Imagens da página
PDF
ePub

for force, the second for sweet- It is in the garden,' but men perceive ness: that on Absalom is drawn it not." Vol. II. p. 367. with, perhaps, the highest felicity of general and close application. Of all, however, we must remark, in agreement with an opening observation, that we do not consider any high discriminative course of practical discussion to be the excellence of these compositions; a circumstance to which the full occupation of the Bishop's mind, added to the child-like sim

plicity of his heart, may have, in some measure, contributed. Selfexamination, conducted in much solitary reflection, and under the pressure of a sturdy and sullen nature, is the parent of that close anatomy of the human heart, for

which writers of other classes have been more distinguished, particularly some amongst the elder Puri

tans, both at home and abroad.

Of all the exquisite specimens of a playful imagination with which these volumes abound, no sermon contains a more interesting one than that, in this third series, on the MISERIES OF LIFE, from the

words, "There was a garden, and in the garden a new sepulchre." The application of the text is, of course, wholly apocryphal. But who would, therefore, have chased from these pages such an elegant and engaging use of it as the following?

[ocr errors]

"I invite you, then, to the sepulchre,' which is ever' in the garden of life, that you may, in the first place, perceive and remember, that it is there. Heedless are most men of death! The young, the gay, and the busy, with what light and careless feet do they move among the pleasures of the earth, regardless of the grave which is under them, and the dangers with which they are surrounded. How many stumble upon the sepulchre,' before they have discovered it in the path. Our eyes are willingly turned from it; for we have not learned to look upon it without pain. We plant a thousand objects, which hide it from our sight. We twine the flowers of hope, and we bend the vines of pleasure, to conceal it from our view.

86

of these volumes, which seem to Instead of taking a formal leave paradise, and a garden of the richpresent us many of the fruits of finish by reminding the reader est scents and flavours, we would that there is in this "garden" also a sepulchre;" and that the ternew edition, records, in a solemn mination of their contents, in the and affecting Funeral Sermon, the early and lamented death of their author. May the sweet savour of his eminently pious and faithful example, long survive the period of its short-lived bloom! May church associate, with all the atthe bishops and pastors of our tractions of his zealous career, the warning administered by its early termination, for a similar and

speedy exertion of their own opportunities and talents! May Christhat the highest efforts of eloquence tians of every degree remember, themselves; and are useful only and feeling are nothing worth in of a true preparation for death as they subserve the purpose and judgment! May they reflect how soon the departed preacher was called to realise in death, and prove in eternity, the verity of his own doctrines! And valuable beyond all price is the evidence which such a death-bed as our

author's afforded to his principles, and which is described by his memorialist in the following terms, which shall close our article.

"His illness was too severe to admit of much conversation. But the greatest sufferings could not disturb the serenity of his mind. To his attendants he was uniformly kind. Having made a sudden exclamation, from pain, he immediately observed, Do not suppose that I murmur;' and, to calm the bosom of affec. tion, he referred to that passage of Scripture: Be still, and know that I am God.' The 33d chapter of Job hav. ing been read to him, he remarked, I do not know whether (as t! ere expressed) my flesh will ever again be fresher

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

than a child's; but this I know, I am just where I would be,—in the hands of God.' He declared that his trust in God had never been shaken; that he knew that he should carry to God at death much sinfulness, but That is covered; he said a second time, with emphasis, That is covered. Adverting to his particular disease, he said, Why is it that the stranger is subject to this calamity from which the native is exempt? but that God hath set the one over against the other." On his last day, he was asked what I have mentioned in the beginning of this dis. course, and also, With what subject are your thoughts now employed?' and he replied, That I would endeavour to be a more perfect being.' But you do not depend on your own merits for salvation! Oh no! I rest

on the Saviour; or words to that effect. He quoted, from one of our collects, the words, increase and multiply upon us thy mercy;'- and thus commented: 'Increase-not only increase, but multiply.' His last quotation from Scripture was, 'God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob,' expressive, as I suppose, of his confidence in that Divine faithfulness, on which the Patriarchs rested, and in the Divine mercy which is from generation to generation. As his end drew near, he was silent and still. His eyes looked lovelier, as if fixed on the angels ready to receive his spirit. His countenance had the expression of his happiest and most pious moments. It was turned from earth and friendship, unto heaven and God. Mark the upright, for the end of that man is peace.'” Vol. II. pp. 484, 485.

LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE, &c. &c.

GREAT BRITAIN. PREPARING for publication :-The Curfew; or the Grave of the last Saxon, a Poem; by the Rev. W. S. Bowles;-An Introduction to the Study of Fossils, by J. Parkinson ;-Lectures to Young Gentlemen, on Education and the Duties of Life, by J. K. Kent.

In the press :-Concluding volume of Sir R. Porter's Travels;-History of Roman Literature, by Mr. Dunlop; The River Derwent, by W. B. Clarke; -Enthanasia; or the State of Man after Death; by the Rev. Dr. Booker.

Oxford.-The Chancellor's Prizes are adjudged as follows:-Latin Verse, "Alpes Annibale superatæ"-to Mr. F. Curzon, of Brasenose college.-English Essay," On the Study of Moral Evidence" to Mr. W. A. Shirley, of New college.-Latin Essay, "An, re vera, prævaluerit apud Eruditiores Antiquorum Polytheismus"-to Mr. J. B. Ottley, of Oriel college.-Sir Roger Newdigate's Prize: English Verse "Palmyra"-to Mr. A. Barber, of Wadham college. Convocation has voted 500, in aid of the fund for the relief of the distressed Irish.

Cambridge. The Chancellor's gold medal, for the best English poem by a resident undergraduate, is adjudged to

Mr. J. H. Bright, of St. John's college: subject, "Palmyra."The Senate has voted 2001. from the university chest towards the relief of the distress in Ireland; and 2007. in aid of the subscription for establishing a Clerical Seminary at Llampeter, in the diocese of St. David's.

A document recently laid before Parliament gives the number of newspapers stamped last year at twenty-four millions, about one-third of which were provincial papers. The stamp-duty on them amounted to 412,9967. It is truly afflicting to a Christian and patriotic mind, to reflect of what materials a very large proportion of this immense mass of periodical national reading is composed, and how little comparatively can be found on the files of a common newspaper that has any tendency to benefit, even where it is not directly calculated to injure, the mind of the reader. We are concerned to remark, that some of the most disreputable and virulent papers on the list are among those which enjoy the largest sale. Respecting the disloyal class of prints, especiallySunday papers, we need add nothing to what we have so often said on the subject; but we are increasingly grieved that among any of the professed friends of good order and constituted authorities

in church and state, there should be found so gross an inconsistency and dereliction of principle as is indicated in the wide circulation of such a publication as the John Bull Sunday newspaper, the libellous and disgraceful character of which has been recently decided by a court of law, in perfect accordance with the feelings of every well disposed mind.

At the late trial of the new coinage at his Majesty's Mint, no less than 14,852 sovereigns were found deposited in the Pix, being the representatives (namely, one piece for every 15 lbs. weight of gold coined) of 10,473,249 sovereigns stamped between May 1818 and June 1821; the largest coinage upon record in this, or perhaps any other, country. The jury decided, after a careful assay, that the coinage is precisely of the standard value, namely, 22 parts gold and two alloy. A piece of gold from an ingot of melted sovereigns, deprived of its alloy by fire and acids, being placed in the balance with a piece of the standard of 1688, similarly treat. ed, kept the beam even to the division of a hair. The silver coinage was found to be nearly three millions sterling.

The new church erected for the populous parish of St. Pancras is founded on the model of the ancient temple of Erectheus at Athens. The portico is formed by eight Ionic pillars. There are three entrances under the portico: the centre one an exact representation of the entrance to the Greek temple. The ornaments are executed in terra cotta, The steeple is also from an Athenian model the Temple of the Winds. Its elevation from the ground is 165 feet. It is of an octagonal form, and consists of two stories, each supported by eight pillars. The whole is surmounted by a cross. The interior of the church is extremely neat and elegant. Above the communion table, and detached from the wall, are six splendid verd antique Scagliola columns, with bases and ca. pitals of white statuary marble; copied from the temple of Minerva. The gal. leries are supported by pillars taken from the casts of the Elgin marbles. The pulpit and reading desk are made from the wood of the well-known Fairlop oak. The expense is mentioned at about 70,000l. The sittings will accommodate 2500 persons. Several other churches, though on a more economical plan, are building in the vicinity of the metro, polis.

SWEDEN.

Professor Hansteen, of Christiana, has published the following observations on magnetism :-First, that the magnetic intensity of the earth is subject to a diurnal variation; that it decreases from the first hours of morning till about ten or eleven o'clock, when it arrives at its minimum; from which time it increases till four in the afternoon, and, in the latter months, till six or seven in the evening. It afterwards decreases during the night, and about three in the morning reaches its minimum; whence it again returns as before.-Second, that whenever the moon passes the equator the magnetic intensity is considerably weaker in the two or three following days.-Third, that the magnetic intensity is still more reduced during the appearance of an aurora borealis ;-and Fourth, that it has a very considerable annual variation, being stronger in the winter months than in the summer months.

SOUTH AMERICA.

The following has been given as a correct estimate of the population of the new States in South America. Buenos Ayres, exclusive of the uncivilized natives, Republic of Colombia, including Venezuela, New Grenada, and the adjacent small provinces,

[ocr errors]

....

[ocr errors]

2,000,000

2,528,000

1,200,000 1,079,122

Chili,
Peru,
The Mexican Empire, includ-
ing Mexico and Guatimala, 9,800,000

Total 16,607,122

Buenos Ayres, formally declared its independence in 1816;-Venezuela, in July 1811;-Columbia, including Vene zuela, in Dec. 1819;-Chili, in 1818;Peru, in July 1821;-and the Mexican Empire was acknowledged independent by Don Juan O'Donaju, the commander of the monarchical forces, in Aug. 1821.

SOUTH-SEA ISLANDS.

Captain Manby is preparing a work, which, it is stated, will prove, that the innumerable islands in the Pacific Ocean are all peopled from the same stock; and that the same hieroglyphical characters are known from one extreme of that sea to the other. Whilst Capt. Manby was at Otaheite, the King and Queen of the island invested him with the highest honours they could bestow; the insignia being tattooed on him, and relating a remarkable adventure. On

his visiting the Sandwich Islands, nearly three thousand miles distant, every hieroglyphical character tattooed on him was decyphered most accurately by an old priest, who related every circumstance with wonderful exactness,

which greatly amused the King, and all his family, who made the Captain many valuable presents, and shewed him the most marked attention whilst he remained on the islaud. At the other islands the same translation was always given.

LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

THEOLOGY.

Sermons by the Rev. J. W. Cunningham, A. M. Vicar of Harrow-onthe-Hill. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

Lectures on the Gospel of St. John. Part II. By C. A. Moysey, D.D. 8vo. 68. The Protestant Beadsman; or, a Series of Biographical Notices, &c. 12mo. 6s.

Eighteen Sermons on the Connexion between the Doctrines and the Practice of Christianity. 12mo. 5s.

Discourses, chiefly Doctrinal; by B. Lloyd, D. D. &c. 10s. 6d.

Proofs of Inspiration; or the Grounds of Distinction between the New Testament and the Apocryphal Volume; by the Rev. Thomas Rennell, B.D. &c. 6s.

A Defence of the Clergy of the Church of England, stating their Services, their Rights, and their Revenues; by the Rev. Francis Thackeray. 8vo. 5s. 6d.

Essays on the Recollections which are to subsist between earthly Friends reunited in the World to Come; and on other Subjects, religions and propheti cal; by the Rev. Thos. Gisborne, A. M. Letters and Essays, on Subjects connected with the Conversion and National Restoration of Israel; by W. Cuninghame, Esq. &c. 8vo. 8s.

The Duties of Churchwardens ex. plained and enforced; by the Rev. J. Jefferson, A. M. 28.

A Necessary Doctrine and Erudition for Christian Youth; by the Rev. J. Trist. 4 vols. 12mo. 24s.

Practical and Familiar Sermons; by the Rev. E. Cooper. Vol. VI. 12mo. 6s. A Treatise on the Sabbath; by the Rev. J. Glen. 12mo. 58.

Memoir and Select Remains of an only Son; by T. Durant, Poole, 2 vols, 12mo. 10s. 6d.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Wordsworth's Scenery of the Lakes, post 8vo.

A Guide to the Lakes of Killarney; by the Rev. J. N. Wright, A. M. 18mo. 6s.

Scenery of Wales; by the Rev. R. H. Newell. 8vo. 15s.

Provence and the Rhone; by J. Hughes, A. M. 8vo. 14s.

Travels along the Mediterranean, and Parts adjacent; by R. Richardson, M. D. &c. 2 vols. 8vo. Il. 4s. boards.

Belgium and the Rhenish Provinces; by the Duchess of Rutland. 4to. 31. 38.

Cottager's Agricultural Companion; by W. Salisbury. 2s.

British Grasses; by G. Graves. 4s. 6d. Practical Agriculture; by R. Donald. 28.

Egyptian Tombs and Mummies. 4s. Remains of a Roman Villa at Bignor, in Sussex. 121. 12s. boards.

Grecian Architecture; by George, Earl of Aberdeen. 78. 6d.

The Life of John Goodwin, A. M. comprising an Account of his Opinions and Writings, and of several public Transactions during the Civil Wars; by T. Jackson. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

Elements of Botany; by A. T. Thomson. 8vo.

Belshazzar; a dramatic Poen; by the Rev. H. Milman, Professor of Poetry in the University of Oxford. 8vo. 8s. 6d.

The Classical Collector's Vade-Mecum: containing accurate Lists of the Polyglot, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin Bibles, Greek Testaments, as also of the Greek and Roman Authors, known as Editiones Principes, Aldine, Stephen's. 1 vol. 18mo.

Plans for the Government and Libe ral Instruction of Boys, in large Numbers, drawn from Experience. 8vo.7s.6d.

Elements of Thought; by Isaac Tay. lor, jun. 12mo. 4s. 6d.

A Celestial Atlas; by A. Jamieson, A. M. 4to. 25s. plain 11. 118. 6d. coloured.

Suggestions relative to the Poor Laws: containing Hints for the Management of the Poor System, by the Agency of such an Order of Overseers as were employed in the first Christian Communities, and are particularly called for by the existing Exigencies of Society and the Established Church; by a Welshman. 8vo. 1s. 6d.

Essays on the Discipline of Children, particularly as regards their Education; by the Rev. W. Bamford. 3s. 6d.

The British Gallery of Pictures; by the late H. Tresham, and W. Y. Ottley. 4to. 121. 12s. extra boards; proofs India paper, 251. 48.; coloured, 1511, 4s. in Russia.

Engravings of the Marquis of Staf ford's Pictures. 4 vols. 4to. 351. 148.; proofs, 711. 8s.; coloured, &c. 1781. 10s. Regal Heraldry; by T. Willement. 4tó. 21. 28.

The Child's Atlas; by W. Garden, Ninety plajes, 12s. coloured.

The Way to preserve Health, and attain Longevity; by Robert Thomas, M. D. 8vo. 15s..

The Works of Sir C. H. Williams, with Notes; by H. Walpole, Earl of Orford. from the originals. 3vols. 8vo. 11. 11s. 6d.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

FOR PRO

LONDON SOCIETY
MOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONG
THE JEWS.

THE Fourteenth Report of the Lon.
don Society for promoting Christianity
among the Jews, states, that to the
exertions of the Society's friends in this
and the sister island, it is indebted, un-
der the Divine blessing, for an income
of 10,6931. 8s. 4d. during the last year;
being an increase of 8201. 6s. 11d. on
that of the year preceding. Of the in-
come thus intrusted to the Society, part
has been expended on the schools, in
which there are at present thirty-eight
boys and forty-four girls; and the Com-
mittee have reason to hope, that the
blessing of God accompanies the in-
struction of the Jewish children con
fided to the care of the Society. Pub,
lications of various kinds, for the dif.
fusion of Scripture knowledge among
the Jews, have been circulated in consi-
derable numbers during the last year.
The opening of a seminary for the
instruction of missionaries to the Jews
was noticed in the last Report. Eight
students have been received into it since
its commencement; all of them, except
one, Gentiles.
Two of these are at
present engaged on the continent, in
the service of the Society, and it is in.
tended that two others should proceed
thither shortly. Four more young men
who have been brought up under the
pious Mr. Jaenicke, of Berlin, have
offered themselves as candidates, and
will shortly be admitted. Of the im
portance of such a preparatory institu-
tion, every year brings fresh evidence.
In reference to the Society's pros-
pects of usefulness in Holland, Mr.
Thelwall writes;-" My hopes of some.
thing being eventually done in this
country, of great importance to the
Jewish cause, are gaining strength
daily." An institution has been formed
at Amsterdam, under the joint manage-
ment of Jews and Christians, for the
purpose of educating the children of
the poorer part of the Jewish population,

Mr. McCaul has been steadily prosecuting his work among the Jewish in habitants of Warsaw, who are very numerous. In a letter, dated last October, he writes ;"The Jewish Nation ap pears to me to be ready to receive any impression, either good or bad, that may be presented. They appear to feel, that there is a void in their hearts, which can be filled up only by vital reli gion; and they also seem very sensible of their want of instruction. For this reason, in my conversations, I always press them very much with their ignorance of their own religion; and to this cause I attribute the eagerness with which they demand cards and books. I bave found very many persons inclined to Christianity, but afraid to declare themselves openly. Some persons have applied to me, stating, that they would wish to receive instruction, and to be baptized."

"Since Monday seʼenight, I have dis. tributed 868 tracts; and, since last Saturday, about 400 Jews, men, women, and children, have called on me for books. Many of these were teachers, and solicited tracts for the use of their schools; and if I had been willing to give Testaments to all that asked for them, I could have disposed of my whole stock. I have been cautious in giving them away: I am endeavouring to sell them."

Mr. McCaul has visited other parts of Poland, in company with Mr. Becker, an agent of the Society. The first place they visited was Posen, in Prassian Poland; where having, without difficulty, obtained the sanction of the Prussian Government, accompanied with the expression of a “wish for the good success of their undertaking," they began to distribute books, which were demanded with such eagerness, that it was necessary to have a guard before the house to keep the peace. Some other pleasing occurrences attended this visit of the Missionaries to Poland. We were gratified," writes Mr. M'Caul," by a visit from a Roman Catholic Priest. He evidently

« AnteriorContinuar »