tween men it is no longer useful as the bond of society; that great bond is broken and gone. "The good and the wise in France-(that there are both, we believe we do not, with vulgar prejudice, involve the whole in the folly and guilt of a part of a nation)-the good and wise in France feel as strongly as we can do, the disgrace and peril of the situation to which their country is reduced; peril greater than the perils of war-disgrace to which no foreign enemy, no defeat in arts or arms, could have reduced any country--from which no victory, no triumph, can in our days redeem their people as to the past, or secure them as to the future. The want of national morality and national religion--the want of the grand social security of an oath-cannot be repaired by armies, nor by battles, nor by edicts, nor by constitutions, nor by the wish or will of any man, or set of men, upon earth. The belief of the truth of asseveration, no human power can impose on the mind. The violation of the sanctity of oaths cannot be forgotten at pleasure; nor can the last solemnity of an oath be suddenly restored by any ceremonies or by any form of words. When once the people have been taught, as the French people have been taught, by notorious precedent and frequent example, to think lightly of perjury, what can afterwards touch their conscience?-what shall restrain their conduct?-what can ensure respect to any laws, or fidelity to any go. vernment? This generation must pass away, a new generation, better educated, with principles of virtue and religion, must be formed,-before there can be hope or security for public faith or social order and happiness in France. And years must pass away, and examples of stability of principles of regard to their political engagements-must be given to the neighbouring nations, before France can, with them, re-establish her national character. ligious, which she has incurred? Every Briton would, we believe, scorn the offer, and ask or feel, "What are all these! Baubles, compared with our reputation for good faith, our integrity, our moral and religious character, the real strength and security of a nation." Long may such be the warm feeling, and, better far, the steady principle of our countrymen ! And that it may be, let us strengthen our respect, our reverence for oaths, by all the combined powers of education, law, opinion, and, above all, religious observance. "To contribute somewhat to this great effect, is in the power of every individual in this country, whatever his fortune or his poverty, his rank or his humble situation may be for the poorest man in the land may show his respect for an oath, and support that respect by his example, as well as the richest: he has temptations which the rich have not: he has opportunities which the rich have seldom.: his evidence, for or against his neighbour, is, in this country and these times, frequently called for. Much rests upon a poor man's oath. - "The violation, the invasion of an oath, is, if possible, more criminal, more disgraceful, the better the education; the higher the means of information, the greater, the safer the opportunities of fraud enjoyed by the individual. Let this consciousness press, in public and private, strongly upon those, in whatever rank of life, who are called upon to take what are called oaths of office-custom-house oaths -oaths of form even. Let all consider, that mental reservation in taking an oath, is fraud to man and falsehood to God; that it is in vain that they try to excuse themselves in this sacrifice of principle to interest: their conscience will upbraid them-the small, still voice will be heard. In vain they screen themselves from the temporal obloquy, by a quibble, or the construction of words--by pleading custom, or looking to numbers who share and countenance the guilt. There must "At this moment, we ask-and we ask be no paltering with an oath. The examthe question not in the spirit of reproach ple of the strictness of integrity, in taking or reviling-Is there any country in the ci- and abiding by oaths of office, would in vilized world, who would willingly change every country--in this country of Ireland national character with France? Would-be of more efficacy, more real advantage England?-would Ireland? Would any to the good order and prosperity of the Englishman--would any Irishman accept kingdom, than any who are accustomed for his country all the treasures which to merely fiscal calculations, than all who France has been permitted to accumulate are not habituated to large, moral, and in her days of conquest?-- the far-famed political views, can possibly believe or Venetian horses, the Apollo, the Venus, comprehend. or all the statues and all the pictures which her rapine could wrest from the despoiled countries of Europe--would he accept of them all, upon condition that England should take with them the disgrace which France has brought upon her national character, or stand the hazard of that peril, political and social, moral and reN. S. No. 23. "But it is not only to those who take oaths-rich or poor, high or low-whom we should most anxiously adjure upon this important subject: when we spoke of guarding our reverence for oaths by law and institution, we looked to those who form the institutions and who frame the laws of our country. Let them con4 H - sider well the importance of their taskthe responsibility of their situation. Instead of multiplying restriction upon restriction penalty upon penalty -- oath upon oath--let them so legislate as to avoid, as far as possible, holding out to the poor the temptation, the opportunity for evasion or fraud. Let them consider, that multiplying oaths is multiplying, certainly, the possibility, and too frequently the probability, of perjury. Let them consider, that the respect for an oath is necessarily diminished by their frequency; -that their power is inversely as their number;-that their solemnity is lost, if they are brought down from the high to the low concerns of life;-and that it is well worthy of the legislator and the moralist-perhaps also of the financier and the politician-to sacrifice even excise to morality, and revenue to religion."pp. 297--308. LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS, WITH SHORT NOTICES. A SERMON, preached at Thaxted, August 29, 1826, at the Interment of the Rev. John Jennings, Pastor of the Independent Congregation in that Town. By William Chaplin. To which is prefixed, the Address delivered at the Grave. By Joseph Morison. Price 1s. Holdsworth. -Amidst the toils and sorrows of the pastoral work, it is most refreshing and gladsome to the mind of a minister to possess the confidential and christian friendship of his brethren in the work of the Lord. Alike in tastes, in studies, in trials, in duties, in opinions, and pleasuresunited in all that can excite and sanctify the sympathies of our nature, they know the bitterness common to their hearts, and "the stranger intermeddleth not with their joys." When these little bands of a holy brotherhood reside in one privileged and rural neighbourhood, they often meet at the same public solemnities, at the same devout exercises, at the same hospitable abodes, and by their kindly greetings, their fervent prayers, their confiding converse, their harmonious sentiments, they constrain beholders to exclaim, "How good and how pleasant a thing is it, for brethren to dwell together in unity!" And when at length death appears in the circle, to summon some beloved member of their fraternity to his reward, they gather around his grave, and while they mingle their sorrows with those of the weeping multitude, they lift up their tearful eyes to those blessed mansions where the fellowship of the church shall be resumed without its present infirmities, and continued without these painful interruptions. "There shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, for the former things are passed away." This is no fancy sketch-the reminiscence of bygone years realizes the scene often exhibited in the endeared circle, of which the venerable JENNINGS was often the centre, and always the ornament. His gentle manners, his sound learning, his unaffected goodness, his cheerful piety, caused all his brethren to love him. His contemporaries rejoiced in the undeviating excellence of the friend of their youth, and his juniors contemplated him as a pattern of ministerial prudence and consistency. The discourses before us were delivered by those who loved and honoured him in life, and at his grave uttered those heartfelt regrets, and those cheering hopes, which ministerial friendships and christian sentiments can alone inspire. We need not apologize for indulging in this strain, for we have not sketched a solitary knot of attached brethren in the ministry, rising like a clump of palm trees amidst the sterility of the desert, but have only described one of those many clusters of the trees of righteousness which adorn and luxuriate in the vineyard of our God. Mr. Chaplin, for many years the near neighbour and friend of the deceased, founded his judicious and very interesting sermon on 2 Sam. xii. 23. in which he not only indulges in those characteristic sketches, tender references, and solemn appeals, so appropriate on such an occasion, but in the close he displays his friendly solicitude for the bereaved church, by addressing to them most seasonable advice on the measures they should take in the election of a future pastor. And as, alas! there is too much evidence that such cautionary remarks require to be extensively circulated, we extract them, and beg the members of all widowed churches to give them a serious, a prayerful reading. "Be careful as to the measures you pursue in discharge of the duty that now devolves upon you for filling up the vacancy which death has occasioned. Remember that the sole right of appointing to the pastoral office is vested in the church. The New Testament, which is our only guide in whatever relates to the spiritual concerns of Christ's kingdom, recognizes no other description of persons in reference to those concerns. Some have strangely conceived, and the conceit has sometimes produced dissention and strife, that subscribers, as such, are entitled to a full share in the appointment of a pastor; and some churches have unwisely and unscripturally yielded to the claim, thereby opening the way for future mischief. It is possible that a body of subscribers may attach themselves to a Christian church by their voluntary contributions, among whom opinions prevail adverse to the principles of the gospel; and whose taste and views, with regard to a minister are such as the church would find to be neither edifying to themselves, nor profitable to the souls of others. And there is no method of preserving purity and spirituality of communion in our societies if there be an admixture which the word of God does not sanction, in the order, discipline, government, and proceedings of his church. Besides which, it should be recollected that there is no permanency in the connexion about to be formed between a minister and subscribers only; that is to say, there is no rule, no acknowledged law by which that connexion is to be sustained. A person may allow his name to remain in the list of contributors up to the day of election, and then withdraw it for ever; and more than this, there may be, and in some cases there has been, a dishonourable swell of the list of subscribers on the eve of such an appointment! The subscription list is altogether a voluntary thing, which may be increased or diminished by all sorts of characters at their own caprice; and it is strange that any should have conceived this to be a basis on which is to rest the right of appointing men to the most sacred of all offices and trusts. But church membership is a permanent relation, appointed by the Lord Jesus, and regulated under the authority of his word. It therefore forms a legitimate and abiding ground for the proceeding in question, as well as for all others relating to the holy interests of the kingdom of Christ. If any church depart from it, you may expect to hear that such a church is more or less distinguished by confusion and dissention, for a spring hath been loosened which opened the door for much evil work. I feel it my duty, my Christian friends, to warn you against this at the present critical juncture. From much observation and reflection I am induced to hold up the principle I have mentioned as one of vital importance to our churches, and I now urge it upon you as one that ought never to be ceded. "At the same time, allow me to remark, that you will not exercise this right in a becoming manner, nor will you maintain your proper character as a Christian society, if you do not act with great discretion and prudence, and particularly towards those of your fellow worshippers who are not united to your communion. Their concurrence and approval you will not, I hope, treat with indifference. It will be found of no small importance to you and to them for the church to form its decisions, and to pass its acts, with a special view to general harmony and peace. It should be made very apparent that the church seeks the edification and profit of all; that you are anxious to secure such a ministry in this place as will be likely to obtain the cordial good will of all classes, so that the hearers at large might take pleasure in attending divine ordinances, and thus be in the way of receiving real and substantial benefit to their souls. A church loses sight of its duty and interests when it stands up for its rights superciliously, and pushes them rashly; when it forgets that one grand end of a standing ministry is its own enlargement as well as its edification, and that this is hardly to be expected where the acts of the church are not done in a spirit of conciliation, and kindness, and Christian love. I hope, my friends, you will have much of the spirit of Christ among you, and if so, I am sure you will always show that you seek the Christian concurrence of all your fellow worshippers, and that you value it."-pp. 22--24. Mr. Morison, of Stebbing, delivered the elegant address which is prefixed to the sermon, and which contains so many tender and impressive allusions, that we think it will be read by many, as, we doubt not it was heard, with tears. CONSIDERATIONS ON THE IMPOLICY AND INEXPEDIENCY OF IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT; in a Letter to the Right Hon. Robert Lee, M. P. By Thomas Danvers, Esq. London, 1826. 8vo. pp. 36. 1s. 6d. SELECTIONS FROM THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, D.D. By the Rev. W. Wilson, D.D. Vol. 1. London: Holdsworth, 1826. 18mo 2s. 6d. This beautifully printed little volume contains a considerable number of extracts from the voluminous productions of Dr. Owen. Our testimony to the sentiments contained in them is not required; but we are bound to say, that the extracts are very judicious, embracing the leading truths of Christianity, and some of the most interesting topics of christian experience. As a vude mecum, or pocket companion to a Christian, in whatever walk of life, we consider it fitted to be very useful. A SERMON, preached in the Parish Church of Minal, Wilts, on Whitsunday, 1825, at the opening of the Protestant Free School, Maidenhead. No Author's name. SERMONS, delivered at Beresford Chapel, Walworth. By Edward Andrews, LL.D. Part the First. London: Palmer, 1826. 8vo. 6s.-As Part the Second of these Sermons, with a correct likeness of the Author, is promised to appear soon, we shall abstain from all critical remarks till the volume is completed. In the mean time, while we are pleased with the sentiments which pervade these discourses, we cannot. but regret the singularities of style, and the bad taste with which they abound. We would sincerely recommend to the author a very rigid discipline in those respects. We are sorry to observe, that his imagination so often runs away with his understanding, and that his trumpet, from the wildness of its notes, so frequently gives an uncertain sound. THE BIBLE SOCIETY-ITS ADVOCATES AND OPPONENTS: a Remonstrance, respectfully addressed to the Rev Walter Farquhar Hook, M. A. occasioned by a Note appended to his Sermon, preached at the Consecration of the Right Rev. M. H. Leescombe, D.D. By Thomas Mann, Pastor of the Congregational Church, West Cowes. London, 1826. R. Baynes. 8vo. pp. 25. THE OPINIONS OF AN OLD GENTLEMAN, on several Moral and Religious Subjects. London; Nisbet, 1826. 18mo. Price 2s.-We are exceedingly pleased with this little work, which contains more sound practical wisdom, and scriptural instruction, than many volumes of a much larger size. If " 'days" always, spoke thus, and the multitude of years showed such discernment, we should be delivered from much of that miserable slip-slop, which passes for conversation, and is even thought worthy to be printed. "The Old Gentleman," in a very judicious manner, treats of Punctuality, Temper, Retirement, Friendship, Cheerfulness, Candour, Happiness, the Sabbath, Prejudice, Sensibility, Pride, Retrospection, Religion, Providence, and Faith. There is a little too much regularity and stiffness in his movements, and occasionally a portion of quaintness; but there is so much substantial excellence, we cordially recommend it to our readers, both old and young. REMARKS ON A RECENT EFFORT TO SUBVERT THE CHARTER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; with Animadversions on the evil Tendency of the Lancet, &c. By William Cooke, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, London, 1826. 8vo. Price 3s. AN ESSAY ON THE FREE AGENCY OF MAN. By Ralph Holgate. R. Baynes. Price 1s. 6d. We hear it sometimes asserted that a man may will what he likes; but this is the same thing as to say that he may will what he wills. Others, again, sound perhaps in christian experience, but strangers to the accurate definition of terms, as confidently maintain that man has NO will; this is as much as to affirm that man has no soul. Some persons seem fearful of speaking a word about the will of man, lest they eclipse the glory of sovereign grace; while others ascribe a self-determining power to it, which is inconsistent with the acknowledged doctrine of human depravity, and of the necessity of divine influence. Mr. Holgate has shown that free agency in man consists in liberty to act according to his own will.* It has often been thought that a small treatise, containing the principles of the admirable Essay of President Edwards, condensed and simplified, might be useful to put into the hands of plain Christians; and we think that this pamphlet is well calculated for such a purpose. The author's style is as perspicuous as the subject will admit; his appeals to reason, scripture, and christian experience, are conclusive; and the spirit which pervades the whole is far removed from the bitterness of controversy. He seems more wishful throughout to lead his * We were marred by the fall of Adam, and yet notwithstanding cease not to be justly accursed, forasmuch as our offending of God is with our own good will.— Calvin. readers to feel that they are accountable to the throne of judgment, and debtors to the throne of grace, than to proselyte any one to the abstract opinion of a party. SERMONS FOR FAMILIES, Vol. II. By the Rev. W. Brown. Price 10s. 6d. THE SHADOW OF LIFE: a Sermon, occasioned by the lamented Death of Mrs. Lyon, Wife of Captain George Lyon, R. N., one of the Daughters of the Most Noble House of Leicester. By Rev. James Churchill, Thames Ditton. THORNTON ABBEY, a Series of Letters on Religious Subjects. In two volumes. A new Edition. London: 12mo. Price 10s.-Most of our readers, we are persuaded, are acquainted with the charac ter and merits of this religious novel. It was brought into notice at first chiefly in consequence of a recommendatory preface by the late Andrew Fuller. We thought then, that its merits were unduly extolled by some, and as much underrated by others. One of the grand objections to it was, that it carried all the parties to the baptismal font before it dismissed them. This, it would appear, was done by the author, in consequence of the suggestion of Mr. Fuller. On the present edition some alteration has been made in this respect; so that our friends may now put it into the hands of their young people, if so disposed, without assailing their faith in Pædobaptism. A NARRATIVE OF THE LOSS OF THE WINTERTON EAST INDIAMAN, wrecked on the Coast of Madagascar, in 1792, &c. Edinburgh: Oliphant. 1826. 18mo. Price 2s. 6d. THE PROGRESS OF RELIGION, exemplified in the History of Mary Wilson. By the Author of "The History of a Servant Maid." Edinburgh: 1825. 18mo. Price 2s. A TREATISE ON THE NECESSITY AND EFFECTS OF BEING BORN AGAIN, as stated in Scripture. By the Rev. Henry Gipps, LL. B. London: Nisbet. 1825. 12mo. Price 1s. 6d. AN EXPLANATION OF THE PRINCIPAL PARABLES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Intended for the Young. By the Author of a "Catechism containing an Explanation of Words and Phrases generally employed in the Religious Instruction of Youth. London: Holdsworth. 1826. 18mo. Price 1s. 6d. All these little publications possess considerable merit, and are well calculated to answer the purposes for which they have been written. The account of the loss of the Winterton, though inferior to the narrative of the destruction of the Kent, is touching. Written by one of the sufferers, who since then has received the salvation of Christ, it discovers much earnestness that the readers may be benefited; in which hope we trust the author will not be disappointed. -The story of Mary Wilson is well told, as well as the History of a Servant views of the nature of regeneration are Maid, by the same writer.-Mr. Gipp's scripturally correct and impressive. This treatise is calculated to do good.-The little work on the parables, the produc tion of a lady, is exceedingly creditable to her good sense, discrimination, and scriptural knowledge. Though intended for the young, and peculiarly adapted to them, it might be serviceable to many children of a larger growth. The parables have been dreadfully maltreatedhere they are explained in their genuine import, and their practical tendency well illustrated and enforced. We cordially recommend this work to Sunday-schools and Christian families. HISTORICAL ANTIQUITIES OF HERTFORDSHIRE. By Sir Henry Chauncy, Knt., Sergeant at Law. In 2 vols. 8vo. Price 36s. or in royal 8vo. 45s. A GUIDE TO ACQUAINTANCE WITH GOD. By the Rev. James Sherman. *PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. A Sequel to the Diversions of Purley : containing an Essay on English Verbs, with Remarks on Mr. Tooke's Work, and on some Terms employed to denote Soul or Spirit. By John Barclay.-Next month will be published, in one handsome pocket volume, with engravings on steel by James Mitchell, from drawings by J. M. Wright, Specimens of Sacred and Serious Poetry, from Chaucer to the present day; including the Sabbath, &c. of Graham, and Blair's Grave. The whole illustrated by Biographical Notices and Critical Remarks. By John Johnstone.-We learn that Mr. Tennant has nearly ready for press a work entitled "Papistry Storm'd; or, the Dingin Down o' the Cathedral."Nearly ready, in one volume 12mo. Discourses on the Duties and Consolations of the Old. By the Rev. Dr. Belfrage, Falkirk, Author of "A Monitor to Families or, Discourses on some of the Duties and Scenes of Domestic Life," &c.-In one volume 12mo. with engraved emblematical Frontispiece, Death on the Pale Horse, a Treatise, illustrative of Revelations vi. 8. By Rev. John Bruce, of Liverpool. |