the fcriptures were written. Such difquifitions we are far from difcouraging. Conducted by intelligence and folid learning, they throw great light on the facred oracles. But, when a fingle article of chriftian doctrine, of momentous importance, is either affailed or defended by criticism alone, there is always fomething fufpicious. The tranflators of the English verfion of the bible were not fmatterers in the learned lan

guages. They were profoundly verfed in the originals, which they tranflated. Whatever verbal amend ments their tranflation may admit, we do not yet fee cause to confider it as an unfafe guide to the English reader, in any fingle fundamental article of religion. That grand article therefore, which this publication is defigned to overthrow, we do not believe must ftand or fall by verbal criticifms. The fame expedient has been adopted before, to eftablish the doctrine of univerfal falvation, but without effect.

“See Kar's and ex's build the glorious

scheme !

in general, we find this to be actually the case, whenever they lay aside their catechisms and talk in the plain language of their own ideas. However it may be received, by high Trinitarians, it is no matter of hesitation with us to say, that we doubt not but more than three fourths of the best disciples in the kingdom of the Lord Jesus are really with us in sentiment, though it be the fashion to subscribe to Trinitarian creeds; which, however, they neither understand nor construe, as do their theoretick teachers."

This cannot be called argumentum ad verecundiam. Modesty is here out of the question. The experience of a young minister, in a parish of no great magnitude, may teach him fomething of human nature, but not every thing. What has been learned from converfations, which might poffibly have received fome impulfe or bias from the principal speaker, will not be denied. What is undoubtingly prefumed, without know.. ledge, will not fo readily be admitted. We well know, that errourists, of all defcriptions, are accustomed to call themselves Legion. It had been becoming a lover of truth, had there been ever so great advantage of age and experience, to hefitate long, before he had faid, what there is much reason, not to doubt merely, but abfolutely to difbelieve, refpecting the prevalence of the antitrinitarian tenets. Since this opinion has nothing to do with the arguments of the author, we do not, it is prefumed, trefpafs the limits of a review, in offering a remark, to counteract its injurious tendency. We have no evidence, that "the beft difciples" of Chrift have generally apoftatized from the faith of the primitive chriftians, and of the Reformers of the fixteenth century. How the learned and the unlearned have uniformly, with inconfid

erable exceptions, understood the fcriptures on the point in controverfy, cannot, without effrontery, be denied. The manner, in which they have thus generally underftood them, forms no fmall prefumptive evidence in favour of the truth. Had not Jefus Chrift poffeffed a truly divine nature, would not the fcriptures have fo treated the fubject of his character, as to prevent a natural, yet idolatrous, mistake among christian believers. "If the Saviour were not the true God," fays a writer of recent celebrity," then there would lie

*

in the gospel fufficient reafon for the most dreadful superstition; by which, during eighteen centuries,

FAR THE GREATEST PART OF THE

CONFESSORS OF CHRIST, and among them the most eminent lights in all wisdom (these too, with the immortal fame of fkill in languages and other learning, have fearched and explained the facred fcriptures,) have given religious honour to him who was crucified, while in the genuine import of these names, he was neither the Saviour, nor God."

ACCOUNT OF AN INSTITUTION AT

ST. CHRISTOPHERS.

(Concluded from page 180.) In addition to what has been already said, a general outline of the principles, upon which the institution is established and conducted, may be thus delineated.

All the children who are admitted intoit derive the advantages of a home, as well as the instruction of a school from the provision which has been made, and the regulations which have been framed for them. Protracted and fraudulent vacations, which cheat them of their improvement, and suspend the progress of knowledge until its attainments are almost forgotten, are depriv. ed of the pretext by which they are usually glossed over. Nor indeed are holydays, which substitute idleness, ennui, and pastimes hardly innocent, for necessary relaxation and brief respites from study, scarce ever admitted. By this means the advance of the children in knowledge is regular and uninterrupted, and the effect of vicious pociety, improper conversation, and corruptive idleness, cautiously guarded against.

The diet of the children is regulated and established upon principles of economy and health, of certainty and

sufficiency. Regular and seasonable hours are fixed upon for their meals. Clothing has been directed of the plainest, cheapest, and most uniform kind. In institutions of this sort, every approach towards ornament is an attack upon the principles of the establishment. It misapplies to purposes of ostentation, the funds that should be sacred to the relief of want, and nourishes vanity in bosoms whose happiness depends on its exclusion. The lodging of the children has been so contrived as to ensure cleanliness, air, and health to the bed chambers. Nor was it less adapted to extend all these advantages to their school and dinner rooms. Instruction occupies a considerable portion of the day; and yet it is so timed as to be rendered compatible with, and mark out the seasons best adapted to exercise. The practice of devotion is rendered habitual. And a decent respect for established forms inculcated by a regular attendance on divine worship.

But all these benefits and blessings could not reconcile the parents of poor and destitute children,throughout the island of St. Christopher, to the plan of the institution. That they should with reluctance instead of eagerness consent to have the necessities of their

children relieved, cannot fail to appear extraordinary; and yet it is not so. It is not extraordinary that food should be refused for the hungry, clothes for the naked, shelter for the exposed, and instruction for the ignorant; if the benefactions assume an unusual form. The greater part of mankind, all indeed who are unreflecting and uninformed, are such slaves to what is habitual in themselves or customary in others, that they distrust and dread even benefits in an uncommon shape. Like children, who taste with hesitation the most delicious food, if its appearance is new to them; or its use not recommended by the example and participation of others. It therefore becomes necessary, for the sake of reconciling the parents of destitute children to the singular plan of an institution, whose sole object was to supply all their wants, that their reluctance to accept the proffered bene. fit should be combatted and overcome. This seemingly superfluous task was referred and recommended to every member of the establishment by the judicious suggestion of Mr. John Stephen; and by the exertions of every member was with difficulty accomp. lished.

The manner in which the institution commenced, and the steps by which it was established have now been traced. It seems fixed on a basis capable in great measure of realizing the most sanguine hopes of its founders and supporters. They may reasonably promise themselves, that the present generation of poor and destitute children will be enlightened and reformed. That the next generation will make a greater progress in knowledge, virtue, and every useful attainment than their parents. That through a long and uninterrupted series the human race will advance in improvement and approach towards perfection. Nor is the hope too flattering, that no cloud can arise in the endless perspective of national and individual felicity, which patriotism and humanity picture to themselves, while contemplating the institution. But still the plan of benevolence, upon which it was established is not complete. It is true that the children already received into the institution will be instructed in knowledge and trained to virtue. That their descendants

and every succession of their descendants, will imbibe the same lessons recommended and rendered impressive by the example of their parents. But there are many children, not yet admitted into the institution, decisive as their claims are, poor and destitute as they are known to be. Nor can they be admitted until the funds of the establishment are increased, beyond what the ability of the island extends to, large as its benevolence has already proved. But is there no other class of philanthropists, to which charity can direct her views and her hopes, and from which she can gather assistance in behalf of the cherished objects of her care and tenderuess? In behalf of infants oppressed by poverty, and rendered miserable by destitution? Are there no residents in Great Britain, that land of enlightened philanthropy, to sympathise in her designs and contribute to their accomplishment? Surely there are whole classes of men, distinguished among the eminent for feeling and liberality. There are West Indian proprietors and merchants resident in Great Britain, who would be emulous to relieve the wants, and supply the deficiencies of every praiseworthy and charitable establishment. Let then the friends of the institution for poor and desti-. tute children, apply to these friends of humanity with the fullest confidence, that whatever distress can require, or mercy grant, they will be forward in contributing.

Arrangement of Religious Exercises, for the daily use of the Pupils of the Institution, &c. Founded at Bassaterre, St. Christopher, March 1803,

AT day-break the Monitor walks through the boys' bedchamber ringing a bell and saying at intervals,

Arise-and work while it is called to day, for the night cometh, when no man can work.

At the door of the girls' bedchamber the Monitress receives the bell, and walks ringing and repeating in like manner. As soon as each pupil is risen and drest, he falls upon his knees and utters the following ejac

ulation :

O God! truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. Enlighten my mind, that I may see my whole duty,

this establishment, hereafter meet with that reward which the world cannot give.

(All join in prayer.)

Bless this Island, with its Legislature, Magistrates, Clergy, and its respective inhabitants. Regard with a propitious eye the Africans in bondage among us may their yokes be easy and their burdens light! Bless the neighbouring Islands, our mother country, and all the nations of the earth; and finally we pray that the gospel of thy love, with its hopes and consolations, may be universally diffused among men. Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible: the only wise God; be honour, and glory, through Jesus Christ, for ever and

EVENING HYMN.

Far west declin'd, the Orb of day
To ocean winds his weary way-
The sons of men with toil oppress'd,
Retire to silence and to rest.

While night's dark hours our eyelids close,
Our senses lull to soft repose,

We trust in God's protecting aid,
To guide us thro' the lonely shade.
His hand directs this rolling ball,
He bids earth's empires rise and fall,
Calls worlds to being with a breath,
And shuts ten thousand eyes in death.
Great God! thou source of endless praise,
Thoa theme of everlasting lays,
Grant us thy grace; and O may we,
While living, live alone to thee.

T. Dear children! How have you been employed the past day?

P. In active exertions for the acquirement of knowledge and virtue.

T. To what end?

P. To promote the glory of God and the good of our fellow creatures. T. Will you make the glory of God and the good of your fellow creatures the motives to every action ? Vol. I. No. 5.

P. We will endeavour so to do. T. What duty remains to be performed before we separate for the night?

P. To return thanks to God, for all his mercies, to ask forgiveness for our transgressions, and to pray to him to watch over us during the hours of sleep.

T. Let us then, with humble and contrite hearts, kneel before him. (All kneel.)

O Almighty and ever blessed God! We again wait upon thee at this hour of prayer, to pour out our thanksgiv ings before thee, for thy kind care of us through another day, which, for the refreshment of labouring man, thou hast now brought to a close.May we reflect that one day more is subtracted from our span on earth, and that the greater diligence is necessary for making our calling and election sure. Forgive, O Lord, whatever thou hast seen amiss in our conduct, and grant us grace to amend it. Preserve us from harm this night. May we lay our heads upon our pillows, with an entire resignation of our lives into thy hands, humbly resolving, that if Thou in thine infinite goodness shall see fit to add another day to our existence, we will devote it to thee. Accept our prayers in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(All retire to rest.)

Each as soon as he is undressed kneels down by the bed side and says,

Sweet is sleep to the laborious and the good. May I, blessed Lord! labour for my salvation, and may thy grace enable me to be good, that I may be happy!

A new and most extraordinary Society. A new religious society has lately been formed in Holland, entitled Christo Sacrum. At first it consisted only of four members, but in a short time the number of the sect increased so rapidly as to amount to from three to four thousand. The object of the Society is to unite all religious sects. The principal place of meeting is at Delft, where the society has already built a church, in which we find Calvinists, Lutherans, Mennonites, Catholicks, and persons of various other religious persuasions amicably assem bling. The society does not admit of Ff