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shire. The late Richard Brackenbury, Esq., whose death you announced in your June Magazine, then resided at Raithby-Hall, Lincolnshire, the seat of his elder brother, R. C. Brackenbury, Esq. He gave me an earnest and urgent invitation to spend some time with him and his kind lady during the continuance of my indisposition. I accepted the invitation, and had the pleasure of his society for six weeks. He was the gentleman and the Christian. From him I obtained a few of the interesting events of his life up to that period, which I transmit to you.

At this distance of time I am not prepared to say in what regiment in His Majesty's service the late Mr. Brackenbury had a Captain's commission such commission, how ever, he held. The Methodism of his elder brother, R. C. Brackenbury, Esq., he viewed with great dislike, thinking his own honour and that of the family were compromised thereby; and accordingly he embraced every opportunity which presented itself of expressing his sovereign contempt. On several occasions he ordered the drummer of the company of which he had the command, to go from Spilsby to the Hall, when his brother was preaching, to the villagers and his tenants, the word of eternal life; and, by the beating of the drum, annoy his brother and congregation, he being present himself, to see the order obeyed. His brother, however, "in nothing terrified by any adversary," kept on his way, knowing whose he was, and whom he served.

After some time the Captain, with his regiment, was ordered to North America. There, separated from his family, and from many of his gay companions whom he had left behind, restlessness, disquietude, consciousness of guilt as a sinner, and a disrelish for mere worldly pleasures, induced him to apply for leave of absence, with liberty to return to his native country. After some time his application was hearkened unto, and he proceeded home, being determined to seek that happiness in God, which he had vainly

sought in the creature. Referring to this period, he observed to me, that there was one circumstance which he had not calculated upon when he embarked for home, and which filled him with alarm, lest that should be found an insuperable obstacle in the way of his serving God; namely, the irreligion of his lady; for she had been as determined an opposer of true godliness as himself. She, however, during his absence, had met with a series of painful circumstances, which, unknown to him, had been blessed with a sanctifying influence,—they had driven her to prayer and to God. Her heart was often greatly distressed, in like manner with his, when she thought upon the persecu tion which awaited her in the event of the Captain's return, whenever that might be: but how unnecessarily! They met; they unbosomed their minds to each other; they were of one heart: that divine Spirit which had secretly and effectually wrought in one while in the region of North America, was also working in the heart of the other in this favoured and distinguished land. Often has the writer of this notice seen the tears of devout gratitude mutually shed, when, dwelling on the circumstance of their first meeting, they found each other walking "in the same Spirit." The Captain -for such he was then generally designated-not only had the Spirit of the Lord put into his heart, but the word of the Lord also into his mouth; and his ministry sustained the character of a Boanerges, "a son of thunder." He preached with great power and success. His feelings and sentiments as to the Methodist ministry may be judged of from the following fact :-Upon leaving the Circuit at the end of my itinerant year, I had to take my farewell of him and his kind family. He ordered his horse to be saddled, rode with me some miles, and, when the moment of separation came, he put his hand upon my knee, and said, "Ah, Jackie!" (for so he always addressed me,) “if it were not for my dear wife and children, I would be a Methodist

Preacher before I would accept of any other calling, whatever the honour or emolument might be.”

I must, for a moment, here advert to a melancholy fact. By some means or other, unknown to me, but probably known to others, "the fine gold became dim, the silver became dross, the wine mixed with water;" so much so, that, after the lapse of some years, when in the York Circuit, and when preaching in the old chapel in PeaseholmGreen, I more than once saw my old friend in a corner of the chapel, shunning my observation, as I have reason to fear, and never condescending to give me any intimation where his residence in that city was.

From that period I lost sight of him, until a few years ago, when, residing in Boston, who should call upon me but my old friend? He was himself again,-full of simplicity, humility, faith, and prayer. I visited him at the house where he breathed his last, and received from him a solemn charge, that, if I were residing near him in his last illness, I would attend him, and minister such instruction and consolation as, in my judgment, his circumstances might require. Leaving Lincoln, shire, and coming to reside in town, the first intelligence of his death, however, I received from the article already referred to.

JOHN KERSHAW.

SELECT LIST OF BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED,
CHIEFLY RELIGIOUS,

With Characteristic Notices.

[The insertion of any article in this List is not to be considered as pledging us to the approbation of its contents, unless it be accompanied by some express notice of our favourable opinion. Nor is the omission of any such notice to be regarded as indicating a contrary opinion; as our limits, and other reasons, impose on us the necessity of selection and brevity.]

Memoir of a Mission to Gibraltar and Spain, with collateral Notices of Events favouring religious Liberty, and of the Decline of Romish Power in that Country, from the Beginning of this Century to the Year 1842, By the Rev. W. H. Rule. 12mo. Pp. xii, 383. Mason. Every volume which has reference to the progress of the Reformed faith in Spain is interesting and valuable. Various attempts have been made to introduce the Reformation into that beautiful, but, alas! unhappy, country. On this subject, Dr. M'Crie has written with considerable feeling and success. His earliest authority Reynaldo Gonzalez de Montes, a Protestant refugee from Spain; who, in 1567, published, at Heidelberg, in Latin, "A Detection of the Arts of the Spanish Inquisition," interspersed with anecdotes of his countrymen who had embraced the Protestant faith, and containing an account of such of them as suffered at Seville. That work was immediately translated into English,

was

and underwent two editions, to the last of which is subjoined an account of Protestant martyrs of Valladolid. Another contemporary authority is Cypriano de Valera, who left Spain for the sake of religion about the same time as De Montes, and has given various notices respecting his Protestant countrymen in his writings, particularly in a book on the Pope and the mass, of which also an English translation was published during the reign of Elizabeth. These early works, though well known when they made their appearance, fell into oblivion for a time, together with the interesting details which they furnish. "As a proof of this, we only mention the fact, says M'Crie, that the learned Mosheim translated the meager tract of our countryman Dr. Michael Geddes, entitled,

The Spanish Protestant Martyrology,' and published it in Germany as the best account of that portion of ecclesiastical history with which he was acquainted." Additional light has been thrown on the fate of Protestantism in Spain by

the "Critical History of the Spanish Inquisition," compiled by Don Juan Antonio Llorente, formerly Secretary to the Inquisition at Madrid. Though confusedly written, that work is very valuable, both on account of the new facts which the official situation of the author enabled him to bring forward; and also because it verifies, in all the leading features, the picture of that odious tribunal drawn by De Montes, and other writers, whose representations were exposed to suspicion on account of their presumed want of information, and the prejudices which, as Protestants, they were supposed to entertain. Llorente was in possession of documents from which Dr. M'Crie might have derived great advantage; and it certainly reflects little honour on Protestants, and especially British Protestants, that he received no encouragement to execute the proposal which he made, to publish at large the trials of those who suffered for the Reformed religion in his native country. The volume which Mr. Rule has presented to the public gives a brief account of the state of religion in Spain during that important period of European history which commences towards the close of the last century. The events related are public; they have but recently occurred, and most of them are well known in England; while those portions of the work which give a detail of the proceedings of the Wesleyan Missionary Society contain nothing that is marvellous or exaggerated. We strongly recommend the work to the attention of all classes who are anxious for the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom.

Notes, explanatory and practical, on the New Testament. By Albert Barnes. Vol. VI. 2 Corinthians, and Galatians. 8vo. pp. vi, 400. Blackie and Son.We can confidently state, that this volume will be found in every respect equal to those which have preceded it; and although various sentiments may be entertained and inculcated by the author on which we do not see "eye to eye," we must, nevertheless, acknowledge, that the same extensive research, varied illustration, and pertinent practical remarks, which characterize the other works of our author, do likewise enrich the pages of the volume before us; so that we consider it an invaluable aid to the Minister in the preparation of his discourse for the pulpit, and also adapted to be an edify ing companion to the private Christian in his closet.

Observations on an "Appeal to the Members of the Society for promoting

Christian Knowledge, on doctrinal Changes lately introduced into the Series of Tracts circulated under their Authority:" in a Letter to the Rev. Dr. Russell. By the Rev. R. Burgess, B.D., Rector of Upper Chelsea. 8vo. pp. 31. Seeleys. To those who, with ourselves, have taken an interest in the disputes which have arisen in the Committee of the above Society on the subject of doctrine, this pamphlet will possess considerable importance. The author of the "Appeal," foolishly enough, imagines that the Society is bound to make all its publications conformable to Melmoth's "Grand Importance," and Robert Nelson's "Fasts and Festivals ;" and whatever has the least semblance of a difference from those lay-authors, who, it will be remembered, belonged to a school fearfully defective on points of evangeli cal doctrine, the writer conceives to be a departure from the true standard of orthodoxy! It appears never to have occur red to this juvenile Cleric, that the Church of England has no standards but her Liturgy, her Formularies, her Articles, and her Homilies; and that the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge is only bound to publish that which is in accordance with those standards; and if they do require to be expounded or illus trated by other writings, it would seem that the venerable Reformers who framed those standards of Church-of-England orthodoxy ought to be consulted, rather than the inferior Divines of the last century; at least, so thinks Mr. Burgess, and in this opinion we fully coincide. The judicious Hooker is a far better guide than either Grabe or Wheeler; and Dean Nowell and Thomas Rogers are greatly superior to Archdeacon Daubeny and Bishop Wilson, and those hotbed Divines of the present day, Messrs. Pusey and Newman. "The Doctrine of Justification briefly stated by John Bird, Lord Bishop of Chester," is the title of a tract now admitted on the Society's Catalogue: it has been carefully perused (after some verbal corrections, which were approved by the Right Rev. author) by the Bishops of Salisbury, Lincoln, Bangor, and Llandaff, appointed by the President of the Society, as persons learned in divinity, to whom all such tracts ought to be referred. Those Prelates gave their sanction not negatively, as it has been alleged, but positively, to this tract; not influenced to do so, (as it has been insinuated,) by a feeling of delicacy toward their Right Rev. brother, (a most ungenerous imputa. tion,) but convinced of the utility of the

tract. So that here we have a document stamped with the authority of five Bishops, one of whom is the author, selected for their wisdom and learning, acting under the sanction and with the approbation of the Primate of all England: a tract which was spontaneously elected, as worthy of the Society's Catalogue, by a Committee of seven grave Clergymen, to whom the Society delegates its authority in such matters: and against this array of Church authority, supported by two auxiliary Committees, we have, drawn up in hostile attitude, the author of the "Appeal;" "a Daniel come to judgment," who, by numerous puerile and erroneous statements, endeavouring to stultify John Bird of Chester, completely stultifies himself. It is truly humiliating, that, three centuries subsequent to the Reformation, the Church of England should be found disputing concerning the first principles of the doctrine of Christ! But so it is!

The Religious Life and Opinions of Frederick William III., King of Prussia, as narrated by the Very Reverend R. Fr. Eylert, D.D., Bishop in the United Evangelical Church of Prussia, &c. &c. Translated from the German, by Jonathan Birch, Holder of the Prussian Great Gold Medal of Homage. 8vo. pp. xvi, 126. Hatchard.-We congratulate the translator on his attempt to introduce into this country the illustrious Monarch of Prussia in his character of a Christian, and also in that of a reformer of the Lutheran Church, in which we think he has admirably succeeded. Bishop Eylert's "characteristic traits" of that Monarch are of high authority: from these Mr. Birch has drawn largely; to which may be added the assistance he has derived from the Rev. A. Sydow, the estimable colleague of the venerable Prelate, in the Court-and-Garrison church of Potsdam. These sources have enabled the compiler to present to the British public a work of deep interest and value, which we doubt not will be duly appreciated.

Pocket Manual of Foreign Architecture, chronologically arranged, presenting at one View a Series of Examples of the five Orders of Architecture, and of the Styles which have successively prevailed in different Countries, from the earliest Times to the present Period: with a Description of the Drawings, and Reference to Buildings in London, which exemplify the different Styles. By A. Barrington, M.D. 12mo. Bell.-Two objects have been contemplated by Dr. Barrington in this Manual; to exhibit, by

pictorial representation, the relative antiquity of the architecture of different nations, and to furnish examples of the Grecian and Roman orders, and of the several styles of architecture, which have successively prevailed in various countries. A concise description of the drawings in the chart, with so much of detail as is necessary to make the subject intelligible to those who have no previous knowledge of architecture, is given; and as this branch of knowledge is exciting considerable interest at the present day, none need remain ignorant of the different styles, of which such varied and interesting examples are daily springing up around them. The following may be considered as an approximation to the periods in which the architecture of the several countries was in its most flourishing state; namely, the Egyptian or Indian, B. C. 2000 to B. C. 1000; the Indian, Cyclopean, or Pelasgic, Druidical or Celtic, and Mexican, B.C., but the exact period uncertain; Grecian, B. C. 700 to B. C. 400; Roman, B. C. 300 to A. D. 300; Byzantine and Romanesque, A. D. 500 to A. D. 1300; Moorish and Saracenic, A. D. 800 to A. D. 1400; Pointed or Gothic, A. D. 1300 to A. D. 1600; Italian Renaissance, Cinque Cento, since A. D. 1500. An exemplification of the different styles which are observed in the buildings of the metropolis will be found in our "Varieties" for this month. This Manual has given us unmingled satisfaction; and we cordially recommend it to the inspection of the friends of education generally.

The Devotional Letters of the Rev. Philip Doddridge, D.D. Second Edi. tion, 18mo. pp. 228. Snow.

The Sacramental Meditations and Spiritual Experience of the Rev. Philip Doddridge, D.D. 18mo. pp. 174. Snow.

Having already given a favourable opinion of these devotional works, we can only testify our pleasure that they meet with an extending circulation.

Remedies suggested for some of the Evils which constitute the "Perils of the Nation." Foolscap 8vo. pp. xx, 472. Seeleys.-We noticed both editions of "Perils of the Nation," immediately on their publication, expressing our approval of the work, but saying, at the same time, that we had no very sanguine hopes that it would receive much attention from those whom it chiefly concerned. The author now publishes the "Remedies," which he suggests for some of the evils which he had before pointed out. With his principle

we are perfectly satisfied. We have long and frequently contended for it. We are persuaded that legislation is never sound, and that public affairs are never conducted wisely, unless they are governed by the rules and objects of the divine administration, as explained in Holy Scripture. The political economy that contradicts these, however plausible it may seem to be, metaphysically considered, and however difficult it may be to point out the exact line which separates what is true in it from what is erroneous, yet must be wrong, unless human wisdom is superior to divine. But, while fully agreeing in principle with the author, we are not so sure of all his details. He is decidedly opposed to the Malthus school, and advocateswe mention this as illustrating the plan of the work-a system similar to that which was proposed and recommended by the late Mr. Michael Thomas Sadler. The volume, however, deserves serious attention. We should have been glad to see a remedy proposed for what is one of the master-evils of the day, exposing the country to some of its greatest perils. Politicians and Statesmen make many mistakes; but the spirit of bigotry and exclusiveness which influences so many Clergymen is politically a mistake, as well as morally sinful. To a greater extent than many are aware of, it is most injuriously affecting the Prctestant interests of the country, both in Church and State; and it is high time that those who are concerned should be told so, before the mischief is beyond cure.

Practical Observations on the Prevention, Causes, and Treatment of Curvatures of the Spine: with an Etching and Description of an Apparatus for the Correction of the Deformity, and Engravings illustrative of the Cases. By Samuel Hare, Esq., Surgeon. Second Edition. 8vo. pp. 177. Churchill.—It is but seldom that we direct the attention of our readers to topics which pertain chiefly to those which are surgical in their character and tendency. We abominate empiricism, and think that more evil than benefit has accrued from those publications which have issued from the press, bearing a title synonymous with that of "Every Man his own Lawyer;" inasmuch as persons have been induced to try upon themselves the effect of certain remedies, when, at the same time, they were utterly unacquainted with the nature of the malady with which they were visited, the situation and importance of the parts which were immediately affected, as well as

the description and quality of the remedy, which was necessary to be employed, in order to accomplish the amelioration or removal of the disease itself; so that many who have vainly been attempting to escape the frying-pan, have actually fallen into the fire. The volume now on our table is of a different character: it refers chiefly, though not exclusively, to points which are principally physiological; it not only shows the state of the human system, when in health, and in full and vigorous exercise, but how it may be preserved in that condition; and on this account it ought to be read by all parents, and especially by those who have daughters to train to useful scenes in civil society. In connexion with the anatomical description of the vertebral column, Mr. Hare has endeavoured to show the fatal effects of certain evils connected with the management of infants and young people, of which he complains, and against which he endeavours to guard his readers. With regard to the latter, he adverts to that impropriety of education, in which nature is so often made to conform to art, rather than art to nature. The juvenile portion of our male population are in a considerable degree freed from such unhealthy restraints. To them the advance from childhood brings but greater freedom; and if the confinement of school exceed what sound reason and the philosophy of nature would sanction, they redeem the mischief by the active, unrestrained gambols in which they indulge, when the hours of school are over. Much of their time is spent in the open air, bodily exercise is frequent, their food is taken with an appetite, and it is thoroughly digested, so that the stomach and bowels are seldom disordered, and their sleep is sound and refreshing. Their clothing makes no injurious pressure, and all their muscles are at liberty to act, the free exercise of which promotes their growth and activity. But how different is it with our girls, who are to be the mothers of a future generation! The original error of which we complain, is the restraint which is imposed upon the free motion of the body and limbs, so natural at that period of life, and in which youth takes so much delight. The young lady is now to cultivate a cer tain manner, to practise a demure gait, to keep the head erect, and the shoulders drawn back; and if, unable to maintain the muscular effort which is necessary for this purpose, she fails to do that which nature has not given her power to accomplish, she is considered negligent

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