а Review. — Finch's Summary View of Christian Principles. 471 suming they might have been efficacious,) was a hasty composition, written at because he believed that they were forbid-time when his views on several points of den to him. Yet, in spite of the self-evi- great importance were extremely vague and dent impossibility of his faith affecting a unsettled, and contained some positions sound mind with such hallucination; though which, in the course of his inquiries during a mind previously diseased might as readily the next year, he saw much reason to disapfall into that as any other;-in spite of prove and regret. When he had brought his chronology, his first aberration of reason inquiries to what his own judgment deemed having taken place before he had tasted a scriptural and satisfactory conclusion, he the good word of God;'-in spite of geo- was anxious to furnish his friends with an graphy, that calamity having befallen him unreserved declaration of the result, and in London, where he had no acquaintance as far as possible, to rectify past errors, by with persons holding the reprobated doc-publishing a revised edition of the former trines of election and sovereign grace ;and, in spite of the fact, utterly undeniable that, till his spirit was revived by the suc cess of his poetry, the only effectual consolations which he knew, after that first access of insanity, were the consolations of the Gospel at St. Alban's, at Huntingdon, and at Olney;-in spite of all these unanswerable confutations of the ignorant and malignant falsehood, the enemies of Christian truth persevere in repeating, ⚫ that too much religion made poor Cowper mad.' If they be sincere, they are themselves under the strong delusion to believe a lie;' and it will be well, if it prove not, on their part, a wilful one-it will be well if they have not reached that last perversity of human reason, to believe a lie of its own invention." p. xi. We are informed that an edition of the "Pilgrim's Progress" will shortly be published, with an Introductory Essay from Mr. Montgomery's pen. It will give us great pleasure to announce it to our readers as soon as it appears. A better qualified critic on Bunyan than Mr. M. can hardly be expected, or even desired. A Summary View of Christian Principles; comprising the Doctrines peculiar to Christianity, as a System of revealed Truth. By THOMAS FINCH. 12mo. pp. 296. Price 5s. 6d. London: Holdsworth. THIS volume contains a compendious Body of Divinity, and is chiefly designed for the use of inquiring young persons, and for those "who have neither money to purchase nor time to read more expensive and elaborate productions." Mr. Finch thus states his reasons for presenting himself to the notice of the public: "The title and outline of the following work originated in a sermon preached by the author on the first of January, 1815, and published by request of the congregation over which he then presided at Lynn. It sermon, together with a series of Discourses on the Person of Christ, which he prepared for that purpose. But, upon mature deliberation, having seen cause to reproach himself with undue precipitancy in the former case, he thought it most prudent to suspend the execution of his design till time and experience had given to his opinions, on most points of controverted theology, such maturity and firmness as to preclude in future the probability of any material change. Every year since that period has served to confirm the truth, and evince the importance, of the views now submitted to the consideration of his friends and the public. From a candid perusal of the most approved writers of all persuasions, as far as time and circumstances would permit; from all that he has seen and read of the christian world, from a scrupulous attention to the holy under all its diversity of sects and opinions; scriptures, in all his ministerial instructions, as the only standard of christian verity; and from the results of his own experience as a christian, he feels the strongest persuasion that the principles defined and illustrated in the following pages, comprise the substance of divine truth, and the glory of the christian revelation. He has witnessed their efficacy in others, and felt something of it in his own mind, both as an incentive to duty, and a source of consolation and encouragement. While life remains, therefore, and he has strength to discharge the ministerial functions, it will be his chief concern, and his greatest pleasure, to be the means of diffusing their salutary influence. And in the prospect of religion will be most needed, he hopes to death and eternity, when the supports of find in the truths now recommended to others, a preservative from fear, and a ground of unfailing confidence." The work is divided into fifteen chapters, in which the following subjects are ourselves-The authority of the Holy discussed:-The right of judging for Scriptures-The revealed character of God-The Person and Offices of Christ -The arrangements of Divine Provi them within the control of the divine government, as the sphere of its own peculiar and exclusive influence. And if we may indulge imagination without regard to human authority, since no man may call us into judgment for our private thoughts, there is dence-Our present State and final Destination-The depravity of human nature-The Scripture Doctrine of the Atonement - The terms of Salvation announced in the Gospel-The nature and necessity of Divine influence-The the more necessity for us in this respect to Doctrine of Justification by Faith-recognize the divine inspection, that when inferior motives cease to affect us, the suThe perpetuity of the Moral Law perior ones of religion may be all in all. The final perseverance of the true Where indeed can God erect the standard Christian-The holy tendency of re- of his authority, so as to indicate the spivealed truth-The future triumphs of rituality of his influence, but in the secret the Gospel. chambers of the soul? Unless religion be established with supreme authority in the conscience and the heart, all exterior expressions of it, however imposing in the view of our fellow men, are, in the eye of God, nothing but the vain assumptions of hypocrisy. We must therefore resign to him, as his own province, the entire government of the mind, remembering that the reveries of imagination, the decisions of the judgment, the whispers of conscience, the most subtle operations of prejudice and error, the most secret and undisclosed thoughts, are no less visible to his eye, and responsible to his tribunal, than the strongest passions, and most public transactions. In illustrating these important topics, Mr. Finch has written in a manner well adapted to instruct and convince his readers. His style is neat and perspicuous, his method is lucid, his appeals to Scripture are frequent and appropriate, and there is an air of seriousness pervading the whole, which becomes the dignity of sacred themes. There are neither cold speculations nor profound criticisms to be found in this volume; it contains what is far more valuable, a clear and instructive statement of the leading doctrines of the Christian sys. tem, evidently the result of diligent and devout inquiry. We do not, indeed, affirm, that we agree with the author in every particular; but we can cordially recommend his book to our friends in general, and especially to thinking youth, as a comprehensive, luminous, and useful "Summary of Christian principles." We were particularly pleased with the chapters "On the right of judging for ourselves," and on "the person and offices of Christ." From the former we select the following extract: "There cannot then, be a more absurd notion, or a greater perversion of the right of judging for ourselves, than the supposed innocence of mental error. To infer that, because errors of judgment in morality and religion from their very nature, lie beyond the reach of all human tribunals, no culpability can be attached to them in the sight of God, is an inference so repugnant to common seuse, and to all just ideas of the divine government, that one might wonder how it could for a moment be entertained by any man having the common use of his faculties, or making the slightest pretensions to religion. The very circumstance which renders the mind's undisclosed operations sacred from human control, brings Between truth and error, there exists an essential differeuce, whether men perceive that difference or not. The mistakes we commit in confounding light with darkness, and good with evil, cannot alter the nature of things, or render truth and error indifferent. If rectitude be agreeable to the divine mind, because of its consistency with his purity and justice, truth must be equally so, because of its agreement with his veracity and knowledge. And if sin be offensive in the sight of the God of holiness, error cannot be pleasing to the eye of the God of truth. Truth is intrinsically good, and error intrinsically evil, independently of the circumstances which may give them a factitious importance, or the events by which their good or evil qualities are developed." pp. 29-31. Circumspection and Perseverance essential As long as the edification of the Chris- tions suited to a right discharge of its and shades of a christian minister's chaduties be suitably estimated. To en-racter touched with a masterly hand, force the latter and show, the necessity and afford, we would trust, no unfaithof the former, is the object of Mr. ful picture of the manner in which the Hunt's address on the present occasion; preacher discharges the pastoral office and in our opinion he has discharged among his own flock. Acquaintance with God. By the Rev. his office with no ordinary ability. He We have not, for a long time past, appears to feel a deep interest, in the read a charge, which breathes more of situation and future career of his young the spirit of the true minister of Christ, brother in the ministry, who, it seems or more powerfully illustrates and enwas trained up for the office under the forces his various and important dusame tutor, the late Dr. Bogue, though ties. not at the same time; and while thus fulfilling a task, which had he lived, would have fallen on that venerated servant of God to perform, he has caught something of his spirit, and with all fitting solemnity has urged the pupil By accident, this excellent little work to tread in the steps of his justly re-escaped our attention, at the time when spected tutor. The admonition of Paul it ought to have been introduced to our to Timothy, in the 1st epistle chap. iv. readers. Though we sincerely regret ver. 16, he has chosen for the basis of his address; and from these words he proposes to consider 1. the objects which should engage the Christian minister's unremitting and devout attention; 2. the perseverance which is to develope his panion. Christian and ministerial character; and peculiar pleasure; and very cordially 3. the success which will crown his unite in those expressions of commenfaithful and unwearied solicitude. This dation it has so extensively received. outline is well filled up, and the lights this involuntary omission, yet our late notice enables us to announce, that a second edition has appeared, and we have no doubt but that, with pious persons, this work will be a favourite comWe read it ourselves with LITERARY RECORD. New Publications. In the Press, &c. 1. A General Index to Calmet's Diction- Mr. Palmer, of Paternoster-row, has in ary of the Bible, and the Fragments, by the preparation for publication, an uniform Edilate Charles Taylor. 4to. Price 5s. boards. tion of the Works of the English and This Index, which comprises a scientific Scottish Reformers, under the careful revianalysis of contents, an alphabetical list of sion of the Rev. Thomas Russell, A.M. subjects, and a methodical arrangement of Editor of Dr. Owen's Works. The first texts, illustrated and explained, forms a va- volume it is intended to publish early in DeJuable appendage to the important work to cember. which it belongs. To ministers and students, The Rev. John Morison, of Chelsea, is especially, it will give great facilities in con- preparing for publication, in two large vosulting it, and we anticipate for it an exten-lumes, 8vo. an Exposition of the Book of sive sale. 2. Oriental Observations and occasional Criticisms, illustrating several hundred Passages of Scripture. By John Calloway, late Missionary in Ceylon. 12mo. Price 3s. Psalms, Explanatory, Critical, and Devotional, intended chiefly to aid private Christians in the enlightened perusal of Compositions, in which the national history of the Jews and the personal experience of David 4. Orme's (Rev. Wm.) Defence of Mis- are often blended with the spirit of prosions in the Sandwich and other Islands, in phecy. It is intended to publish the work reply to the Article on Missions in a late in six parts, containing about twenty-five Number of the Quarterly Review, 8vo. Psalms each. The first Part will be ready Price 3s. for delivery by the 1st of December. OBITUARY. MRS. W. B. GURNEY. to mourn her loss), she had ample op mental powers and gracious dispositions with which it had pleased God to furnish her. How consistently, honourably, and usefully, she fulfilled her course, many living witnesses can attest. In attempting a little further to develope her character, and in narrating what occurred in the closing scene of her life, we shall avail ourselves of a few memoranda, with which we have were originally designed merely for private perusal. As a wife, her conduct was uniformly distinguished by ardent affection to her husband, and the most unremitting exertions to promote his comfort and happiness. FEW, among the providential arrange-portunities for the occupation of those ments of the Divine government, are more painfully mysterious, than the unexpected removal from this world of persons occupying important and influential stations of usefulness, at a time when it seemed not unreasonable to anticipate a much longer continuance on earth. Such an event we have this month to record, in the decease of Mrs. Gurney, wife of W. B. Gurney, Esq. who expired at their house in Essex-been obligingly furnished, though they street, London, on Monday, the 13th of August last, in the 47th year of her age. It was the privilege of Mrs. Gurney to possess parents who were anxious to train up their children in the fear of God, and whose uniform and consistent deportment added a peculiar force to their pious admonitions. They had the happiness to perceive the evidence of a divine blessing on their instructions and example, in the early conversion of this, their only daughter, who was baptized and united to the church at Maze Pond, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. James Dore, in the month of August, 1796. At that time she was little more than fifteen years of age, but during the period which has since elapsed, has been clearly demonstrated, that her profession was not the result of mere youthful feeling, but the self-dedication of a heart cordially devoted to God. Her path has been truly that of the just, shining more and more unto the perfect day. it She excelled in the management of her family, and towards her children it may be truly said, that she was equally kind and prudent, tender and wise. Her sound judgment enabled her promptly to discern what was for their welfare, and no considerations of personal ease, or mistaken tenderness, were suffered to interfere with the pursuit of it. For their spiritual benefit, she was especially solicitous. Often would she converse with them in private, on the all-important concerns of their souls, and enforce on their attention the truths contained in the word of God. No one could doubt that the salvation of her children was a blessing she importunately sought at the footstool of divine mercy; and In the year 1803, she entered into the the compiler of this short sketch well most endearing of all earthly connexions remembers the delight which beamed with Mr. W.B. Gurney, a member of the in her expressive countenance, when same Christian society with herself. She the first fruits of her family put on was thus introduced into a large and Christ, by a public profession of his widening circle of friends and acquaint-name, in the same Christian sanctuary, ance, and becoming the mother of a very numerous family (eight of whom survive where, about thirty years before, she had herself taken the same honourable step. May divine grace prepare and induce each of the junior branches, in * Mr. and Mrs. Avery Benham, of Wal successive years, to follow the pleasing worth. example, and yield themselves unto God, as those who are alive from the the same time to impart to them spiridead! tual instruction. The In conducting the affairs of her large Nor did she confine herself to the household, she discovered much discre- walks of private benevolence. tion, and well knew how to secure the soundness of her judgment, and the affectionate regard of her servants, activity of her disposition, eminently without weakening her claims to their qualified her to share in labours of a respectful obedience. For the spiritual more public nature. She rejoiced to welfare of all under her roof she natu- take part in the direction of several rally cared; and aware of the great schools, and other benevolent socieimportance of the habitual observance ties and acted for a considerable of domestic worship, she did not allow time on the Committees of the Lonthe occasional absence of her husband don Female Penitentiary, the Friendto interrupt it; but, at such seasons, ly Female Society, the Aged Pilregularly conducted it herself. At first grims' Friend Society, and the Auxshe had recourse to forms, but after-iliary Bible Society for the City of wards laid those helps aside; and the Westminster. Those who are acquaintfervour and suitableness of her petitions often deeply affected those who united with her in the exercise. ed with the history and management of these useful institutions, well know, that she not merely aided them by her counsel and her labours, but that her example served to stimulate others to the same laudable exertions. When, towards the close of her useful life, the residence of her family was fixed at Muswell Hill, it became at once an object of her solicitude, to discover Our lamented friend was eminently formed for social life, and was well qualified to take a part in conversation on most subjects of general interest. Her understanding was vigorous, and her perception accurate: it was evident she thought for herself, and had the faculty of expressing her thoughts within what manner the spiritual interests ease and fluency. Occasionally, perhaps, those who were for the first time introduced to her society, may have felt a degree of restraint, imposed upon them by the palpable evidence of her mental superiority; but such feelings were quickly dissipated by the sincerity and warmth of her benevolence, and the unaffected kindness and affability of her manner. Mrs. Gurney lived not only to her family and her friends, but to the church and to the world. She was eminently distinguished by the spirit of Christian philanthropy, which influenced her to devise liberal things, and to do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. To minister to the necessities of the saints, she deemed an honourable and delightful employment. The poor, the fatherless, and the widow, have, by her death, lost a friend, who was not only prompt to afford pecuniary relief, but who visited them in their humble dwellings; and while supplying their temporal wants, was anxious at of the neighbourhood might be most effectually promoted. It was soon found that the poorer inhabitants of the village were in a state of lamentable ignorance of the great truths of religion, while there was reason to fear, that many of those of her own station in society were more inclined to oppose, than to assist in anyefforts to provide them with the means of religious instruction. But our deceased friend was not to be deterred by considerations of this nature. She engaged actively in the distribution of religious tracts; and frequently conversed with those who came within the sphere of her influence. An esteemed friend in the ministry, having become a welcome guest in the family, it was determined to open the house for worship on the Sabbath evening. She rejoiced in the opportunity thus afforded for the word of life being dispensed to the neighbourhood around her. Personal and family convenience were readily sacrificed for the attainment of this object, and she often expressed the |