In looking through these volumes not conceal the offensive effluvia of we have found nothing very remark- that incurable ulcer with which its able, either to censure or applaud. left leg is afflicted. On the contrary, They take their stand on the ground in his exposition on the latter, which of mediocrity, among the flimsy pro- asserts that "the offering of Christ ductions that daily issue from the once made, is that perfect Redemppress. To such as delight in literary tion, Propitiation, and Satisfaction for gossip, "The Boyne Water" will all the sins of the whole world, both afford entertainment, but beyond this original and actual," the point at issue circle we conceive that it will not between the contending parties is kept excite much admiration. This will entirely out of sight. He observes form no bad criterion of its merit, for that "preceding articles have abunwe can hardly add that it is deserv- dantly treated upon this interesting ing of more honours than it will pro- doctrine, and it would not have been bably receive. presented in this place, but as it stands in connexion with an error of REVIEW.-The Religion of the Refor- that belongs to the sacrament of the the Papists, and is part of the subject mation, as exhibited in the Thirty- Lord's supper." (p. 443.) In his apnine Articles of the Church of Eng-peal to scripture for evidence in favour land. 12mo. p. 524. London. Seeley

and Son. 1826.

of this article, the words "all the sins of the whole world," vanish from our Of this work, the author's name does sight, and his question runs as folnot appear, but he has taken especial lows: "Can we give proof from the care to give publicity, in almost every scripture that Christ's one offering of page, to the distinguishing features of himself was a sufficient and perfect his creed. In his preface he laments propitiation for the sins of men?" If that "the spiritual church is in too the position before us, namely, that many instances infected with a spirit the offering of Christ was "for all the of lukewarmness, of worldliness, and sins of the whole world,” admitted of of what perhaps is more dangerous scripture proof, the author ought to than all, with a spurious charity, a have adduced it; if not, he should weed of the wilderness, which it fan- have boldly asserted his conviction, cies to be the flower of Eden." This and condemned the article as a deluprepares the way for the exposition sive error in the episcopal creed.that follows; in which, if we are not Genuine Christianity scorns artifice; furnished with the tomahawk of Cal- and in proportion as any modes which vin, and the scalping-knife of Witsius, its friends adopt can derive assistit seems only because the author is ance from sneaking ingenuity, a deashamed to expose these rusty imple-viation from purity of principle is ments of sectarian torture to public unconsciously betrayed. view. Both his head and his heart appear better than his creed; and we cannot but pity the individual who blushes to avow the inevitable consequences of the hypothesis he adopts.

66

To the XVIIth Article, which, in the estimation of many, supports the good old comfortable doctrine of Election and Reprobation," the expositor devotes fifty-nine pages, while all his observations on XXXI. are comprised in eleven. Admitting the following remark of Dr. Johnson to be well founded, namely, that" that reading is most probably wrong which requires many words to make it appear right," this disparity ceases to be involved in mystery. In his commentary on the former, he loses no opportunity of adorning destiny with its best attire; but all his efforts can

But while we accuse the author with a want of impartiality, duty directs us to avoid the rock on which he has struck. His exposition of the Thirtynine Articles evinces much research, and contains many valuable observations; but the field having been successfully reaped by Bishop Burnet in 1699, we were prepared for gleanings, and have found a scanty harvest of originality. For his zeal in the Protestant cause he is entitled to the fullest credit; and his desire to recommend the oracles of truth to the serious perusal of his readers, is apparent throughout the volume. Many Papal absurdities are justly exposed, on evidence that cannot be questioned, and we join him in the earnest hope that this intolerant system will never regain an ascendency in England.

man.

1826.

On relieving the poor, to which the seventh chapter is devoted, there are many judicious observations. The in

thus counteracting half the benefit it intended to confer.

REVIEW.-A Catechism of Anatomy, for the Instruction of Youth in the first Principles of that Science. With Plates, pp. 71. London. Long-gratitude with which they are charged, the author considers to be more apTHE value of this book far exceeds parent than real; and even where it its dimensions. Though diminutive exists, he conceives it to arise from in magnitude, its contents are highly the manner in which benevolence perimportant, especially to such as, just forms its work, frequently exposing entering the vast field of Anato-liberality to the charge of haughtiness, my, find themselves bewildered with strange names, to which they can attach no definite ideas. In the catechism before us these terms are explained, the parts to which they apply are pointed out, and distinctly marked in the anatomical figures that are given; and the reader is taught to trace the connexions that subsist between the various parts of the human frame, in a way that cannot fail to impart much useful information. Real utility, in so condensed a form, has rarely fallen under our inspection.

THIS is an entertaining book, enlivened by incident, and diversified with sketches furnished by country scenery, and a development of character taken from rural life. It contains twenty chapters, in several of which we have biographical delineations, sometimes applying to individuals, and at other times to families. Though written with an apparently easy negligence, some useful lesson is invariably taught, which cannot always be perceived until the reader reaches the conclusion of the story or dialogue.

In this volume many of the tales are interesting as well as instructive; and although they contain nothing either profound or sentimental, these deficiencies are amply supplied by entertainment and utility.

REVIEW.-A Treatise concerning Religious Affections. By Jonathan Edwards, A. M. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. David Young. 12mo. pp. 664. London. Whittaker. 1825.

FEW names are better known in the theological world than that of President Edwards; and what is of greater importance, fewer still are more deserving of being held in universal estimation. The writings of this learned divine have uniformly been distinguished for the acuteness of investigation with which they abound, the intellectual vigour with which profound researches are prosecuted, and the eagle eye of accuracy which marks with precision the most minute discrimination.

In the work before us, the author's piety is not less apparent than the splendour of his talents. Its pages evince an intimate acquaintance with In the history of Old George the the various workings of the human Poacher, many sentences are so con- heart; and the changes wrought by structed as to give of the game laws the influence of divine grace are traced an unfavourable idea which is no where with a degree of precision, which the expressed.The character of OldGeorge voice of experience, and the dictates is also so delineated, that in the as- of inspiration, were exclusively comsemblage of his numerous rustic vir- petent to teach. This treatise, "contues we are half tempted to palliate, cerning religious affections," has passif not to overlook his crime in the ed through several editions both in violation of law. But after repeated Europe and America; and, from the warnings, and punishments, his perse-known character of its author, and verance in transgression brings him to an untimely end. Being pursued one night with game in his possession, he attempted to ford a river to escape the officers of justice, and was drowned.

the admirable manner in which it is written, has, perhaps, done more to rescue experimental religion from the charge of enthusiasm, than any other work extant. It satisfactorily proves, that the religion which leaves the af

THE many editions through which this book has passed, plainly shew that Deism has not yet gained that ascendency in this country which its In early life Mr. Gilpin was a Paadvocates pretend, and few publica-pist, but from conviction he embraced tions are better calculated to check its progress, than the treatise before

were prominent in his character. His times required this combination of excellencies, and by the great Head of the church he was fortified for the occasion.

The preliminary essay from the pen of Mr. Irving is little more than an eulogium on his character, in which his services to the church are duly appreciated, but not ranked higher than they justly deserve. It contains judicious observations on the trying scenes of his life, and even infers from his conduct an example worthy of imitation in subsequent periods, when occasions call for similar exercises of faith, courage, and patience.

The life of Bernard Gilpin has a sufficiency of intrinsic merit to render it deserving of preservation, and of being exalted to the rank which it sustains among "Select Christian Authors." By the reprint of this and similar works, Chalmers and Collins have done much towards the completion of a valuable Christian library.

while this expedition is exclusively maritime; on which account the vicissitudes, dangers, discoveries, and incidents appear considerably varied. The characters and occurrences, however, leading to the same subjects, exhibit a striking similitude; and to the immortal Columbus of allegory, who dreamt in Bedford jail, this work is indebted for some of its more appropriate names.

But notwithstanding these coincidences, much original matter is contained in the pages before us; and even that which can hardly be called new, appears in a dress that more than half conceals the defect. The playfulness of fancy is taught to exhilarate with her exuberant sallies, but in all her excursions she never passes the boundaries of truth. Cautions, admonitions, warnings, and solicitudes, intermingled with hopes and fears, are instructively elicited in the numerous dialogues and conversations to which a succession of events gives birth. These are introduced by the various personages on board, whose names designate their respective characters, but all may be easily traced to the dictates of revelation.

In prosecuting his voyage, the au

THIS little book is divided into fifty-thor takes occasion, when touching at two parts, each consisting of a hymn on one page, and meditations or reflections in prose, founded on some passage of Scripture, on the other; thus presenting one for every week in the year. These divisions have, however, no connexion with the seasons in which they come forth for perusal. Piety and simplicity are its distinguishing characteristics.

REVIEW. A Voyage to Immanuel's Land in the Ship Hopewell, with an account of many remarkable deliverances from danger, &c. 18mo. pp.

"Fanatic Land," to introduce many judicious observations on the manners, laws, and conduct of the various tribes, describing the dominions of "Antinomos" with such fidelity, and delineating the characters of his principal officers with so much truth and serious satire, that the portraiture becomes disgusting. At "Sceptic

Point," we have another series of objects placed in view, through the medium of which we are cautioned

against the dangers of infidelity. Revelling Island," the "Golden Peninsula," "Popish Continent," and Deadman's Reef,' all contribute their quota of instruction; but we have neither time nor room for further particulars.

234. London. Nisbet. 1826. WHOEVER has read John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress will be able to form a tolerable idea of this book. Viewing the author as an invader We do not mean to insinuate that of Bunyan's territory, we began the the author has been guilty of plagi-perusal of this book with rather lanarism, or that he is a servile imitator guid expectations. Our prejudices of that masterly performance; but are, however, completely subdued, and from the ground on which he has although we would not consider it as taken his stand, and the plan he has a rival to the Pilgrim's Progress, we pursued, family resemblance became conceive it to be a valuable auxiliary, unavoidable. John's Pilgrim and and by no means an unsuitable comcompanions, indeed, travelled by land, panion.

|

A THIEF DETECTED WITH THE STOLEN

GOODS.

(Founded on fact.)

A FARMER in the country sent a message to his friend, living a few miles distant, by the hands of one, of his labourers, who, arriving at the place of his destination, as the person for whom it was intended could not be seen immediately, was desired to wait in the kitchen until his master's friend should have time to speak with him. He did so; and, in a few minutes, the maid-servant having work to do else where, and not suspecting his honesty, left him alone. But being either thievishly disposed, or suddenly overtaken by temptation, in an evil moment, he cast longing eyes upon a quantity of butter which lay exposed, ready prepared for market, in lumps of a pound each. Thinking it probable that one pound would not be missed, but not knowing how to carry it off, as his jacket had no pockets large enough to hold it, he at length thought of his hat, laid hands upon a pound of the butter, put it in, and replaced the covering on his head. Shortly after this, the maid returned into the kitchen, and instantly perceived her loss.

Being afraid to accuse the man herself, she apprized her master of the robbery, who, after considering the best method of detecting the thief, hurried to the kitchen, asked the man his business, and received the message in due form. The messenger then desired to know what answer he should return. I will tell you presently, said the farmer; meanwhile you shall take something to eat and drink. The man begged to be excused, saying he had a long walk before him; but the farmer would not let him depart.

The kitchen fireplace was one of antique construction, such as may yet be seen in country farm-houses. It was built of dimensions so capacious as to admit of two seats within it, one on each side of the fire which blazed upon the hearth. Each seat admitted of two persons in such a manner, that when two were there seated, the innermost sat precisely in the chimney corner, and was enclosed on all sides: in front, by the fire; behind and upon one side, by brick and mortar; and upon the only remaining side, by the person who sat next. Into this snug 92.-VOL. VIII.

corner the farmer compelled his unwilling guest, and immediately taking possession of the outer seat, kept him a close prisoner.

The latter, fearing lest the theft should be discovered, had uniformly omitted to take off his hat; and the keen farmer, noticing this suspicious circumstance with an observing eye, concluded that the butter was therein concealed, and determined to make him confess, without charging him with the theft. For this end he had forced him into this warm region, knowing that by the side of a hot fire he would soon be in an awkward predicament. The farmer ordered the servant to draw some beer, and bring the bread and cheese. This was quickly done, and the guest partook of it with an apparent good-will and hearty appetite, but was in reality greatly perplexed, and anxious to be gone. In the mean while the farmer kept firm to his side, and stirred up the fire to entertain him as warmly as possible. At length having finished his bread and cheese and beer, he entreated to be gone. "You shan't go yet," said the farmer, you haven't half warmed yourself: it's a cold day, remember." And as no excuse would serve, he was compelled to wait until his master's friend should please to dismiss him.

66

66

Now, as with the excessive heat of the fire the butter began to liquefy, the poor fellow became alarmed. The butter melted yet more, he could feel a few drops trickling down his cheeks; he was violently agitated, but strove to conceal his emotion. At last, as from a fountain, it poured copiously down his hair, forehead, and cheeks, and streamed over his clothes to the ground. The poor fellow, unable to refrain, burst out into an agony of tears. Mercy on me," cried the farmer, with well feigned astonishment, rising from his seat, and walking to the middle of the room, "why, what's the matter with the man? what are you crying about? and what's this running down your face?" The culprit, seeing an open way to escape from his fiery ordeal, followed the master, and, confessing his offence, fell down on his knees, weeping and sobbing aloud, and imploring forgiveness. The farmer had now attained his object; he had brought him to confess his crime; and seeing him

3 с