We feel no hesitation in saying that Mr. Cox has furnished the very best exhibition of the meaning of the apostle Paul, in one of his most important and difficult epistles, with which we are acquainted in the English language. He appeared to have judiciously avoided all effort as to producing an entirely new translation; and,

"In order to convey to the reader a general idea of the Apostle's design and mode of argument, a brief analysis of the Epistle is prefixed to the work; and, for the same purpose, the whole of the Epistle is divided into parts, and these again into sections, at the head of which such portions of the above [mentioned] analysis are placed as are severally contained in them." "Explanatory words are occasionally introduced, which are distinguished from the text by being included in brackets. And, to throw additional light upon the Epistle, the quotations from the Old Testament are sometimes extended beyond the parts actually cited by the Apostle. To these additions are prefixed single inverted commas."-Preface, p. 10.

Besides the translation, the work contains short notes, simply intended, as the author informs us, 66 to present to the reader a distinct and forcible view of the object and feelings of the great Apostle."

As we have wished to give the work before us our unqualified recommendation, we are rather sorry that the worthy author should have thought it necessary to state his views as to the Arminian and Calvinistic controversy with so much prominency. We can venture to assure Mr. Cox, that he will fail, in what he has said, to convince his Calvinistic brethren that the actual efficacy of the influences of the Holy Spirit, in the work of regeneration, is ultimately owing to our improvement of the common or general grace supposed to be communicated to all mankind; and while we very much doubt the propriety of introducing the subject at all, we cannot but regret the probable injury it will do to the sale of a work which, in general, well deserves the attention of all christian readers. It is only fair to admit, however, that the sentiments of Mr. Cox, upon this controverted point, are expressed with great moderation, and without any of those misrepresentations which have been painfully common amongst writers on theological controversy. In conclusion, we cannot but express our ardent wish that Mr. Cox, or some other person equally qualified,

London,

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

We are desired to state, in reply to many inquiries, that the Memoir of the Rev. J. B. Jefferson has been delayed on account of severe domestic affliction; but that it may be expected in the course of the present month (October). The friends of the late Mr. J. will be glad to learn, that his highly interesting and excellent Lectures on Hebrew Prophecy," will be published entire with the Memoir. -Mr. J. B. Williams, of Shrewsbury, is preparing for publication, in one volume 12mo. Memoirs of the Life, Character, and Writings of the Rev. Matthew Henry, the well-known author of the Exposition on the Bible. As Mr. Williams is intending an entirely new Life, he will, in addition to such facts in Mr. Tong's account as are interesting, introduce much original matter, for which he has ample materials; but, being desirous of rendering the work as complete as may be, Mr. Williams will feel obliged if those who possess any of Mr. Henry's MSS. particularly Diaries and Letters, will allow him an opportunity of perusing them. If forwarded to Mr Williams by coach, they shall be carefully preserved, and speedily returned, free of expense.--A Sermon preached at Thaxted, August 29, 1826, at the Interment of the Rev. John Jennings, Pastor of the Independent Church in that town.

By William Chaplin. To which is prefixed, the Address delivered at the Grave, by Joseph Morison, Price Is.-Second Edition of Ellis's Tour through Hawaii, or Owhyhee, with additions.-The Authority of Jehovah vindicated; or, a Scriptural Plea for the Seventh-day Weekly Sabbath, as the only Sabbath ever given by God to Man; being a complete Refutation of all the arguments in favour of the First-day Claims, brought by the Editors of the Baptist Magazine, in their Review of late Rev. Robert Burnside, A. M.," in "A small Tribute to the Memory of the their Number for August, 1826, &c. &c. By J. B. Shenston, Minister of the Seventhday Baptist Church, Devonshire Square, London, and of Crouch End Chapel, Hornsey.-The Evangelical Diary; a Religious, Literary, and Historical Almanack for the Year 1827, with Additions and Improvements.

THE LANGUAGE INSTITUTION. The first Report of this new Institution has been recently put into our hands; and we deem it our duty to make a special reference to its principles and operations. This we do for two reasons; first, because it is an Institution with which few comparatively are acquainted; and, secondly, because if there be not a prompt and vigorous attention to its interests on the part of the religious public, its decline and termination will be inevitable. Should such a catastrophe take place, it will be an indelible dishonour to the friends of Christianity and the supporters of the cause of missions.

The direct and immediate object of the Language Institution cannot be better stated than by referring to three of its principal laws.

"1. Its object shall be to assist in promoting the knowledge of Christianity, by making the best practicable provision for teaching, in this country, the Languages of the Heathen."

II. In furtherance of his object, every opportunity shall be embraced of collecting information relative to the languages of Heathens and Mahomedans throughout the world, and to their manners, customs, and opinions; and of forming a library of such books, both printed and manuscript, as are connected with these subjects. Courses of lectures shall also be delivered, by the best teachers that can be obtained from time to time, in elucidation of the respective languages; to which lectures all persons concurring in the Society's object shall be admitted, under such regulations, and on such terms, as the Committee shall appoint."

IV. In all the lectures delivered by the teachers, they shall confine themselves strictly to the elucidation of the several languages; with illustrations, as opportunities may occur, of the state of the people in respect of their manners, customs, or opinions; but in no case are they to touch on points of Christian doctrine or discipline, on which different sentiments prevail among Christians; as it is the design of the Society to afford its assistance to all persons who concur in its object, without subjecting them to any kind of compromise of their own views and principles."

The reasons which lie at the basis of these wise and liberal regulations must at once commend themselves to every reflecting mind. In the first propagation of Christianity, the gift of tongues was miraculously imparted, to qualify the preachers of he Gospel for the work of

evangelizing the world. This splendid attainment was not only a supernatural attestation to the truth of the Gospel, but one of the most powerful and efficient instruments for its diffusion. On the cessation of such gifts, the ordinary means of acquisition could alone secure the requisite qualification in reference to languages; and consequently wherever missionary operations were deemed requisite, those engaged in them could be fitted to instruct the heathen, only in proportion as they acquired the faculty of addressing them in their own tongues. The usual method adopted for this purpose has been, for those devoted men who had consecrated their lives to the work of evangelization, to study the languages of the heathen on their arrival amongst them. In some cases, where no possible means of antecedent instruction were possessed, this was the only method. But it must strike every thoughtful person, that, in numerous cases, there are in our own country considerable facilities for attaining a large measure of knowledge and information in reference to foreign languages. These facilities have been greatly increased by the actual labours of successful and intelligent missionaries themselves; and, in some instances, their return to this country, or their temporary residence in it, must in an eminent degree secure the most advantageous results. It would be the height of folly now to send a missionary to India, for instance, unacquainted even with the rudiments of any of its languages and its literature, when they can be obtained in this country. How desirable that 'a missionary, on his arrival at a foreign station, should feel himself possessed of the great elements of that knowledge, which it would require nothing but personal intercourse with the natives to render comparatively perfect! What an immense saving of time and labour, in circumstances, too, where a change of climate, and other disadvantages, so often disqualify for the attainment even of that elementary knowledge! How desirable. that a considerable portion of knowledge, in reference to the history, manners, customs, and laws of foreign nations should be possessed, that thus a missionary may, at once avail himself of the information he has attained, on coming into direct contact with the people! Now, to 'secure these advantages, and 'to facilitate missionary operations, the Language Institution was formed. It was soon ascertained, that the same machinery which suited the plans of one Missionary Society, would, in relation to this specific object,

be adapted to other Societies. Indivi. duals, therefore, of influence and efficiency in all our Societies, at once united, and united on principles honourable to their feelings and their character. At the same time, they adopted such a comprehensive basis, that persons wishing to acquire any particular foreign language, with a view either to literary improvement, or secular interests, would not be precluded from the advantages of the Institution.

On these grounds, as auxiliary to all the varied efforts that might be made, either through the press, or of direct oral instruction, this excellent Institution was formed. The first Report is now before

us.

It records the principal operations of the past year. They have been necessarily limited, and in a considerable degree have been of a preparatory character.

"In the very commencement of their operations, gratuitous assistance .was offered to the Committee, in the most liberal manner, by two able oriental scholars, the Rev. Dr. Morrison and the Rev. Henry Townley, whose names it will be necessary to mention again hereafter. These two gentlemen offered to give each a course of lectures, Dr. Morrison in the Chinese, and Mr. Townley in the Bengalee language. Their offers were thankfully accepted by the Committee, and the courses of lectures commenced early in December. They were previously announced by public advertisement.

"The lectures were continued for the

space of three months. Dr. Morrison, at the conclusion of his course, gives the following report of his labours :-' I have now finished the three months' course of lectures in Chinese, which I engaged to give in the rooms of your Institution; which, I have the pleasure of saying, afforded the most comfortable accommodation to the students.

"Of seniors, and juniors, there have been in all thirteen students. Four of these are devoted to the propagation of the Gospel in the Indian Archipelago. Two will soon sail for Malacca, and the other two, Messrs. Wilkins and Dyer, will remain one or two years longer in England. They are competent to teach the principles of the Chinese language; the reading of the Chinese Scriptures; and to initiate those who may desire to peruse the ancient Chinese classics, the works of Confucius, &c.'

"Mr. Townley, in like manner, observes, that his lectures on the Bengalee had been attended by one student from the Church Missionary Society, one from the London Missionary Society, one from the Baptist Missionary Society, and one other gentleman. Two of these have followed the whole course with perseverance and success. Mr. Townley, though the term for which his lectures were an

nounced is now expired, still continues to attend and give occasional assistance in the Bengalee language, as his own convenience, and that of the students, will admit."

With these distinguished servants of Christ, other excellent instructors have been associated, and several eminent scholars, not missionaries, have offered, gratuitous assistance. Students from various Societies have attended; and their friendly association in this Institution, must necessarily tend to their mutual advantage, and the general interests of the common cause.

of

Surely a project so wise, so liberal, so salutary, so necessary as this, will not be permitted to languish and expire for want of adequate support.. Some very liberal. donations have been presented; but the amount of subscription is at present ex-. tremely small, and " will not supply onefourth part of the sum requisite." The Committee, therefore, earnestly appeal to the Christian public. Shall it be said, that this call is unreasonable,-or shall British benevolence now fail? They put a cheerful faith and hope in his blessing, who while he has appointed the existence of "divers kinds of tongues," has ap:, pointed also "the interpretation tongues,"--" as one department and office of the Universal Church." When the report was published, we learn that the demands against the Society were upwards of £200., while the balance in hand was only £55. We have ascertained, that since that period, the remaining balance is nearly exhausted, and that current expenses have left a debt of more than £180. for immediate liquidation. thing has been allowed for the remuneration of lecturers, the preparation of elementary works, and other desirable arrangements. We do, therefore, most earnestly appeal to all the enlightened friends of religion, beseeching them to reflect on the claims and necessities of this most important auxiliary in the cause of the universal dissemination of the Gospel of Christ.

No

*We ought to state, that in Bartlett's Buildings is the house of this Institution; that the Right Hon. Lord Bexley is the President; and Sam. Hoare, Esq. the Treasurer; and the Rev. W. Walford, and T. P. Platt, Esq. the Honorary Secretaries.

THE OPENING OF HIGHBURY COLLEGE.

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, the opening of Highbury College, Middlesex, for the sacred and important purposes for which it was erected, took place. According to previous appointment, the Rev. Thomas Morell, Theological Tutor of Wymondley College, commenced with prayer. Then followed, from the Rev. H. F. Burder,

M. A., Philosophical Tutor of the Institution, an interesting and eloquent address on the history of the Seminary, aud on the circumstances and views that had let to the erection of the new College. After the close of the address, the Rev. J. P. Smith, D. D., Theological Tutor of Homerton College, offered up a most fervent and comprehensive prayer for the blessing of God on the Institution, and on all who may hereafter teach or study within the walls of this most commodious building. The Rev. W. Harris, LL. D., Theological Tutor of the College, then delivered a solemn address on the spirit and principles that should govern all the future proceedings of those who have the management of this school of the prophets. And the whole was closed by a fervent prayer offered up by the Rev. George Collison, who conducts the Seminary at Hackney. The service was conducted in the area of the building, in which an awning had been erected for the accommodation of the company. The assembly was numerous and highly respectable. Nothing occurred to diminish the pleasure and comfort of the occasion, except the heavy rain, which, penetrating in various places through the canvass, compelled many to retreat into the building. A similar inconvenience prevailed when the first stone of the building was laid. We can but hope that the falling showers attending both the commencement and the completion of the building may prove emblematic of copious communications of heavenly influence upon all who enter within its walls. After the close of the devotional services, the building was thrown open for the inspection of the visitors and the outward appearance of the edifice is not more respectable, nor the scenery by which it is surrounded more delightful, than the internal arrangement of all, the various apartments is convenient and successful. The whole building reflects the highest credit upon both the architect and the builder, to whom, for their skilful and assiduous services, the Committee and the public are under real obligations. A numerous company then adjourned to Highbury Barn Tavern to dinner; after the close of which, various gentlemen favoured the company with eloquent and animating speeches : the whole concluding with a request, most cordially and unanimously carried, for the printing of the addresses delivered by Mr. Burder and Dr. Harris, together with some historical sketch of the erection. With this request we are happy to add the Reverend Gentlemen have complied.

It is impossible to close this account of the opening services of this noble building without an expression of the most pleasing satisfaction that so great a work has been thus far so successfully accom

plished: and it would argue an unpardonable want of right feeling to be insensible to the indefatigable efforts and munificent donation of that individual to whom, under God, the Institution has long owed so much, and without whose noble lead, in the present undertaking, Congregational Dissenters would never have possessed Highbury College. May his useful, valuable life be spared to see his efforts so vigorously seconded by an approving public, that the last shilling of the great expense incurred may be speedily and cheerfully contributed, and to see, what is still better, the blessing of an approving God rest upon the Seminary, so that even its past usefulness may be eclipsed and forgotten in its future prosperity.

ANTI-BIBLE SOCIETY MEETING AT THE FREEMASONS' TAVERN.

The walls of this Metropolis having been posted with placards, calling upon the subscribers and friends of the Bible Society to deliberate upon measures necessary to be taken respecting the alleged proceedings of its Committee, a crowded meeting was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen Street, on Friday morning, Sept. 15, 1826.

Before the chair was taken, and also during the discussion, printed hand-bills, of which the following is a copy, were generally circulated through the room. "Copy of the Pleadings in the Proceedings against the Committee of the Bible Society, at Freemasons Tavern, Friday, Sept. 15.

"Memorial

"Left in the Society's Committee Room.

"Proposition 1. That the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society have departed very far from the line of conduct prescribed for them by that Institution's original laws, and have conducted its concerns on principles which are contrary to its stipulations with the those on which they were conducted durchristian public, and totally different from ing the first years of its existence, the underwritten is ready to prove from the Society's own shewing.

they have substituted is inconsistent with "Proposition 2. That the system which the interests of true religion at home and abroad, the same is also prepared to de

monstrate.

the author who is above-named to, the noble President, Lord Teignmouth, with a request that they might be properly discussed either then and there, or any when and where it pleased his Lordship and the Committee, with an expression of sincere regret that the Committee's apparent unconcern had compelled the author to quote much of the works of their opponents in the north, in order to establish the truth of his second proposition; and the only observation that was made in reply was, that he could do himself no good by dependance on the correctness or veracity of Scottish writers.

"On Sept. 4th, a written document was handed to the noble President, as follows, by Mr. Williams: "I do hereby respect. fully submit that a motion should be made for a resolution to this effect, viz. That a general meeting of the members of the British and Foreign Bible Society be convened (by advertisement) at the Freemasons' Tavern, or elsewhere, within eight days from the date hereof. N, B. The subjects of discussion at such a meeting to be the two propositions respectfully submitted to the consideration of this Committee on the 3d of July last, &c."" And as no one seconded this motion when

made, his Lordship did read, at Mr. Williams's request, the counterpart of the document, as follows: I give notice, that unless you advertise a general meeting, and inform me of it by to-morrow night, I will advertise one that shall be

convened next week.'

"W. WILLIAMS, B. D. "A surviving Friend of the Society's Projector."

"Earl Street, Sept. 4, 1826."

Soon after twelve o'clock, the appointed hour, the cry of "Chair! chair!" when at length the Rev. W. Williams, B. D., of Chelsea, made his appearance, with a large blue bag and a pile of papers Having disposed of them, he began to address the meeting, when a cry of Chair!" led him to propose, "That the Rey, G. Mutter, of St. Margaret's Chapel, Broadway, Westminster, take the chair." This being most decidedly declined, a gentleman moved, "That the Rev. Dr. Cox, of Hackney, should be called upon to preside," which was carried with acclamations. Dr. Cox stated, "that he was most unexpectedly called to occupy the chair. He came simply and solely to hear the proceedings, without intending to take any part in the business of the day. He only, therefore, consented to preside, because he saw many gentlemen of the highest respectability present, who knew how to act with prudence and moderation, by which means the question would be set at rest, and the public mind tranquillized."

Mr. Williams then advanced, apparently to address the chair; but, looking for some documents, a pause ensued, and the attention of the chair not having been claimed, the Rev. J.Blackburn, of Pentonville, rose and said, "That having last night learned from the number of the Monthly Extracts of the Society just published, that the Committee have in preparation explanations for the satisfaction of the friends of the Society on parts of their past transactions, which have been misrepresented in various publications, it appeared to him to be alike opposed to the feelings of Englishmen and Christians, to proceed to any resolutions, until those explanations were published. He therefore begged to move, That this meeting do now adjourn."

Captain Fleming seconded the motion, which was received with great applause.

The Rev. Crosbie, a clergyman of Ireland, who, by the sentiments he advanced, appeared opposed to the constitution of the Society itself, argued, that the Committee should be prepared at a moment's warning to meet all charges, and satisfy the public mind. When charges were offered to be established by proof, they ought not to be cushioned by adjournment. The Rev. Gentleman frequently advanced opinions, which met with the clamorous opposition of the meeting, and which required the interposition of the Chairman..

The Rev. W. Williams then rose to state his charges; but at the onset al luded to a report of his having prosecuted a poor man under the game laws; he was interrupted by a burst of opposition and cries, "What have the game laws to do with the question." The Chairman begged Mr. W. to speak to the question, and not to wander into a long detail of irrelevant matter. Mr. Williams then introduced his three propositions; when the Rev. G. S. Evans remarked, that the question of adjournment should be first disposed of, to which the Chairman assented, and said, that if it should be negatived, Mr. W. would then have an opportunity of addressing the meeting.

Messrs. Williams and Crosbie wished to move an amendment, which was however overruled, as irregular, upon a question of adjournment.