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In the introductory essay, Mr. Erskine has adverted to the distinguishing peculiarities of Mr. Gambold's works, of which piety is the most exalted feature, although the learning and genius which are displayed, might entitle him to high consideration. The works of Mr. Gambold are, on the present occasion, associated with those of the preceding celebrated authors, that have passed under our review. All of these have lately been printed for Chalmers and Collins of Glasgow, in one uniform size and type, and we are happy to state, that not one among them is a dishonour to its companions, and that, taken collectively, they form a valuable acquisition to a Christian library.

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able and edifying than where a form is used. But as the author of the work now under review, in his preface, very justly observes,-" There are numerous instances, in which the heads of families feel themselves incompetent, through want of sufficient self-possession or command of language, to conduct their domestic services by extempore prayer; and such persons not only need, but deserve, that suitable assistance which is offered in the present publication."

It is probable, however, that the necessities of those families, the heads of which are accustomed to conduct their domestic worship themselves, are still more urgent. The head of the family must occasionally, and in some instances frequently, be absent REVIEW.-The New Guide to Prayer, him from the domestic circle: it selfrom home; or illness may seclude or Complete Order of Family Devotion. By the Rev. James, A.M. dom happens that the person next in Oxon. 8vo. London. B. J. Holds-authority (who is generally a female) is competent to officiate in this duty; worth, 18, St. Paul's Churchyard. and, in this case, those who usually IN the brief critical notice we propose enjoy the advantages of family devoto take of this publication, it will tion conducted with energy and anihardly be thought incumbent on us to mation, must be entirely deprived of enlarge on the duty or expediency of this exalted privilege, without the help domestic worship. To every devout which is afforded by suitable forms of and reflecting mind, the reasonable- prayer. ness and propriety of such an obser- For the accommodation of families vance will be at once apparent. Even thus circumstanced, several publicathe deluded votaries of a superstitious tions have at different times made and fantastic mythology had their their appearance, to most of which, lares and penates, or household dei- however valuable and judicious in ties, that were supposed to preside over other respects, one or other of the foltheir domestic affairs, whose protec-lowing objections may be urged:tion they continually invoked, and to whom they regularly offered certain customary sacrifices. Shall not then the more enlightened professors of a 'pure and holy faith erect a domestic altar to the one living and true God, where they may offer up daily oblations of prayer and praise, of thanksgiving and supplications; where they may make confession of sin, implore forgiveness through the merits of the great atoning sacrifice, and ask of their heavenly benefactor a continued supply of the healthful spirit of his grace, as well as of every needful tem'poral blessing?

Where the head of the family can, in behalf of his household, lift up his heart to the Father of mercies in the free and unembarrassed exercise of extemporary prayer, there can be little doubt that such a mode of worship is in the generality of cases more accept

Either they do not furnish sufficient variety, so that the same prayer, by too frequent recurrence, is in danger of losing its proper force and impression, or there is an undue prolixity in the composition of the prayers themselves.

The author of the work before us has taken pains to steer clear of each of these objections. By a very copious selection, and by an arrangement at once novel and skilful, he has obviated the necessity of a too frequent recurrence of the same form of words, has enabled the person conducting the family devotions to abridge or prolong the exercise at his discretion; and has also provided petitions adapted to almost every conceivable domestic occurrence. Upon the whole, both as to its design and execution, we have no hesitation in placing this volume among the more complete and judi

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cious of the kind which we have hitherto perused; and as such, we do most cordially recommend it to the notice and patronage of our readers. We hope, too, that its use and acceptance with the public generally, will be in proportion to its intrinsic merits.

The thanksgiving for distinguishing grace, and one or two other expressions implying a belief in the doctrine of particular redemption, might, in our opinion, as well have been omitted, more especially as in other respects the author has been careful to avoid any phrase savouring of party distinction or sectarian peculiarity. The expression thy foolishness is wiser, &c." as addressed to the Deity, is to us rather exceptionable; although it might be allowable in the mouth of an inspired Apostle when predicated of God.

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knowledge of music, but we should esteem her accomplishments much higher, if she could also dearn a hole in her stocking, put a patch on her linen, and instruct her servants in their kitchen duties.

The work before us contains many useful observations, but we have also found several things that might have been advantageously omitted. That religious duties should be invariably inculcated, the author readily admits, and strongly enforces; but by the indulgence of novel reading, &c. which, under certain restrictions, is tacitly allowed, a counteracting principle is introduced to notice, which, without the utmost precaution, will soon gain an ascendency in the youthful mind, and triumph over the dictates of sober truth. To those who have the care of young females, the writer gives many seasonable admonitions, which may be adopted with much advantage. REVIEW.-Remarks on Female Edu- and springs of human action, and unThey lead us to the numerous sources, cation, adapted particularly to the re-fold in a perspicuous manner the seeds' gulation of Schools. 8vo. pp. 407. London, Holdsworth. 1823. So numerous are the treatises on female education, which have appeared of late, that we have had no time to examine all; and even among those that have undergone our inspection, we find some difficulty in selecting one to which we can give a decided preference. Education, without all doubt, should ever be accommodated to those stations in life which the pupils will probably be called to fill; but unfortunately, most mothers think their daughters destined to be ladies of no ordinary rank, and hence a governess is chosen to impart the necessary accomplishments. The keepers of seminaries are not ignorant of this strange infatuation, and many among them think it no contemptible qualification, that they neglect what is useful, to teach that which is merely ornamental. The parents are flattered by the appeals that are thus made to their vanity and ambition; while Miss, brought up for a station which she has no fortune to support, enters life totally ignorant of those domestic duties which devolve on her both as a wife and a mother, in that department of society which she is destined to oceupy. We have no objection, if the parents can afford it, that she should understand drawing, and have some

which form the future character; and we are compelled to allow, that much depends upon the skill and good management of those by whom the young idea is trained, and the natural propensities are regulated. We think it, on the whole, a work that may be perused with much benefit, but we hesitate to recommend an indiscriminate adoption of all that it either silently tolerates or unequivocally avows.From the perusal of its pages, young governesses may learn many useful lessons, which, if uniformly reduced to practice, would effect an important change in our systems of female education.

REVIEW.-First and Second Set of Original Psalm and Hymn Tunes, adapted for public Worship, and har monized for four voices, &c. By the Rev. David Everard Ford. pp. 60. London. Westley.

THOSE who delight in sacred music, will find these original compositions well worthy their attention. They contain much harmony; and while many of them may be justly distinguished for their simplicity and unassuming elegance, others might be selected, of which vigour and grandeur are the more prominent characteristics. They are introduced in the title=

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Review: Education.-Orthodox Ministry.-Slavery, &c. 768

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page as adapted for public worship;" and in this we are satisfied, that no imposition is practised upon the public. We shall not be surprised to find many of these tunes very generally adopted in congregational worship, where the attachment to antiquated sounds is not too venerable to admit of innovation. It would be no difficult task to make some appropriate selections from the varieties before us, but we fear that this would look like an indirect insinuation, to the disadvantage of the rest. We do not recollect to have found in the whole composition, a tune that is unworthy of recommendation; but many might be named that possess superior excellencies.

REVIEW.-A Philosophical Essay on

Education. By the Rev. W. Newland, A.M. pp. 24. London. Whittaker. 1824.

WITHIN a narrow compass, this tract explores the secret springs of human action, and, in the development of principles, shews their influence on individuals, families, communities, and nations. "Without the aid of instruction," the author argues, "it has never been known that any nation or tribe of men ever emerged from barbarism. Anticipating similar effects from similar causes, had the savage state been the original condition of man, he must, as far as depends upon himself, have been doomed to it for ever." From these and similar causes, the necessity of education is inferred, not to load the memory with theories and opinions, but to awaken the dormant energies of the soul, and to furnish exercise to the intellectual powers. This pamphlet contains much good sense and masculine sentiment, delivered in language that is clear and unaffected. We have perused it with much satisfaction, and shall rejoice to find that it becomes generally

known.

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being tempered with discretion. The present pamphlet professes to survey him as an orator and a divine; and, without making due allowance for human failings and infirmities, the minister of the Caledonian Church is raised on the pinnacle of perfection. We do not mean to detract any thing from Mr. Irving, either as an orator or a divine; but we cannot avoid thinking, that whoever attends his ministry, under the impression which this publication is calculated to make, will hear him to great disadvantage; and even do him an injury, by not having made any provision for a disappointment, which too sanguine expectations are always destined to en

counter.

REVIEW.-An Address on the State of Slavery in the West India Islands, from the Committee of the Leicester Anti-Slavery Society. pp. 24. London. Hamilton. 1824.

THIS pamphlet, though containing but a partial list of those evils under which the degraded African groans, is, like Ezekiel's roll, written within and without with mourning, lamentation, and wo. With the wanton atrocities of Mulley Ismael, the murders committed by Kouli Khan, and the wretchedness connected with slavery in Algiers, we are but imperfectly acquainted; but even these may find a rival to their enormities, in the slave system in our insular possessions. It originated in injustice, and is sup ported by cruelty; and when viewed in the calamities which it inflicts on the existing generation, and entails upon posterity, it may be doubted if so much misery can be found on this side the infernal regions, as slavery in its various branches concentrates and imbodies.

REVIEW.-Sincerity, a Tale. By the Author of Rachel. 12mo. pp. 180. London. Knight & Lacey. THIS is a pleasing tale, in which dutwo female characters; the former plicity and sincerity are contrasted in leading to dishonour, and the latter to unblemished triumph. Many subordinate scenes are introduced in the course of the narrative, which all tend to illustrate the great moral principle intended to be inculcated. It con

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containing some wholesome instruction. It shews the influence and final triumphs of persevering and consistent piety.

A Present for a Sunday School: Holdsworth, London.-This little piece is addressed to children, for whose capacities it is admirably adapted. Genuine piety seems to run through every page, and to children it can hardly fail to be useful.

Little Nannette: Whitmore, London. -This tract contains a memorial of seriousness in a child. It is said to be a narrative of facts, and nothing appears to disprove the declaration. This little book must be both interesting and instructive to children.

Cases of Prisoners in the Houses of Correction at Guildford and Brixton.— The depositions which this pamphlet contains, were taken by a magistrate, and they are published, to shew the pernicious effects of the treadmill. They prove that labour has, in some instances, been exacted with too much rigour; and that a mitigation of sentence, in some cases, is necessary, according to the strength of the culprit.

Letter to Sir John Cox Hippisley, Bart. on the Mischiefs incidental to the Tread-wheel as an instrument of Prison discipline; by John Mason Good, M.D. F.R.S.: Woodfall, London.-This is a sensible, well-written pamphlet, which, containing a rational investigation of the subject, will command attention, where the voice of declamation cannot be heard. The effects produced on the muscles, and parts that are most exposed to action in this exercise, are pointed out with much precision, and the justness of the author's conclusions is supported by a statement of analogical facts. On the use of the tread-wheel, opinion is much diversified. All will admit that it is a very powerful instrument, and there can be no doubt that, if retained, it Fatal Pleasure, or Christ the best should be used with great moderation. | portion: Whitmore, London.-This is a spirited little dialogue between The Scripture Doctrine of the For-Gallio, who invites Lydia to accompagiveness of Sins, &c.; by Valentine Ward: Kershaw, London.-This discourse contains some excellent observations, which both young and old may peruse with much advantage. The forgiveness of sins, the author justly considers to be closely connected with personal holiness; and the manner in which he treats these important subjects is admirably adapted to urge his readers to secure both of these important blessings.

Mary Scott, or the Legend of a Sabbath School: Whitmore, London.-This is a pretty little tale, told in decent verse. There can be little doubt that its existence has been derived from imagination, but it contains some pointed lines, and inculcates an excellent lesson.

ny him and others to Clatterton races, and Lydia, who declines his invitation, and assigns her reasons for so doing. With those who went thither, the carriage overturned, and Miss Larkfoot was killed. Gallio is a man of pleasure. Lydia supports religion, and proves that genuine happiness can only be found in God.

SINGULAR PREFACE.
MR. EDITOR.

SIR,-The following article is taken
from the preface of a work, entitled,
"The Character of a Godly Man," by
the Rev. Daniel Burgess, minister of
the gospel. Printed 1691.
deem it worthy a place in your valua-
ble Magazine, on account of its anti-
quity and singularity, it is entirely at
your service. Your's, F. H..

If you

The Little Gardener: Whitmore, Lon-"To the right honourable and the most don. This is a biographical sketch, eminent Ladies,-that disown thei No. 68.-VOL. VI, 3 C

portion and good things in this life, | and being written in the earth, Jer. xvii. 13.—that receive the word of their blessed Saviour from his most unworthy minister; and by their religious zeal do provoke many of inferior rank: Grace and peace be multiplied from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Ladies,-This book is not clothed with soft raiment. It doth not wear Joseph's coloured coat: but it claimeth his celebrated name, Zaphnathpaaneah, a revealer of secrets; for it discovereth the things which are most needful and most difficult to be known. It displayeth no less things than the states and conditions of souls, and presenteth divine prescriptions for making both of them good.

"Wherefore I have presumed to make it yours, and to beseech your honours and ladyships to do me the favour to admit it to be your minister, a clerk of your closets, and a servant unto your soliloquies and sacred communings with yourselves therein.

"Ladies,-this I have done of my gratitude and piety, against many contradictions of my modesty, yet without one blush for the plainness wherewith I array divine Truth; because diamonds suffer loss by painting, and gold needeth not to be gilded. New Testament divinity wants no sound of sackbut and psaltery. Preachers' rich language holdeth many poor; and that which men will call poor, maketh many rich.

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"The Christians unto whom I do more statedly minister, do care for no apes and peacocks from Ophir, but prefer wholesome food above finest feathers: and I am well sure your ladyships are none of those, that take him for the king who wears most lace and riband on his clothes; or him for the divine, whose periods are most gay with wit and elegance.

"I dare no more to flatter than to murder: but I must take leave to mention that great grace of God in you, which alone can warrant this my boldness with you. In my own defence, I do here say it; I have observed you to relish manna without quails; the words of eternal life, without the enticing ones of man's wisdom; to reverence the ark of God, there where it hath been covered with badgers' skins; to be far from dreaming that your Saviour is divided, or confined unto any

dividing party, that crieth, Lo, he is here, or there, only. → Admirable grace! And so much the more, by how much bigger you are in this world; for greatness and goodness meet not often. The obligations of great persons unto their Maker's service, are, superlative, but so are the temptations from it, also: and as these latter do almost always overcome the former, so that the supreme Landlord hath most of his rent from cottages; courts and greatest houses do pay him least. It is said, that the natural heavens are more distinctly seen in some low vaults, than upon high mountains; but it is every one's observation, that the third heaven is best seen by people of the lower place. There is no actionable scandalum magnatum in the holy Bible; but there we read, that, not many of them are called that it is rare that camels do (off with their bunches, and) pass through the needle's eye-that as bees are drowned in honey, the rich are choaked with their prosperity.

"They do know, that there is no armour against fate; that peerage is no protection against death's arrest; and imperial crowns exempt not the heads that wear them from the common Golgotha: their eyes see that earthly gods die as other men do. The misery is, they put off the day, which, otherwise than in imagination, they cannot put off. They take serious remembrancers for mistimed tormentors; or else make their answer with the more audacious madness of laughter; and dub them all for cow-hearts, that tremble at our sound of a world to come: especially, if they do any more than tremble; if they come to argue (not, Let us eat and drink, but) Let us believe, and repent, for to morrow we die. Notable pastime among them, maketh such language as that rare gentleman's who, (with five hundred pounds for charitable uses,) sent a letter to Sir Edwin Sands, thus subscribed, "Your brother in Christ,Dust and Ashes."

T

“It is true, dying hours do change the colour and taste of earthly grandeurs. Then they receive a little sight, when their eye-strings are ready to break: then they believe the invisible Judge and his tribunal, who before were blind to sunshine, and deaf to thunder. And when they can swallow no other cordial, some do call for the

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