649 Review.-Obligations of Life.-Conversations for the Young. 650 again to speak to their understandings and their hearts, will be regarded with an interest which a voice issuing from the grave may be supposed calculated to excite. REVIEW.-Lectures on the Reciprocal Obligations of Life, &c. &c. By John Morison. Second Edition. pp. 382. Smith, Elder, & Co. London. 1830. WHATEVER may be urged in favour of evangelical preaching, and the privileges of Christians, nothing can be legitimate which tends to set aside domestic and relative duties, and to cancel the reciprocal obligations of life. To inculcate this neglect, Mr. Morison seems well aware that a cer. tain species of what is falsely called evangelical preaching, has a natural and powerful tendency. The following passage will state his views in his own words. "It is a remarkable circumstance, that, while the class alluded to are never offended with the most ample announcement of christian privileges, an instant jealousy springs up in their minds, when a preacher ventures to speak plainly and pointedly, though affectionately and evangelically on the specific obligations which we owe to each other, in the stations which divine Providence has assigned us. If duties are merely implied, the preacher will readily be tolerated; but if he proceeds to examine them minutely, and to exhibit those states of mind which are opposed to their practice, he is in no small danger of being reproached for the want of orthodoxy."-Advertisement, p. ix. seems The great evil of indulging this antinomian disposition, Mr. Morison fully to appreciate, and the lectures before us are admirably calculated to expose and counteract its pernicious tendency. Regardless, therefore, of censures from individuals whose reproaches would be his highest honour, he devotes his lectures to those relative duties which embellish life, and in the neglect of which may be found the source of many miseries that imbitter our probationary state of existence. These lectures are twelve in number, of which the first is introductory, and the last applicatory. The others relate to marriage, conjugal duties, parental obligations, filial obligations, the obligations of masters, the obligations of servants, pastoral duties, the duties of people to their minister, the duties of kings and subjects, and the high importance of mercantile integrity to the good of society. While looking back on the duties thus enumerated, we feel no surprise that a dissenting minister, who would dare to bring them before his hearers, should be suspected by some among them of being heretical, or, at least, of attempting to legalize the gospel which they had perverted to sanction their unholy practices. We hail with plea sure the lectures of a minister who defies the opprobrium, who links duty to privilege, and laudably endeavours, by publishing his sentiments from the press, to "Stem the wild torrent of a barbarous age, And drive these holy Vandals off the stage." ing to the relative duties of life, inculcated The importance and necessity of attend in these lectures, Mr. Morison has drawn from the pure fountain of revealed truth. The precepts are both simple and imperious; and, with all the clearness which demonstration can impart, he has made it apparent, that he who lives in the habitual neglect of them, has no claim to the christian character. He has proved, that practical godliness, and a strict attention to moral obligation, are not less imperative than faith in Christ, and a reliance on his atonement, for pardon and acceptance. Christianity has no immoral disciples, and he who thinks otherwise, has either perverted or misunderstood its nature, design, and tendency. We have been much pleased with the substance of these lectures, and should rejoice to see their principles reduced to practice, by every professor of religion throughout the christian world, and by all the branches of the vast human family. REVIEW.-Conversations for the Young, designed to promote the profitable read- · ing of the Holy Scriptures. By Richard Watson, Author of "Theological Institutes," &c. 12mo. pp. 451. Mason, London. 1820. IT cannot be denied that the language of dialogue is always favourable to the writer who adopts it. He can in all cases adapt his questions to his replies, introduce topics that may be fairly met, conceal those that are of doubtful issue, and create convictions, which another mode of inquiry might refuse to sanction. But, although these positions will be admitted in the abstract, it does not follow that dialogue must be always deceptive., It may be conducted on grounds as indisputable, as if the author had proceeded with axiom, definition, and inference. Of this description is the work now under review. The plan appears to have been so laid, that the great and leading truths of Revelation, including history, doctrines, and incidents, should be placed in an attractive order; and the tyro in the dialogue is rather introduced to relieve the reader from the tediousness of prolonged dissertation, than from any design to exact tribute from the facilities which it affords. 651 Review.-Forty Family Sermons. In its historical character this volume may be considered as furnishing a general epitome of the Bible and New Testament, bringing before the reader their great events, as they stand in consecutive order, and spring out of each other; and as following the gradual development of the divine dispensations to man, as they arise and pass along on the stream of time. In this view they shine forth in harmonious connexion, and exhibit with antecedent and successive beauty, a system of causes and effects, which cannot fail to charm by its transcendent lustre. From the moral nature of man, and the relation in which he stands to God, arise those various doctrines which are inculcated throughout the sacred pages. Among these, the primitive state of purity, and the subsequent degeneracy of human nature, evince the necessity of that redemption, and supernatural influence, which the Gospel supplies, to effect the pardon and renovation of the soul, that man may be reinstated in the divine favour, may regain his moral image, and finally obtain everlasting life. Interspersed throughout these dialogues, the various incidents occurring in the sacred pages, and immediately connected with them, occupy a considerable space. These include observations on the use of reason, the advantages of revelation, creation, positive institutions, divine appointments, laws, ceremonies, and symbolical representations. For this department, physical phenomena are frequently introduced. Individual character also finds a place; and, while injunctions and prohibitions bring with them the reasons on which they are founded, prophecy has not been treated with neglect. It is not, however, in our power to follow the author through this great diversity of miscellaneous matter; for this we must refer to the work itself, and content ourselves with a few general observations. 652 ing to learn the opinion respecting them, which this author entertained. In its general character this work is not controversial, and whenever it assumes a polemical aspect, its force is directed against the attacks of infidelity. Viewed in this light, the author will, however, perhaps be suspected by some of having assumed as data, various positions for which he ought to have adduced proof; and such as doubt his premises will not readily admit his conclusions. On these points we regret that he has not been more argumentative, that his readers might have been able, from the weapons his armoury supplies, to resist the attacks of assailants, and to furnish gainsayers with a reason for the hope that is in them. We are well aware that to these observations Mr. Watson might reply, that such a procedure furnished no part of his plan. This will be readily allowed; and then the regret will be extended to the plan itself, that it had not encircled this desideratum in its wide embrace. But since, "in every work we must regard the writer's end-since none can compass more than he intend," we have greater reason to be satisfied with what he has done, than to complain that more has not been accomplished. As a treatise for the instruction of youth in a knowledge of the sacred writings, it is a valuable book, and multitudes will rejoice that it has ever been written and published. REVIEW.-Forty Family Sermons. By the Editor of the Christian Observer. 8vo. pp. 534. Hatchard and Son, London. 1830. WHATEVER intrinsic value a volume of Sermons may include, we have never yet found that the title is prepossessing. The name is too familiar to attract attention, and too common to command minute investigation. The topics are generally thought to be hackneyed, and not one reader out of ten will be at the trouble to examine if what the author advances is, or is not, worthy of his regard. This indifference seems to arise from a conviction, that the subjects of sermoniz ing have been long since exhausted, that nothing is to be expected beyond commonplace observations, and that the world is already inundated with discourses, which few have either the patience or the inclina tion to read. This tide of prejudice, every author of sermons has to withstand, and he must work his way against the adverse This book is announced as containing "conversations for the young, designed to promote the profitable reading of the Holy Scriptures," and for this purpose it is most admirably adapted. Its utility will not, however, be exclusively confined to persons of this class. To many who are farther advanced in years, it will afford much valuable information; and even where the assistance of the chain of events which it holds out is not required, questions of difficulty incidentally occurring on various subjects, will frequently find solutions in its pages. These indeed may not always prove satisfactory, but to an inquirer after truth, whether young or old, it will be gratify-current, before he can gain an eminence which will command that impartiality of 653 Review. The Plan of the Living Temple. judgment on which he rests his hopes of being useful, and of acquiring lasting fame. But while many volumes of sermons are only born to die, some few are destined to enjoy a prolonged reputation, and even to hold a distinguished rank in the Christian Library, when the hand of the writer undergoes decomposition in the repositories of death. This honourable distinction depends in no small degree upon the talents and the religious views of their respective authors. A Christian sermonizer, who aims no higher than to be "the ape of Epictetus," may live for a short season, but his days are numbered, and forgetfulness waits to receive his accommodating productions. Those only will stand the test of time, and bear the rigours of impartial scrutiny, which imbody the great and leading doctrines of the Gospels, and enforce the truths advanced, by a constant appeal to the authority of God. Sustaining this exalted character, we are happy to find the volume of sermons now under our eye. In a satisfactory preface the author states, with precision, the origin and nature of these discourses; and on examining their contents, we learn that with regard to their character and tendency, he is fully borne out in all his observations. In the theological latitudes, he takes his stand on Church of England ground, and on every suitable occasion evinces his warm attachment to our venerable establishment. This predilection is, however, not founded on modern compromises with the world, but upon the great and fundamental doctrines contained in her articles, liturgy, and too much neglected homilies, which include all that is essential to human salvation, as revealed under the Gospel dispen sation. But while we evinces a partiality for the establishment of Our country, we must not omit to mention, that he displays no hostility towards others, who entertain different views. Nor is this liberality of sentiment a matter of surprise. The homilies inculcate the same doctrines, that, under modern dissemination, are branded with the opprobrious epithets of enthusiasm and fanaticism. On these points the genuine friends of evangelical religion mutually agree, whether within the national church or excluded from its pale. They have all to encounter the sarcasms of a certain race, to whom "Paul supplies a text when Tully preaches." admit that the author in We cannot go through these discourses any analytical manner; but we are furnished with the most indubitable evidence from every sermon, that the fall of man, his 654 natural degeneracy, the divinity of Christ, the efficacy of his atonement, the influence of the Holy Spirit, the necessity and nature of regeneration, practical godliness, and a growing meetness for heaven, always enter into the author's system. These truths he illustrates by argument, and establishes on scripture authority. In the twenty-sixth sermon, on the resurrection of the body, the following passages occur. "The Almighty power that raises it shall endne it with energies unknown to it in its former condi tion; with a spirit of life and vigour that shall never become extinct. Again: "it is sown a natural body;" it was subject in its earthly state to the pains and sorrows, to the sins and temptations of its mortal and fallen condition; it had an animal existence fitted to the place of its temporary abode, but wholly unfit for its intended residence among the blessed spirits in heaven; but "it is raised a spiritual body,"--a body freed from all mortal pas. sions, all inlets to danger, all incentives to evil. It will not hunger or thirst; it will not feel fatigue or anguish; it will not be subjected to the vicissitudes of the seasons, to the heat of summer, or cold of winter it will not need the aid of sleep or repose, to recruit powers which can never be exhausted, for it is "a spiritual body." What a spiritual body is, we cannot fully comprehend: it is enough for us to know that it is a body such as is required for its re-union to a spirit freed from all that is sinful, and destined to enjoy for ever the purities and felicities of the heavenly world." p. 324. No person who reads the above passage can reasonably doubt that it is at once consonant with the principles of philosophy, with the dictates of reason, and with the authority of revelation. The author does not enter deeply into this profound subject, but all his remarks on it appear judicious, intelligible, and calculated to give satisfaction to popular inquiry. To the other discourses the same remarks may be extended. The language is plain and perspicuous; of the text, the leading ideas are seized without the formality of a tedious introduction; and no sermon is spun out to an immoderate length. Plainness and utility are the leading characteristics; the great truths of the Gospel are uniformly inculcated; and controversy never makes its appearance. Through these simple excellencies they acquire an adaptation for family reading, without any regard to the distinguishing peculiarities of religious denominations. REVIEW.-The True Plan of a Living Temple; or, Man considered in his proper relation to the ordinary Occupations and Pursuits of Life. By the Author of the Morning and Evening Sacrifice, &c. In three Vols. 12mo. pp. 399-460-455. Simpkin and Marshall. London. 1830. THE literary artist, who thus furnishes "The true Plan of a Living Temple," 655 Review. Dr. Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopædia. instead of avowing his name in the titlepage, presents himself to the public, as the author of several works which he had previously published. To this mode of proceeding, a considerable portion of vanity seems to attach itself. The writer indirectly intimates, that he has already rendered himself celebrated by the productions of his pen, and that his readers need only to be informed that the same master-spirit has been again at work, to follow him through his more recent lucubrations. We would not attempt to insinuate, that these feelings are always in active operation, but suspicious circumstances rarely fail to sanction jealousy in making unfavourable imputations. To readers who are acquainted with the writings of our non-conformist divines, the title of this work will be quite familiar, a celebrated treatise bearing a similar name, having been published by John Howe, in the seventeenth century. From its first appearance to the present time, Howe's Living Temple has retained its reputation, nor is there any probability that it will speedily drop into oblivion. Aware of these circumstances, the author of the volumes now under review, referring to Mr. Howe's treatise, observes, that in his estimation, "the work of Howe did not well evolve the true beauty and purest spirit of the Apostle's definition," and that "in fact it is a great system of theoretical as well as of practical theology." This may be considered as an apology for his adoption of the title, and as furnishing a basis for the following observations: "Every person must have observed, that in the minds of the generality of serious men, there exists at present an apparently irreconcileable struggle between the interest which they feel that they must take in the business of this life, and that entire devotion which they believe themselves bound to pay to the things of that world which is unseen and eternal." To accommodate these discordances, the author goes on to remark, that "The great Author of Christianity spoke less frequently of lifting the affections of men from earth to heaven, than of bringing down the kingdom of heaven upon earth, and that in one word, --both the true spirit of Christianity, and the soundest conclusions of natural reason, inculcate the belief, that the best preparation which any man can make for the honours of the future world, is a religious discharge of the duties prescribed to him by his station as an inhabitant of this earth, and that his true business is, not to insulate himself from earthly concerns, amidst thoughts and feelings that are related only to things spiritual,and eternal, but rather to bring the glorious intimation of a world beyond this, to bear, by means of the pure and animating feel. ings which it awakens, upon the duties and pursuits, even the most apparently minute and insignificant, that are at present assigned him." In the following paragraph we are 656 informed, that the design of this treatise is, "To teach religious men, that the serious thoughts which have been awakened in their minds, can only be really gratified, and are only directed towards their proper objects, when they are employed, not to lift the imaginations of these who cherish them, into a state of listless abstraction, or of enthusiastic rapture, but rather, when they are so happily managed as to lead the aspirant after heaven, to look with a warmer, a nobler, and a more religious interest on every thing on earth,-to be thankful that God has thus enabled him, by the due management of a definite trust in time, to prepare himself for a greater trust, when the kingdom of God shall be more fully disclosed, and to believe that it is simply by the manner in which he conducts himself amidst present interests, that his future station in the universe shall be determined.”— Preface ix-xiii. It will be obvious, from the passages already cited from the preface, that these volumes, notwithstanding their title, are more ethical than religious, and that while they inculcate some of the morals of the gospel, they overlook its leading doctrines, find no sacrifice for sin, and rather recommend a justification by works, than by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. To the influence of the Holy Spirit, in awakening the sinner, and regenerating his nature, the author appears to be an entire stranger; and after perusing his volumes, the reader is ready to exclaim- They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him." By REVIEW.-The Cabinet Cyclopædia. THIS work continues to make its regular 557 Review.-Massinger's Family Library. "Origin of the See of Canterbury.-Augustine, e Roman missionary, made his arrival known Ethelbert, and requested an audience. The ing of Kent, though not altogether ignorant of e nature of his queen's religion, nor unfa ourably disposed towards it, was yet afraid of at miraculous power which the Romish clergy -ere then believed to possess, and which they -ere not backward at claiming for themselves. or this reason he would not receive them within he walls of his royal city of Canterbury, nor der a roof; but went into the island with his obles, and took his seat to await them in the pen air; imagining that thus he should be cure from the infiuence of their spells or incanations. They approached in procession, bearing silver crucifix, and a portrait of our Saviour pon a banner adorned with gold, and chanting eLitany. The king welcomed them courteusly, and ordered them to be seated; after which Augustine stood up, and, through an inrpreter whom he had brought from France, elivered the purport of his mission in a brief but ell-ordered and impressive discourse. "He was -ome to the king, and to that kingdom, (he said,) or their eternal good, a messenger of good dings; offering to their acceptance perpetual appiness here and hereafter, if they would accept is words. The Creator and Redeemer had pened the kingdom of heaven to the human race; or God so loved the world, that he had sent into this only Son, as that Son himself testitied, to ecome a man among the children of men, and uffer death upon the cross in atonement for their ins." To this address, which was protracted to ome length, the king returned a doubtful but racious answer: his conversion shortly after ollowed. He gave up his palace to the misionaries, and Augustine obtained a bull from the ope, to found the see of Canterbury. From this eriod it was regarded with the highest veneation; but in the invasions of the Danes, both be church and city suffered the most grievous ain, and no less than eight thousand persons are -aid to have perished at one time in the desolated own.-p. 67. Vol. I. "Stirling Castle -It is now only in the pages of the historian that the glory of Stirling castle ndures. Its royal apartments and superb hapels are converted into barrack-rooms: and The battery, with the few guns by which it is urmounted, is a mockery of the original defences of this once famous stronghold of the Scots. Many memorable transactions have taken place within, or in sight of this castle. Twelve great Battles, it is said, have been fought in its neigh bourhood. The heroic Robert Bruce made it his prize, after it had been held ten years by Edward of England. It was the favourite residence of James I.; and within its walls the second of that ame murdered the earl of Douglas. This unfortunate nobleman, who was at the head of a eague to humble the power of the monarch, was persuaded, after receiving a safe.conduct signed by the royal seal, to attend the king's invitation to Stirling. He was no sooner there than James commanded bim to break up the party he had formed against his authority. The appeal, however, was without effect; and the king, drawing his dagger and exclaiming, "If you will not dissolve the confederacy, this shall," buried it in his heart. The vassals of Douglas immediately assembled to revenge the death of their lord; and proceeding to Stirling, dragging the safe promise of James at a horse's tail, they burned the town, and were preparing to besiege the castle, when the alarmed monarch found it necessary to enter into an accommodation.-p. 124. Vol. I. "Frog Market at Brussels.-There is in Brussels a market for frogs, which are brought alive in pails and cans, and prepared for dressing on the spot. The hind limbs, which are the only parts used, are cut from the body with scissors, by the women who bring the animals for sale.- p. 157. Vol. I. "Evil consequences of Amsterdam being built on Piles.-In consequence of the badness of the 139.-VOL. XII. 658 foundation, the whole city is built on piles driven endways into the mud; a circumstance which occasioned the witty remark of Erasmus, on visiting it, "that he was in a town where the inhabitants lived, like rooks, on the tops of trees." This circumstance also occasioned the restriction of coaches to men of consequence and physicians, who paid a tax for the privilege of using them; the magistrates conceiving that the rolling of the wheels produced a dangerous concussion of the piles. Goods are conveyed through the town on sledges; and the common conveyance for those who do not wish to walk is a kind of sley or traineau, consisting of the body of a carriage fixed on a hurdle, drawn by a single horse, and guided by the driver, who walks by its side.p. 170. Vol. I. "Prison Discipline at Amsterdam,-The principal prison is the house of correction, called also the rasp-house, because the chief employment of its inmates is the cutting and rasping of Brazil wood. In this place of confinement no one is suffered to be idle; and thus the government is indemnified for much of the expenditure incurred, and the prisoners, on their part, are frequently reclaimed, by its wholesome and rigid discipline, from the dissolute and vicious habits which led them to become its inmates. In the yard of the prison is one cell, and one only, for the treatment of the incorrigibly idle. A stream of water constantly flows into it, which can only be discharged through a pump set up within. The only means, therefore, by which the inmate can avoid being overwhelmed by the ingress of the water, is by working incessantly at the pump: if he persists in his idleness, he is inevitably drowned. It is said that it is now never used.-p. 172. Vol. I. Dra REVIEW. The Family Library. 1830. MR. MURRAY has conferred an invaluable service on the many by the publication of his "Family Library;" and we hail with much pleasure the commencement of the Dramatic Series, the first volume of which now lies before us. Prejudices, but too well founded, exist against the drama, among the most respectable and reflective part of the community; and so long as the stage continues to exhibit a gross mixture of buffoonery, open licentiousness, and double entendre, there will be little prospect of its occupying a very high place in public estimation. The idiot, it is true, will find subjects for laughter, and the man of pleasure will enjoy with peculiar zest the scenic performances of the day; but he who admires the legitimate drama, and who can comprehend "the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is to hold, as 'twere, the mirror up to nature," will most frequently retire from the theatre with disappointment and disgust. As a lofty and comprehensive department of poetry, the drama may, however, be viewed without any reference to actual representation; yet those things which offend the judicious on the stage, cannot be less exceptionable, or less injurious to the 2 T |