REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. Time's Telescope; or the Astronomer's, Botanist's, and Naturalist's Guide for 1822. To which are prefixed Outlines of Conchology. 12mo. 9s. Sherwood and Co. WE commended this work on the appearance of its first volume in 1814, and are glad to find it has obtained a permanent annual publication, as we think it well adapted for the improvement of young persons of a liberal education; and capable of giving interest even to the dry study of an Almanack; and that too without the impositions of astrology, or pretended prophecies. But the editor shall speak for himself:-"It is the peculiar object of this Annual Compendium of Physico-Theology to show, that the book of Nature is only to be studied to advantage by the aid of parallel passages in the book of Revelation; that stars teach as well as shine ;'-that all beasts and birds, all fishes and insects, are for food for us, and for ornament, for instruction, for variety and wonder, and for religion." THIS very brief Memoir of a Christian pastor is written with much simplicity and candour by the brother of the deceased, who appears to be a novice in the art of book-making, or it might easily have been extended. It is confined, however, to a few simple facts and practical observations. The deceased was a student under Dr. S. Addington, and imme diately on leaving him, accepted a call to Chelmsford, where he continued pastor to a congregational church for 34 years, as may readily be supposed, not without great and repeated trials. One of the most considerable of these arose from the admirers of the late Mr. W. Huntington, who wished to introduce him and his dangerous principles into Mr. D.'s pulpit, which however he resisted with becoming firmness. In 1801, marriage with the widow of the Rev. Mordecai Andrews connected him with a large family; "the concernments of which spreading "wider and wider," induced him to engage in farming; and brought him among the briars and thorns of secular concerns, by which the peace and comfort of his latter days were much disturbed. As, however, we are reviewing a pamphlet only, and not a volume, we shall not enlarge. It is intended as a "tribute of fraternal affection" to the deceased, and contains some useful admonitory hints to other ministers. Stanzas written on a Summer's Evening; and other Poems. By G. Milner, Jun. 8vo. sewed. 3s. 6d. Longman and Co. THESE Stanzas are very pleasing. Take one for a specimen :— "There is a peace that will for ever bloom, Thro' sun, thro' shade, thro' trouble and dismay; There is a hope that looks beyond the tomb, The stanzas on 2 Cor. v. 1. (p. 48.) are more decidedly religious; but the greater part of the verses are purely moral. The author seems particularly pleased with the poetical idea of the stars, or planets, being habitations of the blest, (p. 36, 54.) The parody, on p. 26, though called a song, much pleased us: the subject, Conjugal Affection. Poetical Extracts; or Similies and Descriptions, Alphabetically arranged. Selected chiefly from Homer, Virgil, Milton, Thomson, Young, and Cowper. With Notes, &c. By S. Jones. 12mo. 4s. Longman and Co. WE certainly need not say one word in favour of these authors, nor have we any fault to find with the selection, which may be useful to young persons and perhaps young poets, who possess not the originals. The Thunder-storm and the Atheist, and the Abbey; two Poems by J. Baxter. 12mo. 2s. 6d. Whittakers. THE first and best of these poems is in blank verse, but will not rival any of the authors in the preceding article. The blank verse of the second is relieved by a kind of Ghost Song, from "the lovely Edward to his parents," two verses of which we shall give by way of specimen : "Parents be good! Shed not a tear, For Edward, who to you was dear, "Parents be good! then you shall see Sweet Jesus, who has died for me We only add, the author is a school-master, and writes poetry for relaxation from his labours. The Westminster Selection of Hymns, including many Originals. Part I. 18mo. 1s. 6d. THIS is the first part of a projected Hymn Book, in which the editor invites the poetic talents of hymn makers, conceiving there is still a great deficiency, notwithstanding, we believe, there are 2 or 3000 Hymns in circulation. Two other parts to this book are promised, and the topics are:-Miscella neous-Public worship-Church meetingsPrayer meetings, Families-among the latter are hymns on a change of residence, commencing business, recovery from sickness, marriage, &c.; and the author seems to wish for hymns on almost every occasion that can be conceived, so that the work is likely to have variety at least to recommend it. Most of these hymns however are old acquaint ances. Scripture Similitudes, consisting of ADAMANT.-Zach. vii. 12. Proves harder than the rock within, Should penetrate that secret place, objection to this Index, which may be very useful to young persons, to Sunday School teachers, and even to ministers, when travelling, and at a distance from their books. The type is very small, but beautifully distinct and clear, and includes a great deal of useful matter in a little compass. Thoughts on Secret Prayer, Fasting, Humiliation, and Personal Dedication. 12mo. 1s. Hatchard. THE man who compendices the valuable theological productions of the century before the last, does good service even to the laborious divine of the present day. Such service has the compiler of this little manual done. The subjects are of the most practical and heart-searching nature, and some of them too little regarded even by the ministers of religion, particularly fasting and personal dedication. We anticipate the thanks of lively and experimental Christians for drawing their attention to this little but ins valuable treasure. The great Period; or the time of The Porteusian Index; or Family have no hesitation in again recommending it Guide to the Holy Scriptures; containing complete Tables of Reference to all the leading Chapters and Texts throughout the Bible, with a Collection of Scripture Promises, Precepts, and Threatenings; forming a complete Epitome of the Christian's Faith, Duty, and Privileges, delivered in the words of Holy Writ. half bound. 2s. Westley. THOUGH we are no admirers of marking Bibles on the Porteusian plan, we have no to the religious public. Miscellaneous Thoughts on Divine Subjects, &c. 12mo. 3s. 6d. T. Harvey. THE Author having mingled his own thoughts "with extracts from some of the best religious authors," and adapted the whole to afford "encouragement and support to the afflicted and tried Christian," his work can scarcely be considered as a fair object for criticism, especially as the Author, (or Editor) tells us he has "a higher aim than merely to please the ear with elegance of style." His "object is with the heart," and we doubt not but that many pious and afflicted Christians may read the work with spiritual profit, especially as there are subjoined about 40 pages of "Texts of Scripture," suited to their case and circumstances. SINGLE SERMONS. "The Preciousness of Faith in times of Trial." A Sermon occasioned by the Death of the Rev. W. Button. By Jos. Ivimey. To which is appended, an Address at the Grave, by W. Newman, D.D. 8vo. 1s. Offor. FROM 1 Peter i. 6, 7. Mr. Ivimey derives this important doctrine, "That on account of the various afflictions which necessarily attend the present life, divine faith is most precious; and that this will especially appear at the coming of Jesus Christ:" and this doctrine is very properly applied to the case of Mr. Button, whose death we lately mentioned Dr. N.'s Address is also a very suitable improvement of a long life so chequered with afflictions, and of a death so sudden. Mr. B.'s friends will also be gratified with an Appendix (not mentioned in the title) containing a brief Memoir of his life, with some extracts from his letters. This truly pious minister was born March 5, 1754, educated under old Mr. Ryland at Northampton, and baptised by him at the same time with his son, the present Dr. Ryland of Bristol. In 1773, he was chosen pastor to a congregation which separated from Dr. Rippon, on his election to succeed Dr. Gill. In 1774 was opened a new Meeting House, built for Mr. B. in Dean Street, Southwark, where he continued till the resignation of his charge in 1815, from which period till his death his faith was indeed severely tried. A Sermon preached at Ebenezer Chapel, Birmingham, Sept. 30, 1821, on the lamented Death of Jn. Dickenson, Gent. By T. East. 8vo. 1s.6d. Westley. FROM Ps. xii. 1, "Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth," &c. Mr. East draws these two propositions" 1. That we ought to be deeply affected by the loss of eminently good men: -2.That in such cases we ought not to abandon ourselves to despair." In the conclusion of the discourse, Mr. E. gives a sketch of the character of Mr. D. as "a religious tradesman," a conscientious Christian, and a liberal and active promoter of the cause of God and of every benevolent institution, particularly the Bible, Missionary, and Tract Societies. He was also 20 years a guardian of the poor, and his loss appears to be lamented by every institution with which he stood connected, especially the church of which he was a deacon. His last illness came on suddenly, and terminated his mortal existence. Of Mr. East's sermon we need only say that the composition is judicious, and the style perspicuous and neat. Supreme Attachment to the House of God. A Sermon occasioned by the Decease of Mr. D. Humphrey, with an Address on the Interment. By Jos. Ivimey. 8vo. 1s. Offor. MR. H. appears to have been " a worthy deacon of Eagle Street Meeting. While some ministers very properly have preached and published discourses pointing out the important duties of this office, we are glad to see such models of excellence pointed out in the characters of Mr. Dickenson and Mr. Humphrey, between whom there appears to be a strong similitude, though in different religious connexions, as respectable religious tradesmen, Christian deacons, and patrons of every good word and work-and the end of both was peace. The particular feature pointed out by Mr. Ivimey in the character of his friend, was attachment to the house of God, which he illustrates from Ps. xxvi. 8,9. in the most practical and effective manner. Stedfastness in the Lord, the Joy of the Christian Pastor. A Sermon before the Middlesex and Herts Union, &c. By Wm. Thomas, Enfield. Published by request. 8vo. 1s. Burton and Smith. FROM a very appropriate text, 1 Thess. iii. 8, 9. Mr. Thomas considers, 1. The nature of Christian stedfastness, as comprehendinga warm attachment to evangelical truth-a regular attendance on divine ordinancesa holy deportment in every walk of life-a bold and fearless maintenance of our Christian profession--and all this kept up with unabated vigour and constancy. The preacher then shews in several particulars, that all such are the Christian pastor's joy, both while on earth and when he shall surrender his last account The to God. sermon having already received the sanction of his brethren in the ministry, and of his own church, needs no farther recommendation to the public, or we would cheerfully add ours. If we objected to any thing, it would be to the use of a few words (as forefend, &c.) which are not generally understood; and in a 2d edition (if called for) had better be changed. Suicide providentially Arrested, and practically Improved, &c. A Sermon delivered at St. James's Clerkenwell, and St. Antholin's, Watling Street, by the express desire of Mr. G. J. Furneaux, who shot himself at White Conduit House, Sept. 19, 1821. By the Rev. S. Piggot, of Oxford, and Lecturer St. James's Clerkenwell, &c. 8vo. 1s. Robins and Co. THIS Sermon is rendered interesting by the event with which it stands connected, which is here detailed with some minuteness, and, we doubt not, correctly. But we confess we do not admire the choice of Acts ix. 4, 5 for the text on this occasion; nor Mr. P.'s comparison between the case of Saul the 1. The Mountain Cottage. By the Persecutor, and this gay and thoughtless Discriminating Mercy Displayed. THIS pious and plain discourse will particu- CHILDREN'S BOOKS, TRACTS, &c. (Concluded from p. 519.) Author of " Providence and Grace."18mo. 4d. Whittemore. IT 2. Charles Lorraine, or the Young Soldier; in five Tracts. By Mrs. Sherwood. 5d. Whittemore. 3. The Sunday School Truants, a Poem. By T. Gale. 18mo. 4d. Offer. THE first of these is a well written tract, by the author of a small work reviewed in our last, p. 516. Mrs. Sherwood, author of the 2nd, is well known by some well written pieces for youth and children, formerly reviewed by us, particularly Little Henry and his Bearer. The object of this is to show the dangers and temptations of a soldier's life. Mrs. S. has written several other excellent small tracts, Of Gale's poetic talents, author of the third article, we presume we have already given a sufficient specimen above. Я 4. Milk and Honey; or a Cate hism, with Scriptural Answers. By the Rev. J. Chapman. 32mo. 2d. This Catechism seems a very good one; but there are several others of the same kind. The sweet title is, we suppose, to tempt the young learner. Little Mary. Part I. in 26 Dialogues. Part II. 25 Dialogues. By a Lady. 12mo. Each Part 4d. Westley. THESE Dialogues represent the first principles of vital and practical religion in plain and simple language, equal to the capacities 1. The Life of Car. E. Smeldt, of of children even in the lower classes. They Augusta, N.A. 18mo. 9d. Whittemore. 2. The Warning Voice! being a Narrative of A-M-with a Sermon on her Death. 18mo. 6d. Westley. 3. Divine Grace exhibited in a brief Memoir of H. E. Dickenson, aged 11. 32mo. 2d. Westley. MISS SMELDT was a remarkable instance of early piety, but she lived to her 17th year, seem well adapted for Sunday Schools. THE pleasant and happy manner in which renders his tracts popular, and, we doubt not, A Plain Discourse on Confirmation, say at last to many who boast of their churchmanship here, "Depart from me; I never knew you." The great question with us ought to be, as I said before, Am I a Christian indeed? And if we are real Christians, one sign of it will be our honouring all men, and loving good men especially, whether they go to our church, or belong to our party, or not." LECTURES ON SCRIPTURE COMPARISON. To members of the Church of England we can recommend this little discourse with pleasure, as free from those grand errors on regeneration and justification which addresses of this nature too often contain, and presses seriously on young minds the great import-day Dec 12, 1821, and terminating Wed. ance of personal religion. The Adorable Trinity in Unity, set forth as the proper Object of Worship, &c. By E. Ds, of Ipswich. 12mo. 2d. A SHORT dialogue between Timothy and Archippus. The former fearing to inquire into this awfully mysterious subject, is encouraged to do so by the latter, modestly confining himself to the doctrine and authority of the Scripture, in which we perfectly agree with him. Prayers and Examinations, design ed for the Daily Use of the Superinten- VERY suitable, and very neatly printed. Rev. J. Flavel. Revised by the Rev. J. THIS Sermon (from Sol. So. iii.'11.) our readers will naturally anticipate, relates to a greater King than his Majesty George IV. though the editor thinks it may afford a useful improvement of that event. Thomas Johnson's Reasons for Dissenting from the Church of England. 2d. Holdsworth. PLAIN, serious, good-tempered, and candid. Thomas concludes his conference with his neighbour John, in these words : "The church of Christ, which takes in all those who are his true disciples, what ever nation they belong to, or whatever name they are called by: the whole number of the godly:-This is what the creed calls the holy Catholic, which means universal church, and the communion of Saints. If you and I belong to this church, it will be well. If we do not, it matters not what sort of building we go to on a Sunday, or what we call ourselves. Jesus Christ will Intended to be delivered at the MeetingHouse in New Broad Street, on Wednesday evenings; commenced Wednes March 27, 1822. Service to begin at half-past six o'clock precisely, by William Bengo Collyer, D.D. LL.D. F.A.S. &c. Dec. 12, 1821. Lecture I.-Introductory.Christianity and Judaism one in Principle. 1. Christianity and Hinduism compared. Dec. 19. Lecture II.-Christianity and Hinduism compared in relation to Facts. Dec. 26. Lec. III.-Christianity and HinJan, 2, 1822. Lec. IV.-The Doctrines of duism compared in point of Structure. Christianity and of Hinduism compared. Jan. 9. Lec. V.-Christianity and Hinduism compared as Moral Systems. Jan. 16. Léc. VI.-Christianity and Hinduism compared with relation to a future State. 2. Christianity compared with Mahommedanism.' Jan. 23. Lec. VII.-Comparative Statement of the Establishment of Mahommedanism and of Christianity. Jan. 30. Lec. VIII. -The Points of Agreement between Christianity and Mahomedanism. Feb. 6. Lec. IX.-Mahommedanism and Christianity compared as Systems. Feb. 13. Lec. X. The same compared as to the Doctrine of ultimate Rewards and Punishments. 3. Christiantiy compared with the Ancient Feb. 20. Lec. XI.-The Ancient Philosophy compared with Christianity as to its Origin. Feb. 27. Lec. XII.-The Characteristics of the Ancient Philosophy and of Christianity compared. March 6. Lec. XIII. -The Inferiority of Ancient Philosophy as compared with Christianity. 4. Christianity compared with Deism. March 13. Lec. XIV. The general Principles of Deism and of Christianity compared. March 20. Lec. XV.-The Peculiarities of Deism and of Christianity compared. March 27. Lec. XVI. The Stamp of Certainty restricted to Revelation. |