these sermons we have selected | ting to Mr. Lindsey, concerning the following passage, taken from the 108th page : Mr. Jefferson, the president of the United States, remarks, "He is generally considered as an unbeliever if so, however, he cannot "Wherefore understand this; that good works must follow a new creafure, but to attain unto righteous-be far from us; and, I hope, in ness and that new creature they are the way to be, not only almost, able to help nothing at all; or other- but altogether, what we are."wise is the grace of God wont to re- The letter is dated, "Northum new man, than as if God should turn berland, April 23, 1803." See some dry and withered block into the Appendix. Wicked men and a new green and flourishing tree, seducers wax worse and worse. which may afterward bringing forth fruits plentifully; for the grace of So it appears now, that SociGod is a great, strong, very mighty, nianism, or modern Unitarianism, and marvellously effectual thing; it is considerably beyond the halfKeth not in the mind, as the school-way house, on the high road to men dream: it sleepeth not, or is infidelity. born, as a painted table beareth a picture: it self-beareth, guideth, urgeth, draweth, changeth, and worketh all things in men, so that every one may feel and have experience of it; itself indeed is hid, but the works of it cannot be hid, but do witness of it, as the leaves and fruits do of the tree, of what nature it is." Socinianism unmasked: A Review of American Unitarianism, &c. &c. 8vo. pp. 45. Williams and Son. WE cordially recommend this pamphlet to our young friends; and particularly to the students in all our theological seminaries. Socinianism, when unmasked, makes a hideous appearance indeed! Surely, in vain the net is spread, in the sight of any | bird," Prov. i. 17. Providence, in its wisdom and kindness, has so arranged things, that, where poisonous plants grow, there also antidotes will be found. American Unitarianism will be, we hope, like the snake of that country, which, (we are told,) by the alarming noise of its rattle, prevents many from being injured by its bite. The Brothers; or, Consequences. A WE have derived considerable amusement from this little work; and, from the piety of its sentiments, can most cordially recommend it to our readers. In the present day, it is much to be able We shall not pollute our pages to pronounce a poem perfectly with the blasphemies of Mr. Bel-free from profane or immoral exsham. Dr. Priestley, when wri- pressions; for, whether poets are may be allowed the expression) for this sort of writing. Some passages are really fine; but we cannot help regretting, that a often libertines, or whether society be deplorably corrupt, or both certain it is, that the generality of the most popular of our poets, either misrepresent re-number of tame ill-sounding lines, ligion, or exclude it from their de- which might be easily altered, moralizing pages. It is not, how- have clogged the narrative, and ever, enough to say, that this pro- sometimes given it an air of dullduction is free from improprieties; ness. "We pass'd here, and it is instructive. The great prin- sail'd by there," is sometimes inciples of the gospel are distinctly troduced, in rather too plain and recognized; and the writer de- prosaic a manner. A little more lights, not in stories of war and management would keep the narblood-of furies and fiends of rative alive. -The closing lines knights and castles-of dreams may serve as a tolerable specimen and sprites—but, in the history of the book :of saints, in accounts of conversion to God, in illustrations of Providence. The third and fourth parts we deem particularly interesting; and they seem to us the best, in point of composition, for a reason which the reader will immediately conjecture, when we have quoted part of the author's preface:"With respect to the most prominent characters in the third and fourth parts, I have been no phlegmatic observer, either of their actions or their destiny; and, if I may be allowed to venture so far, without incurring the charge of vanity, or unnecessary egotism, I might assert, of one of them in particular, that I have been deeply interested in part of the eventful history of his life; that I was his companion in the day of battle, and have fought and bled by his side; that I have been an actor in many of the scenes which are attempted to be delineated in his narrative; and that some of the incidents developed, and of the circumstances therein alluded to, are even now alive in my memory, and fresh in my recollections.” Mr. Whitchurch is certainly possessed of considerable talents, and has a kind of knack (if we VOL. VIII. "What then is life, at its extremest span? 'Tis a brief voyage-the voyager is man: He sets his sail, and pleasantly he glides O'er the smooth waters, and thro' curling tides; Anon, alarm'd, despairing of success, He wanders on the sea's dark wilderness; Outlive all perils on the stormy tide; And anchor safely on the coast of heaven! LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. Lately published, Divine Energy; or, The efficacious Operations of the Spirit of God upon the Soul of Man, in his effectual Call and Conversion, stated, proved, and vindicated; wherein the real weakness and insufficiency of moral suasion, without the superaddition of the exceeding greatness of God's power, for faith and conversion to God, are fully evinced; being an antidote against the Pelagian error. By John Skepp, with a Preface by the late John Gill, D. D. The third edition, revised by James Upton. The Cause of the French Protestants defended. By J. Cobbin. Shortly will be published, Mr. Allen has, in the press, a work, to be entitled, Modern Judaism; or, A brief Account of the Opinions, Traditions, Rites, and Ceremonies, maintained and practised by the Jews in modern Times. Dr. Ryland's Memoirs of the late Rev. A. Fuller are in the Press, and may be expected shortly. The Public are respectfully informed that this is the ONLY WORK from which the family of Mr. Fuller will derive any pecuniary advantage. N Missionary Retrospect, and Foreign Intelligence. BAPTIST MISSION. Extract of a Letter from Mr. Trowt, Missionary, at Java. Samarang, May 29th, 1815. BEFORE I make any observations on Samarang, it may be proper to state, that I continued preaching in the cantonment, and heard four of them express their reasons for desiring to make this profession of their love to Christ. We requested one of them to wait a little longer, and being satisfied with respect to the others, I agreed to baptize them next morning, as I expected to go on board in the course of the next day. We met at the river side at nine o'clock. After singing, I spoke in English, and Mr. Robinson in Malay, to the spectators: after praying in English, I baptized the candidates. When we came from the river, Mr. Robinson prayed in Malay, and I dismissed the people. The names of the brethren are, Robert Thomson, Angus Campbell, and Alexander Macleod; Serjeant Thomson is the regimental schoolmaster. The officers speak well of him, by whom he is well supported. He has a long time preached to a little company of private soldiers, who continue to unite with him daily in divine worship. Though not possessed of great abilities, he appears to be a holy, pious, prudent, and, I trust, will be a useful man. The moral characters of the other brethren appear without blemish. I review my acquaintance with this regiment with a considerable degree of pleasure. Their conduct, during worship, has been with the utmost propriety and attention. They have shewn me many little instances of respect, which have deeply interested me. I hope, it will one day appear, that some among them have been inclined to seek the Lord with purpose of heart. On the morning of the 15th and 23d, Mr. Robinson preached to them, as I hourly expected to be summoned on board; and he will continue to do so. I addressed them in the evening of those days. On the 24th, Mr. Robinson delivered a report of Mr. Coles's translation of Matthew's gospel, to the Bible Society, accompanied by a specimen of his own translation. The society, in consequence, rejected Mr. Coles's, and requested Mr. Robinson to proceed with his; they also allowed him a salary for a writer, and appointed him a member of their committee. I fear, that the state of his health will prevent the speedy execu tion of this work. Mr. Robinson has lately preached five times a week. I expect he will baptize one of the Seroni ere long. This man appears to be truly pious. He was brought to consideration under Mr. Robinson's ministry, and has established, of his own accord, a meeting for prayer among the natives. From Mr. Trout, to his Parents. Samarang, July 25th, 1815. I HAVE acquired so much of the Malay, as enabled me to preach about half an hour, on the 29th of June; since that time, I have not preached, but I have visited the campongs, to get familiar with the language. Last sabbath day, I went out twice; in the morning, I met with a very pleasing reception among some of the people. I endeavoured to show them their lost condition; of their need of such a Saviour as Christ. They allowed, that many things I spoke, relating to Mahomedanism, were wrong; and, on proposing to visit them again, and bring some parts of the gospel to read to them, they expressed their cheerful concurrence; told me they had never heard such things before, and that they wished to know more. Who can tell what God can do? I have translated Watts's Shorter Catechism, and the History of the Old Testament, into Malay, and have sent them to Serampore to be printed. We have as yet done very little in Java; in fact, I can only be said to have studied it during the last week. Perhaps it would not be interesting to mention the little I imperfectly know of this curious language. In order to render some assistance to the mission, I have taken five young men, at the particular request of two gentlemen, for their instruction. I expect to get fifty dollars a month. Soon after arriving here, I went to Serandale, a place eight miles distant from hence, to preach to the soldiers of the 59th regiment, at the particular request of the members of one of our churches, which is formed among them. It was a hard day's work to ride there, preach, sometimes twice, and return again in the evening, with a body by no means as strong as when I left England; but, I have been more than amply compensated; the congregation increased-the attention of the people was excited-the church was encouraged--several proposed them selves to join the church-and I have had the unspeakable pleasure of finding, that three persons, who now give pleasing hopes by their walk and conversation, that they are following the Lord, ascribe their first impressions to my poor attempts to set forth the gospel of the Saviour. Two of them were amongst the most profligate and abandoned in the army. Thus, you see, my dear parents, that the good will of Him, who dwelt in the bush, is graciously manifest to your poor child. Do not mourn, that I am separated from you for a few days; for, be assured, I would rather enjoy the honour with which I am distinguished, than the richest temporal possessions-than the most extensive empire. It would delight your souls to hear these poor soldiers relate how they despised the gospel when they lived in England, and how they love and esteem it now. They have subscribed several hundred rupees to the Bible Society. They gave me, before I went to them, one hundred and sixty for the support of our mission. They have established a mission subscription, which is in a very flourishing state. things of religion. A work of God's spirit appears to be great in many places; and the good work is spreading and increasing. We are at this time, blest with an uncom mon revival in a number of towns in this country, (Berkshire, Massachusetts,) and many seem to be flocking to Christ. There has been a remarkable work of the Holy Spirit, as we have reason to believe, on the minds of the students, in three of our colleges in New England, and one in New Jersey, the spring and summer past. There is, it is thought, more attention to religion in this country, especially in New England, than there has been at any one period for seventy years past. What abundant reason have we for gratitude and praise to the great God and Saviour! This is the bright side of the picture: but I must not omit to give you the dark. In Massachusetts, among our leading characters and men of learning, Arianism and Socinianism, we have reason to fear, are but too prevalent; yet it is but a small proportion of the clergy or common people, who embrace those pernicious sentiments. The subject is come into public dispute, and I trust, the Lord will graciously raise up able defenders of the cause of truth, and that it will yet prevail among AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE, us." Extract of a Letter from the aged and venerable Dr. Stephen West, of AMERICAN MISSIONARIES, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to Dr. Ryland, of Bristol. "I can and do rejoice in the manifestations of divine grace, whether among Episcopalians or Baptists. I trust, the Lord has many precious souls among both. You kindly inquire respecting the state of religion in this place. Though the general attention of the people has much subsided, yet we have reason to hope, that there has been no falling away aniong those, who professed to experience the power of religion, in the late great revival of religion among us. And we have now thankfully to acknowledge the great mercy of God, in giving us encouragement to hope for another gracious visit from on high. A spirit of thoughtfulness and serious inquiry is prevailing. Several persons are much awakened and deeply impressed with a concern for their souls: one instance of apparent conversion, has recently occured in a man, who not only had been very loose and thoughtless, but a ridiculer of all religion. The Lord grant the few present drops may increase into a plentiful shower. "You will, doubtless, be glad to be informed, respecting the state of religion in this country. In New England, especially, there is an unusual attention to the THE American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, have lately sent four Missionaries to Ceylon, viz. Rev. Daniel Poor, Horatio Bardwell, Benjamin Meigs, and Edward Warren. They sailed from Newburyport, Oct. 23d, 1815. A large concourse of people accompanied them to the beech, and the missionaries were commended to God in prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Spring; when the lines, in our last page, entitled, " Farewell to the Missionaries," were sung. LETTERS FROM FRANCE. To the Editors of the Baptist Magazine. The wri THE enclosed Letter, I have just received from a Protestant Minister of Montpellier, through the medium of an eminent Physician in London. ter is one of a most respectable body of informed Christians, who are influenced by principles, and animated by prospects, of a nature far superior to the mere party questions, that now agitate his afflicted country. Should tranquillity be happily restored, and all the civil and religious privileges of the French Protestants be once more secured, we may yet hope to see, through the philanthropic efforts now in progress, moral and religious principles established in the rising population of France, and such a degree of biblical light and information through them, communicated in a silent, gradual, but effectual way to the adjoining countries of Spain, Portugal, and Italy, as shall disperse moral dark ness, destroy spiritual tyranny, and pave the way for the millenial reign of the KING MESSIAH! when "there shall be no hurting, or destroying through all his holy mountain." Yours respectfully, Penzance, Nov. 1815. (LETTER.) REV. AND HONOURED BROTHER, G. C. S. I LEARNED yesterday, in the evening, from Mr. W. of Oxford, the lively interest that is taken by the British and Foreign School Society, of which you are a menber, in the spiritual welfare of our churches; and I cannot deny myself the pleasure of testifying my gratitude to you for it, and of availing myself of Dr. M.'s return to London, to acquaint you with the situation of my flock; and to ask your advice, on some points that appear to me important. I feel peculiarly happy in embracing this opportunity of writing to you concerning the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ; and truly happy shall be, if I may hope to establish a religious correspondence between us, which would be so truly delightful and profitable, under present circumstances. That you may be fully acquainted with my real circumstances, I beg to inform you, that I was born in Geneva, and after a suitable course of studies, was ordained at the age of twenty-five. At this time, I had so strong a predilection in favour of your country, that it was with difficulty I could relinquish the thought of visiting it, before I assumed a pastoral charge. I was soon appointed, by the professors, to occupy the pulpit of Montpellier, in which, I am now assisted by Mr. M. At this period, I only knew the Bible as a book which contained the best system of morality philosophers could invent. Unhappily, I devoted my youth to a multiplicity of studies, without any reference to the one thing needful. I only aimed at rhetorical figure, and striking expressions. I wished only to produce oratorical effect. I consulted the Bible only to find passages in it, which I could use for this purpose. Alas! I was a blind leader of the blind. Such, however, were the merciful dispensations of Divine Providence towards me, that, in my new situation, I formed an acquaintance with some who were really children of God. The most eminent of these were, Monsieur B-, then pastor of Mapillarges, and now professor of Hebrew, at Montauban; and Monsieur E-, dean of the faculty of sciences, at Montpellier, and now professor of theology, at Montauban. The latter resided at Montpellier, and distinguished himself equally by the extent and solidity of his knowledge, and by his sincere and lively attachment to that Saviour, whom his venerable father had so faithfully served, during the late stormy period. He was willing to honour me with his friendship, to assist me with his counsels, and to teach me what foundation I ought to build on, as a good minister of Jesus Christ. From this time, I directed my exertions to a noble purpose; and the increase which the Lord has graciously granted to the small measure of seed sown, covers me with shame and confusion. There had been a School for indigent Children in Montpellier, but it was nearly extinct, and I have had the happiness of being a feeble instrument, in the Lord's hands, of reviving it. But many imperfections still remain, and many obstacles are to be surmounted. In this country, we have not books that are necessary for the children of our community. The method of teaching is tedious, ineffectual, and expensive. To obtain the needful sacrifices, from people who, according to the expression of Isaiah, "only love to spend their money for that which profiteth not," is extremely difficult. We have to encounter the utmost indifference in parents, and the most distressing insubordination in the children, who are accustomed to no restraint such, in a few words, is the state of our school. I have prevailed upon twelve ladies of our principal families to superintend the girl's school, and, thanks to the Lord, this department begins to prosper: but for that of the boys, I need instructions from those who take the lead in this branch of public benevolence; and, it is on this account, I take the liberty of addressing those who have so happily succeeded in the plan of education for France. We can procure Bibles, blessed be God, though at too high a price to admit of distributing so many as are wanted. Many families, however, that were strangers to the Bible, begin now to be provided with it. Religious books, in general, are greatly wanted. Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, is out of print. Uninformed people want books adapted to their capacity: but there are none in France. The scarcity of sacramental books is particularly felt, as those who consider them necessary to a suitable preparation, remain without the benefit of this divine ordinance. |