the plea of necessity; the only plausible plea for the practice. We think he has perfectly succeeded in this; and sincerely wish that this well-written and judicious pamphlet may widely spread, and be followed with great

success.

An Essay on the Christian Sabbath. By Joseph Hughes, A. M. 6d. -fine paper, 15.

THIS well-timed pamphlet was occasioned by the author's turning his thoughts to the consideration of Sunday Drilling; but finding the introductory remarks to multiply rapidly, he was led to associate his first purpose with a greater., His aim is to shew that, among the symptoms of impenitence, a disregard to the Sabbath is marked with peculiar malignity; and of course, that those men eminently

contribute to their country's disgrace and ruin, who, either by their discussions or their practice, promote the unhallowed sentiment. The authority and utility of the Christian-Sabbath are pleaded for; and the growing evil of profaning it is faithfully pointed out. This Tract is a suitable present to persons who seem insensible of their

obligations to observe the Lord's Day; and particularly to those of superior rank.

A Dissuasive from Sunday-Drilling, including Extracts from Pamphlets on that Subject, lately published. By the Rel gious Tract Society. Price 55. per 100.

WE are extremely happy to find that the Tract Society has taken up this necessary subject; and by compressing much useful matter in twelve pages, has furnished the religious public with so cheap and lated to check the alarming evil convenient a pamphlet, well calcu which it opposes. This Tract is compiled chiefly from the two above mentioned; the one written by a Clergyman of the Church of England; the other by a Dissenting Minister. We hope, Christians, of all denominations, will concur in dispersing this useful piece as widely as possible. "Let the reader strive to prevent the introduction of the practice; — let him exert his influence to suppress the continuance of it, where it is already introduced; let him labour to inspire a general and scrip. tural dislike of it! - let not the imposing example, or the specious arguments of others, prevail with him to countenance a principle or practice which his conscience and the law of God condemn; — let not illiberal charges of ill-timed officiousness, or even of secret disaffection, induce him to swerve from his purpose. The cause of God is the cause of our country! In such a cause, interference can never be officious, nor ill-timed. The defence and support of religion is the soundest policy, the truest loyalty, the most genuine patriotism "

Extracts from a Journal of a recent Tour through Part of France, Switzerland, and Germany.

WE left London early on Friday, the 6th of May, 1803. It was a delightful morning, followed by a very fine day. The air was refreshing, the sun shone pleasantly, fields and meadows sparkled with dew; the larks were all alive, chanting the praises of their Creator; the coach rolled away briskly; the company was agreeable; the prospects, particularly from the hills, were often enchanting, and so we passed pretty rapidly through Deptford, Rochester, and Canterbury, till we arrived in the evening at Dover.

While my eye was regaled with various beautiful prospects, my mind, at intervals, made sundry observations; and my heart was nourished by meditating on the word of God. When any difficulty appeared in prospect, I called to mind the saying of our Saviour:

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereot." Both enjoyments and imperfections excited in me a longing after that country, where alone complete rest and happiness will be our portion. The following maxims were the result of my reflections on this day's journey :-1. Speak little in the company of strangers; and least of all of your own private concerns.

-

2. Be not too reserved, nor too familiar. Be obliging to every one; and always give a civil answer: but, in general, rather listen, observe, learn, and pray in silence.

3. Be thankful, if you meet with decent and civil company.

4. As in travelling we continu. ally meet with something to try

our patience, so likewise in the of patience, that, after you have journey of life, "You have need done the will of God ye might receive the promise.” This is a golden rule, to be learned only in the school of Christ.

5. To reflect upon past mercies with thankfulness, gladdens the heart, and supplies it with strength for future trials. This I truly experienced, when pondering on the numberless benefits conferred on ne by my God, in London. that I had improved them better !

1. At sea, our immediate dependence on the Almighty strikes us in a solemn manner. Happy is he who knows him as a Friend and Father, and can place his confi, dence in him, whilst on this dreadful element.

2. The nearer we approach the land, the more violently the breakers beat against the vessel. So it is in spirituals; the nearer a Christian draws towards the heavenly port, the more he has frequently to struggle with the waves of adversity.

We travelled to Paris by way of Amiens, remarkable for the conclusion of the late peace betwixt France and England. Our joy on this account was, however, greatly damped by an apprehension, lest the present differences between the two governments might end in a

fresh war; but that saying of the Prince of Peace comforted me: "Peace I leave with you: -- my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

In the neighbourhood of Amiens I was struck with the following inscription over the door of a church: Temple de la Raison et de la Vertu, "Temple of Reason and Virtue." No doubt every Christian church ought to be a temple, in which God is worshipped with a reasonable service in spirit and in truth, and where the foundation of every Christian virtue is laid; but alas! too many, in our day, making idols of their confined reason, and polluted virtue, reject all revelation as foolishness; - exalt themselves above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, even denying the Lord of life and glory that bought them. It was this contempt of all revealed religion, more than a hatred of su perstition, which, in the time of the French Revolution, caused many churches, in towns and vil lages, to be either_totally demolished and burned down, or to be Converted into stables and pig-styes, or into hospitals and magazines; and all crucifixes, images of the apostles, &c. to be broken to pieces. Of these ravages we saw but too many traces on our journey. It is true, that all these things were the means of introducing a shocking superstition among the people; and that many of the Romish priests countenanced the most dangerous errors, and led scandalous lives; so that we may, in this respect, adopt the language of the angel in the Revelations: "Thou art righteous, O Lord! which art, and wast, and shalt be; because thou hast judged thus."

SO

Several disgraceful anecdotes were related to us, by our fellow-travellers, of Romish priests. To mention but one instance: - A carriage full of them, once met a company of wounded soldiers, who excited general compassion; and almost every one that saw them gave them some4hing; but these priests and Levites

ped them, not only with perfect indifference, but insulted them with sneers. It is enough to make one's heart bleed, to see and hear how much occasion is given to the enemies of Christianity to blaspheme the gospel, and to treat it is a mere system of deceit, by the scandalous live, aut only of Romish priests, but even of some Protestant clergymen!"Woe unto the world, because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh."

The country through which we travelled, from Calais to Paris, and from thence to Strasburgh, has a very diversified appearance. Some districts, chiefly in the "ci-devant Picardy" and Lothringen, are either remarkably stony, sandy, or full of morasses; and the poverty of the inhabitants, which appears from their sallow looks, their mean huts, and meagre cattle, excites the compassion of the traveller. I could not help thinking on Pharaoh's lean kine, which devoured the fat, and were not the better for it; and yet I was pleased with indulging the hope, that in one or other of these huts an individual may be found, content with little, and rich in God, who would not exchange his situation for a royal palace.

But we likewise passed through many beautiful, well cultivated, and populous districts, towns, and villages, where the inhabitants seemed to enjoy the comforts of life. Within thirty or forty miles of Paris, we observed the richest corn-fields, and numberless fruit, particularly apple-trees, in full blossom, so that we could not but admire the glorious works of God; and I was excited to breathe forth the prayer contained in an old

verse:

"Make my heart a garden fair,

Jesus, which such fruit may bear
As affords true joy to thee,

And thy Father, constantly."

In Champaign and Alsatia there is many a district which, for beauty and fruitfulness, may be styled a Paradise.