The work is calculated to do much good, and, with our cordial commendation, has our best wishes for its success. A DEFENCE OF THE MISSIONS IN THE SOUTH SEA, AND SANDWICH ISLANDS, against the Misrepresentations contained in a late Number of the Quarterly Review, in a Letter to the Editor of that Journal. By William Orme. 8vo. pp. 142. 3s. 6d. THE change which has been effected, by the blessing of God upon missionary labour, in the character of the people inhabiting the South Sea and the Sandwich Islands, is one of the most splendid triumphs of Christianity since the Apostolic age. Before they were visited by Christian Missionaries, they were among the most degraded of the human species; but they have now generally abandoned idolatry, and conform both in spirit and conduct to the requirements of the Gospel, in a manner that puts to shame every European nation. Several attempts, however, have been made to injure the character of the Missionaries, whom God has employed as the instruments of this great and blessed work; and in a late number of the Quarterly Review, various accusations are preferred against them, in a tone of insult and low sarcasm. Mr. Ellis, the author of the admirable Missionary Tour in Hawaii, addressed a letter to the Editor of that Journal, correcting the misstatements of the Reviewer; and showing that he had been imposed upon by a communication which professed to be written by one of the native chiefs of Hawaii, but which was manifestly a forgery. This letter the Editor of the Quarterly Review refused to publish; and at the same time declined either to acknowledge the errors into which he had been led, or to soften the calumnies he had sent forth into the world. Under these circum stances, Mr. Orme has written the very able pamphlet before us. A more triumphant defence of a good cause was perhaps never published. The letter is drawn up with all that confidence which truth and a complete knowledge of the subject inspire; and its argumentation is supported by documentary evidence which no sophistry can elude, and which must produce perfect conviction in every candid mind. We sincerely recommend the work, not only to the readers of the Quarterly Review, but to all friends of the Missionary cause. It contains a just and successful vindication of several excellent Missionaries; and supplies authentic information respecting the progress of Christianity, which must gladden the heart of every lover of God and man. THE TRUE USES OF THE LAW; two Sermons, preached by the Rev. Robert Colles, A.B. one of the Chaplains to the Molyneux Asylum, Dublin, 1827. THE subject of these Sermons is most important. The place which the moral law is supposed to hold in the Gospel system, is neeessarily connected with the character of the individual who professes it, and we may almost estimate the personal regard to religion of every nominal Christian by ascertaining this portion of his creed. To make, as the Legalist does, obedience to the moral law, not the evidence but the cause of salvation, will necessarily induce a character of self-righteousness bles with the Antinomian, must open the door and presumption; to expunge it from our Bito all licentiousness and ungodly living; and to hold, as too many do, that its rigours are diminished, its claims less imperative, and that the Gospel is a mitigated law, not only dishonours the Supreme Legislator, but affords a ground for that indifference and disregard to religion, which characterize too much the nominally Christian world. We think Mr. Colles has ably steered between the extremes; has vindicated the usefulness and immutability of the law, and established its authority as a restraining principle, as a rule of life, as holy, just, and good." We bear with pleasure our testimony to the justness of our Author's views, while we wish that he had been a little less scholastic in the forms of his deductions. The present age is perhaps too fastidious to bear the endless divisions and subdivisions which formed the delight and edification of our more patient ancestors. THE NORTHERN COTTAGE, or the Effects of Bible Reading, by P. D. H. Dublin; 1827, 6d. THIS interesting narrative is founded on facts, which occurred in the North of Ireland: it describes in a lively manner, the results produced by the Agents employed by one of our Religious Societies for reading the Scriptures in Irish to the Peasantry. One of the individuals concerned was actively engaged in the circumstances which originated the late recantations at Cavan and elsewhere; for which reasons we are induced to recommend this Tract to our readers, especially as the profits are to be devoted to a Society, which sends out qualified persons to read the Scriptures, particularly in Irish, throughout the country. - EXPLANATORY AND PRACTICAL COMMENTS, being a Series of short Lectures upon the New Testament, designed as an Assistant in Family Worship, &c. By a Clergyman of the Established Church. Part I. St. Matthew. price 28. Dublin, Wm. Curry, Jun. & Co. WE have no hesitation in recommending this work to such of our readers, as desire an assistant in reading the Scriptures to their family: the chapters are broken in portions of sufficient length for the general purposes of family wor ship; and the commentary contains plain and practical remarks suited for the capacity of servants and children. The present part contains the Gospel of St. Matthew, (without the text)-it is printed in a large clear type, on good paper, and in a style which does consideis intended to be completed in Eight Numbers, rable credit to the publisher and printer. It which will not exceed in price 1s. 6d. each. THE PEACEFUL VALLEY, or the Influence of Religion, by a Clergyman, (Scatherd & Co. London,) is said to be a narrative of facts. Irs design is to show the introduction of the gospel into a benighted district, and to mark the happy change which was effected by its | and Demotic, or Enchorial Characters, and influence. The little history is related with some Explanation relative to their Use: By the much simplicity, and enlivened with pleasing Rev. Henry Tattam, M. A. anecdotes and incidents, interspersed with many judicious observations on the management of Sunday schools, and the advantages of perseverance. But, after all, we have our fears that the Peaceful Valley lies too near the region of Utopia. LITERARY NOTICES. Apology for the Modern Theology of Protestant Germany, a Review of the Work entitled, "The State of the Protestant Religion in Germany, in a Series of Discourses preached before the University of Cambridge, by the Rev. H. J. Rose, Vicar of Horsham, Sussex." By Dr. Karl Gotlieb Bretschneider. Translated from the German, by the Rev. W. A. Evanson, Lecturer, of St. Luke's, Old-street, London. Aldermanbury; or an Address to Mr. Thọmas Phillips of Potter's Fields; containg numerous Anecdotes of the Port of London and Bethel Union Societies during the last Nine Years. By the Rev. G. C. Smith. 1s. 6d. The Christian Warfare: A Treatise showing the Nature and Importance of the Christian's Conflict, and the Means of his Conquest: By the Rev. Richard Waddy. Second Edition. 12mo. A Concise View of the Succession of Sacred Literature, in a Chronological Arrangement of Authors and their Works, from the Invention of Alphabetical Characters to the year 1440: By Adam Clarke, LL.D. Second Volume. 12mo. Anecdotes of the Rev. John Wesley, A. M.: By the Rev. John Reynolds, sen. The Works of the English and Scottish Reformers: Edited by the Rev. Thomas Russell, A. M. An Introduction into the Knowledge of Engraved British Portraits; or, a Priced Catalogue of more than Three Thousand Prints, described in Grainger's Biographical History of England, Bromley's Catalogue of Portraits, &c. By Henry Baynes. An Exposition of the Book of Psalms, Explanatory, Critical, and Devotional; intended to aid Private Christians in the Enlightened Perusal of Compositions in which the National History of the Jews and the Personal Experience of David, are often blended with the Spirit of Prophecy: By the Rev. John Morison, of Chelsea. A Scripture Diary; or Christian Almanack, for the year 1828: comprising a Chronological Arrangement of the Holy Scriptures in Daily Portions, for reading the whole Bible within the Year; together with the Festivals of the Jews, and some Events of Sacred History, Selections of Ecclesiastical Literature, Notices of Biblical Publications, &c. &c. &c. A Compendious Grammar of the Egyptian Language, both of the Coptic, or Memphitic, and Sahidic Dialects; with Observations on the Bashmuric; together with the Alphabets of the Hieroglyphic A new Edition of the Egyptian Lexicon of La Croze, Scholtz, and Woide, incorporating Rosii Etymologia Egyptiaca; with Improvements from Recent Discoveries in Egyptian Literature: By the Rev. Henry Tattam, M. A. Short Sermons, on Various Important Subjects: By the Rev. Jonathan Edmondson, A. M. Fifth Edition. A Treatise on Self-Government: By the Rev. Jonathan Edmondson, M. A. Second Edition. Museum Theologicum; or, General Collection of Theological Literature; to consist of Reprints of the best Critical Essays published on the Continent; Epitomes of Larger Works; Translations from the various Modern European Languages; and Original Articles, in every Department of Sacred Literature. To be published Quarterly. 8vo. Religion in India; a Voice directed to Christian Churches, for Millions in the East. Comprising, "Revealed Truth estimated by a Christian Hindoo; The Victim of Delusion, a Hindoo Widow; The Ordination Service for Isaac David, a Hindoo Evangelist; The Plan of the Mysore Mission College; Zion's Watchman upon her Frontiers; The Gospel Commission, &c. &c. Edited by the Revds. S. L.-, and J. W. M. The Pledge of Friendship; a Christmas Present and New Year's Gift, for 1828. The plan of this publication is entirely altered, and the present volume will consist wholly of original matter, furnished by the respective Authors expressly for the work. There are upwards of Forty highly respectable Contributors. This Volume will be considerably larger than the former; and its embellishments, Ten in number, are entirely original, and executed by some of the most eminent Artists; among whom are H. Corbould, Wright, Westall, Stothard, Copley, Fielding, Naesmyth, Davenport, Warren, Romney, Ensom, &c. The Second Edition (enlarged) of the Parent's Monitor; or, Narratives, Anecdotes, and Observations, on Religious Education, and Personal Piety. By David Barker: 1 vol. 12mo. Claude's Essay on the Composition of a Sermon. A New Edition. 1 vol. A Sermon on the Death of the Rev. D. M'AIlum, M. D. By J. Crowther. Little Frank, the Irish Boy. Fitful Fancies. By William Kennedy. Tracts by the Rev. Thomas Scott, with an Introductory Essay by Thomas Chalmers, D. D. A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious Systems of professed Christians, &c. By William Wilberforce, Esq.; with an Introductory Essay by the Reverend Daniel Wilson, A. M. Vicar of Islington. The Christian Poet; or, Selections in Verse on Sacred Subjects. By James Montgomery; with an Introductory Essay. The Almost Christian Discovered: or, the False Professor Tried and Cast. By the Rev. Matthew Mead. With an Introductory Essay by the Rev. David Young. The Christian's Daily Walk in Holy and Secure Peace. By the Rev. Henry Scudder. With an Introductory Essay by Thomas Chalmers, D. D. A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life. By William Law. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. David Young. Practical Discourses, intended to promote the Improvement and Happiness of the Young. By Henry Belfrage, D. D. The Reasons of the Law of Moses, from the "More Nevochim" of Maimonides, with Notes, Dissertations, and a Life of the Author. By James Townley, D. D. Meditations on the Works of God, intended to illustrate the Wisdom, Power, and Goodness of the Creator. By Edward White Benson. Oriental Observations and occasional Criticisms, illustrating Several Hundred Passages of Scripture. By John Calloway, late Missionary in Ceylon. 12mo. 3s. Rev. Dr. Pye Smith has in the press a new Edition, very much enlarged, of his Discourse on the Sacrifice, Priesthood, and Atonement of Christ. Twelve Instructive and Familiar Lectures to Young Persons on the Intellectual and Moral Powers of Man; the Existence, Character, and Government of God; the Evidences of ChrisNonconformity, delivered at Northampton. By tianity, &c.; with a Concluding Address on the late Rev. John Horsey. Elements of Mental and Moral Science, in one volume, Evo. about 520 pages. By George Payne, A. M., Resident and Theological Tutor of the Blackburn Independent Academy. This volume will include most of the subjects which are discussed in more voluminous works, exhibit, on all the main topics, the opinions which have been held by our most celebrated writers, show the bearing of many of the subjects, upon several branches of Theological science, and endeavour to bring Theology and Mental Philosophy into a closer state of union than that in which they have generally existed. A Second Series of the Bible Story Book, by the Rev. B. H. Draper, is in the press. The third Edition of the First Series is just pub The Character of David. A Series of Es-lished. says, addressed to Youth. By John Newstead. 18mo. 1s. Expository Lectures on St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, delivered in the Parish Church of St. Helens, Stonegate, York, by the Rev. John Acaster, Vicar of St. Helens. Svo. 9s. A Father's Reasons for Baptizing his Children, &c. By a Lay member of the Church of England. Carmen Natale, a sacred Melody, by H. John Gauntlett; the words by the late Rev. Legh Richmond. 1s. 6d. A Summary View of Christian Principles: comprising the Doctrines peculiar to Christianity as a System of Revealed Truth, by Thomas Finch. 5s. 6d. Divine Hymns for the use of Children. By the Rev. Rowland Hill, M. A. A Pamphlet, containing Remarks on the Mustard Tree, mentioned in the New Testament. By John Frost, F. A. S. F.L. S. of Emanuel College, Cambridge. A Defence of the Missions in the South Sea and Sandwich Islands, against the charge and misrepresentations of the Quarterly Review, in a Letter addressed to the Editor of that Journal. PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. An Antidote to a spreading Antinomian Delusion, by the late Rev. John Brine, a new edition. A Funeral Sermon occasioned by the Death of Miss Elizabeth C- By the Rev. John Styles, D. D. Is. 6d. A fourth Edition of A Christian Father's Present to his Children, by the Rev. J. A. James, is in the press. Second Edition of the Parents' Monitor, or Narratives, Anecdotes, and Observations on Religious Education and Personal Piety, by the Rev. David Barker, 12mo. Proposals for publishing by subscription, a new and uniform edition of the Works of the English and Scottish Reformers. Edited by Thomas Russell, M. A. The works of the principal Reformers, Cranmer, Latimer, Hooper, and Ridley, will be printed entire, and selections will be made from their contemporaries. They will be accompanied with biographical sketches. It is expected the collection will make about sixteen volumes. Mr. W. Upcott, of the London Institution, wishes to announce, that he is in possession of a Series of Original Letters of the celebrated Philip Doddridge, which he intends to publish the ensuing season; and being desirous to enlarge and perfect, as far as possible, this very interesting Collection, he will feel grateful to any of our numerous Readers holding documents of the same kind, of sufficient interest for publication, who may favour him with the loan, or with copies of them. In the former case, every care shall be taken in transcribing them, as well as for their safe return with his acknowledgments. In the press, and speedily will be published, Memoirs of the Life and Ministry of the late Rev. John Cooke, of Maidenhead, with copious Selections from his Manuscripts and Letters, in one volume, 8vo. By George Redford, M.A. Twelve Sermons preached to a Country Congregation, by the Rev. A. Dallas, M. A. RELIGIOUS MAGAZINE, OR SPIRIT OF THE FOREIGN THEOLOGICAL JOURNALS AND REVIEWS. From the British Critic. MARCH, 1828. SERMONS, Chiefly Practical, Preached in the Parish Church of Clapham, Surrey. By William Dealtry, B. D. F.R.S. Rector of Clapham, and of Watton, Herts; and late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. London. Hatchard and Son. 1827. 8vo. 10s. 6d. pp. 484. THE author of this volume is well known to the public as the laborious, faithfu! and zealous minister of a very populous and wealthy parish. Among the preachers of the present day, he has long held a distinguished rank: and we believe that considerable surprise and regret has been occasioned by the tardiness of his printed contributions to our homilectic divinity. A few single discourses constitute the whole of what he has given to the world in this department of literature, previous to the present publication. It will, however, be remembered that the overpowering demands of parochial duty are, at all times, unfavourable to the labour of preparation for the press; and that this is true precisely in proportion to the readiness and fidelity with which those demands are answered. We presume that this consideration alone would be found to furnish a sufficient excuse,-if excuse were wanting,-for the late appearance of the volume before us. In submitting it to the public, the author has yielded to the wishes of many of his hearers; and, in his selection, has been influenced by a regard to the practical tendency of the discourses in question: intimating, however, the probability of his adding, at some future time, others of a character more strictly doctrinal. (Preface, p. iii. iv.) It is not impossible that, in hinting such a promise, the author felt that from him would be expected by some, a collection of laboured and emphatic statements, on some of the most interesting and momentous points of the Christian doctrine; and that something like disappointment would be produced by the absence of such discussions from his first publication. If there be any class of readers on whom this circumstance has inflicted any dissatisfaction, we must confess that we are by no means of the number. We are no great admirers of the popular distinction between practical and doctrinal discourses. Places and seasons undoubtedly there are in which it well becomes Christian Theology to appear, as it were, in state,-to Rel. Mag-No. 3. come forth arrayed in her whole armour of rich and massive erudition-and to draw from her costly stores of things both new and old And resources, and display to public view, her most when she thus shows herself, it is not to be considered as an idle and ostentatious parade of opulence and her strength. It is, at all times, important that the enemies or the perverters of the truth, should know that she is on the watch: that neither moth nor rust have destroyed her treasures, or corroded the weapons of her warfare; and that thieves have not broken through nor plundered her magazines and armouries. But then she will assuredly choose the proper times and places, for this sort of solemn array. The schools of divinity, or the pulpits of our Universities, are the scenes best adapted to such exhibitions and exercises. The parish church is seldom a fit theatre for theological lectures. They would be egregiously misplaced, if delivered even to the most refined and intelligent of parochial congregations: and we cannot suppress a shrewd surmise that the ears which lust for them are, too often, itching with curiosity, instead of being intently directed towards the words of eternal life. It is no good sign when people, of whatever class or denomination, are impatient to see how certain theological difficulties will be encountered by this preacher or by that. It is one of many proofs, that the spirit of party may sometimes usurp the mask of zeal: nay-that men may, almost unconsciously, take with them, into the church, feelings not wholly unlike those, which often crowd the theatre, or the race-course! We should be much concerned, however, if it were inferred from these remarks, that we deprecate a volume of Doctrinal Discourses from Mr. Dealtry. It is the perfection of preaching to enforce practice doctrinally, and to explain doctrines practically. Of the former excellence we have an instance in the volume before us, and we trust that satisfactory specimens of the latter may be anticipated, in the promised publications of the author. From the present work we are led to conclude that Mr. Dealtry's views respecting sermons for the narochial pulpit coincide pretty nearly we own; that he regards the prin trines of the Gospel as elements to be combined with the whole texture of the discourse;--not always to be exhibited separately, but rather to be melted down into the very mass and substance of the composition. A truly Christian 2 B luable quality possessed by this author in a very eminent degree, the power of judiciously analysing his text. Whatever may be the sub sermon might easily be distinguished from a moral essay, though it should not present a formal and direct exposition of any one peculiarity of the Christian scheme. The princi-ject he takes in hand, it seems to fall at once ples of Revelation are, at all times, to be assumed to be brought forward with authority -to be used as ingredients which will give a heavenly relish to the work,-a savour of honour and immortality, which no earthly materials can impart. The doctrine may be there, just as life is in the animal fabric: Spiritus intus alit, totosque infusa per artus Mens agitat molem, et sancto se corpore miscet. And the preacher who thus applies the peculiar discoveries and tenets of the Gospel, applies them in a way most likely to penetrate and to transform the hearts of his hearers. Before we proceed to notice any of these sermons in particular, it may be as well to state the general impression left on our mind by a perusal of the whole volume, as to the powers and peculiarities of the writer. In the first place, then, it must strike every reader of these discourses, that their author is remarkable for perspicuity, and (if we may use the expression) perfect transparency of style. His performance is always that of a person whose notions are masterly and distinct, who has a full command of the means of expressing them, and who seems, at all times, nearly exempt from the possibility of confusion or obscurity. It will be allowed that this is an excellence of the very highest order in all compositions of the popular kind: but in none is it more precious than in those which are to convey momentous and necessary truths to the heart and understanding of multitudes. into its appropriate divisions under his touch. It is not torn into fragments by a violent and arbitrary process. The joints which connect it are hit with remarkable nicety and skill; and the consequence is, that the mind of the inspired writer is displayed in all its bearings, but without the slightest appearance of capricious or fantastic application. To these excellences is to be added another, without which the highest qualities would be worthless,-a perfect familiarity with the Scriptures, and a peculiar felicity of applying them to the illustration of doctrine, and the enforcement of practice. The fragrance of the sanctuary breathes over the whole volume. The number of these sermons is twenty. It cannot, therefore, be expected that we should attempt to make our readers acquainted with the respective merits of each discourse. We must content ourselves with a selection of such passages as may do justice to the preacher, and invite the public to a diligent perusal of the whole. The second sermon is on the Omnipresence of God. We select from it the following passage, as a specimen of the energy with which the preacher is able to gird himself up against the hardened and remorseless sinner. Having fully insisted on the importance of this truth, even to the righteous, he proceeds thus: "2. We stated that a deep sense of this scriptural truth of the universal presence of God, is important also to the opposite class: to those who are unacquainted with Christ as their SaNearly allied to the above is another peculi-viour; to the wicked and impenitent. arity which distinguishes the discourses, namely, their beautiful simplicity. Whatever pains may have been employed in the collection of materials, the mere act of composition seems to have cost absolutely none. There is an appearance of facility that is perfectly enviable; a lightness and freedom of hand, and a precision and truth of execution, which indicate a mind of unusual quickness, invigorated by long and incessant practice. But the author is entitled to yet higher praise. His volume is adorned with occasional passages of singular animation and force, which indicate powers of a very elevated description. In his highest mood, however, he always retains a perfect command of himself: and the result is, that in his most impressive and vigorous exhibitions, the natural character of his writings is always preserved. In the more impassioned efforts of some authors, we often perceive a resemblance to the troubled sea, which, though frequently an object of terrific grandeur when its waters cannot rest, is sometimes found to cast up mire and dirt. No such resemblance is to be discovered in these discourses. They are uniformly clear. They are often powerful, but never turbid and tumultuous. In their most striking parts, the preacher may be described "A vague and general admission of the doctrine is of little moment. We speak here of a serious and realizing sense of it. For want of this just impression, the hypocrite deceives himself with the delusive hope, that the specious appearance by which he imposes upon others, and perhaps also upon himself, will answer a like purpose with his Maker. It is for want of this just impression, that wickedness abounds. Where is the profligate who, when acting in direct violation of the law of God, would not be terrified at the discovery how perfectly he is under the inspection of that great and terrible Being? And how salutary would be the apprehension thus excited! How would he tremble at the consequences of appearing in judgment before Him to whom every thought is exposed, and who is marking every deed, for the express purpose of righteous retribution! True, there are many hardened in their vices, many beyond the reach of argument, and capable, as it should seem, of bidding defiance to the God who made them! But is there one who could survey what is at this mo ment immediately, although invisibly, around him, and not recoil at the sight? Is there one who could behold the countenance of the Almighty flashing indignation upon the daring offender, and not shrink as into the very dust before Him? Take the boldest transgressor who ever blasphemed the name of his Creator, and spurned at the offers of his grace; take him in the full course of his abandoned career, while |