by a love affair, whose beauty, wild and frenzied as it was, could not but instantly arrest and fix the attention,-who had dressed herself in fantastic finery, and who dealt out her measure of scorn and contempt on the criminals who laughed at and tormented her. They were all mingled together-maniacs and prostitutes, female thieves and debtors. There is a Prison Society at Paris; the Bourbons are its patrons, and they receive from time to time its laudatory hommages."-Pp. 22-25. ART. III.-Omnipresence an Attribute of the Father only: a Sermon, preached at Leicester, on Wednesday, July 26, 1821, before the Unitarian Tract Society, established at Birmingham, for Warwickshire and the neighbouring Counties. By Robert Wallace. Birmingham: printed and sold by Belcher and Son; and sold by Hunter, in London. 12mo. pp. 33. CHR 1822. HRISTIAN truth will be most effectually taught and vindicated by men, whose knowledge of it is derived from the Scriptures, in the original languages. An acquaintance with the productions of its ablest uninspired advocates, is, no doubt, beneficial, but should not be generally substituted for the critical study of the volume of Revelation. It was the opinion of a late excellent man and distinguished scholar,* that "the New Testament should be read, as if the book were newly published in the world, and, if possible, every interference of any sentiments professed among different sects of Christians most scrupulously shut out. Let the student," he adds, thoroughly understand the diction and style of his author's composition, and deduce his own creed accordingly." The same writer then condemns that superficial and ill-considered mode of education, "whence springs, with other evil fruit, a harvest of theological coxcombs, devoted to a system, and puffed up with a vain conceit of profound knowledge not worth possessing the building may look fair and stately to the eye of an unskilful or inaccurate observer, but its foundation is on the sand." Mr. Wallace has been trained in a better school. Of his attachment to scriptural studies, and of his proficiency in them, he has given undoubted proof in a former publication. The sermon now to be reviewed, contains some ingenious criticism; and, whether we invariably agree with its author or not, we must commend his attempt, and thank him for his labours. His text is Exod. xx. 24, " In all places where I record my name, I will which promise, he well observes, "was come unto thee, and I will bless thee;" of the Divine favour appeared, alvirtually fulfilled, whenever any token though God himself was not visibly present." (7, 8.) This preacher then makes a transition to Matt. xviii. 20, " Where two or three, &c. ;" an assurance which he considers as allusive to a proverb found under a variety of forms in the sacred writings of the Jews. That the declaration is personally applicable to Jesus, and that it constitutes an irrefragable demonstration of his omnipresence, are very current, but, as Mr. W. justly reasons, very erroneous opinions. Our Lord's parting address to his apostles, in John xiv. 25, is conclusive against the supposition of his literal presence with them after his ascension. "Admit," says the author before us, "that this passage + establishes the doctrine of Christ's omnipresence, and by the same rule you may prove in a manner equally satisfactory the omnipresence of Moses." "Be strong and of a good courage, for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which Isware unto them, and I will be with thee." He argues this point with great force and success, § and appeals further to Deut. xi. 13, 15, xxix. 5, 6, as containing examples of similar phraseology. "What language," he asks, can be bolder and more figurative than this? Yet no one ever hinted or even conjectured that such language afforded any ground for the supposition that Moses was invested with the Mon. Repos. XV. 44, &c. + Matt. xviii. 20. ↑ Deut. xxxi. 23. § We say, with great force and success, Memoirs of the Life of Gilbert Wake- because a mere identity of words and sound is insufficient, field, (1804,) Vol. 1. 341, &c. attributes of Deity. No Jewish or Christian critic was ever presumptuous enough to hazard an opinion so derogatory to the honour and dignity of the true Jehovah. Why not sup. pose then that Jesus, in the passage under consideration, speaks in the name of his Father, or alludes, under another form, to the proverbial saying founded upon our text, which was invariably applied by the descendants of Abraham to Jehovah alone? "* Citations of such proverbial sayings, may certainly be discerned in the Christian Scriptures, even where no regular forms of quotation are perceived. We think, nevertheless, that there is a material difference between the text of Mr. Wallace's discourse and the memorable words of our Saviour, "Where two or three," &c. In Exod. xx. 24, the Deity speaks of places used, whether statedly or occasionally, for divine worship: the language of Jesus, on the contrary, does not appear to describe an act of social praise or prayer, but rather the exercise of Christian discipline. We conjecture that Matt. xviii. 19, should be read in a parenthesis, and that the sense of ver. 20, is elucidated by that of verses 15, 16, 17, and especially of the eighteenth. Our Lord's subject, is the proper method of endeavouring to reclaim an offending brother. A private interview must first be sought; a private remonstrance be employed. Should an attempt of this nature have no success, two or three persons are to be taken as witnesses of the conversation which may pass between the complainant and the individual accused. When these overtures fail, the case must be submitted to public investigation. If the decision of the church, of the religious community of which the party is a member, be unheeded, excommunication must en he had previously spoken. On some occasions beside, the reason which he assigns for a specific precept or statement, is placed at the interval of a verse, or a few verses, from the command or the proposition. The phraseology and the sentiment of the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. v. 3, 4, 5, throw further and strong light on our exposition, which we submit to Mr. W. and to our other readers, not as indubitably, but as probably correct. If our view of these words of Christ be deemed erroneous, we confess that we would rather interpret them by John xiv. 16, 17, 18, than in the manner suggested by our author; and this, because evidence seems wanting, that the clauses "in my name," and "I am in the midst of them," have any reference to the Supreme Being. Throughout the remainder of his discourse, Mr. W. excellently illustrates Matt. xxviii. 20, and Ephes. i. 17, 20, 22, 23, gives a concise yet clear representation of the grounds on which the omnipresence of the Father" rests, deduces from the doctrine some valuable devotional and moral lessons, and applies it very pertinently and impressively to the occa sion upon which his sermon was delivered. When, in p. 23, he says, "the omnipresence of God must remain for ever inseparable from his omnipotence," he uses, we humbly suggest, an incorrect expression: for the words his omnipotence, we would read, “his universal agency." In the peroration the preacher speaks of certain buildings at Geneva as resounding with the doctrines" in the profession of which Servetus suffered." That city, indeed, does not appear to be any longer the head-quarters of Trinitarian and Calvinistic tenets: whether Christian Unitarianism (1 Tim. ii. 5,) be taught there, we are somewhat doubtful. Mr. W. inscribes his discourse "to the Rev. James Hews Bransby, the affectionate tutor of his youth, and the kind friend of his maturer years." We lament that we were not sooner able to make it an article of our Review. N. Compare Matt. xx. 16 with the 14th verse of that chapter, and Matt. vi.- 12, 14, 15. Let the scriptural inquirer consult Matt. xvi. 19; 2 Cor. xiii. 1. ART. IV.-Reasons for Praise and Thanksgiving to God. A Sermon preached on the Opening of the Unitarian Chapel at Diss, in Norfolk, June 22, 1822. By Thomas Madge. 8vo. pp. 40. Hunter. 1822. THE HE Unitarian congregation formerly assembling in the village of Palgrave, in Suffolk, have built a new chapel in the neighbouring town of Diss, in Norfolk. A pretty lithographic engraving of this commodious edifice is given as a frontispiece to this opening Sermon. In the Sermon Mr. Madge expatiates with much feeling and energy upon the reasons for praise which appertain to creatures, to Christians, and to Unitarian Dissenters. His discourse aspires not to novelty, but though upon a common topic is exceedingly interesting. A vein of Christian piety runs through it which imparts a kindly warmth to the reader, and which in the delivery could not fail of animating every hearer. The preacher pronounces a panegyric upon such elders of our congregations as upon occasion listen to the call of their brethren and become Christian teachers; and pursuing the subject in a note (which we extract with entire approbation), says, “There is an inconceivable prejudice existing in our congregations against what are called lay-preachers. Why, what is a Dissenting minister but a lay-man ? What right, what title, what pretensions has he to the character of a priest? Or what ordination has he, but the choice of those who elect him to conduct their religious services? Why, then, should not any one of the congregation of good character and respectable talents, and with a capacity of reading distinctly, be thought sufficiently qualified for the occasional discharge of this duty? Is it because he has not received an academical education, and does not wear a black coat? It is time to put away from us these childish things, and to act a more manly and consistent part. We ought long since to have out-grown this nonsense, and to have laid it aside. If it be ridiculous to see a Dissenting minister putting on the airs of one of the established priesthood, it is no less ridiculous to see a congregation in a Dissenting Meeting-house aping the manner and forms of a cathedral assembly. Decayed, worn-out prejudices, like ivy on an an cient building, may, without incongruity, hang about old corrupt establishments; but they can excite only a feeling of indignation or contempt when we see them attached to reformed institutions,-institutions which look only to the law and the testimony,' the quid utile, quid non." -Pp. 36, 37. ART. V.-An Apology for Christmas-Day; a Sermon_delivered at George's Meeting, Exeter. By James Manning. 8vo. pp. 18. Besley, jun. Exeter. 1822. N this Sermon, Mr. Manning, the respectable congregation of George's Meeting, Exeter, delivers his pastoral counsels with regard to the observation of Church Festivals. He speaks as a nonconformist, but also as a Christian of a catholic spirit. He maintains the indifference in a religi ous point of view, of what are called holy-days; asserts boldly the right of private judgment and of peaceable resistance to human authority in the church of Christ; pleads for unity of spirit and affection, as distinguished from, and superior to, uniformity of faith and worship; and gives it as his opinion, that though the keeping of Christmas and other ecclesiastical festivals, is not an incumbent duty, the observation is innocent, may be expedient, and may even be rendered a means of Christian improvement. We agree entirely with the enlightened and liberal preacher, and have felt a persuasion as we have perused his discourse, that if all religious questions were conducted with the amiable temper that he manifests, the differences of the Chrisand none would remain that would tian world would soon become less, interfere with brotherly love. ART. VI.-Memoirs and Select Remains of an only Son, who died November 27, 1821, in his Nineteenth Year, while a Student in the University of Glasgow. By Thomas Durant, Poole, Dorset. 2 vols. 12mo. pp. 226 and 278. Poole, printed by Lankester, and sold by Longman & Co. London. 1822. THE youth to whom these volumes relate was one of the numerous instances of precocious talents marking out their possessors for a prema ture grave. We expressed our unfeigned concern at his decease, (Vol. XVI. p. 735,) and we have perused his short but instructive and interesting story with the liveliest sympathy. He was indeed an amiable and excellent young man, and gave the promise of high distinction in the profession, that of the law, to which had re solved to devote himself. His moral character was assiduously and judiciously formed by his parents, whose principles and methods of education are here explained. The late Mrs. Durant was a woman of strong intellect and lively imagination, and all her powers were called forth by the interest which she felt in the mind and morals of an only child. No case is upon record in which success was more answerable to well-planned endeavours. The deceased youth was an universal favourite: his casual acquaintances, his fellow-students, his tutors, and a wide circle of friends, not to mention his own family, looked to him with respect, affection and confidence. It is amongst the mysteries of Providence that such a mind and heart should be suddenly overtaken by the night of death, and nothing but the promises of religion can relieve the anxiety and astonishment that such a spectacle excites. We are little disposed to assume the office of critics on Memoirs such as these. The paternal biographer needed not to have wasted one thought upon the judgment that would be passed upon his composition. Had he been less afraid of the public eye he would have written still better, though the work, as it is, does credit to his understanding and feelings. Some things might have been prudently suppressed in the extracts from his son's papers, and perhaps they are left out in the new edition of the Memoirs which we see advertised. However this may be, we do not hesitate, not withstanding our difference in opinion from the writer on some essential points, to recommemd his volumes as containing a picture of a mind and character, which none can behold without deep interest, and which young persons, and especially young men, may study with unspeakable advantage. ART. VII.-The Reciprocal Duties of Preachers and Hearers of the Gospel. A Discourse, (from 2 Cor. iv. 1, 2,) delivered at Maidstone, August 18, 1822, on entering on the Pastoral Charge of the Unitarian Church in that place. By George Kenrick. 8vo. OR a minister to deli Fna a Christinies which he owes to his people, and likewise those which it is equally incumbent on them to practise towards him, and especially when this delineation is intended for the people themselves, must be a task of considerable difficulty and delicacy. The duties of ministers are both arduous and important in the highest degree; and it is not less necessary that the people should be sensible of their own obligations as hearers of the gospel. But to accomplish the first without any appearance of unreasonable self-esteem, or the second, without seeming to indulge unreasonable expectations, is a task from which learning, talent and ordinary experience might be tempted to shrink. Mr. G. Kenrick seems to be fully aware of the difficulties which he has to encounter, and this has probably led him to be much more concise than he would otherwise have been. The discourse, however, is both animated and judicious. It seems to have proceeded from a deep sense of the responsibility attached to his situation, and an anxiety to discharge its duties in the most effectual manner; and to be well calculated to animate the audience or the readers to the proper discharge of their most important obligations. The following extract may serve as a speci men: "Duly considering from whom he has received his ministry,' the faithful servaut of God and Christ faints not.' Neither prayers nor labours must be spared. After all the exertions he can make have been bestowed, he spreads the case of his hearers before God. Again he returns to the task, again he lifts up his soul to the Blessing-Giver. His efforts when best directed are sometimes unsuccessful. His schemes for the promotion of the charge, although laboured on with pain virtue and happiness of the people of his throughout a succession of years and with unwearied patience, sometimes prove abortive. The young, in spite of his affectionate warnings, will walk in the desire of their hearts and the sight of their ART. VIII-A Lecture on the History and Utility of Literary Institutions, delivered at the Surrey Institution, London, on Friday, Nov. 1, and again at the Russell Institution, on Thursday, Dec. 20, 1822. By James Jennings. 8vo. pp. 138. 68. Sherwood and Co. tions is one of the most decisive proofs of the progress of the human mind: and we rejoice that, determined by this test, the standard of intellect in the present day must be placed higher than at any human race. Many of the evils of preceding period in the history of the society spring from ignorance, and for these, of course, the only cure is knowledge. The Lecturer shews sufficiently that a social and liberal spirit naturally accompanies mental improvement; and no one can survey his instructive and entertaining sketch of the associations formed in this and other countries for the advancement of knowledge, without feeling a lively interest in these schemes for bettering the human race, or without becoming more attached to his own country, in which such examples of a communion of intelligence WE entirely agree with Mr. Jen- are most abundant, and carried to the nings that the multiplication and improvement of Literary Institu highest degree of perfection. POETRY. DEVOTIONAL POEM, By the late MRS. MARY ROGERS. SIR, Feb. 28, 1823. THE kindness of some of the relations of the late Mrs. Mary Rogers, enables me to send one of her Devotional Poems * for insertion in The Monthly Repository; nor can I doubt, that the ardour of piety, the delicacy of taste, and the correctness of religious feeling, which these lines express, will recommend them to yourself, and to many congenial readers. N. [Written in 1795.] ] Why should I murmur or repine Thy grace is all-sufficient still. 2 Thy plans, beyond the bounds of Time, To form the soul to joys sublime, In that bless'd world, which ne'er shall end. 3 The trials that I here sustain, Are needful to correct the heart: 4 Jesus, my Saviour and my Lord, Ere he received his great reward, Thro' suff'rings rose to Virtue's height.+ Mon. Repos. XVII. 745, 1st col. note *. + Philipp. ii. 8, 9, "That very Son himself, went up to the throne of his Father by the steps of sorrow."-OGDEN. N. |